Chapter 56: The Perfect Protagonist
"Actor's physical training?"
Li Xue heard a new term and found herself becoming more and more curious about Han Fei.
He had dreamed of becoming a comedian, but he ended up discovering clues to a serial murder case while participating in a suspenseful thriller film.
Although he appeared gentle and even somewhat weak, his physical and mental abilities were extremely strong, as if he had experienced hellish trials.
Li Xue worked in criminal investigation and had encountered all sorts of peculiar people, but someone like Han Fei was a first for her.
"The things I'm teaching you shouldn't be used casually, especially not targeting vital areas of people. If you're in danger, your first choice should still be to call the police," Li Xue said, observing Han Fei practicing diligently, as if he intended to apply these skills in real-life situations. She quickly reminded him.
"Okay."
"Don't be too nervous. The police have increased their presence around you," Li Xue said, watching Han Fei repeat his training earnestly. She didn't interrupt further. "I'll go now. I'll inform you immediately if there are any new developments in the case."
"Okay." Han Fei continued practicing, determined to train these skills into his instincts. Only then could he survive better in the dangerous underworld.
At noon, Han Fei made some food at home. Even when he was eating, there was a book on the table beside him.
He had replaced the time he used to spend watching short videos and playing regular games with studying criminal investigation, counter-surveillance, and anti-tracking. To survive, he had become someone with a deep love for learning.
Immersed in the ocean of knowledge, Han Fei felt an unprecedented sense of fulfilment. This joy was different from the short-lived excitement; it was long-lasting and focused on clear goals.
"You should quietly work hard and amaze everyone who wants to kill you."
In the afternoon, Han Fei received a call from Jiang Yi, who wanted to have a serious talk with him.
To be honest, a director treating an unknown actor like this showed a great deal of respect.
Around four o'clock, Han Fei arrived at the filming location of Evil Blossom on Beijie Street. The family members of the victims were still gathered outside the apartment building. This time, however, they weren't acting impulsively. They held banners and protested silently, while others were filming the scene.
"Old man, the body puzzle case is being reinvestigated. It won't take long for the results to come out. You're getting older, and standing like this will strain your body," Han Fei, who had received care from Wei Youfu in the game, wanted to take care of Wei Youfu's elderly father in real life as well.
These two men had similar personalities—both were kind and good-hearted.
"I know your intentions, but this is all I can do for Youfu," the old man grasped Han Fei's shoulder. His eyes were clouded with complex emotions, and he seemed to want to say more, but in the end, he just sighed. "Thank you, young man. I really like the role you played for Youfu."
Han Fei had shielded the victims' family members with his back from a bucket filled with blood in the game, and some of the victims' family members had come to regard him as one of their own.
"The culprit will definitely be brought to justice. I promise you that," Han Fei, a mere actor, seemed to have no connection to the case in the eyes of passersby. However, for some reason, the victims' family members found his words strangely convincing.
Their gazes toward Han Fei softened, as if they could faintly see the figures of those victims in him.
Entering the filming location, a production assistant led Han Fei to a room on the second floor.
As soon as the door opened, thick smoke billowed out.
Jiang Yi and several middle-aged people were sitting together, and there were several versions of the script on the table.
"Xiao Han, the screenwriters and I have been revising the script overnight. Since you have a good relationship with the victims' family members, I want you to persuade them on certain controversial aspects of the story," the ashtray was full of cigarette butts, and the two screenwriters seemed to be on the verge of pulling their hair out from all the revisions. It was indeed a troublesome task.
"You want me to persuade them?"
"This is already the greatest respect I can give to the victims' family members. If they still disagree, then I have no choice but to proceed with the filming forcibly," Jiang Yi also had his own difficulties. "Although I'm the director, this film is not solely my decision."
Han Fei picked up the script on the table and started reading it. The beginning was great, and the process of investigation was mostly realistic, but as the story progressed, it became more and more absurd.
"The victims' family members won't agree to this script, and I can't use this script to persuade them," Han Fei tossed the script on the table. "The complexity of the body puzzle case goes far beyond your imagination. Instead of making up such random things, why don't you study the actual case?"
"How do you know we haven't studied it? It's easy for you to talk," a balding middle-aged screenwriter extinguished his cigarette. "Jiang Director, I've revised the script so many times. I've done my best, and our contract doesn't require us to obtain the consent of the victims' family members for the script."
