bookbashuk Chapter 224 Why not stay longer instead of just passing by?
Chapter 224 Why not stay longer instead of just passing by?
"You three are very kind." Su Wan nodded with a smile and led everyone to the reception hall next to the main hall. "Come in and rest your feet, have some tea, and then we can talk."
Wang Rui and the other two seemed to snap out of their daze and hurriedly dragged their suitcases to catch up. Feng Xiaolu sidled up to Wei Qingyi, took her arm, and asked in a low voice as they walked, "Second Senior Sister, what's it like filming a movie? Did you really have to be suspended by wires? Did it hurt?"
"Wire work is rarely used." Wei Qingyi's voice remained flat. "Most of the movements are done on the ground."
"The ground section is complete?!" Feng Xiaolu's eyes widened even more. "And the part where they fly up in the bamboo forest..."
"Jumped."
Feng Xiaolu laughed heartily: "I knew it."
As they spoke, everyone entered the reception hall. The hall was decorated in a simple and elegant style, with several potted plants by the window and the aroma of tea wafting from the long table. Su Wan invited everyone to sit down, and Chen Anran personally poured tea.
Wang Rui and the other two sat stiffly on chairs near the door, their backs ramrod straight, their hands neatly placed on their knees, but their eyes couldn't help but dart towards Chen Anran.
Wei Qingyi sat next to Su Wan, with Feng Xiaolu close to her. Xiao Ling'er clung to the armrest of Wei Qingyi's chair, looking up at her long-unseen second uncle with curiosity.
"Qingyi, how have things been these past few months?" Su Wan asked gently, pushing a cup of tea in front of Wei Qingyi.
Wei Qingyi accepted the teacup with both hands: "It's alright. The atmosphere on set is simple, and the director and the main actors are all focused on their work." She paused, then added, unusually, "Wang Rui's company also provided considerable support on set."
Upon hearing his name mentioned, Wang Rui immediately straightened his back and waved his hand hastily, saying, "Master Wei, you flatter me! This is what we should do!" He almost jumped up from his chair, but Zhang Hao, who was standing next to him, calmly held him down.
Sun Wei gently replied, "It is an honor for our Starry Pictures to participate in Ms. Wei's first film project. Ms. Wei's professionalism and dedication on set left a deep impression on all of us."
Zhang Hao was delighted, saying, "Furthermore, as 'The Legend of the Cloud Mountain' gains popularity among niche film fans, the character 'Qing Yan,' played by Master Wei, has become a unique cultural icon. Our backend data shows that searches for keywords such as 'aloof sword immortal' and 'realistic action scenes' are increasing rapidly!"
Wei Qingyi picked up her teacup and gently blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface, as if the "highly anticipated" actor Zhang Hao mentioned had nothing to do with her.
But Feng Xiaolu was different. Her eyes sparkled when she heard this. "So, does that mean our Cloud Hidden Sect is really going to produce a big star?"
After saying that, Feng Xiaolu excitedly looked at Wei Qingyi, "Second Senior Sister, you're so calm! Wang Rui, has your company received any... um, fan letters or anything like that?"
Wang Rui immediately sat up straight: "Yes, yes! Although not many, we did receive over a dozen handwritten letters to the company, all praising Master Wei... Miss Wei has a unique temperament and amazing action scenes! Several film and television public accounts have also written special analyses, saying that Miss Wei's performance 'redefined the otherworldly feel in fantasy films'! So we've decided to increase our publicity efforts! And we sincerely invite Master Wei to continue starring in the next big movie!"
The reason why it wasn't promoted before and was only quietly released in theaters was that Wang Rui and the others treated this movie as a hobby, a work to please the immortal master, since Wei Qingyi's acting skills are obvious to all.
The reason for not doing any publicity is to avoid Wei Qingyi being attacked too badly by online trolls. It would be interesting if trying to please her turned into angering her.
But who would have thought that although Wei Qingyi's acting skills were lacking, her genuine martial arts skills and innate aloof temperament unexpectedly matched the role, becoming the biggest highlight of the film and even showing signs of becoming a minor hit.
