Chapter Five: Ye Quanzhen

"Tilt your head a little... Good!"
"More allure in your eyes, please."
"Very good!"
Click, click... The shutter of the F3 kept firing.
Ma Xun gave directions to Sister Hong while offering loud praise.
Chen Hong was truly beautiful.
Every gesture she made was serene, elegant, graceful, and poised. She radiated the aura of a well-bred young lady from a prestigious family.
"Mr. Ma, you are quite the photographer."
This compliment came with a thumbs-up from Ding Li.
At this time, he was very famous in the mainland. The fact that our production, *New York Storm*, managed to sign him was entirely due to the influence of director Feng Baiyuan.
However, Ma Xun would be shooting him in a moment. That’s right, it was time to work. Ma Xun was currently taking their promotional headshots.
Although the story of this film takes place primarily in North America, the protagonists originate from our side of the world. Therefore, the scenes shot in Beijing couldn't be sloppy. Our Director Feng had said he wanted to make a Hong Kong version of "People in New York," complete with thrilling action and gunfights.
Hearing this, Ma Xun naturally kept a smile on his face. If you asked me, I’d certainly say it sounds great. But inside, he was thinking... No wonder I have no memory of this film. If it doesn't flop, who will?
*Beijingers in New York* was a massive hit, but Director Feng didn't grasp why. It was about the zeitgeist of the "emigration fever" and the various reflections it sparked in society. There had been many such works in recent years, like *Gone Forever*.
Forget it, there was no point in arguing with Director Feng. How could a Hong Kong director understand mainland affairs? Besides, I’m just a photographer now.
Before long, Sister Hong finished her shoot.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Sister Hong heard this, but acted as if she hadn't. In Ma Xun's eyes, this gesture was just... Keep up the act! I know exactly how wild you are in bed. Of course, if we’re being precise... it wasn’t wild enough. If there's a next time, I’ll have to make her even wilder.
Though that was what Ma Xun was thinking, his face remained strictly professional.
Next was Ding Li's turn, but someone arrived to see Director Feng.
"Oh! Brother Jiu, what brings you here? Haha..."
"Just visiting a friend, thought I’d drop by."
Brother Jiu?
Not just Ma Xun, but everyone on the crew turned their attention toward this 'Brother Jiu.' He appeared to be in his forties or fifties, and his appearance, demeanor, and attire all screamed two words: Filthy rich!
Feng Baiyuan was extremely deferential the moment he arrived.
Ma Xun felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing him. After a moment of thought... Oh, I know who he is! Isn't this the father of our legendary photographer, Brother Edison?
Thinking of this, Ma Xun couldn't help but glance at the supermodel Hu, who was a supporting actor in the film. The expression on Ma Xun's face turned rather strange.
"What are you thinking about?" Chen Hong noticed his expression and, out of pure curiosity, asked.
"Nothing much." Ma Xun, of course, wouldn't reveal his true thoughts.
"Hmph!" Chen Hong let out a cold snort. She was displeased, but helpless. In fact, for the time being, Chen Hong was quite wary of Ma Xun.

