Chapter 10 Still in the Mirror

Once again, it was a stringent rule. Xie Minglang thought for a moment, felt indifferent, and readily agreed.

Oh, as long as he puts down the tube, he is actually a good person

I enjoy construction sites

Xie Minglang asked again: "What is it like to collaborate with an idol?"

This film is not the same thing. Yan Cai fell into a moment of silence, her tone suddenly becoming somewhat stubborn, "Back when the casting was done, I missed the opportunity due to my age. I have always wanted to play a role in this film, and I thought I would never have the chance again... In fact, for me, I find the experiential approach to be more comfortable."

Wei lowered his head to ask Yan Cai, whose eyes were curved from smiling: "Dear birthday star, may I represent everyone to give you a blessing kiss?"

Xie Minglang stood for a moment, not leaving, but instead said: "Do you mind if I stay and watch this disc with you? I can't sleep either"

Looking out of the window, the horizon had turned a deep blue, it was already late at night. Xie Minglang calmed himself and then noticed the smell of smoke in the room. He coughed a few times and asked, "What time did you get up?"

After speaking, the two individuals held their breath and waited for a while. Not hearing any sound, Yan Cai said: "If they do not come up at this time, we will have to wait until dawn to file another complaint"

Hearing this, his brows furrowed even tighter, like a string that, if not released soon, would snap. The cigarette he had been holding had not been smoked for too long, and the ash had accumulated excessively, finally falling away in a flurry as he spoke again, floating in the theater's air alongside the ubiquitous dust. His tone softened somewhat, reluctantly taking a step back, which was the greatest concession he could make: "Then let’s perform as previously discussed. What on earth are those methods of yours"

With an unchanging smile, I say: "I am as accommodating as the flow of good deeds"

I saw you in such a hurry and thought there was a fire. Yan Cai tidied up her things, stood up, and smiled, saying, I was so engrossed in the script just now that I accidentally knocked over the small coffee table. It's fine, I've already cleaned it up.

After cutting the cake, Yan Cai caught sight of Xie Minglang beside her, unable to help but smile as she lowered her head, shaking it helplessly, and handed him a plate. Xie Minglang happened to capture a close-up of his face with a large lipstick mark on one side, and he couldn't stop laughing as he appeared in self-defense, his facial nerves seemingly on the verge of numbness. Upon seeing Yan Cai, he laughed even more: "Is it the hardest to bear the favor of a beauty?"

Just when he thought that all his curiosity and anticipation regarding this film could only be answered after its release, one day Wei called to inform Xie Minglang that he would be playing a supporting role in "Dust and Snow"

That was the last sentence spoken between them

After he finished speaking, he glanced around. The lights were fully on, and Xie Minglang's position was also revealed. Yan Cai was slightly surprised to see him, and her gaze lingered for a moment. The people beside her followed her gaze and softly explained: "This is Xie Minglang from 'Focus.' He had mentioned wanting to visit the crew, and since today is your birthday, Director Lu also said it was fine, so we made an exception after the filming ended."

Xie Minglang was a bit surprised: "How did you come to think of acting?"

This role is inherently more challenging for me," Yan Cai said without hesitation, "Diligence can make up for lack of talent; I must put in more effort

You did not write these plays to make me a puppet. You simply no longer need me

However, Xie Minglang was completely unable to attend to anything else. He saw Yan Cai extend her hand to cover her eyes, her shoulders trembling slightly, and ultimately, she returned to silence like a statue. In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind, yet all fell empty and could not settle, swirling in his heart like tangled webs of dust. Xie Minglang suddenly felt a weight in his heart, and in the next moment, he bitterly smiled to himself and asked, could it be that you too are about to be driven mad by these few minutes of fragments?

Come, let me take a picture for you

I have had enough sleep. You should go to sleep. Yan Cai sat back in the chair and began to rewind.

