Video Editor

The thrilling scenes in Chongqing and Nanjing soon came to an end, and the crew of "Lurking" moved to the Tianjin Wei film set.

The scenes here focus more on the subtle changes in the characters' relationships and the undercurrents in their daily lives.

The first challenge will be faced by the new version of "Cuiping," played by Liu Linlin.

The new Cuiping abandons the slightly comedic exaggeration and wildness of the original, and focuses more on showing a real, simple, and even somewhat resigned rural woman's fear, resilience and slow growth in an unfamiliar environment.

For Liu Linlin, this means her performance needs to be more restrained and subtle.

This would also cause Cui Ping's character to lose many of her highlights, so it was necessary to add more action scenes for Su Ning, making this remake more in line with the setting of an idol spy drama.

However, in the early stages of filming, the biggest challenge did not come from the characters themselves, but from the strange "seniority" inertia between Liu Linlin and Su Ning.

The first scene between Yu Zecheng (played by Su Ning) and Cui Ping (played by Liu Linlin) is their first meeting at the accommodation arranged by Tianjin Railway Station, a scene of mutual testing and adjustment.

The scene was set up as the living room of a middle-class family during the Republic of China era, with a strange kind of warmth.

"Action!"

Yu Zecheng scrutinized his nominal "wife" with a look of scrutiny and consideration in his eyes.

Cuiping appeared uneasy, nervously twisting the hem of her clothes with her hands, her eyes darting around, and she timidly spoke in a heavy Hebei accent: "...Master?"

According to the script, Yu Zecheng should respond calmly and begin to establish rules.

However, when Liu Linlin looked at Su Ning, who was serious-looking, dressed in a suit, and trying hard to appear profound, the image that flashed through her mind was Jiang Weimin, the "nephew" in "Parents' Love" who was a bit timid, a bit stubborn, and a bit silly, and who had been taken care of by Jiang Dehua, played by Liu Linlin, since childhood.

The stark contrast made her burst out laughing, then she quickly covered her mouth, her shoulders still shaking.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry, Director!" Liu Linlin apologized hurriedly, her face flushed red. "I... I just couldn't help it when I saw your face, Director Su, and it reminded me of the way Jiang Weimin got hit on the head by An Jie..."

The staff were taken aback at first, then burst into good-natured laughter.

They also remembered that Su Ning and Liu Linlin had worked together in "Parents' Love" and that the two were "aunt and niece".

Indeed, the premise of "aunt and niece" becoming "husband and wife" is quite comical.

Su Ning was also a little amused by Liu Linlin's words, but he quickly controlled his expression, shook his head helplessly, and did not mean to blame her.

Then he walked over to Liu Linlin and guided her from the perspective of both director and co-star:
"Sister Lin, stop thinking about Jiang Weimin. Now I am Yu Zecheng, a complete stranger to you who you have to pretend to be your husband. You should feel scared, confused, and a little resentful of being manipulated by fate. The way you look at me shouldn't be affectionate, but rather scrutinizing, wary, and awkwardly trying to play this role well."

Liu Linlin took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down, and nodded: "I understand, Director Su. If we do it again, I will definitely hold back."

When she turned the camera back on, Liu Linlin tried her best to clear her mind and fully immerse herself in Cuiping's state of mind.

She portrayed the fear of a rural woman arriving in a big city for the first time, her nervousness in front of her "husband," and her inherent cautiousness and observation very well.

Su Ning, with her strong stage presence and precise performance, steadily took over the role, vividly portraying Yu Zecheng, a character who appears gentle and refined on the surface but is actually always on guard.

After a few exchanges, the subtle sense of marital intimacy between the two—a feeling of both unfamiliarity and forced intimacy, of mutual distrust and unavoidable reliance—finally emerged.

"Cut! This take is good!" Su Ning looked at the monitor and nodded in satisfaction. "Sister Lin, you got it right! This is the style I wanted: simple, but not silly; tense, but not pretentious."

