Chapter 281 Substitute
The producer and director changed clothes in different places, but eventually met at the entrance.

"Yuanyuan really went all out; she's got several bruises now. This slut is itching for a beating again," Zhang Min complained.

Although the prop sword wasn't a real sword, it was still uncomfortable to have it slashing and poking at your chest, even with a layer of clothing in between.

Moreover, there were some areas without clothing, so it was quite painful.

"I'll avenge you tonight," Liu Jing promised.

"You stay with Tian Tian tonight, don't come here. You haven't been feeling well these past few days." Zhang Min rolled her eyes. You're not helping me get revenge, you're just having your own fun.

This kid is getting more and more creative; role-playing isn't enough, he wants to try other tricks too.

"Where do you feel unwell? Are you on your period?" Liu Jing asked anxiously.

"I haven't worked like this for a long time, and I can't take it anymore. Now that this film is finished, I need to rest properly. Don't ask me to film anymore, and my mom won't come even if you ask." Zhang Min rubbed her lower back; if it weren't for someone giving her a massage at night, she would have collapsed long ago.

The role of Zhao Min didn't hold any special meaning for her. Once filming was over, it was over; there was nothing to reminisce about or feel sentimental about.

After so many years in the industry, she doesn't have many pleasant memories.

If it weren't for Liu Jing, for his first film, she would never have endured this suffering.

"Thank you, sister." Liu Jing said solemnly.

"Alright! Just kidding. After this scene is finished, I can rest for a while. Zhao Min won't have much to do in the next few scenes." Zhang Min smiled indulgently. The fact that the child understood her good intentions meant that her efforts hadn't been in vain.

"Your period hasn't come yet? You're not pregnant, are you?" Liu Jing held Zhang Min's wrist and took her pulse again.

"It snowed a few days ago, and it's been raining these past two days. Coming in the snow and going out in the rain. The weather is so unpredictable, and so is my routine. I guess it scared it away." Zhang Min didn't pay much attention; this wasn't the first time she'd taken its pulse, and the result was always the same.

The snow and rain are fake, but the cold is real.

"There are mannequins over there. Have Yuanyuan throw them into the sea tomorrow. You don't need to go in yourself." Liu Jing let go, and the result was indeed the same; nothing was found.

Liu Jing arranged for Zhang Min to have a stunt double, as there were many action scenes today, and he was worried that Zhang Min wouldn't be able to handle it.

There were scenes of being caught in the rain, falling into the water, and having clothes torn, so he specifically found a body double.

These scenes are normal for actors, but Min Zong is not an actor and cannot be viewed as an ordinary person.

No matter how spoiled she is, no one will say anything.

Her body double was none other than her assistant, Zhang Jiao, who had been actively preparing for this.

But Zhang Min refused. Even though she was now CEO Min, she couldn't fool the audience.

Once you step onto the stage or stand in front of the camera, you must be an honest and dutiful actor.

“If this were the real ocean, I definitely wouldn’t go down. Don’t worry about me, just focus on your filming. If you really care about me, give me a massage when you have time.” Zhang Min shook her head and refused.

What else could Liu Jing say? Once President Min made up her mind, it was really hard to persuade her otherwise.

Jing Tian ran over happily. This period of time had been very interesting, joyful, fulfilling, and meaningful for her.

When there's a role, I act in it; when there's no role, I watch others act, lend a hand, and take notes.

She's like a ray of sunshine; everyone on set likes her and enjoys talking to her.

This was during the day; the nights were even more fulfilling, with Jing Ge and her having deeper conversations.

She didn't move into Jing Ge's room; out of consideration for Sister Qianqian, she knew very well to avoid suspicion.

Jing would run around three times a night: first to the rooftop, then to her room, and then back to his own room to sleep.

Jing Tian knew perfectly well what they were going to do on the rooftop, but she didn't say a word.

They're a couple in private, but like brother and sister outside. She strikes a perfect balance in this dynamic.

Liu Jing often lamented, "If only I had a dozen more sisters like this!"

"Brother Jing, I've learned it! From now on, I'll be your personal prop master." Jing Tian looked at me with a face full of praise.

