If you asked who was the happiest about this Qianling Film Festival, Xavier would definitely be one of the top candidates.
Originally, he thought finding such a top-tier cast was already more than he could ask for. He never expected that Mu Yang — another producer who had already submitted an excellent work — would come every day to help out on their set for free, just like Kamisato Ayaka and the others.
Most importantly, after talking with Mu Yang, he felt like he had learned so much more about filmmaking — the use of lighting, visual storytelling… In short, he had benefited tremendously.
As for why Mu Yang kept showing up, Xavier had no idea. But judging from the situation on set and what had happened before, Mu Yang was probably here to accompany their photographer, Lumine.
He couldn't help but sigh — it was truly a blessing to know Lumine. This connection had basically handed him a direct line.
"Have you finished your own work?" Lumine asked Mu Yang. She had the feeling he had been running over here a lot lately.
Lumine's feelings were, of course, the strongest among everyone on the crew. Because Mu Yang took care of her in every possible way — afraid she would suffer, get tired, or go thirsty. His attentiveness was meticulous to the extreme.
"I've already finished. I came over to help you guys. It looks like your schedule is pretty tight."
Mu Yang didn't tell the full truth.
He knew that whether he came or not, the film would still be completed in the end. He just couldn't bring himself to tell Lumine that he had basically been "kicked out" of the house, could he?
Let's rewind the timeline a little.
Big Leak Shadow Treasure had sold him out just like that.
Fortunately, everyone present were people they knew, and they were in a private luxury room. Otherwise, how could they have even finished the meal?
Yae Miko had, of course, already guessed everything — she was probably the one who told Ei.
Shenhe and Ganyu naturally knew as well.
What warmed Mu Yang's heart the most was his little disciple. She had actually tried to step forward and take responsibility.
It seemed he hadn't been good to her for nothing.
On Navia and Clorinde's side, they perfectly demonstrated the difference between online and offline behavior.
Online: "Lin Yuan Xian Yu, you're such a big shot. You really deserve it for being able to take things so out of context."
Offline:
Clorinde tried her best to speak in a calm tone and asked for a set of author-signed Holmes Case Files as hush money.
Mu Yang thought to himself, You're unbeatable, kid.
Back then, when I asked the question in the "I have a friend" style, your evaluation of Xian Yu was still fresh in my mind. You were practically ready to arrange the Marechaussee Hunter's torture methods.
How did your face change so fast? Everyone knows how to do this trick, huh?
As for Navia, she didn't struggle with it at all. After thinking for a moment, she understood all the twists and turns.
No matter how many identities Mu Yang had, to her and Spina di Rosula, there was only one — their best partner.
As long as Mu Yang wasn't doing anything bad, what did it matter?
Poisson Town had genuinely developed. Spina di Rosula's business had even entered the Court of Fontaine. All of this was thanks to the man in front of her.
Compared to her hobby of reading novels, these things were far more important.
After understanding this, Navia simply smiled and said, "Don't worry. We'll keep it a secret."
Mu Yang thought the matter was over.
But Navia's "revenge" followed right after.
The group dragged Shenhe and Ganyu off to study Fontaine afternoon tea and join some women's association activities. It was obvious they wanted Mu Yang to experience what it felt like to be teased with bad intentions.
Who was Mu Yang?
He was someone with a childish heart when it came to playful mischief — of course he wouldn't hold it against Navia.
Besides, this was probably all the trashy fox's idea anyway. He didn't know exactly how she had stirred things up, but foxes only had a few tricks up their sleeves.
The best way was to simply ignore her.
The more you try to resolve this kind of situation, the deeper you sink into it.
So Mu Yang chose to ignore their trap.
This was the real reason Mu Yang had been going to Xavier's set every day.
Thanks to Mu Yang's involvement, both the filming and the case investigation were progressing steadily.
A few days later, they finally reached the final wrap-up stage.
After players had waited two days and discussed Mu Yang's film for two days, the story resumed.
— — — — — —
By Fountain of Lucine, Director Furina announced to everyone, "Everyone's worked hard. Today is the final scene for our two leads. We're not far from success now."
Little Paimon quietly asked, "What does 'kill the green' mean?"
"It means we're done shooting. The footage won't be changed anymore."
"Oh, you know so much!"
Actually, Mu Yang knew another meaning of "kill the green." But it wasn't very relevant right now, so he didn't show off.
Even though this other meaning of "kill the green" fit perfectly with the characteristics of Chenyu Vale and his own persona, now wasn't the right time.
Showing off also depended on the time, place, and occasion. Doing it anytime and anywhere would just turn into showing off for the sake of it.
The final scene depicted the ultimate confrontation between the two musketeers and the Count. There would be more action than before.
But everything had already been rehearsed. Furina told everyone to relax and just perform.
"Get ready. Three, two, one — action."
After so many days of training, Paimon had finally become a qualified, non-chatty clapperboard operator.
In the shot, the Count, leading a group of men in black, surrounded Kamisato Ayaka and Chevreuse.
"The night sky tonight is truly beautiful, isn't it? It reminds me of that night ten years ago."
He twisted his neck in a sickly manner and took a deep breath. "Mmm… just smelling it, I can almost catch the scent of floral tea."
[There's actually such a deranged villain?]
[His acting is pretty good.]
"Shut up, you scoundrel who killed our mother."
Lumine moved in closer, giving Ayaka a close-up shot.
The Count smiled and said, "My dear Aris, how can you speak to me like that? I'm your father."
"Even if you pulled out every last tooth in my mouth, don't expect me to say those two words."
Chevreuse's emotions were very full. This role really suited her well.
Of course, the actor playing the Count was no slouch either.
"…My daughters, you're just as stubborn as that foolish mother of yours."
"In this society, money and status equal absolute power."
"She thought she could use the children to threaten me and make demands. No, no, no. She was too naive."
[Oh no, why do I feel like what he's saying is actually right?]
[Be honest. Liyue's Zhang San is reminding you — the nation has laws.]
Kamisato Ayaka said, "Mother never made any demands of you. She only hoped that we could live a stable life like everyone else."
Unlike the younger sister played by Ayaka, Chevreuse directly drew her gun. "You personally brewed the poison called prejudice that killed our mother."
"Compared to that poison, the two bullets you're about to eat will taste sweet."
The fight was about to break out.
It turned out the Count had miscalculated the value of his money and status.
"You've lost."
The Count collapsed to the ground. "Tell me… what was all of this for?"
"You lost your mother and killed your father… What's left besides a lifetime of sin?"
Chevreuse answered, "Justice remains."
Bang—