Chapter 59: Wavering Heart
Filming progressed intensely. With Orange River’s investment, funds suddenly became abundant, and Director Zhang devoted even greater effort. He would definitely save money where it could be saved, but absolutely wouldn’t skimp where it couldn’t. Moreover, this film was his first step in transitioning to commercial blockbusters; it had to be treated seriously.
There were some special effects shots in this movie, and he decided to focus the funds here. Of course, martial arts action was also very important; after all, this was a declining jianghu film.
Nangong Ying, as the absolute female lead of this film, held the main position throughout and had a large number of fight scenes. Although she was a newcomer, her movements were not sloppy at all. However, because she was a newcomer, she didn’t know how to hold back when filming started, and the actors acting opposite her were injured as a result.
In the following days, filming action scenes required wire work, increasing the danger level. The director was also considering whether to hire a stunt double, but Nangong Ying politely declined. Subsequently, during a series of dangerous actions, Nangong Ying indeed had an accident. While filming an aerial fight scene, she accidentally tripped from a high platform, spraining her ankle. Filming was immediately halted.
Nangong Ying was then sent to the hospital for bandaging. Fortunately, the problem wasn’t major; she would be fine after some rest. But Nangong Ying didn’t want to affect the filming schedule and wanted to rush back to the set immediately.
“Nangong, how about this: you rest for a few days. We’ll film the scenes of other actors first, and then make up yours later. You can’t film many scenes dragging an injured foot like this anyway.”
The director persuaded her kindly, his attitude completely different from on set. Nangong Ying knew her situation and could only accept.
Although it was Nangong Ying’s first time acting, she was very dedicated and serious about her work. Because of her attitude, everyone in the crew also became serious and treated their work with considerable diligence.
“Xiao Ying, although it’s your first time filming, you really don’t cherish yourself enough. Those scenes could have used a stunt double; there was no need for you to do it yourself.”
Li Yuexin specifically came to visit her after learning about her injury, bringing consolation gifts. Even though she herself was very busy recently, worrying about the band and also accepting filming schedules arranged by her company.
Li Yuexin hadn’t filmed action scenes before and didn’t know the process, but she was an actress after all. Some dangerous actions could be completed by stunt doubles; there was no need to do them herself.
“Stunt doubles can’t produce that kind of realistic effect. It’s better if I do it myself.”
Eating an apple, the bored Nangong Ying chatted with her.
Not being able to work these few days was a bit boring for her. Without finding something to do, she couldn’t pass the time. Her career had just started; she had to work hard.
“Xiao Ying, you work so hard. Is there something you want to achieve?”
“Yes, of course. I want my fame to be greater, earn more money, and let my family live a happy life.”
Nangong Ying never thought of just getting by when filming; she wanted to do her best. All this was to realize her ideals.
She had only received a small part of her salary now; the rest hadn’t been paid yet, but she had already sent the money to her mother. She wanted to prove through her own efforts, to her father, to her mother, to her family, that she could do it. Even without being an athlete, she could carve out her own sky through her own efforts.
Her father once hoped she would inherit his position and bring glory to the country, but she ultimately didn’t take that path. She chose art, becoming an artist. Perhaps her father would be really angry, but this was her choice.
She, Nangong Ying, wouldn’t be the same as her father, but she would also use her own methods to prove herself.
“Xiao Ying, the entertainment industry is a big dyeing vat; nothing is stable anywhere. Even if you have the ability, without opportunities, without help, it’s still useless.”
As someone who had walked in the circle for so long, how could Li Yuexin not know the hardships of becoming famous? Yes, Nangong Ying had strength and ability, but could that alone make her a star? That was impossible.
Wanting to become famous, without numerous factors, was impossible. Relying solely on one’s own efforts was absolutely unworkable.
“I will succeed. I will definitely succeed, no matter the cost.”
She gripped the blanket tightly, head lowered, her voice not loud, but incredibly firm.
She had her persistence, her beliefs. She had to succeed.
This was her dream. She hoped she could become the most dazzling star among all mainland artists. This was just her first step; she had to cherish it. Debuting as the female lead in her first film, no one was luckier than her. She had to seize this opportunity.
“Alright, Xiao Ying. Since you’re so persistent, then it depends on your fortune. But, if you’re tired, if you feel wronged, you can always come back to our band. You are one of us.”
Li Yuexin patted her head and smiled.
How lucky Nangong Ying was, having so many companions around her, people who cared about her. With Li Yuexin’s support, her path would be much smoother. Compared to some who never received help, she was lucky enough.
“By the way, Xiao Ying, don’t you often mention that friend of yours? Haven’t you called her for a long time? Want to chat?”
Hearing her mention it, Nangong Ying only then remembered Yu Linna, whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.
