LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Is She Doing This on Purpose?
Du Sheng didn't expect Liu Yifei to reply so quickly.
Her eyes lit up with delight as she smiled, typing swiftly,
"The desert, huh? I've never been there. It sounds so amazing; I really want to visit!
"Oh, by the way, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils has wrapped up! My scenes were finished just the day before yesterday."
Du Sheng responded with a surprised emoji:
"That fast? Didn't you have quite a few scenes left?"
"Yes, but everything went smoothly."
Sneaking a glance to make sure her mother wasn't monitoring her homework, Liu Yifei typed quickly:
"But there's some drama—Producer Zhang and Director Zhou are fighting over post-production rights again. It feels so chaotic."
Du Sheng shook his head. He wasn't surprised.
In his previous life, Zhang Zhizong had already forced Zhou Yaowen out of the crew, withholding paychecks and dragging the conflict to court.
But in this timeline, Zhang Zhizong was entangled with scandals and trivial matters, significantly altering events.
Although he wasn't fond of Zhou Yaowen, Zhang had no choice but to share some control over post-production.
"Cousin?"
Seeing no reply, Liu Yifei sent another message, concerned.
Knowing she was worried, Du Sheng sent a reassuring emoji:
"Don't worry; with the investors involved, they'll resolve it.
"Besides, you've done great in your role. Post-production won't affect you much."
Liu Yifei's spirits immediately lifted.
As they chatted, she felt as though they were back on set, enjoying carefree days of filming.
"Cousin! Wow, where is this?"
Her message brimmed with excitement:
"Sister Tao just posted some beautiful desert scenery. It's breathtaking! I really wish I could visit!"
Du Sheng: "…"
Was Liu Tao doing this on purpose?
Was she trying to stir up trouble?
Just imagining the potential drama between the two women meeting made him uneasy.
"The desert has strong winds, scorching sun, and dry air. There are even occasional sandstorms. Don't let her fool you.
"If you saw her after filming this project—dark, thin, and completely drained—you'd be shocked."
Remembering their occasional exchanges, he edited his message and softened the last sentence to,
"Looking completely worn out."
"…"
Liu Yifei sent back an ellipsis, followed by a laughing emoji.
"I see! You all must be working so hard."
She sighed with a hint of regret:
"It's a shame my mom dragged me back to school. Otherwise, I would've gone to your press conference a few days ago."
Seeing her practicality, Du Sheng sent a pat-on-the-head emoji:
"Once I finish filming, if you're applying to Beijing Film Academy, I'll come find you when I have time."
"That would be amazing! ^_^"
Liu Yifei brightened up, sending a smiling emoji:
"Cousin, you have to come to BFA. I can't wait to be your senior!"
Du Sheng chuckled and glanced at the time:
"It's late. If you're not doing homework, go to bed. Otherwise, your mom will scold you again."
"Got it, Cousin! (≧▽≦)"
Time flew by, and another half month passed.
On the Snowflower Goddess set, though filming in the desert was tough, the crew—composed mostly of newcomers—adapted quickly after prior preparation.
The team managed to film major scenes like the Desert Pagoda, Storming the Sacred Moon Sect, and Broken Sword Cliff.
After completing his scenes of self-imposed isolation in the graveyard out of guilt for causing the male lead's brother's death, Du Sheng's workload was mostly done.
Only a few final scenes remained, including one where he sustains severe injuries while saving others.
As for the main plotlines—such as the final showdown between good and evil and infighting within the Four Square City—those were centered on the leads and key villains like Ouyang Feiying and Ban Tianyue.
At this pace, they'd need at least another week to finish.
For now, Du Sheng could finally breathe.
Then, an unexpected phone call came.
"Being called to step in as an action director?"
Du Sheng sounded surprised.
"Exactly. Yuan Bin returned to Hong Kong and got into trouble with the triads. He's currently in the hospital."
It was Ju Jueliang on the line, his tone serious:
"He had promised to direct the action scenes for my senior's new movie, but they couldn't find a replacement. So, he suggested you."
The movie Yuan Bin had been working on was Running on Karma, directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmakers Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai under Milkyway Image.
Du Sheng had watched this in his previous life. It was one of the top five box-office hits of the year.
The mention of it brought back memories of big names like Andy Lau and Cecilia Cheung.
Moreover, Du Sheng now realized Ju Jueliang was Johnnie To's junior.
Previously responsible for coordinating at Milkyway Image, Ju had been a key figure in To's productions. However, with the decline of Hong Kong cinema, they had gone their separate ways.
Currently, Running on Karma was filming fight scenes related to the investigation, with its set at the Yungang Grottoes in Jin Province.
But this was where the problem lay!
The film had been planned as a flagship release for both the Hong Kong and mainland Spring Festival slots, featuring Andy Lau and a rising actress.
However, delays arose due to potential sensitivities around superstition and certain controversial plot elements involving Cecilia Cheung's character.
Now, with the production under pressure from major investors like Orange Star Entertainment, Johnnie To urgently needed to accelerate filming.
Orange Star's boss, Xiang Huazhi, was a major Hong Kong tycoon, not someone To could afford to upset.
Most experienced action directors—like Donnie Yen—were either busy or too expensive. After
exhausting their options, Yuan Bin suggested Du Sheng as a wildcard.
And so, this call had finally landed on Du Sheng's phone.
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