"I'm going back to Beijing tomorrow," Lin Yao said. "Tell your assistants if you have anything to do. You can also let them do the driving. Try to reduce your own work as much as possible, otherwise you may be too busy."
Alexis Xiao realized that this was indeed the case, but he had seen the five assistants once yesterday and did not summon them again. Adrian Lu said, "Don't call those people over if there is nothing to do. It's annoying."
Alexis Xiao was caught in the middle and had to play Tai Chi and say he knew. After returning to the hotel, Lin Yao went to socialize. The assistant producer called and asked Adrian Lu to go to the start of work lunch. Alexis Xiao notified two of the assistants to come over, packed all the clothes, and opened the closet for Adrian Lu to choose.
Adrian Lu changed his clothes and stood in front of the mirror. Two assistants straightened his sleeves. Alexis Xiao told them to take care of their own lunch and go back to the hotel. He would call them when filming started tomorrow.
This afternoon was filled with countless social engagements, chats, and lots of laughing and joking. He met this and that. Alexis Xiao was face-blind to begin with, and was afraid that Adrian Lu would despise him for being servile, so he had to keep silent most of the time, and occasionally pretend to be aloof. When he came back, he was almost exhausted.
The next day, it was already half past six when Alexis Xiao opened his eyes.
Oops! Alexis Xiao thought that he had to go to the dressing room at 7 o'clock, so he immediately rushed to the next room to squeeze toothpaste and turn on the hot water for Adrian Lu. Adrian Lu was still sleeping on the bed, so Alexis Xiao hurriedly woke him up and said, "It's already half past six! Get up!"
Adrian Lu had a fussy look on his face, wearing only a pair of underwear. After being turned over, he was lying in a spread-eagle position, with his thing sticking up high, soaking his underwear.
Alexis Xiao: ...
Alexis Xiao put a hot towel on Adrian Lu's eyes, and Adrian Lu woke up but did not get angry.
Alexis Xiao wondered if fans would rush over to see Adrian Lu when he woke up in the morning. He went to find clothes for Adrian Lu and said, "I'm going to drive!"
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Adrian Lu said helplessly, "It's only half past six, we can still leave at eight."
"It's the first day of trying on makeup, and we have to take makeup photos." Alexis Xiao said, "I'm afraid I'll be too late! It will be over if I'm late!"
Alexis Xiao called his assistants and asked Assistant A to buy lunch boxes, Assistant B to buy vegetables, Assistant C to bring the induction cooker to her room, gave her the room card, and asked her to prepare the dishes. Assistant CD followed them to the scene.
When I came back, I saw Adrian Lu wearing only a pair of underwear, sitting on the sofa in the living room, like a sleepy child.
Alexis Xiao: ...
It's already six forty-five.
Alexis Xiao pushed him into the bathroom to brush his teeth. He was about to cry. He changed his clothes and came out. It was six fifty-five.
Adrian Lu got in the car, leaned back in his seat, and said, "Let's go."
Alexis Xiao rushed around and arrived at the dressing room luckily he was only ten minutes late. All the actors were there and the makeup artists greeted them one by one. Most of them were done by his apprentices. The makeup teacher Alexis Xiao met yesterday even exchanged a few words with him. Adrian Lu went in without saying a word and sat down on the swivel chair in the middle.
The makeup artist came up first, combed Adrian Lu's hair and put on a wig, then came over to distribute the script leaflets. Several actors were still eating breakfast outside, and the assistant brought the breakfast over. Alexis Xiao opened it and gave it to Adrian Lu, who ate a little and didn't touch it anymore.
Next came makeup, then clothing. An assistant held the clothes, and Alexis Xiao followed in personally to change Adrian Lu into a Liao Dynasty robe. The stylist and costume designer discussed in a low voice on the side.
"Too small." Adrian Lu said, "It's not easy to move in the fighting scene."
"This is the only set we could find." The stylist said, "Mr. Lu's height is not exaggerated or false. This set was rented separately from a manufacturer that cooperates with the Central Academy of Drama."
Although Adrian Lu was not very satisfied with the costume, he had to make do with it and asked Alexis Xiao: "Do you think I look like a teenager?"
