The Common Man's Return in Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 3 Living Off a Woman

"Splash!"

Hearing the sound of water coming from the bathroom, Ji Qingxu opened his eyes.

I picked up my phone from the bedside table and checked the time; it was 4:30.

After putting down his phone, Ji Qingxu stretched. Actors aren't as glamorous as they seem. Because it's a period drama and he's also the action director for the crew, Kou Zhanwen has to get up at four in the morning every day to wash up and head to the set.

"Little chick, why aren't you sleeping more?"

Ji Qingxu smiled and said, "Senior brother, you know I start practicing at five o'clock every morning, so this time is perfect."

Hearing this, Kou Zhanwen asked curiously, "Have you noticed anything unusual in your training lately?"

Upon hearing this, a strange light flashed in Ji Qingxu's eyes. "Does increased strength count?"

"Increased strength? Haha, that's a good thing. Although we martial artists emphasize routines, as the saying goes, brute force can overcome any technique. It seems that eating more has a real effect."

Ji Qingxu chuckled, "Of course, otherwise it would be a waste to eat here."

Kou Zhanwen laughed and said, "Alright, then I won't bother with you anymore. After you finish your practice and have breakfast, go to the film set. I'll go first."

"Okay, senior brother, you go ahead and do your thing."

After Kou Zhanwen left, Ji Qingxu went to the toilet, washed up, and then left the room.

......

"Boss, how much?"

"30 yuan, young man, are you alright after eating so much?"

Seeing the middle-aged male shop owner looking at him with a mixture of surprise and concern, Ji Qingxu smiled and said, "It's nothing. The hot and sour soup, donkey meat sandwiches, and steamed buns at the shop are so delicious that I couldn't help but eat a little too much."

Hearing Ji Qingxu's praise, the boss beamed and said, "My skills in making spicy soup and donkey meat sandwiches are passed down from my ancestors. Back in the day..."

Listening to the boss's self-praise, Ji Qingxu found it very interesting. Hengdian was indeed a place with some tricks up its sleeve; even a breakfast vendor could make up a story.

After saying goodbye to the enthusiastic breakfast shop owner, Ji Qingxu walked towards the film crew while rubbing his stomach. It was outrageous! Ji Qingxu felt like he could easily win a competitive eating contest.

This breakfast shop was the third one Ji Qingxu ate at this morning. Ji Qingxu ate a total of 10 fist-sized steamed buns, 5 donkey meat sandwiches, and a bowl of spicy soup.

Although the two breakfast shops served different foods, the portion sizes were about the same.

In 2001, a breakfast cost 100 yuan. Even though prices in Hengdian were a bit higher than outside, it was still a bit outrageous.

The key point is that after eating so much, Ji Qingxu only felt 80% full. If it weren't for the fact that he didn't feel any discomfort and that his strength had increased a lot, Ji Qingxu would have wondered if he had mutated.

Thinking of the results of his previous hospital check-up, Ji Qingxu chuckled. Perhaps this was one of the perks of time travel.

However, breakfast alone cost 100 yuan, and he still had less than 20,000 yuan on him. As Ji Qingxu strode towards the film crew, he pondered that he might have to borrow some money from his senior classmates for his studies and art exam training.

......

"Cut!"

"Substitute!"

Upon hearing the assistant director's signal, Ji Qingxu, with her long hair still on, quickly ran off the set and only stopped when she was out of the camera's view.

Seeing Huang Lei gesturing a few times with his long hair, Ji Qingxu breathed a sigh of relief.

Ji Qingxu had a rather complicated role in the film crew. He was an extra, Huang Lei's stunt double, and also a martial arts instructor. Of course, the person in charge of martial arts instruction in the film crew was Kou Zhanwen, and Ji Qingxu was just doing some miscellaneous work.

Just thinking about his pay, Ji Qingxu wanted to complain about Brother Chen Kai again. Such a famous director, with such a big investment, was so stingy. Ji Qingxu did so much work and only earned 100 yuan a day, which was barely enough for breakfast. And that was only because of his senior brother Kou Zhanwen.

