No matter how it happened, Zhu Ning finally had another month of free time on his schedule.
During this month, Ye Zhou didn’t reshoot all the previous footage as Zhu Ning wished. Instead, he picked some scenes that he thought Zhu Ning could now perform better and had him redo those.
As for Xie Gefei, there was no need to even mention him. Ever since being enlightened by Ye Zhou, Xie Gefei hadn’t shown his face to Ye Zhou for several days straight. He felt that he hadn’t been able to demonstrate his best earlier and didn’t live up to the opportunity Ye Zhou had given him.
He took the initiative to tell Ye Zhou multiple times that if Ye Zhou needed it, he could reshoot or refilm anything, even offering to forgo his salary.
Ye Zhou was somewhat exasperated yet amused by this and couldn’t help but sigh at how dedicated the actors in his crew were. Like with Zhu Ning, a complete reshoot was obviously impossible, but after strong requests from several actors, some poorer shots were redone while keeping most scenes as they were.
A month was neither long nor short, but with the efforts of everyone in the crew, the filming of “A Farce” finally wrapped.
On the night of the wrap party, Ye Zhou discussed with everyone and decided against a big celebration banquet. Instead, they gathered all the staff together in the studio cafeteria for a lively farewell dinner.
Boss Jiang had also planned to attend as a special guest, but an important meeting that day prevented him from coming. However, before the dinner started, Boss Jiang had his secretary bring a huge cake to the cafeteria for the chef to slice up and distribute to everyone present, despite not being there himself.
Seeing the giant cake, Ye Zhou thought of Boss Jiang’s cool and reserved face and extremely healthy lifestyle and found him so adorable at that moment, even detecting a hint of gap moe1Gap moe is a term used in anime and manga fandom to describe a character who has a personality or behavior that contrasts with their appearance or usual habits. For example, a tsundere is a type of gap moe character who acts cold and aloof but occasionally shows a warm and affectionate side. Gap moe can also refer to a character who has a hidden hobby, talent, or interest that is surprising or unexpected. For example, a tough-looking delinquent who likes cute things or a serious and mature student who still believes in Santa Claus. Gap moe is derived from the Japanese word “gap” (ギャップ), which means a discrepancy or difference, and the word “moe” (萌え), which means a feeling of affection or attraction for a fictional character. Gap moe is often used as a way to make a character more interesting, complex, or relatable by showing a different aspect of their personality or background.!
The atmosphere at the gathering was very warm. After nearly a year of working closely together, deep bonds had formed among the staff.
The crew had come from all over, north and south. After this meal, everyone would go their separate ways and embrace new lives and jobs.
Though they joked about meeting up again in the future, as adults they understood clearly the chances of gathering like this again were slim.
As the party wound down, some of the sentimental young women began quietly sniffling, dabbing at tears with tissues as they choked back sobs.
The assistant director sighed. He had worked with many crews, but most wrap parties were joyful occasions.
After all, wrapping meant finally being able to relax after working so hard for so long. Everyone was eager to go home and reunite with family and friends. While there was always some sadness at parting ways, joy prevailed. A crew with relationships and an atmosphere as good as “A Farce” was rare indeed.
If he had to give a reason other than the great benefits, it was Ye Zhou’s strong leadership and charm. To be honest, they had all been drawn in initially by the fat contracts from Ye Zhou and Jingzhe.
During the period when Ye Zhou’s scandals emerged, they had wavered.
It wasn’t that they didn’t worry or have misgivings. It was a gamble.
If Ye Zhou was as useless as portrayed online, the high pay would be meaningless for their careers.
Fortunately, they had won this bet.
Far from being useless as portrayed online, Ye Zhou was very methodical in filming and directing the actors. He did not have the arrogance some directors had.
On the contrary, after working together for so long, the assistant director found Ye Zhou to be very humble.
He wasn’t flawless, but whenever someone raised an issue, as long as it was valid, Ye Zhou never denied it or put on airs. He readily admitted mistakes and made corrections, even praising the person who spoke up.
Ye Zhou was truly someone who made others feel comfortable to work and interact with.
He respected the opinions of every staff member, was willing to call the police at the expense of the crew’s reputation for the actors’ safety, he…
Possessed a strange kind of magic that kept anyone who placed their hopes in him from being disappointed.
Caught up in this atmosphere, even the normally collected assistant director felt his voice grow hoarse as memories of their time together flashed through his mind like a slideshow.
He had always been rational, but it was rare for him to be a bit sentimental.
Raising the glass on the table, he turned to Ye Zhou beside him and said, “Director Ye, thank you for gathering all of us here. Thank you for taking care of us this time and for striving alongside us. I’m no good with words, so it’s all in this drink. Don’t take offense2He feels he is not eloquent or good at expressing himself with moving words. So he has put all his appreciation and gratitude for Ye Zhou into this toast, using the drink to convey what he cannot through speech. He also hopes Ye Zhou will not take offense at his simple and straightforward way of expressing himself..”
The assistant director tilted his head back and downed the contents in one go.
Before Ye Zhou could react, others began standing up to toast him in succession.
The younger men were alright, at most sounding a bit choked up. But the young women who had just started working immediately began sobbing as soon as they got up, tears streaming down.
Ye Zhou originally didn’t want to drink. Although he had already developed a formidable alcohol tolerance by hanging around investors’ wine tables in his previous life in order to attract investment, he wasn’t sure this body could handle it!
