Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years

Big eyes, a bun-like face, and more than just a bit cute.

"Whenever you figure out what you want, remember to tell me. If I have it, I won't refuse."

An Feng said earnestly.

Although great kindness does not require thanks, if you don't even say a word of thanks,

who would be willing to help you in the future?

Her mom originally suggested thanking with money, but later found out that Qi Hao had Mrs. Hua and Penguin shares, which made it inappropriate to bring up.

Qi Hao is much wealthier than them.

As for resources... An Feng was struggling with resources due to being banned, so how could she possibly provide resources for Qi Hao?

Thus, paying back favors became a headache.

"You're the one who said it, huh? When I come asking for tens of millions, don't pretend you're dead."

"Have you two finished your chat? Hurry up and film!"

Lu Yang shouted, after over ten days of shooting the film, he'd become more familiar with Qi Hao.

He also completely gave up the idea of pursuing An Feng.

Firstly, because he had fallen in love with the profession of directing, wishing to focus solely on his career.

Secondly, the person didn't even look at him directly.

"Coming, coming. What's the rush? You're the director; I'm the director. This prop arrangement is really something else. How are you supervising this? Didn't I say it should be smaller? Holding it like this blocks the actor's face, the camera angles are incorrect—it's easier to find angles shooting externally rather than internally..."

Qi Hao came over and ruthlessly criticized Lu Yang.

"Qi Hao, how do you know so much!"

Lu Yang had to endure it, because the issues Qi Hao pointed out actually existed.

"Read more books... reading grows brains." Qi Hao spoke truthfully.

Even tofu's got brains, yet you don't.

"Damn! I really envy you."

Lu Yang found reading the most challenging, couldn't do it at all, he could watch movies all night, but couldn't keep up with books for twenty minutes.

Though, recently he often discussed the Ming Dynasty with Qi Hao, he managed to read a few of the recommended books.

After chatting for a while, they started filming.

This scene had nothing to do with An Feng, she could continue sitting in her relaxing chair and sleeping.

Qi Hao was filming the scene with Shen Teng and Qin Hailu.

Shen Teng, playing the role of Teacher Teng, gave Qin Hailu a box of salted eggs, which were placed in a very small box.

Qin Hailu thought the handsome Teacher Teng had an interest in her.

Anyway, she felt all sorts of shy, happy, and... smug, yet upon entering the office, she found out such salted eggs were gifted to everyone. In fact, others received four boxes while she only got one.

"Cut~ Teacher Shen Teng, you're being a bit too poised."

It's a common problem among stage actors, they must overcome the different acting styles when transitioning to film.

This isn't too difficult; with a few more NGs (takes), it will be about right.

"Let's do it again!" Shen Teng prepared himself and acted with Qin Hailu once more.

Qin Hailu's performance was extraordinary.

Shen Teng was glad that his first film acting experience was with someone like Qin Hailu, who had great acting skills.

It also awakened his competitive spirit.

Though my skills aren't quite there yet, it doesn't mean they won't be in the future.

Given time, not even Qin Hailu will be unbeatable.

"Okay, that's it for today's parts for both of you. You can rest now."

Qi Hao checked the time; Shen Teng's performance exceeded his expectations.

Better than he had expected.

This guy is not only good looking, but his acting isn't too bad either.

It's a pity he didn't pursue the idol route sooner, he could have been a star.

"Brother, I've made the right choice with acting in films. Next time if there's a chance, call me. I don't pick roles—good or bad, as long as it can improve myself, you can count on me."

Shen Teng wasn't talking solely to Qi Hao; he had the same attitude towards Lu Yang.

He's come to realize.

Though Lu Yang is just an assistant director, he comes from a good family, and even more importantly, he is skilled. Among the few in the director group, Qi Hao values him the most.

There might be chances to collaborate in the future.

"As long as you act well, I will definitely prioritize people I've worked with before when opportunities arise."

Qi Hao looked at the time; it was only two o'clock, not possible to wrap up this early.

The shooting plan was somewhat conservative, situations like this happen often.

Xiamen is really a nice place, and it happens to be the best season for tourism right now; Qi Hao didn't make major adjustments.

For previous days, Qi Hao would play games and practice driving from time to time.

An Feng also brought new friends to have fun together.

But Qi Hao didn't plan to finish early today, and since An Feng was also there, they continued filming.

There are quite a few scenes in the shooting plan that can be flexibly adjusted.

Take it over and shoot first, to avoid any unexpected weather such as rain on the planned shooting day making it impossible to shoot.

"Li Jiahang, is Teacher Tian Yu here?"

After Qi Hao made arrangements, the crew staff started bustling.

Finding people, moving cameras.

Qi Hao planned to shoot the scene where Tian Yu beats him up; in the movie, he fights with others, violating school rules.

No matter who's right or wrong, if you're fighting, you have to get beaten.

Actually, a few years ago, corporal punishment in schools was quite normal.

Some parents particularly supported it.

They either couldn't control their children or were reluctant to discipline them, they wanted teachers to discipline more.

They would even tell teachers, don't worry about hitting, beat them up—they won't die, just make sure it's severe.