At this moment, Liu Linlin breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, "Finally, I've found my rhythm. I was almost ruined by 'Jiang Weimin'."

……

In stark contrast to Cui Ping's unpretentious nature is Wan Qiu, played by Fan Lin.

When Fan Lin first appeared on set in her late autumn look, she attracted almost everyone's attention.

She wore a well-tailored, exquisite cheongsam with a fashionable wool cardigan over it. Her curly hair was stylish, her makeup was beautiful, and her eyes and brows revealed a spoiled, naive, and willful air.

She walked with her head slightly raised, her steps light and quick, as if she didn't care about anyone.

Her first scene was in the mansion of her uncle Mu Liancheng, a notorious traitor in Tianjin. She pestered him to buy her the latest handbag, speaking in a coquettish tone and acting naturally. She perfectly portrayed the image of a spoiled young lady who depended on the powerful and wealthy, lived a life of luxury, and was somewhat empty and bored.

Especially when she saw Yu Zecheng, a hint of novelty and undisguised interest flashed in her eyes. That aggressive and unrestrained scrutiny instantly brought Wanqiu, who was well protected and therefore acted somewhat wildly and capriciously, to her senses.

"Cut! Excellent!" The executive director couldn't help but praise, "Teacher Fan Lin, your portrayal of Wan Qiu is just right! It's that kind of domineering and innocent feeling of 'I think you're fun, so I have to get close to you'!"

Other actors watching nearby whispered among themselves: "Fan Lin has really changed her acting style! This role of Wanqiu is completely different from her previous roles, but she portrays it so vividly."

"Yes! She seems delicate and sweet, but not in a way that's annoying. On the contrary, it feels like this is exactly how the character should be."

"What do you know? Teacher Fan is Director Su's official girlfriend."

"real or fake?"

"Of course it's true! Teacher Fan and Director Su were together when they were on the set of 'Under the Zhengyang Gate'."

Hearing everyone's affirmation, Fan Lin's face revealed a slightly smug smile typical of late autumn.

She did a lot of research for the role, studying the psychology and behavior patterns of women in that era, and trying to capture the fragile yet willful qualities that arose in that specific environment.

She deliberately revealed her relationship with Su Ning to tell everyone that she was Su Ning's real girlfriend.

Watching Fan Lin's performance on the monitor, Su Ning whispered to Chen Xiaojun, "Fan Lin is perfect for the role of Wanqiu! I feel that the character of Wanqiu is likely to become another highlight of this drama."

"Excellent! Su Ning, you have a very good eye."

"Haha, trust me, you won't go wrong."

The scenes in Tianjin progressed steadily amidst laughter and tears, challenges and surprises during filming.

The contrast between Cui Ping's simplicity and resilience and Wan Qiu's spoiled and willful nature in the new version adds more complex and realistic variables to Yu Zecheng's life as an undercover agent in Tianjin.

The entire crew is full of enthusiasm and looks forward to these meticulously crafted characters creating even more brilliant sparks on the screen.

……

The filming of the new version of "Lurking" has entered its later stages, and the plot is gradually getting better.

Although the story framework is still based on the original work, the details and exciting moments have been completely renewed, the pace is faster, the protagonist has more initiative, and the plot is more dramatic.

Inside Tianjin Railway Station, undercurrents never cease.

Ma Kui, the captain of the action team, was like a hunting dog with a keen sense of smell. He never gave up on investigating the "mole" within the team.

This time, his attention turned to Si Mao Hardware Store and the Qiu Ji Pharmacy associated with it.

However, he is facing Yu Zecheng (played by Su Ning), whose insight and action far surpass those of the original.

With his exceptional keenness and meticulous intelligence network, Yu Zecheng sensed the danger almost the instant Ma Kuigang began to suspect Si Mao Hardware Store.

An emergency meeting was held inside the residence, the atmosphere heavy.

“Cuiping, Ma Kui’s men have already set up a perimeter around Simao General Store, and Manager Qiu at the pharmacy has likely been exposed as well.” Yu Zecheng’s voice was calm and even, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle. “We must act immediately and rescue Manager Qiu before they make a move, and give Ma Kui a warning so that he will not dare to reach out again.”

