Returning to the 82 Mountain Village: An Encounter with the Journey to the West Film Crew at the Beg

"Director Yang, everyone, the effect just now was good, but I think we should tone it down a bit."

The monkey troop had just followed the stone monkey into the Water Curtain Cave, an unknown place. Shouldn't they have been a little cautious and probed the area at first?

Assistant director Ren Fengbo offered a different perspective.

"Now that everyone's gone completely mad, won't it seem like... a bunch of crazy monkeys?"

In terms of rhythm, I feel it's better to observe cautiously at first, and then gradually loosen up; that would create more depth.

After listening, Director Yang thought about it carefully and nodded.

"Comrade Fengbo is right. Let's add a shot of them just entering the door. The monkeys shouldn't rush to shout and jump around. They should line up and follow Jinlai first, looking a little timid but curious as they peek out and observe the environment."

Once we see the inside of the cave and realize it's a great place, everyone can really let loose and have a blast. I'll edit that in later, and the pacing will be much smoother. Let's save some film and just add this part of the entrance.

The director gave the order, and everyone immediately complied. After a few simple adjustments, they filmed the scene of just entering the cave again.

This time, Zhou Fangyuan and the other monkey spirits restrained their initial excitement and showed a wary look.

The cheers only erupted when they reached a certain point.

After this take, the overall pacing was indeed more convincing, and Director Yang decided to include these test shots in the final film.

After the reshoot, everyone gathered together to discuss it and felt that the result was better. Even Zhang Jinlai felt that he looked more natural.

He seemed to be influenced by the more nuanced and layered group dynamics of Zhou Fangyuan and the other monkey spirits.

His posture was more relaxed than before, with less of a deliberate performance and more of the agility that a stone monkey should have.

However, when the discussion heated up again, everyone unconsciously surrounded Zhou Fangyuan in the center, talking about him with great interest.

Just as everyone was discussing the details of the performance and jokingly imitating each other, one person was unintentionally separated from the excitement.

Zhang Jinlai stood silently on the outer edge, watching Zhou Fangyuan being surrounded, his fingers unconsciously picking at the monkey hair on his other hand.

The glimmer of light that had just been sparked in his eyes was gradually covered by a layer of shyness and insecurity.

He felt that he hadn't done a good job again. Everyone's focus was on the lifelike monkey, and his stone monkey seemed to be far from perfect.

Director Yang's keen eyes swept across the entire room and immediately noticed the quiet, somewhat lonely young figure in the corner.

She knew the Monkey King she had carefully chosen all too well.

They are extremely talented, but also extremely sensitive and introverted, and easily fall into self-doubt.

She raised her voice subtly: "Alright, everyone, take a break and drink some water. Jin Lai, come here for a second."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jinlai quickly went over.

Director Yang led him toward a quieter spot inside the cave, whispering something as they walked, clearly wanting to talk privately.

Ma Dehua looked in the direction they left, glanced at the discussing crowd, and smiled憨厚ly.

"It's alright. Director Yang is giving Jin Lai some extra coaching. This kid is a good actor, but he's a bit overthinking. He always feels like he's not good enough in this or that way. Director Yang needs to encourage him from time to time."

His tone conveyed the understanding and care of a senior for a junior. Upon hearing this, the crowd nodded in understanding, and the murmurs subsided somewhat.

Everyone dispersed to find places to sit and rest, some drank water, and others tidied their costumes.

After finishing her work, Li Lingyu noticed Zhou Fangyuan sitting on a prop box, carefully combing the hair stuck to his head with sweat.

She smiled and walked over, sitting down next to him.

"You must be exhausted?" she asked in a clear, cheerful voice.

"But you acted really well just now. Your strange cries and the way you jumped around were just like a wild monkey that had discovered a treasure."

Zhou Fangyuan raised his head, and a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes beneath the hood.

"You're just imagining things. It's you who didn't rest for long after returning to the village. You were helping to organize things and helping with the set design, handing this and that to everyone. You worked even harder than us actors."

"I'm fine, I'll just treat it as a learning experience."

Li Lingyu waved her hand, her eyes sparkling.

Suddenly, it got playful and imitated the monkey's movements it had just seen, shrugging its shoulders, making a few clenched fists at its cheeks, and letting out a soft "squeak".

She has a sweet appearance, and when she makes these strange gestures, it's not scary at all; instead, it has a charming and adorable quality.

Several monkeys resting nearby saw this and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Zhou Fangyuan was amused: "You imitated it quite well."

"Right~" Li Lingyu became even more interested and started imitating another move.

Amidst laughter and conversation, Director Yang Jie and Zhang Jinlai emerged from behind the fake set.

Zhang Jinlai's expression visibly relaxed considerably.

Although he remained quiet, the lack of confidence in his eyes had faded somewhat, replaced by a more focused and serious expression.

Director Yang immediately spotted the girl on the edge of the crowd who was imitating a monkey and making everyone laugh.

She remembered the girl; they met her while the film crew was traveling.

This pretty little girl is never afraid of getting dirty or tired. Whenever someone needs a helping hand, she always runs over with a smile to help, and she's quick and efficient.

Watching Li Lingyu imitate the monkey, she thought about how diligent, clever, and hardworking the child was, and realized she was a promising talent.

A thought struck her, but she didn't immediately interrupt this moment of relaxation.

It wasn't until everyone got back to work that he took a break from adjusting the set and went over to Li Lingyu, who was helping to tidy up.

"Lingyu, thank you for helping to deliver the water earlier." Director Yang said in a calm tone, as if he were having a casual chat.

Li Lingyu quickly put down what she was holding and smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "It's no trouble at all, Director Yang, it's all what I should do."

Director Yang looked at her with a mixture of scrutiny and admiration, like that of an elder.

"I just saw you imitating a monkey; your movements were quite agile, and your expressions were interesting. I remember you came from a Yue Opera troupe to learn? What role do you play?"

"I...I'm mainly a male lead, but I'm learning singing, dancing, and a little bit of everything."

"Hmm." Director Yang Jie nodded, as if speaking casually:

"As we filmed 'Journey to the West,' we encountered a multitude of characters, including gods and monsters from heaven and earth, princesses and maids."

You should pay more attention and observe more to learn from others. Make sure you master the basics of the troupe, paying attention to your eyes, body language, and lines.

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the busy crowd inside the cave, her tone becoming gentler yet more weighty.

"If the crew comes up with a suitable role in the future, such as a fairy or a clever little demon, I think you're good enough and I'll think of you."

But you have to be prepared so that you can seize the opportunity when it comes, understand?

Li Lingyu's eyes lit up immediately. She tried hard to suppress her excitement and nodded vigorously.

"I understand, Director Yang! I will definitely study hard and prepare well! Thank you, Director Yang!"

"No need to thank me, just do a good job."

Director Yang gently patted her shoulder; she really liked this young girl.

Without saying anything more, he turned around and walked towards Ren Fengbo, who was communicating with the lighting technician, and quickly turned his attention back to filming.