These parents were a bit reckless, yet it highlights the societal attitudes.

When Qi Hao was young, he got beaten up.

He and Shen Sanshui went swimming in the Hai River and got caught by the vice principal.

The duo, wearing triangular shorts, were dragged back by their ears by the vice principal.

Since then, Qi Hao has been scared, like a mouse seeing a cat whenever he sees that vice principal. It left a psychological shadow on him.

"Director, is it my turn?"

Tian Yu was hiding under the tree shade, talking on the phone with his girlfriend, when someone found him and pulled him over to shoot the scene.

"Yes, it's the scene where you beat us up. Is that okay?"

"No problem, I've been looking forward to it for a long time."

Qi Hao directed two films independently, and Tian Yu participated in both. He has become Qi Hao's go-to actor, so he gradually became more laid-back.

"Uh, if you really leave my behind a bloody mess, don't blame me for blacklisting you."

Qi Hao also needs to take a hit.

True, he could cut to An Feng's side when Tian Yu hits him, using An Feng's reaction to indicate he got hit.

But the audience isn't dumb.

Qi Hao and Li Jiahang got into position, with two other students lined up beside them.

The principal whipped two at a time.

He used a stick specifically meant for spanking.

School corporal punishment can't be as extreme as Singapore's caning, where the first stroke is said to have to split open the skin of the offender.

The maximum caning a person can endure is 24 strokes, with a maximum of six strokes administered at one go.

Given this is a laborious task, to prevent the executer from getting tired and weakening, they switch executers after every three strokes.

In reality, many people can't even endure three strokes.

But it's okay, they can continue after healing, anticipating the beating again amidst the healing process, feeling quite chipper.

Now, Qi Hao is getting whipped.

To portray realism, the whipping needs to be genuine.

To prevent injury to the actors, the crew has provided some protection on the actor's rear.

"Three, two, one, Action!"

When Qi Hao goes acting, Lu Yang helps watch over the monitor, coordinating the overall scene, and after shooting, Qi Hao comes back to see the result.

Seeing the director getting whipped, Lu Yang secretly finds it amusing.

Whack, slap~

Qi Hao and Li Jiahang each got whipped once, while Tian Yu spanked and lectured simultaneously.

"Cut, Qi Hao, your reaction seems fake, never been whacked with a stick before?"

Didn't even need Qi Hao to verify, Lu Yang saw it and found it inadequate.

"You've been whipped?"

Qi Hao walked over to check the monitor.

"I got beaten up often, there was a time my dad went berserk, spanked me till I hopped around on the spot. Li Jiahang must've been whipped too, right?"

Lu Yang described what it's like to be hit with a stick, and even demonstrated it.

Li Jiahang also joined in the conversation.

Li Jiahang doesn't have many scenes but as a rookie student, having any scenes is quite good already.

You ask why Qi Hao isn't more dedicated.

Forget all this mumbo jumbo, just a few sticks, hit for real, absolute authenticity, it doesn't look like acting.

Bloody realistic.

Luckily, Chen Delin from "October Fortress" and Gao Qunshu from "Wind Sound" didn't think this way, or Qi Hao would have died several times over.

"This one went well, Li Jiahang controlled his expressions very nicely."

Lu Yang was quite pleased with the second shot.

"Let's do another take."

Qi Hao was a bit disgruntled, thought Li Jiahang performed better.

Truly, he has never been whipped with a stick.

Both Mr. Qi and Mrs. Qi are teachers, but they have their own ways of educating, not supporters of corporal punishment.

Mrs. Qi prefers gentle persuasion, using love to educate children.

Mr. Qi loves to sneer, using language to easily make students cry.

Qi Hao and Li Jiahang got whipped five times, finally delivering the effect the director wanted.

"Well performed, work hard on honing your acting skills."

Qi Hao praised Li Jiahang a bit, feeling it's a pity.

If there weren't Zhang Ruoyun in the initial audition, he might have had the chance to play this supporting role.

In showbiz, luck often matters quite a lot.

However, luck is fleeting; true skill is the foundation for long-term survival. With skill, someone like Li Jiahang with good looks will eventually make it big.

Besides, the supporting role in this movie is somewhat annoying, considered quite traditional in film characters.

"Thank you, Director."

Because he doesn't have many scenes, Li Jiahang delves deep into developing his acting skills.

In fact, if Qi Hao were to remove his pants, one could see the whip marks on his behind.

And not just ten marks — two per scene.

After receiving the full script some days before, he secretly whipped himself a few times.

Today's official shoot, receiving praise from the director, Li Jiahang felt it was all worth it.

In the movie, An Feng knows Qi Hao is going to get beaten, so she prepares medicine for him — the reason Qi Hao fought with a few classmates was because of her.

She first hides and listens to Qi Hao being whipped.

After Qi Hao finishes being whipped, she gives him the medicine she brought.

They are just secretly in love, not yet a couple.

If they were a couple, she would probably help apply the cream herself.

The hazy emotions of student life are reflected in these small details, sour and sweet, endlessly memorable.