Visits to film sets are commonplace. Producers often check in on progress and review the finished materials. When Song Wenye got the news, he initially wanted to take Xia Hong, but his best friend was reluctant.
“To the set again?” Xia Hong sighed. “I almost got stuck in traffic last time. I’ve already taken you once, can’t you go by yourself?”
Xia Hong actually wasn’t interested in film sets. The environment was always chaotic, with equipment and tracks laid out everywhere. The atmosphere was also tense with everyone working under high temperatures. He was a pampered dandy—going for a walk occasionally out of curiosity was fine, but staying there constantly was uncomfortable and he always felt like he couldn’t breathe.3
Song Wenye said calmly, “You are the company’s…”
“Don’t even start!” Xia Hong interrupted. “I'm just helping you manage things. Besides, I really have something to do that day. I have to have dinner with my dad.”
Although Xia Hong usually acted flippant and unserious, he didn’t dare mess around when it came to his father, he definitely didn't have the guts to break his promise. Seeing this, Song Wenye didn’t insist further. He knew that even though Xia Hong always looked carefree, he could never disobey Uncle Xia.
Thinking that his recent project had come to an end, Song Wenye finally gave in, “Alright, I’ll go myself.”
Xia Hong said gloatingly, “And get scammed out of another three million? I’m not going with you to visit a set again. The first time I took you, the company had to spend a huge amount. The company accounts can’t take it!”
Xia Hong was deliberately teasing Song Wenye over his absurd behavior. He had no idea what Song Wenye and Chu Xiaxing had talked about, but not only did Song designate the completely inexperienced woman as the director, he even approved an additional 3-million budget, leaving Xia Hong utterly shocked.
Of course, Xia Hong didn't complain much. The initial purpose of this film was to 'help a fallen young woman regain her career motivation', so it didn't matter what position Chu Xiaxing worked in. They had never expected to make back the production costs anyway.
Song Wenye said slowly, “She actually knows what she’s doing. I’ve talked to her…”
Xia Hong cut in, “Yeah, yeah, yeah—she knows, she knows. Your investment vision is unmatched! Honestly, you’re like one of those clueless rich guys now. Whatever you do next, I won’t even be surprised.”
“Let me tell you, you’re throwing out three million now, later it’ll be thirty million, and then three hundred million. It’s the same old trick!” Xia Hong said angrily. “I thought you were shrewd and capable in the group, why do you lose your mind at the film set?”
If Xia Hong didn’t already know the history between Song Wenye and Chu Xiaxin, he would have suspected his friend was blinded by love and completely lost his mind.
Song Wenye couldn’t exactly admit that he had mentioned the three-hundred-million before. After getting roasted endlessly by his friend, he muttered, “You sure talk a lot. If I run into Uncle Xia soon, I’ll definitely talk to him about that new car you bought.”
Xia Hong: “…I’m begging you, please. Can’t you act like a decent human being!?”
On set, Chu Xiaxing and the others had already received news of Song Wenye’s visit. Han Chuning had met President Song once. After learning his real identity, she said in shock, “Auntie, you’re saying he’s the one holding the contract!? Then doesn't that mean he is..."
Chu Xiaxing said lazily, “Honestly, I wish he was my sugar daddy. That way, getting money would be effortless. But unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’s the case.”
Chu Xiaxing: If he were a generous sugar daddy, I wouldn’t even have to scheme—just ask and the money would come.
Last time, she noticed that Song Wenye didn’t seem to have met Chu Xiaxing either. Although she didn’t know why he bought the contract, there didn’t appear to be any shady financial relationship between them.
Han Chuning said helplessly, “…We don’t have to go this far for a few million. It’s not like we don’t have the money at home.”
Chu Xiaxing retorted, “Are you kidding me?! When have I ever used family money for filmmaking? If I don’t use other people’s money, can I still call myself a director?!”
Han Chuning was speechless. Her aunt had many strange principles, like never using family money for filmmaking, believing that doing so was unprofessional.
Chu Xiaxing was thoroughly enjoying herself on set, almost reveling in it. Ever since her health declined and she could no longer film, Han Chuning had rarely seen her so in such high spirits. So she didn’t say much this time, and just let her aunt do as she pleased.
A few days later, Song Wenye arrived as scheduled. This time, he dressed casually and came alone, not even alerting the staff. He had already found the day’s filming location when her assistant, Li Jing, rushed over, flustered, “Sister, sister, President Song is here!”
