CHAPTER 932: CHAPTER 653: JOINING THE CREW TO FILM_2

Before filming began, he was worried that Zhou Runfa’s acting skills might be too good, and that Link, as a newcomer, wouldn’t be able to hold his own in the scenes.

After watching Link’s performance, he was reassured. Link’s acting was excellent—when facing Zhou Runfa, a seasoned veteran actor, not only did he handle the scenes smoothly, but he also performed effortlessly. His expressions, movements, and subtle emotional shifts didn’t show any traces of being a novice.

"Cut! Next scene!"

The next scene depicted the King and the second prince, Yuan Ke, competing in swordplay.

Initially, Director Zhang had planned to use a stunt double for the scene, but after Link watched Cheng Xiaodong’s carefully choreographed moves, he decided to perform the sequence himself. With only three days of practice, Link outperformed the stunt double.

During the swordplay, every move showcased wide and powerful gestures that looked impressively vigorous and domineering.

This forced Cheng Xiaodong to redesign the choreography, arranging for Zhou Runfa and his stunt double to remain seated motionless.

Whenever shooting Link’s scenes, the camera aimed to capture him fully within the frame, ensuring no detail of his motions was missed.

Meanwhile, Zhou Runfa’s shots focused on specific parts—his face, his arm, and his long sword.

It conveyed the King’s imposing courage by countering dynamic motion with stillness.

Clang, clang, clang!

After their combat sequence, the second prince’s long sword was flicked away by the King, landing with a clatter on the floor.

"Father, your prowess is unmatched. Your son is no equal to you,"

Link looked at the fallen sword on the floor, a hint of regret flashing in his deep eyes, before quickly suppressing it. He knelt before the King in deference.

Zhou Runfa pressed his sword against Link’s neck. Link remained motionless, his head slightly bowed, his expression more reverent than ever.

"All creation—whatever the Emperor gives you is yours; if the Emperor does not grant it, you cannot take it,"

Zhou Runfa said coldly.

"Your instruction, Father, I will remember always,"

Link lowered himself slowly in reverence.

"Cut!"

"Done!"

"Prepare for the next scene!"

Director Zhang called out excitedly.

Before filming began, the production team had estimated two days for these scenes, but they completed all the shots in just over half a day. This saved not only a lot of time but also significant money.

Choosing Link to play Yuan Ke was undoubtedly the right decision.

Director Zhang fanned himself while looking at the monitor, nodding repeatedly in approval at the footage.

"Has this scene been finished already?"

His longtime collaborator and producer Zhang Weiping asked.

"You’re just in time—this is the footage we just shot. Take a look and tell me what you think?"

Director Zhang nodded and replayed the scenes.

From the King entering the room to the rising tension between the two characters, their swordfight, and then the King’s exit.

Zhang Weiping watched the footage once and furrowed his brows, requesting that Director Zhang replay it again.

After the second viewing, Director Zhang smiled and asked, "Well, how is it?"

"Is this Link really a newcomer?"

Zhang Weiping asked in astonishment.

"He’s done a few music videos, made a cameo in Wang Xiaoshuai’s film, but apart from that hasn’t acted in anything else."

"Amazing!"

Zhang Weiping couldn’t help but exclaim with admiration.

In the first viewing, it was evident that Link could confidently interact with Zhou Runfa, neither suppressed by Zhou’s acting nor overshadowed in presence.

This made him think that Link had extraordinary talent in acting—he was a natural performer.

But in the second viewing, another dimension emerged.

Most talented actors tend to perform using their real personality, making their on-screen characters similar to themselves.

Yet Link was different. He did not rely on his inherent personality; instead, his portrayal of the second prince was distinct from who he was.

For example, in real life, Link gave the impression of being strong-willed, uncompromising, but for this role, he portrayed humility, fear, nervousness, and deeply concealed ambition in the presence of the King.

Moreover, Link had a habit of incorporating subtle, seemingly out-of-place gestures into his performances.

At first glance, these gestures might appear odd, but they seamlessly blended into his character and the scene, making everything feel authentic.

This level of intricate performance is rare, even among veteran actors, yet Link—a newcomer—was able to execute it precisely.

This left Zhang Weiping puzzled: Was Link truly a veteran actor disguised as a rookie, or could he be a new breed of genius talent?

"Old Zhang, I’d like to add a few more scenes for Link. What’s your opinion?"

Director Zhang fanned himself as he spoke.

"I fully agree!"

Producer Zhang Weiping nodded without hesitation.

Link was handsome and famous, with a substantial fan base both domestically and internationally—a true magnet for box-office returns.

