Fortunately, Liu Yifeng's next words significantly lessened his hostility: "I'm sorry, I'm not interested in this industry, nor am I professionally trained. The only reason I'm here as a martial arts double is because I have a pretty good relationship with Director Wang and couldn't refuse. After these two days of fight scenes, I'll be leaving."
Seeing that Liu Yifeng had no intention of pursuing this career, Ling Fei felt he had one less competitor, and his mood improved. He changed his hostile demeanor, threw an arm around Liu Yifeng's shoulders, and said companionably, "Yifeng, fate brings us together. You're my martial arts double, so we're friends. If you have any questions on set, don't hesitate to ask me!"
Liu Yifeng didn't understand why someone who had been so hostile moments ago was now so friendly. But he was glad. At the very least, there would be no conflict during filming, and he could finish his work happily before leaving the set. He smiled and nodded, "Okay!"
Although Teacher Duanmu felt it was a pity that Liu Yifeng, with his external conditions and martial arts skills, wasn't pursuing a career as a star, everyone had their own choices, so he didn't say much. He then said, "Since everyone is acquainted now, let's start rehearsing the fight choreography. If there are any areas that need improvement, I'll point them out promptly."
The three of them began rehearsing. First, Ling Fei sparred with his scene partner, then Liu Yifeng executed corresponding moves to connect with the subsequent actions. When close-ups were needed, Ling Fei would step in, making the scene appear more realistic, so much so that the average viewer wouldn't notice a double was used.
The three of them rehearsed several times, their movements becoming increasingly fluid. At this moment, Director Wang walked over, asking how the rehearsal was going, as filming was about to start.
"The three of them are cooperating very well. Director, where did you find this double? His skills are truly impressive, and his build is very similar to the male lead's. Even with a magnifying glass, audiences might not realize a martial arts double was used," Teacher Duanmu commented.
Hearing the martial arts instructor's words, Director Wang beamed with pride. "Do you think the people I find would be bad? I had to ask him for a long time before he agreed to help."
"He's indeed excellent. I've been a martial arts instructor for many years and have seen many skilled actors and doubles, but Liu Yifeng is the first I've seen wield a sword so magnificently. Seeing him in costume, with a sword, he truly looks like a prince from ancient times," Teacher Duanmu said, seeing a double who was more suited to the role than the actor for the first time. He even thought that if Liu Yifeng were the lead, the ratings might be even better. However, he knew better than to voice such an opinion in front of the protagonist. After all, the male lead held a certain status in the entertainment industry and had many loyal fans. Offending him could lead to him being drowned in a torrent of fan criticism, potentially ending his career.
"Hahaha, I think so too. Since the rehearsal is complete, let's head to the location. As this is an assassination scene set in a small forest, we'll be filming there. They're already waiting," Director Wang said, leading them to the outdoor filming location.
First, the male lead, accompanied by two retainers, walked down a path. Assassins then ambushed them, quickly dispatching the two retainers. The fight began with the male lead, who exchanged blows for several rounds.
Liu Yifeng hadn't expected scenes to be filmed this way. He had always assumed that continuous sequences were shot in one go. To his surprise, after only a few actions, the director would call "cut," and then the makeup artists would touch up makeup, and those who were injured would tend to their wounds. The actor playing the wounded guard would lie on the ground and then resume the previous action to continue filming. He was meticulously observing the camera positions to avoid appearing in the shot, which would necessitate reshooting.
There were many staff members on set. Liu Yifeng admired the actors' professionalism; they didn't break character or laugh, and they performed with great dedication, as if they were the characters themselves. Soon, it was his turn. The camera captured everything except his face. He sparred with his scene partner seamlessly; what was supposed to be filmed in several takes was completed in one continuous flow. If all the actors could perform like this, the crew could potentially halve the filming time.
"So, do you have any objections to the martial arts double I found now?" Director Wang asked the assistant director and casting director. They both gave him a thumbs-up, "Your judgment is excellent; you've found such a hidden gem of a double." Seeing that they were both satisfied with the double he had found, Director Wang couldn't help but feel smug. Although there had been disagreements and arguments initially, they were all professional and focused on the work. Therefore, when someone was right, they would readily offer praise to show their approval.
Since Liu Yifeng had agreed to film for only two days, these two days were dedicated to the male lead's fight scenes. The overall director, after witnessing Liu Yifeng's skills, felt that not fully utilizing him would be a waste of resources. Thus, he immediately instructed the editors to add a few more fight scenes to highlight the male lead's prowess in both combat and intellect. This proved exhausting for Liu Yifeng, but everyone recognized his capabilities. After an hour of continuous filming, they stopped for lunch.
Ordinarily, the double's meal box would be the same as those for the background extras. However, considering the physical exertion required for his afternoon scenes, filled with constant fighting, the director specifically provided him with a lead actor's meal. The lead actors' meal boxes were of the highest quality and contained the best food. Liu Yifeng was indeed hungry and, taking his meal box, squatted down to eat heartily. At the filming site, most people ate squatting; actors with some status would use small tables. There were no dining tables, and eating was not permitted in shooting areas unless required by the scene.
As Liu Yifeng was eating quickly, Director Wang brought him a small stool. "Yifeng, sit down and eat. I'm afraid these two days will be a bit tough on you."
"What's so tough about it? I'm getting paid, and food and accommodation are provided, plus I get to learn new things!" Liu Yifeng sat down, unconcerned. While eating squatting was a bit tiring, most people did it, and even many women ate like this. He, a grown man, wasn't so fragile. Seeing Liu Yifeng's positive outlook, Director Wang felt relieved. "Alright, you eat first. I have some work to handle. After eating, you can stroll around until sunset or lie down in your car. We'll resume filming at precisely 2 PM!"
"Okay, I understand. Director Wang, you should go tend to your work; don't worry about me!" Liu Yifeng replied. As soon as Director Wang left, Ling Fei approached, his assistant carrying a stool to sit next to Liu Yifeng.
"Yifeng, your performance this morning was excellent. In three scenes, you only had one NG!" Ling Fei praised with a smile. He then began eating his meal box, which was the same as Liu Yifeng's: garlic shrimp, spicy chicken, lion's head meatballs, and vegetable yogurt! He had to admit, the food at the set was quite tasty, and Liu Yifeng was thoroughly satisfied.
Hearing Ling Fei's words, he paused his eating. "It's my first time filming, and I was afraid I'd hold up the crew's progress. I'm glad I didn't!"
"Don't talk about holding us back; you've actually sped things up. The director originally planned to shoot the last scene this afternoon, but because of your excellent performance, it was completed this morning," Ling Fei quickly added.
"Is there something you need from me?" Liu Yifeng felt that Ling Fei's approach wasn't just for casual chat! After all, he had only just joined the crew, and they weren't familiar enough for him to be eating together.