After a failed blind date, a wealthy woman tried to walk into my heart

Shen Lang drove over to Hengdian Film City, arriving at the filming location he rented. It was just an unremarkable empty lot with a few retro-style buildings. He wasn't shooting some big-budget blockbuster like Zhang Yimou, so there was no need for a huge set. He was just working on a low-budget short video adaptation of his novel.

The basics were all set up: a makeup room, a prop room, and a place for the actors to relax. With Shen Lang's god-tier directing skills, adapting his popular novel was more than doable.

"Good morning, Director Shen!" A girl in a traditional costume greeted him warmly. This was Tang Yanyan, the lead actress Shen Lang had signed from Yuxing Entertainment. She was also a somewhat popular beauty influencer on Douyin.

When Shen Lang picked the actors, he checked them out thoroughly. As long as they looked good, were affordable, had decent acting skills, and no major scandals, he was fine with hiring them. Tang Yanyan, for example, might be 30% plastic, but as long as it didn't affect her appearance and she looked good on camera, Shen Lang didn't mind.

After a brief chat with Tang Yanyan, Shen Lang mingled with the other staff, getting to know everyone and discussing work.

One by one, people started approaching him:

"Director Shen, I'm Gu Tian, playing the male lead, Ye Fan. I read your novel before, and I'm thrilled to be playing the lead. I was so excited I couldn't sleep last night."

"Director Shen, I suggest using Tang Dynasty-style costumes to better match the novel's setting."

"Director Shen, I'm the special effects artist. We met a few days ago."

"Director, I'm the cameraman. I noticed the actresses have great figures. I suggest we focus on what the audience likes. Short videos aren't as strict with censorship as movies are. I've done this with other directors before."

Shen Lang replied, "Good idea. Edit the highlights tonight and let me review them."

Before Shen Lang arrived, the crew had already heard some gossip about this young director, who seemed to have connections with Zhang Yimou. Naturally, they were respectful and didn't dare put on airs. Plus, Shen Lang had a knack for conversation, so within an hour, he had earned everyone's respect and they treated him with a mix of warmth and reverence.

By 9 a.m., everyone was in position, and the actors arrived on set right on time. Shen Lang called everyone together for a brief meeting to lay out his expectations. After a quick discussion, he got everyone moving and started filming the first episode.

"Alright, actors, get ready." Shen Lang sat in front of the monitor, watching the first-person camera angle. "Episode one, take one, action!"

As the filming went on, Shen Lang's expression became more serious. The actors' performances were way below the potential he saw through his 'godly director's eye.' The reason was simple: it was just a low-budget short video, and Shen Lang was an unknown director. The actors weren't taking it seriously, lacking the focus and intensity of a major film.

But Shen Lang wasn't about to let them waste his money, so he grabbed the walkie-talkie and started giving directions, getting more and more intense, even swearing at them until their faces turned red.

"Second lead actress, can you take this seriously? You're supposed to collapse from a stab wound, not faint from anemia!"

"And you, as an extra, how can you mess up a single line twice? Can't you even memorize a script?"

"Ye Fan, what's wrong with you? You're wielding the legendary Heavenly Sword, not a tree branch! Show some passion!"

"Tang Yanyan, where's your chest? The audience wants to see it! I told you to fall on your side, not bury it in the ground!"

"Damn it! Do I have to yell at you to get it right? Reshoot this scene!"

Everyone on set, including the crew, was stunned by Shen Lang's outburst. They couldn't believe that the friendly, sunny guy who was joking with them earlier could be so ruthless when directing, showing no mercy at all.

Realizing they couldn't just phone it in, the actors started taking the short video seriously. Those waiting for their scenes were nervously rehearsing their lines and movements, afraid they might mess up and face Shen Lang's wrath.

There was no choice. The director was in charge, and they had all signed contracts. Challenging Shen Lang would mean paying three times the penalty.

Of course, their respect for Shen Lang didn't come just from his harsh words, but also from his clear expertise in directing and acting. They could tell immediately if a director knew their stuff, and Shen Lang's skills were top-notch. It didn't feel like they were working with a rookie director but with an experienced veteran.

Under Shen Lang's harsh guidance, the actors' performances visibly improved, and even the cameraman's shots got better. Shen Lang frequently stepped onto the set to personally guide the actors on how to deliver their lines with emotion.

Thanks to this, they wrapped up shooting by 8 p.m., two hours earlier than planned. Some of the thinner-skinned actors were still reeling from Shen Lang's harshness, their faces scrunched up with teary eyes, looking like they might cry at any moment.

"People told me you're a tough director, but I thought they were kidding," joked Dong Fei, who dropped by to check in, handing Shen Lang a cigarette. "Look at what you did to those poor girls."

"I just want the short video to turn out well." Shen Lang took the cigarette and tucked it behind his ear, then clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone, take a break. Since it's the first day of shooting, I've booked a few tables at Ju Man Lou to treat everyone for your hard work today."

"Ju Man Lou?!" The crew exchanged glances, their spirits noticeably lifted. That was a fancy restaurant with an average cost of 1,000 per person.

After making the announcement, Shen Lang casually mingled with the crew, chatting and joking with them, even putting his arm around some of the male actors' shoulders. The fierce director from earlier was nowhere to be seen.

"Smart move, giving them a smack and then a treat," Dong Fei said approvingly, nodding slightly. "This guy really doesn't act like a newbie director."