Seeing such exceptional acting talent, failing to add more scenes would be a waste—not only of the investment in his paycheck but also of the effort it took to bring Link onboard.

"Add more scenes, and let Link and Zhou Runfa share equal lead roles."

Zhang Weiping proposed.

Director Zhang nodded in agreement.

During script development, the role of the second prince was intended for a popular star, with names like Jelun, Wang Lihong, Huang Xiaoming, and Lu Yi being considered.

Unfortunately, most of these stars had weak acting skills and poor dialect delivery.

So, many of the lines and scenes were trimmed to lower the difficulty of the role.

From Link’s earlier performance, however, it was clear that the existing scenes were overly simplistic for him. Adding more key scenes and dialogue so Link could perform alongside Zhou Runfa and Gong Li would undoubtedly make the movie more captivating.

Fired up by this idea, Director Zhang couldn’t contain his excitement. He tossed aside his fan and instructed an assistant to gather the three screenwriters to craft additional scenes for Link that would present greater challenges.

——

After filming wrapped, Link stripped off his sweat-drenched armor and chatted with "Brother Fa" (as Zhou Runfa is affectionately called), who was also changing costumes. Following the massive success of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in 2000, Zhou chose to break into Hollywood, but his endeavors there weren’t particularly fruitful.

Nevertheless, Zhou was the most successful male actor in Hollywood after Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

For this film, Zhou’s paycheck was 40 million yuan—a sum surpassing the combined payments of Link, Gong Li, and Liu Ye.

Zhou’s actual physique was much slimmer than his on-screen presence would suggest. Once the cameras were off, his energy levels also seemed lower. As Zhou relaxed under the air conditioning after removing his armor, he chatted with Link.

He asked Link how he learned to act so impressively.

Link humbly replied that he figured things out while watching films.

Zhou remarked that self-learning was even more admirable and urged Link to continue honing his acting skills, suggesting his future accomplishments might exceed those of earlier generations.

After filming, Link approached the production assistant to inquire about the afternoon schedule, noting that the intense heat and lingering paint odors in the newly constructed set were giving him headaches.

The assistant informed him that he had two scenes left to shoot that day, which should wrap up by around three o’clock.

Before Link could leave, Director Zhang pulled him aside into a nearby office and personally brewed him a cup of jasmine tea. He announced his plan to add more scenes and dialogue for Link.

Link asked how much more.

Director Zhang responded that the specifics weren’t settled yet, but there would undoubtedly be more than currently planned.

Link objected, explaining that he needed to be in Finland’s Helsinki Olympic Stadium on August 8 to participate in the 10th World Athletics Championships.

Before the event, he had to return to the Capital City for training ten days in advance.

There wasn’t enough time for him to stay with the production crew to film extended scenes.

Director Zhang argued that this wouldn’t be an issue and proposed shooting Link’s additional scenes after his competition ended, ensuring it wouldn’t interfere with his training.

Link considered it cumbersome—both traveling back and forth for filming and causing delays in the production schedule for the team.

However, Director Zhang’s enthusiasm and sincerity made it difficult for him to refuse.

After filming for nine days in Hengdian, Link returned to the Capital City in late July to begin training for the 10th Athletics Championships.

This year, Huaxia’s athletics team dispatched 36 athletes to compete in 22 events, consisting of 16 men and 20 women, including Liu Xiang, Sun Yingjie, Xing Huina, Shi Dongpeng, and Wu Youjia.

Link was entered in six events: shot put, javelin, 1500 meters, 3000-meter steeplechase, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meters.

The National Team assigned him the goal of securing at least two gold medals, with a bonus of 200,000 yuan per additional gold medal earned.

Link assured them he would do his best.

"Darling, are you heading abroad for another competition? You hardly took any breaks this year."

In their apartment, Zhang Zilin leaned on his shoulder while watching TV.

"Indeed, there’s too much going on. Does being my girlfriend make you feel neglected?"

Link asked while stroking her long hair.

"Neglected? Of course not. Grandpa says that when you compete abroad, it’s like going off to battle for your country—risking your life for glory and honor. As the family of a soldier, how could I not understand this?"

Zhang Zilin rolled her eyes at him.

"Good girl!"

Link smiled.

Zhang Zilin smiled faintly, rested her head against his chest, and draped her long legs across his, settling into a cozy position.

Link wrapped his arms around her waist, asking if it was her safe period today. Zhang Zilin blushed and nodded.

Link kissed her ear, and before the 12th episode of "Legend of Sword and Fairy" finished, the two had retreated into the bedroom.