Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

Since there were only three staff members involved in the music video shoot, in addition to the lighting technician and the cameraman who carried the camera around, the director himself also had to be responsible for a stationary camera to assist in the shooting.

According to the director, Chen Chao and Lu Han simply pretended that they didn't exist, sitting on the sofa drinking coffee and chatting about music, games, and other interesting things. Occasionally they would argue because of different opinions, and sometimes they would look at each other and then burst into laughter.

As the director filmed the interaction between the two, he couldn't help but smile slightly. He had directed many music videos, but he had never seen such natural chemistry between two artists.

"Cut." The director pressed the end recording button and said with a smile, "That's enough, we have enough footage."

"So fast?" Lu Han couldn't help but be puzzled when he heard his words.

"You both acted very naturally and well, so we don't need to shoot too much," the director said confidently after reviewing the playback.

"Okay, then it's up to you now." Patting his shoulder, Lu Han said with a smile, "Let me see it after you're done cutting it."

"no problem."

—————————————————————————————

Time flies, and it's already May. On the 3rd, Chen Chao once again asked director Zhou Yuanzhou for leave.

"Taking time off again?" Putting down the script in his hand, Zhou Yuanzhou glanced at him, his tone teasing. "You've been taking so many days off to go to Beijing lately, do you have a girlfriend there, or maybe someone you're seeing?"

"Director Zhou, you know why I'm asking for leave. Tomorrow is May Fourth." Faced with Zhou Yuanzhou's blatant lie, Chen Chao was truly speechless.

Zhou Yuanzhou already knew that Chen Chao was going to attend the May Fourth Gala when he asked for leave last time. Naturally, he couldn't stop him from doing something that would boost the popularity of his lead actor.

In fact, if possible, Zhou Yuanzhou would like more events like this to save on publicity for their web series. He was just teasing Chen Chao when he said that.

"Okay, go ahead." He waved his hand casually, then added as if he remembered something, "But we have an agreement beforehand, just like last time, you have to make up for the filming schedule you took these days off."

"Don't worry, Director Zhou." Chen Chao patted his chest and assured him with a serious expression, "When I get back, I'll shoot two days' worth of footage in one day, and I promise I won't delay the crew's schedule."

—————————————————————————————

Beijing, CCTV Studio 1, the recording site of the May Fourth Gala "Inspiring Youthful Dreams - 2017 'Flowers of May' National College and University Students' Art Performance".

In the backstage dressing room, Chen Chao's personal makeup artist, Su Wan, was making final adjustments to his makeup and styling. Today, his makeup and styling were much more formal than usual.

Wearing a navy blue stand-up collar Zhongshan suit, a white shirt, and a May Fourth Youth badge pinned to the collar, his hair was styled in a side-parted slicked-back style, making him look energetic and upright, with a touch of refined elegance.

"OK, perfect." Putting away her makeup brushes, Su Wan crossed her arms and looked the makeup up and down before nodding in satisfaction. "Boss, this look of yours tonight is sure to trend on social media."

"Whether it trends on social media or not doesn't matter, as long as it suits the occasion," Chen Chao replied with a smile after checking his look in the mirror.

Before Su Wan could speak again, the door to the dressing room was pushed open, and Ji Ran walked in with his phone in hand. "Ah Chao, your performance is eighth in the schedule. After two more performances, it will be your turn."

"OK."

"By the way," Ji Ran walked straight to the sofa and sat down, "As for 'Coffee,' the mixing and mastering are all finished, and Lu Han has also confirmed the music video."

"That's good." Hearing Ji Ran's report, Chen Chao nodded slightly. "Has the release date been set?"

"It's settled, 10 a.m. the day after tomorrow, just in time to ride the wave of popularity after the May Fourth Gala airs."

"Okay, sure."

Just as the two were talking, there was a knock on the door of the lounge. After Chen Chao said "Come in," a staff member leaned in and said, "Mr. Chen Chao, get ready to go on stage."

"Okay." Upon hearing the staff member's words, Chen Chao immediately stood up, straightened his Zhongshan suit, and followed him out of the lounge.

In the waiting area, several backup dancers who were about to go on stage were making their final preparations. When they saw Chen Chao walking over, they couldn't help but cast curious glances at him.

"Go, Teacher Chen Chao!" One of the girls, wearing a white dress, waved boldly and greeted him.

"Thank you, and good luck to you all!" Chen Chao responded with a gentle smile.

The stage was located to the side and in front of the waiting area. Standing in the waiting area, Chen Chao could directly see the performance taking place on stage, which was "Me and My Motherland" sung by a university student choir. The singing was loud and powerful.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Chao was a little nervous as he stepped onto such a big stage for the first time. Although he had an excellent memory, he couldn't help but silently go over "Misplaced Time and Space (May Fourth Special Edition)" in his mind again.

"Professor Chen Chao, it's your turn to get ready." Just then, a staff member came over and gently reminded him.

"Okay." Taking another deep breath, Chen Chao checked his clothes one last time.

At the same time, as the performance of "My Motherland and I" ended, the stage lights dimmed.

In the darkness, the big screen suddenly lit up and began playing footage of the May Fourth Movement a century ago. In the black and white images, the students' slogans seemed to travel through time and echoed in the studio.

He slowly walked onto the stage from the waiting area. When Chen Chao reached the center of the stage, a spotlight shone on him.

Immediately, the prelude to "Misplaced Time and Space (May Fourth Special Edition)" began, with clear and powerful piano sounds that seemed to flow across a century of time.

Slowly opening his mouth, Chen Chao's voice was much calmer than usual, as if carrying a sense of historical weight.

"I look up at the starry sky you once saw, and we meet again across a century—"

Behind Chen Chao, the members of the university student choir gently harmonized with his rhythm, and the stage lights up, making the young faces shine under the spotlight.

The images on the big screen and the singing on the stage intertwine, as if the past and present are having a dialogue.