Damn It, I've Become the Clown

"What are you talking about!?"

Chen Jiashang couldn't quite understand what his old friend was saying.

Zhang Yang was indeed very talented. He had even told Gu Xuanzhao in advance that he had found a gem. Why was he so shocked?

"You don't know?" Gu Xuanzhao asked, confused.

After their brief interaction, he felt "humiliated."

Just by hearing him describe it once, without any demonstration, Zhang Yang had perfectly executed the set of moves he had designed.

If it were only that, he wouldn't be so surprised. The moves he designed were difficult, but for a naturally gifted martial artist, they were manageable.

But then Zhang Yang tried the moves again. The entire sequence flowed like water, the poses and movements were incredibly sharp, astonishing him.

If it ended there, it would be fine. There were always geniuses in the world, and he himself was considered a genius by some. But today, he had met someone even more talented.

However, Zhang Yang then added a few more moves to his designed sequence, making the overall effect even more outstanding, with greater power and aesthetic appeal.

This guy was clearly here to challenge them!

"Know what?" Chen Jiashang asked with a smile, tapping Gu Xuanzhao. "You started talking nonsense as soon as you arrived."

Seeing that Gu Xuanzhao wasn't faking it, Chen Jiashang's expression softened slightly. "Zhang Yang is even more amazing than you say."

"How amazing?" A spark of excitement appeared in Chen Jiashang's eyes.

For Gu Xuanzhao to give such high praise was very rare.

If what he just said got out, Zhang Yang could easily make a name for himself within the industry just based on his abilities as a martial arts director.

If Gu Xuanzhao were willing to take Zhang Yang as a disciple, formalizing their relationship, it would be easy for Zhang Yang to collaborate with famous directors.

Martial arts directing was one of the few professions in the industry that valued skill more, though background also played a role, like with the Hong Family Class and Cheng Family Class.

"You wouldn't understand even if I told you. You'll see when we start filming later."

Seeing Chen Jiashang's eagerness to learn, Gu Xuanzhao's mood suddenly improved.

He couldn't be the only one shocked; Chen Jiashang and everyone else on set had to experience it too!

"You're even starting to be mysterious now," Chen Jiashang said with a smile, shaking his head. Although curious, he didn't pay it much mind.

Gu Xuanzhao was a top martial arts director in the industry. No matter how well Zhang Yang performed, what difference could it make?

But soon, Chen Jiashang felt his face slapped hard.

"All units, attention."

Chen Jiashang picked up the megaphone.

The energy and spirit of all the staff immediately changed.

The biggest difference between filming a movie and a TV show was the use of film, which was burning money.

If someone performed poorly, causing the shooting time to extend and consume too much film, the director and producers would genuinely scold them, or even fire them on the spot.

"AKS!"

As the slate operator clapped the clapperboard, the first scene of the afternoon began.

Gu Xuanzhao had designed many intricate moves for Deng Chao, one of which was for his werewolf transformation. It was all offense and no defense, pressing forward relentlessly with immense momentum.

Although these moves were intricate, they weren't difficult, and they required the camera to capture Deng Chao's face throughout. Therefore, there was no opportunity for Zhang Yang, the stunt double, to step in.

Deng Chao had clearly practiced this set of moves diligently. After only three takes, Chen Jiashang called out, "Cut."

This kind of fight scene, which required the actor to perform entirely on their own, was considered a warm-up. Deng Chao began preparing for the next scene, which was a major one and required him to be suspended by wires.

"Brother Di, the Wire King is finally back!" Deng Chao playfully winked at Gu Xuanzhao, in a good mood.

Gu Xuanzhao had always been known by the nickname "Wire King" because many of the moves he designed required wirework for visual effect, which was even more impressive on the big screen in a cinema.

"Film it well," Gu Xuanzhao said, confirming Deng Chao's harness and safety equipment.

"What, are you afraid I can't do it and want to use a stunt double?" Deng Chao teased.

A smile appeared on Gu Xuanzhao's usually serious face. "I'm afraid you'll be embarrassed. I hope you don't disgrace yourself too much."

Deng Chao:?

Gu Xuanzhao didn't say anything further. He stepped back and signaled to Chen Jiashang.

"All units, attention."

"Action!"

The scene took place below the Drunken Moon Tower.

