Chapter 141: Visiting the Main Crew on Set

“I don’t miss you at all. You’ve known exactly where I’ve been, but in all this time since you came back, you haven’t even bothered to come see me,” Zhou Huimin pouted, her eyes filled with mock sorrow as she glanced at Yan Xu. Her words were clearly insincere.

“I did come to see you, didn’t I? You know I’ve been busy with my new film lately. There have been so many things keeping me tied up. But I’ve been thinking about you the whole time. I even brought you a gift all the way from Spain. I never imagined you wouldn’t miss me even a little. It’s heartbreaking,” Yan Xu feigned deep sorrow, covering his eyes with his hand dramatically.

“You brought me a gift?” Zhou Huimin’s voice brightened with delight. She looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then spoke in a coquettish tone, “Alright then, I do miss you. What did you bring me?”

“This.” Yan Xu pulled a delicate box from his jacket pocket. Opening it revealed an exquisite bracelet—an elegant piece from the renowned Spanish brand Zomo, and one of their high-end models. Crafted primarily from K-gold and stainless steel, it was adorned with natural amethyst gemstones that shimmered enchantingly under the sunlight. The bracelet exuded a noble elegance that perfectly complemented Zhou Huimin’s pure and innocent appearance, promising to enhance her extraordinary aura.

“Wow, it’s beautiful,” Zhou Huimin marveled at the bracelet in Yan Xu’s hand, her pupils dilating instantly. Every woman adored beautiful things, and a bracelet like this would surely captivate any woman’s heart.

“So, do you like it? It’s custom-made—there’s only one of its kind in the entire world,” Yan Xu said, revealing that the bracelet had cost him nearly ten thousand dollars. It wasn’t just the precious materials; the uniqueness of the piece was what made it invaluable.

“I love it!” Zhou Huimin smiled sweetly, extending her fair wrist toward Yan Xu. “I want you to put it on me.”

“Truly beautiful,” Yan Xu admired, watching the bracelet clasped around Zhou Huimin’s wrist. Although he had known the piece would suit her, seeing it on her made it even more stunning than he had imagined.

“That must have cost quite a bit,” Zhou Huimin said, her heart swelling with happiness as she gazed at the bracelet. Though she was delighted, she was also aware the piece was far from cheap. Ever frugal with money, she quickly asked, “Did it cost a lot?”

“Planning to manage your husband’s finances even before we’re married?” Yan Xu teased, knowing well how thrifty Zhou Huimin was. She had grown up in modest circumstances and was meticulous with money. Though her fame was rising, and income from albums, films, and endorsements was increasing, aside from buying a house for her family, she rarely indulged in luxury. Her clothes and shoes often came from street stalls.

“What? I’m just reminding you not to waste your money,” Zhou Huimin said, cheeks flushed.

“How is this wasting money? Buying something for my treasure—whatever she likes is worth every penny,” Yan Xu smiled. “Besides, you know I made a little extra cash in Spain. This is nothing.”

“You’re so sweet!” Zhou Huimin lowered her head, feeling a warm sweetness inside.

“Sweet alone isn’t enough. Since I’ve been thinking of you so much, don’t you think you should reward me a little?” Yan Xu’s heart stirred as he looked at Zhou Huimin’s delicate expression.

“A reward? How do you want to be rewarded?” Zhou Huimin caught the meaning behind Yan Xu’s gaze clearly, and her legs instinctively pressed together.

“You’ll find out tonight when you come to my place,” Yan Xu whispered close to her ear. Spotting someone approaching, he stepped back, creating space between them.

“Mr. Yan, the director asked me to take you to makeup. Your scene is about to start,” said a crew member approaching. The first scene for Wang Jing’s group was ready to shoot.

Following the assistant to makeup, Yan Xu’s routine was simple. His outerwear needed no change; only minimal touch-ups on his face. His scene was straightforward: he would get off a truck holding a delivery slip and hand it to Feng Cuifan. Feng would then cover Yan Xu’s mouth as he struggled before walking away. His lines were just three: “Goods received!” “Who’s Liu Dingjian here?” and “We’re delivering two hundred boxes of firming lotion.”

Such a scene was effortless for Yan Xu. During his days as an assistant director, he often played minor roles. Since the “Rainy Night Butcher,” he had gained considerable acting experience, so handling this role was second nature.

After one take, Yan Xu hadn’t even wiped off his foundation when a voice suddenly called out.

“Axu, I have to say, you’re being unfair! You come to visit Wang Fatty’s set but don’t stop by mine. Isn’t that playing favorites? Both are company productions, and I heard you’re treating the crew to a big dinner tonight.”

“Shen, how did you find time to come here?” Yan Xu looked toward the voice and saw a man with a mole on his nose smiling as he approached. Only Wu Yushen had that distinctive feature.

