Xie Yang didn't know how long he slept like this. Once he woke up, his ability core had stabilized and his body was unprecedentedly relaxed. The room was dark and the smell of disinfectant wafted in the air.
It wasn't the hotel. He immediately became sober and sat up. The person on the accompanying bed next to him also sat up. The person got out of bed and turned on the lamp on the bedside table. Then he skillfully reached out and touched Xie Yang's forehead.
Xie Yang raised his eyes to look at this person. It was Qiu Xing, who was giving off a low air pressure and had a dark face.
Wu Shui, that traitor.
Xie Yang explained, "I... this time, I must've been too tired and became sick."
Qiu Xing didn't speak immediately. He first rang the call bell before sitting on the bed. He watched Xie Yang and spoke in a voice that was hoarse from just waking up. "There is no next time."
The ability upgrade was uncontrollable and there would definitely be another time. Xie Yang nodded without pressure. "No next time."
Qiu Xing's expression turned cloudy. He reached out to touch Xie Yang's face before leaning over to hug Xie Yang, his breathing slow.
Xie Yang questioned, "How long have I been sleeping?"
"Two days." Qiu Xing's arms tightened and he scolded. "You actually wanted to hide this from me and told Wu Shui to lie to me. Who gave you the courage?"
"You gave it."
"......" Qiu Xing released Xie Yang and stared at him coldly.
Xie Yang smiled and asked, "How did you find out that something was wrong?"
Qiu Xing sneered. "I never thought that in this life, you would use honorifics when replying to me."
"......" It was really hard for Wu Shui.
Xie Yang was in a good mood and took the initiative to hold Qiu Xing's hand. He asked, "When did you come back? What was the result of the examination? What did Dr Kirkman say? Are you going to change the treatment plan?"
Qiu Xing sneered and held Xie Yang's hand back. His expression softened and he replied to the questions one after another. "I arrived at noon today. The results of the inspection are similar to the last time. Dr Kirkman organized a team of experts for a meeting. Once the new treatment plan is determined, he will bring a team to see me. Xie Yang."
"Huh?"
"Don't get sick again."
***
The doctor came over and briefly checked Xie Yang's body. The result of the examination was very good. Xie Yang's fever had subsided and he didn't have the side effects that other high fever patients would have after the fever subsided. He was healthy.
"Tomorrow, you can leave the hospital."
Qiu Xing was still worried. "This is the second time he suddenly got such a high fever. Every time he goes on a business trip, he gets a bad fever. During the fever, he keeps sleeping but recovers immediately after it subsides. Is his body really okay?"
The doctor wasn't certain when he heard his words and checked Xie Yang again. Nothing was wrong. The doctor thought about it and said, "If you aren't at ease, I can give Mr Xie Yang a detailed medical check-up."
Xie Yang interrupted. "No, my symptoms are just a bit different from other people when I get a fever. There are no problems. Thank you for your hard work, Doctor. Go and rest."
"Xie Yang, you-"
"I'm sleepy."
Qiu Xing shut up. He watched Xie Yang for a while with a frown before arranging for Xie Yang to sleep. He got up and sent the doctor away. Xie Yang lay down and heard Qiu Xing talk to the doctor after he sent the doctor out of the ward. Around 5 minutes later, the door of the ward opened and Qiu Xing came back.
Xie Yang closed his eyes. Footsteps approached and the mattress sank down. Then a light breath approached his face. Xie Yang took this opportunity to open his eyes.
Qiu Xing froze in place less than 10 centimetres away from Xie Yang. Then he sat up straight, looked away and moved back. He pulled the quilt up to Xie Yang's chin, partially covering Xie Yang's face as he declared fiercely, "You really were pretending to sleep. Go to sleep!"
Xie Yang couldn't help laughing. Qiu Xing became angry and reached out to turn off the lamp. After laughing for a while, Xie Yang told him, "I want to go to the bathroom."
"......"
Qiu Xing turned on the lamp again.
After solving his physiological problem and drinking a glass of warm milk that Qiu Xing got from an unknown place, Xie Yang finally stopped making trouble and lay down on the hospital bed to go to sleep. He watched Qiu Xing putting away the cup, eyes sweeping over the blue shadows under Qiu Xing's eyes. "Good night."
