I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 85 083. Cicada’s Courage

"Left and right... fight each other?"

Xu Xin didn't realize what he meant.

At this time, Assistant Lin came over:

"Director Zhang, your meal... Teacher Xu hasn't gone to get it yet? Can I get one for you?"

"No, no, Assistant Lin, you're welcome."

Xu Xin quickly shook his head, while Zhang Yimou took the lunch box and said:

"It's okay, Xiaolin, you can get another box."

Assistant Lin nodded and left, while Zhang Yimou handed the lunch box in his hand to Xu Xin:

"You eat first, and I'll drink the soup."

"No, I'll wait for Assistant Lin..."

"Take it."

The lunch box was forced into his hand. After Zhang Yimou took a sip of bone soup, he suddenly said:

"Xiao Xu, where is your hometown?"

"Shenmu, have you heard of it?"

"Sacred tree? Over there in Yulin?"

"right."

"Oh~~The mutton noodles over there are pretty good."

"..."

After saying that, he put down the disposable paper cup. Seeing Xu Xin not moving his chopsticks, he asked:

"Why don't you eat?"

"...I have no appetite for what you are talking about."

Xu Xin sighed helplessly...

"If I could have a bowl of mutton noodles for lunch...and then drink a bowl of physalis water after eating..."

He was a little homesick.

"I usually like to eat cold skin."

Holding the cup, Zhang Yimou crossed his legs and said:

"A bowl of jelly and two steamed buns. But instead of drinking syrup, you have to drink glutinous rice."

"……well."

Xu Xin sighed...but immediately remembered something and said quickly:

"By the way, Director Zhang... do we have any shooting plans here tomorrow night?"

"Yes, there are quite a lot of night scenes in "Golden Armor"."

"Then...can I take a day off? I'll go back to town tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow night?"

Zhang Yimou was stunned:

"Is something wrong?"

"Well, it's a very important matter... but if it's done quickly, it might take some time to go back and forth..."

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou seemed to understand something, and the appreciation in his eyes became stronger again.

"Okay, let's leave early tomorrow night."

"All right."

While talking, Assistant Lin brought another lunch box. After Zhang Yimou took it, he said:

"Xiao Xu, you don't know how to cook, right?"

"Won't."

"Then it will be really difficult for you to have some food at home."

"That's why I'm so greedy..."

"Ha~"

Zhang Yimou smiled and nodded, and the two of them began to eat.

After finishing the meal, the weather here became completely hot. Xu Xin ate quickly. After finishing the meal, he politely greeted Zhang Yimou and planned to get a cup of bone soup.

When the weather is hot, he likes to drink something sour to see if there is any vinegar.

Normally, those who deliver lunch boxes on a production crew will leave immediately after delivering them. But in Zhang Yimou's crew, the one who delivers lunch boxes will not leave at all, let alone whether he dares to leave.

When Xu Xin came here to serve soup, he asked if he had any vinegar. The guy immediately took out a bottle from the car.

He also said with a smile:

"Director, if you like sour soup, I will make some hot and sour soup for you next time."

Logically speaking, the other party doesn't need to be so polite.

But who knew that Xu Xin and Zhang Yimou had dinner under the same tent just now.

Who can deliver lunch boxes to this kind of crew? Who doesn’t have an eye for everything and an ear for everything? They always wait for the director and others to finish eating, see if anyone is dissatisfied with the food, and make sure they are satisfied before leaving. And if there are any requirements, they must be fully cooperated and met.

Xu Xin waved his hand to indicate no need. After pouring some vinegar into the cup, he didn't leave. He finished drinking next to the bone soup bucket. After throwing the cup into the trash bag next to him, when he turned around, he saw that the other side had also finished eating. Zhang Yimou, who was eating, was talking to Wei Lanfang, and Wei Lanfang kept nodding.

Without thinking much, he took the cigarette case and squatted in the shadow of the city wall, intending to have an after-dinner cigarette.

