Evolutionary Superstar

Shortly after Su Xiaoran and Bai Yiyi left, Lin Haoren packed up the empty lunch boxes and put Oreo back inside his pet backpack.

Afterward, he moved to the viewing area.

The closer he got, the busier he could see the Film Crew working.

Props were moved by Production Assistants, Actors and actresses received last-minute touch-ups from makeup artists, cameras and lighting were adjusted by their respective departments, and Chief Director Guo oversaw the entire operation, issuing instructions.

Although the relevant resources at the film set seemed impressive, it was actually quite lacking.

At the very least, there seemed to be a shortage of hands, putting a lot of pressure on the props crew and set crew.

Lin Haoren realized that even though a 100-million-yuan drama production sounded impressive, it was actually not that great.

At the very least, it didn’t match up to the great title, which deserved top-tier funding and resources for production.

With only a 100-million-yuan budget, it only met the bare minimum requirement to be considered a high-profile production, but far from enough to be called a major fantasy production involving two A-list stars.

Lin Haoren also realized why Su Xiaoran, a newcomer actress, could land such a good supporting role.

It wasn’t solely due to Mu Qingxue’s connection.

If the drama production had been given a larger budget, Su Xiaoran would have never landed such a role. Bigger-name actresses would have been considered.

Since this was how it was, Su Xiaoran’s luck was simply too good. This drama was her golden opportunity.

However, it came with a lot of pressure and risks.

Lin Haoren could see that the drama production had a very tight budget and couldn’t afford any delays. The schedule had to be followed strictly.

Otherwise, once funding dries up, everyone’s salary couldn’t be paid.

"Hey, who are you? You can’t be here," Assistant Director Fang suddenly stopped Lin Haoren after discovering his approach.

"Hello, Director Fang. I am Lin Haoren. You can just call me Haoren or Xiao Ren," Lin Haoren calmly introduced himself, then stated his reason, "I wish to watch the filming for a bit, is that okay?"

Fang Lihua frowned and wanted to say something.

However, Director Guo overheard the small commotion and glanced over. Seeing Lin Haoren’s temporary visitor pass, he remembered Mu Qingxue’s request.

"Sister Fang, he’s my guest. You can let him observe, but don’t let him interfere," Guo Yiming casually said.

Lin Haoren and Fang Lihua were both surprised.

"Alright, Brother Guo," Fang Lihua nodded, then said to Lin Haoren, "Xiao Ren, was it? We didn’t prepare an observation area for viewers, but that spot over there looks suitable. You can watch from there, and remember not to interfere with the filming."

"I understand, Director Fang. Thank you for letting me watch," Lin Haoren expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

However, he was dumbfounded in his heart.

Director Guo’s casual words made Director Fang’s attitude toward him improve instantly. She was now treating him like a special guest.

But when did he become Director Guo’s guest? How come he didn’t know?

Lin Haoren was confused in his heart.

Was it because of the temporary visitor pass? But that was something Su Xiaoran helped him get, no? Did she directly ask Director Guo for it?

If Director Guo approved it, then he could be considered a guest.

Just not the kind of guest Director Fang was thinking.

Actually, Lin Haoren didn’t know what Director Fang was thinking. It’s just that her change of attitude was too big.

Maybe Director Fang was actually a nice person?

Lin Haoren was hesitant to clear the misunderstanding, lest he get it wrong and embarrass himself.

Forget it.

Even if there was a misunderstanding, it benefited him anyway.

Before long, preparations for Scene 34 were completed, and the camera started rolling.

The famine hit Yunxi Village hard, but the outbreak of war hit it even harder. Men were forcibly scripted in the army, and women were forced to fend for themselves.

With Lin Tian away, his relatively well-off household was targeted by desperate villagers. His grains were robbed, and his wife was bullied.

Ultimately, Mo Qingran had a miscarriage due to malnutrition and fell into depression.

While Lin Tian was fighting for his life on the battlefield, earning merit, his wife’s health deteriorated day by day from the aftereffects of miscarriage.

By the time Lin Tian returned home in glory, Mo Qingran was already on her deathbed.

When she passed away, Lin Tian grieved before taking his own life to accompany her, so she wouldn’t be lonely in the afterlife.

Lin Haoren understood this scene very well, but he wasn’t sure if the actors could keep up with the emotional demands and meet his personal expectations.

This scene would be a true test of skill for the actors involved.

"Director Fang, don’t you need to go over there?" Lin Haoren pointed to Director Guo’s location with confusion.

"It’s fine. Director Guo can handle it," Fang Lihua said before changing the topic, "What do you think is the most important part of a drama production like this, Xiao Ren?"

Lin Haoren was surprised by the sudden question, but he still gave it serious thought.

If it were the past, he would have definitely answered, "Actors."

However, actors only accounted for one part of a drama. Their appearance and skill were indeed crucial, but they weren’t the only criteria.

A good drama involved too many elements; there was one factor that could cover everything—money.

Good actors needed money. Good props needed money. Good scripts needed money. Good costumes needed money. Good equipment needed money.

Everything needed money.

Without enough money, the quality of resources couldn’t be ensured.

"I think money is the most important factor, Director Fang. A good chef can’t cook if there’s no rice, right?"

"That’s true."

Fang Lihua laughed, but her eyes also brightened after hearing Lin Haoren’s answer.

It was the simplest truth.

If there were no money involved, no one would even consider the drama production. It was the foundation for everything.

"Then, how much money do you think this production needs to create something great, Xiao Ren?"

Lin Haoren was immediately startled by this question.

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