The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 165 Eating Tangyuan (34)

Powerless!

A deep sense of powerlessness enveloped Lu Chuan!

If you don't get sunlight, you'll become increasingly gloomy.

Lu Chuan watched as Shen Shandeng simply sat there every day, occasionally whispering a few words to his team members.

The entire crew seemed to have a backbone, and even the air felt more comfortable.

Frustration and resentment grew wildly like weeds.

Seeing the production crew getting back on track, Lu Chuan felt confident that she was back to her old self.

During a break in filming, Lu Chuan brought back his old crew who had been with him since "Kekexili": cinematographer Cao Yu and executive director and actress Zhao Yisui.

He pulled the two of them to a secluded spot and lowered his voice.

"Old Cao, Yi Sui, things are going smoothly for the production crew now, but the direction is off!"

“When Shen Shandeng talked to me, he clearly stated that he wanted to merge the actors’ scenes and cut their roles! Think about it, there are so many actors in the crew, how long did it take to adjust their schedules, how much effort did they put in? If they are just arbitrarily cut and changed like this, how can we do this to them?”

Lu Chuan tried to make her voice sound righteous.

“We can’t just stand by and watch him drastically alter our play! Go find the actors you know and whisper in private that Shen Shandeng is going to make changes! We need to prepare everyone and protect our own creative work!”

Cao Yu and Zhao Yisui looked at each other, both showing signs of difficulty.

Cao Yu rubbed his hands together and said in a tactful tone, "Director Lu, this is not appropriate, is it? The crew has finally gotten back on track and everyone is full of energy. I heard that Director Shen is still coordinating to give the whole crew a proper raise to appease everyone."

"Isn't spreading such baseless rumors at this time just creating chaos?"

Zhao Yisui quickly nodded and said, "Yes, Director Lu, since Director Shen came, our filming schedule has become much clearer. We can finish work on time every day, and the meals are hot."

"The actors have just calmed down, and this news might not be good for anyone."

"What are you afraid of?" Lu Chuan interrupted them with a dark expression.

"I'm the director! This film belongs to Lu! Do as I say!"

The two dared not contradict each other and meekly agreed, but inwardly they were filled with resentment.

Once outside, Cao Yu stamped his foot and said to Zhao Yisui in a low voice, "This won't do! Qin Lan has to know that we can't let Director Lu act so recklessly!"

The news quickly reached Qin Lan's ears.

Qin Lan was removing her makeup in front of the mirror when she heard her assistant whispering something, and she stopped in her tracks.

Looking at her tired face in the mirror, the last vestiges of hope she had for Lu Chuan finally sank completely.

All that remains is endless bitterness and disappointment.

Qin Lan took a deep breath and made a difficult decision.

Composing himself, he got up and walked towards Shen Shandeng's temporary office.

Knock on the door and go in. Shen Shandeng was talking quietly with his team.

Seeing that she seemed to have something to do when she came in, Shen Shandeng told the others to discuss first, and then followed Qin Lan to the stairwell.

In the stairwell.

The two looked at each other, Qin Lan filled with apology.

Qin Lan apologized repeatedly, saying, "I'm sorry, I've caused Director Shen trouble again. Lu Chuan is a bit stubborn, I'll try my best to persuade him."

Hearing Lu Chuan's little gesture, Shen Shandeng generously said, "Sister Lan, you're too kind. It's normal to have differences in creative work; communication is key."

"I heard that the food in the crew has improved recently, and everyone's morale is high. I was thinking of discussing with Director Tan about giving everyone a little more filming allowance, so that it wouldn't be in vain that everyone works so hard."

These words made Qin Lan feel even worse.

Shen Shandeng was trying to stabilize the team and boost morale, while Lu Chuan was thinking about how to undermine the team through internal strife.

Qin Lan forced a smile, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice, and said, "I'm sorry to have troubled you. Once filming wraps up, I'll definitely dance for you a couple of times to make up for it."

"Don't be so polite," Shen Shandeng said, declining.

After Shen Shandeng's group left, Gao Yuanyuan arrived.

Gao Yuanyuan still looked as innocent and harmless as ever. She knocked on the door, holding a script in her hand.

"Director Shen, did I disturb you? I just heard some rumors and I'm feeling uneasy, so I thought I should come and let you know,"

Gao Yuanyuan softly recounted the rumors she had heard about the "cutting of actors," her eyes clear and filled with concern.

Shen Shandeng looked at her and understood that this was what people wanted.

"Thank you for reminding me, Sister Yuanyuan. I understand now."

Gao Yuanyuan breathed a slight sigh of relief, and seeing that Shen Shandeng did not make any move, she left with some disappointment.

How upright!
After finishing work.

Shen Shandeng directly asked his assistant to book a nice hot pot restaurant.

He invited several main actors, including Fan Wei, Liu Ye, Qin Lan, and Gao Yuanyuan, to a small gathering, and also invited Lu Chuan.

The steaming copper pot was set up, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.

Lu Chuan was late, but it seemed like nobody cared.

Shen Shandeng naturally raised his glass.

“Recently, there have been some rumors in the crew that my arrival will result in the reduction of my scenes and roles. Today, I would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone that the roles of every Chinese actor are crucial and indispensable witnesses to this history.”

"The screen time will not be reduced by a single point; it will only be made more solid and powerful in accordance with the narrative rhythm."

The people at the table visibly breathed a sigh of relief; it hadn't been easy for them to persevere this far.

At that moment, the door to the private room was pushed open.

Lu Chuan arrived late, and upon hearing Shen Shandeng's words, he couldn't help but sneer, "Director Shen, that's a nice way to put it. But you didn't say that to me back then!"