As soon as Adrian Lu changed into ancient costume, his whole aura changed immediately. Alexis Xiao, who was standing beside him, instinctively had hearts in his eyes. Considering Adrian Lu's appearance and temperament, he decided to forgive all his cruelty and brutality towards him.
"It's... so suitable." Alexis Xiao murmured, "It's very imposing!"
Alexis Xiao himself couldn't control himself, but the stylist laughed.
Adrian Lu was still not satisfied, saying: "Yelü Abaoji started as a teenager, and he was not so serious at the beginning, lacking the feeling of a teenager."
The stylist said: "Teacher Lu is right."
Although Adrian Lu was dissatisfied, he did not make things difficult, saying: "We'll see if the expressions and dialogues can make up for the character's feelings when the time comes. Let's leave it this way for now."
Adrian Lu came out and walked to meet the director and producer. Everyone praised him. Adrian Lu briefly raised some opinions, which seemed very sensible. The director said, "Yes, we need to communicate and see how to make some changes."
So Adrian Lu sat back and let the makeup artist do whatever he wanted, changing his hat and re-doing his eyes and lip lines.
Alexis Xiao learned a lot, but more importantly, he felt that Adrian Lu was indeed not a fool and was still capable.
It took less than forty minutes to finalize the male lead's makeup, and Adrian Lu felt satisfied with the overall look. He went to take a few final photos. The photographer said yes repeatedly and brought the props over. He asked Adrian Lu to carry a quiver, hold a bow and a spear, and perform martial arts postures with his bare hands and his martial arts boots stepped forward.
Then he put his hands behind his back and stood from the side, looking like a handsome and heroic man. The girls in the crew gathered around to look at him. Many of them were working with Adrian Lu for the first time and whispered, "He's so handsome."
Alexis Xiao was completely numbed by his handsomeness. Adrian Lu came down and asked, "How is it?"
Alexis Xiao immediately clapped his hands. Adrian Lu's face changed and he said, "If it doesn't look good, you should say so! This should be posted online! Did you take a picture of it? Let me see it."
Alexis Xiao didn't take the photo, Adrian Lu said: "Forget it, do you think there is a problem?"
Alexis Xiao thought about it and felt that Adrian Lu's nostrils were a little big after being patted, and said: "Do you really want to say it?"
Adrian Lu: ...
Alexis Xiao: "When I raise my head... my nose feels a bit... like it's coming from nowhere."
Adrian Lu said: "Let the post-production team fix it. What else? Does the dress make me look shorter or more awkward?"
"Neither short nor ugly." Alexis Xiao hurriedly shook his head. He knew what Adrian Lu meant. Some people look handsome in ancient costumes, while others look like pillows. Adrian Lu can totally handle the ancient costume look.
Lin Yao went to see the final makeup photos, preparing to plan publicity and press releases after post-production photoshop, and to provide photos for major websites. The director said, "Adrian Lu, you should familiarize yourself with the script, and we will talk about the play later. I will take a look at Ning Yaqing's final makeup first."
Adrian Lu hummed nonchalantly and sat aside to turn on his phone. Alexis Xiao wanted to follow and see how it was done, but just as he walked over, the camera assistant who was editing the photos with a notebook stood up immediately. Alexis Xiao was startled, thinking it was confidential, but the assistant said, "Please sit down."
Adrian Lu didn't say anything and played games on his phone. Alexis Xiao sat down and watched the assistant retouching the photos. Others were waiting for him to make requests, so Alexis Xiao said, "Hmm... Can you retouch the side of your face a little? Make your nose... a little smaller."
Adrian Lu glanced at Alexis Xiao. Alexis Xiao didn't know if he had said anything wrong, but Adrian Lu's eyes signaled him to watch the repair. Alexis Xiao then made some requests, such as not too obvious facial skin smoothing, slightly adjusting the eye contour, etc. When looking at the photo up close, Alexis Xiao thought to himself, damn, Adrian Lu is really handsome, how can a person be so handsome, this is totally unscientific, there is no dead angle in 360 degrees, the artist has been revising it, but Alexis Xiao thinks it still looks better at the beginning.
By noon, the makeup of several characters was finished, and everyone got in the car to go to the scene again. The director had to deal with the second batch of makeup tomorrow morning, so they shot the afternoon scenes first. After entering the studio, everyone shared lunch boxes and ate them. After eating, they started working on lighting, camera, and props. Alexis Xiao realized that this studio was actually built and decorated two months ago, and after four days of shooting, it had to be dismantled and changed into something else.
