The tale of Chu Qie

Chapter 4

CHU QIE

I looked at the pleading gaze of Mei Rou in the end I had to stopped them because the whole people were wailing in pain.

What most the appearance of the people who was handling the 'camera' had painful expression,directed to the whole set but mostly focused on those strange equipment.

I suddenly had a hunch, what if those strange equipment cost a fortune!

My heart hitched and my heart clenched, we teleported here without any fortune!

In anger I grabbed the equipment used by Mei Rou when screaming 'Cut!', I hurriedly shouted, "Enough!"

And there I realized that my voice is actually filled with shrillness, I thought my ears were destroyed.

Everyone held their ears, even me, and thought it was painful it was effective to stop those two.

I hurriedly rushed to them and pinched their ears whilst dragging them to kneel and kowtow in front of Miss Mei Rou.

I also knelt and gave a kowtow, "I'm sorry!"

Mei Rou stared at the little lady in front of her, her anger soared upon witnessing the expensive new equipment destroyed.

"Those equipment are brought abroad," she informed, she notice how the little lady's face twisted in pain.

She glanced at the hero, heroine and villain were groaning in pain, how are they going to continue, their faces are bruised!

Ah, the whole set was already crumbling. It was supposed to be a 10 minutes short film, in the end they started to gain lost than profit. Her body couldn't take the stress, she fell on her seat.

And just like an empress who stumbled her servants aka staffs wailed worriedly, "Director!"

I looked at Mei Rou who looked like the whole world had fell on her.

I touched my ears and recalled I had a small stone earing, it was a stone that I got from a star fairy friend of mine back in the heavens.

"If you wouldn't mind, would you please accept this as a payment, although it doesn't have that much value-"

-------

Mei Rou looked at the small stone on her hand, it looked very valuable.

She took it without a whim and captured it, sending it to her little brother who has a knack on cheking if the stone is valuable or not with a glance.

*Ping!*

*Ping!*

*Ping!*

A thread of messages appeared on her phone.

"Jiejie, where did you get this? From the internet?"

"You better not be pranking me!"

"Jiejie, reply!"

Before she could reply her brother called.

"Hello."

"Jiejie, sell that stone to me, I don't care about the cost!"

------

I looked worriedly at Mei Rou, did the stone satisfy her?

However I was surprised when she distanced herself from us, I knew she was trying to speak to someone on that strange rectangle thing.

Whilst Mei Rou was busy and the staffs hurriedly helped the injured casts, I rotated and I knew my eyes were blazing in anger when I look at the two, who looked like huge dogs which had been scolded.

"You. Two. Are. Really-"

Before I could whack them, Mei Rou hurriedly rushed in front of me and grabbed the camera, though it looked heavy strangely it looked light when she held it as if she was injected with chicken blood.

She then offered me the camera, and I looked at her curiously, "Miss Mei-"

"Do you still need to destroy anything? It's fine."

"....." Everyone, including me looked at her worriedly.

"Don't worry everything is covered," she happily informed.

But I hurriedly shook my head in disapproval.

She hurriedly pulled me up.

"But-"

"Everybody, break time. Send those injured to the hospital!"

Mei Rou was happy about her unexpected treasure, but she loved making a movie, she still needed to shoot.

The maincasts that were injured were all top quality and suited to play the characters.

"Was the stone a good payment?"

Mei Rou couldn't helped but run her mouth in excitement, "That stone you gave me is the rarest! If you still have that stone, you can give it to me and we'll let my brother purchase! Don't worry the money would be given to you!"

I suddenly recalled that we don't possess anything as we entered this realm, maybe if she did sold her stone, they could purchase their daily necessity.

"What about them? Do they have a value?" I was still mad about the two.

But suddenly Mei Rou's eyes twinkled like she saw two sacks of money.

"Hey, what if they would be the main cast in my movie? Don't worry they will be compensated properly and if the movie is a hit I can help them sign a contract to the company!"

The words Mei Rou implied felt alien to me but her optimism did really affect my mood and in the end I ended up accepting her offer.

After Mei Rou left, the two sulking big dogs behind me looked at me.

"I am still not satisfied with the ruckus you did, especially you, Qil!"

