“Your condition is pretty good. You smoothly handled that scene. You’ve made progress,” Director Wang examined the footage again, nodding in satisfaction.
“It’s all thanks to Xiao Chu’s excellent guidance,” Zhu Yan, feeling relieved, blew a breath of air upwards, lifting his white bearded eyebrows.
“Xiao Chu?”
Director Wang recalled that he had seen Chu Qianze go over just now, thinking he was there to watch the excitement. He was about to inquire further when he suddenly realized, “Let’s hold off on discussing this matter. I have something to say.”
“What is it?” Zhu Yan had a slight ominous feeling.
“There’s still some time before we finish. Since the condition is good, why don’t we shoot the next scene? You don’t have to nail it in one go. Just shoot it now to get a feel for it. Think about it when you go back tonight, and we can fine-tune it slowly tomorrow,” Director Wang suggested, pointing to the next scene in the script with enthusiasm.
Zhu Yan’s face turned pale, “Are you trying to kill me?”
Chu Qianze glanced at the script content, finding some amusement in the situation.
“What do you mean, trying to kill you? You can’t put it that way. We’re already giving you a break. Just remember the feeling from the previous scene. Don’t deflate all at once. We’ll shoot the next scene later,” Director Wang explained, trying to lighten the mood.
Director Wang chimed in, “So, how did Xiao Chu manage it? Tell me about it.”
Sighing resignedly, Zhu Yan redirected his attention, instantly reinvigorated. He chuckled and repeated what Chu Qianze had said.
Soon, the two men found themselves laughing heartily, alternating between goose and pig sounds.
“Who would have thought that Xaio Chu had this skill? It seems the next time we shoot an action scene, we can have him come up with a mantra to contribute to the entire crew’s progress,” Director Wang remarked.
After saying this, Director Wang turned to Chu Qianze and asked, “What do you think, Xiao Chu?”
Chu Qianze looked completely helpless.
“Director Wang, you’re joining in the fun too?”
“What do you mean, joining in the fun? I’m serious,” Director Wang said, glancing at the camera beside him. “Later, we’ll pull these scenes out and make a behind-the-scenes clip. We’ll release it first to build some anticipation. Whether our TV series can gain popularity before airing, it all depends on you.”
Chu Qianze sighed, “So, the mission is on me. Director Wang, you really trust me.”
“Of course. We’re in this together,” Director Wang said with a smile.
Chu Qianze teased, “Then, if it really becomes a hit, you have to give me a raise.”
“That’s a small matter.”
Director Wang agreed readily. “When the time comes, let me give you some extra from my personal stash!”
“Personal stash… Let’s not go there.” Chu Qianze chuckled.
“Haha, am I kidding? But you’ll definitely benefit from it.” Director Wang laughed heartily.
He glanced at the time, thinking that the break was almost over.
“Xiao Yan, get ready.”
Taking a deep breath, Zhu Yan walked towards the center of the set, asking someone to fetch his equipment.
Despite his complaints, he felt that the current conditions were favorable and they could shoot more scenes. Otherwise, it would be a waste.
In the previous scene, the old man discovered the vampire who had killed his entire family. His emotions exploded, and he directly took out the little henchmen who had approached him.
In this scene, after dealing with the henchmen, the vampire had already moved a considerable distance. The old man went into a frenzy, trying to catch up with him.
According to the script, Zhu Yan had to swiftly run on the rooftops, leaping to another building in the process. While descending from the second rooftop, he would perform a backflip to dodge the enemy’s hidden weapon and land smoothly against the wall.
For this particular scene, after negotiations with the crew, Director Wang decided to attempt a one-take shot.
The drone followed Zhu Yan as he prepared for the challenging scene. At one point, the drone would soar into the air, gradually zooming out to create a wide shot centered around Zhu Yan.
“Poor Brother Yan is going to suffer,” Chu Qianze commented, shifting his gaze toward the set. Zhu Yan had equipped himself and was discussing the action details with the stunt coordinator, Wei Ya.
Meanwhile, Director Wang was standing below, overseeing the shoot. Since they were using a drone for filming and it was meant to be a casual exploration of the scene, he didn’t ascend to the rooftop.
Director Wang beckoned to Chu Qianze, “Xiao Chu, come here quickly. You can see better from this spot.”
“Coming,” Chu Qianze responded, taking quick steps to join him.
Zhu Yan had reached the rooftop, positioned at the starting point. He gestured toward the drone, signaling that he was ready. As soon as the command was given, he would start running.
