Chapter 26: The Film Begins Production

Huairou Film and Television Base.

Today is the first day of filming, and the entire production crew has assembled.

Unlike the small crew of a few dozen people for *Better Days*, *Brotherhood of Blades* is a martial arts epic. At its peak, the crew exceeds three hundred people, with a standard daily attendance of around one hundred and sixty or seventy. As the director, Lu Yang feels immense pressure.

As a key project for China Film Group, Deputy General Manager Zhao Haicheng, one of the producers, has made a special appearance to show support for the director.

As the main cast and crew are introduced, Lu Yang makes a point of highlighting Zhang Qianjun, introducing him as the triple-threat—investor, producer, and lead actor—partly to remind everyone of the weight Zhang carries.

Some of the crew members present recognize him, while others do not. After all, even within the industry, most people do not track the monthly box office champions every day, let alone look beyond the top ten or twenty at the end of the year.

Thus, Zhang Qianjun’s admission that few people actually know him is a sign of his clear self-awareness.

"Hello everyone, I’m Zhang Qianjun, from the Beijing Film Academy acting department. Some of you know me, some don't, but by the time this film is finished, we will all know each other.

I hope that during this shoot, we can work together with one heart to create an outstanding piece of art. I sincerely hope *Brotherhood of Blades* becomes a defining work on everyone’s resume.

When it hits theaters and becomes a box office success, I will distribute red envelopes to all staff members according to custom. For those who haven't left their bank account details with the production office, please find my assistant, Chen Xiaoyu, during your downtime today; she will be responsible for recording the relevant information. Whether we cross paths again after the release or not, the bonus will definitely be delivered.

I don’t like beating around the bush, and I prefer to be direct. If I inadvertently offend anyone, please know that I focus on the work, not the person. I hope that during filming, if there is an issue, we address it face-to-face and resolve it on the same day; let’s not let small problems stack up into big ones. As long as it doesn’t impact the project, you’ll find that I’m a very easy person to work with."

After he finished, the venue went quiet. Seeing the awkward silence, Li Kai and Han Qiming quickly led their respective teams in applause and cheering.

"Thank you, Boss Zhang! Boss Zhang is generous!"

This eased the tense atmosphere, and Wang Qianyuan quickly took the lead to continue the introductions.

"Qianjun isn't planning on using the same methods from the last set, is he?" Han Qiming whispered to Li Kai.

Li Kai looked left and right, then replied cautiously, "It’s very likely. Based on how his brain works, he sees no difference between the two films. It’s his money, he’s the lead, and he’s the producer."

"But this time, there’s investment from China Film Group and Wanda, isn't there?" Han Qiming asked, puzzled.

"He was the one who secured the money from China Film and Wanda, too. China Film only recognizes him. Didn't you notice that the producer from Wanda didn't even show up? Director Zhao from China Film came, but he’s at a level where he can’t stay here indefinitely. Brother Lu is going to have a rough time."

"What happens if they argue?"

"Tell the boys to keep an eye out and try to intervene before things escalate. If it really gets out of hand, Qianjun is my boss and I need to keep my job. You figure out what you’re going to do."

Hearing Li Kai’s words, Han Qiming had his own calculations to make.

Elsewhere, several stuntmen were whispering with Sang Lin.

"Brother Lin, what’s his deal? The director hasn't even spoken yet, and this guy is already acting like he’s in charge."

Another stuntman said dismissively, "What kind of deal could it be? Probably just another young master here to show off. We’ve seen enough of these idiots in Hong Kong and Hollywood. The moment trouble hits, they’re the first to run."

"Not necessarily. Look at his physique, his neck, and his wrists. This guy definitely trains, and not in traditional routines—he’s either into kickboxing or MMA."

At this moment, action director Sang Lin finally spoke.

"Alright, pipe down. Whether he’s trained or an idiot, we can’t afford to offend him. Haven't you noticed that the director, the producers from China Film, and all the leads haven't said a word? Just do your jobs and get paid—that’s what matters."

But often, the thing one fears most is exactly what happens. After just three days of filming, Zhang Qianjun approached Sang Lin.

"Instructor Sang, isn't this movie supposed to be about realistic martial arts? Can we cut some of these movements? They don't feel cool or powerful, and they look quite sluggish on screen."

Sang Lin looked at the lead actor, wanting to retort that he didn't know the first thing about action choreography, but remembering the man was the financier, he explained patiently,

"Mr. Zhang, some of these movements are necessary for continuity. Certain poses are designed to express the character’s psychology, not just to look cool."

"Then can we design movements that feel difficult—the kind that look impossible but are actually achievable with effort?"

Sang Lin gasped. He thought, *It’s over, I’ve run into someone who knows a little but not enough, and I can’t ignore what he says.*

"Mr. Zhang, could you give me an example?"

Zhang Qianjun said earnestly, "Like the scene in *Ip Man 2* where Master Ip and Master Hong fight on the table. In the end, the table splits, and they are both teetering on their respective halves. That kind of feeling."

Sang Lin thought to himself, *Why do you think that’s physically possible? That defies the laws of physics, doesn't it?*

"Mr. Zhang, I’ll try my best, but do you have any less abstract requirements that the guys can immediately understand? We aren't exactly scholars, after all."

"Just call me Qianjun. Let me think... increase the sense of power and impact in Shen Lian’s movements, make it look more fluid. And show his control over distance on camera; after all, controlling distance is a hallmark of a master.

In the original script, Shen Lian is designed like a human tank, which makes no sense at all. Who could keep fighting after having their right shoulder pierced? He’s like Wolverine, as if injuries don't affect him."

"Oh, oh," Sang Lin nodded repeatedly, then asked cautiously, "I’ll try to design the action according to your requirements, but this needs coordination with the camera department. Also, don't we need to clear this with the director?"

