The next morning, Fu Shan, with Xu Yifei by his side, hurried to Hengdian World Studios to join the cast and crew of *Jiahuan Zhuan*, ready to dive into the intense and busy filming schedule.
Many other actors were also joining the crew that day. As Fu Shan and Xu Yifei arrived, they found the set already buzzing with activity.
"Hey, Fu Shan! Yifei! You're here!"
Director Jia Qingyu, surrounded by a group of actors and crew members, was the first to spot them. He waved enthusiastically and rushed over to greet them.
Seeing this, the surrounding actors and crew members immediately moved toward Fu Shan and Xu Yifei.
"Fu Shan, Yifei, let me introduce you. This is Zou Bin, who will be playing Sun De, the chief eunuch and trusted confidant of Emperor Yongzheng, in our drama."
As he spoke, Jia Qingyu had already reached the pair. He pointed to a middle-aged man who had followed him over and smiled as he made the introduction.
Hearing this, Fu Shan immediately nodded respectfully to Zou Bin:
"Senior Zou, it's an honor to meet you! I hope you'll continue to guide me in the future!"
Fu Shan knew of Zou Bin. He was a veteran actor of considerable skill, someone who could embody any role he played. In his youth, he had been a handsome leading man in romance dramas, a real-life prince charming. As he matured, his range broadened. Now, though content playing supporting roles, he was not to be underestimated. Thus, Fu Shan showed him due respect.
"Haha, Fu Shan, you're too kind! Let's just spar and look out for each other!" Zou Bin replied with a hearty laugh, equally modest.
Internally, he was thoroughly pleased with Fu Shan. It was rare to find such a humble and respectful young man in the industry these days. And this was a man with such an extraordinary background—the son of the richest man in the country!
Zou Bin had initially assumed this son of the richest man would be difficult to get along with. To his surprise, he was so respectful of elders and so approachable. Fu Shan's impression on Zou Bin couldn't have been better!
This young man would likely be a joy to work with, wouldn't he?
Seeing Fu Shan and Zou Bin getting along so well, Director Jia Qingyu couldn't help but smile. "You two seem to hit it off quite well. I'll wish you both a successful collaboration right here. Haha."
Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Seeing the atmosphere was just right, Jia Qingyu began introducing the other actors who had gathered around. Most of them were female. There were dozens of imperial concubines with speaking roles and screen time.
As Jia Qingyu was introducing them one by one to Fu Shan and Xu Yifei, a young woman with a striking and alluring appearance suddenly pouted. She turned to Jia Qingyu with a playful, slightly reproachful tone, complaining, "Director, you're playing favorites! You only remember to introduce the other sisters and not me."
Jia Qingyu was momentarily taken aback, then flashed an ingratiating smile. "Heh heh, Yingying, look at you. How could I forget anyone, let alone you?"
With that, he turned to Fu Shan and Xu Yifei, grinning as he pointed at Fang Yingying. "This is Fang Yingying. Fu Shan, Yifei, you should know her. She plays Noble Consort Hua in our drama. You'll have quite a few scenes together. Let's all get along well in the future, okay? Haha!"
Fang Yingying was a popular actress, known as the "Queen of Controversy" for her constant media attention. Her massive fan base meant she wasn't some unknown minor player. This was precisely why Director Jia Qingyu had addressed her with such deference.
As expected, Xu Yifei and Fu Shan both nodded in agreement, turning their gazes toward Fang Yingying.
"Hello, Fang Yingying! I'm Xu Yifei. I hope we can work well together," Xu Yifei said with a smile.
Although Xu Yifei didn't approve of Fang Yingying's methods—her relentless, even shameless, tactics for generating buzz and climbing the ladder—she had to admit that Fang Yingying was a talented actress.
This made her far superior to many of the current "traffic stars" who only knew how to strike poses and had acting skills as awkward as a broken ladder.
As for everything else...
Everyone had their own way of handling things, and Xu Yifei wouldn't comment on it.
She just hoped that they could collaborate smoothly during filming. After all, the female lead, Jiahuan, had many scenes with Noble Consort Hua.
If your co-star isn't up to par, that's just the worst, you know?
***
Fu Shan nodded with a smile, his tone polite yet distant. "I wish you a successful collaboration."
Fang Yingying? The queen of conversation? Of course, he knew her. As the owner of Aifei Entertainment, he had approved her casting as Noble Consort Hua.
First, she brought her own built-in fanbase and popularity.
Second, and most importantly, her appearance and demeanor perfectly matched the character of Noble Consort Hua—a woman who had once been the most beautiful and favored consort in the imperial harem.
After weighing these factors, Fu Shan had ultimately agreed to Jiang Jinsong's recommendation to cast Fang Yingying.
As for her personality and how she handled herself, Fu Shan offered no opinion. After all, they weren't close.
Hearing his words, Fang Yingying smiled, her beauty and allure shining even brighter. "Yes, yes! I wish our collaboration success too!"
As she spoke, she extended her well-maintained, delicate hand toward Fu Shan and Xu Yifei, offering a handshake.
Fu Shan merely nodded slightly, showing no inclination to take her hand.
Xu Yifei, ever the peacemaker, stepped in to smooth things over and extended her hand to shake Fang Yingying's. This marked their official introduction.
Despite Fu Shan's icy demeanor, Fang Yingying remained unfazed. She lingered a moment longer, exchanging a few pleasantries with Xu Yifei and Fu Shan. Seeing their lack of interest in further conversation, she excused herself to touch up her makeup backstage.
"Fu Shan, why were you so frosty and unsmiling towards her? You scared her off!" Xu Yifei whispered in his ear, winking and smiling.
"Whether she's scared or not, what's it to me?" Fu Shan shrugged indifferently, leaning in to whisper back.
Then, his expression turned serious. "I have to be reserved with other women. I only smile for you, Yifei!"
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