"You clearly proposed merging the functions of multiple characters to balance the Japanese perspective, so what? You're denying it in front of everyone?"

The table fell silent instantly. Seeing Lu Chuan's expression, Qin Lan's gaze grew even more disappointed.

Shen Shandeng put down his wine glass and looked at Lu Chuan, saying, "Director Lu, that plan was tailor-made for your chaotic script and out-of-control filming situation."

"This is a compromise solution to match your capabilities."

"You!" Lu Chuan's face instantly turned bright red, burning with pain.

Shen Shandeng practically told Lu Chuan that he was incompetent. Lu Chuan stood frozen in place, unable to move forward or backward, wishing she could disappear into a crack in the ground.

Sitting diagonally opposite Shen Shandeng, Gao Yuanyuan witnessed firsthand his effortless confidence and powerful control, which gently touched a chord deep within her.

Seeing Lu Chuan's embarrassed expression made me want to laugh, which dispelled my depression.

The dinner party ended, and night had fallen.

Gao Yuanyuan didn't go back to her room. Instead, she took the script and knocked on Shen Shandeng's door.

Lu Chuan, returning to her room, saw this scene at the bottom of the stairs and gritted her teeth in anger.

But there's nothing I can say, so I can only pretend I don't see it.

Gao Yuanyuan said apologetically, "Director Shen, I'm sorry to bother you so late."

The two chatted about Lu Chuan's embarrassing behavior and laughed heartily.

Gao Yuanyuan said pitifully, "Actually, there's something else, but I don't know if I should say it."

"Director Lu has approached me privately a few times before, saying things that are not related to the script. I'm a little scared and don't know how to handle it."

Gao Yuanyuan raised her eyes, her gaze moist, like a frightened fawn, making one want to protect her.

"Director Shen, you know, in this industry, we girls are sometimes really passive. Fortunately, you're on set now, and I feel much more at ease."

Upon hearing this, Shen Shandeng became furious.

That bastard Lu Chuan, can't he put his mind to the movie?
"He has a girlfriend, how could he do something like this? It's outrageous!"

Gao Yuanyuan seemed to have found a support, took a step closer, looked up at him, and said with a breath as sweet as orchids, "Director Shen, you and Director Lu are really different. You are the real man, responsible and strong."

Shen Shandeng looked at her face, so close yet so alluring, and his breathing became slightly heavy.

He's not a saint, but the crew's misconduct makes it easy for others to use it against him.

Shen Shandeng took a small step back and said in a restrained tone, "Sister Yuanyuan, I also have a girlfriend. It's late, you should go back and rest. We can talk about the filming tomorrow on set. I'll remind Director Lu to be careful."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Gao Yuanyuan's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a deeper ripple.

Instead of leaving, she chuckled softly and said in a charming voice, "Director Shen, don't misunderstand. I just felt a bit greasy after having hot pot for dinner and wanted something light."

"I brought some glutinous rice flour and white lotus seed paste. It's not convenient to make them in my own room, so I'd like to borrow your big room to make some glutinous rice balls for a late-night snack? Would you like to try some?"

The excuse was clumsy yet direct, carrying an unspoken invitation.

Shen Shandeng looked at her without saying a word.

Gao Yuanyuan seemed to have received tacit approval and walked into the washroom on her own.

Shen Shandeng paused for a moment, then followed him inside.

In the cramped space, the air felt thick and sticky.

Gao Yuanyuan took out glutinous rice flour, poured it into a small bowl, and dug a hole in the middle.

Shen Shandeng stood behind her, reached out and picked up the kettle, slowly pouring hot water into the powder pit.

The sound of flowing water and rising steam blurred their expressions.

"Stir the water as you pour it in."

Gao Yuanyuan's voice trembled slightly as she picked up her chopsticks.

Shen Shandeng didn't dodge; he slowly stirred with chopsticks.

As the powder gradually condensed and cooled slightly, the two of them almost simultaneously reached into the basin and kneaded the soft, white dough.

Fingertips intertwine, the warmth transmitted through the glutinous rice flour, making one's heart itch.

Cover with translucent plastic wrap and let it rise for about ten minutes.

No one spoke; only the sound of breathing could be clearly heard.

The rested dough is taken out, rolled into a long strip, and cut into small pieces.

Gao Yuanyuan picked up a piece of dough, kneaded it into a small bowl shape in her palm, moistened her fingertips with water, and moved it as gently as if caressing someone.

Shen Shandeng stood to her side and behind, watching her slender fingers move, and slowly followed suit.

"The filling must be wrapped evenly, otherwise it will leak when cooking."

As Gao Yuanyuan spoke softly, she scooped up a spoonful of white lotus seed paste and placed it into the small bowl of dough. Then she carefully closed the opening and gently rolled it into a ball in her palm.

A plump, white glutinous rice ball is ready.

Shen Shandeng also tried to wrap one, but his movements were a little clumsy.

Take out the hotel kettle, fill it with water, and turn it on.

The temperature is getting higher and higher.

Finally, the glutinous rice balls were put into the pot, bobbing up and down in the boiling water.

They stood side by side on the windowsill, watching the steam rise.

"It seems like it's been cooking for a bit too long," Gao Yuanyuan reminded her.

Shen Shandeng looked down and saw that the glutinous rice balls in the pot had indeed cracked open, and the white lotus seed paste filling slowly flowed out, leaving traces of cloudy soup.

Gao Yuanyuan raised her head, her eyes glazed over, her cheeks flushed from the heat, and her lips glistening with moisture.

Shen Shandeng looked at her, then at the molten glutinous rice ball.

Suddenly realizing, I'd been tricked.

(End of this chapter)