But as soon as I smoked half of a cigarette, I saw people from the creative team walking out.

Xu Xin was stunned and quickly stood up to follow.

He guessed that everyone went back to rest at noon... After all, they didn't have an RV and couldn't rest in the car, so it was normal to go back to the hotel in these few hours.

But Wei Lanfang, who was following the big guy, came over directly:

"Xiao Xu."

"Sister Wei, does Director Zhang want us to go back and rest?"

"right."

Wei Lanfang nodded, but then changed the subject and said:

"You stay."

"……What?"

If he hadn't been familiar with everyone for a long time, Xu Xin would have thought about how to treat these people differently when he heard this.

Just listen to Wei Lanfang say:

"Director Zhang said you stay. If you want to rest, just go to the commercial car and sleep. This afternoon the filming of Gong Li and the others' scenes will start. Director Zhang asked you to stay and follow him."

"Well……"

He was stunned at first, but then the words that Director Zhang asked, "Xiao Xu, can you fight each other?" appeared in his mind.

"Are you asking me to follow suit?"

"Yes."

Wei Lanfang nodded:

"Let's leave first. We may come back later in the afternoon. I see you were chatting with Director Zhang at noon today... He probably meant that you should learn from him... This kind of practical experience is comparable to what you have in school. Learning from books is much better. Do you understand?"

"Okay, I understand."

After understanding this thought, Xu Xin nodded:

"Sister Wei, please go."

"Well, come on!... Do you need me to bring you something?"

"No, just leave."

"good."

The two separated, and after Wei Lanfang left, Zhang Yimou had disappeared.

But he was very grateful...

I am grateful to Director Zhang for giving me this opportunity.

As for going to rest...

Xu Xin turned his head and looked at the palace entrance first.

In the shadow at the entrance of the palace, many extras were resting. After all, they did not have air conditioning, so they could only stay in the shadow to cool down.

They couldn't enter the palace, and there were people guarding it.

The filming location was easily arranged by the crew, so there was no reason for a group of extras to take advantage of it.

If it is destroyed, why don't you cause trouble for yourself?

Xu Xin thought about it and finally did not choose to find Assistant Shen. He did not lack the time to rest, but what he lacked was experience... and knowledge.

The "city" of Hengdian had already given him enough courtesy when he came.

We stayed in a four-star hotel, and not only were the crew members coming in and out, but even the hotel service staff had to be polite.

But the scene in front of Xu Xin now exposed the tip of the iceberg at the bottom of this film and television city.

Perhaps these group performances are the reality behind the seemingly countless film and television stars and blooming flowers of this "city".

Xu Xin himself understands... He may never be able to feel the truest side of these extras, whether they work to make money or come with dreams of becoming stars.

There is no way, society is so realistic.

He is a rich man.

He is a second-generation coal worker.

But putting aside these auras of identity did not prevent him from observing all aspects of life from his own perspective.

There is no need to feel the same way, because everyone has their own sufferings.

But at least, he wanted to see more...

Teacher Yu once said to him: The so-called director's style is actually everyone's own perspective on the world.

Xu Xin didn't know what his style was, but he at least wanted to see it.

So, he looked around the square, thought for a while, and walked into the palace gate.

The first reaction of those extra performers who stretched their legs and were sitting on the ground to rest at the palace gate was to retract their legs.

The palace gate is obviously so wide, but they all seem to be afraid that their legs will get in the way of this crew member.

Seeing this, Xu Xin said politely:

"Excuse me."

Then he walked outside the palace gate.

When he left the palace gate, he saw several workers wearing safety helmets passing in front of him, heading towards the exit.

At the same time, there were some girls dressed as palace maids resting in the shadows under the wall over there.

Not the clothes, but the hairstyle.

The clothes were all kept by the crew, and after their hair styles were done, the makeup artist asked them not to mess them up.

I made a mess and am in a good mood. Please help me with it. If you're in a bad mood...then stand in the back row.

