I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 396 Grandmother and Grandson! A Scene from the Investiture of the Gods!
On May 9, 2012, Chen Jin filmed her last scene for the TV series "Grandma".

Chen Jin's parents, Su Wanyu and Chen Xianqi, sat outside the film set, and Chen Jin's maternal grandparents also came to the scene.

Chen Jin has been traveling between two places every day, which prompted his parents to come back as well. It wasn't until a few days ago that he revealed to his family that he was currently filming a movie about the elderly. This led to the two elderly people, who hadn't left their home in a long time, being taken to Shanghai by their daughter and son-in-law for a visit.

By the way, let's see how my eldest grandson acts.

The old man was quite interested; he had only seen it on TV before, and this was the first time he had ever seen it filmed like this.

So the two elders sat to the side with a sense of novelty, watching the scenes that were about to be filmed; Su Wanyu and Chen Xianqi, on the other hand, were not very interested because they had seen Chen Jin film "Life's Big Events".

Filming a movie is completely different from watching a film.

After watching it, you'll actually lose some of your mystique about movies; you'll realize that the process of making a movie is so fragmented, and that's the feeling you get.

At this time, Chen Jin certainly had no time to take care of his family; all his emotions were focused on the character A Jin.

Wu Yanshu, who was standing next to him with a shaved head, saw the two elderly people not far away and said with a smile, "Grandpa and Grandma are here?"

"Well, my parents mentioned it casually, and my grandfather insisted on coming to see it..."

Chen Jin smiled, looking at Wu Yanshu's sickly face, which she had specially made up for the role.

She played the grandmother Mingzhu, who was in the late stages of cancer. This was the last interior scene, which was also filmed in the old lady's home.

To be honest, when filming this drama, Wen Muye was worried that Wu Yanshu might have some thoughts. After all, she was old, and the drama was about cancer and death. These were all very taboo things for an old lady who was nearly 80 years old.

Unexpectedly, Wu Yanshu was very carefree and even shaved off her hair to create an image of a cancer patient undergoing late-stage chemotherapy.

They are truly dedicated.

Because of this, Chen Jin worked very hard during filming, immersing herself in the role of Ah Jin every day.

"Sigh, if the scenes from a few days ago were alright, let them see..."

"Everyone feels that their grandson is outstanding and very filial!"

Wu Yanshu smiled bitterly and patted Chen Jin's hand: "Today's scenes were a bit touching. Can your grandparents handle it?"

After she finished speaking, she looked up at Chen Jin. The two of them had filmed many scenes together over the past two weeks and were already like grandmother and granddaughter.

Their relationship was even more harmonious than that of friends. The old lady would occasionally bring Chen Jin late-night snacks and desserts. Her daughter would also visit the set occasionally. She also had a grandson who was the same age as Chen Jin and was studying artificial intelligence at Cambridge University, a very promising major.

Moreover, Wu Yanshu's family situation is actually very similar to that of Mingzhu in the script.

Sometimes, the old lady would pat her and then burst into tears, because she felt the same way.

Her husband was Zhang Yifei, a famous composer in China, who passed away in 07. At that time, Wu Yanshu's parents were still alive, but they also passed away one after another a few years ago.

After she lost all her relatives in 2010, her daughter brought her to Beijing to live with her, and the two now live together.

His daughter, Zhang Xiaohe, is also in the entertainment industry; she is a well-known screenwriter.

"It's alright, I actually feel quite good. At your age, you should have a much clearer understanding of things than we have!"

Chen Jin looked at Wu Yanshu, who gently shook her head. Although she smiled, it was clearly forced: "You don't understand. Everyone who reaches a certain age is afraid of death!"

"actually……"

Wu Yanshu choked up as she spoke: "When I was reading this scene in the script last night, I..."

"I just can't take it anymore!"

Chen Jin quickly stepped forward and patted her on the back.

In the next scene to be filmed, Chen Jin will mostly play a supporting role, while the highlight will be the grandmother.

She was suffering from illness and wanted to die, then she saw her parents.

"I thought of my parents, and then I didn't sleep well all night. I still can't sleep well because of them!"

Wu Yanshu wiped her eyes with her fingers. Chen Jin understood: "It's okay, Grandma. Everyone has this day. Just like in my film 'Major Events in Life,' death may not be the end. Many people are afraid because they are attached to everything in this world!"

"But if my parents come to pick us up, I think... I won't be so scared!"

After Chen Jin finished speaking, Wu Yanshu broke down in tears. She nodded frantically, her hand on Chen Jin's arm, repeatedly saying, "Good child, good child."

This is indeed Chen Jin's honest opinion.

If he gets old and his parents pass away, he will see them on his deathbed, and he will not be afraid.

Parents are the most comforting place for my heart.

"what happened?"

Just as filming was about to begin, Wen Muye looked at Wu Yanshu's tear-stained makeup and asked Chen Jin a questioning look.

"I'm getting into character!"