Zhang Qianjun said confidently, "It’s fine. The cinematographer and I go way back, and we aren't changing the plot, so Director Lu won't mind. If he asks, just say it was my request."

Sang Lin felt a headache coming on. *Is this really something I should be telling the director?* Just as he was about to speak, Zhang Qianjun said, "Please, Instructor Sang. No night shoots for the next two days, so I’ll treat the boys to drinks." Then he turned and walked off to find the director.

Sang Lin looked at Zhang Qianjun’s back, feeling helpless, but the work had to go on. Moreover, the production’s core team was all from the Beijing Film Academy; frankly, they were "their own people." Even if there were conflicts, they were internal, and he certainly couldn't be the one to report these things to the director.

Most importantly, a voice in his head told him that complaining would only serve to offend the financier without any benefit. *Forget it, just do as he asks.*

Life went on with its share of bumps. Fortunately, aside from the requests during the first few days, Zhang Qianjun didn't cause any more trouble, which finally put the minds of those worried about him being a diva at ease.

Moreover, he was excellent and fast at shooting action scenes. Whatever they could think of, he could essentially perform. Most importantly, he never complained about hardship or fatigue, which earned him sincere praise from the stunt crew, who all agreed that Zhang Qianjun was a natural for action films.

Of course, it might also have to do with the fact that Zhang Qianjun often arranged meals and drinks for them. Lu Yang was a director handling a commercial film for the first time, and unlike modern dramas, martial arts films had high expenses—costumes, props, and catering—so the budget was tight. Outside of regular meals, there were no extra banquets.

Because of this, Zhang Qianjun, who frequently treated the stunt, camera, and lighting crews to food, became the "great benefactor" of the set.

Although he generally only showed up when the eating started, said a few words, and had a drink before leaving, this unexpectedly made the male crew members feel at ease. After a few times, the stunt team also started joining in on the cheers of "Boss Zhang is generous!"

-----------------

On the day the children of the nation had been looking forward to, Liu Tianxian arrived as promised, entering the set in the afternoon.

After greeting the director and relevant staff, Liu Tianxian wondered why she hadn't seen the male lead yet, when suddenly, a bald man walked toward her.

The man was wearing a long black robe with silver patterns; the shoulder pads and cinched waist made his already tall and upright frame appear exceptionally imposing.

Accompanying his quick and powerful strides, despite there being only one person, her bodyguards tensed up, and her assistant, makeup artist, and mother instinctively huddled closer to her.

Just as the bodyguard was about to speak to stop the man from approaching too closely, a clear, resonant voice rang out.

"Tianxian, you’re here? Why don't I see Auntie Liu?"

Liu Tianxian was truly taken aback this time.

"You are?"

At this moment, Zhang Qianjun finally saw Liu Xiaoli behind the bodyguard and walked straight up to greet her.

"Sorry about that. Your bodyguard is quite a big guy, he blocked my view and I didn't see you. Wow, Auntie Liu, you look beautiful. You look even more petite than on TV. You must be tired from the trip."

Liu Tianxian looked at the tall, bald, bearded man greeting her mother so warmly and finally recognized him.

"Zhang Qianjun, why did you shave your head and grow a beard?"

Liu Tianxian, left standing to the side, finally couldn't help but ask.

"It’s hot! Who knew filming a period drama would be this hot? Shaving it off and wearing a wig is just easier. It’s not just me; Nie Yuan shaved his, too. And the male lead is supposed to have a beard. Didn't you read the script and the character profile? Hurry up and catch up, the filming schedule is tight."

Since her debut in *The Story of a Noble Family*, Liu Tianxian hadn't felt this way in a long time. It was strange; it was as if she were nothing special in his eyes. He treated her with the same natural, matter-of-fact ease one might have when talking to a neighbor’s daughter.

To this day, the man hadn't even looked her in the eye. Liu Tianxian didn't know what this feeling was, but it was certainly very strange.

The man, having exchanged a few more words with her mother, finally turned to face her. Standing tall, she felt as fragile as a schoolgirl in front of him. Those peach-blossom eyes, which should have been filled with affection, stared straight at her, devoid of any ulterior motives.

"Do you eat lamb?"

*Huh?* What was that about? But out of instinct, she answered.

"Yes, I do."

The man then asked everyone in her team, "Does anyone have any dietary restrictions?"

Several people, including Liu Xiaoli, remained silent.

Seeing no one respond, the man turned his head back to look at Liu Tianxian.

"Tianxian, you guys are hungry, right?"

Liu Tianxian said with some difficulty, "Can you not call me Tianxian? I have a name."

The man glanced at her, then called over a staff member nearby.

"Old Wang, get me a megaphone."

The staff member ran off and returned with a handheld loudspeaker, handing it to the man respectfully.

"Ahem, hey, hey! Everyone, attention! Liu Yifei has joined the set today. To celebrate that the crew is finally complete, we’re having whole roasted lamb tonight. If you don't want barbecue, we’ve got hand-pulled mutton. Let’s give Sister Fei a round of applause!"

As soon as he finished, the cheers that had echoed across the set these past few days erupted again, with shouts of "Boss Zhang is generous!" and "Brother Qianjun is a legend!" ringing out endlessly.

The man called someone else over.

"This is the producer, Li Kai. He’ll look after you for now. If you need anything, ask him. I’m going to go take off my makeup."

With that, the man turned and left as quickly as he had arrived.

Li Kai stepped forward with a smile to greet them.

Liu Tianxian and her mother, Liu Xiaoli, standing in the back, exchanged glances, both seeing the shock and confusion in each other’s eyes.

*Was this man really Zhang Qianjun?*