Qiu Xing glanced at Xie Yang. Perhaps it was because the light of the desk lamp was so warm that Qiu Xing's face looked a bit gentle. Qiu Xing bent down to turn off the lamp and spoke in the darkness. "Good night."
Two hours later, Xie Yang opened his eyes, got up and walked to Qiu Xing's beside. He tried to put his fingers on the bed sheets first. The upgraded ability core was full of power. He released a strand and let his ability wrap around Qiu Xing's body in the quilt. It penetrated deep into Qiu Xing's body and crawled toward the brain.
A clear sense of swallowing and cleaning was felt. Qiu Xing on the bed frowned and moved unsteadily.
Xie Yang hurriedly recovered his ability. He looked at his hand. There was good news and bad news.
The good news was that his upgraded ability could be used on people through the air without touch. In addition, the purification effect was doubled. The bad news was that Qiu Xing's illness was too special to withstand swallowing and cleaning that was too fast. It would cause physical discomfort. Xie Yang had to do it slowly.
Then he would take his time. Once the tumour became smaller or moved out of the sensitive position, it should be able to be treated normally.
Xie Yang reached out a hand again and directly touched Qiu Xing's forehead this time. He first released all the ability in his core and condensed it into a solid, small ball. He sent the small ball into Qiu Xing's brain, fixed it next to the tumour and allowed his ability to release its power little by little.
Qiu Xing didn't show any discomfort. He relaxed and his sleep became more peaceful.
***
Qiu Xing slept until almost lunchtime before waking up. After waking up, he pressed a hand to his forehead suspiciously and repeatedly picked up the phone to confirm the time. Xie Yang pretended not to see Qiu Xing's doubts. He zipped up his duffel bag and said, "The discharge procedures are complete. Let's go."
Qiu Xing immediately forgot his doubts and frowned at Xie Yang. "The discharge procedures have already been completed?"
Xie Yang told him, "I'm hungry and want to eat."
"......" Qiu Xing got up and rubbed Xie Yang's hair vigorously. "Acting of your own initiative! Put on your hat and mask and go eat."
Rongding also had some industries in J City. Qiu Xing took Xie Yang to a high-end restaurant under Rongding for lunch. During the meal, Qiu Xing's phone kept ringing. One was He Jun's call and the other was the branch director's call. It never stopped for a moment.
Qiu Xing's expression was ugly as he answered the calls but his tone of voice was very sensible. He also remembered to pour water for Xie Yang while answering the calls. After answering another phone call, Xie Yang couldn't help asking, "Are you very busy?"
Qiu Xing explained, "I went to M Country in a hurry this time. Qiu Jingbang thought I was seriously ill and made some minor actions. It isn't a big problem. He Jun can handle it."
"Still, it is obviously better for you to go back and sit down with them."
Qiu Xing's chopsticks paused and he glanced at Xie Yang in an unhappy manner. "Eat well."
After dinner, Qiu Xing wanted to take Xie Yang to a new hotel like last time. Xie Yang refused. "This is my first time filming and there will definitely be many places where I need to consult with the crew. It isn't convenient to live outside alone."
Qiu Xing was ready to speak when the phone rang out. He took out his phone and saw it was from He Jun. He picked up and asked, "What is it?"
"Qiu Jingbang suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and went to the hospital. I just announced the replacement of the head of the branch office according to your instructions. He lost his temper and suddenly fainted."
Qiu Xing was taken aback. He frowned fiercely and asked. "What's the situation?"
"I don't know. He is still being rescued."
Qiu Xing put down his mobile phone. His lips were pressed tightly together and his expression was ugly and heavy.
"It's not your fault. He got a brain hemorrhage because his own emotional management is poor."
Qiu Xing's mind returned and he glanced sideways at Xie Yang.
Xie Yang smiled at Qiu Xing. "Go ahead. I will take good care of myself."
A long time passed before Qiu Xing leaned in and took Xie Yang into his arms, gently touching the back of Xie Yang's head.
***
Xie Yang was accompanied by Qin Cheng and Wu Shui and returned to the hotel where the crew were staying.
The hotel was very empty. All the main creative staff of the crew were absent. They had all gone to the shooting location to familiarize themselves with the venue and to get a feel for the characters. Xie Yang didn't delay any longer. He took the script and went to the shooting location with Qin Cheng and Wu Shui.
Most of the early stages of I See Xuanyuan were confined to the environment of the Su house. In order to seek a realistic effect, Zhou Huairen spent a lot of money to book an ancient garden in J City and the first filming location of the crew was set.