"Where's lunch?" Adrian Lu asked.
Alexis Xiao: ...
Alexis Xiao came to his senses and immediately called his assistants. It was too late to prepare a meal for Adrian Lu. Alexis Xiao thought to himself that he was doomed, but Adrian Lu did not get angry and said, "Forget it, let's have a box lunch."
Alexis Xiao said: "Wait another ten minutes, just ten minutes! I'll pick it up!"
Adrian Lu: ...
Alexis Xiao: ...
Everyone was having lunch, the heroine had disappeared, Alexis Xiao and Adrian Lu's stomachs were growling with hunger, they didn't eat much for breakfast to begin with. The camera was already set up, Alexis Xiao could only pray that his assistant would be more reliable and that the filming would not start before the meal was delivered, or that everyone would end up waiting for Adrian Lu to eat lunch alone.
Alexis Xiao rushed out to drive, almost crying, thinking that Adrian Lu didn't say anything and he would be dead if he went back that night.
Fortunately, the meal arrived in time.
Alexis Xiao opened the lunch box, minced meat and eggplant, braised fish cubes, fried chicken and cucumber, and a bowl of tomato and egg soup. It was not much different from the crew, at most the portion was a little bigger.
"What about yours?" Adrian Lu asked again.
"I'll have a box lunch." Alexis Xiao replied.
Adrian Lu: "Where's your lunch box?"
Alexis Xiao: ...
When Alexis Xiao stood up to get his lunch box, the person distributing the lunch boxes was gone, and the lunch boxes were gone too.
Adrian Lu casually took out a lunch box and gave it to him. Alexis Xiao smiled embarrassedly. Fortunately, Adrian Lu helped him to take it.
"Other people are assistants who get lunch for their idols, but in my case, I get lunch for you." Adrian Lu said while picking and choosing his lunch. Alexis Xiao smiled and thanked him, then took it aside and ate it.
The producer smiled and said, "Hey, Xiao Lu has another love lunch?"
Adrian Lu smiled at the producer and said, "Teacher Wang."
Alexis Xiao knew without Adrian Lu's reminder that this middle-aged man in his fifties had a very high status in the crew. Everyone else called him "Mr. Lu", but he called Adrian Lu "Little Lu", and Xiao Lu, in turn, had to call him "Teacher".
Adhering to the principle of flattering the powerful and trampling the weak in the entertainment industry, it was time for him to be humble and fawning. He smiled and greeted the producer. Adrian Lu introduced him, "This is my personal assistant Alexis Xiao, also from Hubei."
"Yo!" The producer shook hands with Alexis Xiao, and Adrian Lu said, "The dish was not made by him. Ask him to make some Hubei dishes and bring them over tomorrow."
Adrian Lu introduced Alexis Xiao: "This is the producer Mr. Wang, he is from Wuhan."
"Okay, sure!" Alexis Xiao said with a smile.
Alexis Xiao heard from Lin Yao that the highest-ranking person in the crew is the producer, who is even more powerful than the director. Normally, someone who can suppress the director is invited to this position. He is a person who specializes in scolding people and must not be offended.
Directors, producers, and screenwriters all have to consider whether the other party is famous or not, which determines whether their subsequent attitude will be servile or normal communication. The best reference is to look at the attitude of the people in the crew towards him.
After dinner, Adrian Lu looked in the mirror and put on makeup. The director came over and talked about the play.
"This scene is about Yelu Abaoji and his cousin Shulü Ping. Yelu Abaoji is very angry about the interference of Shulü Ping's family and blames Shulü Ping. Later, the couple reconciled..."
"I don't need to say more about your relationship. Finally, Adrian Lu, you need to hold Yaqing in your arms and make eye contact..."
Adrian Lu listened expressionlessly. The director then said, "You can take care of Yaqing's scene. If you can't get it right the first time, take more shots. It'll be fine as long as you get it right in the beginning."
Adrian Lu hummed absentmindedly and walked forward.
Alexis Xiao quickly finished his meal in a few bites and went forward to take a look.
In the magnificently decorated interior scene, the clapperboard was clicked, the camera moved over, and Adrian Lu swept all the decorations on the table to the ground with a clatter.