The innocent but not naive Cuiping immediately objected: "Comrade Zecheng, this is too risky! To take action right under the nose of Tianjin Station, what if we're exposed..."

“It’s precisely because it’s their territory that they wouldn’t have thought of this,” Yu Zecheng interrupted, his tone carrying an undeniable determination. “Ma Kui is arrogant and conceited; he would never have expected that someone would dare to retaliate in this way within his sphere of influence.”

"But……"

“Cuiping, trust me! I can solve this big problem.”

"Alright! Better safe than sorry! Anyway, there's not much I can do to help you."

"Actually... all you need to do every day is play mahjong, brew coffee, and be a good wife."

"Yes, I will definitely study hard."

Night falls on a quiet street in Tianjin.

Ma Kui's team disguised themselves as vendors and passersby and subtly surrounded the pharmacy.

Just as they were preparing to close the net...

"boom!"

A crisp and abrupt gunshot pierced the night sky!
The bullet wasn't aimed at anyone, but rather it precisely pierced the ground less than half a meter in front of the deputy captain of the action team. The flying debris terrified him, and he retreated repeatedly.

"Sniper! There's a sniper!" The agents were thrown into chaos, scrambling for cover.

Immediately afterwards, two more shots rang out, blasting out the tires of the two vehicles belonging to the action team parked on the street corner, completely blocking their pursuit route.

In the distance, at the top-floor window of an abandoned building, Yu Zecheng calmly put away his well-assembled sniper rifle, his eyes behind the lens devoid of warmth.

He didn't intend to kill, but rather to intimidate and warn. He wanted Ma Kui to know that his every move was under the watchful eye of "Mount Emei," and that any rash action would come at a price.

Taking advantage of the chaos, the underground party comrades quickly came to the rescue and safely transferred the unharmed shopkeeper Qiu through the back door of the pharmacy.

When Ma Kui arrived at the scene in a fit of rage, seeing the mess and his men's terrified state, and then seeing the bullet that was precisely embedded in the ground, seemingly carrying a silent mockery, his face turned ashen, filled with shock and anger.

For the first time, he truly felt that the hidden opponent was not only cunning, but also possessed great initiative and courage.

This shot not only saved a life, but also planted a deep thorn in the hearts of Ma Kui and the Kuomintang forces he represented.

Unwilling to accept defeat, Ma Kui, like a wounded and trapped beast, frantically searched for his opponent's whereabouts.

However, through the clever cooperation and covert guidance of Yu Zecheng, Cui Ping, and Zuo Lan, a large amount of "evidence" was carefully designed, gradually leading the suspicion of "Emei Peak" to Ma Kui himself.

When Ma Kui discovered that he had become the prime suspect and faced internal investigation and suspicion from his colleagues, he nearly collapsed.

Driven by extreme resentment and anger, he finally focused his suspicions on Zuo Lan, whose identity was crucial.

Believing that all of this was designed by Zuo Lan, they even went so far as to force Zuo Lan to explain to Tianjin Station.

So he decided to take a risky gamble, kidnap Zuo Lan, and force her to confess, making a final stand.

After successfully escaping by jumping off the train, Ma Kui followed Zuo Lan to a deserted alleyway and, taking him by surprise, suddenly appeared and held a pistol to Zuo Lan's head.

However, he seriously underestimated the young Yue opera actor in front of him.

Zuo Lan (played by Chen Xiaojun) may seem delicate, but she has practiced Yue Opera male roles since childhood, and her posture and waist and leg skills far surpass those of ordinary women.

In the instant she was attacked, she remained calm and reacted instinctively.

With a sudden burst of strength from her waist, she executed a clean and swift somersault, not only breaking free from Ma Kui's grip but also using the momentum of the rotation to whip out her right leg like a whip, her toe striking Ma Kui precisely in the temple!

