novelraw Chapter 124 Insomnia
Chapter 124 Insomnia
Chapter 124 Insomnia
In the dressing room backstage at the Guangzhou Gymnasium, Zhang Liangying carefully applied concealer to her cheekbones in front of the mirror.
The woman in the mirror had faint dark circles under her eyes, a result of continuous insomnia.
Five days have passed since the press conference in Shanghai.
The storm of public opinion continues, but the tide has completely turned.
Wang Zhonglei and Huayi became the target of public criticism, while she and Li Jun were portrayed as warriors fighting against the industry's shady practices.
But this warrior is very tired now.
Last night's rehearsal lasted until 2 a.m., and I was woken up again by a phone call at 8 a.m. this morning from my mother in Chengdu.
She said that another reporter came to her home to interview her, asking her what she thought about her daughter publicly questioning an industry leader.
Her mother's voice was full of worry: "Liangying, be careful when you're out there all alone."
Will those people... retaliate against you?
Zhang Liangying could only say, "Mom, it's okay. We've taken care of everything."
But has it really been resolved?
"Beautiful."
Linda pushed open the door and came in, holding a process sheet in her hand.
"Half an hour left. How are you?"
"fine."
Zhang Liangying put down her concealer.
Are there any special people in the audience today?
Linda knew what she was asking: "Wang Zhonglei's men probably won't dare to come."
However, there are several media outlets that Huayi has long-term partnerships with, so I've asked security to keep an eye out for them.
Where is Li Jun?
"He's filming in Hong Kong and said he'll come over tonight."
Linda paused.
"But he didn't say he could definitely get there."
There's an important rain scene today, but it might have to be delayed if the weather is bad.
Zhang Liangying nodded and didn't say anything more.
She knew how much pressure Li Jun was under.
Filming has entered its most intense phase, with people working more than sixteen hours a day.
Nicholas Tse had just had the stitches removed from his forehead, leaving a light red scar, but he insisted on not using special effects makeup, saying it would look more realistic that way.
Zhang Ziyi's scenes are concentrated in the last two weeks, and the timing is very tight.
As for Wang Zhonglei, although he remained silent for the time being, everyone knew that he would not let the matter rest.
The door to the dressing room was pushed open again, and this time Yuan Tao came in.
He looked unwell and was holding a folder in his hand.
"Liangying, there's something I need to tell you."
Yuan Tao glanced at Linda, and the two exchanged a look.
"What is it?"
Zhang Liangying stood up.
Yuan Tao handed her the folder: "Huayi issued a statement this morning saying that the evidence was forged and they have reported it to the police."
and----"
He paused for a moment: "They say there is new evidence showing that Li Jun misappropriated some of the investment funds for personal consumption during the film's preparation."
Zhang Liangying opened the folder.
Inside were several bank statement screenshots showing that several sums of money were transferred from the production account of "Bodyguards and Assassins" to a private account, with the note stating that it was for the director's fees.
However, the amount is clearly too high, totaling more than two million.
"This is a fake, isn't it?"
She asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"It should be."
Yuan Tao said.
"Chen Zeshi's side is already checking the account details."
But these screenshots have already spread, and several marketing accounts are stirring up trouble.
Linda took the folder and looked at it, her expression changing: "This is going to completely ruin Li Jun's reputation. If it's confirmed that he embezzled funds, not only will the movie not be made, but he may also face legal consequences."
Zhang Liangying felt a wave of dizziness. She grabbed the dressing table and took a few deep breaths.
"Liangying, are you alright?"
Linda quickly helped her up.
"I'm fine."
Zhang Liangying stood firm.
"Does Xiaojun know about this?"
"I haven't told him yet."
Yuan Tao said.
"He's filming that rain scene today, so he can't be distracted. I want to wait until filming is finished before we talk about it."
"So what do we do now?"
"Kent Chan is preparing a counterattack."
Yuan Tao said.
"He found that several of Huayi's projects also had funding problems, which were much more serious than this one."
But it will take time to gather evidence.
"time----"
Zhang Liangying gave a wry smile.
"What we lack most is time."
The noise of the audience entering the theater drifted in from outside the window. The performance was about to begin.
Linda glanced at her watch: "Liangying, you need to get ready."
Zhang Liangying nodded and took one last look in the mirror.
The woman in the mirror looked tired.
"Let's go," she said.
Hong Kong is experiencing torrential rain.
At the outdoor filming location of Kwun Tong Pier, Li Jun stood under the awning behind the monitor, his raincoat already soaked through.
Rainwater cascaded down the edge of the roof, forming a curtain of water in front of us.
In front of the camera, Nicholas Tse lay on the muddy ground, covered in blood and mud.
His character, Shen Mo, has just survived a fierce battle and is now crawling forward with difficulty, trying to reach a short knife not far away.
Rainwater washed over the scar on his forehead, and the fresh wound looked particularly glaring under the camera lens.
"Action!"
Nicholas Tse began to climb. His movements were slow, each step seeming to require the utmost effort.
His hands were deeply embedded in the mud, his fingernails filled with black grime.
His facial expression was complex, showing pain and resentment.
The rain kept pelting him, but he didn't blink; his eyes were fixed on the knife.
Three meters, two meters, one meter —
Just as his hand was about to touch the hilt of the knife, Li Jun shouted:
"Cut!"
Nicholas Tse lay motionless, panting heavily.
Staff rushed over to drape a dry towel over him and offer him hot water.
Li Jun walked over to him and squatted down: "How is it?"
"good."
Nicholas Tse's voice was hoarse.
"It's just cold."
The rain scene was filmed from 3 pm to 7 pm, and eight takes have already been done.
Nicholas Tse was soaked in the mud for four hours, and his lips turned purple.
"Almost there."
Li Jun watched the playback on the monitor.
"That last look in your eyes must have light."
At this moment, Shen Mo wasn't in despair; he saw hope.
"hope?"
Nicholas Tse looked up, raindrops dripping down his chin.
"He's almost dead, what hope is there?"
"Hope is that knife."
Li Jun said.
"Once I get it, I can protect the people I want to protect."
This idea needs to be ignited.
Nicholas Tse was silent for a moment, then nodded: "I understand. One more take."
Filming for the ninth segment has begun.
This time, Nicholas Tse's eyes changed.
It was still painful, still difficult, but at the moment he touched the hilt of the knife, a faint light flashed in his eyes.
That is the light when a person grasps at the last straw in a desperate situation.
"Cut! Passed!"
Applause erupted from the audience.
Nicholas Tse was helped up, his whole body trembling.
Li Jun walked over and patted him hard on the shoulder: "You've worked hard."
"It was worth it."
Nicholas Tse grinned, revealing his teeth stained black by mud.
It was already 8 p.m. when we finished work.
The rain was still falling, but it had lessened a bit.
The crew packed up their equipment in the rain, everyone was soaked to the bone, but no one complained.
Li Jun returned to the monitor and reviewed today's footage.