“Action!”
The crew on set called out.
Zhu Yan immediately entered the character’s state.
The old man’s expression turned icy, his face tense. However, the bloodshot eyes and the veins popping on his forehead revealed the character’s intense emotions.
He saw the vampire—the face was all too familiar, etched into his very marrow. It was this vampire who slaughtered his family, leaving his adorable granddaughter in a coma at the hospital, still unresponsive.
He had persevered for so long for this moment—to find this cursed bloodsucker and crush him to pieces!
The old man sprinted with incredible speed, his arms wildly swinging, creating a gust of wind as his steps quickened.
Reaching the end of the first rooftop, Zhu Yan pushed off the edge, effortlessly leaping to the second rooftop. Landing smoothly, he continued his relentless run without a moment’s pause.
The old man suppressed a roar, his entire being consumed by rage. In his eyes, there was only the vampire.
Reaching the end of the second rooftop, he lowered his center of gravity and leaped into the air.
“Don’t run!” The old man shouted as he rapidly descended.
The speed was…
Chu Qianze furrowed his brows slightly, diverting his gaze from the display screen and tilting his head up to watch the plummeting inkstone.
At this moment, the inkstone’s body was slightly tilting, rapidly descending.
Chu Qianze glanced around once more, confirmed the situation, and swiftly grabbed the railing, gesturing urgently to the side.
“Wei Ya, tighten the cable!!! Quickly!!!”
With time pressing, Chu Qianze held onto Director Wang.
“Director Wang, have Wei Ya secure the person; the descent speed is too fast!” he exclaimed, then agilely stepped towards the second residential building. With a push of his hand, he vaulted through the window on the first floor.
This speed was clearly out of control
.
If not stopped in time, Zhu Yan would fall straight to the ground.
As a precaution, Chu Qianze shouted to the logistics team, “The one in yellow clothes with short hair, bring out the cushions!”
After saying that, he quickly ran upstairs, his speed so fast that there was even a faint afterimage.
The person called immediately followed Chu Qianze’s instructions reflexively.
At this point, Zhu Yan had already descended to one-third the height of the building, and its speed was gradually increasing.
The rapid descent made him aware of the situation. His expression changed slightly, attempting to make a move, but his body hit the cable, getting stuck. Without realizing it, he plunged straight down.
Oh no, a mistake at this critical moment.
Upon hearing Chu Qianze’s words, Director Wang had already sensed that something was amiss. The next second, Zhu Yan made that critical mistake. If he really fell, it would be a head-first impact!
“Why are you still standing there? Hurry up, everyone, go get the cushions!”
Damn it, this is turning into an accident! If some major news comes out of this, there’s no need to continue filming this TV drama!
Director Wang waved the script in his hand, shouting desperately, “What’s Wei Ya doing? Hurry up and pull him back!”
At this moment, Chu Qianze was upstairs and had just witnessed Zhu Yan tumbling down headfirst.
“Damn.”
Looking at the tension rope beside him, Chu Qianze leaped onto the window sill. Simultaneously, he took off his coat, securing himself in place. The actions were executed swiftly and seamlessly. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and grabbed the steel wire forcefully.
A strong force pulled him, causing his body to tilt outward. The coat, acting as a buffer, gave him a brief moment of cushioning; though it was not long, it was enough.
Chu Qianze kicked backward with both feet, adjusting his center of gravity. His whole body moved inward, and the steel wire was pulled, forming a distorted arc.
“This body is too weak, even pulling a person is this strenuous,” Chu Qianze thought inwardly, but at least he managed to grab the steel wire.
Meanwhile, at this moment, the speed of the inkstone’s descent abruptly halted. The entire person hung upside down in mid-air, with the head less than half a meter from the ground. Beads of sweat disappeared into the hairline as he looked at the cement road so close at hand. Breathing heavily, his eyes slightly bulging, he silently placed both hands on the ground.
Saved…
An upward force emerged, and Chu Qianze knew it was Wei Ya controlling the situation. Once he was certain it was safe, he slowly released his grip, revealing a deep scar in his palm where the steel wire had cut. Blood followed the grooves, slowly spreading to his fingertips and dripping into a small dent in the dusty corner.
Chu Qianze took off his coat and looked down from the window. He saw Wei Ya slowly placing Zhu Yan on the ground, now lying on his back.
The crew members quickly approached, intending to remove Zhu Yan’s equipment.
Having been pulled in just in time, the cushion brought over from the side turned out to be unnecessary.