This kick contained years of skill and explosive power for survival; it was both fast and ruthless!
Ma Kui had no time to react. He felt everything go black before his eyes, and without uttering a sound, he fell heavily to the ground and died on the spot.

Zuo Lan steadied herself, her breathing slightly disordered. Looking at Ma Kui, who was already dead on the ground, her eyes were filled with complex emotions, including lingering fear and a sense of resolute determination after eliminating a threat.

She quickly calmed down, cleaned up any traces she might have left behind, and disappeared quietly into the depths of the alley as if she had never been there.

Subsequently, the forensic doctor from the Military Intelligence Bureau conducted an autopsy on Ma Kui and concluded that the deceased died from a severe blow to the temple. Judging from the bone damage and the force of the blow, the perpetrator was a well-trained and strong adult male.

This conclusion completely cleared Zuo Lan of suspicion and made Ma Kui's death another unsolved mystery, ultimately attributed to "Emei Peak" or his accomplices' assassination attempt.

When the news reached him, Yu Zecheng let out a long sigh of relief in a secluded spot, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips, a smile that was a mixture of relief and pride.

He knew that the dashing young man on stage also possessed the power to protect himself and defend his beliefs offstage.

The plot of the new version of "Lurking" reaches a crucial turning point here.

Unlike the original character, Zuo Lan did not sacrifice herself. She used her wisdom and abilities to turn danger into safety and continue fighting on the covert front.

This change not only makes Zuo Lan's character more well-rounded and powerful, but also makes it possible for the relationship between Yu Zecheng and Zuo Lan to have a more fulfilling ending, satisfying the audience's expectation that beautiful things can continue. It has become one of the most significant and commendable highlights that distinguishes this version from the original.

The crew on set cheered for Chen Xiaojun's clean and efficient movements and the clever plot twists during the filming of this scene.

……

Time flies, and the filming of the new version of "Lurking" has entered its final sprint stage.

Compared to the original 30 episodes, thanks to the meticulous work of Suning and the writing team, the script has added many new storylines and character arcs, making the story more complete and the pacing more balanced, expanding the total to 48 episodes.

These new additions are not filler; rather, they delve deeper into Yu Zecheng's strategies, Cui Ping's growth, and the power struggles among various factions within Tianjin Station, even foreshadowing a possible second season—truly ambitious.

However, as the plot reached its climax, an unexpected "challenge" appeared...

The subtle transformation and ambiguous emotional scenes between Yu Zecheng and Cui Ping in the later stages.

Liu Linlin, who plays Cuiping, has undeniable acting skills. She perfectly portrays Cuiping's fear, simplicity, and cautious way of living in the early stages.

But later on, as this simple rural woman gradually developed a dependence on, trust in, and even a vague affection for Yu Zecheng, her "fake husband," that she herself was unaware of, Liu Linlin found herself unable to find that ambiguous and passionate feeling.

On set, whenever she was required to express that complex look in her eyes—a look that was both shy and tentative yet forcedly suppressed—her performance always seemed somewhat detached and unnatural.

After several takes, Liu Linlin herself became somewhat frustrated.

"I'm sorry, Director Su," Liu Linlin said apologetically to Su Ning after filming a late-night scene. "I know that Cuiping should have a different feeling for Yu Zecheng at this time, not just a simple comrade or a fake couple, but... I just can't get it. Maybe I'm too far removed from that kind of emotion myself."

At this point, Liu Linlin had removed the deliberately "rustic" makeup from the play, revealing her own delicate and gentle face.

She is not unattractive; it's just that her portrayal of Jiang Dehua in "Parents' Love" is so deeply ingrained in people's minds that it makes them overlook the fact that she is actually a beautiful woman with a wild and untamed charm.

Su Ning looked at Liu Linlin, who seemed a little anxious, but did not blame her.

He understands that this subtle emotional shift truly requires the actor to genuinely believe and feel it.

He pondered for a moment, and then an idea came to him.

A few days later, the production team happened to have two days to adjust their schedule.

