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

Zhou Fangyuan stepped forward with a smile and pointed at Master Song.

"Brother Li, this is Master Song. We pulled some strings and got this car temporarily. It's in excellent condition, so we guarantee it won't be late for the job at the train station this afternoon!"

Li Hongchang then realized what was happening. He quickly caught up, wiping his oil-covered hands vigorously on his pants.

Then he gripped Zhou Fangyuan's hand tightly, with astonishing force, his eyes even turning red.

"Thank you! Thank you so much! You really...you really saved the crew's lives!"

The anxiety and despair I felt just moments ago vanished in an instant, replaced by the relief of surviving a disaster.

Old Zhang also suddenly crawled out from under the car, so excited he almost bumped his head.

He staggered to his feet and kept bowing to Master Song.

"Thank you so much! This car is really in great shape! It's been a huge help!"

Master Song grinned and patted the truck door.

"Don't worry, this truck is fine for long-distance hauling, loading these props is a piece of cake!"

Li Hongchang immediately made the decision, his voice ringing out again with the exhilaration of something lost and then regained.

"Don't just stand there! Hurry up and load the truck! Let's leave within half an hour, don't delay them!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the people in the courtyard perked up immediately, and the previous deathly atmosphere vanished.

The shouts and footsteps of people moving boxes rang out again, but this time with a more confident air.

The wind swirled locust leaves, which landed on the tips of Li Hongchang's oil-stained shoes, but he was completely unaware.

He stared intently at the brand-new truck and the two young men helping to move the boxes, his eyes filled with unwavering certainty.

Li Chengru, who was standing nearby, leaned over, offered him a cigarette, and remarked with emotion:

"Director Li, these two young men are truly our crew's lucky stars. If it weren't for them, this project would definitely have fallen through today."

Li Hongchang took the cigarette, held it between his fingers, but didn't light it, his eyes following the two busy young men.

"He's a lucky star, but also a very thoughtful person."

Watching Zhou Fangyuan's swift movements, he whispered something to Li Chengru.

"This kid has a knack for things."

Look at him carrying the boxes, touching the edges first, handling them gently—he's a careful person.

At this moment, two people who were tying ropes nearby chimed in with laughter.

"Director, Xiao Zhou just reminded me that we can't press down that box of silk, saying he's afraid the wrinkles will be visible in the photos!"

Upon hearing this, Li Hongchang's lips curled up slightly. He didn't say anything more, but simply tucked the cigarette he hadn't lit behind his ear.

He suddenly remembered something and turned to ask Li Chengru.

"I haven't seen these two young men much in the group before."

I vaguely remember the shorter one, what was his name? Qing?

"Zhang Youqing," Li Chengru quickly replied.

"You were one of those honest kids from Yangzhou who followed the group around back then."

That's Zhou Fangyuan next to me. We brought him back from Lengshuijiang. He's quick-witted and thoughtful.

"I don't even know where this connection came from, but they even managed to get a car, haha."

"Zhou Fangyuan..." Li Hongchang repeated.

He nodded, recalling the expressions on Yang Jie's face when she mentioned the name a few times.

"I remember now."

Just then, Zhou Fangyuan, who was some distance away, finished moving a box, straightened up, and wiped his sweat.

Looking up, he met Li Hongchang's gaze from the center of the courtyard.

Li Hongchang didn't speak, but simply nodded affirmatively.

The previous anxiety was gone from his eyes; now they were filled with a heavy, proven approval.

No need to say more.

But in Li Hongchang's mind, that scroll, which grew longer and longer as the film crew traveled, was an invisible list of people who were "reliable and capable."

He solemnly marked the three characters "Zhou Fangyuan".

The last box of supplies was loaded securely onto the truck, and the side panel slammed shut. The truck engine let out a low growl and slowly drove out of the yard.

Only after the taillights of the car were completely out of sight did Li Hongchang breathe a sigh of relief and turn around to arrange the aftermath.

"Chengru, take some men and tidy this place up properly. Lock up everything that needs to be locked up, so as not to give anyone anything to talk about."

Li Chengru responded and called on everyone to sweep the yard and put things away, which led to another flurry of activity.

He had plenty of time, and he even planned to take Zhou Fangyuan to the hot pot dinner they had been planning for so long after finishing work that evening.

Seeing this, he could only pat Zhou Fangyuan on the shoulder, feeling embarrassed.

"Fang Yuan, I'm sorry, I'll have to postpone this meat meal for now! I'll definitely make it up to you later!"

Zhou Fangyuan smiled and waved his hand: "Brother Li, you go ahead and take care of your business. We have a long road ahead of us."

The next morning, the square of Beijing Railway Station was already bustling with people.

The autumn morning mist had not yet dissipated, but the square was already packed with people.

The passengers were carrying large and small bags, and they were in a hurry.

In the relatively spacious open space under the clock tower, a group of people stood out conspicuously.

Some were wearing old work clothes, and some were wearing straw hats to shield themselves from the sun.

Some were lightly dressed, while others carried bulging bundles of luggage.

It was the entire crew of the Journey to the West TV series.

Yan Huaili, with a loud voice, craned his neck to look around: "Where's Ma Dehua? Did that kid oversleep?"

Before she finished speaking, she saw that Ma Dehua was carrying a large pile of oil paper packages in her arms, with a net bag tucked under her arm.

He squeezed through the crowd with a smile, his forehead covered in sweat.

"They're here! Freshly fried dough sticks and steamed buns right outside my door, still warm! Hurry up and eat them while they're hot!"

A group of people immediately surrounded him with smiles.

The morning chill was largely dispelled by the steaming food and laughter.

Just as things were getting lively, Old Zeng, who was in charge of taking attendance, came over with a roster and a roll of train tickets.

He had a cigarette tucked behind his ear, and his voice cut through the noise:

"Quiet down, everyone! We're starting to call out names for the invoices! When your name is called, say something and come over to collect your invoice! Wu Guiling!"

"They're here!"

"Yan Huaili!"

"Here it is!"

……

The roster was flipped through with a rustling sound, and hard-cover train tickets were handed out one by one.

Everyone carefully checked the train number and berth after receiving their tickets, then cautiously put them into the safest pocket.

Finally, director Yang Jie and Wang Chongqiu, among others, also arrived.

Yang Jie was wearing a neat jacket today, and his gaze swept over everyone.

First, ask the group leaders: "Is everyone here? Have everyone received their tickets?"

After receiving an affirmative answer, she nodded, and without further ado, waved her hand, her voice clear and firm:

"Alright! Everyone, proceed! Enter the station, let's go!"

This command was like opening a floodgate.

Dozens of people immediately sprang into action, picking up their luggage and carrying their personal equipment.

They joined the surging crowd and marched in a grand procession toward the entrance that led to the platform and also to the unknown distance ahead.

Zhou Fangyuan clutched the heavy train ticket in his hand and moved forward with the line.

He turned back for one last look at the outline of the capital city outside the square.

Then, turning around, and following the "Journey to the West" group, they resolutely walked into the bustling dome of the station.

Their long march is finally about to begin.