Huayu: Returned Overseas Chinese

After signing Ning Hao, Chen Jingming spent the 2002 Lunar New Year in the capital, during which he also went out with Liu Yifei a few times, and the two got along very well.

In March, a sandstorm swept through the capital. Chen Jingming stood by the window of his company office, watching the yellow sand howl outside, the sky heavy and oppressive. Just then, there was a knock on the door behind him.

"Enter."

Wang Shuo, holding documents in his hand, pushed open the door and entered. Seeing Chen Jingming with his back to him, he smiled and said:

"Mr. Chen, we've already coordinated with the Bayi team, and we can set off at any time."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jingming's face immediately lit up with joy, and he turned to look at Wang Shuo, saying:

"Finally! By the way, has the scheduling been arranged for the actors?"

Wang Shuo nodded and said, "We can set off at any time."

"Okay, then let's set off tomorrow, rest for two days, and then officially start filming."

Chen Jingming suppressed his excitement. This was the first time he had personally produced a TV series, and after a long period of planning and preparation, he was finally about to take the most crucial step.

Wang Shuo smiled and nodded upon hearing this, then handed over the document in his hand and continued:

"This is the preliminary expense report. The accounts have been settled. Director Zhang has everything ready. Once you sign it, the project funds will be disbursed immediately."

Chen Jingming picked up the document, casually flipped through a few pages, saw the note indicating an initial allocation of ten million, had no objections whatsoever, and quickly bent down to sign his name.

After a few more casual words about work, Wang Shuo bowed and took his leave. Chen Jingming was left alone in the office. He clenched his fists, shook his arms lightly to calm his excitement, and then picked up his phone from his desk and made a call.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and a tired voice came through the receiver:

"Jingming, why are you calling me at this hour?"

Chen Jingming felt a slight pang in his heart. Everyone saw Liu Yifei's glamorous side, but no one knew the hard work and dedication she silently endured behind the scenes. So, he asked gently and with concern:

"Yifei, how did the art exam go? Are you confident?"

"Jingming, don't worry, everything's fine. By the way, why did you call so suddenly? Is something wrong?"

Liu Yifei said confidently.

Chen Jingming could tell she was deliberately changing the subject, so he followed her lead and slowly said:

"My schedule has changed, and I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to your art exam. I'm leaving for Jiangsu Province tomorrow; the 'Bright Sword' crew will start filming soon."

Liu Yifei was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, her tone instantly lowered, and she said softly:

"I understand, Jingming. After I finish all my art exams, I'll visit the film set, okay? I'll also do a cameo role for you."

"No problem, I'll assign you a corpse role then, easy and simple."

Chen Jingming joked with a chuckle.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei on the other end of the phone instantly flew into a rage, roaring angrily:

"Chen Jingming, you've gone too far! Just you wait, next time we meet I'll definitely pin you to the ground and beat you to a pulp!"

Chen Jingming had anticipated her reaction and moved his phone away from her earlier. He knew the girl was under a lot of pressure from preparing for exams, and he deliberately teased her to let her vent her emotions.

Hearing the urgent busy tone from the receiver, Chen Jingming shook his head with a helpless smile and muttered: "How rude, hanging up without even saying goodbye."

The sandstorm subsided overnight, as if deliberately accommodating his travel plans, and the sandstorm briefly stopped the next day. The sky outside the window was clear and blue, the weather was exceptionally refreshing, and Chen Jingming's mood brightened considerably.

At Beijing Capital International Airport, Chen Jingming, along with Wang Shuo, Zhang Jiandong, Xu Hu, and several accompanying staff members, boarded the plane. After a flight of more than two hours, the plane landed smoothly at Lukou Airport.

Everything was arranged outside the airport, with several buses waiting. Several familiar actors were gathered together by the roadside, smoking and chatting. This was the first time Chen Jingming had met the actor who played Li Yunlong in person. After tidying himself up a bit, he took the initiative to step forward.

"Hello, Teacher Li, Teacher He, and Teacher Zhang. I am Chen Jingming, the producer of 'Bright Sword'."

Chen Jingming greeted them with a smile. Li Youbin, He Zhengjun, Zhang Guangbei, and the others turned around upon hearing the voice, and after recognizing who it was, they all smiled and returned the greeting.

"Producer Chen, you're too kind. I should thank you for giving Lao Li this rare opportunity. Such a classic and outstanding role hasn't appeared in the industry for a long time."

Li Youbin stubbed out his cigarette and said with a smile.

"Teacher Li is too modest. It's mainly because of your solid acting skills and your perfect temperament and image that I decided on you as the candidate. It wasn't that I deliberately made an exception to give you this opportunity."

Chen Jingming responded calmly and humbly.

Li Youbin nodded with deep feeling. He had been paying close attention to this excellent script when it first circulated within the industry. Originally, the project was targeted through internal recommendations from the Beijing Film Academy, and he thought he had no chance of getting the role. Unexpectedly, he was fortunate enough to land the part, and filled with gratitude, he sincerely said:

"Regardless, I'll remember this favor. Without the audition opportunity you gave me, I wouldn't have been able to land this role."

"Teacher Li, you're too kind. Although this is our first time working together, I've long admired all three of you. During the filming, if I make any mistakes, please forgive me and take care of me."

Chen Jingming was humble. Li Youbin raised his hand to shake his, and replied cheerfully:

"That's only right. Although I graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, I'm your senior in terms of experience, so it's only natural for us to look after each other."

After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Jingming looked at Zhang Guangbei and He Zhengjun beside him and greeted them politely:

"I've heard so much about you two senior brothers."

Zhang Guangbei and He Zheng both nodded and smiled in response. Both were graduates of the Central Academy of Drama, and their schools are adjacent to the Beijing Film Academy, so they have close ties within the academy. Furthermore, the Beijing Film Academy has a long-standing preference for casting actors from the Central Academy of Drama, making them particularly familiar with each other.

After chatting for a while, other actors arrived one after another, politely greeting them. Chen Jingming took the opportunity to get to know each member of the crew and familiarize himself with the team. Around 1 p.m., the entire crew had assembled, boarded the vehicles one by one, and set off for the film studio.

The bus slowly pulled away from the airport, and the carriage gradually quieted down. Chen Jingming leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest, when he inadvertently recalled the text message he had received that morning from Liu Yifei. The young woman had hung up on him in a huff yesterday, but she was still thoughtful enough to send him a message wishing "Bright Sword" a successful start to filming.

"Mr. Chen, what good news are you thinking about? You can't hide the smile on your face."

Wang Shuo, who was standing next to him, noticed his state, turned to the side, gently touched his arm, and teased him in a low voice.

Chen Jingming slowly opened his eyes, gave Wang Shuo a faint glare, and asked in a calm tone:

"Nothing, is there something you need?"

Wang Shuo gently shook his head, his smile relaxed:

"It's nothing, I just couldn't resist my curiosity since you seemed to be in a good mood."