Suning didn't notify too many people. He only took Liu Linlin, Chen Xiaojun, and Fan Lin with him. They drove an imported luxury RV and left the tense and noisy film set, heading straight to a nearby seaside city known for its leisurely atmosphere.

There happened to be a small beach music festival being held there.

The azure sea, the soft sand, the warm, salty sea breeze, and the languid music and aroma of barbecue filling the air...

All of this contrasts sharply with the oppressive and tense atmosphere of the Republican era on the set of "Lurking".

At first, Liu Linlin was a little reserved, but soon, the feeling of her bare feet on the sand, the free music in her ears, and the sizzling grilled squid that Suning handed her completely relaxed her.

They were like ordinary friends, listening to music, drinking iced beverages, chatting about trivial matters unrelated to the play, and watching the sunset turn the sea golden.

“Sometimes, stepping outside of that environment can help you understand many things more clearly.” Su Ning said casually, looking at the frolicking crowd in the distance. “Cui Ping’s feelings for Yu Zecheng aren’t actually that complicated. In the daily anxiety, he was the only person she could rely on; in the countless days of pretending to be husband and wife, that warmth and care would subtly develop. There’s no need to deliberately ‘act’ out love; you just need to find that instinctive attraction and cherishing of even a little bit of light and warmth in dire straits.”

The sea breeze ruffled Liu Linlin's long hair as she listened quietly, a knot in her heart seemingly loosening itself.

In this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, she no longer focused on "performing" but truly felt the dependence and warmth that naturally arises between people in special circumstances.

That night, they sat by the RV, looking at the starry sky, and talked for a long time about their roles, about life, and about the indescribable, ambiguous feelings that arose in a specific environment.

Liu Linlin's heart slowly opened up amidst the sea breeze, music, and sincere conversation.

Two days later, when they returned to the set and were filming the love scenes between Yu Zecheng and Cui Ping again, a miracle happened.

In the scene, when Yu Zecheng puts a coat on Cuiping, who is asleep at her desk, late at night, Cuiping (played by Liu Linlin) wakes up groggily. When she sees him, her eyes are no longer filled with pure gratitude or nervousness, but with a hint of softness and dependence that is not easily noticed. She subconsciously tugs at the corner of her coat, and a fleeting, reassuring smile appears on her lips.

"Cut! Perfect!" Suning couldn't help but exclaim from behind the monitor, "Sister Lin, that's the feeling! Natural, subtle, just right!"

Liu Linlin smiled too, a smile of relief and joy that came from sudden enlightenment.

In the subsequent emotional scenes, she acted more and more smoothly and naturally, perfectly portraying the restrained yet sincere emotions deep within Cuiping's heart.

Finally, amidst laughter and cheers, the filming of the new version of "Lurking" officially wrapped up after several months of production!
……

The atmosphere at the wrap party was extremely lively.

All the main creators gathered together, relieved of the fatigue of the past few months, raising their glasses in celebration, filled with emotion.

From initial skepticism to the various challenges and breakthroughs during filming, and now to the successful conclusion, everyone is filled with a sense of accomplishment.

Suning and Chen Xiaojun, as the core players, were naturally the focus of the entire event.

They raised their glasses to thank every staff member for their hard work.

"Thank you all for your hard work these past few months!" Su Ning's voice was slightly hoarse, but full of strength. "Together, we created a unique 'Lurking,' a culmination of everyone's hard work and wisdom. I believe that when it is presented to the audience, it will definitely bring a different kind of shock and emotion!"

Cheers to our "Lurking"!

"Cheers to Director Su! Cheers to Producer Chen!"

"Looking forward to the broadcast! May the ratings soar!"

The clinking of glasses filled the air with boundless anticipation for the future.

Everyone firmly believes that this new work, which is the culmination of painstaking efforts, breaks with convention, and combines the depth of espionage with contemporary aesthetics, will surely set off a new wave of viewing frenzy once it is broadcast on satellite TV.

This period of shared struggle will become an unforgettable and precious memory for each of them.

...(End of chapter)