"Great job!" Liu Jing's praise was perfunctory. If you're going to be the prop master, I'd rather not join the crew.

When filming "Huanxi Sha" back then, Jing Tian gave a real sword to Xixi, and she still has a lingering trauma from it.

Therefore, before starting filming, he was repeatedly instructed that Jing Tian was not allowed to approach flammable, explosive, or dangerous materials, and that he was not allowed to touch any weapons with sharp edges, blades, or teeth.

"Sweetie, this is the only clean outfit I have left. Whether I wear wet clothes for the shoot or go back to rest early, it's all up to you," Zhang Min joked.

"Weren't there six sets of this outfit made?" Jing Tian asked in surprise. "You've only changed into two, there are still three sets left."

"Cough cough..." Liu Jing coughed twice.

"Ahem, well, let's start filming." Jing Tian coughed, then suddenly remembered that she had borrowed a set of clothes, which her brother Jing had torn to shreds.

But that doesn't make sense, shouldn't there be two more sets?

Oh, I understand.

Jing Tian glanced at Jing Ge with disdain. Ha, men, they really do turn bad when given the chance.

Jing doesn't care. There are plenty of people who look down on me; you'll have to wait in line.

Zhao Min's costumes were the most sought-after, but one set was ruined by Jing Tian, ​​another by Zhang Min, and yet another by Xi Xi.

Liu Jing would not tell anyone where the three sets of clothes went.

“Action…”

Heavy rain made the ground muddy.

Zhou Zhiruo stepped on Zhao Min's stomach, the Heaven-Slaying Sword pointed at her chest, "Hahahaha, Zhao Min, you've finally met your match."

Jing Tian shuddered, shaking the showerhead in her hand. The laughter was so eerie that it gave her goosebumps.

Liu Jing was very satisfied; this crazy behavior lived up to his earlier threat.

Just before filming started, he called Gao Yuanyuan aside and said, "If you still can't find the feeling of turning evil, I'll have Sister Min turn evil."

Gao Yuanyuan bit her lip. What if she makes things difficult for me afterward if I portray a character who turns evil too thoroughly in the drama?
Liu Jing comforted her, saying, "If she dares to make things difficult for you because of this, I'll make her suffer in front of you."

Chen Zihan, watching from the side, was very puzzled. "I didn't teach you that," she said. "I taught you how to use micro-expressions, eye contact, and makeup to portray a character's transformation into a villain."

Your expression is so exaggerated, it looks like you're crazy.

In the arena, Zhao Min looked disdainful and said, "Today I, Zhao Min, am in your hands. Do with me as you please."

"Kill you? Hehehe, killing you is too easy for you." Zhou Zhiruo sneered, her hair flowing with the rain, covering half of her face.

Zhao Min gave a soft snort and closed her eyes immediately, as if saying another word would be an insult to herself.

“Zhao Min, you didn’t have this expression when you humiliated me in Dadu.” Zhou Zhiruo slapped Zhao Min’s face with the Heaven-Slaying Sword in her hand.

Zhao Min frowned. This scene wasn't in the play; how dare she slap me in the face! You slut, you added this scene yourself; you just wait.

"What a beautiful face. If I threw you into a beggar's den, what do you think would happen?" Zhou Zhiruo looked down at Zhao Min, her voice soft and gentle, but her words were harsh and vicious.

The staff on set had all read the script for this scene, and this was the fifth take.

That's not how it was written in the script; clearly, the lead actress was improvising.

The director didn't call "cut," so everyone continued, doing what they were supposed to do—they were all professionals.

During filming, the actors improvised on the spot, sometimes with strokes of genius that were even more brilliant than what the screenwriter had written.

This happens all the time, so it's not surprising.

To match, Jing Tian even turned down the spray nozzle a bit, thinking that this would better accentuate the explosive power that followed.

"You slut, how dare you!" Zhao Min suddenly opened her eyes; at this moment, she was both Zhao Min and Zhang Min.

Gao Yuanyuan felt uneasy; even though she had made up her mind, she was still a little hesitant at this moment.