"Tss, bias," he muttered.

"General Mai," I gave a smile and then frowned when my gaze landed to the other, "Qil."

"We aren't in the other realm where your mighty presence are revered. In this world you two are just strangers, rude strangers to be precise. We don't have any valuables so I hope you work hard so we can earn."

The two sighed and in the end they had no choice but to be the main casts.

Although appearance base they are godly, when acting came both of them suck!

They kept on repeating the same scene.

"No, Qil you like the female lead, but to show your affection you do it by bullying her! Why did it look like you hate her?"

"But it's stupid," he muttered.

I couldn't help but snicker upon seeing the tips of his ears red, this warrior doesn't really know anything about affection thus he couldn't project what Mei Rou really wanted.

"Let's move on, Qil you need to take a break and prepare yourself because we'll get back to you," Mei Rou informed.

When it was General Mai's turn, it was the c****x of the movie, he would confess his feelings to the female lead.

"I like you," he said it with a force smile and monotous tone.

"....."

It's hopeless.

"Ye Rong! Stop acting  like a lewd wolf in heat!" Mei Rou couldn't help but shout at the actress.

I glanced at the script on my hand and read the story, it was very short, but the idea of the whole movie was all about tragic love. The female lead returned to the past, she was excellent in everything and it attracted the eyes of the hero and villain. The hero and heroine got together and started their journey as a couple. The villain of course didn't want them to have happiness, thus he concocted an evil plan, but the strange thing was that her blood could be refined and make anyone powerful. The villain loves her in a sick way, but in the end the hero saved her from the villain's hand. But the villain actually got her blood and mixed it with his dark magic he turned into an unbeatable monster, who has no rationality. In the end the only way to stop him is her blood. Thus she sacrificed herself leaving the hero all alone.

Mei Rou looked at me and I had a hunch.

When I stood before Qil, I gave another sigh.

"This scene is the first meeting of our villain, Lou Chun and our heroine, Li Hua. Now... ACTION!"

Li Hua first met the villain before the hero, and their first meeting was at a lake, Li Hua was shoved by a second female lead due to jealousy and was saved by Lou Chun.

I looked at the man-made lake and gave a shudder, I really don't know how to swim, but although they told me it was shallow, I was still gravely frightened!

"How dare you steal my limelight!"

I looked at the hostile mortal before me, however before I could react, she shoved me!

I gave a scream and fell on the water!

-----

Mei Rou was actually surprised because the second female lead actress is nervous she actually pushed Chu Qie into the water very early, Chu Qie should deliver her lines before she was shoved.

Before she could shout CUT, a figure dashed to save Chu Qie!

Splash!

Qil followed the script!

--------------------

He hurriedly pulled her up and they both stood, with a frown he scowled, "Why scream so loud? You nearly burst my ears! Are you an i***t the water level is just on my waist."

I scowled and pulled my arms from his grip.

He really suits his character!

Plus, he really sucks in acting, he should princess carry me but instead he pulled me harshly and even berated me.

"You-"

"Wait, are you actually trying to get my attention by jumping?"

Oh, I was surprised because he said the right lines, before I could reply he went off script!

"Then you expect me to save you whilst carrying you like a princess, sorry but I think my waist can't support your weight!"

This is all nothing but pure acting! I tried to persuade myself but seeing his face had no ounce of pretending, I knew the i***t was acting his usual self.

-------

Qil hasn't grasped the whole concept of acting and although Mei Rou drilled the story in his head, he was still clueless.

Heck, he didn't even know that everything they're doing was fake.

When Qil saw her being pushed into the water he remembered she didn't know how to swim, what more a very scary voice rang on his ears.

'If something happens to her! I will skin you alive!'

However he frowned when he pulled her out of the shallow water, why was she screaming when all she could do is to save herself by standing.

Thus he scold her, but still he couldn't think why she jumped?

His head spinned in trying to find the right reasons, and the conclusion he landed on is- the woman was trying to get his attention, he grinned this woman really has a hidden desire for him.

-----

And I did what I usually do to him,in anger, I kick him into  the water.

"Cut!"