By the time Xie Yang arrived, Director Zhou Huairen was discussing the plot and roles with Gao Xuanhang and Wen Yao, who were playing the male and female leads. Wen Han, who was playing the second female lead and Man Feidi, who was playing the third male lead, were gathered beside the screenwriter and talking to the screenwriter.
Zhou Huairen noticed Xie Yang first and stopped talking. He beckoned to Xie Yang and asked with concern, "How is your illness? Young people should pay more attention to their health and not just work. Didn't I hear from Xu Heng that you got sick in his crew too? Too careless."
Xie Yang noted that after Zhou Huairen's words, the eyes of other people looking at him relaxed a lot. He knew that Zhou Huairen was helping him explain and replied in an embarrassed manner, "My illness is better. In fact, it is just because I haven't adapted to the local conditions, just like when I was in Xu Heng's crew. It is as Director Zhou said. I will pay attention to it in the future. I'm sorry that it delayed everyone's time." He took the initiative to apologize to the leading actors, assistant directors and screenwriters.
Qin Cheng also followed Xie Yang to greet everyone and exchanged some polite words.
The movie hadn't started filming. It was just the preparation stage and Xie Yang's illness hadn't delayed anything. Everyone said it was fine and took care of Xie Yang with a few words.
Once the greetings were over, Zhou Huairen called Xie Yang to his side. "Are the lines memorized?"
Xie Yang nodded. "I've memorized them."
"Then you should discuss it with Gao Xuanhang and Wen Yao. This is Xie Yang, a newcomer. It is his first time acting so take care of him more."
Xie Yang heard this and looked at the male and female leads of the movie.
The lead actor Gao Xuanhang was 32 years old. He was born in a star family and had a strong body. His facial features were the handsome, tough-guy type. After Director Zhou spoke, he took the initiative to reach out to shake Xie Yang's hands. His words were polite but there was no warmth in his tone.
Xie Yang and Gao Xuanhang shook hands. They exchanged polite words before Xie Yang looked at Wen Yao.
Wen Yao was watching Xie Yang. She was tall and had gentle, intellectual features. She saw Xie Yang looking over and smiled. "Boss Xie looks kinder than the rumours."
There was an air of provocation.
Xie Yang flicked his fingers slightly and sent his ability that had just recovered to Wen Yao. He also smiled and said, "Senior Wen is exactly the same as rumours. You are beautiful and kind."
The ability floated to Wen Yao and slowly entered Wen Yao's brain. The feeling of swallowing something foreign emerged. Wen Yao really had the golden finger remaining in her brain. Wen Yao suddenly frowned, lowered her head and pressed a hand against her forehead.
Director Zhou noticed Wen Yao's movements and asked, "What's the matter?"
Wen Yao quickly relaxed her expression, covered her mouth and yawned slightly. Then she replied with a bit of embarrassment. "It's okay, my ears were just ringing slightly."
Director Zhou instructed her, "Pay more attention. Don't have health problems while shooting."
Wen Yao and Gao Xuanhang nodded in unison.
Wen Yao's provocation of Xie Yang stopped. Later, Xie Yang went to say hello to the assistant directors and screenwriter in turn. On the way, he met the second female lead Wen Han and the third male lead Man Feidi sitting next to the screenwriter.
Wen Han was 30 years old and looked glamorous. In the plot, she played a singer with a bad background and her experiences weren't good. She lived a sober life but died tragically. Her personality was different from her beautiful appearance. She was very quiet and spoke kindly, which made her appear as a good person.
Man Feidi was younger. He was around 24 or 25 years old and was a little fresh meat who became popular last year by starring in a youth-themed movie. He looked like a handsome, young man. He was Liu Le, the cousin of young master Su Jingmo in the movie. He was the brother of the heroine Liu Xue, played by Wen Yao. There would be a lot of rival scenes.
Man Feidi was very friendly. He actively greeted Xie Yang and joked, "Now that you're here, I'm not the youngest in the crew anymore! Don't panic. Your cousin will protect you!"
The screenwriter laughed. "You are still the youngest in the crew in terms of appearance. Don't try to be the older brother."
"Alas, I was discovered by Sister Yue. Baby faces are really unpopular. Not only are the casting roles limited, it is also easy to suffer in life." Man Feidi sighed deliberately and amused the screenwriter, Chen Yuezhi. Wen Han also pursed her lips and smiled.
