1979: The child's mother is a celestial being.

Chapter 121: The End of Filming and a Warning (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
……

"Go! Take me away now!" he urged the prison guard in a hoarse voice.

"Teacher Shi, don't go! You think... you think that if you take all the blame for me, Lingling and I will be happy in the future?"

"No, that would only make us...live in hell for the rest of our lives! I killed Zhang Weidong by accident, it was me, not you."

“Teacher Shi, I…I thank you for everything you’ve done for us…but this kindness…I, Chen Jing, cannot repay it! I can’t bear the burden of it! Please…don’t do it for me…”

She was sobbing uncontrollably. Turning to the surrounding police officers, she excitedly stretched out her hands as if pleading for handcuffs: "Officers, arrest me! Please arrest me! I killed the person! I should go to jail, it's my turn!"

Shi Hongzhe slowly turned around and looked at Chen Jing. At this moment, his mental defenses completely collapsed.

From sobbing, it turned into wailing...

"Crack!"

Just then, a voice from off-camera broke the atmosphere.

If a second shot appears on set at this moment, from a distance, it will be clear that this is a film crew shooting a scene!

This scene is the final scene of "The Devotion of Suspect X" and also the most emotionally charged moment in the entire film.

Chen Fusheng specially arranged it as the final scene because he valued that the actors had reached the peak of their emotions and understanding of the characters after nearly a month of working together.

Even so, this emotionally charged scene still endured seventeen takes.

However, since it was the last scene and there was still plenty of film left, Chen Fusheng luxuriously chose to shoot the entire scene on location without any rehearsals.

Or, to put it another way, the first 16 takes that couldn't be NG were just rehearsals.

"Congratulations."

Under the tense gaze of the entire crew, Chen Fusheng solemnly announced, "That take is a wrap!"

"Oh! I passed! I finally passed!"

"Good heavens, seventeen articles... that's really not easy!"

"Actually, when we got to the ninth take, didn't the director say we could save one take? That means that take was usable, just not good enough."

"Indeed, the last one is better..."

Seeing the discussion among the crew getting increasingly heated, Chen Fusheng clapped his hands to signal everyone to quiet down, and said with a tired smile:

"I know you're all anxious, but hold on, let me just say a few more words."

After filming wrapped, his tone was much more relaxed. He continued, "I'm not good at being sentimental... but I still have to say thank you, thank you to every friend. It's thanks to everyone's hard work and sweat that our film 'The Devotion of Suspect X' went from start to finish in just a month and a half. The process was tough, but the result was worth it!"

"Alright, enough of the chit-chat. The journey is long and the future is bright, so we'll have the chance to work together again next time! Finally, I wish everyone a happy wrap-up!" He even shouted out the last four words.

"Happy wrap-up!!" Everyone shouted in unison, their voices deafening.

Meanwhile, while the crew of "The Devotion of Suspect X" was basking in the joy of wrapping up filming... in faraway Berlin, Yu Yuxi, carrying her luggage, headed towards the international airport, about to embark on her journey home.

She was a student sent by China to study at the Goethe-Institut in Germany. After graduating last year, she returned to China and was assigned to work at China Film Group Corporation.

I came to Berlin for an exchange and learning trip, but I didn't expect to have such a pleasant surprise.

—She became an officially authorized Chinese film selector for the Berlin International Film Festival.

However, despite becoming a film selector, Yu Yuxi has a limited number of recommendation slots.

She can only bring a maximum of two films to the Berlin International Film Festival.

Moreover, one of them must be a film by Chen Fusheng, otherwise it will be invalid.

As a member of China Film Group, Yu Yuxi naturally knew who Chen Fusheng was. Although his rise had taken away some of the power of China Film Group, putting aside their positions, she actually admired him quite a bit.

She thought Chen Fusheng was famous in China, but she didn't expect him to be equally famous internationally. Even Moritz de Hader, the chairman of the organizing committee of the Berlin International Film Festival, was very fond of him and gave her an extra recommendation spot before she returned to China.

"I wonder what kind of movie Chen Fusheng is making this time? I hope his movie hasn't been snatched away by the Venice Film Festival in September."

……

No. 16, Siji Hutong, Beijing.

Fu Mingxian is returning to Hong Kong tomorrow, and today he came to say goodbye to Chen Qian, Sister Xiao Li, and Qianqian's grandmother.

"Auntie!" Chen Qian recognized Fu Mingxian at a glance, calling out in her childish voice and reaching out her little hands for a hug.

"Has Sisi gained weight again?"

Fu Mingxian smiled and took the soft little dumpling from Chen Fusheng's arms. It was noticeably heavier than the last time.

A bittersweet feeling of parting quietly crept into her heart. The next time she saw this little one who would sweetly call her "Little Auntie," she was afraid she really wouldn't be able to carry her anymore.

"Fatty~" Chen Qian parroted, giggling. Compared to her two aunts at home, she seemed to be particularly fond of this little aunt, Zhizhi, who would sing to her and play with her.

“Yes, Qianqian is a little chubby!” Fu Mingxian teased her on purpose, making Chen Qian laugh even harder.

Looking at the innocent and carefree little girl in her arms, although she called her "Little Aunt," Fu Mingxian actually loved her like a younger sister. With their parting imminent, and knowing that her little sister loved listening to music, she decided to leave her with a few more joyful notes.

"How bizarre and interesting! Look at the park, there are 400 chickens clucking. I wonder whose they are."

"The waves surge and flow, the mighty river never ceases its course."

"A red sports car sped past..."

When they sang the third song, Fu Mingxian introduced, "This is a song by Uncle Zhang Guorong. Qianqian, do you still remember him? He hugged you on your first birthday."