When it was lunchtime, seeing that there were only two or three slices of meat in the boxed lunch, Ji Qingxu thought to himself while eating heartily, "Nobody has any status. Little money, lots of work, and bad food. I must go to university."

According to Kou Zhanwen, even if someone has poor formal training, they can still get a supporting role. Otherwise, Ji Qingxu wouldn't be able to stand the hardship of living in a dormitory and eating bland food while filming.

After finishing one box, Ji Qingxu picked up another box next to him and continued eating. Compared to the others who only had one box of food regardless of whether they were full or not, Ji Qingxu was somewhat favored in this regard and could take two more boxes. Although three boxes would not be enough to fill him up, it would save Ji Qingxu some money.

Just as Ji Qingxu finished his third boxed lunch, he noticed a figure walking towards him. Ji Qingxu looked up.

"Hey, is it still edible?"

Ji Qingxu smiled and said, "Little Deer, don't you have an appetite?"

Seeing Ji Qingxu staring at the boxed lunch in her hand, Li Milu said with a smile, "Yes, if you don't mind, you can have it."

"Thank you, Sister Xiaolu. You're welcome."

As Ji Qingxu took the lunchbox from her hand while talking, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Li Milu's eyes.

Glancing at the three empty lunchboxes next to Ji Qingxu, watching him devour the lunchboxes she had handed him, and sizing up his handsome yet slightly youthful face, Li Milu subconsciously swallowed, thinking of the well-defined and strong physique she had seen on set before.

Ji Qingxu, who was eating with his head down, paused for a moment, then continued eating his boxed lunch. Damn, how old is this woman? She's already acting like this.

After Ji Qingxu finished eating, he saw Li Milu standing in front of him staring at him. He blinked and said, "Thank you, Sister Xiaolu."

"Are you full? Would you like me to get you another box?"

Ji Qingxu smiled and declined, "No need, I'm already full."

"You have a good appetite."

"Those who do manual labor tend to have a better appetite."

"That's true. Okay, I won't disturb your rest anymore."

"Take care, Sister Deer."

Watching Li Milu's departing figure, Ji Qingxu raised an eyebrow. This woman has good taste. Although her appearance isn't as stunningly handsome as some others, if she's second in this film crew, probably no one would dare to claim to be number one.

However, good looks are of no use; Ji Qingxu's current status is only slightly better than that of a nobody.

This wasn't the first time this woman had come to Ji Qingxu. When she first joined the crew, Ji Qingxu was her action director. The character she played in the crew was called "Ears," a fictional character.

Noticing Kou Zhanwen approaching with a mocking expression, Ji Qingxu smiled and made way for him.

"Senior brother!"

Kou Zhanwen sat down next to Ji Qingxu and teased in a low voice, "Little chicken, did you just eat a woman's rice?"

Ji Qingxu grinned and said, "I guess so."

"Tsk, being good-looking is certainly appealing. But little chicken, let me give you a piece of advice: just admire these women from afar."

Ji Qingxu spread his hands and said with a smile, "Senior brother, I'm penniless right now. Why would anyone be interested in me? Maybe it's like seeing those pretty kittens and puppies on the street and feeling sorry for them."

Hearing this, Kou Zhanwen couldn't help but pat Ji Qingxu's arm. "Junior brother, you've really grown up. But let's not underestimate ourselves. You're only 17 this year. Who knows what the future holds?"

"Senior brother, don't worry about me, I know what I'm doing."

"Well, we'll wrap up filming in another two weeks. After that, we'll go back to Beijing, and you can go to school. Once you get into Beijing Film Academy or Central Academy of Drama, I can't guarantee anything else, but at least you'll be able to play supporting roles without any problems. If you hone your acting skills and you're lucky enough to land a standout role and become an overnight sensation, you'll have both fame and fortune."

"Senior brother, I'll remember what you said. If I can't become famous, I'll come looking for you."

"Haha, no problem, come find me, I'll make it up to you, senior brother."

......