Alexis Xiao: "!!!"
"I have tolerated you for too long." Adrian Lu roared with a majestic voice, "I have tolerated your father and brother's actions, but look at you, you don't look like a queen at all---!"
Everyone in the crew was shocked, and the director gave a thumbs up, indicating good job.
"Khan---!" Ning Yaqing's knees softened, and she knelt in front of Adrian Lu, howling, "I have known Khan since I was thirteen years old..."
Alexis Xiao: ...
Ning Yaqing crawled over on her knees, her hairpins swaying back and forth, and Alexis Xiao almost burst out laughing.
Ning Yaqing: "Is your heart made of stone? Why is it so hard? Even if it is a stone, I am confident that I can soften it. You have not come to my Concub!ne's cold palace for three years..."
Alexis Xiao was almost struck by the script and flew away. He almost couldn't bear to watch.
"Click." said the director.
Adrian Lu's face twitched immediately, wanting to laugh but too embarrassed to do so. He bent over to pick up the things he had just swept to the ground. The props team came forward to put them back in place. The director said to Ning Yaqing, "Yaqing, when you crawl over, don't move too fast. Just move symbolically..."
"Adrian Lu's acting is really good." The script supervisor whispered to Alexis Xiao.
Alexis Xiao nodded, not daring to say anything else. The script supervisor said again, "This script is so shocking that it makes me feel like I'm going to die."
The coordinator smiled and said, "It's fine as long as it's bloody and good-looking enough, I'm afraid it won't be good-looking enough."
Alexis Xiao didn't dare to make any comments, lest it reach the ears of the screenwriter. After a while, the director finished talking about the play and started. Adrian Lu swept it again and said sadly: "I have tolerated you for too long!"
This time the performance was even better. Alexis Xiao discovered that the acting skills could be judged with just one sentence. He was indeed born on the big screen. This line would not be a problem even if it was recorded live. Ning Yaqing howled and rushed over again, shouting Khan Khan.
So the Liao queen Shulü Ping was first blackmailed by the screenwriter, and then stabbed again by the heroine.
"I am still doing this for the Khan, you---!"
Adrian Lu kept his eyes open. After listening to Ning Yaqing's narration, Ning Yaqing covered her face with her sleeves, coughed hard, and sat sideways on the ground.
Adrian Lu walked forward slowly, his eyes red as he looked at Ning Yaqing.
"You know, An Duan and I are best brothers. This time, it was his wife who reported the rebellion. I promised him since he was a child that no matter what he did, I would never blame him!"
"But..." Ning Yaqing said, "Does Khan know what others are saying? Why did my sister-in-law leak this matter? It's because she had an affair with Khan...an affair...Ah, I can't say any more. If Khan thinks..."
Alexis Xiao thought to himself, it’s not even NG after this, director, your patience is really extraordinary, it’s amazing.
"Cut." The director finally said, "Ng, try again."
Adrian Lu waved to Alexis Xiao, and Alexis Xiao hurried over. Adrian Lu yelled, "Eye drops!"
Ning Yaqing was startled and looked at Adrian Lu with a little fear. Alexis Xiao hurriedly took out eye drops, asked Adrian Lu to sit down, and put some eye drops in him. His eyes were red because he had kept them open for too long. Adrian Lu rubbed his eyes again, and Alexis Xiao pressed his shoulders. After the director finished speaking, Alexis Xiao left the camera and started again.
Half an hour later.
Adrian Lu swept the things on the table to the floor with a loud bang.
"I have tolerated you for too long." Adrian Lu said word by word.
Alexis Xiao was really defeated by them. After filming the scene over and over again, he said to the coordinator: "Sister An, won't there be enough time if we film like this?"
The coordinator said, "It depends on the situation. It's always like this at the beginning, unless we are trying to catch up with the progress later on. It takes a while for the male and female protagonists to get used to each other, and it will be fine once they find their groove."
"What will happen if we catch up with the progress?" Alexis Xiao said.
"Then just shoot whatever you want and make it look bad." The coordinator said casually, "Anyway, it's not us who are bad, it's the audience who are bad."
Alexis Xiao: ...
"Just kidding." The coordinator said happily, "Usually we can finish the filming, otherwise I will be in trouble."
