CHAPTER 18: CHAPTER 18: FILMING BEGINS

"Director Yang’s vision seems lacking. That’s how it is with small-time directors; they lack insight and easily ruin a script. If it weren’t for Sister Chen asking me to shoot, I wouldn’t bother with such a low-budget film." Jiang Shishi’s words were full of disdain.

Tong Yan had good hearing, and she clearly heard their conversation. She just smiled, said nothing, and returned to her seat. In the entertainment circle, sucking up to the powerful while stepping on the weak happens too often. With her shallow roots, she faced discrimination wherever she went—this was quite normal.

Back at her side, Jiang Yu was still eating. Tong Yan marveled at this girl’s appetite. Before she could speak, Jiang Yu’s agent, Sister Wang, came over, full of frustration, "My dear Yu, you can’t keep eating like this. Your body just puts on weight so easily; if you keep it up, you won’t be allowed to eat anything next week."

Jiang Yu looked terrified, hiding the cookies behind her back, righteously claiming, "I haven’t eaten anything. Sis, you must be mistaken."

Sister Wang was dumbfounded; this girl could tell lies right through her teeth.

Tong Yan couldn’t help but burst into laughter—this girl was just too funny.

Sister Wang dragged Jiang Yu away, but Jiang Yu held onto Tong Yan’s cookies as if her life depended on it, waving at Tong Yan, "Sister Yanyan, I’ll come find you to play later."

Tong Yan waved back, saying with mischievous delight, "I still have chocolate and beef jerky; you’re welcome to come and eat."

She seemed to see Sister Wang stumble a few steps and then run off even faster.

The first five days were spent shooting scenes at the age of six. Without shooting, they were quite relaxed. Although Sister Wang guarded against Tong Yan closely, Jiang Yu always found a way to sneak over to her to mooch on food, and through this back and forth, they became familiar.

Having lived another life, Tong Yan’s ability to judge people grew. She realized Jiang Yu had no ill intentions, had a straightforward personality, and had a hint of naive charm—so she was willing to befriend her. In a few days, they were practically like friends.

Sister Wang had given up on Jiang Yu—this girl just wouldn’t listen. Clearly having a body type that gained weight easily, she loved eating. Leaving her unattended for just a moment, she’d run off to find food. Originally she weighed only eighty-odd pounds, but in just half a year, she was nearly a hundred pounds.

The boss had already issued a final ultimatum that she couldn’t gain any more weight, or she’d have her salary docked. Sister Wang thought of the boss’s words, on the verge of despair. Boss, surely you know how much your sister loves eating; isn’t this too much?

Tong Yan ate a lot but would exercise at night. One night, Jiang Yu saw her and joined in with the exercise. When Sister Wang found out, she finally felt relieved—there was hope yet. It looked like her salary was secure.

Jiang Shishi completely distanced herself from them and even looked down on them a bit. Tong Yan didn’t mind at all; as long as it didn’t affect the filming, who cares what you think of me?

Six days later, it was finally their turn to shoot. The opening scene had the three of them peeling corn together, chatting and laughing—it was a warm atmosphere. The makeup artist styled them according to their characteristics. Tong Yan had a ponytail, wore an off-white fabric blouse, and black fabric pants. Jiang Yu had two ponytails and wore a black floral dress. Jiang Shishi had two small buns decorated with tiny yellow flowers, looking particularly lovely.

Jiang Yu spun around in front of Tong Yan, "Sister Yanyan, how do I look?"

Tong Yan nodded, "You look great."

Jiang Shishi wanted to say something, but the assistant director shouted, "Props, actors, take your positions."

The acting Jiang Yu was different from her usual self—she was very serious and talented, completely immersed. It was as if Li Chunjuan was standing right there alive in front of her.

Li Chunjuan peeled the corn while laughing, "Caiju, I heard your dad’s arranged a marriage to Shuigen. You’re getting married next year, aren’t you?"

Jiang Caiju’s face turned bright red. Shyly, she tapped Li Chunjuan, "Juanzi, stop the nonsense—it’s nothing like that." Her eyes were full of shy joy, while the fine bangs on her forehead swayed slightly.