Chu Xiaxing immediately put down her walkie-talkie and was genuinely surprised. “Didn’t I tell you to let me know before picking him up?”
Li Jing said sheepishly, “He didn’t tell us anything… He just came on his own…”
Chu Xiaxing: "…" Alright then, turns out he’s the undercover-inspection type of producer—likes to catch people off guard!
Despite their limited interactions, Chu Xiaxing had begun to understand Song Wenye’s personality. He was always calm, low-key, and spoke with humility and propriety. He was the type who kept a low profile and paid more attention to the effectiveness of his work.
He had slipped into the set quietly, likely not wanting to disrupt the shooting process. But if he made no fuss at all, how was she supposed to ask for money?
Her thoughts shifted. Chu Xiaxing immediately put on a business smile and greeted the approaching Song Wenye, saying politely. “President Song, why didn’t you let them come pick you up?”
Song Wenye walked into the set and looked around at the tense, bustling scene and said softly, “You all have filming tasks, I didn’t want to interrupt the work.”
Chu Xiaxing’s smile widened. “How can this be considered an interruption? Receiving leadership is also part of the crew’s job.”
Song Wenye looked at her brilliant smile. He had a subtle premonition that something was wrong: "..."
He hesitated, “…When I first met you, you didn’t seem to have this kind of personality?"
Han Chuning squatted honestly in a corner without making a sound. She thought to herself, needing money and not needing money were of course two different personalities. This was also Director Chu's excellent professional quality, never letting the client leave disappointed.
Chu Xiaxing led Song Wenye into the director’s studio. Upon seeing Mr. Song, everyone immediately stood up from their chairs. The cinematographer enthusiastically greeted him, “President Song, come, come, please sit here!”
Seeing such a grand welcome, Song Wenye quickly and politely declined, “It’s alright, I’ll stand for a bit. You all carry on with your work…”
How could Chu Xiaxing not understand Song Wenye’s personality—he didn’t like causing a fuss. She led him over to the director’s chair, gently placed both hands on his shoulders, and directly pushed him down into the chair, smiling as she said, “How can you sit anywhere else? President Song has to sit in the director’s chair!”
Caught off guard, Song Wenye was pressed into the director’s chair, and in the next second, he could feel everyone's eyes fall on him in unison. He realized Chu Xiaxing's actions were like a signal. Everyone in the crew now turned their attention to him, and their attitude suddenly shifted. Someone even took the lead and called out loudly:
“Hello, Leader! Hello, Boss!”
“Welcome, Leader, to inspect our work!”
“Welcome President Song to visit the crew!”
Not everyone in the crew knew who Song Wenye was, but when they saw Director Chu voluntarily give up her seat, they knew this person was at the top of the food chain. Everyone immediately greeted him loudly and respectfully, like a well-trained troop with thunderous voices!
Song Wenye, having never experienced such a scene before, was momentarily stunned: “…”
After a moment of silence, he couldn’t help but glance at Chu Xiaxing’s smiling face and said honestly, “…This is the first time I’ve truly understood the meaning of ‘sitting on pins and needles.’”
Song Wenye: How is this a director’s chair? This is basically an electric chair—a public execution.
Chu Xiaxing: “President Song must be joking.”
Being greeted with smiles from the entire crew, Song Wenye suddenly felt a bit too ostentatious and awkwardly said, “Let me buy everyone some cold drinks—you all are working so hard in this heat.”
He felt his arrival was of no help to the crew. He didn’t know much about film production to begin with, and now being fussed over and flattered by the staff just made him feel like a nuisance. In the corporation, he was respected because of his capabilities and the value he brought to the group—but here, he couldn’t contribute much and felt undeserving of the attention.
Chu Xiaxing didn’t give him a chance to back out. She immediately grabbed the walkie-talkie and announced excitedly, “President Song says you’ve all been working hard—he’s buying drinks for everyone today!”
“Thank you, President Song! Thank you, boss!”
“Boss, you’ve worked hard! We are not tired!"
“Thanks for visiting us, leader!”
In the next second, waves of gratitude echoed through the studio, just like virtual gifts raining down during a livestream, as if the screen was filled with “Boss is so generous!” The atmosphere was very lively!
Song Wenye: “…”
Before even buying the drinks, he was thanked profusely again. He pursed his lips and looked suspiciously at Chu Xiaxin. “…Are you doing this on purpose?”