“Damn it, you scared the hell out of me! Where’s that Wei Ya? You bastard, son of a turtle! Just wait for me!” Zhu Yan exclaimed, expressing his relief and frustration.
Zhu Yan had already sat up, his robust voice echoing through the building, audible even from upstairs.
Exhaling, Chu Qianze left the window and descended the stairs at a leisurely pace. Seeing Zhu Yan surrounded by concerned people, he didn’t join the group.
Surveying the surroundings, he planned to find a bandage to wrap the wound.
After searching the lounge without finding a first aid kit, he was about to step out and inquire when he heard Zhu Yan’s voice from outside.
“Where’s Xiao Chu? Where’s Editor Chu? Where is he, did you guys see him?”
“Here.” Chu Qianze had just walked out of the room when Zhu Yan rushed over and gave him a bear hug, displaying a surprisingly strong grip.
“Xiao Chu, you’re my lifesaver. If it weren’t for you, I would have been in real trouble!” Zhu Yan choked up a bit.
Zhu Yan’s appearance at this moment was indeed not great. Due to the recent experience, he was drenched in sweat, and his makeup was entirely smeared.
Chu Qianze smirked slightly. Although he knew Zhu Yan was genuinely grateful and emotional, the combination of the makeup and sweat transferred onto his own clothes made for a somewhat fragrant embrace, full of strength.
“Brother Yan, if you keep going like this, I might suffocate.”
Zhu Yan quickly released him, and his emotions eased a bit. “Sorry, Xiao Chu, I was just too excited.”
“Is everything okay? Any injuries?” Chu Qianze asked.
“Just some minor scratches; they’ll be fine in a few days,” Zhu Yan replied.
Suddenly, Zhu Yan remembered that Chu Qianze had directly pulled him up, and he wasn’t exactly lightweight.
“How’s your hand?” he asked, taking Chu Qianze’s hand and being surprised by the wound.
“Such a big cut, and you didn’t make a sound? Let’s get someone to bandage it up quickly!” Zhu Yan grabbed Chu Qianze, ready to go.
He felt uneasy now; Chu Qianze had injured his hand like this just to save him. How could he repay such a favor?
At this moment, Director Wang had probably arranged things and hurried over. If Chu Qianze hadn’t noticed and acted quickly, things could have gone really wrong.
“Xiao Chu, are you okay?”
“He got a long cut on his hand while trying to grab the steel wire, and he’s still bleeding,” Zhu Yan explained, feeling both grateful and guilty.
Director Wang, after hearing this, examined the wound. It was so severe that it was almost exposing the bone. “Come on, let someone bandage you up first, and then go with me to the hospital. We can’t be careless with the injury on your hand!”
“Director Wang, I’ll take him there,” Zhu Yan suggested. “You stay here and handle things.”
“That works,” Director Wang agreed.
Director Wang thought for a moment and didn’t object. The situation was too sudden, and he had many things to handle.
“Regardless, I’ll make sure to explain the situation about the rigging to you both.”
“Xiao Chu, don’t rush back to the set. Take a few days off at home first,” Director Wang suggested.
“Yeah, yeah, when you come back, I’ll bring you some pigeon soup to replenish your energy!” Zhu Yan added.
Watching the two of them finalize his schedule with three or four sentences, Chu Qianze couldn’t help but smile.
While bandaging, other crew members also gathered around, wanting to inquire about the situation, but Zhu Yan chased them away, stating that Chu Qianze needed rest.
“Xiao Chu, I really don’t know how to thank you for this. If it weren’t for you, I might be lying in the hospital now, and whether I’d be alive or not would be a question.” Zhu Yan said.
Chu Qianze glanced at the wound being treated, “Aren’t I just thinking about your specialty at home?”
This warmed Zhu Yan’s heart. It’s quite rare to find someone who does a good deed and doesn’t boast about it.
“I’ll have my family send you some of the specialty tomorrow!” he promised, patting his chest.
Looking at Chu Qianze, Zhu Yan found him pleasing in every way.
Xiao Chu is really a good person, kind-hearted. He found a way to solve the problem when we were stuck, and just now, he risked himself to save me.
I must look out for him!
“I’ll accept you as a brother. I still have some connections in the industry. If you have any trouble in the future, just find me!” Zhu Yan added, “Don’t be in a hurry to refuse. Human life is more precious than anything.”
“Sure, then thanks a lot, Brother Yan,” Chu Qianze replied without hesitation.