Recently, his reputation in the circle has grown significantly, and many people are aware of him. He is still young, and he will undoubtedly achieve even greater accomplishments in the future

It seems that at this moment she finally understood. The peaceful argument that had just taken place was different from the past quarrels that appeared so intense that outsiders dared not intervene. After this time, he no longer needed her and completely chose to give her up. Like a marionette with a severed string, she stood up by herself, while he left her.

She truly became calm

Since they had reached this point in their play, Wei decided to go all out and not hold back. He extended his arm to take Yan Cai's hand to go cut the cake, but upon meeting Yan Cai's smiling gaze, he understood and instead wrapped his arm around her. Although this made their height difference somewhat awkward, from the perspective of their silhouettes, it was still quite a pleasing sight.

Very frustrating. Perhaps Lu Changning needs to start looking for new talent.

It is said that the company wants to cultivate versatile artists. Wei Ke's tone was not without sarcasm, "The previous actor for this role, Lu Changning, was dissatisfied. My well-informed agent sent my information over, and I don't know what trick they used, but I actually got selected. I have already reported to the crew for a week."

Indeed not. Wei can laugh over there, "I have exclusive material, do you want it?"

I feel that you have recently become excessively engrossed to the point of being unable to extricate yourself

In the initial few takes, Yan Cai had just uttered the words "Get lost" when Lu Changning called for a stop, instructing him several times. It seemed that Lu was never quite satisfied with Yan Cai's tone. Despite being interrupted so frequently, Yan Cai did not voice any complaints. After several repetitions, when he returned to his seat once more, Yan Cai sat quietly. This time, no one approached him, nor did anyone disturb him. After about half a minute, he said to Lu Changning: "This time it’s good."

Xie Minglang had been secretly observing Yan Cai's state for a long time, hesitating repeatedly, wanting to talk to him, yet always feeling unable to find the opportunity. One day, he stayed overnight at Yan Cai's apartment, and after having dinner that was too salty, he woke up in the middle of the night feeling thirsty, only to realize that the side where Yan Cai usually slept was empty. This was not the first time this had happened, so Xie Minglang was not surprised. He poured himself a glass of water and finished it, originally planning to go back to sleep, but as soon as his head touched the pillow, he was startled awake by the vague sound of a heavy object falling outside the door. Worried that something had happened to Yan Cai, he jumped out of bed without putting on his shoes and ran out, rushing towards the study, which was the only room still lit at that moment. This was not the first time this had happened, so Xie Minglang was not surprised. He poured himself a glass of water and finished it, originally planning to go back to sleep, but as soon as his head touched the pillow, he was startled awake by the vague sound of a heavy object falling outside the door. Worried that something had happened to Yan Cai, he jumped out of bed without putting on his shoes and ran out, rushing towards the study, which was the only room still lit at that moment. He burst in hurriedly, startling Yan Cai, who was squatting on the floor picking up scattered books and film materials: "What are you doing?"

During that time, Xie Minglang was also busy, but ever since he noticed Yan Cai's state, he made an effort to spend more time with him. He was unsure whether this was meaningful, as the majority of Yan Cai's thoughts were focused on this film. Most of the time spent in the apartment was either dedicated to studying the script or hiding in the study to look up information. Several times, Xie Minglang silently stood at the door and accompanied him for a long time, yet Yan Cai remained oblivious to his presence. He was unsure whether this was meaningful, as the majority of Yan Cai's thoughts were focused on this film. Most of the time spent in the apartment was either dedicated to studying the script or hiding in the study to look up information. Several times, Xie Minglang silently stood at the door and accompanied him for a long time, yet Yan Cai remained oblivious to his presence.

Xie Minglang turned off the light, dragged another chair from the study, and sat down behind Yan Cai at an angle. The study fell silent once more, leaving only the sound of the film itself. This film was disjointed for Xie Minglang; it took him quite a while to realize that this was a recording of a movie shoot, with poor image quality, and he had no idea from what kind of camera it had been transferred.

Isn't it said to be a posthumous work? Why does it sound like it has already been filmed once?