"Are you alright?" Mai Cui couldn't help but approach her in anxiousness.

I gave a smile, "It's fine."

"Chu Qie, go and dry yourself we shall resume when you are done."

I heard a staff informed me, I gave a nod and followed her but before I could step inside, since we're outside someone grabbed me and pulled me behind a tree.

"Eh," I looked surprised upon seeing General Mai.

"General?" I tilted my head curiously.

He didn't care about my curiosity and simply snap his finger, a warm air rushed over me.

After a moment, my clothes were dry!

"Th-Thank you."

He looked at me and gave a smile, "Its fine."

After he left, I didn't know but somehow such gentleman indeed makes the atmosphere fluffy.

"How nice," I muttered and watch his silhoutte disappear.

Although they were surprised to see me all dry, they hurriedly continued with the movie.

I was still grinning like an i***t, when I felt  someone tug my arms.

"It's your turn," Mei Rou ordered.

We were in the temples lotus garden although it wasn't that grand like father's garden, it wasn't ugly.

"Alright this is the scene where Li Hua and our hero, Ji Zhen, first meets. Remember Chu Qie, you impress him with your poem!"

I remember the poem from the script.

I stood all alone in the bridge watching the lotus bloom. As I watched the flower, I tried to deliver my lines however, everything around me turned dark.

And on between the flowers in bloom, I saw a familiar lady wearing a beautiful red dress.

She gaze up and met my eyes.

However I was surprised to see myself.

She started mumbling words whilst I tried to read her lips.

"Everyone loves immortality, but I don't."

"Everyone seeks for immortality, but I wish I didn't have it."

"I just wish to be like this lotus."

"Blooming quietly and withering quietly."

"Does Miss mean what she say?"

I got surprised when someone spoke, I look at the lady in red and she was gone then I turned my gaze to General Mai Cui.

I suddenly recall we are acting a movie and I've delivered my lines wrong but somehow Mei Rou kept quiet and watch idly as if letting the scene run its course.

"But everyone wants to live longer, why do you want to live such short span?"

I looked at him and gave a smile, "Do you also seek for immortality?"

He gave a chuckle, "Who doesn't want to live with a youthful face?"

"I am Li Hua, may I know what gentleman's name?"

The ambiance was perfect for the movie, but when I introduced myself his face cracked and he gave a confused expression.

"Did you forgot my name? I didn't know you wanted a short life but you didn't want to have a prolonged memory span. Fine, this Lord's name is Mai Cui."

"......"

This i***t was also acting his usual self.

"Cut!"

-----

Mei Rou no longer cared, she could just change the names, who cares!

The hero should be gentle but he turned into a sarcastic person, who cares she can change the attitude of the hero character.

As long as the shooting is finished else she'll have fine wrinkles on her face if she mulls on their weirdness and be stressed.

She also gaze at Chu Qie and found out that she was the most stressed person on the set.

----

I didn't care anymore, all the scenes were a disaster but I did my best to salvage them all.

And after the hardships, we all finally got to the c****x where the hero would confess his feelings and share a kiss under the rain.

Indeed that very afternoon, it rain.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity they were going to shoot the scene.

The heroine Li Hua, should be leisurely taking a walk under the rain when she mets the hero. And the romantic scene would happen.

I enacted the scene and as I approached a figure, I was surprised to see him.

His face was filled with pure happiness, he stayed in under the rain, underneath such gloomy day, he was brimming.

Qil! My eyes widened.

He turned to look at me and gave a smile, "Isn't the rain lovely?"

Meeting such cute side of the sharp tongue Qil, I couldn't help but answer, "It does."

-----

Mei Rou was stunned at how the scene changed, suddenly she recalled a famous novel wherein the male lead was about to confess, instead of I love you, he said, "Isn't the moon beautiful?"

This time the scene was delivered perfectly. The man used the same method but changed it to his own version, but why is it that the villain was the one who confessed? Shouldn't the villain love her in an obsess way?

What is that soft lovely expression? Oyy, Li Hua don't reciprocate with such lovely expression!

Unbeknowst to them, General Mai Cui hates the rain most.

Thus he sneakily hid from the mortals using his powers.