However, seeing all those reddened eyes, Ye Zhou said nothing and drank one cup after another.
As people began leaving, someone shouted, “Director Ye, one last time! Say a few more words to us!”
As soon as he finished, others started chiming in. Everyone was a little drunk. At first, it was just making noises, but at some point, it turned into everyone shouting at Ye Zhou: “Director Ye, give us a speech!”
By this point, the alcohol was getting to Ye Zhou. Those close to him knew he disliked being in the limelight.
Normally, he would have refused. But perhaps emboldened by drink and atmosphere, Ye Zhou didn’t decline this time.
He got to his feet, gaze sweeping over each staff member.
As he moved, the previously noisy cafeteria miraculously quieted.
Ye Zhou thought for a moment before a dazzling smile lit up his usually expressionless face. Raising his glass, he said in a clear voice, “Thank you all for your hard work for so long. Apart from gratitude, I have a parting blessing.”
“I wish you all future success and prosperity!”
…
Due to the company’s busy period, Jiang Tingyuan’s meeting that was supposed to end at 8 o’clock actually dragged on until 11:30 at night.
When Jiang Tingyuan came to pick Ye Zhou up after the meeting, he saw him sitting alone on the steps outside the cafeteria. Beside him stood the helpless assistant director, his face the picture of resignation.
It turned out that despite being a good drinker in his past life, Ye Zhou’s current body was a complete lightweight. Though not to the extent of passing out after one drink, his tolerance was still pitiful.
When the assistant director saw Mr. Jiang, it was like seeing a savior. He hurried over and rapidly explained, “Mr. Jiang, you’re finally here! I’ve sent everyone else off, it’s just Director Ye who stubbornly refuses to get in the car no matter what I say.”
Jiang Tingyuan looked towards the quiet figure sitting on the steps, propping up his face as he gazed their way. He felt something strike his heart sharply.
Ye Zhou looked so well-behaved now, docile and adorably soft, nothing like his usual feisty self. The cuteness was lethal!
Even Jiang Tingyuan’s long-sealed heart, which had been gathering dust for many years, couldn’t help but beat faster.
His expression didn’t change, but the concern in his cool tone was evident as he walked over and asked, “Are you uncomfortable anywhere?”
As he spoke, Jiang Tingyuan reached out to pull Ye Zhou up from the steps.
Clearly, classmate Ye Xiao Zhou was having none of it. He angrily batted Jiang Tingyuan’s hand away and snapped, “Who are you?!”
Mr. Jiang: “…”
This was the second time Ye Zhou had slapped his hand away, the first being at the auction. Jiang Tingyuan thought to himself that he must be very drunk.
Since Ye Zhou was so against it, forcing him would be inappropriate. Jiang Tingyuan could only lower his voice and say, “It’s me, Jiang Tingyuan.”
That only made Ye Zhou angrier. “You’re lying! My Mr. Jiang is at a company meeting!”
“It’s over already,” Jiang Tingyuan explained patiently. “I’m here to take you home.”
Hearing this, Ye Zhou tilted his head as if he was really thinking about the authenticity of his words.
Seeing this, the small figure in Jiang Tingyuan’s heart clutched his chest as he melted at the cuteness. Even his facial expression softened, the corners of his lips curving up slightly.
Just as Ye Zhou was about to believe him, seeing that smile made him suspicious again.
“You’re not Mr. Jiang! My Mr. Jiang would never smile like you!” Ye Zhou vowed with such determination that Jiang Tingyuan almost believed it.
Jiang Tingyuan pressed his fingers to his forehead and said to the assistant director who was still watching in case they needed help, “You can go back first. I’ll handle this.”
The intent to dismiss was clear.
The assistant director hesitated, still worried, but in the face of Mr. Jiang’s powerful aura, he could only leave reluctantly, looking back every few steps.
With him gone, it was just Ye Zhou and Jiang Tingyuan.
Jiang Tingyuan gently coaxed, “I really am Jiang Tingyuan. Let’s go home first, okay?”
Ye Zhou’s stance was firm as he shook his head. “Not unless you can prove you’re him. I won’t go with you otherwise.”
“Alright.” Jiang Tingyuan had no choice but to compromise. “How do you want me to prove it?”
Ye Zhou thought hard for a good while before speaking. “Do you know what Mr. Jiang likes to eat?”
“Nutritious meals.”
Ye Zhou sat up straighter and continued, “Do you know what he likes to drink?”
“Vegetable juice.”
Ye Zhou’s brows knitted as he asked again, “What’s his favorite color?”
“Black.”
The large doubt in Ye Zhou’s eyes showed how astonished he was that this person could answer everything correctly.
He was starting to believe this really was Mr. Jiang.
But it would be too embarrassing if he was wrong. After contemplating for a bit, Ye Zhou asked the final question of the night.
“Then do you know who he likes?”
Jiang Tingyuan: “…”
The air seemed to freeze the instant the question left his lips.
When no reply came after a while, Ye Zhou felt a secret delight that he couldn’t answer this one. Fortunately, he had been smart not to leave with him…
Before he could feel happy, a sudden warm sensation brushed his ear, followed by a low, hoarse voice.
“It’s you.”
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Please consider supporting the author directly.
You can also follow me on Ko-fi to get the latest updates on my translation progress and new projects. I appreciate your love and feedback.