And among these selected palace ladies, who doesn’t want to be able to show their face and have a few more scenes in Director Zhang’s movie?

So even though I was sitting very casually, the area above my neck was well maintained, not a single hair was tangled, even the hot temples and the tip of my nose were covered in sweat.

He thought for a while and walked directly towards the palace over there.

At a speed visible to the naked eye, the sitting postures of those palace maids became more beautiful, and they no longer looked casual.

When Xu Xin was about to reach the palace gate, one of the girls stood up boldly and bowed to say hello:

"Hello director."

The girl is young and beautiful, with white skin and lively eyes.

Frankly speaking, she is quite beautiful, and she must have practiced her physical form. Whether it is greeting or bowing, her language and movements are quite good... but for some reason, she looks a bit earthy.

Or... a bit empty.

It’s just that there is nothing in the body to support the sense of déjà vu in this body language.

Quite strange.

He also wore a zippered short-sleeved shirt.

Although the ancient-style buns and the zippered short-sleeves on their bodies are somewhat incompatible... they have to dress like this, because only the most inexperienced extras would wear clothes that require a pullover in such an ancient drama. .

If you put clothes over your head, your hairstyle will be messy.

After a few losses, your skills will improve.

As the first person to say hello, she is naturally qualified to be remembered by the "director".

And as she took the lead, several people reacted belatedly and stood up one after another:

"Good director."

"Hello director."

"Thank you for your hard work, director."

…

Call it a compliment...not really.

But after Xu Xin looked at the first girl who greeted him and thought about it, he suddenly asked:

"You know me?"

As soon as Xu Xin answered, there was a hint of surprise in the girl's eyes, and she quickly said:

"We saw you and Director Zhang at the monitor this morning...Director, you are so young and can direct a movie in the directing team. You are really amazing!"

"……ha."

Xu Xin was amused by this girl.

Nothing else, the main thing is that she is very good at talking.

Before directing the movie, she added a director team... As for the reason, maybe she was afraid of saying the wrong thing. After all, the director of "City of Golden Armor" was Zhang Yimou, and when he saw himself and Director Zhang together, he said they were part of the directing team.

But there is no mention of other aspects, such as how great Director Zhang is and how many things he can learn from around him. Is it because he is afraid that he will not like it after hearing it? After all, there are always some young people who are arrogant...

And after saying these few words, if nothing else is said, at least... this girl has a brain.

After thinking about it, he smiled and asked:

"what's your name?"

Now, the surprise in the girl's eyes could no longer be hidden.

So much so that the smile on the face that was struck by this ecstasy couldn't be held back, and began to overflow:

"My name is Zhao Liying! Just call me Xiao Zhao!"

"okay."

I always felt that the name was familiar, but Xu Xin didn't think much about it, nodded and said:

"Have a good rest and try your best this afternoon."

"Thank you, director!"

Amid the jealous eyes of the girls around her, the girl bowed deeply again.

"Um."

Xu Xin nodded, passed them, and came to the palace gate, intending to see what was being built here.

But the sight that caught his eye stopped him in his tracks.

In the shadows at the entrance of the palace, a group of girls in the form of "Golden Armor" maids stood up and lined up on both sides, their eyes locked on him.

Xu Xin estimated that there would be at least dozens of people...

Looking straight at him.

This time, he didn't smile, just nodded politely, and his eyes fell on the very tall building in front of him.

Then he ignored these girls and walked directly inside.

In fact, he felt quite complicated.

If those girls just showed him the scheming of the extras, then these people... made him a little scared.

Obviously they are nothing in the crew, but these girls are willing to show kindness and flattery.

for what?

It's very simple.

Come on.

But the question is...who can guarantee that he will come forward?

No one can guarantee that.

Even if you only need to use your brain to think about it, you will know that no matter whether they are popular or slightly famous in this circle... no matter how inspiring or tortuous their stories are... what everyone sees is survivor bias. one of them.

Isn't this circle the most true portrayal of a general's success and his death?

