Huayu: This director is so eager to improve.

Chapter 76 Departure from Hengdian

Playing Mei Changsu was indeed an unexpected turn of events for Qi Yue.

But upon closer reflection, this accident doesn't seem to be all bad; it can even be seen as a short break and a chance to look at the job of a director from a different perspective.

From "Yu Zui" to "Day and Night," Qi Yue has almost always been at the core of high-intensity, high-pressure creation and operation.

To outsiders, the position of director seems glamorous and prestigious, as if they hold absolute power.

But those who actually sit in this chair know that this job is not much different from being a foreman on a construction site.

It might even be more trivial and mentally taxing.

Every day when I open my eyes, I'm faced with a chaotic film set and endless problems.

Inappropriate props, unsatisfactory lighting, actors' poor condition, sudden weather changes, and even conflicts between production assistants... seemingly trivial matters, yet each one is related to the quality and progress of the filming.

Spending more than ten hours a day on location, the actual time available to produce effective shots is often only a pitiful three or four hours.

Sometimes, for a major scene, set design, scheduling, and rehearsals can take up most of the day or even a whole day, and in the end, only a few minutes can be filmed.

In such a high-pressure, tedious, and extremely patience- and physical-draining environment, even the best temper can be worn away.

It's no wonder that many directors are called tyrants; they're like firecrackers on set, ready to explode at any moment.

In contrast, actors, even lead actors, face significant creative pressure, but their lives are relatively simple.

Just focus on your role and do your part well.

Once today's footage is shot, the remaining complicated tasks such as editing, soundtrack, and post-production can be temporarily put aside.

For Qi Yue, this relatively free time was a good opportunity to have in-depth discussions with Xu Wei about the production of "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

Initially, Xu Wei had some reservations about Qi Yue and Guo Fan being so engrossed in "Nirvana in Fire," feeling that "Tongfan's" core creative energy was being diverted.

But when Qi Yue handed her the script for "Black Coal, Thin Ice," she immediately shut her mouth.

Xu Wei's eyes lit up after flipping through just a dozen pages.

Set against the backdrop of a cold, northern industrial town, a bizarre murder case unravels the complexities of human nature, creating a tension between repression and outburst, and offering ample space for the author's expression and cinematic exploration...

This is by no means a film that pursues commercial popcorn appeal; every scene and every line of dialogue reveals a much greater ambition.

"Director Qi...you're aiming this script for film festivals, right?"

"I have that idea," Qi Yue said frankly, "but the premise is that the story itself has to be believable."

"It's more than just a possibility!" Xu Wei almost slammed her hand on the table. "If this script is polished and handled properly, it's not impossible for it to not only win the three major domestic film awards, but also get a run at some of the top-tier film festivals in Europe!"

The thought of standing on the podium in Cannes, Berlin, or even Venice in the future makes Xu Wei feel her blood rushing.

"Okay! Director Qi!" she immediately declared. "These two months... no, during your time on the 'Nirvana in Fire' set, consider it a vacation, and take a break to relax your mind. Leave the pre-production work on 'Daylight' to me! I'll handle the initial setup of the core team, including the director, cinematographer, and art director. The script can also be submitted for review, and a more detailed budget can be prepared. I guarantee that as soon as your filming wraps up, we can start shooting here as quickly as possible, without any delays!"

Qi Yue smiled and sincerely thanked her, "Thank you, you really are my all-powerful Sister Xu."

With Xu Wei, a highly capable ally, backing him up, Qi Yue felt much more at ease about the "vacation" of "Nirvana in Fire" and the future of "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

……

While Xu Wei was making preparations, Tangren Media's preparations for "Nirvana in Fire" also entered an accelerated phase.

Soon, Guo Fan will lead the pre-production team and some actors of "Nirvana in Fire" to Hengdian World Studios.

Qi Yue, who has been confirmed as the male lead, will also be traveling with them.

On the eve of their departure, the three of them sat together in their shared apartment, set up an induction cooker, and cooked a steaming pot of spicy hot pot.