The few people enjoyed themselves but ignored Xie Yang who came to say hello. Xie Yang's eyes swept over Man Feidi, who had a funny expression. Then he tactfully left to talk to Gao Xuanhang and Wen Yao.
Director Zhou didn't mean to let the actors recite the lines according to the script. He wanted to let the actors blend into the role and adjust the plot and lines according to the changes in the surrounding environment while walking around the shooting site. They would talk to each other as characters in the play. This was a method to help the actors familiarize themselves with the script and understand their opponents as soon as possible.
The Su house had many scenes between Xie Yang, Gao Xuanhang and Wen Yao. The three of them bid farewell to Director Zhou and walked deep into the house together. Once out of sight of the large group, Wen Yao glanced at Xie Yang and asked in a young girl's tone, "Cousin, you came back this time. Are you going to leave again?"
This was the plot of Young Master Su. Not long after Su Jingmo returned to the Su house, his cousin Liu Xue had asked him these words when she was a guest at the Su house.
Xie Yang quickly entered the right state and replied, "Whether I go or not depends on God's help. Still, I think God is so good and should help me."
The line wasn't bad. The young girl's look on Wen Yao's face disappeared and she smiled. "Boss Xie received the scene well. You deserve to be from an acting class."
"Senior, you are overpraising me."
Gao Xuanhang's gaze shifted between the two of them. He felt that something was wrong but wisely didn't say anything.
The garden was large and the three of them talked to each other casually as they walked. Wen Yao took the initiative to start the plot related to Su Jingmo several times and Xie Yang took it all steadily. It didn't matter how well he acted. At the very least, his lines were correct.
After walking around, Gao Xuanhang's attitude toward Xie Yang had become much closer and he praised, "You are familiar with all your lines. That's good."
Xie Yang smiled. "I'm acting for the first time and have no experience. I have to show my attitude."
Wen Yao glanced at Xie Yang after hearing these words.
At noon, everyone had a meal together. Man Feidi sat down next to Xie Yang and asked, "Do you want to work on lines in the afternoon? I have a bad memory. I can always recite the first paragraph but forget the last paragraph. Brother Gao said you know all your lines. I really envy you."
Xie Yang responded politely but his attitude wasn't very warm.
Man Feidi seemed unaware of Xie Yang's politeness. He spoke to Xie Yang more energetically and kept talking non-stop. He also took the initiative to pour water and hand over tableware to Xie Yang. He was very kind and enthusiastic.
Over the next few days, Xie Yang gradually got acquainted with the people in the crew. Wen Yao no longer tried to test Xie Yang but was still indifferent to him. Gao Xuanhang's attitude toward Xie Yang was becoming kinder. From time to time, he would actively seek him out and teach him some small acting and positioning skills. Meanwhile, Man Feidi started directly sticking to Xie Yang.
Man Feidi's sticking method wasn't too annoying. It was kind of cute, like a little brother. The specific manifestation was that he had to sit with Xie Yang for meals. If he bought drinks then he would buy Xie Yang's favourite drink. He often found Xie Yang to talk about the script. If he received delicious food from home or bought something fun, he would share it with Xie Yang.
From an external point of view, Man Feidi should be the most friendly and enthusiastic person to Xie Yang in the entire crew. There were more and more comments that Xie Yang and Man Feidi had a good relationship. It was truly easier for young people to play together.
Xie Yang saw all these things but his attitude toward Man Feidi was still polite and not enthusiastic.
In the blink of an eye, a week passed. Everyone's emotions gradually settled and they moved closer to the characters in the script.
At the beginning of April, the crew of 'I See Xuanyuan' officially started to operate. The supporting roles were in place and the stylists joined the team to take makeup photos for everyone. After taking the makeup photos, Zhou Huairen picked a good day to hold the opening ceremony of 'I See Xuanyuan'.
Once Xie Yang walked to the front of the stage following the introduction of the host, all the media invited to report on the opening ceremony were stunned and started boiling over.
There was Xie Yang! Xie Yang was acting in Zhou Huairen's new movie! The young singer and young boss with a high chance of starting a hot topic was actually acting! Zhou Huairen was so good at concealing things. Xie Yang was so popular yet he hadn't leaked a word!