She hid her nervousness with a loud laugh, "Hahahaha, what wouldn't I dare to do? My master died because of you, and today I will avenge her."

Liu Jing breathed a sigh of relief. He almost called "cut," but Gao Yuanyuan finally delivered the line she was supposed to say.

"Avenge your master? Heh, Zhou Zhiruo, there have been plenty of opportunities for revenge, yet I've never seen you avenge Miejue. Although Miejue is stubborn and inflexible, she's still a good person. But you are as venomous as a snake, selfish, ambitious, and unworthy of being a disciple of Emei." Zhao Min said disdainfully.

“Not only will I be an Emei disciple, but I will also become the Emei Sect Leader, and I will become the supreme martial arts master. At that time, Brother Wuji will definitely marry me, and you will not be able to see anything.” Zhou Zhiruo smiled gently.

“Even if you kill me, Zhang Wuji will never like you. Someone like you…” Zhao Min said disdainfully.

"Shut up! Brother Wuji likes me, he likes me, how could he possibly like a vixen like you?" Zhou Zhiruo's expression was crazed, and without even using her longsword, she directly tore open Zhao Min's clothes.

She reached out and ripped off her bodice, then threw it aside.

Zhang Min smiled bitterly to herself. Luckily, the clothes were only partially covering her, otherwise she would have suffered terribly.

She was even more relieved that the innermost layer of her undergarment was wrapped very tightly, otherwise Gao Yuanyuan would have really stripped her naked.

She had concerns beforehand, so she installed triple defense.

"Zhou Zhiruo, you can deceive others, but you can't deceive yourself. Ask yourself honestly, has he ever liked you?" Zhao Min sneered, deliberately provoking Zhou Zhiruo to hurry up and make her move.

Zhao Min was worried about being tortured and humiliated, so she thought it would be better to kill her with a sword.

"Hahahaha, I'm going to destroy you, I'm going to destroy you, I'm going to destroy you..." Zhou Zhiruo was insane, and she slashed wildly at Zhao Min's abdomen with the Heaven-Slaying Sword, blood splattering everywhere.

These words pierced Zhou Zhiruo's heart and also struck Gao Yuanyuan's weak spot.

"Zhou Zhiruo, you will always be a loser." Zhao Min gritted her teeth, but didn't utter a sound of pain.

Zhang Min was secretly annoyed. That slut had used quite a bit of force, and her body was burning. "You just wait and see."

"Crack..." Liu Jing shouted. Now it was time to use technical means. They couldn't really insert the Heaven-Slaying Sword into Zhao Min's body.

Those present breathed a sigh of relief. Gao Yuanyuan, who was usually gentle, had given off a very uncomfortable feeling just now.

The machine had been idle for over ten seconds, and no one spoke, because Gao Yuanyuan hadn't said a word.

"Lighting, makeup, come help Sister Min with a few extra shots," Liu Jing instructed.

While everyone was busy on one side, Gao Yuanyuan stood to the side, looking lost and dejected.

Jing Tian suppressed her awkwardness and walked over. "Sister Yuanyuan, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Gao Yuanyuan woke up as if from a dream and exhaled a breath of stale air.

"You scared me to death! Your acting is really good." Jing Tian also breathed a sigh of relief. Yuan Yuan looked more comfortable in this state.

"Acting skills? You're the first person to praise my acting skills." Gao Yuanyuan smiled wryly. She hesitated for a moment, then asked Jing Tian, ​​"Sweetie, do you think Liu Jing likes me?"

"Sister, you're being too attached to appearances. What does it mean to like someone? What does it mean to dislike someone? These are subjective terms. If you think he likes you, then he does." Jing Tian smiled, then changed the subject, "Besides, I don't need to know if he likes me or not. It's enough that I like him."

"Why?" Gao Yuanyuan was stunned.

"How painful would it be for me to be with someone I don't like, someone who can toy with me at will? So, whether he likes me or not is not important. What's important is that I like him and I want to be with him." Jing Tian smiled, sunny and optimistic.

Liu Jing happened to walk over. They were doing Zhang Min's makeup and setting up the scene, and he took advantage of this time to come over and give Gao Yuanyuan some advice.