Li Qing was also brought along; it was a farewell party and a rare get-together for the three of them.

The red oil in the hot pot was bubbling and bubbling, and the aroma of spiciness mixed with the smell of beef tallow was wafting into my nose.

Guo Fan scooped up a mouthful of trembling duck blood with his chopsticks, blew on it, and put it in his mouth. He grimaced from the heat but then breathed out a satisfied sigh.

"Awesome! This is the authentic taste!"

Watching from the side, Li Qing's eyes curved into crescents: "Brother Fan, congratulations! You can finally direct again. I look forward to your great achievements and instant fame!"

"Haha, I wouldn't even dare to dream of becoming famous overnight," Guo Fan laughed and waved his hand.

"Honestly, I'm so glad I can direct again, all thanks to Qi Yue! Qing'er, you have no idea how long I've been holding back! This time the script was revised according to our ideas, and the scenes are fantastic. I feel so energized, I just want to rush over and get to work!"

As he spoke, he swung his fist, nearly hitting the boiling pot.

Li Qing quickly pulled the pot towards himself and laughed, "I can see that, Brother Fan, you're like a wind-up toy now. But I heard that there are a lot of mosquitoes in Hengdian when the weather gets a little warmer, and they're quite poisonous. You'd better bring plenty of mosquito repellent."

"Mosquitoes?" Guo Fan was taken aback, then waved his hand dismissively.

"No big deal! When you're filming, who cares about mosquitoes? Back when we were filming 'Yu Zui,' we camped next to the sewers in an urban village. The smell, the environment... we got through it, didn't we?"

He looked at Qi Yue, seeking approval, "Right, Qi Yue? What hardships haven't we endured?"

Qi Yue slowly picked up a perfectly cooked piece of tripe, dipped it in the oil sauce, chewed and swallowed it before speaking softly:

"Okay, so when you go to Hengdian this time, remember to bring your old gas mask with you, just in case."

"Pfft—" Li Qing couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Guo Fan rolled his eyes, speechless. "Qi Yue! Can't you wish me well for once?!"

He turned to Li Qing and began to complain, "Qing'er, look at him! Is this how he treats his brothers who are about to go on a long expedition? My heart is ice-cold!"

Li Qing smiled and placed a piece of luncheon meat on his plate: "Brother Fan, have some meat to warm your heart. Director Qi is reminding you to take precautions."

Guo Fan's expression immediately changed, and he happily ate his luncheon meat: "Our Qing'er is so thoughtful! Sigh, to be honest, I really feel it's a pity you couldn't come this time. The Princess Nihuang in the script is so perfect for you! Beautiful and dashing, and you can even ride a horse, but..."

"It's okay, Brother Fan. Besides, Aunt Hong has also helped me sign a contract with a production team. The production company of that urban drama is also pushing me quite hard..."

Although she said that, Li Qin's eyes couldn't help but dim. She stirred the condiments in her bowl and secretly glanced at Qi Yue, who was eating quietly beside her.

Guo Fan slapped his thigh: "Next time! Next time for sure! Qing'er, once my 'Nirvana in Fire' becomes a hit and I've established myself... I'll personally tailor a role for you! I guarantee it will be even more outstanding than any Princess Nihuang!"

He became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, as if he could already see his future as a famous director with a galaxy of superstars under his wing.

"Tell your Aunt Hong that Guo Fan's films are a must-have in your schedule! I'll take you to new heights!"

Li Qing was both amused and exasperated by his grandiose promises, but also felt a warmth in her heart.

"Okay! Brother Fan, I'll remember that! Once you become a great director, I'll definitely stick close to you! For my next film, I'll do my best to coordinate and try to join the crew!"

"It's a deal!" Guo Fan picked up his beer. "Come on, let's toast to Li Qin, Director Guo's future superstar!"

Li Qing smiled and raised her juice glass to clink glasses with him: "May Director Guo's 'Nirvana in Fire' be a resounding success!"