Just then, Yu Linna’s call came through. Nangong Ying looked at Li Yuexin. Li Yuexin understood tacitly and tactfully left the room, giving her some private space.
“Hello Nangong, long time no see. Finished work?”
“Yeah, finished. I’m eating right now. What’s wrong, miss me?”
Actually, she was injured, but to avoid worrying others, she told a small lie.
“…A little. Nangong, when are you coming back?”
“Probably a bit difficult. I have to rush work, won’t be back for a while. I promise you, the first thing I do after filming is come back to see you. I’ll get my pay soon, I believe I’ll have money quickly. Let’s go eat something together somewhere.”
“…Okay. Nangong, thank you. You helped me again.”
“What are you saying? Isn’t it just a meal? Haven’t I treated you less before? Wait for me to come back, Linna. We’ll always be good friends.”
The call ended quickly, leaving only Nangong Ying alone in the hospital room, staring blankly. The cool breeze blew in from the window, lifting her beautiful hair, covering her expression at this moment.
Right, besides dreams, besides family, she also had a very important friend, someone she wanted to protect well. She was out fighting in the jianghu, but that person was still waiting for her back where she started. She still had someone waiting for her.
That summer afternoon, she stood up and fought, saw the tears welling in the blonde girl’s eyes. Perhaps it was from that moment she decided she had to protect her well, not let her get hurt. That girl was also working hard to move forward; she saw it in her eyes.
“You and your friend, you really have a good relationship.”
Li Yuexin walked in from outside, a smile on her face.
How many good friends can one have in a lifetime? And friends with such a deep bond? Even Li Yuexin wouldn’t dare say she had such friends she could confide in. But Nangong Ying did.
It’s a bit enviable.
“Linna… she’s a friend I want to protect well. Although she wasn’t as lucky as me, she works very hard. I believe she will succeed just like me.”
After all, she was Yu Linna. Even if her ability was insufficient, she had that ambition that wouldn’t lose to her, Nangong Ying. Believing that one day, she would also climb to that height.
In the future, they would meet again on stage.
“Excuse me, is Miss Nangong Ying staying here?”
Suddenly, there was a knock on the hospital room door. Nangong Ying turned her head and saw a man in a suit standing outside the door.
This man wore glasses, wasn’t tall, had ordinary looks, and a gentle expression on his face. He looked very much like an unremarkable Chinese person in the workplace.
“Mr. Yu, what brings you here today to visit our big star?”
Li Yuexin spoke in a lukewarm tone.
She knew how noble the people from Orange River Company were, especially Yu Tianchen. He had scouted many female stars under his wing, arguably a major general of the company. However, this Yu Tianchen, highly praised by film fans, didn’t have a very good reputation within the circle, especially among female stars; their impression of him wasn’t great.
Yu Tianchen smiled, walked in with consolation gifts, face smiling, giving enough face to the newcomer Nangong Ying.
“Miss Nangong, I heard you were injured during filming. I came specifically to see you. It’s good that you’re okay. I also hope you can return to the set soon to complete the subsequent work.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Yu.”
“You are now tentatively considered one of Orange River’s people. This is necessary. Miss Nangong, what do you think of Orange River?”
Sure enough, he came with a purpose.
Although she had expected it, she didn’t expect it to be so soon.
Strictly speaking, Nangong Ying hadn’t signed with any company yet. The contracts she signed were all for one movie, without company restrictions. And Yu Tianchen came precisely for this matter beforehand.
“Orange River is a very good company. Although I haven’t cooperated with your esteemed company long-term, your company’s reputation in the industry is obvious to all.”
“But a good company also needs talent. Miss Nangong, what do you think is the most important thing in a movie?”
“Actors.”
“No, it’s stars. Only stars with enough fame and strong enough influence can carry a movie, carry the box office. Quality comes first, but sometimes, a star’s box office appeal is also very important. And stars are the highest title for actors.”
Nangong Ying understood this person’s meaning.
“Your esteemed company’s intention is?”
“Eight million per film, for a total of five films. Our Orange River wants to sign you as an actress under our banner. This doesn’t include guest appearances and supporting roles. Please consider it.”
What Yu Tianchen wanted was this Nangong Ying with infinite future possibilities.
Although Nangong Ying’s wings weren’t fully fledged yet, and few insiders were optimistic about her, years of experience told him that this was the actor he wanted. He wanted to sign her under the company’s name, making her the new generation’s box office queen.
There were few female stars who could carry the box office, but Yu Tianchen believed that someone who could carry the box office would definitely appear.
“Moreover, you have a friend who is also in the circle, right? If you are willing to cooperate with us, we can also try to help your friend, letting her smoothly enter this circle.”
Nangong Ying was originally hesitant, but when this condition was offered, she wavered.
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