Xie Minglang did not inform Yan Cai about this matter. When Saturday arrived, Yan Cai, as usual, energetically went to the film set, and he realized that Yan Cai had indeed completely forgotten about his birthday. Xie Minglang arrived at the theater entrance on time as agreed, and after telling the security guard his name, it wasn't long before Wei Ke came out from inside the theater, smiling and waving at him

The range of the spotlight was insufficient; at first, one could only see the shimmering skirt adorned with sequins and the faintly visible red high heels. As everyone was watching in astonishment and with rapt attention, the lights suddenly brightened without warning, and immediately the entire stage erupted with the sounds of wine spraying, whistling, applause, and various laughter and cheers, like a pot boiling over. Xie Minglang was also drinking, and upon recognizing the people seated at the table, he couldn't help but choke a little while laughing.

Wei Keling glanced around after bringing him in and said, "I have tasks to attend to, so I must excuse myself for now. The progress today is a bit slow, and there should be a few more shots to film. If you're interested, feel free to find a place to watch them shoot." After saying this, he left Xie Minglang alone and headed towards the backstage.

Yan Cai remained silent after listening, grasping the hand that Xie Minglang had placed on her shoulder, holding it for a moment before letting go. Xie Minglang felt that at this moment, Yan Cai had somewhat returned to her state before filming, and thus asked: "Yan Cai, is the filming of this movie going smoothly?"

"Alright, just leave. You can't act like this at all." He scolded her in a low voice, his anger overshadowed by a sense of disillusionment and an unconscious feeling of loneliness from betrayal. "You are of no use to me."

Wei could first hand the knife in his hand to someone else, and then truly lower his head to leave a kiss on Yan Cai's cheek, the bright red lip print stamped on Yan Cai's face, as if it were a seal.

As he spoke, a look of confusion emerged on his face. He felt Yan Cai's cheek pressed against his hand, the skin slightly cool, which compelled him to regain his focus and muster his spirits to listen to Yan Cai say: "There won't be another opportunity this time, let's wait for the next one. I have never found the process of acting to be particularly interesting; the film is the final product."

Do you think that after this battle, you will still be able to leave a remarkable reputation in the martial world

Long before the film began shooting, Xie Minglang had vaguely sensed a change in Yan Cai. At that time, he did not pay much attention to it, thinking it was merely him immersing himself too deeply into the character. Of course, he knew even then that this "merely" was somewhat self-deceptive; after being together for so long, Xie Minglang had never seen Yan Cai work so hard for any role. However, when Yan Cai decided to take on this project, he believed he was mentally prepared. He even jokingly promised himself to document Yan Cai's state over the next few months, planning to look at these photos together with Yan Cai once the film was completed. But when Yan Cai decided to take on this project, he believed he was mentally prepared. He even jokingly promised himself to document Yan Cai's state over the next few months, planning to look at these photos together with Yan Cai once the film was completed.

The singing voice has been completely drowned out by the sounds of laughter and noise. Fortunately, the song is very short; even with all its twists and turns, it lasts less than a minute. After finishing the song, he slid down from the table with a smile, took the knife resting in front of the cake, and walked towards Yan Cai.

Her face turned pale, staring at him as if she were looking at some kind of monster, or perhaps searching for some shadow; while he completely ignored her, the sound of the pen scratching on the paper filled the air.

Yan Cai turned her head to glance at him and nodded: "Whatever you want."

After the formal shooting began, Yan Cai remained silent, his brow furrowed, reflecting extreme impatience and dissatisfaction. His eyes were bright, with a sharp gaze, filled with a sense of defiance. On stage, Jiang Qi also wore a stern expression, appearing utterly exhausted

I do not remember

When we are truly together, I find that I don't particularly want to take out the camera." Xie Minglang answered honestly

Over the years, she has played many roles in his life: the actress who tirelessly promoted him, the most steadfast and loyal interpreter, and even his muse. She endured his strictness, harshness, and temper, laboriously trailing behind him, knowing that he would never stop to wait. After all these years, just when she thought she could finally look him in the eye, everything vanished into thin air

He is already tall, and after wearing high heels, he is a full head taller than Yan Cai. This scene provoked another round of uproar: "Wei Meiren, aren't you going to kiss the birthday star?"

