Director Jia was angry and helpless.
In the temporarily built shed, he grabbed the producer's hand and wouldn't let go.
"Wang, this male lead really isn't working out."
At Director Jia's first words, the producer forced a bitter smile.
But Director Jia didn't even notice this smile and continued, "You saw it this morning too; I've been patient for so long. We've only just started this afternoon, and his face is completely paralyzed.
"He can't laugh, he can't cry; all he does is stare. If there were at least so light in his eyes, that would be sothing! But with those dead fish eyes, what's the point of staring?"
Saying this, he gripped the producer's hands tightly. "Wang, let's replace him! Otherwise, if this film gets made, no one will watch it, and we'll be slamd by everyone!"
Producer Wang gave another bitter smile, pulled his hand free, and gently patted the back of Director Jia's hand. "Jia, you know the situation. The XX Film Purchasing Director said that if this kid isn't the lead, she won't buy the film."
"Then let's not sell it to her! There are so many TV stations, and if those don't work out, there are still online video platforms. What's there to be afraid of with her?"
"You're just saying that because you're angry," Wang sighed. "We've already taken their money.
"Alright, just focus on one thing now: finish shooting the film and get it edited. We'll hand the final cut over to that woman, and that'll be the end of it."
"Is there absolutely no other way?" Jia made one last attempt.
Wang shook his head decisively. "None."
Jia slumped onto a small stool, dejected. "What kind of ss is this? This kid doesn't even act as well as the extras!"
Wang also sat down, facing Jia. "We're in an era where looks are everything. As long as people like what they see, there's a market. And where there's a market, investors will put in money."
"I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to continue filming. Looking at his face, it completely pulls out of the scene, you know?"
"Then don't look at him. Just let him maintain that cool, aloof persona."
"Sigh." Jia sighed again. "Let take a breather today; we'll film tomorrow. Co on, have a drink with ."
Wang reached out and patted Director Jia's knee again. He knew the bitterness in Director Jia's heart. But then again, who could argue with money?
Seeing Director Jia take out two small bottles of white spirit from his bag, Wang chuckled. "Didn't Li Qin co to you at noon? That Internet Celebrity Doctor advised you not to drink, rember? Why aren't you listening? The man has nearly ten million fans; he must have so real skill."
Director Jia seed dazed for a mont, then chuckled. "Of course, I'll listen to what the doctor says. But I'll finish this drink today, and then I'll stop. Starting tomorrow, no more drinking, just focus on filming.
"Just let get a good night's sleep tonight; otherwise, I won't be able to sleep at all."
Wang didn't try to persuade him further. He reached for one of the bottles, and the two of them started drinking straight from them, taking swigs one after another.
As they drank, they lanted how tis had changed. In the past, it was older n backing young won; now, it was older won backing young n. They both felt they were getting old and couldn't keep up with the current trends.
After Li Qin finished speaking with Du Heng, she headed straight for Director Jia's small shed. Just as she lifted the tattered curtain, she saw the two n chugging white spirit straight from the bottles, and her eyebrow twitched involuntarily.
Seeing this, asking now would be pointless, Li Qin thought. Now that they've started drinking, how could they possibly film this afternoon? I should have just driven off.
But since she was already there, Li Qin still asked, "Director Jia, are we still filming this afternoon?"
"Not anymore. We're taking a break."
"Alright then. I'll go to the city with my friends this afternoon, and we'll do so shopping."
"No problem. Just rember to be back by tomorrow morning."
Li Qin paused for a mont. "So, no night scenes either?"
"Nope." Director Jia took two large swigs of the spirit, his infamous bad temper starting to show.
Seeing this, Li Qin prepared for a hasty retreat. But just as she was about to leave, she added one more thing, "Director Jia, my friend is a very capable doctor. He strongly advises you against drinking any more."
"Thank your friend for . I'll keep that in mind. I'll start quitting drinking tomorrow."
Li Qin gave a slight grimace, then quickly exited the small shed and headed towards her van.
"Let's go, we're heading back to the city!" Li Qin said as she reached her van. She instructed her assistant to pack their things while she called out loudly to Du Heng and the others, "You go handle your business, and we'll go do our shopping."
There were eight of them on this trip, and it wouldn't be right to leave anyone behind, so Li Qin thought about borrowing another car from the film crew.
However, before she could even make arrangents for another car, she heard Wang's urgent voice coming from the small shed where the two n had been drinking.
Li Qin blinked a couple of tis and then quickly ran back towards the shed.
Spurred by Wang's frantic shouts, people quickly gathered all around the shed, forming a dense crowd that completely blocked the entrance.
The film crew had a doctor on set, but he was mostly equipped to handle minor scrapes, bruises, and common ailnts like headaches and fevers. Faced with soone who had fainted and was now convulsing, he himself was stunned and at a loss.
Wang knelt beside Director Jia, anxiously urging, "Doctor Shi, quickly, save him!"
Doctor Shi stamred, trembling, "I-I don't know the cause of the illness, I can't treat him! We need to get him to the hospital right away! What if it's a cerebral hemorrhage? That would be terrible!"
Watching the group of people busily begin to carry Director Jia out, Li Qin also stepped aside and slowly retreated to her van.
Her friends asked curiously, "Qinqin, what happened?"
Li Qin quickly explained Director Jia's situation and then turned to Du Heng. "Du, Director Jia... what's wrong with him?"
Du Heng, who had also been observing the bustling crowd, said calmly, "It's a stroke, not a cerebral hemorrhage."
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