Of course, anyone can hold the view of "why can't it be me", but as long as you think about it calmly and objectively, you can understand what kind of cruelty and competition there is.

But everyone still clings to illusions...

Although he doesn't think he is qualified to speak to these dreamers who have dreams.

But this scene before me...

It still made him feel a little... inexplicably uncomfortable.

What's more, I can't give them any hope.

He simply ignored everything, his eyes fell on the building with the same height as the eaves of the palace building behind him, and he walked directly over.

And in my heart, I finally understood why Director Zhang's crew, or the crew of "The Condor" that I heard from Yang Mi, handled some things so indifferently.

In fact, it's not indifference, people's hearts are full of flesh.

It's only April now, if we really have to wait until June or July, how hot will it be like today?

But they still didn't give these young actors any convenience or consideration. Instead, they mechanically require everyone to act according to the standards of a group performance - calling you over is just acting, and no one will care about your life or death when you are not filming.

This is really not indifference, but an inability to show any consideration and kindness at all.

It's not about scarcity but about inequality.

The same goes for being alone.

Because there are too many people who want to get something from you.

…

"Teacher Xu."

Standing in front of the high platform, Xu Xin, who was observing the architectural details, heard someone calling him, turned around and found that it was Assistant Lin.

He smiled and said hello:

"teacher LIN!"

"..."

Assistant Lin was speechless, then smiled and said:

"Xu Xin?"

"Brother Lin."

Hearing this title, Assistant Lin was even more speechless.

But this time the smile was more natural:

"What are you doing here?"

"It's okay, I'll take a walk."

As he spoke, he took out cigarettes from his pocket and lit one each before Assistant Lin said:

"This is the Chrysanthemum Terrace."

"……ah?"

Seeing Xu Xin's stunned look, Assistant Lin was also a little puzzled:

"you do not know?"

"I don't know, what is the Chrysanthemum Terrace?"

"The building in the script. On the Double Ninth Festival, I know that the brothers are climbing to a high place, and there is one less person planting dogwood trees. In our drama, this chrysanthemum stage was specially built. Teacher Xu, haven't you read the script of "The Golden Armor"? "

"No, I just know the general role, but I haven't read the script in detail."

He shook his head sincerely.

I looked at the high platform again and thought it was really high enough.

"Let's go back and rest for a while? We have a movie to shoot in the afternoon, it's early in the afternoon~~"

"Um……"

Xu Xin agreed and then asked:

"Brother Lin, are there any other sets? I want to see them."

"Gone."

Assistant Lin pointed forward:

"The places where we shot this morning, one is the medicinal kitchen, and the other is the palace of the queen and the prince. Including the emperor's palace and so on, they are all in the palace over there. And then here, the chrysanthemum stage is used for outdoor shooting. . And then there is a filming location at Wulong Tiankeng, there are only three places in total."

"……so little?"

Xu Xin was a little surprised.

This is a big production, not to mention the cost is over 300 million?

Just three places?

“There’s less space, but more people.”

Seeing his surprised look, Assistant Lin pointed around his square:

"At that time, this place will be covered with chrysanthemums, and then more than 3,000 people will be used as extras, as well as hundreds of palace maids and eunuchs. You will know when the filming takes place. The director's requirement here is that the whole audience It has to be full of people. It will be a big scene with thousands of people fighting... and then there will be a quick change of venue... Anyway, I heard the director talking during the meeting, and the scene will be very grand. I mean, it This story is not complicated at all, and the time span is very short~"

"..."

Following Assistant Lin's words, Xu Xin looked at the circle around him...

Covered with chrysanthemums?

Still have to stand full of people?

Thousands of people fighting?

Although his imagination is not barren, it is obvious that... with his current ability... let alone controlling thousands of people, he would probably have a hard time getting on the kang.

"Director Zhang is so awesome..."

I sighed sincerely.

After hearing this, Assistant Lin also nodded:

"Who says it's not..."

After smoking a cigarette and hearing that there was no other scene, the two planned to go back.