Currently, I have not yet filmed any scenes with him. At my current level, I truly do not wish to act alongside him

You are truly stunning tonight. Xie Minglang is playfully making a joke.

Amidst the laughter, someone shouted, "These red lips must be saved for the filming scene," which was met with a chorus of agreement.

As time passed, the revelry showed a tendency to escalate, as if seeking to vent the accumulated pressure and fatigue from months of work. Initially, there were some reservations, and I did not dare to pour too much alcohol on Yan Cai, but once the madness truly began, seeing that Yan Cai was neither sulking nor angry, I became increasingly reckless. In the end, Yan Cai was completely drenched, as if pulled from the water, and ironically, I did not manage to drink a single sip of the actual champagne. After being released, the crowd began to seek out Lu Changning, wanting to take this opportunity to "repay" him for his "care" over the past few days. However, shortly after, Lu Changning's secretary came over to say that he had left first but had left behind the good news of a day off the following day. Thus, the entire crew finally received some degree of consolation.

Xie Minglang was quietly pondering that this was an amateur photographer when Yan Cai beside him suddenly chuckled softly, while the lens on the screen remained unremarkable. There must have been some other pleasant memory that brought him joy. He gazed at the back of Yan Cai, whose hair, previously grown out intentionally, had been cut again at the director's request, but not too short. In Xie Minglang's view, the new hairstyle made Yan Cai appear somewhat 'gentle.' With this thought in mind, he reached out to hook his hand around Yan Cai's shoulder, his hand sliding through his hair, and said with a tone of regret, 'It's a pity there isn't a photo of you with long hair.' He gazed at the back of Yan Cai, whose hair, previously grown out intentionally, had been cut again at the director's request, but not too short. In Xie Minglang's view, the new hairstyle made Yan Cai appear somewhat 'gentle.' With this thought in mind, he reached out to hook his hand around Yan Cai's shoulder, his hand sliding through his hair, and said with a tone of regret, 'It's a pity there isn't a photo of you with long hair.'

Yan Cai was about to speak when a group of people holding cakes came rushing over. Her smile inevitably faded, and she tugged at Xie Minglang, hoping to make them at least less obvious targets. However, he only had time to say, "I didn't know you would come today," before they were noticed by others, and the two were naturally separated by the crowd.

There was no selection; the casting had just concluded when the director passed away, and the filming could only come to an abrupt end

It seems that Xie Minglang did not expect to ask this. Yan Cai fell silent for a moment before saying: "The current progress is satisfactory, but not without its challenges"

Seeing Yan Cai was unbothered, Xie Minglang was taken aback. After a moment, he recalled to respond: "I heard a noise and came over to take a look"

She did not expect that he would not fly into a rage, throwing the script aside and coming on stage to express his anger while explaining how the role should be interpreted as he had done in the past. After the initial surprise, she strangely calmed down, walked to the edge of the stage, slightly lowered her head, and looked down at him saying: "Then where do you want me to go?"

Wei could make a show of blocking the camera: "Then my reputation will be completely ruined"

Her tone gradually became more impassioned, a flush rising to her face. She opened her arms as if facing an audience of all, standing on her own territory like a stubborn knight, refusing to yield: "You repeatedly claim that the script is your career, your life, yet you trample on the hard work and efforts of others without a second thought. You do not seek an actor; you want a marionette, to recreate the flawless performance in your mind according to your own rules and standards! You ... "

He stared blankly, so calm and so focused, as if waiting for a certain moment when someone would once again take the stage

Wei Ke also did not insist, he complained of foot pain, leaving Xie Minglang to change shoes and clothes by himself. Xie Minglang once again sought the figure of Yan Cai, and in fact, this was quite easy: as long as he looked towards the most lively and central area, he could always find him effortlessly. Several times, Yan Cai's gaze met his, only to casually look away, and after several such instances, Xie Minglang remembered that this was still the filming set. Thus, after casting another glance in Yan Cai's direction, Xie Minglang no longer greeted anyone, quietly leaving, completely discarding the exaggerated noise of the night behind him without any nostalgia.

