"Weapon?"
Xiao He mentally reviewed the script and quickly thought of the corresponding weapon—
The precious sword collected by Thousand Leaves Manor, once hailed as the "Number One Sword Under Heaven." Originally, it was a weapon used by a certain general to campaign across battlefields, achieving great feats and establishing his legacy.
Later, when peace reigned and the seas were calm, this general retired from military service and returned to civilian life. This weapon followed him into the common world, eventually drifting and changing hands until it was obtained by another martial artist of exceptional skill. Relying on this sword, this hero roamed the martial world, vanquishing evildoers and eliminating villains. Later, he even unified the martial world, becoming the first Martial Arts Alliance Leader.
Unfortunately, this legendary sword vanished without a trace after the death of the first Martial Arts Alliance Leader.
Legends say it traveled with the descendants of this hero, journeying far and wide, even crossing oceans to distant foreign lands. Another legend claims it returned to the imperial court, becoming a prized collection of a certain high official. Yet another tale says it fell into the hands of a mad master craftsman, was reforged, completely transformed, and re-entered the martial world in another guise.
It wasn't until this latest election for the Martial Arts Alliance Leader that Thousand Leaves Manor presented this sword as the final prize. Only then did everyone belatedly realize this precious sword had been hidden within Thousand Leaves Manor all along!
Once this news broke, the entire martial world was in an uproar.
If they could lay eyes on this legendary famous sword in their lifetime, they would die without regret.
Thus, this martial arts conference was exceptionally lively. Many reclusive masters re-emerged into the world. Numerous individuals of formidable strength came to the scene, not for the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader, but merely to ensure their names would be passed down through the ages alongside this famous sword a hundred years later.
For this segment of the plot, the appearance of that sword needed to be prominently showcased.
Director Deng had extremely high, one might even say excessively stringent, requirements for this sword.
After all, it would be repeatedly filmed and displayed under high-definition cameras later. If the quality was poor or the patterns tacky, then how would this sword be any different from other ordinary swords?
Xiao He began to understand Director Deng a little.
"Is the finished sword really that bad?"
Xiao He asked.
"Actually, the overall piece is okay. It's just the pattern carvings on the hilt and blade aren't very exquisite," the Assistant Director explained. "So we plan to find someone to help rework the patterns on the blade."
Reforging would take a lot of time. Given their current filming schedule, this was the only feasible alternative.
Liu Rulan then asked, "So you haven't found anyone yet?"
"Hmm."
The Assistant Director nodded helplessly. "The few master craftsmen we collaborate with have quite full schedules. It will take some time to coordinate their availability."
"It's fine. We can film other scenes first and shoot the close-ups later."
Xiao He reassured him.
Honestly, this matter wasn't a huge deal, but it wasn't trivial either.
The problem was Director Deng was the type of person who would obsess over something if the follow-up wasn't prepared.
"My main worry is that it might take a very long time."
As Deng Lei spoke, a trace of anxiety appeared on his somewhat gaunt face.
It was only then that Xiao He truly grasped how easily Deng Lei could be affected by external events.
It seemed he was inherently prone to anxiety, always inclined to think the worst of every situation. Then, before any outcome materialized, he would remain trapped in a state of anxious apprehension.
Naturally, in such a state, he couldn't produce his best work.
Xiao He clicked his tongue.
The Assistant Director seemed familiar with Deng Lei's anxiety and patiently soothed him on the side. Xiao He leaned close to Liu Rulan's ear and whispered, "The issue of me running between the two production crews before... that didn't make Director Deng really anxious too, did it?"
Liu Rulan gave him a "you-know-it-did" look.
Xiao He: "..."
Well, that was truly a sin, a sin.
He was starting to feel a bit guilty.
"Director Deng just doesn't like having his plans disrupted. Once everything is handled and all potential issues are resolved, he won't be like this."
As Liu Rulan spoke, she had already opened her phone. "I'll look into it too. Let's think about which master craftsman has been relatively free lately. We can slip them a separate order and resolve Director Deng's preoccupation sooner."
Otherwise, he really could mope and fret over this matter for several days straight.
Xiao He: ... These people, really.
Looking at Deng Lei now, Xiao He understood why this guy was so thin.
Being overly preoccupied day after day, thinking too much, easily leads to loss of appetite and poor sleep.
After a while, a person naturally loses weight.
That's also why people with heavy worries tend to be on the thinner side.
Xiao He even started feeling anxious himself.
Seriously, can't these production crews give him a break for a single day?
Why is there so much trivial nonsense...
Suddenly, Xiao He thought of the perfect candidate: "Sister Liu, do you remember that content creator who gave me a Tang sword at the premiere?"
Liu Rulan was momentarily stunned, then nodded. "Hmm, I remember."
It was a handmade gift from a DIY/crafts blogger named "Zai Xiaodao" to Xiao He. Although it was just an unsharpened Tang sword, the craftsmanship was exquisite and the reproduction accurate. After bringing that sword back to the villa, Xiao He found a good spot to display it. He would admire it from time to time, occasionally drawing it to practice some swings and get a feel for it.
It's no exaggeration; Xiao He genuinely thought that Tang sword was exceptionally well-made. Not only was his name engraved on it, but a series of carved patterns and hidden motifs were also designed around the logo icon his fans had created. The overall feel was smooth, fluid, and seamlessly integrated. It was one of the most meaningful fan gifts Xiao He had ever received.
If the production team was really urgently looking for someone right now, Xiao He thought they could consider asking that Zai Xiaodao to give it a try.
Of course, the main reason wasn't that the crew couldn't find anyone, but that they couldn't find someone *in time* to cure Director Deng's preoccupation.
Xiao He really didn't want to come out from the *Cangyue Calamity* set only to face Director Deng's daily moping and fretting on the *Record of Chasing the Wind* set.
"That's a good line of thought."
Liu Rulan pondered for a moment, then decisively nodded.
Zai Xiaodao would definitely be willing to accept such an invitation. After all, the production team was offering both payment and exposure. It would be a shame to miss out on such a heaven-sent wave of popularity.
"I'll go talk to someone and discuss it. You go change your clothes first."
Then Liu Rulan walked over to the Assistant Director, and the two began whispering and discussing.
-
When Xiao He returned, sure enough, he saw Deng Lei had returned to his usual state, earnestly explaining the upcoming scenes to Yuan Sitong and Zhao Qinyuan.
Seeing Xiao He approach, he first happily waved a greeting, then grasped Xiao He's hands, his face full of gratitude. "Xiao He, thank you for your suggestion! They've already agreed to help modify the sword! This matter is finally resolved smoothly! It really feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest!"
He felt like he could wolf down two big bowls of rice tonight!
Xiao He: "... As long as you're happy, that's the best outcome. Then I'm happy too."
Then Zhao Qinyuan also proactively stood up, walked to the side, picked up a stool, and said, "Brother Xiao, have a seat. I got you a stool!"
"Thank you."
Xiao He thanked him, but only after sitting down did he realize that Zhao Qinyuan, the second male lead, had deliberately positioned himself next to Yuan Sitong, separating him, the male lead.
Xiao He: ...
Bro, it's been this long. I've even been out messing around for a while and come back. You still haven't forgotten about pushing that CP?