Deng Chao was fighting someone and was sent flying after being entangled for two rounds.

He hit the ground, spun 360 degrees, landed steadily, and then charged forward toward his opponent.

This was a complete sequence of actions. It sounded easy but was actually quite difficult to execute.

For a normal person, just turning two circles in place and walking in a straight line could lead to mistakes. Let alone being spun in mid-air for two rounds while suspended by wires, then hitting the ground, spinning another 360 degrees to stand upright, and finally breaking into a run.

"Swish!"

Under multiple camera lenses, countless cranes loomed.

Deng Chao entered the filming state, devoid of his usual goofiness, his emotions and movements fully invested.

After a symbolic exchange of blows, he began to go through the motions, first being hoisted by wires and spinning twice in mid-air.

The process went smoothly. Deng Chao shifted his body's center of gravity, and upon landing, he slapped the ground and spun another 360 degrees. Next, he needed to straighten his body and stand up.

Yesterday afternoon, Deng Chao had failed repeatedly at this exact spot. Today, he'd gotten a little smarter and chose to adopt a half-crouch after landing.

He stabilized his upper body, and the moment his center of gravity returned, he forcefully pushed off with his back foot, lunging forward. Then, he threw a punch, maintaining the pose.

"Cut!"

Chen Jiashang smiled with satisfaction. "Chao, one take, excellent."

Yesterday, this one shot had taken the entire afternoon without success, and he had almost lost his temper.

He had originally planned to have Zhang Yang go up today, to show everyone how skilled the stunt double he personally selected was.

Especially since the producer sent by the investors had subtly suggested replacing Mu Panlong if they weren't satisfied, and he needed to shut them up with results.

It was Deng Chao who approached him proactively, saying he'd definitely give him a surprise today and that if it took more than three takes, he'd give up. Only then did Chen Jiashang reluctantly agree.

Finally, Deng Chao hadn't disappointed him.

"Just average, average," Deng Chao said, returning to the crowd and smiling at Zhang Yang. "A'Yang, I saved you some effort."

This wasn't untrue. Whether Deng Chao used a stunt double or not, Zhang Yang received the same amount of money.

Some actors, unable to perform a stunt or too lazy to do so, would directly hand the work over to a stunt double and film close-ups of their faces later.

However, actors with a bit of ambition and professionalism would still choose to do it themselves, resulting in better shots in the final film.

"Thanks, Chao Ge," Zhang Yang replied with a smile, offering a compliment.

He didn't feel the need to show off.

Getting paid for doing nothing wasn't too bad, was it?

He wasn't a professional stunt double, so he wasn't in a hurry to prove himself and expand his business.

His future plan was to first pursue an idol route, become a top star, and then, during the peak of the traffic era, become a powerful idol with both looks and talent, making a fortune.

Once the country started implementing salary caps and regulations, he would transition into a skilled idol and then a director and producer.

Besides, someone else was more anxious than he was; he didn't need to step forward.

"Wait a moment," Gu Xuanzhao suddenly said. "Let Zhang Yang do the next take."

Everyone:?

"Just one take," Gu Xuanzhao said to Chen Jiashang. "Let's see the effect. Perhaps the shot will be even better."

Gu Xuanzhao wasn't afraid of offending Deng Chao by saying this, because no matter how well a stunt double performed, they were still cheaper than the lead actor, and the lead actor was the ultimate beneficiary.

If there were a better option, Deng Chao himself would choose to have Zhang Yang do it.

"Alright."

Chen Jiashang naturally gave Gu Xuanzhao face.

Moreover, he was also curious about how Zhang Yang would perform to earn such recognition from Gu Xuanzhao.

Zhang Yang didn't say anything. He put on the same costume as Deng Chao and walked onto the set.

Once the wires were attached, his eyes and demeanor changed.

This transformation piqued the interest of the on-site A-list stars and veteran actors.

Chen Jiashang's eyes lit up. Looking at Zhang Yang on the monitor, he praised inwardly, "Indeed, a face made for the big screen. It's a shame his fame is too low. If he becomes popular in the future, we might collaborate."

"Action!"

Clap!

The slate fell, and Zhang Yang began his performance.

One minute later, the entire set was silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After a long pause, Chen Jiashang belatedly called out, "Cut!"

Deng Chao: "..."

Damn it, I've become the clown.