Xie Minglang originally wanted to say, "You have become obsessed," but upon seeing the weariness and the almost fleeting self-loathing in Yan Cai's smile, he swallowed his words. He pretended not to have seen anything and smiled in return: "You are too attached to this role. Didn't you say yourself that you need to detach from the character?"

The laughter below was so intense that it seemed capable of lifting the roof off the theater. Seeing him like this, Xie Minglang noticed that his hand on the shutter was trembling amidst the laughter, resulting in several blurred shots. Eventually, he had to lean against the wall for support to barely capture one decent photo.

In the midst of laughter, Wei Ke and Xie Minglang walked into the theater together. For the purpose of filming, some chairs in the auditorium were moved to create enough space for the camera and crew. It was not Xie Minglang's first visit to this theater, but seeing the hall transformed into what truly resembled a construction site still left him momentarily stunned

Wei Ke seems a bit overly excited today, carrying a certain air of secret conspiracy. As Xie Minglang walks in, he asks, "I am truly honored that you personally made this trip."

The joy of expression cannot be suppressed, yet nothing was said. Upon seeing this, Wei turned around and smiled at the crowd, saying: "I cannot bear to hurt the hearts of the ladies present."

I have long wanted to perform this act. Unfortunately, the thought came too suddenly, and I could not find that kind of flesh-colored skirt; otherwise, the imitation would have been even more effective

This is an experience of the role

She smiled faintly, turning to gaze at the vast stage scattered with lights: "This is the place you brought me to, the only place where I can survive. Apart from here, where else can I go, what else can I do?"

It is probably because I am one of the few idle people at this moment," Wei Ke said confidently

What made you change your mind?" Yan Cai gazed at the screen and asked淡淡.

Xie Minglang looked from a distance for a while; on the stage stood Jiang Qi, while Yan Cai sat in the front row, only visible were the back of her head and her shoulders. Given the situation, it seemed that filming was about to begin. Xie Minglang felt a stir in his heart and walked down the aisle on one side of the theater, choosing a corner where no one was present and the lights could not reach, before finally stopping.

"No problem, no problem, everyone has approved it for tonight"

In the coming two months, Yan Cai continued to be busy with filming, while Xie Minglang, in addition to his regular work, took on the task of selecting photos for the increasingly imminent film festival. Initially, the overwhelming reports about "Dust and Snow" gradually became sparse due to Director Lu Changning's strict confidentiality regarding the plot. Even when there were reports, they were trivial and insignificant. As a result, the external sources of information about this film also diminished.

The speaker, having not received a response from Yan Cai for a moment, secretly glanced at Yan Cai's reaction with some concern. At this moment, Yan Cai nodded and smiled: "So that's how it is. I have seen some of his photos and have also collaborated with him."

Hearing that Xie Minglang was interested, Wei Ke informed him that the crew of "Dust and Snow" would be shooting outdoor scenes at a certain theater next Saturday, followed by an event unrelated to the filming schedule. The crew wanted to invite a third-party photographer to attend but was reluctant to assign this event to any specific magazine. Upon hearing the date, Xie Minglang guessed it was likely related to Yan Cai, but pretended to be unaware: "Thank you for letting me have such a unique opportunity."

I seem to have never seen you so invested in any other movie

After the sound of footsteps had faded for a long time, he finally lifted his head. The stage was empty, the lights still bright, and the dust raised by her departure lingered in the beams, yet to settle completely. No matter how much time had passed, the stage remained here; one person leaves, and soon others will stand under the lights, continuing the joys and sorrows of the mortal world, receiving cheers and applause.