He felt that if it were anyone else visiting the set, by now they’d be floating on air from all the flattery.
Chu Xiaxing feigned innocence, “What? President Song specially bought drinks—everyone’s just happy.”
Unable to catch her in the act, Song Wenye had no choice but to ask someone to help him buy the drinks. He even deliberately picked more expensive cold beverages and asked the production team to buy them by the crate and have them delivered—he didn’t even blink when spending the money. Seeing this, Chu Xiaxing became even more certain of President Song’s personality. This man didn’t mind spending money, but was afraid of owing favors, and would definitely find a way to repay them.
Song Wenye was genuinely a very upright and good person—which made him easy to handle. No difficulty at all.
The crew’s daily filming was actually pretty dull. After the initial chaos of being warmly welcomed, Song Wenye gradually relaxed. Looking at the sweaty staff working nearby, he asked, "How long will you finish shooting today?"
Chu Xiaxing glanced at the shooting schedule and calmly replied. “We’ll wrap a bit early today—should be done by seven or eight. We don't need to shoot the night scene."
Song Wenye: “How late do night shoots usually go?”
Chu Xiaxing: “If it goes well, two or three in the morning. If not, we could be filming all night.”
Song Wenye: “…Can you all bear this long-term?” Film crews didn’t have days off, and by his estimation, most people were only sleeping five or six hours a day. Plus, many of them were doing hard labor.
Chu Xiaxing chuckled, “President Song, once a crew is up and running, it costs money even if they are not filming. Filming time is directly linked to money.”
Song Wenye: “What if someone gets sick?”
Chu Xiaxing: “Hold on. If they can’t, they’re replaced. There’s always someone to substitute. Big productions have money and are more flexible, but smaller ones usually rely on pushing through.”
Song Wenye: “…”
Seeing that he didn’t respond, Chu Xiaxing turned to look at him and said with a smile, “What’s with that look? President Song, are you a bit disappointed? Thought everyone was creating art, but it turns out everyone is just working to the bone?”
Song Wenye pondered for a few seconds and couldn’t help but ask, “What are the working hours like in this crew?”
Knowing he’d taken the bait, Chu Xiaxing replied honestly, “Filming has been relatively normal recently, but later, to save money and rush some big scenes, we’ll have to work around the clock for several days…”
Song Wenye: “How much do the big scenes cost? Actually, the budget is still negotiable, but don’t push the crew too hard. Team stability is the most important thing.”
Song Wenye had personally witnessed a day in the crew. Of course he could feel the insane workload. Even though the staff enthusiastically greeted him, they basically had no time to stop. Their few breaks were during the transition time only. In the scorching summer heat, everyone looked worn out, often sitting exhausted by the roadside in silence, visibly drained.
Even sitting in the best-conditioned director’s tent, Song Wenye could feel the oppressive heat and his back began to sweat, let alone the others.
Chu Xiaxing's pitiful tactic had succeeded. She didn’t hesitate. “Call the production director over to report to President Song! He’s moved by everyone’s hard work and said the budget can be increased!”
Song Wenye: “?” I only said we can discuss it again—when did it turn into a confirmed increase?
When the production director heard the news, he darted over like lightning, as if afraid Song Wenye might change his mind. He immediately flattered him to no end, then pitifully said, “This is great, just great. President Song, you are so understanding. I was worried the crew wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer. There aren’t many producers like you who look out for the crew…”
Song Wenye: “…” Though none of you guys act, why do I feel like you all look like seasoned actors?
Having landed a hit, Chu Xiaxing pushed her luck and followed up. “President Song, don’t you think the footage in the monitor looks a bit empty?”
Song Wenye, having just finished dealing with the tearful production director and finalized the budget increase, looked at the monitor blankly. He asked in confusion, “Where? I don’t really understand visuals.”
Chu Xiaxing gestured at the screen and said with confidence, “Wouldn’t it look better if we added something more to the scene here?”
Song Wenye: “It does seem a bit empty.”
Chu Xiaxing stroked her chin, hinting, "I also felt it was empty at first, but the set design felt too expensive, so we didn’t go ahead with it…”
Facing her blatant hints, how could Song Wenye not get it. “…”
After thinking about all he’d experienced on set, Song Wenye couldn’t help but look at Chu Xiaxing and teasingly asked: “…Do I just look like an easy mark to you?”