The next day, early morning, the moment of parting.

Fu Mingxian squatted down again at the entrance of the courtyard to say goodbye to Chen Qian. The little girl seemed to sense the sadness of parting, and suddenly reached out her little hand and tightly grasped Fu Mingxian's sleeve. Her big, dark eyes were filled with reluctance, and her little mouth pursed.

"Daughter, are you reluctant to see Aunt Zhizhi leave?" Chen Fusheng asked softly, reaching out to hug his daughter away.

Chen Qian looked at her father, then at her aunt, and finally let go of his little hand, letting her father pick her up.

“Aunt Zhizhi hasn’t been home to see her parents for so long, she misses home too.” Chen Fusheng gently patted his daughter to comfort her. “Baby, you’re reluctant to leave, so how about Aunt Zhizhi comes to visit you again next time? Or when our Qianqian is a little older, Daddy will take you to Hong Kong to visit your aunt and see what her home is like…”

After calming his daughter down and handing her over to her grandmother, Chen Fusheng pushed his bicycle and saw Fu Mingxian out the door.

"Brother Chen, when are you really bringing Qianqian to Hong Kong?" Fu Mingxian couldn't help but ask on the way.

"You actually take what I say to a child seriously?" Chen Fusheng laughed.

"Pshaw, liar!"

“How is she a liar?” Chen Fusheng argued, “She’s so young now, she definitely won’t go abroad for a year or two. Who can say for sure what will happen in the future?”

"All right……"

Soon, they arrived at the Film Bureau's guesthouse. Gong Xue and Zhang Guorong came downstairs when they saw them arrive.

"Mom." The first time Fu Ming saw Gong Xue, he naturally used the title from the play.

"Lingling," Gong Xue responded instinctively.

Seeing them like this, Chen Fusheng smiled, said nothing, and turned to Zhang Guorong: "Zhang Sheng, how are you feeling after two days of rest? Have you gotten out of character yet?"

Zhang Guorong took out a cigarette and lit it, but knowing that Chen Fusheng didn't smoke, he didn't offer it to him.

He took a deep breath, slowly exhaled the smoke, and his brows showed a lingering weariness and a certain indescribable satisfaction.

“Not so soon.” His voice was a little hoarse. “Shi Hongzhe… is the most complex and mentally taxing role I’ve ever played, and also the role that gave me the most sense of accomplishment after I finished it. To be honest, I’m actually a little reluctant to say goodbye to him. It’s like… I want ‘him’ to stay with me a little longer.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Fusheng's heart skipped a beat!
He recalled Zhang Guorong's fate in his previous life and solemnly reminded him:
“Zhang Sheng! Your kind of thinking is extremely dangerous for an actor! Experiencing a character is fine, but once you're done acting, you have to get rid of 'him.' Letting a character linger in your mental world is like having an uncontrollable tenant living inside your body. You might be able to handle it with one or two roles, but what about playing too many? Those dark, repressive, and heavy emotions accumulate, layer, and erode... What will the consequences be? Schizophrenia? Severe depression? Or some other kind of mental breakdown that you simply cannot bear!”

"Take my advice: say a clean break with Shi Hongzhe as soon as possible. Acting is a job, but life is your own! Health is always a million times more important than any role. If you can't manage your emotions, when you return to Hong Kong, I suggest you immediately see a professional psychologist. This is not a joke!"

Zhang Guorong was taken aback by Chen Fusheng's unusual sternness and the concern revealed in his words.

He stared blankly at Chen Fusheng for a moment, forgetting to flick the ash from his cigarette.

He paused for a few seconds before speaking again, "I understand, Mr. Chen. Thank you so much for reminding me. I will take this matter very, very seriously, please rest assured."

After saying that, he stubbed out his cigarette, and the gloom in his eyes faded considerably.

"That's good." Chen Fusheng breathed a sigh of relief, his tense nerves relaxing. He changed to a lighter topic, "Have you decided whether to renew your contract with Great Wall after returning to Hong Kong, or are you planning to seek other opportunities?"

"I remember... it hasn't expired yet, right?" Zhang Guorong's answer was rather vague.

Chen Fusheng nodded knowingly and didn't ask any further questions.

Afterwards, the Film Bureau's car took Zhang Guorong and Fu Mingxian to the airport.

Chen Fusheng and Gong Xue went together to see him off.

At the security checkpoint, watching them wave goodbye and disappear into the crowd, Chen Fusheng finally looked away and gave Gong Xue the same advice: "You too, remember what I said, you have to distinguish between the on-screen and off-screen worlds. Don't be like him and get stuck on trivial details."

"Yes!" Gong Xue nodded vigorously, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for your guidance, Director Chen. I'll remember it."

"What's the plan next?" Back in the car, Chen Fusheng asked, starting a new conversation.

"If Director Chen doesn't give any further instructions, I'll be returning to the Shanghai Film Studio next week."

"I'm all set for now. But you could relax in Beijing for a few more days? You've been filming for so long, you haven't had a chance to really explore."

"Next time," Gong Xue smiled and shook her head. "I've been away from home for a long time, and I want to go back and see my parents first."

"Okay, then I wish you a safe journey and a bright future! I'll come to you again if I have any good notebooks in the future."

"Thank you, Director Chen, for your trust and guidance in these two films. I will cherish this experience forever. I also wish you a happy family and continued success in your career!"

"Haha, don't make it sound like a farewell. Once 'The Suspect' is finished in post-production and sent abroad for competition, we'll definitely need to invite you, the leading lady, along."

“That’s true.” Gong Xue smiled. “Then… we’ll just have to wait for Director Chen’s call.”

(End of this chapter)