Chapter 13: The Battle at Spring Breeze Pavilion

Chapter 13: The Battle at Spring Breeze Pavilion

“Brother Ping, I really owe you today. If it weren’t for your help...”

“We’re all from the same company. Helping each other is only natural.”

“Actually...”

“Enough, no need to say more. We’ve been filming all day, and you must be tired. Get some rest early.”

Interrupting Liao Jie, Chen Ping said, “I’m exhausted too. The next few days my scenes are heavy; I need to prepare well.”

“Alright, Brother Ping, you rest early too.”

After watching Chen Ping leave, Liao Jie took a hot shower.

Reflecting on everything that happened today, Liao Jie felt deeply ashamed.

Yet, this experience brought about a profound change in his mindset.

He recalled his earlier aloofness at the company.

Though he hadn’t mistreated Chen Ping, such arrogance was foolish in hindsight.

What impressed him even more was this:

In situations like today, most actors would seize the chance to step on you again.

But unexpectedly, Chen Ping not only bore no grudge, he repaid kindness for enmity. Such magnanimity earned Liao Jie’s utmost admiration.

“Thank you,” he thought sincerely.

This kindness would be forever engraved in his heart.

...

“Director Yang, I didn’t expect Chen Ping to perform so well.”

“Zhang Jiu, you’ve acted opposite Chen Ping before, haven’t you?”

“That was only during auditions. Back then, I just thought Chen Ping had strong acting skills. But today, his performance went beyond mere technique. His presence — that aura — even some veteran actors can’t match.”

“Otherwise, why did Qi Si fail the callback over ten times in a row?”

“Ah, Director Yang... you mean Qi Si was affected by Chen Ping?”

Zhang Jiu was momentarily stunned, then nodded. “No wonder you’re giving Chen Ping special consideration.”

“Chen Ping is surprisingly broad-minded for someone so young. He has great potential ahead.”

Zhang Jiu sighed appreciatively.

Just then, Zhang Jiu received a call.

After a moment, he said, “Director Yang, Director Chen came to visit the set.”

“Director Chen?”

“Chen Feiyu’s...”

“Where is he?”

“Right outside.”

“Quick, invite Director Chen in.”

Yang Yang was slightly surprised and hurriedly asked his assistant to bring Director Chen inside.

This Director Chen was none other than the renowned domestic filmmaker Chen Kaige.

“Zhang Jiu, call Feiyu over.”

“Ah, Director Yang, I haven’t informed Feiyu, so please don’t notify him yet.”

Chen Kaige shook his head.

“Heh, Director Chen, Feiyu’s been doing well these days. Recently, he filmed action scenes at the frontier, hanging on wires for days without complaint. He’s a good actor.”

“Director Yang, don’t praise him too much. This kid can endure hardship — I know that. But acting isn’t just about endurance. ‘Ever Night’ is a quality show. The protagonist, Ning Que, requires a certain level of skill. Although Feiyu has grown up under my guidance, he’s still too young. Honestly, how has his acting been recently?”

“Well...”

“Director Yang, don’t hesitate in front of me.”

“Alright, I’ll be honest. Feiyu is a good actor with the look to match. He’s not afraid of hard work, which I like. But as you said, he’s still very young. His recent performances are decent but only average.”

“Average won’t do. The role of Ning Que needs soul; without that, the essence can’t be conveyed.”

“Director Chen, don’t worry. Acting is a gradual process. ‘Ever Night’ has only just begun; Feiyu probably hasn’t fully immersed himself yet. Besides, I have plans. We have many veteran actors here who can mentor Feiyu.”

“Hahaha, you remind me — your crew is truly a treasure trove of talent.”

“Director Yang, I’ll leave Feiyu in your capable hands these days.”

Hearing this, Chen Kaige finally felt assured.

Though ‘Ever Night’ is a web drama, its cast is nothing to scoff at.

Having seasoned actors around often greatly inspires the younger ones.

“Alright, Director Yang, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Ah, won’t you meet with Feiyu?”

“What’s the point? We’ve been at home together for twenty years and still haven’t had enough. I’m busy too and just sneaked in to check on his progress quietly. But with you here, I’m reassured. Well, Director Yang, no need to see me out. I’m off...”

Without further small talk, Chen Kaige chatted with Yang Yang for only half an hour before departing.

This made assistant director Zhang Jiu envious: “Having a father like that is simply wonderful.”

“No need to be envious. If it were your son, you’d do the same.”

“I wish I could, but I don’t have Director Chen’s talent.”

“Then work hard. Maybe one day you’ll direct your own film.”

“Director Yang, are you serious?”

“I didn’t say anything...”

Yang Yang smiled. “Alright, rest up. The next two days have heavy scenes.”

...

“Chen Ping, your scenes will be intense over the next few days. Keep it up.”

“By the way, your performance yesterday was excellent.”

Early in the morning, Chen Ping arrived on set, and Director Yang Yang spoke to him.

Before Chen Ping could reply, Yang Yang grabbed a megaphone to instruct the crew.

This morning’s scenes were not for Chen Ping, but for the lead actor Chen Feiyu.

Director Chen Kaige’s visit yesterday made Yang Yang place even more importance on these morning scenes.

Because Chen Feiyu, playing Ning Que, would meet another character, Jin Shijie — the future master “Yan Se” of Ning Que.

Yang Yang hoped that the veteran actor Jin Shijie could guide Chen Feiyu.

Unfortunately, although Jin Shijie’s performance in the morning scene was excellent and garnered much praise, Chen Feiyu’s portrayal of Ning Que remained much the same as before.

Not bad exactly, but not outstanding either.

In other words, still average.

No glaring flaws, but no remarkable highlights either.

“Headache,” Yang Yang rubbed her temples.

She wasn’t entirely satisfied with the morning’s filming.

Though Chen Feiyu’s acting was acceptable, she knew he was the most crucial actor in the drama.

Not merely because he was the lead.

More importantly, this show was designed to showcase Chen Feiyu.

This was not just to flatter Chen Kaige.

Chen Feiyu’s backing company, the producers, and the investors behind ‘Ever Night’ all had ties to him.

“Forget it, take it slow.”

Yang Yang realized she was a bit impatient.

At Chen Feiyu’s age, he was already doing quite well. How could she expect him to compete with veterans right away?

There was no filming in the afternoon.

The director’s team told all actors to rest well because filming would take place at night.

And they might shoot until dawn.

Chen Ping returned early to the hotel to conserve his energy.

He didn’t know how Yang Yang planned to help Chen Feiyu get into character.

But for him, the most important scenes—those of Zhao Xiaoshu—were coming.

At 6 PM, the set was already prepared.

Several crew members had climbed to the rooftop, holding water hoses from the pumps.

Tonight’s scenes were not only night scenes but also rain scenes.

Though it wasn’t raining naturally, filming couldn’t wait for rain.

So they used water pumps to simulate heavy rain.

Under the pouring rain, Chen Ping’s character Zhao Xiaoshu arrived at Ning Que’s shop seeking help.

This drama’s most iconic and unforgettable scene for countless viewers—the Battle at Spring Breeze Pavilion—was about to unfold.

(End of Chapter)