It was lunchtime.
The small restaurant was bustling with diners.
The director, assistant director, the female lead, and Chen Feng sat at one table.
On the table was a main dish: Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish.
This dish was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with an orange-yellow color and a perfectly sweet and sour taste.
It had a delicate texture, a rich aroma, and the fish melted in your mouth, while the tofu was soft and smooth, all complemented by the sweet and sour sauce, making one unable to stop eating.
Everyone was enjoying their meal immensely.
Even though Qu Dan still harbored strong animosity towards Chen Feng, her jaw nearly dropped when she took a bite of this dish, which was selected as a special feature for state banquets.
Delicious!
It was too delicious.
She had never tasted such a flavorful fish, not even in a five-star hotel.
Qu Dan kept glancing at Chen Feng.
She just couldn't figure out if this guy was an Actor, an Addict, or a chef?
The director was quite satisfied with his performance.
He felt as if Chen Feng was simply portraying the true essence of a chef.
Therefore, throughout the entire filming process, Chen Feng showed no trace of acting; he was natural and fluid, even when delivering his lines.
It was so realistic that you'd think he was genuinely a chef.
Mysterious!
Perhaps, he really was a chef?
And later got into a film academy?
...
After lunch.
The director personally sought out Chen Feng.
The two stood under the shade of a tree.
The director said with a warm smile, “Xiao Chen, be honest with me, were you a chef before? It’s okay, just tell me the truth, it won’t affect your work here.”
“No.”
Chen Feng shook his head directly, “I really haven’t. After graduating from university, I was an extra for a year. I was constantly looking for opportunities and had no time, so where would I have time to be a chef?”
“You really haven’t?”
“No.”
“Good heavens.”
The director said with a look of disbelief, “Then your skill is truly excellent. And your way of acting... it’s so realistic that I can’t tell if you’re in a real-life state or an acting state.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Director.”
Chen Feng smiled faintly.
The director, however, was torn between laughter and tears: “Compliment? I’m putting it lightly. This isn’t even a compliment, truly. I think you should just look for roles as chefs; you’ll definitely shine.”
“I’ll take your good wishes.”
Chen Feng smiled, then asked, “Director, my pay for today...”
“Don’t rush, don’t rush.”
The director quickly said with a gentle smile, “Xiao Chen, how about this? We’ll revise the script overnight to flesh out your character.”
“You’ll be the fifth male lead.”
“You’ll play the female lead’s guardian.”
“The amount of screen time will depend on the situation.”
“But you’ll need to stay with the crew for about three months.”
“If the effect is good, you won’t have to be an extra anymore.”
“I’ll sign you.”
“Don’t underestimate our small crew. You should know that there are big production companies behind this.”
“Once this drama wraps up, I’ll specifically find someone to put together a chef-themed drama for you to cultivate, how about it? Interested?”
The director looked at Chen Feng with anticipation.
However, Chen Feng didn't hesitate for a second, directly shaking his head: “I’m sorry, Director, I’m not interested. You should just settle today’s pay.”
“Ah?”
The director was stunned.
Such a good opportunity was right in front of him, and he actually said he wasn’t interested?
If it were any other extra, and a director told them that for the next drama, he’d put together a script just for them to cultivate, they’d probably be so moved they’d kneel in gratitude, crying tears of joy.
Yet this guy was actually not interested.
He was only thinking about today’s pay?
The director was also a bit speechless.
He stared at Chen Feng for a long time before slowly saying, “Xiao Chen, are you sure you’re not interested?”
“Not interested.”
Chen Feng shook his head firmly.
Are you kidding?
In a month, he would be on the live stage of What is an Actor, who would be interested in playing the fifth male lead in such a low-budget, terrible crew?
And act opposite a female lead who drags down the whole show?
Give me a break.
The director’s face fell.
After staring at Chen Feng for a couple of seconds, he turned and left.
Chen Feng was speechless.
This quality...
It’s not great either.
Chen Feng didn't take it to heart; since the contract was signed, today's pay had to be given.
No fear.
A few minutes later.
The casting assistant director came out.
He quickly approached Chen Feng, lowering his voice and saying, “You rejected the director’s arrangement?”
“Yes.”
Chen Feng nodded.
He fully expected the casting assistant director to either try to persuade him earnestly or mock him like the director, but this person greatly exceeded Chen Feng’s expectations.
He smiled lightly and whispered, “Okay, it’s good you didn’t agree. Chen Feng, I have high hopes for you. This place is too small; it’s not suitable for you.”
“How about this, add me on WeChat.”
“I’ll help you find opportunities later.”
“This is today’s pay.”
“1500, plus an extra 800 for your hard work helping with lunch.”
“Alright, hurry back and rest.”
Chen Feng took the money and finally smiled: “Thanks, Director Zheng.”
The casting assistant director was named Zheng Bin.
He was quite a warm-hearted person.
Zheng Bin patted his arm: “There’s one last day tomorrow, make sure to finish filming. No matter how the director acts, we’ve signed a contract.”
“Don’t worry, I have that much professional integrity.”
Chen Feng nodded.
“Alright then.”
Zheng Bin suddenly smiled again: “Tomorrow’s scene is also cooking. Can you make an authentic Kung Pao Chicken? I love that dish.”
“Sure.”
Chen Feng looked at him seriously: “But, it’ll cost more.”
“Haha, you rascal, obsessed with money. More money is no problem, so it’s settled.”
Zheng Bin chuckled excitedly.
Chen Feng didn't fuss either; after shaking hands with Zheng Bin, he turned and strode away.
Earning 2300 in one day, not bad.
After finishing the last day of filming tomorrow, he should be able to take a day off.
...
The third day.
It was still a midday scene.
Indeed, just as Zheng Bin had said, the young director was sulking.
He wore a dark expression all morning.
He would lose his temper at the filming site at the slightest provocation.
His attitude was very poor.
This made Chen Feng shake his head and sigh.
Birds of a feather really do flock together.
His emotional intelligence and demeanor were exactly like Qu Dan’s.
No wonder that woman could use 'backdoor' connections to join the crew.
Being able to sleep in the same bed indicated they were both of the same ilk.
Chen Feng’s dao heart was stable.
Completely undisturbed.
His performance was, as always, a natural display of his true self.
The demeanor of a master chef was fully evident.
Even if the director wanted to find fault, the naturally performed scenes were passed in a single take.
Perfect!
Nothing to criticize.
Finally, the director could only vent his anger on Qu Dan.
Because she almost had every take as an NG.
All the time was wasted on her.
So, that morning, the scolding...
Made Qu Dan cry at least seven or eight times.
Noon.
Chen Feng didn't stay for lunch; instead, he took his pay for the day: 1500 for the extra fee, plus an additional 1000 from Zheng Bin’s private sponsorship for the Kung Pao Chicken preparation fee.
With the money in hand, Chen Feng left directly.
And that plate of Kung Pao Chicken was monopolized by Zheng Bin alone.
The director felt awkward eating it.
Qu Dan also felt awkward eating it.
Since they both felt awkward eating it, others naturally felt even more awkward joining in.
In the end, Zheng Bin slurped loudly as he ate.
The taste was absolutely incredible!