Gao Yuanyuan is an experiential actress. When filming, she often gets so immersed in the role that she can't get out of it, clearly she's become too immersed in the role again.

Sisi used to be primarily an experiential thinker, but now she's moving towards a methodological approach.

As for Jing Tian, ​​he is currently without any affiliation or sect, relying entirely on his quick wit.

Jing Tian's words reached Liu Jing's ears, and he was secretly pleased. She was indeed a good sister. He would reward her well tonight and make her life more fulfilling.

I wouldn't mind having two dozen more fiancées like that.

Liu Jing and Jing Tian spent their evenings together, and aside from their less-than-serious activities, they also had many serious matters to discuss.

He also had to act with Jing Tian, ​​and Liu Jing coached him very carefully for every shot, every line, and every expression.

Jing Tian's first film was "Anaconda," which wrapped up filming at the end of last year.

"The Sacred Flame of Yin and Yang" is her second film, but it will be her first to be released. Liu Jing has an ambition to let Jing Tian try her luck at winning the Best Newcomer award next year.

I'll pass on the mainland awards; I'm not a fan of commercial films. But I still have some hope for the Golden Horse and Hong Kong Film Awards.

Hong Kong and Taiwan aren't particularly fond of commercial films, but they're better than the three major awards in mainland China.

Because Liu Jing also had an ambition: he felt that the current Hong Kong Film Awards were too conservative, and he wanted to help reform them.

The Hong Kong Film Awards committee naturally wouldn't listen; they've already changed a lot by allowing mainland actors to participate in the competition in recent years.

Liu Jing felt that the changes were not enough and that further changes were needed.

With Jiahe around, he saw hope.

Therefore, Liu Jing secretly made up his mind that he must hone his acting skills to the fullest extent.

“He definitely likes me.” Gao Yuanyuan didn’t quite agree, but when she saw Liu Jing arrive, she gave him a bright smile.

The man was thinking of him, so he came.

Jing Tian didn't see Liu Jing and suddenly felt a sense of malice. She hugged her arms and shivered, "So cold..."

"Achoo...achoo..." Zhang Min felt even colder and sneezed several times in a row.

Gao Yuanyuan quickly went over and asked, "Sister, you haven't caught a cold, have you?"

"It should be. It's not summer anymore. Looks like I'm really getting old." Zhang Min's nose was stuffy.

"Sis, let's use a body double. I'll go call Zhang Jiao, we'll leave the reshoots to her, anyway, no face or nudity will be shown. She used to be a lighting double, she's experienced." Gao Yuanyuan said without further ado, heading straight to the other side.

"Yuanyuan, it's no need, it's no big deal," Zhang Min shouted, but Gao Yuanyuan didn't even turn her head.

"Since you know you're getting old, don't be stubborn." Liu Jing removed the broken sword from Zhang Min's body and covered him with his clothes.

"What are you doing?" Zhang Min was furious. How dare you say I'm old? Tonight I'll show you how capable I am.

Liu Jing helped her cover her collar, then carried her in a princess carry straight to the dressing room, saying, "You've finished filming."

"What do you mean? You want me to use a body double too?" Zhang Min was furious. There was no room for negotiation. With so many people watching, how could you just carry me away like this?

"Listen to me," Liu Jing said softly.

Zhang Min gave a soft snort and gave up struggling.

Okay, a stunt double it is. I'm getting sick, and I need to take care of the little guy. This is his first film as director, it's crucial, and I can't let him get distracted.

"You guys come with me. After she removes her makeup, take her to the hospital..."

“I’m not going,” Zhang Min interrupted. “If I catch a little cold, going to the hospital would just make me look old.”

"Go back to the hotel first and have them make you some ginger tea." Seeing her resolute expression, Liu Jing didn't press her further.

Liu Jing escorted Zhang Min to the dressing room, gave her a few more instructions, and then left.

When he came out, Gao Yuanyuan happened to bring Zhang Jiao over.

"Director, I'm ready." Zhang Jiao couldn't contain her joy; her thoughts were written all over her face.

Being the boss's stand-in this time was a huge leap forward.

