Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

The night shoot went on until after 10 p.m.

Later, during the filming of the argument between several Taoist priests from the Quanzhen Sect, Zhao Yanxi could see out of the corner of her eye that Liu Yifei, sitting to the side, was leaning against Liu Xiaoli and dozing off.

They couldn't even take off the heavy headgear. The mother and daughter, one called themselves "dedicated" and the other "loving their job," were clearly worried that Zhang Dahuzi might suddenly decide to reshoot Xiaolongnu's scenes, and hadn't even thought about suggesting a break.

"Director Zhang, let Yifei go back and rest first, otherwise people will say our crew is exploiting child labor!"

While touching up her makeup, Zhao Yanxi found Zhang Jizhong and teased him.

Zhang Jizhong was stunned for a moment, clearly not having noticed this. After realizing what had happened, he looked at the little girl sleeping soundly under the red coat and seemed a little embarrassed.

"Well, Xiaoli, why don't you take the child to rest? Yifei doesn't have any scenes to film today."

"Okay, thank you, Director Zhang."

Liu Xiaoli thanked her politely and nodded to Zhao Yanxi in a friendly manner.

......

By the time Zhao Yanxi returned to her dormitory, it was already midnight.

He washed up briefly and fell asleep. When he woke up, it was already 6:30 in the morning.

As dawn broke over Xiangshan, I found myself wide awake and wide awake.

Zhao Yanxi could only thank the original owner of the body for giving her a healthy physique. The "calming the mind" mantras she had learned from those Taoist priests since childhood actually had the effect of deep sleep.

Sitting in front of her laptop, Zhao Yanxi began to ponder which novel she should write if she wanted to make money from it.

In this era, the best-selling genres are naturally youth-themed melancholic literature, such as "Left Ear," "Stars in the Deep Sea," "Summer of Bubbles," or Guo Jingming's best-selling "Tiny Times."

However... Zhao Yanxi is still a person who cares about her reputation.

The tragic love story in the wealthy family in "Summer's Desire," the compensated dating and drug use in "Deep Sea," and the extravagant world in "Tiny Times"—these may all become part of Zhao Yanxi's dark past.

The only things he could plagiarize were youth comedies and uplifting novels.

After thinking for a long time, Zhao Yanxi finally set her sights on you—"You Are the Apple of My Eye".

This inspiration came from Zhao Yanxi's observation of countless outsiders' fantasies of being reborn into the Chinese entertainment industry in the original timeline.

Countless people are reborn and mingle in the Chinese entertainment industry. Their first novel is "You Are the Apple of My Eye," and their first movie is "You Are the Apple of My Eye."

The reason why they are so monotonous is just like how you have to learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division first when you go to school. These things are too basic!

Who hasn't had a youth? Who hasn't had a crush during their youth? And how many people's crushes can blossom into a happy ending?

Although Giddens Ko once said that the content of this book is based on his own personal experiences, isn't it also a record of other people's youth?

As a directorial debut, "You Are the Apple of My Eye" is an extremely simple coming-of-age comedy.

Regardless of his past directing experience, returning to 2004 and facing a batch of old and outdated equipment, it's perfectly normal to ask him to practice with a simple teen comedy.

For Zhao Yanxi, besides the two points mentioned above, there was another reason that he couldn't refuse.

Giddens Ko (九把刀) has a crooked backside!

As a patriotic young person who received nine years of compulsory education, grew up in the spring breeze, and was raised under the red flag, Zhao Yanxi hates this kind of person the most.

"The story should begin with that wall."

Summer 2000, second year of art class at Shuanglang Town High School in Dali.

A boy who firmly believed that his messy, naturally curly hair would one day straighten out was punished by his teacher, Mr. Lai, for joking around in class and arguing with his classmates. He was eventually forced to sit in the corner of the classroom.

The only neighboring seat was a bare wall.

"Zhao Jingyan, let's see how you make a scene now!" Director Lai sneered, looking down at me from the podium as I was busy moving drawers.

"Yes, I will definitely reflect on my actions." I packed up the messy reference books and drawings in my drawer, forcing a serious expression of remorse.

...

In just half an hour, Zhao Yanxi completed her 2000-word essay.

In the early 2000s, the online literature world wasn't as crazy as it was before Zhao Yanxi's rebirth, when people would often update 10,000 or 20,000 words a day. At that time, most people updated 1000 words a day, and the more diligent ones would write 2,000 words.

For a physical novel that is about to be published, it would be quite good to be able to update 1000 words a day.

Zhao Yanxi didn't go too far, and another 2000 would be about right.

Instead of choosing a new starting point, he chose "Under the Banyan Tree" for his website.

The former is currently working on paid reading, which is not Zhao Yanxi's goal; while the latter has considerable experience in publishing.

Don't worry that publishing online will affect the sales of physical books.

The Chinese internet in that era was far less developed than it is in later years. Those who read physical books and those who read online novels were completely different readers. In fact, the vast majority of people who read novels online would choose to buy a physical book and keep it in their bag for easy reading.

The sales of physical books will continue to have a promising future over the next decade.

What affects its sales has never been online novels, but rampant piracy!

......