Suddenly, he saw someone rushing in—it was Chai Heling.
“I just heard outside that you got injured,” Chai Heling said, scrutinizing Chu Qianze.
The upper garment looked a bit dirty, but overall, it seemed not too serious. Then his gaze fell on his hands. Those hands, capable of making hand enthusiasts scream, were now wrapped in gauze.
Oh right, he had a meeting with Chai Heling tonight.
“Something came up suddenly and delayed my time,” Chu Qianze explained as Chai Heling walked over, grabbing his bandaged hand. “How did you get hurt? What happened?”
Chai Heling’s concern was evident in his eyes.
He wished that the injury had happened to him instead.
“Just a minor injury,” Chu Qianze said, feeling a bit uneasy as he tried to pull his hand back, but it didn’t work.
“You call that minor? It’s almost exposing the bone,” Zhu Yan objected to Chu Qianze’s description.
…Exposing the bone.
Chai Heling pursed his lips but remained silent.
Zhu Yan sighed, “It’s because the rigging descended too quickly. Chu Qianze got injured trying to save me. We’ve done some basic bandaging to stop the bleeding. Later, I’ll take him to the hospital for a closer look and get some medication.”
Chai Heling redirected his gaze from Chu Qianze’s face back to Zhu Yan and said, “I’ll take him.”
“Is that okay?” He was addressing Chu Qianze.
Originally, Chu Qianze had intended to refuse, but under Chai Heling’s gaze, he swallowed his words. “I’ll go with you.”
Chai Heling took him out directly, leaving Zhu Yan standing there.
“Wait a moment,” Chu Qianze said, grabbing his arm after a few steps.
Chai Heling turned around, “We must go to the hospital.”
“Well… I’d like to change my clothes first.” Saying this, Chu Qianze pulled at his shirt.
This was a shirt that had been cultivated by the camaraderie of revolution; it was truly pungent.
Chai Heling: “…”
To the hospital.
The doctor was unwrapping the gauze from Chu Qianze’s hand, examining the wound. Chai Heling lowered his eyelids, quietly stepping out to make a few phone calls.
At this moment, Director Wang was reprimanding Wei Ya.
This person was a relative of his friend, and considering their past relationship, Director Wang agreed to arrange for him to come. The person had some experience before, and no one expected such a big mishap this time. If they didn’t provide an explanation for this incident, it would be hard to justify.
“Sorry, Director Wang. I really didn’t mean it. Please give me another chance,” Wei Ya pleaded.
“Give you another chance… how can I give it? Who will give me a chance? With such a major incident, I have to give an explanation to everyone!” Director Wang said, recalling the call he received earlier.
Mr. Chai, this person has quite a background. He got wind of this incident and attached so much importance to it that he personally called me, saying that it needs to be dealt with strictly.
“…But nothing really happened,” Wei Ya mumbled quietly, just enough for Director Wang to hear.
“You don’t even realize the severity of the situation! What, do you want something to happen? If something had happened, do you know what the consequences would be? Huh?!” After Director Wang finished shouting, he felt particularly exhausted and didn’t want to say anything more. He waved his hand, “Alright, I’ll handle this according to industry regulations. That’s it.”
Exiting the hospital, it was already dark outside.
Looking at the bag Chai Heling was carrying, Chu Qianze asked, “Where did you get all these things?”
How did so many things appear in such a short time?
“Not long ago, I asked my assistant to buy them,” Chai Heling replied.
Chu Qianze: “Isn’t it a bit too much?”
“Not at all. The doctor said that for your wound to heal, you need extra nutrition,” Chai Heling even thought that these were not enough.
There was only one bag, and it wouldn’t last long. In a few days, it would be gone.
Chai Heling had called Director Wang earlier and, upon hearing the details of the incident, was so scared that his hands and feet went cold. He couldn’t even imagine that scene.
It was really too dangerous. If Chu Qianze hadn’t grabbed the wire, if he had fallen along with it, then…
“Don’t take such risks again.”
Originally, Chai Heling wanted to say, “Don’t save others; your safety is the most important.” However, when he encountered Chu Qianze’s gaze, he held back. This person probably wouldn’t like to hear that.
“It’s not a risk. I did it because I was confident. Besides, that person promised to bring me local specialties.” Chu Qianze said.
Intuitively, the emphasis seemed to be on what comes after.
He sold himself for a bit of food?!
“If there’s anything you want, I can buy it for you,” Chai Heling said, his tone filled with some frustration.