"That's right. Just go ahead and film according to this script. What are we making this movie for? To solve the case? To expand our influence? Don't be ridiculous. Let's earn money first," another screenwriter stood up, ready to leave.
"Jiang Director, the two screenwriters, I know you've been working hard on revising the script, and I understand that you've made significant concessions. If another production team were here, they probably wouldn't care about the victims' family members' opinions. You've done well," Han Fei opened the window of the room, allowing the wind to dissipate the thick smoke. "But why can't you wait a little longer? This story will soon have a real ending."
"Why should we wait for the real ending? Do audiences like to see real endings? Do you know anything about the market? Do you know the positioning and target audience of our film?" The balding screenwriter picked up his coat and walked toward the door. He reached out to push Han Fei aside.
"I don't know anything about the market, but I do know about debts and paying them back, about murderers facing justice," Han Fei stood at the room's doorway, his gaze scanning the screenwriter's neck and ribs.
In that instant, the chilling look in his eyes made the screenwriter hesitate to lower his raised hand. Finally, feeling somewhat embarrassed, he simply brushed off the dust from his shoulder.
"Jiang Director, if you believe that a film is merely a tool for making money, then it doesn't matter how you shoot it. But I won't be involved in such a film," Han Fei stated firmly. "Although many people see me as an extra, a background actor, a nobody, I see myself as an actor. I am currently participating in a film where there is absolutely no room for error."
After saying that, Han Fei left the room. Jiang Yi watched his figure and took out his phone.
He hesitated for a long time between the producer and the lead actor, Acheng, but in the end, he didn't call Acheng to come back and participate in the film according to the original script. Instead, he dialled the producer's number.
"Long Jie, can you give me a few more days?"
"More time? How much time have I already given you? The lead actor is quitting, the victims' family members are causing trouble, and negative news keeps spreading online. It's difficult for me too!"
"Three days. Just give me three more days! I've found a new candidate for the lead role, who surpasses Acheng by far in terms of character and acting skills. Most importantly, he exudes the aura of someone investigating a murder case! He's the perfect protagonist in my mind!"
Li Xue heard a new term and found herself becoming more and more curious about Han Fei.
He had dreamed of becoming a comedian, but he ended up discovering clues to a serial murder case while participating in a suspenseful thriller film.
Although he appeared gentle and even somewhat weak, his physical and mental abilities were extremely strong, as if he had experienced hellish trials.
Li Xue worked in criminal investigation and had encountered all sorts of peculiar people, but someone like Han Fei was a first for her.
"The things I'm teaching you shouldn't be used casually, especially not targeting vital areas of people. If you're in danger, your first choice should still be to call the police," Li Xue said, observing Han Fei practicing diligently, as if he intended to apply these skills in real-life situations. She quickly reminded him.
"Okay."
"Don't be too nervous. The police have increased their presence around you," Li Xue said, watching Han Fei repeat his training earnestly. She didn't interrupt further. "I'll go now. I'll inform you immediately if there are any new developments in the case."
"Okay." Han Fei continued practicing, determined to train these skills into his instincts. Only then could he survive better in the dangerous underworld.
At noon, Han Fei made some food at home. Even when he was eating, there was a book on the table beside him.
He had replaced the time he used to spend watching short videos and playing regular games with studying criminal investigation, counter-surveillance, and anti-tracking. To survive, he had become someone with a deep love for learning.
Immersed in the ocean of knowledge, Han Fei felt an unprecedented sense of fulfilment. This joy was different from the short-lived excitement; it was long-lasting and focused on clear goals.
"You should quietly work hard and amaze everyone who wants to kill you."
In the afternoon, Han Fei received a call from Jiang Yi, who wanted to have a serious talk with him.
To be honest, a director treating an unknown actor like this showed a great deal of respect.
Around four o'clock, Han Fei arrived at the filming location of Evil Blossom on Beijie Street. The family members of the victims were still gathered outside the apartment building. This time, however, they weren't acting impulsively. They held banners and protested silently, while others were filming the scene.
"Old man, the body puzzle case is being reinvestigated. It won't take long for the results to come out. You're getting older, and standing like this will strain your body," Han Fei, who had received care from Wei Youfu in the game, wanted to take care of Wei Youfu's elderly father in real life as well.