Mei Rou felt that the short film is no longer salvageable.

Thus they still continued with the shooting, although they still acted some loving scenes of the heroine and hero, somehow along the way, when they are at the scene where the hero would battle the villain who was already irrational and controlled by his power.

The fighting scenes was incredible because Qil and General Mai executed it properly.

However here comes the problem, when General Mai was forced by Chu Qie to act hurt and was pulled out of the scene... when it was Chu Qie's turn to fight Qil.

Somehow Qil froze on his spot, as if he didn't want to hurt her. Chu Qie should let herself be absorb thus, she needed to hug him, as instructed by Mei Rou, since it would be 'edited'.

Suddenly I found myself thinking, what if Qil indeed died, I would be left alone and I would deal with that scary devil that kept on chasing me for unknown reason.

My eyes moistened and tears fell, "Don't die-" Because I am afraid of that devil!

He stilled and looked at me I saw how his ears turned red, was he shy?

"Cut!"

After the movie was done, everyone was silent during the whole journey.

"Hey, where should we stay?" I tug Qil's robe.

General Mai was also sitting beside me and we mulled at my query.

"Let's stay anywhere," General Mai suggested which was agreed by Qil.

I gave a dreadful expression.

"What are you talking about? We have a  hotel," Mei Rou replied and shook her head in their strangeness.

Upon entering the rooms that they were telling, I was pulled by the girls to stay with them whilst the men pulled Qil and General Mai Cui.

It seems all female staff stayed in one room whilst the boys also stayed on a different room.

However I was like a jumpy curious rabbit running around.

-----

Mei Rou was working with her editing staff, and somehow they all looked. After burning oil, the short  film was finished.

She gazed at the short film, "Post it online, do it live."

"Eh, but- shouldn't  this be used for the MV of the famous singer Xi Zhao?"

"It could still be used but don't you think I'm doing him a favor, besides isn't it wasteful, since they would cut it to make it fit on a three minutes video?"

Somehow, they too find it wasteful.

After posting it, netizens started to praise it.

The first meeting of the characters made the netizens feel that it was all comedy.

User000:[Yi, Lou Chun looks like a rude and sharp tongued man, he loves to bully the female lead. But Li Hua, is also cute when she bares her fangs, like a cute kitten.]

User010: [The image of Mai Cui collapsed, it was supposed to be a beautiful meeting with Li Hua, he looks like a gentleman and scholarly, but when he opened his mouth it was all sarcasm!]

Each scene made them excited, how the characters mingle with each other.

However when the rain scene came they all knew somene was bound to confess. They started betting on Mai Cui.

But when the camera focused, they saw Qil/Lou Chun with a gentle smile and loving eyes.

"Isn't the rain lovely?"

"It does."

User001:[This rude man has actually had such a gentle expression! And was he confessing just like that famous novel? Aww, how cute!]

User002:[Yi, I was expecting Mai Cui, but why did it came to him?!]

User003:[Plot twist!]

As the scene progresses, everyone laughed because the scene were filled with comedy, when Li Hua was abducted they expected her to be begging but the scene showed was she and Qil were bickering.

This time even the rescue method was surprisingly idiotic, because they expected a fighting scene, Mai Cui and Qil were tugging her like a rag doll and fought by insulting each other.

However when Chu Qie/Li Hua was rescued and Qil had consumed the pill, he turned into a scary person. The fighting scene appeared.

User77:[The make up artist is good! He really looks scary!]

User022:[The fighting scene is too cool!]

However after Mai Cui was injured and was saved by Li Hua/Chu Qie, this time the netizen knew it was the cliche scene where the female lead would sacrifice herself!

The netizen were all watching intently but they were even surprised when the irrational demon Qil stood quietly as if recognizing her. And when she hugged him she gave a painful expression, "Don't die-"

Then she disappeared leaving the stoned Qil, the video stopped and soon a small detail was added, on the screen showed the names of the characters and their roles.

User89:[All along I've been rooting for the villain?!]

User21: [Agreed but is that all! Where are the rest? I want more!]

The comment section started booming.

And that is how their carreer started whilst hiding from the devil.

Qil was trying to find ways to contact the King of Hell.