Chapter Fifty-Two: Was It Too Hasty?

Based on Chen Qi’s own calculations, filming one episode a day meant that ten episodes could be wrapped in ten days. Yet, since this was his first time and he lacked experience, he decided to be cautious and allowed for five extra days. Fifteen days would surely be enough.

“All right, no problem!” When Bai Xiaoke heard there would be three hundred yuan per day, his eyes practically sparkled.

Although it wasn’t the highest daily rate he’d ever received, it was certainly among the better-paying jobs.

Of course, the money itself wasn’t the main issue—he was far more interested in the opportunity to play the lead.

Chen Qi smiled, then asked, “You guys must know some cinematographers, right?”

He genuinely treated them as walking resource libraries.

After all, they’d been working in the industry for years; surely, they knew some crew members.

“Huh?” Bai Xiaoke was taken aback.

Not just him—Zhao Wu, who was standing nearby, was also stunned by the question.

What did that mean?

You don’t even have a cinematographer?

“That’s right, I don’t,” Chen Qi admitted readily, seeing their astonished faces. “I won’t hide it from you: right now, aside from the script and some start-up funds, I’m still preparing everything else. I came here today precisely to sort these things out.”

Bai Xiaoke and Zhao Wu stared at him in disbelief for a long while, then exchanged glances, each seeing the incredulity in the other's eyes.

Hiring actors before anything else was even ready? Wasn’t that a bit too hasty?

Neither could say exactly why, but suddenly they both felt this project might not be very reliable.

“We do know some people,” Zhao Wu replied, “but the ones we know are all like us—never worked on anything big. You know how it is in this industry: if you don’t have connections or family backing, you just have to tough it out.”

“They’re from the film academy too?” Chen Qi asked.

Zhao Wu nodded.

“Then there’s no problem.” Chen Qi made the decision on the spot. Cinematographers from the film academy had a certain baseline of skill; experience would be a bonus, but it wasn’t essential.

If they introduced anyone too famous, he wouldn’t be able to afford them anyway.

“What about stylists, costume and props people, lighting—can you get in touch with any of them?” Chen Qi looked at them with sincere, expectant eyes.

Bai Xiaoke couldn’t help but bite his lip.

He was certain that, in his entire career, this was the most slapdash crew he had ever seen!

Zhao Wu gave him a meaningful look and nodded emphatically, “We can get in touch, but none of them are famous.”

“I don’t care about reputation, only capability,” Chen Qi waved a hand, saying, “Could I trouble you to contact them for me? Don’t worry, I’ll pay you a commission for your trouble.”

As he spoke, he took out two thousand yuan and pressed it into their hands without waiting for a response.

He’d brought this cash along when he’d gone to the conservatory for lessons with that girl.

“I’ll send you a list in a moment; I’ve detailed all the costumes and props we’ll need.”

Staring at the rather thick wad of bills in their hands, Zhao Wu and Bai Xiaoke were wide-eyed in disbelief.

What kind of operation was this?

They felt like they couldn’t keep up with his train of thought.

Weren’t they supposed to be hired as actors? How had the conversation turned out like this?

“Are there… any specific requirements?” Zhao Wu asked hesitantly.

A thousand yuan just for introducing a few people—it seemed almost too good to be true, so much so that he could hardly believe fortune had smiled on him this way.

Chen Qi replied, “Nothing specific, as long as they can operate the equipment and produce clear shots, and can create the styles I want. To put it simply, as long as they have the most basic abilities, that’s good enough.”

Zhao Wu exchanged another glance with Bai Xiaoke, both of them seeing a kind of helpless confusion in the other’s eyes.

That’s all?

That’s all???

Was it really this casual?

“Of course, don’t worry about the pay. Whether it’s the stylist, cinematographer, or those in charge of costumes and props, I’ll pay them twenty percent more than the market rate.” Chen Qi paused, then added in a more serious tone, “But let me be clear—I don’t want to be taken for a fool. If the final price is unreasonable, I won’t hire them.”

“You can rest assured about that,” Zhao Wu said quickly. “We may not be high achievers, but we wouldn’t do anything so underhanded.”

“Good.” Chen Qi nodded. “How long will it take to gather everyone?”

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Wu answered, “Tomorrow, or at the latest, the day after.”

They all lived nearby; just a brief chat tonight should suffice. There shouldn’t be any major issues.

“They’re all available right away?”

“Yes!” Zhao Wu replied firmly.

“All right, once you’ve got everyone together, give me a call. As soon as we have the crew, we can start shooting.”

“Okay.”

“Thank you for your help. I’ll send the props list to you now.” After sending Zhao Wu the list and reminding them of a few minor details, Chen Qi turned and left.

Behind him, Zhao Wu and Bai Xiaoke stood frozen, still processing what had just happened.

Was earning money really this easy?

After a long while, Bai Xiaoke glanced at Zhao Wu and asked, “Who is that guy?”

Zhao Wu shook his head. “No idea. I just met him.”

“Just met?” Bai Xiaoke was visibly surprised and instinctively looked down at the cash in his hand.

He’d just met them and already handed over a commission in advance? Wasn’t he worried they’d just take the money and do nothing?

Zhao Wu nodded, “We just met outside. He approached me.”

“Sigh…” Bai Xiaoke couldn’t help but sigh, a hint of disappointment in his voice. “When he said he was looking for a lead actor, I thought it was a proper production. Got my hopes up for nothing.”

“Come on, be grateful!” Zhao Wu shot him a look. “Three hundred yuan a day—what’s there to complain about? He’s clearly just doing this for fun. What’s the difference between a lead and an extra? It’s just that he didn’t pick me. Otherwise, this wouldn’t be your opportunity. Besides, if it really was a bona fide, big production, do you think you’d ever get a chance like this? As long as there’s money to earn, what more do you want? Do you really think this slapdash project will make you a star?”

“Heh…” Bai Xiaoke chuckled awkwardly.

Of course, he understood all that. It’s just that the allure of being a lead was hard to resist.

“You’re right. As long as we earn something, we shouldn’t be too greedy.”

After so many years in the doldrums, they’d long since given up on dreams of stardom. Just being able to earn enough to support their families was enough.

“Let’s go. We’ll talk to Old Han and the others. They’ll probably be interested too,” Zhao Wu said.

“Isn’t that obvious? Their crew can’t even guarantee a day’s work, and now here’s a job for half a month with twenty percent more pay than usual. Only a fool wouldn’t take it! But hey, what do you suppose that guy’s background is? Is he a rich kid?”

“Have you ever seen a rich kid do something like this?”

“A celebrity’s child, then?”

“Are you stupid? Why would a celebrity’s child need us to find crew members?”

“….”