Looking at the actors standing up again in the doorway, Xu Xin said nothing, while Assistant Lin simply ignored the scene.

Obviously, he is more accustomed to it than Xu Xin.

After the two of them passed through countless palace maids and walked out of the door, due to the angle of the sun, the shadows under the palace wall were only a thin layer along the edge.

Xu Xin saw the girl named Zhao Liying again, standing against the wall with the other girls.

I don’t know if it’s because I was squeezed out...or if I really didn’t get a good place, so I can only stand here.

"Goodbye, director."

While I was thinking about it, the girl bowed again.

Xu Xin responded:

"Um."

After walking away from Assistant Lin, the girl raised her head and heard the actor next to her say:

"Baozi, you are so brave...that's the assistant director..."

Obviously, the girl who spoke knew Assistant Lin.

Zhao Liying, nicknamed "Baozi", ignored her companion's words and just leaned against the little shade at the base of the wall again, sweat dripping down her temples.

…

"Xu Xin, do you know that bitch?"

"Who?...The little girl just now?"

"Um."

"That's right. She's quite discerning. When I went over there just now, she was the first to stand up and greet me. She's quite courageous."

While walking towards the palace gate, Xu Xin did not shy away from the group of performers nearby:

"Call Zhao Liying, Brother Lin, if there is any palace maid scene... line her up in front of the camera?"

"no problem."

Small things like group performances... were nothing in front of him.

Who is standing in the front and not standing?

but……

"Xu Xin, to be honest...it's actually useless. For a character like this without lines, it's bound to be difficult for the audience to remember her."

"I know."

After hearing his words, Xu Xin understood what he meant.

only……

"Brother Lin, do you like courageous people?"

Assistant Lin tilted his head slightly, looking confused.

He knew that Xu Xin must have something to say below.

As expected, Xu Xin shrugged:

"I quite like this kind of person, Brother Lin, do you know what a grasshopper is?"

"I know, Cicada."

"right."

He nodded, with a look of reminiscence in his eyes:

"When I was young, my friends who grew up with me all dared to catch this thing, but I didn't. I thought this thing was very scary... Then after others caught it, I wanted to see... As a child, you don't dare to do it. If others dare to do something, they will laugh at you. I felt very wronged and cried to my dad when I went back. I said they were catching grasshoppers, but I didn’t dare to catch them. They all laughed at me... I remember very clearly, my dad told I……"

He changed his accent:

"Sanjin, you have to be brave, you know that? Go and catch him. If you catch him, dad will buy you Transformers~"

"Well……"

"hey-hey……"

Thinking of his childhood, Xu Xin laughed out loud:

"Just a Transformer forced me to catch a grasshopper with my own hands. Then I reintegrated into the group of friends... The food was very delicious and could be sold for money. I remember one day I caught a can and a bottle I took the grasshopper back to my dad. I said: Dad, sell the grasshopper and buy some wine for Ni! My dad was really, really happy. He touched my head and said to me: That’s right, man. Dolls just have to be brave!…

Only then did I have the concept of "brave". In the future, for example, when I walked at night for the first time without letting my dad carry me, or when I went to school alone for the first time... my dad would praise me for my bravery every day. From that time on, I started to have a good impression of some courageous people. When I went there just now, this little girl was the first one who dared to say hello to me~

Although these things are just like what you said, Brother Lin, in fact... they may be of no use. People watch movies just to see the leading actors. Who pays attention to what the extras are for? But it's the same as how I catch grasshoppers. If I didn't have the courage to reach out, I might never dare to touch it in my life. And now that I have the courage, although being able to catch grasshoppers is not a great thing, at least... this thing has made me happy for more than ten years. Looking back now, I still feel very good, right? "

"Well……"

In Assistant Lin's somewhat incomprehensible eyes, Xu Xin shrugged and said in a calm but gentle tone:

"So, with a little effort, let's just give this little girl named Zhao Liying... a beautiful dream."