Chapter Fifteen: The Domineering CEO, Faux Orthopedics, Numbers

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“Farming, Stars!”—Production team meeting room.

“I knew it,” Feng Gang said, calling a meeting as soon as he saw the news online. He looked at everyone and announced, “Now we’ve finally taken the first step toward breaking out of our niche.”

“Yeah, we really underestimated Lin Xing’s popularity.”

“It’s mainly because Lin Xing is being protected from overexposure right now, but it’s actually helping our show.”

“That’s right. We must seize the momentum from this episode.”

The team buzzed with discussion.

Clearly, this was the hottest moment for “Farming, Stars!” since its premiere.

Xia Lin added, “I’ve already tasked publicity to keep a close eye on online focus points regarding our show, and I’ve told post-production to work overtime this week, ready to adjust Friday’s episode at any time.”

A week’s turnaround was tight.

So the post-production team would have to bear the brunt.

...

Star Arts Hotel.

“Mr. Lin, this is your room. If you need anything, just let me know…” The assistant director greeted Lin Xing and Xiao Nan at the door, then led them up to the eighth floor. After settling Lin Xing into his room, she handed him the script.

Today, the assistant director’s duties went beyond arranging accommodations.

She was also tasked with briefing Lin Xing on his scenes.

“Mr. Lin, please take a look at the script. Tonight, you’ll be filming a scene opposite Ms. Li,” she explained, handing him the script. “It’s an evening shoot, so filming starts at eight. Please rest for now—I’ll pick you up at six and we’ll go over the scene in detail.”

“Thank you for your trouble,” Lin Xing replied with a smile.

“It’s no trouble at all, it’s what I should do,” Fan Fei answered promptly. In her opinion, Lin Xing had far exceeded her expectations.

To be honest, how many celebrities actually treat assistants as equals?

Leaving the hotel, Fan Fei still found it hard to believe.

So the rumors weren’t true after all.

Those online accusations about Lin Xing demanding special treatment and making assistants cater to his whims were just malicious gossip.

Inside the hotel room, Xiao Nan quickly drew the curtains and began a thorough inspection.

“Brother Xing, all clear,” he said with a smile ten minutes later. “No hidden cameras.”

“The production team probably did a sweep before us,” Lin Xing remarked, unsurprised.

Xiao Nan shook his head. “That won’t do. Sister Dao gave strict instructions. Brother Xing, things are different for you now. We have to be extra careful.”

Lin Xing smiled, saying nothing more.

After all, caution never hurts.

Lin Xing then began reading through his script.

The production only gave him the parts relevant to his scenes, clearly assuming he didn’t need the full script.

Or perhaps, they simply didn’t expect Lin Xing would bother reading it all.

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Moreover, who would expect a celebrity to actually read the script?

Lin Xing guessed Fan Fei’s suggestion to read it was just courtesy; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been assigned to explain the scenes to him.

Half an hour later, Lin Xing had a general grasp of his role.

A domineering CEO.

No wonder they wanted him for the part.

He marked several places in the script, planning to ask Fan Fei about certain details later.

At five o’clock, Lin Xing had dinner with Xiao Nan. Soon after, Fan Fei arrived with the makeup artist to get him ready for the evening shoot.

“Mr. Lin, try on this suit. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll bring you another,” Fan Fei said, handing him a tailored suit.

“It fits perfectly,” Lin Xing replied after changing.

Next came makeup and styling.

Fan Fei continued briefing him about the scene.

“Mr. Lin, tonight’s scene is simple: you feel sorry for your sister’s tiring commute, so you give her a car,” Fan Fei explained calmly.

The scene itself wasn’t complicated.

Director Qiu Ke didn’t expect Lin Xing to be much different from other stars; he wanted to test Lin Xing’s abilities first.

Lin Xing listened carefully.

This time, his role was that of a domineering CEO, obsessed with his sister.

“So, Fan Fei, I love my sister, but I can’t express it—I have to suppress those feelings, right?” Lin Xing asked.

“Yes, exactly. Your sister is the most important person in your life. You’d even defy your mother for her, but since your sister doesn’t reciprocate, you restrain yourself,” Fan Fei explained, momentarily dazzled by Lin Xing’s looks.

Lin Xing’s character loved his sister.

But it wasn’t literal—more like a pseudo-sibling romance.

After all, the female lead played by Li Jingjing was adopted by the Du family.

Nighttime, at the building entrance.

“Director Qiu, everything’s ready,” the deputy director of Group B reported.

“When will Li Jingjing arrive?” Qiu Ke asked, frowning.

“I’ve spoken to her assistant—she’ll be here in ten minutes,” replied the deputy.

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“And Lin Xing?”

“Fan Fei said he’s on his way, should arrive in five minutes at most.”

“Good, let’s block the scene and check the lighting,” Qiu Ke said, picking up his walkie-talkie. “Camera team, mark the blocking points.”

Though the actors hadn’t arrived, crew members filled in to save time and check the lighting levels.

The camera assistant marked positions for the actors.

This made it easier to know when to stop and deliver lines.

“Mr. Lin has arrived.”

At that moment, Lin Xing joined the crew.

“Thank you for your hard work tonight, Mr. Lin.”

“Director Qiu, you’re too kind. I haven’t filmed in two years, so I hope you’ll be patient with me,” Lin Xing replied, exchanging brief pleasantries before getting down to business.

“Mr. Lin, when we start filming, stand here facing the entrance. When you see Jingjing appear, but someone’s pestering her, walk quickly to the fountain and stop there,” Qiu Ke instructed.

Unsure of Lin Xing’s ability, Qiu Ke personally demonstrated.

“Like this, you push Chen Hai, then ask him what he’s doing.”

“At this moment, your demeanor should be cold.”

...

A director who can’t act isn’t a good director.

After demonstrating, Qiu Ke told Lin Xing to wait a moment—Li Jingjing would arrive soon.

Li Jingjing was supposed to arrive at 8:12, but showed up at 8:30.

Qiu Ke was so angry he could curse.

“Sorry, Director Qiu, there was traffic…” Li Jingjing apologized.

“No problem. Where’s the makeup team? Touch up Jingjing’s makeup, then we’ll start shooting,” Qiu Ke said, his smile forced, while his mind was cursing. He then explained the scene to Li Jingjing.

Ten minutes later.

Action!

Filming began.

Lin Xing stood by the parking spot. When Li Jingjing and Chen Hai appeared, he quickly walked to the marked fountain spot.

“What are you doing?” Lin Xing shoved Chen Hai, then turned, concern in his eyes for Li Jingjing. “Are you alright?”

“One, one two three, one two three four.”

Li Jingjing’s face was anxious. “One two three four five.”

Lin Xing: “???”

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