The media were excited and pointed their cameras at Xie Yang in unison. The camera flashes burst out and even the male and female protagonists were slightly ignored. Man Feidi, who was standing next to Xie Yang, suddenly cocked his head and leaned closer to Xie Yang. "Your popularity is very high."
Xie Yang smiled and replied, "Senior isn't bad."
Man Feidi pretended to be dissatisfied and hit Xie Yang in the shoulder. "Why call me Senior? I already said that you should call me by my name or Brother."
Xie Yang noticed that after Man Feidi leaned over, the flashes of the reporters increased. He smiled slightly at Man Feidi but didn't answer.
In the interview after the ceremony, most of the media focused on Xie Yang. Xie Yang kept in mind the rules of newcomers that Qin Cheng had given him in advance and skimmed all the topics unrelated to the movie. He never grabbed the limelight from the male and female leads. He didn't talk too much or give long answers. He handled everything with a smile.
The reporters couldn't find any gap in Xie Yang's demeanor and helplessly had to turn to the other actors to find a bursting point.
A reporter suddenly asked, "Wen Yao, as a senior who just won an award, what do you think of Xie Yang's acting skills?"
Everyone looked at Wen Yao. Wen Yao paused before replying with a smile, "It is up to the director and public to evaluate acting skills. In my eyes, Xie Yang is a very dedicated and hardworking newcomer."
The answer was fairly modest and no scandalous news could be dug out. The reporters were very disappointed and explored Gao Xuanhang and Wen Han one by one. However, these two were also tight-lipped and didn't let the media dig out anything. In the end, the reporters only dug out that Man Feidi wasn't picky and ate a large amount of food.
At the end of the interview when they were ready to leave, Man Feidi suddenly raised a hand and hooked it around Xie Yang's neck. "Xie Yang, let's check our lines again later. The shooting will start in the afternoon and I'm a bit nervous."
Xie Yang paused. He looked into Man Feidi's coquettish eyes and replied, "Yes."
Man Feidi smiled. "Good brother, you are loyal enough."
The opening ceremony ended and the crew cleared out the Su house to officially start filming. The first scene was a rival scene between the male and female leads. Xie Yang sat in his own rest area, received his mobile phone from Wu Shui and listened to Qin Cheng's report.
"The media who came to the interview have been posting the photos taken at the opening ceremony on the Internet. Most of the media have focused their reports on your acting. The fans have responded well to you taking up acting and..."
Qin Cheng glanced in Man Feidi's position and lowered his voice slightly. "You and Man Feidi leaned together on the stage to talk and after the interview, Man Feidi ran to hook an arm around your neck. This photo was picked up by a marketing account and is stirring up the heat of the topic of 'little milk dog and little wolf dog.' Man Feidi's fans are flooding your Weibo to ask about the relationship between the two of you."
Xie Yang stopped clicking on WeChat for a moment. Then he continued and asked, "I... am having someone take advantage of my popularity?"
Qin Cheng nodded somewhat helplessly. "This type of thing is unavoidable. You and Man Feidi are in the same crew now and there is no contradiction between you. If the other side is gently taking advantage of your hype like this then it won't look good if we respond."
"Then leave it alone and try to minimize the exposure." Xie Yang clicked on WeChat. Then a series of WeChat messages sent by Qiu Xing were lined up.
Qiu Xing: You officially started filming today?
Qiu Xing: I saw the news.
Qiu Xing: Who gave you the pomade parted 2:8 hairstyle? What rotten technique!
Qiu Xing: Who is that person around you?
Qiu Xing: Little wolf dog? Laugh.
Qiu Xing: What is a little milk dog?
Qiu Xing: Are your fans crazy? They can brush up any topic. Who is taking care of you? Manage your fans!
Xie Yang laughed and typed.
Xie Yang: Did Master Liao's hands shake today?
Qiu Xing replied in seconds: What?
Xie Yang: He didn't add salt when cooking. He poured vinegar.
After a while, Qiu Xing sent a message full of sourness and anger.
Qiu Xing: I'm going to a meeting. No dogs allowed!
Xie Yang typed slowly: No, I'll just raise fish with you.
It was quiet for a moment. Then Qiu Xing sent back a cartoon emoticon of a big hand stroking the head of a baby sheep that he got from an unknown place. This was followed by a sentence.
Qiu Xing: You know how to be tactful.
***