Alexis Xiao thought it was really hard work. No wonder Adrian Lu said he was tired after joining the crew. He kept repeating the same scene, which was boring and tiring. In the middle of the scene, the director asked everyone to take a ten-minute break. Adrian Lu came over and said, "Why don't we divide this big scene into two scenes?"
The director said, "Okay, that's what I'm going to do."
So the whole scene was divided. In the first half, Adrian Lu released his dragon power to crush Ning Yaqing, and in the second half, Adrian Lu hugged Ning Yaqing.
Adrian Lu leaned against the table and held Ning Yaqing in his arms. Ning Yaqing looked pitiful and leaned on Adrian Lu's shoulder.
At that moment, Alexis Xiao almost heard the surging shouts from the hearts of all the staff present - let go of my male god!
At dusk, the first scene was finally finished. The director was still not satisfied with Ning Yaqing. The coordinator looked at the watch and said, "What should we do? There are three scenes in the afternoon, and two of them are still to be completed. There will be a night scene later."
"The second scene is fine." The director said, "It will take 40 minutes. The last scene is Adrian Lu's scene. We should try to get it done in one go. We will get on the bus to the Ming and Qing Palaces at 6 o'clock. Come on, take your seats!"
With traces of eye drops on his face, Adrian Lu said in a heavy voice: "Over the years, I...poof."
Director: "Click."
Adrian Lu couldn't help laughing and said, "If you stare at me, I will want to laugh."
Ning Yaqing hurriedly apologized, and Adrian Lu waved his hand, apologized to everyone, and drove away again.
"Over the years, I have examined myself and have never wronged them in the slightest. Our brotherly friendship is like the wings of an eagle."
"I know all of this." Ning Yaqing shook her head slowly, tears in her eyes, "But Khan, things are different now. I must do it for you. Even if you cut me into pieces, I will... I will..."
"also..."
"also..."
I forgot the words.
"Click."
Adrian Lu let go of Ning Yaqing, looking tired.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Teacher Lu." Ning Yaqing apologized quickly.
Adrian Lu waved his hand to indicate that it was okay and said, "You have performed very well. Keep it up."
Ning Yaqing was very moved. Alexis Xiao could almost feel that Adrian Lu's heart must be filled with tears. He asked, "If it wasn't for 450,000 per episode, who would want to play with you?"
Half an hour later:
Adrian Lu lifted Ning Yaqing's hair with his index finger. Ning Yaqing's hair was stuck to her face. Adrian Lu tried to lift it three times but failed. The stage manager and the backstage staff were almost laughing like crazy. Finally, Adrian Lu finally lifted it. Alexis Xiao asked curiously in a low voice: "Don't you need NG?"
The script supervisor waved his hands and whispered, "Leave it to the editor."
Adrian Lu lifted Ning Yaqing's chin and whispered, "My beloved wife."
At that moment, Alexis Xiao was shocked again.
Adrian Lu's eyes really showed that kind of deep affection and guilt. Although he only said two words, his actions and expressions could almost convey his inner words.
"I'm sorry to you and to everyone."
"At this moment, I just want to stay with you quietly, just want to be with you..."
Everyone was very nervous, fearing that Ning Yaqing would laugh or forget her words. Ning Yaqing looked at Adrian Lu and murmured, "Khan, I am always here, no matter where you are..."
Alexis Xiao felt relieved. He suddenly had a good impression of Ning Yaqing. He thought she was very serious and could get into the state very quickly.
"Cut." said the director. "Next scene."
Everyone felt as if they had been pardoned. Ning Yaqing rubbed her feet. Her body had been held in a tilted position for a long time. Adrian Lu supported her and asked her to sit down.
Ning Yaqing said anxiously: "I'm sorry, I was too nervous at the beginning."
Adrian Lu didn't say anything, just smiled, gave Ning Yaqing a thumbs up, and turned away.
The props were rearranged on the stage. The male supporting actor next to him had waited for a whole afternoon and finally got to go on stage. The guards were in place. Adrian Lu wiped his eyes and sat on a chair to review the memorials. The male supporting actor came forward. Although he was a male supporting actor, he was also very famous. He was a rising star who was very popular recently. He was very handsome and was from an ethnic minority. His name was Wu Henggu.
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