WIIAD? ### Chapter 57: Underestimating Me? (Translating no more)
### Chapter 57: Underestimating Me?
Wang Xiaohua had already arranged a meeting with Liu Tianwang. When they arrived at the film set, the crew was in the middle of shooting a scene.
The assistant director glanced up and down at Qi Lin, then nodded to the props master to get Qi Lin into costume. Before Qi Lin knew it, he was already wearing a "bomb vest."
"Have you read the script?" the assistant director asked.
"Yes, I have," Qi Lin replied.
"Good. Let's get you to makeup. We'll shoot your scenes in about half an hour."
As the makeup artist worked on Qi Lin, the assistant director continued to explain the role to him.
"Even though this character doesn't have many lines, it's crucial to play it well. The role demands you to convey the fear of death but also the determination to face it due to your responsibility. You'll need to show the internal conflict. Can you handle that?"
The assistant director was clearly doubtful of Qi Lin's acting skills, repeatedly asking if he could manage. Qi Lin nodded confidently each time, but the assistant director remained unconvinced. Wang Xiaohua was slightly annoyed but refrained from saying anything, knowing they were on someone else's turf.
The makeup process was quick since Qi Lin's natural features only needed slight enhancement. It was then that Qi Lin finally saw the familiar face of Liu Tianwang.
"Hey! Sister Hua, Qi Lin, long time no see!" Liu Tianwang greeted them warmly as he walked over.
Qi Lin had a lot of respect for Liu Tianwang, who, in turn, always showed friendliness. Qi Lin waved back enthusiastically.
"It has been a while," Wang Xiaohua responded with a smile, shaking Liu Tianwang's hand briefly.
After some small talk, Liu Tianwang's attention shifted to Qi Lin. Seeing the bomb vest, he joked, "Don't be too nervous; it's just a prop."
Qi Lin knew Liu Tianwang was trying to ease his tension, so he patted his chest and smiled, indicating he was fine. The main director then approached, and Liu Tianwang made the introductions since Wang Xiaohua didn't know him.
After a brief chat, the set was ready for filming. Liu Tianwang asked Qi Lin, "How's your lines? Got them down?"
"Yes, I've memorized them."
"Great. Just relax and perform naturally."
Liu Tianwang gave Qi Lin a reassuring pat on the shoulder before heading to the set. Qi Lin followed a crew member to his position.
Once everyone was ready, the director shouted, "Action!"
"Don't shoot!" Qi Lin yelled, holding up a police badge and stepping forward. Wearing the bomb vest, his voice trembled, clearly trying to suppress his fear.
The director's eyes lit up. Despite not being fluent in Mandarin, he could sense the emotions Qi Lin was conveying.
"He's a cop!" shouted a soldier, who advanced with a riot shield, while the others aimed their rifles at Qi Lin.
"I have a bomb on me!" Qi Lin shouted urgently, trying to halt their advance. The director sat up straighter, impressed by Qi Lin's portrayal.
Initially, the director hadn't expected much from Qi Lin. Given the current trend of casting popular young actors with limited skills, he thought Liu Tianwang had brought in a popular face for better box office appeal. But Qi Lin's performance was a pleasant surprise.
From his initial fear to the current urgent warning, Qi Lin handled the emotional shifts flawlessly.
"Hold your position!" Liu Tianwang, playing the role of Zhang Zaishan, the bomb disposal expert, ran forward and gestured for Qi Lin to stop moving. Qi Lin complied, standing still.
"I'm Zhang Zaishan from the bomb disposal unit," Liu Tianwang introduced himself, approaching Qi Lin with his hands raised in a placating gesture.
"I am officer UI19472!" Qi Lin announced loudly, showing he wasn't a threat. Liu Tianwang nodded, crouched down, and began examining the bomb vest.
"Stay calm. The timer hasn't started yet. Keep your cool."
"I'm very calm," Qi Lin replied, though his voice betrayed his anxiety. His facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, highlighting his tension.
"Camera two, move in for a close-up on Qi Lin. Not on Liu Tianwang, focus on Qi Lin's expressions. Move in closer," the director commanded, eyes bright with excitement.
"Is it difficult to defuse?" Qi Lin asked nervously.
"Don't worry, I'll do my best," Liu Tianwang replied, eyes focused on the bomb.
"I've had professional training! You can tell me anything!" Qi Lin said, his breathing steadying as he stared straight ahead.
As Liu Tianwang started working on the bomb, it suddenly emitted two beeps, and the timer activated. Qi Lin's earlier courage wavered, replaced by a surge of panic.
How could anyone truly be unafraid of death?
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