"Wait a moment!"

Chen Jin gestured, and Wen Muye nodded.

About five minutes later, Wu Yanshu stretched out her hand and said, "Director, I'm ready!"

Wen Muye glanced at Chen Jin, who gave him an OK sign.

"Alright, everyone to your positions!"

"Let's try to get it right in one take..."

For some scenes, it's not about shooting as many takes as possible; when the emotion is right, you might only be able to film one take.

It would be difficult to do it again.

The next scene is like that, so it needs to be done in as few takes as possible, ideally in one take.

Snapped!
The clapperboard clicked, and filming officially began for the final scene of Chen Jin's "Grandma".

The surrounding curtains were drawn, completely darkening the entire room except for a few scattered lights and shadows, all for the purpose of filming.

Even at night, there needs to be lighting for the camera to capture clear images, and at this time, the skill of the lighting technician is especially important.

It can't be too dark, but the lens can't be completely dark either; this really tests your skills.

Chen Jin lay down to the side, and Wu Yanshu, wearing a vest and shorts and with her head shaved, lay on her side on the bed. It seemed like a scene of sleeping at night, but suddenly the sound of sobbing could be heard.

"In front of the camera!"

Wen Muye was talking to Chen Jin, who pretended to be awakened by the crying and subconsciously stretched and yawned.

But he still dragged his body a little, swaying as he came to Wu Yanshu's side, his hand still unconsciously scratching the itch on his body.

"Grandma, Grandma..."

He called out softly, bringing his head close to Wu Yanshu's side.

Wu Yanshu's crying continued, accompanied by murmured calls: "Mommy... Daddy... come and get me, I'm scared..."

"Mommy~~~"

Wu Yanshu's voice was choked with sobs, tinged with pain; she could barely lift her arms.

Chen Jin quickly lowered her head and touched Wu Yanshu's shoulder: "Grandma, Grandma, what's wrong?"

"Grandpa and Grandma...where are you?"

Wu Yanshu closed her eyes, her eyes filled with tears, and whispered her name.

As his body turned over and over, the shouts he made made Wen Muye, who was watching the monitor, wipe his eyes.

This voice resonated deeply; it came from Wu Yanshu's most genuine emotions.

She had just been moved by Chen Jin's words, and now that she was in character, she couldn't hold back anymore. She had stopped crying just now only for the sake of filming, but now the scene was about this kind of emotional appeal, and all her emotions burst forth from the scene.

Tears streamed down her face, and Chen Jin's eyes reddened as she tugged at the corner of her mouth, asking softly, "Grandma, are you alright?"

He began to gently stroke Wu Yanshu's arm, his eyes fixed on the pitiful old woman in front of him, his lips pursed as he didn't know how to comfort her.

"It's alright, Grandma!"

Finally, Chen Jin reached out and stroked Wu Yanshu's bald head, which was covered in fine sweat. He looked at Wu Yanshu with the same gentle smile, repeatedly murmuring, "It's alright, Grandma, it's alright..."

Wu Yanshu opened her eyes, and her vision gradually became clear, but she groaned in pain.

This is the pain of terminal cancer.

"I want to die, I really want to die..."

Wu Yanshu tremblingly extended her finger, having returned to reality.

There were no parents or mom/dad. She had just dreamt of them while half-asleep, but she was actually awake. "..."

Chen Jin's maternal grandparents, who were watching this scene intently, also wiped their eyes.

The elderly couple came to watch their eldest grandson filming, but they never expected to witness such a tearful scene. Even Chen Jin's parents, who weren't particularly interested in acting, had tears welling up in their eyes.

No one can help but think about this time in their future.

Perhaps they also miss their grandparents, parents, and maternal grandparents.

Su Wanyu's tears flowed instantly.

"It's alright, Grandma!"

“I’m here, my mother is here, and your children are here…”

These words are merely a consolation.

For an elderly person, although their children are the only thing they can't bear to part with in this world, their parents are the one they rely on to bravely face death.

"I want to die, oh dear... my parents are here to pick me up!"

"I really want to die..."

Wu Yanshu stared at the dark ceiling with tears welling in his eyes; at this moment, he had completely merged with the character.

The camera focused on her expression, which seemed to indicate she was on her deathbed, giving her a close-up shot.

There were smiles, relief, nonchalance, reluctance, hope, and... fear.

He was filled with mixed emotions, but he had no choice but to face his impending death.

At that moment, she may have actually seen her "parents and relatives," but her mind was certainly filled with their images.

"Ok!"

"Filming wrapped!"

Wen Muye wiped his eyes and spoke loudly.

But neither of them moved while filming on set. Chen Jin gently stroked Wu Yanshu's arm and forehead, humming a lullaby softly, creating a very sacred atmosphere.

"and many more--"

Wen Muye gestured directly to the photographer, indicating that although filming had wrapped up, the shoot would continue.

This impromptu interaction was brilliant.