“You’ll buy for me?” Chu Qianze raised an eyebrow.
Chu Qianze glanced at him and smirked, “Let’s forget about it. It’s not necessary.”
Of course, it was necessary.
Chai Heling subconsciously wanted to say it, but looking at Chu Qianze’s expression, he didn’t say it in the end.
After all, in what position was he in to offer something?
Biting his lip, Chai Heling walked a few steps ahead with the bag in his hand, “Let’s go to the car first. I’ll take you home.”
“Once again, I have to trouble you to take me home.”
Chu Qianze followed behind him.
“Nothing, it’s on the way,” Chai Heling said casually.
After all, it was just a little detour.
Chai Heling walked ahead, and Chu Qianze followed behind. No one spoke, and the atmosphere fell into silence for a while.
Arriving at the car, Chai Heling unlocked it and took his seat in the driver’s seat.
Chu Qianze didn’t immediately get in. Instead, he walked around to the outside of the driver’s seat, bent down, and looked at Chai Heling, “Are you angry?”
“No.”
Seeing Chu Qianze standing there without moving, Chai Heling turned the steering wheel, started the car, and, using Chu Qianze as the pivot, smoothly drifted around, circling to the other side, so that the passenger door was right in front of him.
“Get in.”
Okay, he was really angry.
Chu Qianze obediently got into the car, glanced at the person next to him, reached into his pocket, and took out a piece of preserved plum candy, offering it.
“Do you want some?”
The person didn’t take it, so Chu Qianze placed the candy on the small tray in front of him.
Chai Heling’s eyes subtly flickered. Worried about revealing his emotions, he dimmed the interior lights of the car. “Thank you.”
When the car arrived at Chu Qianze’s doorstep, he opened the door but didn’t immediately get out. “If you know any delicious local specialties, you can recommend them to me.”
“Recently, I found that the coconut pastries in Y City are delicious.”
“Coconut pastries? I know a well-established shop.”
Chai Heling tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, seemingly casually saying, “Next time, I’ll bring you some to taste.”
Chu Qianze nodded, unfastened his seatbelt, and smiled, “Sure, looking forward to it.”
Seeing Chu Qianze getting ready to leave, Chai Heling called him back but didn’t know what to say.
He could sense that Chu Qianze was taking care of his emotions.
In fact, Chai Heling wasn’t angry at all. He had no temper when it came to Chu Qianze. He just felt a bit stifled, perhaps because the other person had been injured for someone else, or perhaps because this person didn’t seem to care about the injury at all.
“If something like today happens again, come to me. I can find the best doctor for you,” Chai Heling said.
“Are you cursing me?”
After waiting for a while, Chu Qianze couldn’t help but laugh at this statement.
Chai Heling tightened his grip on the steering wheel, and finally, he spoke his mind.
“If you want to do something, just go ahead and do it. I’ll be there for you,” he said.
Whether it was saving someone, getting the best medical care when injured, enjoying the best desserts for a sweet tooth—whatever you do, I’ll support you. So, so…
Upon hearing these words, Chu Qianze was slightly stunned. His expression softened a bit from the earlier seriousness.
Seeing Chai Heling staring straight ahead, Chu Qianze raised the uninjured hand and gently touched the other’s cheek, prompting him to turn and look at him. “Do you know what that sounded like just now?”
In the face of Chai Heling’s puzzled eyes, Chu Qianze’s eyes and brows curled slightly, revealing a touch of tenderness. “It’s like confessing to me.”
At this moment, a sedan approached the two, and the high beams illuminated the entire interior through the glass. Chai Heling felt like he was about to be engulfed in the world woven by this person.
Chu Qianze touched Chai Heling’s earlobe with his fingertip, and there was a faint pink tint at that moment.
“On the way back, be careful.”
The voice was somewhat low, and it made the listener’s ears tingle.
The angle of the light shifted counterclockwise, reflecting different shadows. Slowly, the interior of the car became dim again. The sedan passed through the area where the two were standing, gradually moving away.
Chu Qianze withdrew his hand, opened the car door, and walked towards the residential building.
Chai Heling sat in the driver’s seat, maintaining the posture from earlier. After a while, he touched his face with the back of his hand—it felt hot.
Support me on ko-fi ʚ(´꒳`)ɞ
![Cannon Fodder Scum Gong’s Whitewashing Manual [Quick Transmigration]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CFSGWM.jpg "Cannon Fodder Scum Gong’s Whitewashing Manual [Quick Transmigration]")
