Chapter 63: Visiting the Set
Ouyang Ouyang quickly explained, “Boss, the assistant director is keeping an eye on the set.”
Xu Youyou said, “If the assistant director is that capable, should we just remove the ‘assistant’ from his title?”
A sense of crisis surged in Ouyang Ouyang’s heart. But since the assistant director was his close friend, he spoke honestly, “Xiao Huang isn’t mature enough yet. Maybe after directing two or three more dramas, he could try shooting independently.”
Xu Youyou replied, “Since you know he’s not ready to stand on his own, you shouldn’t be neglecting your duties.”
A trace of grievance flashed across Ouyang Ouyang’s face. He had driven for nearly two hours just to pick her up, only to be met with criticism.
Xu Youyou understood that he was trying to flatter her, but she didn’t like such behavior. She said, “You’re a director. I hope you focus on filmmaking. An artist should have artistic pursuits and speak through their work. Don’t waste time flattering your superiors. As long as you produce great films, I’d be more than happy to support you.”
Ouyang Ouyang’s spirit lifted instantly, and his grievances vanished. He realized that his attempt to please her—out of fear that she’d be angry about Song Zhibai getting tanned—had backfired.
Xu Youyou also reflected on Ouyang Ouyang’s ingrained habits. She understood why he acted this way—coming from a humble background, he was eager to seize any opportunity. That’s why he had once flattered Song Zhibai, and now, he was trying to curry favor with her.
In his previous life, Ouyang Ouyang had risen to fame a year later when his short films went viral on social media. He had time to grow and relied on his true abilities.
This time, Xu Youyou’s early intervention was a bit like forcing the process, but since the system had validated him, she wasn’t worried about his mindset. She said directly, “I believe in you, but you don’t believe in yourself. You need to be bolder. How can an artist who confines their thinking achieve greatness?”
Ouyang Ouyang’s nose tingled with emotion. Despite getting the chance to direct a drama, he had never felt completely secure. After all, just over a month ago, he had been running a small restaurant. Not everyone can remain level-headed when faced with an overnight rise to success.
“Boss, next time, I’ll prioritize the set. You can rest assured,” Ouyang Ouyang promised, his voice slightly choked with emotion.
As they drove onto the film set, the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the crew. The vast expanse of the Gobi Desert stretched out before them, and under the twilight sky, the actors were still hard at work filming. Xu Youyou’s mood lightened as she took in the scene.
At that moment, Song Zhibai was filming. The young swordsman, dressed in white, performed a seamless sword dance, effortlessly immersing everyone in a world of chivalry and heroism.
“Alright, cut!” Assistant Director Xiao Huang called out.
As the scene wrapped, Song Zhibai noticed Xu Youyou from afar. He sheathed his sword and walked toward her.
Ouyang Ouyang nervously observed Xu Youyou’s expression, but she simply glanced at him and said, “Go check the footage Xiao Huang shot. If it’s not good enough, reshoot it now.”
Ouyang Ouyang exhaled in relief and rushed to review the afternoon’s footage.
Meanwhile, Song Zhibai was genuinely happy to see Xu Youyou.
But he soon noticed her strange expression.
“Why are you so tanned?” Xu Youyou almost didn’t recognize the dark-skinned young man before her—the same one she had worked so hard to recruit.
Song Zhibai, now much more open and even willing to smile, said, “The sun here is brutal. Getting tanned is inevitable.”
Though his face was still attractive, Xu Youyou couldn’t get used to the drastic change.
“Have you finished filming the scenes where you were supposed to have fair skin?” she asked, concerned about the final presentation of the drama.
Song Zhibai nodded.
Only then did Xu Youyou relax. She still had some skin-whitening pills and planned to help him regain his complexion after the shoot.
“Are you facing any difficulties? How’s your mother doing?” Xu Youyou asked, treating the visit as an official company check-in.
Song Zhibai hesitated briefly at her formal tone but then stammered, “Boss, my mom can cook for herself now. We don’t need to hire a caregiver anymore.”
After returning to China, Xu Youyou had hired someone to take care of Song Zhibai’s mother. He was deeply grateful for her thoughtfulness.
Xu Youyou responded, “Your mom has been through a serious illness. Her health isn’t the same as before. Having someone take care of her means any issues can be spotted early. Don’t worry about the money. Once you become famous, debts and hiring caregivers will be nothing more than pocket change.”
After boosting the morale of the director and the lead actor, Xu Youyou felt that half of her mission was complete. She then made a grand gesture and ordered the producer, “Make arrangements for tomorrow night—I’m treating the entire crew to dinner at the best hotel in town.”
With most of her work at the set wrapped up, Xu Youyou left quietly and got into a luxury car she had rented locally.
The driver was still Xu Fang. After getting used to her driving, Xu Youyou found it difficult to trust anyone else behind the wheel.
“Turn left.”
“Go straight.”
“Turn left again.”
…
Following Xu Youyou’s directions, Xu Fang didn’t ask any questions and drove for over an hour until they arrived at a small alley. The car stopped in front of an old house.
The house was locked, with an iron sheet covering the door, now rusted in several places. Weeds had grown around the entrance, indicating that no one had lived there for a long time.
The system’s indicator pointed directly at the house. Xu Youyou figured that renting wouldn’t be secure—if she could buy it, she’d be sure that whatever treasure lay inside would belong to her completely.
Just as she was wondering how to contact the owner, a middle-aged man, dressed like a local, walked around her rental car, examining it closely.
“A BMW! Young lady, how much did this car cost?” the man asked casually.
Xu Youyou replied offhandedly, “It’s rented.”
“Rented? That must still cost a fortune per day. You young people sure know how to spend!” the man sighed.
Xu Youyou exchanged a glance with her bodyguard, who immediately stepped forward and offered the man a cigarette.
“Brother, do you live in this alley?” the bodyguard asked.
The man nodded. “My family has lived here since my grandfather’s time. You don’t sound local. Are you tourists?”
Xu Youyou smiled. “Brother, you have a keen eye. I love this city, especially these old alleys. I’d like to buy this house, but I don’t know who to contact.”
The man’s eyes lit up. “You’ve asked the right person—I know the owner. I can take you to them.