When filming began last year for "Curse of the Golden Flower," she tried her best but could only play a stand-in role.

Light replacement is not the same as naked replacement; these are two different concepts.

Lighting doubles are stand-ins who stand in for the male and female leads during filming.

When filming wrapped up, Zhang Jiao was filled with despair, realizing how difficult it was to survive in the entertainment industry.

Without connections, climbing the ladder is harder than ascending to heaven.

Even if someone is attractive, they might not want to be taken advantage of, even if they offer themselves up.

She felt utterly hopeless; this industry was too dark, and she didn't want to stay in it anymore.

Unexpectedly, a resume he casually submitted caught Zhang Min's eye, and he became her secretary.

Having worked with CEO Min for less than a year, she suddenly realized that she seemed to be able to overtake him on a curve, and the thoughts that had died back then came back to life.

This time she was a stand-in for the boss, so when filming the TV series, the role of Zhao Min is practically guaranteed.

Jin Yong's martial arts novels have made countless actors famous, and Gao Yuanyuan, a leading actress, rose to fame because of "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber." If she can be famous, so can I, and with my excellent qualities, I'm sure I'll be even more famous than her in the future.

"Alright! Makeup, props, costumes, let's begin." Liu Jing urged. The following scenes were simple, with no lines at all.

He was worried about Zhang Min's health and wanted to finish filming as soon as possible so he could go back to the hotel and spend time with her.

"Director, I'm really ready." Zhang Jiao responded again, unzipping her down jacket and confidently showing off her work.

Her originally snow-white skin was now covered with bloody wounds and several horrifying blood holes.

A strip of cloth was tied around his chest, obscuring his last glimpse of the scenery.

These are all makeup looks, and not very professional ones at that.

Opportunity favors the prepared mind. Zhang Jiao has always believed in this saying, so she has been preparing at all times since joining the crew.

The original plan was for her, as Zhao Min's stunt double, to perform Zhao Min's action scenes and show her injuries today.

But General Manager Min firmly disagreed, saying that using a stunt double for such a scene would be a disgrace for veteran actors.

Zhang Jiao didn't lose heart. While filming on one side, she secretly prepared on the other. She was ready to step in whenever needed. Even if there was no need, she had accumulated some experience that would be helpful for filming the TV series version later.

"Bring Min-jie's clothes over and help her change quickly." Liu Jing wasn't surprised; back when they were filming in Hong Kong, there were actresses even more skilled than Zhang Jiao.

Actors back then were very hardworking and also very good at scheming.

The new generation of actors these days can't endure much hardship, but they're quite good at scheming and maneuvering.

What he didn't know was that actors who debuted a few years later couldn't endure any hardship.

It's true what they say, replacing burlap sacks with straw sacks; each generation is worse than the last.

The costume crew, holding their soaking wet clothes, waited nearby. Several people huddled together to provide some cover, while Zhang Jiao changed clothes directly in the back, completely disregarding the director's presence.

In the final scene, the man leaves work early, leaving only one male on set.

Liu Jing glanced at it, then turned away. "You don't treat me like a man, but I have to treat myself like one."

Gao Yuanyuan walked up to Liu Jing and whispered, "How is it? Nice figure, right? Curvy, beautiful face, wasp waist, straight shoulders, long legs, sexy and alluring. I've seen a lot of people's figures, and none of us can compare to hers."

"Victoria's Secret, Playboy, model shows, there are plenty of great figures." Liu Jing glared at Gao Yuanyuan, not noticing that Jing Tian was listening intently. Don't corrupt the child.

He actually agreed with Gao Yuanyuan's words.

His women all had some flaws, or even defects, in terms of their figures.

Sisi goes without saying; she has a whole host of flaws, but when put together, they become less noticeable.

Gao Yuanyuan's head is slightly large, her calf muscles are not smooth, and her waist-to-hip ratio is average.

Fan Xiaopang has a large frame, making him appear robust, with well-developed calf muscles, and is prone to edema.

As for Tang Yan, Yang Mi, Jing Tian, ​​and Shu Chang, their shortcomings are even more obvious.

