Initially, when Quan Jiu arrived with four bodyguards, the cast and crew members openly or subtly mocked and complained. After all, even a big star like Liu Zhixi hadn't brought bodyguards to the set.
But once the bodyguards actually discovered a problem with the wire rigging, everyone fell silent.
Of course, some people secretly thought that perhaps Quan Jiu had offended someone, and that was why the rest of the crew was implicated.
"I think she caused the trouble herself. We're all meeting for the first time in the crew, and we only joined the set yesterday. I haven't seen anyone make an enemy of her, so the only possibility is that she caused trouble outside. Fortunately, the problem was found. I also have to use the wire rigging today. If it had happened to me, wouldn't I have been smashed to pieces? It's too terrifying."
Jiang Li complained to an actor she was familiar with.
"Who knows, but the person doing such evil deeds is truly terrifying. I thought these things only happened in scripts. This was clearly aimed at her life, trying to kill her. My goodness, I'm getting goosebumps."
The crowd continued to whisper and discuss. Meanwhile, Guo Wen, at the center of the incident, inquired about responsibility from the on-site staff after the police left.
"Although these scratches were most likely not made by you, as professional technicians, you made a mistake in your inspection. I can't trust you anymore. Pack your things now. I will settle your wages from yesterday, including overtime pay."
The person in charge looked flustered and wronged. "Director Guo, the New Year is coming soon, and all of us are counting on earning some money for the holidays. If you dismiss us now, where will we find work? Aren't you cutting off our livelihood?"
Guo Wen's attitude was firm. "You inspected it this morning, and when you attached it to the actor just now, you should have inspected it again. But you didn't notice such an obvious scratch.
The fortunate thing about this incident is that Quan Jiu brought her own bodyguard. If her bodyguard hadn't insisted, do you know what the consequences would have been now? Crippled, paralyzed, paraplegic, or even dead.
I'm not blaming you, I'm just making you bear the consequences you should bear. You shouldn't be begging me now, but rather apologizing to Quan Jiu. Your negligence almost put her in danger."
The person in charge was speechless and could only turn to beg Quan Jiu, completely forgetting how much they had gossiped about her behind her back that morning.
"Miss Quan, we are sorry. It was our negligence. Please help us plead your case, we have elders and children..."
"I am just a part-time actor. You are asking the wrong person to plead for you. I am very sorry," Quan Jiu interrupted, and said to Guo Wen, "Director, I'll go discuss the scene with the martial arts instructor again."
Guo Wen nodded, also looking apologetic. "It was our crew's negligence. I hope you don't mind."
Quan Jiu smiled and went to find the martial arts instructor.
The person in charge cast a pleading glance at Liu Zhixi again, but the latter had already turned her head away, not looking at him at all.
This morning she was still sending them food, but now... wait, the food.
Something suddenly flashed through the person in charge's mind. He paused, then quietly said to Guo Wen, "Director Guo, when we inspected it this morning, I can guarantee that the wire rigging was absolutely fine. My people couldn't have tampered with it. Later, Liu Zhixi's assistant, Xiao Dong, brought us breakfast. Only at that time was the wire rigging not within our sight."
Guo Wen frowned. "What do you mean?"
The person in charge sighed, "Director Guo, I don't mean anything. I just feel like I've been scapegoated."
Guo Wen glanced at Xiao Dong intentionally or unintentionally, but his attitude remained the same. The person in charge had no choice but to sigh and lead his team away.
...
A new wire rigging team quickly took over. With the previous incident as a lesson, everyone was cautious and careful this time, afraid of making any mistakes and losing their jobs.
Quan Jiu re-adjusted the wire rigging. She tried swinging her sword a couple of times and felt it was alright, so she said to the martial arts double, "Master, we'll do it for real later. I don't like faking things."
Although she was a part-time actor, since she had agreed to do it, she would do her best.
The martial arts instructor seemed not to understand. "For real? What do you mean for real?"
"Real combat. I don't need a martial arts double. I'll do it myself," Quan Jiu explained.
The martial arts double, who was ready to stand in for her, was stunned. "Ah? You'll fight yourself?" He looked at Quan Jiu with suspicion.
Guo Wen was also surprised to hear this. He walked up to Quan Jiu. "You know martial arts combat? This is not a game. Martial arts doubles are trained professionals. You don't need to force yourself here."
Jiang Li, standing nearby, didn't hide her mockery. "You should focus on memorizing your lines and practicing your acting. You're short on time, aren't you? You probably won't be able to get a single useful shot in a day."
Other staff members also looked at Quan Jiu reproachfully. Their filming schedule was already tight, and now they were being delayed. No one was happy about it.
Quan Jiu smiled slightly and ignored them. As swift as lightning, she drew her sword and lunged at the martial arts double. Her movements were fast, accurate, and fierce. Not only the director and other staff members, but even the martial arts double was startled and instinctively blocked the attack.
In less than ten breaths, they had exchanged over a dozen moves. The onlookers were stunned, holding their breath.
Guo Wen, after his initial shock, frantically signaled the cameras to start shooting, afraid of missing even a single frame.
The martial arts instructor was only stunned for the first few seconds. After that, as the opponent's movements accelerated, he gradually got into the groove. Both of them were sparring for real. Although their martial arts skills couldn't compare to those who had practiced for over a decade, their moves were skillful and varied, which was already admirable.
Guo Wen stared at the monitor, his eyes shining. "It's perfect. Every move is beautiful, and her gaze is on point. We've really found a gem this time."
Xia Wei, who was directing the crew nearby, also sighed with genuine admiration. "At this level, no one would believe she's an amateur. It's no wonder they've produced so many movie stars. You really need some skills to do this."
Jiang Li looked astonished, watching Quan Jiu effortlessly spar with the martial arts instructor, her face filled with resentment. "How does she know martial arts too?"
And that gaze, every movement, made her truly disbelieve that she was a new amateur. But the facts were right in front of her, and she could only feel indignant.
Soon, a perfect two-minute shot was presented. Guo Wen reluctantly said to Quan Jiu, "You've worked hard. That was excellent. For the next scene, you'll be with Jiang Li. Go easy on her. Jiang Li, just follow the moves the martial arts instructor taught you."
Jiang Li picked up her sword, assumed a stance, and began to swing it according to the martial arts instructor's instructions.
But after only a couple of swings, she was stopped by a somewhat impatient voice. "Stop, stop, stop. Jiang Li, did you not have breakfast? You're wielding a sword, not fluffing cotton. Why are your hands so soft?"
Perhaps due to the contrast, Guo Wen couldn't help but scold her from the beginning.
Jiang Li apologized awkwardly. "Sorry, Director. Sorry, I'll do it again."
She swung her hand and danced her sword again. This time, she finally engaged with Quan Jiu. However, compared to Quan Jiu's powerful moves, Jiang Li appeared childish and couldn't keep up. Even without any lines, she was completely outmatched.
Guo Wen's temper flared up immediately. He impatiently shouted "Cut!" and went forward to scold Jiang Li fiercely.
Although Jiang Li had heard that Director Guo had a bad temper and would yell at people, she hadn't expected it to be so harsh when it happened to her. It was then that she truly understood the advice she had been given before.