Look Who's Quick and Short?!

Episode 42: Fierce!

There was a place like this at Hunk Club?

Song's mother looked as though she had discovered a new continent. She was so excited she nearly stood up, only for Song's father beside her to press down on her thigh and warn in a low voice, "Even if you get ideas, it's useless. I'm keeping strict watch!"

The other spectators were equally dumbfounded. They truly hadn't expected this director—with his stubbly face, slightly pudgy build, black-rimmed glasses, and the obvious air of a hopeless shut-in—to frequent Hunk Club.

So was he the top or the bottom?

Director Wang Wei had no idea that his peculiar preferences had been exposed. He walked forward alongside Song Yichuan, explaining the scene with a focused expression.

Wang Wei had graduated from Central Film Directors Academy. His professional skills were undeniable, and few people in the industry could surpass him.

Yet the title of outstanding graduate had not helped him much. Instead, it became the reason he was targeted, excluded, and suppressed. Especially in the first few years after entering the film industry, classmates with worse grades but favored by investors—who won awards by throwing money at films—would always mock him.

"Oh, look, isn't this Wang Wei, the top student in our class? The so-called genius young director of the film industry? What great project are you preparing lately?"

"Will we get to see your masterpiece at the next film festival?"

"Ooh, still living in a shabby little place? Want me to introduce you to a few coal bosses? They love investing in movies and sleeping with pretty leading ladies. It doesn't matter if the director's an idiot."

"Wang Wei, if you want the assistant director to kneel and lick your feet, I'll reward you with a position."

After being brutally beaten down by society and enduring enough scorn and ridicule, Wang Wei finally put aside his pride and began his career as a director who followed wherever the money went.

"You'll jump down from here. Remember, roll once when you land, then start running. It's that simple."

Song Yichuan lifted his eyes. "No dialogue at all?"

Wang Wei snorted. "You think that makes it easy? Shots with only movement and expression are the hardest, don't you know?"

Sure enough, anything brought in by capital is garbage!

Oh, right. Other than Pan Xiaoyue, at least she has the title of Best Actress.

Come to think of it, should I go find the sugar mommy later and ask her to smooth things over?

But is it really only two minutes every time? That's even less lasting than me.

At that thought, Wang Wei's lips could not help curving upward.

Song Yichuan glanced at him. What's this guy smiling about?

Clearly not about the script. What is it?

Did he suddenly think of hunky men? Look at that stiff bastard—he's actually a top. Does this count as compensatory spending?

He was bullied into a psychological shadow before, then tried to make up for it through every possible channel.

As he thought that, his gaze drifted downward. Doesn't seem much more impressive than the sugar mommy.

He calls them hunky men so enthusiastically. Doesn't he think it's fake?

Hahaha!

Huo Renjie finally could not hold back and burst out laughing. Realizing he had been too conspicuous, he turned and buried his face in Meng Qiongqi's shoulder, trembling nonstop.

Meng Qiongqi shot him a disdainful look. That little self-control? It's just short!

Meng Qiongqi also covered his mouth, nearly dying of laughter. Family, who understands the pain of watching drama unfold in person while having to hold in your laughter?

In contrast, Yan Jinyu appeared extremely calm. His expression barely changed, like some refined gentleman untouched by worldly desires.

He propped his cheek up with one hand, his eyes curving slightly. Haha, so Chuanbao likes them lasting.

By the time Lu Chen carried his luggage back to the dorm and rushed to the filming location, he saw that everyone in the studio was focused in one direction.

Not far away stood a green screen with an artificial backdrop, clearly a filming location awaiting post-production special effects.

A tall, slender figure stood on a three-story platform. Without makeup, his features were already striking and photogenic. His unsmiling face carried the sharpness of someone working for a special department.

He was going to jump down without a stunt double or a safety wire? There had to be limits to showing off.

That was Lu Chen's first thought. Then he spotted several familiar faces in the corner.

It makes sense for Mr. and Mrs. Song to visit the set, but why are all those people from the dating show here too?

Lu Chen halted and asked the staff member leading him.

"Do these people have roles too?"

"What roles?"

"They're all investors—our financial backers."

The staff member emphasized every word. Lu Chen was still somewhat confused. "There are this many backers?"

"What's wrong with having more backers? It means we have more funding, better benefits, and we won't be shorted on wages or safety protection."

Impatience flashed across the staff member's face.

"I'm only responsible for showing people around. Ask the production manager about anything else."

After saying that, he quickened his pace and ignored this newcomer to the entertainment industry.

Lu Chen stood there alone for a moment. Seeing that Fu Zhouchi in the distance was still utterly focused and had not noticed him, he could only steel himself and walk over.

"Brother Chi, I'm here!"

Before he could finish, Fu Zhouchi waved without turning around. "Don't make noise. Be quiet!"

Lu Chen was speechless. Saying four words counts as making noise?

And why do I have to be quiet?

Following Fu Zhouchi's gaze toward the platform, Lu Chen saw Song Yichuan's unbelievably beautiful face.

"We need a safety wire!"

"Safety wire!"

Wang Wei shouted into the microphone. "If anything happens, the crew can't afford the responsibility."

The main problem was that they had not bought insurance. Who would pay for it?

"Fine, whatever you say." Song Yichuan shrugged indifferently.

As soon as he spoke, staff members stepped forward and carried out a series of safety procedures. Half a minute later, they gave the director a hand signal.

"OK!"

Wang Wei nodded, picked up the walkie-talkie, and said, "All departments in position. Ready, action!"

Song Yichuan was in the industry too, so naturally he understood the process. The moment he heard the cue, his expression sharpened. Don't even think about stealing my juicy gossip!

Before the thought had faded, he leaped down. He landed lightly, rolled once, steadied himself, then sprang up and ran half a second later.

You trashy spectators, why do I feel like I'm being cursed at?

"Beautiful!"

Wang Wei had not expected the shot to go so smoothly, and immediately called out in praise.

Just as he was about to go greet Song Yichuan, an uninvited guest arrived at the filming site. Before even entering, the man shouted furiously, "Where's Yueyue? Still filming? Why isn't she answering my calls?"

A staff member rushed anxiously to Wang Wei's side. "D-Director, Teacher Pang Pang... h-he... the financial backer is here!"

The spectators immediately turned their heads. Come on, come on, let me see who exactly is quick and short!

Song Yichuan also looked over and could not help muttering, The legendary two-minute man has finally appeared!

The moment he stepped inside, Yu Zhenyu heard an exceptionally clear inner voice in his ear.

Two minutes?

What does that mean?

Fuck, don't tell me that bitch sold me out?