“I wouldn’t have known how biased you are if I hadn’t come,” Wu Yushen joked.

“Not at all! I was planning to visit you in a few days but didn’t expect you’d come here today,” Yan Xu replied hastily. As the company owner, he couldn’t appear partial. “How about tomorrow? I’ll definitely visit your set then.”

“Tomorrow’s tomorrow. What about today?” Wu Yushen stood beside Yan Xu. His own production was going smoothly under his complete control, and his face was glowing with satisfaction. Though tired, he was happy—maybe even a few wrinkles had vanished.

“Of course, you’re included tonight,” Yan Xu smiled.

“Not just you, it’s all of us,” Wu Yushen said, pointing subtly toward a group surrounded by reporters in the distance, several familiar faces among them.

“Wow, several of your lead actors have arrived. What’s the occasion? Your shoot isn’t finished yet, is it?”

“Of course not. We’re still less than a third done. We came to visit Fa Zai’s set and gave the crew half a day off. We’ve been working hard these days, and I’ve been strict with everyone. They’re all pretty exhausted,” Wu Yushen explained. As a director, managing the shooting pace and actors’ morale was crucial—work hard when needed, and relax when possible.

“Great. Call everyone here. Tonight, I’ll treat you all,” Yan Xu said generously.

Though these were two separate crews, the total number wasn’t excessive—unlike later productions that swelled to hundreds. Aside from principal cast and key crew, most others rotated between sets, especially the stunt performers who worked several productions daily; they weren’t invited to the feast. Still, nearly a hundred people attended, filling almost ten tables and occupying the entire restaurant hall.

Yan Xu didn’t hold back. Each table was set with a five-thousand-dollar standard. Shark fin, abalone, scallops, lobster—nothing was missing. Many behind-the-scenes staff marveled at Yan Xu’s generosity. One meal here cost more than a typical office worker’s monthly salary.

The two innermost tables seated the main crew members. At Yan Xu’s table were Wang Jing and Wu Yushen, as well as Zhou Runfa, Zeng Zhiwei, Feng Cuifan, Chen Baixiang, Di Long, Zhang Guorong, and Ni Xing. Since Yan Xu was familiar with several of them, he deliberately sat beside Di Long and Zhang Guorong. Zhou Huimin, Jiang Liping, and Zhu Baoyi were at another table with some female crew members.

Other familiar faces included Da Sha, Cao Chali, Chen Xinjian, Chen You, Weng Shijie, and Gao Fei.

“Brother Long, you’re my idol. My dad’s a huge fan too. Your Gu Long films are truly fantastic. I remember imitating scenes from your movies as a child,” Yan Xu said to Di Long, who at forty had lost some of his youthful charm but retained the aura of a seasoned martial arts hero. Though his star was fading, Di Long remained beloved by many, especially those in their thirties who grew up watching his films.

“I’m too old now. I’m covered in injuries and can’t endure the old rigors anymore,” Di Long shook his head with a hint of nostalgia. As wuxia films declined, his golden era had passed. In recent years, offers dwindled and his box-office draw waned. Years of reckless stunt work had left him with many ailments, making many roles beyond his capacity.

“You’re only forty, Brother Long. Don’t say you’re old. If anyone’s old, it’s Jin Ge, who’s much older. Your body just isn’t suited for martial arts films anymore. This role of the elder brother in ‘Hero Nature’ suits you perfectly,” Yan Xu encouraged. He knew Di Long’s injuries were serious. Di Long had gradually withdrawn from the industry in the early nineties, but this new film promised a second renaissance.

“Heh,” Di Long smiled faintly. “After twenty years of acting, it’s time for me to rest and spend more time with family. The industry belongs to your generation now.”

“You’re very open-minded, Brother Long,” Yan Xu said, pushing a plate of peanuts toward him. “I know you like these. I ordered them especially for you.”

Di Long loved peanuts, but only close friends knew this habit. Surprised by Yan Xu’s thoughtful gesture, he smiled warmly.

“I have a guy at my record company named Ge Minghui. He’s classmates and good friends with your nephew Lin Haifeng. They often come to my company, and I heard about you from them,” Yan Xu explained.

Di Long’s nephews and nieces were quite accomplished. His niece Lin Shanshan had been a singer and host and served as a manager at Yimian Entertainment. Later, she became the general manager of BMA Records. His nephew Lin Haifeng was a renowned DJ, forming a duo called Soft Hard Masters with Ge Minghui. They not only hosted shows and sang but also ran their own radio program and made significant strides in film and television. Another nephew, Lin Xiaofeng, was a famous Hong Kong host, co-hosting the Golden Door Man show with Zeng Zhiwei, and was a red carpet host at the Hong Kong Film Awards. In films, he was well-known for his role as the chubby, bespectacled Bao Pi in the “Young and Dangerous” series, a character deeply etched in audiences’ minds.