Chapter 011: Guiding Stephen Chow

Liu Jing rejoined the crew once again, experiencing a different kind of feeling this time.

Many mysterious operations no longer seemed so mysterious.

After all, spending three days on the set of “Three Kingdoms” wasn’t time wasted.

The atmosphere in the crew was different from before. As filming neared its end, the mood grew more relaxed—except for the lead actor.

Zhou Xingxing furrowed his brows, silent, as if everyone owed him more money.

You may furrow your brows all you want, but I have questions to ask.

Liu Jing, relying on his youth, sweet talk, and charm, was well-liked by the women on the crew.

Having come with his aunt last time, he had already met quite a few people.

These women weren’t just actresses; they included makeup artists, lighting technicians, costume stylists, prop handlers, and photographers...

“Sister Xiao Yan, what does this machine do?”

“Sister Wang, you look so beautiful after makeup—I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Teacher Li, why do you need to set up the lighting?”

“Master Zhou, this prop is huge—what’s it for?”

...

Liu Jing was filled with curiosity about everything on the set. Neither TV nor newspapers, not even the “Annals of Lü,” contained such knowledge.

He loved learning and absorbed all knowledge eagerly.

When his aunt brought him last time, it was during the crew’s lunch break. Everyone ate separately, which wasn’t conducive to his absorption of the entertainment aura.

So he asked questions while soaking up the cultural atmosphere.

After a round of exploration, he had absorbed several hundred points of entertainment aura. Just a few dozen points shy of leveling up, but looking around, he saw no more bubbles.

He had only recently begun harvesting, and today’s bubble yield was low.

“Sigh... hey...” Liu Jing sighed deeply, regretful. Looks like no upgrade today.

“Kid, did your parents ever tell you that you’re really annoying?” Zhou Xingxing frowned. Whose child is this, so irritating?

“Are you talking to me? But I don’t know you.” Liu Jing blinked, not understanding a word—he wasn’t familiar with the accent. Yet from the other’s expression, he saw disdain and irritation.

He wondered how he had unknowingly ended up beside the lead actor.

Today’s daily assessment hadn’t been used yet, so he directed it at Zhou Xingxing.

[Name: Zhou Xingxing]

[Gender: Male]

[Age: 30]

[Occupation: Actor]

[Note: He is troubled and irritable, and finds you annoying.]

Heh, this stupid system’s note is useless.

“Hey! Whose kid...” Zhou Xingxing was about to call someone but then noticed the child’s tearful eyes.

He panicked instantly, took two steps back, waving his hands repeatedly. “It’s not my business. He wants to cry himself. I don’t bully kids.”

Those resting or chatting nearby all looked over.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry. Uncle will buy you candy.” Zhou Xingxing crouched down quickly, trying to coax the child, despite the strange looks.

He bitterly smiled inwardly. What’s going on? Am I really that kind of person? Everyone seems convinced I bully kids.

“It’s not your fault—the wind’s too strong,” Liu Jing said without wiping tears. He knew wiping would only make them come faster, and he was used to it. Yet with more use of his tolerance, he had become more patient.

“It’s never your fault.” Zhou Xingxing wanted to retort but then thought: with this kid, what’s the point in arguing?

Some crew members who knew Liu Jing tried to come and take him away, but Zhou Xingxing refused.

“Where are your adults? Let them come get you.” Zhou Xingxing pulled over two stools, sat on one himself, and offered the other to Liu Jing.

He didn’t know Liu Jing and thought he was a staff member’s child.

“Thank you.” Liu Jing looked around but found no sign of his aunt. “She must have gone out.”

“You’re really carefree.” Zhou Xingxing mocked.

“I’m more at ease this way.” Liu Jing nodded proudly.

“That parent’s not qualified.” Zhou Xingxing shook his head. The people on set were all sorts—few were normal.

“Your Mandarin isn’t standard—it’s different from what’s on TV.” Liu Jing was puzzled.

