Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Long Take and Lin Zhiling

“Chen, I’ve secured the novel rights you wanted. The price is just as I mentioned in the email a few days ago—seventy thousand US dollars.”

After finishing a day’s shoot, Chen Ling took the transoceanic call from Jack in his hotel room, booked by the film crew. The caller had clearly timed it perfectly with the time difference—so professional, so attentive.

“Nicely done, Jack. You did an excellent job.” Chen Ling now praised with the ease of habit.

“I’ll mail you the relevant documents. The ones I sent earlier should be arriving soon, so keep an eye out.”

“All right, I’m on set filming right now. Once I receive everything, I’ll have my agent send you the remaining payment.”

After a few more pleasantries, Chen Ling hung up. Now that he had secured the novel rights, the next step was to register the screenplay in the United States, but there was no rush—he’d wait until filming wrapped.

…

During the production of “Breakup Buddies,” the team used many long takes. The benefit was a deeper immersion for the audience, drawing them further into the story. The downside was the demanding standard it set for the actors—if even the slightest expression was off during a long take, the entire scene had to be redone. Without strong acting, not only would the audience fail to be drawn in, but they might even be jolted out of the experience.

These long takes were a real challenge for Chen Ling, especially as filming progressed. As both director and actor, he demanded much from his cast and even more from himself—how else could he win their respect?

He spent his days directing and acting, and his nights alone in the hotel room, poring over the day’s footage and reflecting on it. If not for his remarkable stamina, he would have been overwhelmed.

Today’s shoot was the scene where the “Shamate” gang blocks the mistress—a sequence packed with laughs and high energy from start to finish.

The script for “Breakup Buddies” was truly brilliant. When the uncle, a Shamate, came home to find feathers strewn across the yard and asked, “What happened here?” Geng Hao’s reply, “The little turtle died,” sent everyone at the monitors into fits of laughter—a perfect comedic twist.

“How was it? Let me see.” The courtyard was too cramped for the monitors, which had been set up outside. Hearing the call of “cut,” Chen Ling hurried over to review the performance.

“Director Chen, that was amazing!”

“How did you even think of this script? It’s hilarious!”

“And you’re a ‘90s kid too, Director Chen—you just roasted yourself in that scene.”

Zhang Yishan, following behind Chen Ling in a wig, was barely holding back laughter during the shoot.

Such is the joy of making a comedy. The process is filled with happiness. Watching the replay on the monitor, Chen Ling nodded in satisfaction—the effect was outstanding. With music added in post-production, this would be another highlight when the film released.

“Director Chen, Producer Chen just called to say she and Lin Zhiling will be here soon.”

During filming, Chen Ling’s phone was always with his assistant. Producer Chen Zhixi had already let him know she’d be arriving with Lin Zhiling. With the iconic “Long-legged Highway” scene approaching, any further delay would have held up the schedule.

Their choice to come straight to set rather than stopping at the hotel first was just the attitude Chen Ling wanted to see—a real actor’s spirit.

“They’re here,” Liu Yan spotted several cars speeding toward them.

In moments, the cars pulled up, trailing dust behind. The first to step out was Chen Zhixi, whom they hadn’t seen for a few days. Close behind, from the back seat, emerged the top beauty from Taiwan.

The old-timers in the crew had been anticipating this for a long time. Chen Ling, less so—he considered himself just a little wolf among bigger ones.

“Zhixi, thank you for your hard work.” Chen Ling greeted his producer first. He was busy on set, but Chen Zhixi had also been working nonstop behind the scenes.

“You’re the ones working hard.” Skilled in social graces, Chen Zhixi didn’t neglect anyone, greeting everyone before introducing the stunning woman behind her.

“Let me introduce Lin Zhiling, the great beauty from Taiwan.” With a smile, Chen Zhixi gently nudged Lin Zhiling forward. The crew responded warmly with applause. With Chen Zhixi no longer blocking the view, they finally got a clear look at Lin Zhiling.

True to her title, Lin Zhiling was not only beautiful and charming, but impeccably dressed as well. She wore a simple, slightly loose white dress, the hem stopping just at mid-thigh—showing off her long legs without being revealing. The dress might have been loose, but it couldn’t hide her curves. The reputation of Taiwan’s top beauty was well deserved.

Seeing Lin Zhiling in person, a few of the men grinned broadly, especially Xu Zheng, whose smile nearly reached the back of his head. Chen Ling knew he’d have to keep an eye on him during filming.

“Thank you all. I’m very happy to join the ‘Breakup Buddies’ crew—thank you!”

Chen Ling had to admit, Lin Zhiling’s voice was truly sweet.

Even he couldn’t help but smile like an indulgent aunt upon hearing her speak, completely unaware of the two discreet glances already cast his way.

“Zhiling, let me introduce you—this is our director, Chen Ling.”

“A pleasure, Director. I really enjoy your music. And please bear with me during filming—I’m a bit slow to catch on.”

Listening to her soft voice and feeling her small hand in his, Chen Ling couldn’t help but beam. “No trouble at all.”

“I actually have a copy of your album, Director Chen. Would you mind signing it for me?”

After introducing Chen Ling, Lin Zhiling didn’t move on to the next person but looked at him expectantly, eyes wide with anticipation.

My album? I only released a few copies—how did she get one? Is she really a die-hard fan, or is she just trying to get on my good side? For a moment, Chen Ling couldn’t tell.

But if he couldn’t tell, there was no point in dwelling on it. “Of course.”

Lin Zhiling’s face lit up. She turned and retrieved a carefully prepared album from her assistant, holding it out to Chen Ling with both hands, anticipation written all over her face. If she’d been dressed in a schoolgirl uniform, this would have been a scene straight out of a Japanese anime. Chen Ling couldn’t help but imagine it—such is the director’s vivid mind.

“Here’s a pen!” Guo Fan, ever quick on the uptake, handed Chen Ling a pen with a bright smile.

He wasn’t the only one; the other male actors in the crew were grinning and winking, clearly enjoying the moment.

“You lot…” Chen Ling knew exactly what they were thinking, but what could he say? He could only shake his head with a wry smile, though inside he was secretly delighted.

Taking the album from Lin Zhiling, Chen Ling swiftly signed his name. “This is the first time I’ve ever signed an album for a fan,” he remarked, silently noting that ex-girlfriends didn’t count.

Handing the signed album back to Lin Zhiling, Chen Ling couldn’t help but remind her. Only a few hundred copies of his album had ever been printed, and most were given to friends. Very few made it to the public, let alone all the way to Taiwan. But since it was the first time he’d ever signed one, he couldn’t help but say, “Take good care of it.”

“I will, thank you, Director Chen.”

Lin Zhiling accepted the album with a bright smile, holding it herself rather than handing it off to her assistant. Introduced by Chen Zhixi, she continued to meet the rest of the crew.

Whether or not Lin Zhiling was truly his fan, the feeling just now had been wonderful.

“Great Director Chen, could I have a signed album too?” At some point, Liu Yifei had come up beside Chen Ling. Though she was smiling, her tone was anything but cheerful.

“Ah? Sure, you like my music too?” Though his mind was a bit slow to catch up, his words were quick. “I’ll give you one when we wrap and return to Beijing.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” With that, Liu Yifei walked away, leaving only her back to Chen Ling.

“What was that about?” Chen Ling scratched his head, puzzled by Liu Yifei’s odd behavior.