It was only natural, as they had been on screen together, but it went beyond that. In Chen Hong's eyes, Ma Xun was a mysterious figure with a powerful background! She had given up on the 200,000, but the real question was, how did this guy get his information? No matter how he got it, it proved that Ma Xun was well-connected.
Furthermore, Chen Hong noticed that Director Feng treated Ma Xun with considerable care. Director Feng even mentioned that he had studied photography in Chicago. This Ma Xun must definitely have a strong background. Seen in that light, those photos didn't seem to matter as much anymore.
Chen Hong, of course, had no idea what Ma Xun was thinking. In reality, he had just stumbled upon some juicy gossip. This Brother Jiu, the father of Edison, and that supermodel Hu... ahem...
Damn, I'm impressed! I finally transmigrated, and all I get are these gay-coded scandals! But they say it's true love. I can only say, this circle is truly messy.
But a messy circle is a great circle! Ma Xun felt he had something to do now. This gossip...
At this moment, Director Feng brought Brother Jiu over.
"Brother Jiu, this is Ms. Chen..."
"Oh, we've met."
"Nice to meet you, Brother Jiu."
Director Feng laughed and introduced the main members of the crew. Naturally, he didn't forget Ma Xun, though he kept it brief, covering him in a single sentence. Ma Xun didn't mind at all; they had agreed beforehand that since he was a replacement, he should keep a low profile.
After the introductions, Brother Jiu, being the big boss, was incredibly generous. "After work, let's all have a meal together. My treat!"
"Great! Wonderful!"
It was settled. Of course, Ma Xun still had to finish his work. Fortunately, it wasn't difficult. According to the director's wishes, they were shooting the hutong culture of Beijing. Ma Xun understood that Feng Baiyuan just wanted to create a sense of contrast.
In this day and age, Hong Kong directors like him loved to film in the dirtiest, most chaotic, and most dilapidated parts of the mainland. They would even use intentionally aged filters, such as dark or earthy yellow ones. This technique was common among Japanese production crews. When those guys came to China, they would hunt for the most obscure corners. In Beijing, they looked for places with the most bicycles and avoided cars entirely. It was all just to smear the image.
In 2010, Lin Chi-ling starred in a Japanese drama where they made Shanghai look like a shantytown. If they could make the great city of Shanghai look like that, they had certainly put in a lot of effort.
Now that it was my turn to shoot, this F3 would produce beautiful results. And it would have a sense of narrative. As for how the final image would look... even though it hadn't been developed yet, Ma Xun had a rough idea. Just reference *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty*; the entire film used Nikon equipment. Well, there was a small bug in the snow leopard scene, but there's no need to be that pedantic. As long as the film is good, it's fine.
Since Brother Jiu was here, we couldn't keep the big shot waiting. Ma Xun quickly finished shooting Ding Li and the others. How Feng Baiyuan used these photos later was his own business. As for the previous ones... well, the film with Sister Hong was tucked away safely.

And that 200,000. He had deposited it the next day. By the way, Ma Xun had also bought some designer clothes; the previous outfit belonged to someone else, and he didn't want the original owner coming after him. Being this cautious was the right move.
Interestingly, seeing Ma Xun’s style, Director Feng arrived the next day in new clothes as well, even more convinced that Ma Xun must be a "child of the compound"—a scion of the elite. Ordinary people wouldn't be this lavish. So, it was a lucky mistake.
The headshots were done, so Ma Xun had completed his job. Director Feng didn't have much to say to him, especially in front of Brother Jiu. Ma Xun understood: keep a low profile.
It was late, the perfect time to eat. The group piled into Brother Jiu's car—a van he had rented in advance. Everyone thought they were going to a restaurant, but upon getting out, they discovered it was a nightclub.
Brother Jiu laughed, "Owned by an old friend of mine, just showing some support."
Everyone understood immediately. However, the nightclub looked quite grand from the outside. Who could the owner be? Of course, this "grandeur" was by 1996 standards. Ma Xun thought it was just average. But in those days, anyone capable of opening a nightclub in Beijing was no ordinary person. Everyone knew about "Heaven on Earth." The boss eventually fled to the United States, but his younger brother, who stayed in China, later became a very powerful figure in the film industry.
Who could Brother Jiu's old friend be?
The group followed Brother Jiu into the nightclub. Then...
"Brother Jiu, haha... what brings you here?"
"Brother Wu, I'm here for an investment business, thought I'd stop by."
The moment this 'Brother Wu' appeared, the mainland actors and staff on the crew were stunned. Brother Wu—Long Wu. In the movies, he was the God of Gamblers' bodyguard, but in reality, no one dared to command him.
"I can't believe it's him," Chen Hong whispered.
Ma Xun realized this was meant for him to hear. "Sister Hong, let's just focus on our meal."
She nodded and then turned to greet 'Brother Wu' with a smile. Social pleasantries were always necessary. As for Ma Xun, he was barely mentioned. Keep a low profile, always keep a low profile.
Brother Jiu and Brother Wu had a good relationship, so everything went smoothly. They were quickly seated at a banquet table. Chen Hong, Ding Li, and the supermodel Hu took their seats. Ma Xun found a spot at the edge, planning to make an excuse to leave once things settled down. I’ll maintain my low profile voluntarily.
But just as they started chatting, the stage lights flickered on.
"You ask me... how deep my love for you is..."
*The Moon Represents My Heart*. A classic song... wait a minute!
The person singing was the point.
It was Ye Quanzhen!