“TV uses dubbing. Do you know anything about dubbing? Forget it, why am I telling you this?” Zhou Xingxing shook his head again, this time laughing at himself. “Uncle was wrong—sorry for raising my voice.”

Since the other apologized, Liu Jing felt a bit embarrassed. “I should apologize first. I didn’t know you were troubled and disturbed your thoughts.”

Zhou Xingxing laughed heartily. “What could a little kid like you possibly know about troubles?”

Liu Jing answered seriously, “Humans are not plants; who can be without feelings? All sentient beings have troubles. You needn’t be embarrassed—it’s nothing shameful.”

Zhou Xingxing’s laughter abruptly stopped. The beginning sounded surprising, but the ending left him speechless.

“What are your troubles?” Zhou Xingxing asked with interest.

“Too small.” Liu Jing answered earnestly—truthfully. Everything was too small.

“The smaller you are, the more you want to be big; the bigger you are, the more you want to be small,” Zhou Xingxing mused.

Liu Jing snorted lightly. They were talking about entirely different things.

Zhou Xingxing continued, “Guess what I’m troubled about?”

“I’m three years old this year—oh, three and a half.” Liu Jing glanced sideways. Did he think he was a god?

“I...” Zhou Xingxing was dumbfounded, as if scorned by a child.

Liu Jing shifted his tone. “You can tell me—I’ll give you some pointers.”

“What?” Zhou Xingxing’s eyes widened, then he laughed heartily. Do you know who I am? How dare you talk big and try to advise me?

Liu Jing hesitated, “I heard many say you’re stingy. I won’t charge you.”

“Ugh...” Zhou Xingxing looked downcast. Stingy to whom? I’m very generous!

“Don’t be sad. That’s what they say—I don’t believe it,” Liu Jing quickly comforted. But after saying this, Zhou Xingxing looked even more like someone who owed money.

“Do I need you to believe me?” Zhou Xingxing silently screamed.

He knew he was introverted, but in this moment, he wished he were outgoing because he didn’t know how to talk to a child.

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Xingxing changed the subject and vented his worries. “There’s a scene I feel I haven’t performed well enough.”

“Nothing in this world can be perfect; just strive for excellence,” Liu Jing said calmly.

Zhou Xingxing talked with Liu Jing for a while. Hearing this, he no longer found it strange—he was used to it.

He was just venting, not expecting answers. Then he said, “That scene is the opening. Now we’re near the end, and it still bothers me. Su Can is a rich kid, spoiled since childhood. But he’s ignorant, a prodigal and flirtatious scion. I don’t have that mindset, so I can’t get into that state, just acting...”

“If it’s that kind of prodigal, maybe I can help. If you don’t know that mindset, I probably do,” Liu Jing’s expression turned thoughtful after hearing the description. That sounded like a second-generation heir.

His father was the Prime Minister of Qin, Lü Buwei, a rich scion on the surface. He spent his days walking chickens and dogs, chasing women, wielding knives and guns, but not studying.

When the moment of being pierced by arrows came, he realized it was too late to study.

“Oh.” Zhou Xingxing didn’t reply, curious to hear what this strange child had to say.

“There was once a young man whose father was a high official—very high. Second only to the emperor...” Liu Jing began analyzing the spoiled heir, his expression distant.

True or false? Illusion or dream? Reality or fiction?

Sometimes, when acting a certain state for long enough, it becomes real—even if it started as fake.

Zhou Xingxing was indifferent but gradually grew serious.

“He’s not like Su Can. Su Can had his father with him when begging, but his father committed suicide. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. When the wall collapses, everyone pushes it down... Well... that’s for another time...” Liu Jing was telling a story when suddenly a huge bubble floated into the crew.

What story? What advice? What Zhou Xingxing?

Goodbye!

“Huh?” Zhou Xingxing ran toward the bubble, harvesting it, and saw a big, stout man clinging to his aunt.

His aunt showed no disgust; instead, she smiled warmly and chatted happily.

He sneered coldly, a mischievous grin curling at his lips. “Mom, where did you just go? An uncle was bullying me.”