"I used to think she was a salted fish, but now I realize she's a little shark," Gao Yuanyuan chuckled.

"Having ambition is a good thing," Liu Jing said dismissively.

Whether it's a salted fish turning over a new leaf or a carp leaping over the dragon gate, he holds a positive attitude towards people who are positive, hardworking, and strive for success.

Ambition is the driving force for progress and the source of advancement.

"It's a good thing," Gao Yuanyuan murmured.

"The 'Four Dan and Two Bing' actresses—each one of them is more ambitious than the last. Some say they have opportunities, some say they have connections, and some even say they're shameless. Think about those who debuted around the same time; some had even more opportunities, more connections, and were even more shameless. One setback could have knocked many down. These women, however, have persevered, all supported by their ambition." Liu Jing spoke earnestly, patting Gao Yuanyuan on the shoulder. "Yuanyuan, compared to them, you're no less than anyone else, except for a lack of ambition. Min-jie has been protecting you too much; it might not be a good thing."

"Then I'll go sleep with someone else too," Gao Yuanyuan pouted.

"Hehe..." Liu Jing's patting turned into oppression.

"Tch!" Gao Yuanyuan rolled her eyes.

“Sister Yuanyuan, it’s easy for Brother Jing to talk when he’s not in the situation. Don’t pay him any attention. Sometimes he’s like Sister Mi, he likes to spout motivational platitudes, but they’re not actually helpful at all,” Jing Tian couldn’t help but chime in.

Finally hearing Yang Mi's name, Liu Jing's obsessive-compulsive disorder was half cured.

He felt uncomfortable listening to these women mention Yang Mi in private.

If Yang Mi isn't mentioned, he'll feel even more awkward not hearing it.

"What kind of soup is nutritious?" Gao Yuanyuan asked with a smile.

"Sister, why do I feel like your smile is malicious?" Jing Tian asked suspiciously.

"Really?" Gao Yuanyuan was overjoyed; teasing Jing Tian was much more fun than teasing Yang Mi.

Liu Jing didn't hear Gao Yuanyuan's inner thoughts, otherwise her obsessive-compulsive disorder would have been cured.

The costume and makeup team worked together to get Zhang Jiao all done, finally making her look presentable for the shoot.

Liu Jing held up the camera and filmed a few more shots, then stood aside to watch the playback.

"Director, aren't living people more realistic than mannequins?" Zhang Jiao wrapped her clothes tighter and instead of going back to change, she walked towards Liu Jing.

"You want to continue being a stand-in?" Liu Jing asked without looking up.

When we were reshooting the scene, he could see the parts that the camera couldn't reach.

He had a complete view of everything, from top to bottom.

I have to say, this girl has a really good figure.

A year ago I had some baby fat, but now my figure is just right. Not fat, not thin, I'm curvy where I should be and slim where I should be.

"I want to," Zhang Jiao said resolutely.

"There is a certain risk in throwing you into the water," Liu Jing warned.

There is definitely no risk. Liu Jing's film crew always prioritizes safety.

The lake is not shallow; if you're not careful, you're bound to swallow a few mouthfuls of water.

The scene where Zhou Zhiruo throws Zhao Min into the sea will not be filmed today, but will be filmed tomorrow.

To emphasize Zhou Zhiruo's hatred, the scene was set up so that she was far away and the actress had to be suspended by wires.

“I’m not afraid,” Zhang Jiao replied.

"Okay! Go and prepare." Liu Jing agreed. Since you have ambition, I'll give you a chance, so that Jing Tian won't say I'm just spouting empty platitudes.

"Thank you," Zhang Jiao said happily.

"Brother, I want to find a substitute." Jing Tian, ​​who was watching the replay, couldn't help but say this as soon as Zhang Jiao left.

Liu Jing looked up blankly. "Did I get water in my ears? What kind of stand-in are you looking for?"

“I’ve found one,” Jing Tian continued.

"..." Liu Jing was even more confused; he couldn't understand it.

"What do you think of Fan Bingbing?" Jing Tian asked.

"No fever?" Liu Jing wasn't confused; instead, he reached out to feel Jing Tian's forehead.

(End of this chapter)

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