After finishing typing, Zhao Yanxi exercised for another half hour.

Zhao Yanxi still wanted to protect the body left to her by the original owner of the body, and strive to live to the age of 120.

Moreover, the entertainment industry is not as safe as one might imagine. For example, there are threats from criminal gangs during filming, or attacks from obsessive fans. Although one can hire bodyguards, it's better to have your own than to have your own.

In critical moments, you still have to protect yourself!

...

There's no need to eat boxed lunches for breakfast; there are companies and canteens within the film studio that provide logistical support for film crews.

There are many options to choose from, such as rice, steamed buns, noodles, and eggs.

Zhao Yanxi arrived early, but when he got there, he found that Liu Xiaoli and her daughter Liu Yifei were actually there before him.

"Auntie, Yifei, you're here so early today?"

"Good morning, Yanxi~" Liu Yifei greeted with a smile, "You're late today."

Zhao Yanxi smiled. The original owner of this body usually didn't need to write, so naturally she would arrive earlier.

"What's the play today?" Zhao Yanxi asked, sitting down opposite Liu Yifei with her tray. "If I remember correctly, it's about me atoning for my sins with my death, right?"

"Hehe, yes~" Liu Yifei said with a smile, "Yan Xi, don't worry, I'll try my best to get it in one take, so you die less often~"

"Thank you so much!"

Zhao Yanxi said with a smile, "But I don't mind performing it a few more times."

"Yifei, you don't know this yet, do you? I'm your idol!"

"Um?"

Liu Yifei blinked, looking puzzled—when did I get an idol??

"Uh, slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue," Zhao Yanxi quickly shook her head and explained, "I meant you are my idol, I am your fan."

"I've been following all of them, from 'The Story of a Noble Family' to 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' and 'Chinese Paladin,' which will air early next year!"

"Being able to act opposite my idol, it's okay to have a few takes."

"Haha... Yan Xi, you have such a lovely voice~"

Zhao Yanxi smiled. Little Liu obviously didn't take it seriously, but she would gradually find out in the future!

After everyone had breakfast, they began to prepare for their makeup and hair.

Today's scene was Zhao Yanxi's final scene as an actress, and Zhao Yanxi didn't think there was anything special about it.

With his experience from the few "The Return of the Condor Heroes" films in his mind, plus his knowledge of the "original work," and his mastery of the "Tang-style acting rules," the final scene was a piece of cake for him.

Soon, in a meticulously constructed Taoist temple setting, today's filming officially began.

First, Xiaolongnu argued and fought with Qiu Chuji, Zhao Zhijing, Zhen Zhibing and others. Finally, Zhao Yanxi, wearing a Taoist robe stained with dirt and bloodstains, knelt on the cold ground.

Looking at the ethereal, aloof, and pure-looking Xiaolongnu across from him, Zhao Yanxi uttered his dying words of repentance: "Miss Long, I have defiled you... Today I atone with my death, I only beg you not to hate your master..."

After saying that, Zhao Yanxi suddenly stood up, aimed her heart at Liu Yifei's longsword, and plunged it in.

The blood pack in his chest was instantly punctured, and countless drops of bright red liquid flowed out along the sword...

"Click! Passed!"

Yu Min's voice came from behind the monitor, "Congratulations Yan Xi, Zhen Zhibing has wrapped up filming!"

"Haha, thank you Director Zhang and Director Yu!"

The production team even specially prepared a small bouquet of flowers for Zhao Yanxi, who played a supporting role.

"Director Zhang, Director Yu, there's no need for that," Zhao Yanxi said, both amused and exasperated. "I've only finished filming as an actor; I'm still the crew's cinematographer."

Although I wasn't the main cinematographer, my job was mainly to capture side shots and minor scenes for later editing to supplement the storyline. But there was still quite a bit of shooting to do each day.

"Hehe, it's alright, Xiao Zhao, I believe in you!"

Zhang Jizhong rarely showed a kind smile: "I feel that you, Xiao Zhao, will definitely make a name for yourself in the future. If you really become a big star, just don't forget that you acted under my guidance!"

"Haha, we may forget everyone but Director Zhang and Director Yu," Zhao Yanxi said with a smile.

If it weren't for them, how could I have played Zhen Zhibing?

Although it wasn't successful, it's still an achievement that even the most dedicated fans can't reach!

"Yanxi, congratulations! You're finally free."

"Yan Xi, congratulations!"

"Thank you... thank you~"

......

Although filming had wrapped up, Zhao Yanxi didn't feel much of a difference.

He still had to travel with the film crew, and he arrived in Jiuzhaigou with them in November.

However, having fewer filming assignments did make things much easier for Zhao Yanxi.

In addition to his normal daily life, work, exercise, and writing, he also gets to watch Xiao Liu act up close as a photographer.

At only 17 years old, she can do splits and high kicks in the dead of winter while dragging her hair which is over a meter long.

Her "martial arts" skills, which she uses based on her dance background, might seem flashy in other dramas, but they are perfectly suited to the role of Little Dragon Girl.

Zhao Yanxi didn't know whether others enjoyed watching it or not, but as the photographer, he thoroughly enjoyed it!