Since he has said this, Xie Minglang felt it was inappropriate to say much more. He sighed quietly, gathered his spirits, and said: "Speaking of which, I have always wanted to see you in your working state. I do not mean just taking a couple of photos or participating in some activities, but rather you acting in front of the camera."

He began to lose weight dramatically, slept very little, often fell into deep self-reflection, and was not very willing to speak. However, he seemed to be extremely satisfied mentally. Every day, when he left his residence for the film set, his eyes sparkled and his steps were light, as if he were going to a grand feast, and he took great pleasure in it.

He made a move to pounce, but was evaded by Xie Minglang: "Such enthusiasm, allow me to take it to heart."

Someone shouted, "Happy Birthday, Yan Cai," and the crowd erupted in laughter and applause. Surrounded by the crowd, Yan Cai stood up, quickly wiped his face, and flicked away the wine that had splashed onto him when the bottle was opened. When he raised his head again, he appeared astonished, but immediately broke into a broad smile, slightly raising his voice, his tone seemingly filled with joy: "I almost forgot."

In a daze, the lights suddenly brightened again. He had been staring in one direction for a long time and was momentarily unable to adjust to the intense light, instinctively closing his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, he saw many people suddenly appearing from nowhere, pulling on colorful ribbons as they took off, bottles of champagne being opened one after another, everyone laughing, and music playing, creating an atmosphere of immense joy

Wei laughed very happily: "Because I am also involved, I truly hope it is not someone else. However, the production team hopes you can attend in a personal capacity and not publish it in the magazine."

The elderly man in the center of the screen, who resembles a director, is not recognized by Xie Minglang. Initially, he thought it was Shen Wei, but upon further reflection, he realized the age did not match, leaving him even more puzzled. The style of this short film is quite relaxed, consisting of various scenes that seem trivial to Xie Minglang: for instance, arranging props and lighting, actors chatting and drinking tea during their break. In summary, there is no discernible theme.

Be cautious of your neighbors coming to complain

Wei Ke donned a golden wig, with striking red lips and exaggerated eyelashes, wearing a shimmering pearl-colored gown. He had broad shoulders and deliberately added a small shawl for concealment. The onlookers burst into laughter, and even Yan Cai, despite her astonishment, couldn't help but curve her lips into a deep smile. Only Wei Ke remained serious, and as the crowd gradually calmed down, he gestured for silence. Looking at Yan Cai, amidst another wave of muffled laughter, he mimicked the demeanor of a young woman, smiled charmingly, and began to sing the birthday song for Yan Cai. The onlookers laughed uncontrollably, and even Yan Cai, despite her astonishment, couldn't help but curve her lips into a deep smile. Only Wei Ke remained serious, and as the crowd gradually calmed down, he gestured for silence. Looking at Yan Cai, amidst another wave of muffled laughter, he mimicked the demeanor of a young woman, smiled charmingly, and began to sing the birthday song for Yan Cai.

How do you feel

Xie Minglang found Wei Ke again. He was taking off the wig that had been smeared with cream on his head, frowning and complaining: "Why not hit it in a better place"

He coldly interrupted her: "I don't have time to waste with you, stop pretending, just leave, relinquish this role. Since you have a rich soul, use that soul to warm other characters."

In that moment, she seemed both joyful and sorrowful, as memories from many years ago surged forth in an instant. She attempted to recall the feelings she had privately harbored over the years—those inexpressible sentiments of reverence and gratitude, those tiresome acts of concession and compromise. She thought he was unaware of them, and was relieved that he was not. Who would have known that, in the end, he truly did not know

After the arrival of spring, the filming of "Dust and Snow" began, and Yan Cai seemed to have completely transformed into a different person

He turned his head away, clearly unwilling to look at her: "That is your concern. In any case, you are of no use here."

How to say?

