Returning to the 82 Mountain Village: An Encounter with the Journey to the West Film Crew at the Beg

The rudimentary "protective clothing" only increases the risk.

The fatal weakness lies in the rope and the rough anchor point, where there is a lack of any protective measures to reduce friction and distribute pressure.

Even if the fine hemp rope itself is of good quality, when subjected to changes in force and repeated dragging on sharp or rough fulcrums, the internal fibers are extremely prone to rapid wear and breakage!

"Brother Qiang, don't just blame yourself." Zhou Fangyuan quickly interrupted his increasingly depressed mood, his voice becoming calm.

"Now is not the time to assign blame; I roughly understand where the problem lies."

I've thought about similar approaches before and have some ideas for improvement. Let me figure it out myself first, maybe draw a rough sketch or something.

Zhang Qiang looked up, a glimmer of hope in his eyes: "Fang Yuan, you really know this? Then...then I'll help you! I'll call a few more of my skillful brothers, and we'll brainstorm together! We can't afford any more mistakes!"

"No need, Brother Qiang." Zhou Fangyuan shook his head.

His gaze swept over Zhang Jinlai, who was receiving initial treatment, and over Director Yang and Cameraman Wang, who were solemnly directing the aftermath.

"The crew can't do without your props team right now. The set needs to be cleaned up, and other safety aspects need to be checked again immediately."

It will take some time to figure out an improvement method. I'll think about it myself first, and I'll definitely discuss it with you as soon as I have an idea.

The key now is to ensure absolute safety on site and eliminate any further potential hazards.

Zhang Qiang stared at him, his tone calm and resolute, carrying a composure beyond his years.

It seemed to be the first time I had sensed an unusual aura from this usually diligent and gentle young man, an aura that allowed him to maintain composure in the face of adversity.

He nodded and didn't insist any further: "Okay then, Fang Yuan, you think about it first, and call me anytime if you need anything!"

I'll go and thoroughly check all the other ropes and hooks right now!

Watching Zhang Qiang turn away and get back to work, Zhou Fangyuan slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, hoping that the painful lessons of his past life might prove valuable in another way in this one.

He couldn't let this crude and dangerous method continue. He had to improve the "crossing-the-river dragon"—no, even if it meant developing a makeshift protective gear and cushioning system that could guarantee the most basic safety, he had to start immediately.

He looked at the broken rope again, his gaze shifting from shock and self-reproach to a focused concentration on solving the problem.

The mountain wind was still biting, but something more resolute was quietly gathering in his heart.

Zhang Jinlai was safely taken down the mountain to the hospital for further examination.

Although no bones were broken, the sprained left arm and abrasions require rest, so it's clear that filming will not be possible in the near future.

On the Cloud-Crossing Cliff, the rare spectacle of a sea of ​​clouds was finally swallowed by the twilight, leaving only the cold mountain wind and a heavy silence.

Back at the camp at the foot of the mountain, the atmosphere was heavy.

Director Yang Jie convened an emergency meeting. Her face showed little expression, but her voice was colder than usual:

"What happened today is a lesson, but more importantly, a wake-up call! We can work hard when we're creating, but we can't risk our lives. Human life is at stake, and safety is the top priority, without exception."

Her stern gaze swept over the heads of the main departments present, lingering briefly on Zhou Fangyuan before quickly moving away.

"From today onwards, all aspects involving actors' aerial acrobatics, martial arts, and special effects will be re-evaluated and thoroughly inspected. Props team and stunt team, you are the first gatekeepers!"

Chongqiu, your camera crew should also consider safety factors before shot design.

She lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then looked at the production team: "In our filming schedule, what time slots are free? Or should we go to Hong Kong to learn from their experience?"

The production team hurriedly checked the production schedule.

No one spoke, and time passed by, with only the rustling sound of papers turning over.

Li Hongchang watched from beside him, his brows furrowing more and more. He snatched the plan booklet away and, while flipping through it, said:

"Our schedule is full lately... After this is over, we'll be going to Fujian and Hainan, so our time is completely booked."

If I were to go to Xianggang, I could only rush there during the few days of the Lunar New Year, study there directly, and then come back immediately to prepare for my trip to Hunan.

"This is too rushed..."

"There's no other way! If we don't learn it ourselves, what if something like this happens again? Jin Lai was lucky to survive this time!"

"Yeah, who's going?"

The people present started discussing it animatedly, while Director Yang Jie frowned, his hands resting on the table, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

Zhou Fangyuan saw this and stepped forward.

"Director Yang, comrades, how about... I try to study this first?"

The meeting room fell silent, and everyone looked at him.

"I've never been to Hong Kong, and I don't understand their advanced technology."

Zhou Fangyuan put it bluntly: "But the problems we are currently facing, such as the ropes being easily worn out and the protective clothing being unsafe, are all specific issues."

I'd like to try and figure out if I can use the materials I have on hand to come up with a temporary improvement method; what if it works?

Yang Jie stared intently at him, his brows relaxing slightly.

This young man has brought so many surprises to the crew since he joined the production.

"You have your own things to do," Yang Jie said.

"No conflict," Zhou Fangyuan answered readily.

"I think about it at night, and then I do what I should do during the day."

Li Hongchang said loudly from the side, "Let him give it a try, Yang Jie. There's no other way now. You know Fang Yuan, he's reliable in his words and deeds and doesn't brag."

Director Yang paused for a moment, then nodded: "Let's figure it out first. If we need anything, we'll coordinate directly with Hong Chang and Lao Han."

"Yes," Zhou Fangyuan replied.

After the meeting ended, Zhou Fangyuan did not return to his dormitory, but went straight to the prop room.

The door was ajar, and the main lights were off inside; only a work light was on against the wall.

Zhang Qiang sat alone under the lamp, with the pile of hemp rope and the protective suit from the daytime accident piled up in front of him.

He wasn't checking or tidying up; he just stared blankly at the pile of things.

Zhou Fangyuan moved quietly and pulled over a stool to sit down.

Hearing the noise, Zhang Qiang vigorously wiped his face with his hand.

She turned her head and glanced at him, her voice a little hoarse: "Fang Yuan? What brings you here? Have you come up with some new ideas?"

Zhou Fangyuan didn't mention the meeting that had just taken place, nor did he try to comfort him. He simply pointed to the pile of hemp rope on the ground and said:

"Brother Qiang, just being sad and checking the old rope won't solve the fundamental problem."

We need to figure out how to make the next rope safer, and how to make it more secure for the actors to wear.

Zhang Qiang sighed and looked down at his hands: "How am I supposed to figure this out? There are only a few types of ropes. The thick ones will show through, and the thin ones won't withstand the friction."

The protective suit is thicker, which makes movement more difficult and makes the body look bulky in front of the camera.

We can't learn the methods used in Hong Kong right now...

"We don't necessarily have to learn from Hong Kong."

Zhou Fangyuan knew that Zhang Qiang was now stuck in a rut.

He quickly pulled a pen and a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket; it was the back of the notes he had jotted down during the meeting.