Wu Yanshu smiled slightly, and tears suddenly slid down her cheeks, but she was smiling all the time, and her eyes seemed to be filled with light and hope... her parents and relatives had really come!
No one spoke. Wen Muye was holding his breath, and Chen Jin and Wu Yanshu remained focused on their roles. The camera was kept pointed at the grandmother and granddaughter.

Chen Jin's maternal grandparents, who were watching from the side, also picked up tissues and wiped their eyes.

Chen Xianqi turned his back and took a deep breath, drawing in the cold air.

Su Wanyu had already cried her eyes out.

The scene lasted for a very long time, until Wu Yanshu actually fell asleep in the end.

A smile tugged at the corners of Chen Jin's lips as she looked affectionately at the old woman in front of her, as if she were overlapping with the simple grandmother not far away.

That look in his eyes, combined with that smile of intergenerational affection, is very captivating.

"Shh-"

Chen Jin slowly stepped back from the edge of the bed, gestured to Wen Muye and the others, and said softly, "Let Grandma sleep for a while!"

The crew members began to quietly pack up.

Chen Jin walked out of the film set and knelt down in front of his grandparents. His eyes were also red. He asked the two elders, "How was it, Grandpa and Grandma? Did I do a good job filming?"

"Yes, that's good, that's really good!"

Grandma stepped forward and hugged Chen Jin's head tightly, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.

Chen Jin's grandfather patted her on the shoulder and asked, "Jin Jin, is this a movie?"

"Yes, the movie. I'll take you to the cinema to see it!"

"well!"

Grandpa nodded, tears welling up in his eyes.

"This movie is very meaningful!"

Su Wanyu, her eyes red, ruffled Chen Jin's hair and smiled through her tears; Chen Xianqi, standing beside her, nodded in agreement: "I think it's even better than that 'Major Events in Life'!"

They increasingly understood Chen Jin's dedication to being an actress.

The son who vowed to be an actor rather than a star is truly doing something meaningful.

"The Big Events of Life" is about death.

This film, like a prequel, tells the story of elderly people facing death and the loss of family ties.

"Dad, there's no such thing as a superior or inferior film!"

"This is a film that society truly needs!"

For example, there's "The Big Events of Life" and this one, "Grandma's Grandson".

Wu Yanshu slept for about half an hour before waking up. The tears in the corners of her eyes hadn't dried yet. She had really dreamed about her parents and husband during that sleep, and she really didn't want to wake up. So she lay there with her eyes open, unable to come back to her senses for a long time.

However, out of professional responsibility as an actress, she finally got up, tidied her makeup, and then ran to the monitor.

Chen Jin and Wen Muye had already watched that part several times.

All I can say is that when a veteran actress of the highest caliber plays a role that is so natural, the character transcends mere portrayal.

"Grandma, filming's wrapped up!"

Chen Jin stood up and smiled at Wu Yanshu, who shook her head: "It's nothing, let me take a look!"

She saw through some of Chen Jin's little tricks; this guy was deliberately blocking the surveillance cameras.

She was afraid that watching the performance she had just seen would trigger another shock.

"I'm not a pearl—"

"Ah, I can't say too much about that. Anyway, congratulations on wrapping up filming for our show!"

Chen Jin quickly changed the subject. Sometimes it's not good to make promises you can't keep, especially things like "I'm not the main character" or "I'm perfectly healthy." Ugh, the truth often comes true.

"Okay, okay, I'll... take a look, alright?"

With a smile, Wu Yanshu pleaded, and Chen Jin and Wen Muye finally gave up their seats.

This scene was indeed the best one in the entire film. Unsurprisingly, it moved the audience and allowed the judges to recognize such a superbly talented elderly actress!
Her performance even surpassed the character's intended role in the script.

Anyway, Chen Jin felt that the performance was much better than the original version's portrayal of the ordinary grandmother.

The original version of "Grandma" featured an 80-year-old woman who had never acted before; she played herself, with the director's guidance.

Wu Yanshu is different; she is a true actress.

Moreover, he has life experience and empathy, and his performance and true self are integrated into one character.

On the contrary, even those like Chen Jin who had experienced the system were somewhat outshone by the old lady's acting skills.

This is not to say that Chen Jin acted badly; on the contrary, he felt he performed better in this drama than in "Life's Big Events." However, unfortunately, the old lady he was acting opposite had a completely different performance.

This is an experiential capability that surpasses what the system provides; it is the greatest resonance of human emotions.

"Let's celebrate, Teacher Wu, Brother Jin!"

Congratulations on wrapping up filming!

Wen Muye smiled as he looked at the two of them. The crew had already prepared flowers and presented them to Wu Yanshu.

"Thank you!"

"No need, I want to walk alone!"

"Grandma, shall I stay with you?"

Chen Jin mimicked A Jin's tone of voice and helped Wu Yanshu up by the arm.

Wu Yanshu smiled at him and nodded: "Okay, then let's go one last time together with my grandson!"

(End of this chapter)