The disdain in her tone seemed to have no effect on her, and under the lights, her complexion appeared somewhat pale: "You bring me on stage to be a living person, not a puppet. The play is a part of your life, and it is also a part of mine. I stand here, indeed playing your role, but I am also myself; I am the one who gives her flesh, blood, and soul"

Hearing this, Wei Ke laughed again and pointed to his own mouth, saying: "Otherwise, should I leave a mark on your face as well"

This segment is not long. Xie Minglang believed he understood it, momentarily frozen in place, unsure of what expression to make. He stared blankly in the direction of the stage, and after a long while, he did not see Yan Cai stand up, remaining fixed in his seat. Instead, he noticed the crew members on set looking towards his position, their expressions varied and inexplicably strange. After a while, Lu Changning made a gesture, the camera was turned off, the lights were extinguished, and people gradually retreated, leaving only two dim rows of wall lights and Yan Cai, who still sat in place. A crew member passed by Xie Minglang, casting a curious glance at him, just about to inquire further. Fortunately, a stagehand following behind knew that Xie Minglang had come today, patted the former on the shoulder, whispered an explanation, and left Xie Minglang alone.

Xie Minglang smiled upon hearing him say this, cleared his throat, and said: "It can't be that you are so tongue-tied upon seeing Yan Cai, can it? That would really make me see you in a new light. Now, on to serious matters, you didn't call just to talk about this today, did you?"

Yan Cai responded: "Lu Changning wants me to start keeping it again. However, given his usual style, he may change his mind again in no time."

On the small television beside him, an unknown documentary was playing. Xie Minglang glanced at it; it was a film he had not seen before. He looked at Yan Caifa's dark circles under her eyes and silently sighed: "Aren't you going to sleep for a few more hours?"

The climax of the evening began once again with Wei Ke's reappearance. As Xie Minglang stood outside the throng of revelers, which resembled a chaotic dance of demons, taking photographs, he pondered where Wei Ke had gone. Suddenly, the lights went out once more, and the playful crowd fell momentarily silent. Just as chaos was about to ensue again, a spotlight illuminated the scene, and several individuals pushed a cake that was several layers high onto the stage from backstage. As the audience began to applaud, they noticed that behind the cake, a small round table emerged, being laboriously lifted by four young people, upon which it appeared someone was seated. Just as chaos was about to break out again, a spotlight shone brightly, and several individuals pushed a cake that was several layers high onto the stage from backstage. The audience had just started to applaud when they saw that behind the cake, a small round table emerged, being laboriously lifted by four young people, upon which it appeared someone was seated.

In the midst of conversation, someone had already gone to invite Xie Minglang to join the celebratory crowd. When Xie Minglang arrived, he naturally greeted Yan Cai first. The two shook hands, and Yan Cai heard Xie Minglang quietly wish him a happy birthday. He smiled and responded with a thank you, politely wishing him to have a good time in front of the group, and thereafter did not make any special effort to engage or pay attention to him.

As the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed during the conversation, the sky slowly brightened. While the two were sitting together having breakfast, Yan Cai asked Xie Minglang what he had been busy with lately. Xie Minglang informed him that there would be a joint photography exhibition in a few months, and he was in the process of selecting works to exhibit. Upon hearing this news, Yan Cai glanced at him thoughtfully but did not say anything in particular.

Xie Minglang did not expect it to be this way, and let out a sound of surprise, unsure of what to say. Yan Cai turned to look at him after speaking and asked, "Why are you concerned about this?"

Lu Changning is the director of the film "Dust and Snow." Xie Minglang is aware that this person's eccentric temperament is absolutely proportional to his fame, but upon hearing Yan Cai say this, he couldn't help but laugh, seeing that he seemed to have lost his temper after all the fuss. He said, "I had been thinking all along that during the months you were filming this movie, I would take a photo of you every week and then show them to you once you finished filming."

Has Lu Changning shown mercy today? You seem to be in a good mood