Wei Qingyi kept her eyes down, gazing at the unfurling leaves in her cup, as if Wang Rui's "sincere invitation" was just a gentle breeze that brushed past her ear, failing to stir even the slightest ripple in her calm, still heart.
Feng Xiaolu glanced at her second senior sister, then at Wang Rui and the other two who looked expectant and nervous. Her eyes darted around, and she was about to say something teasing when Su Wan stopped her with a gentle look.
Su Wan picked up the teapot and refilled the empty cups of Wang Rui and the other two with elegant and composed movements.
"Qingyi's trip was greatly appreciated by the three of you, and the entire Yunyin Sect is grateful." Her voice was gentle, neither agreeing for Wei Qingyi nor directly refusing, but simply changing the subject slightly, "However, Qingyi has been away from home for several months and has only just returned to the mountains, with many things to take care of. The matter of filming can be discussed later."
Wang Rui nodded hurriedly, "Sect Leader Su is right! Immortal Master Wei has just returned and should rest well! No rush, no rush! We are just expressing our gratitude and expectations; everything is up to Immortal Master Wei and you to decide!"
At this moment, Zhao Mengmeng walked in with a faint smile on her face. She first bowed to Su Wan and Chen Anran, then smiled at Wei Qingyi and said, "Second Martial Uncle is back. You must have had a long journey."
After greeting them, Zhao Mengmeng quietly stood beside Chen Anran, looking at Wang Rui and the other two with a smile.
Wang Rui and the others noticed Zhao Mengmeng's gaze, and their originally tense and upright postures unconsciously relaxed a little.
"Mengmeng," Wang Rui cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound less like he was reporting a task, "we... safely brought Master Wei back."
Zhao Mengmeng gave a soft "Mmm," her smile deepening, tinged with a mischievous glint in her eyes: "I saw it. Not only did you deliver it safely, you even followed it inside. What, are you really planning to take advantage of your proximity and stay here forever?"
Chen Anran was pouring tea from the side. Hearing this, he only slightly raised the corners of his mouth and did not interrupt.
The people in the sect already knew through Chen Anran and Zhao Mengmeng that Zhao Mengmeng and Wang Rui knew each other; they were the group of people Chen Anran had rescued when they went to explore the haunted house.
Zhao Mengmeng's teasing remark immediately lightened the somewhat formal atmosphere in the reception room.
Wang Rui blushed when his thoughts were exposed, but he stubbornly tried to remain calm: "Sister Mengmeng, look at what you're saying! We're... we're escorting! Escorting Master Wei back to the sect safely, the mission is complete, so of course we have to come in and report back!" He spoke confidently, but his eyes couldn't help but drift towards Chen Anran.
Zhang Hao pushed up his glasses, trying to conceal his true intentions with an objective statement: "Logically speaking, after such a long journey, we, as guests, should first pay our respects to our hosts; this is basic etiquette. At the same time, we also hope to have the opportunity to express our gratitude to Master Chen and Headmaster Su in person, and to have preliminary discussions about the future... well, possibilities." He spoke with a straight face, but the words "future possibilities" still betrayed his inner scheming.
Sun Wei smiled gently, smoothing things over in a soft voice: "Mengmeng, stop teasing them. Master Chen, Sect Leader Su, besides bringing Miss Wei back, we've come here because we genuinely admire the Yunyin Sect and wish to stay a few more days to experience its tranquility and peace. Is that... convenient?" As she spoke, her gaze, filled with just the right amount of expectation, turned to Su Wan.
Before Su Wan could speak, Feng Xiaolu blurted out, "Convenient! Of course it's convenient! There are plenty of guest rooms! Right, Senior Sister?" She winked at Su Wan as she spoke.
Su Wan chuckled, gently shaking her head, her eyes filled with indulgent gentleness. She looked at Chen Anran and said softly, "Junior Brother, what do you think?"
Chen Anran put down the teapot, his gaze sweeping over the nervous yet expectant faces of Wang Rui and the other two. Finally, he nodded and smiled, "Guests are always welcome. However, the mountains are simple and quiet, unlike the bustling outside. Please don't feel slighted by our hospitality."