Yu Qingxian recalled that startling glimpse of Chu Yi dancing with his sword. Even ignoring his status as a Xuanmen Cultivator, Yu Qingxian felt the guy could make it big.
But whether he blew up huge or just a little would depend on fate. The entertainment industry didn’t play fair—some had money, power, and looks but no matter how much they threw at it, they couldn’t catch fire; others stumbled into a role by accident and exploded overnight. Luck was hard to predict.
***
Seeing that he had scared the person away again, Chu Yi shook his head and sheathed his sword. He didn’t think his senses were eerily sharp; instead, he figured that President Yu was just too timid.
He took the phone from Liu Shengqing and watched the footage of himself, appearing calm on the surface but inwardly marveling.
“How about it, Yi Ge? Did I film it okay?” Liu Shengqing blinked his thick black lashes, asking expectantly.
“Mm, not bad.” Chu Yi nodded. It was Liu Shengqing who said that once the costume fitting photos were released, posting some videos and pics on Weibo could build hype. Plus, since Liu Shengqing wanted to study swordsmanship with him, he had agreed to let him film.
“Yi Ge, can you forward that sword dance video to me?”
Chu Yi had already checked the video and saw nothing wrong, so he nodded and handed the phone back for Liu Shengqing to operate himself.
Xu Xing came over at that moment and told Chu Yi, “Director Mo’s side is starting. Do you want to go watch?”
Chu Yi knew Director Mo was giving him a chance to learn, so of course he went.
But Director Mo was swamped today, with several cameras filming at once. When busy, he had no attention for Chu Yi.
Master Cheng and Xu Xing were the same. As Martial Arts Directors, not only did they have to guide actors through moves, but they sometimes had to guest as minor goons too. His fellow disciples bustled about nearby. On set, besides actors and assistants, there were props masters, lighting, camera, and sound crew—Chu Yi’s eyes spun from the chaos.
“What’s wrong, Yi Ge? Never been on a set before?” Liu Shengqing observed for a bit, then asked tentatively.
“No. Can you explain it to me?”
“Of course!” Liu Shengqing looked honored. He thought for a moment, then explained the crew’s structure and entry rules to Chu Yi.
He was clever too—not long after, Chu Yi had the backgrounds of most staff figured out, even distinguishing full-timers from freelancers.
As for crew rules, beyond basics like checking notices daily, arriving on time, and no drinking during shoots, he knew the unwritten ones too. Like who had a good temper and could be offended, who was petty and would make you pay dearly…
“Yi Ge, is it boring hearing all this?” Liu Shengqing scratched his cheek. He had gotten carried away without realizing.
He figured someone Director Mo favored like Chu Yi wouldn’t want to hear this stuff, but Chu Yi hadn’t interrupted his long ramble.
“It’s fine. No harm in listening.” Chu Yi looked pensive.
“I remember Director Mo’s Crew has a male actor—cheekbones sharp, scholarly look. Last time during a group scene, he wore a treasure-blue robe…” Though only a glimpse, Chu Yi described the man’s appearance precisely.
“You mean Brother Ying Lin? Only he played the imperial inspector.”
“Right, yes—the imperial inspector. Why isn’t he here? No scenes for him today?”
“I heard he took leave. Yi Ge, why ask about him? Do you know him?”
“No, just saw him once last time. Curious.” Chu Yi brushed it off casually.
Took leave? So coincidental? It couldn’t really be him…
Director Mo glanced their way by chance and saw them chatting amiably.
Liu Shengqing was half a head shorter than Chu Yi, standing obediently by his side. Chu Yi stood with hands behind his back. Though both had fine looks, it clearly set a hierarchy… Director Mo wore a thoughtful expression.
But it was just a quick glance; he soon busied himself again. Neither Chu Yi nor Director Mo noticed Liu Shengqing unnaturally relax once Director Mo looked away.
Ouyang Yuyuan arrived at three in the afternoon. He had contacted Chu Yi beforehand and brought the freshly prepared A-level contract—he had rushed the secretary’s office to revise it and had legal confirm, hence the delay.
Liu Shengqing seemed to know Ouyang Yuyuan. Seeing him with a file folder, like he had business, he tactfully left first.
“Who’s he?” Ouyang Yuyuan asked, vaguely feeling the guy’s features rang a bell, but he was sure he hadn’t seen him on set before.
Chu Yi briefly introduced Liu Shengqing’s identity. Ouyang Yuyuan didn’t dwell on it.
He handed the contract to Chu Yi. “This is the Xingyao signing document I mentioned on the phone. Yi Ge, take it back and look it over. Anything unsatisfactory, we can negotiate.”
For anyone else, an A-level from Xingyao would be an instant yes. But Ouyang Yuyuan wouldn’t rush Chu Yi—he could take all the time he wanted.
“Okay.” Chu Yi nodded and pocketed the file.
He hadn’t even grasped the rules yet; he really needed to study it carefully.
Ouyang Yuyuan glanced at him cautiously. “Right, Yi Ge—Master Zhang found the Peach Blossom Evil, but there was a little issue during the ritual…”