These two men had similar personalities—both were kind and good-hearted.
"I know your intentions, but this is all I can do for Youfu," the old man grasped Han Fei's shoulder. His eyes were clouded with complex emotions, and he seemed to want to say more, but in the end, he just sighed. "Thank you, young man. I really like the role you played for Youfu."
Han Fei had shielded the victims' family members with his back from a bucket filled with blood in the game, and some of the victims' family members had come to regard him as one of their own.
"The culprit will definitely be brought to justice. I promise you that," Han Fei, a mere actor, seemed to have no connection to the case in the eyes of passersby. However, for some reason, the victims' family members found his words strangely convincing.
Their gazes toward Han Fei softened, as if they could faintly see the figures of those victims in him.
Entering the filming location, a production assistant led Han Fei to a room on the second floor.
As soon as the door opened, thick smoke billowed out.
Jiang Yi and several middle-aged people were sitting together, and there were several versions of the script on the table.
"Xiao Han, the screenwriters and I have been revising the script overnight. Since you have a good relationship with the victims' family members, I want you to persuade them on certain controversial aspects of the story," the ashtray was full of cigarette butts, and the two screenwriters seemed to be on the verge of pulling their hair out from all the revisions. It was indeed a troublesome task.
"You want me to persuade them?"
"This is already the greatest respect I can give to the victims' family members. If they still disagree, then I have no choice but to proceed with the filming forcibly," Jiang Yi also had his own difficulties. "Although I'm the director, this film is not solely my decision."
Han Fei picked up the script on the table and started reading it. The beginning was great, and the process of investigation was mostly realistic, but as the story progressed, it became more and more absurd.
"The victims' family members won't agree to this script, and I can't use this script to persuade them," Han Fei tossed the script on the table. "The complexity of the body puzzle case goes far beyond your imagination. Instead of making up such random things, why don't you study the actual case?"
"How do you know we haven't studied it? It's easy for you to talk," a balding middle-aged screenwriter extinguished his cigarette. "Jiang Director, I've revised the script so many times. I've done my best, and our contract doesn't require us to obtain the consent of the victims' family members for the script."
"That's right. Just go ahead and film according to this script. What are we making this movie for? To solve the case? To expand our influence? Don't be ridiculous. Let's earn money first," another screenwriter stood up, ready to leave.
"Jiang Director, the two screenwriters, I know you've been working hard on revising the script, and I understand that you've made significant concessions. If another production team were here, they probably wouldn't care about the victims' family members' opinions. You've done well," Han Fei opened the window of the room, allowing the wind to dissipate the thick smoke. "But why can't you wait a little longer? This story will soon have a real ending."
"Why should we wait for the real ending? Do audiences like to see real endings? Do you know anything about the market? Do you know the positioning and target audience of our film?" The balding screenwriter picked up his coat and walked toward the door. He reached out to push Han Fei aside.
"I don't know anything about the market, but I do know about debts and paying them back, about murderers facing justice," Han Fei stood at the room's doorway, his gaze scanning the screenwriter's neck and ribs.
In that instant, the chilling look in his eyes made the screenwriter hesitate to lower his raised hand. Finally, feeling somewhat embarrassed, he simply brushed off the dust from his shoulder.
"Jiang Director, if you believe that a film is merely a tool for making money, then it doesn't matter how you shoot it. But I won't be involved in such a film," Han Fei stated firmly. "Although many people see me as an extra, a background actor, a nobody, I see myself as an actor. I am currently participating in a film where there is absolutely no room for error."
After saying that, Han Fei left the room. Jiang Yi watched his figure and took out his phone.
He hesitated for a long time between the producer and the lead actor, Acheng, but in the end, he didn't call Acheng to come back and participate in the film according to the original script. Instead, he dialled the producer's number.
"Long Jie, can you give me a few more days?"
"More time? How much time have I already given you? The lead actor is quitting, the victims' family members are causing trouble, and negative news keeps spreading online. It's difficult for me too!"
"Three days. Just give me three more days! I've found a new candidate for the lead role, who surpasses Acheng by far in terms of character and acting skills. Most importantly, he exudes the aura of someone investigating a murder case! He's the perfect protagonist in my mind!"
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