Zu Cheng
Xian Fei tilted her head, scanning me with a mischievous glint. "Zu Cheng, right? Brother Ming mentioned you… Are you always this serious, or just when you're about to boss people around?"
I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Depends. Are you here willingly, or did Yu force you into this?"
She laughed, tilting back. "A little of both, maybe. But don't worry, I plan to help unless it's a terrible story. And I have a feeling this won't be."
I nodded. "It's a two-minute film. Short, intense, maybe barely any dialogue. It's about lovers where one dies. So, you won't get a crappy script."
"Ah, so I'm the survivor then?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "And Brother Ming's the tragic one?"
"Exactly," I replied, keeping my tone calm. "He dies, and you watch his memories play out on his phone. That's your perspective."
She smirked, leaning slightly forward. "So I get to stare at a dead guy's phone and look sad? Charming. And here I thought acting students actually did acting."
Yu Ming chuckled beside me. "See? I told you she's straight to the point."
I groaned. "Fuck off."
Xian Fei laughed, shaking her head. "You two are ridiculous. Fine, I'm in. But Zu Cheng… try not to bore me, okay?"
"Deal," I said, allowing a small grin. "This is where the real work starts."
"So, I'll tell you the details tomorrow. See you." I stood, grabbing a couple of sandwiches on my way out.
"But where are we meeting? Your place?" Xian Fei called after me.
I paused, glancing back. "Yu will text you the location today."
As I stepped out of the cafeteria... I could finally breathe again. Well, she has enough intense personality to survive in this industry. But… somehow I feel like I heard her name before…
Anyway, I need to contact him first for the studio. It had been a while since we last talked… I hope he didn't forget me. Liam—a guy who worked in the cybercafe I worked in before getting into PKU. He wasn't into this industry, but Ray once mentioned he owns a studio apartment and rented it to him when he couldn't find a place to stay at first. I wish, if it's available, we can get it for 2-3 days.
I dialed his number. He picked up instantly, "Oh? Mr. Director, after so long you finally remembered me. Hm? I hope it's not because you want a job again."
I laughed, "No, brother, it's not that, but—"
"Oho? Say it. I hope I can help if it's possible."
"I need your studio apartment for two or three days," I admitted. "I've got a short-film assignment, but I don't have a set… or filmmaker friends yet."
He snorted. "Zu, did you forget? I told you—you can call me anytime if you need help. You carried the café for months. Of course I'm helping you."
"So it's okay?"
"Of course. When are you coming?"
"Tomorrow. Around nine."
"Good. I'll be there. See you, Director."
The call ended. I checked the time — I was almost late for my second lecture of the day. Psychology.
Why Psychology?
The answer is simple: to understand where we need the impact. The professor always gives us some tips unintentionally; that's why I always love his class.
Today, he highlighted, "If it's too harsh, add fluff, but if it's too fluffy, add challenge. That's how you always can keep the audience hooked."
After class, I checked my phone. Yu had already reached home. But I still had one more problem to solve before tomorrow—I needed one more person from the filming side.
Looking back, joining that cybercafé was the smartest thing I ever did. I met excellent people there. People who pushed me, taught me, and didn't treat me like a burden.
There is only one person who can help me out with it. Ray.
Our time zones were opposite, so instead of calling, I texted:
"I need your help. I need someone with decent filming skills—not a big shot; it's just a two-minute film. Do you have anyone in mind?"
I waited for his answer. He replied three hours later:
"Oh, sorry for the late response… I was sleeping.
I asked someone I know, and he said he would help, so I am sharing his contact information here; you can talk to him. ^-^
Good luck! I know you can pull a good one. :)
Don't forget to share the final film…
CONTACT—Aryn: XXXX72"
"Thanks!" I responded.
After texting Ray, I slipped my phone into my bag and started walking home. Yu was already there, lazing on the couch.
"Back so soon?" he called without looking up.
"I'm exhausted…" I muttered, tossing my bag onto the floor. "Psychology… you know, trying to figure out how to mess with the audience's emotions."
He raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh… sure."
I smirked, dropping into the armchair across from him. "Professor says, if it's too harsh, add fluff. Too fluffy; add challenge. Basically, don't bore anyone."
Yu chuckled. "Logical enough."
I rolled my eyes. "Anyway, I found the place—sharing the location. Forward it to her. Also, I found another helper thanks to Ray."
Yu peeked at the screen. "Aryn, huh? Gonna call him now?"
I nodded. "No time to waste."
I stepped out to the balcony with my phone and called; it rang twice before he picked up. I said, "Hello, this is Zu Cheng. Ray gave me this contact. Am I talking to the right person?"
"Yes. You are. Can you share the location? Also, do I require taking any equipment?" a voice came from the other side. Indifferent.
"No need for that, but if you prefer, you can bring your camera. And come to this location tomorrow at nine." I texted him the location.
"Alright. Let's meet tomorrow." He cut the call.