IBKAWB Chapter 35

**Chapter 35: Takeout**

Re-translated by: Namizaki

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Chi Zhongqiao was familiarizing himself with his character. When he maintained his composure and remained silent, he exuded about sixty percent of Shang Tang’s aura.

Ge Fangyu observed him for a few seconds. “Not bad. He really does resemble Shang Tang. I just wonder how he’ll perform on set later.”

Rubbing his hands together, Ge Fangyu prepared to approach Chi Zhongqiao and strike up a conversation. But just as he stood up, the tall, imposing man standing before the dressing room tilted his head and called out loudly, “Brother Xu, you dropped your phone!”

The moment he spoke, all traces of Shang Tang’s presence vanished.

Ge Fangyu: “……” What a fine young man. If only he didn’t talk so loud.

Han Xu, the props team leader who was carrying a fake corpse, immediately turned around. Sure enough, his phone lay on the ground. He smiled at Chi Zhongqiao, bent down to pick it up, and nodded in thanks.

After watching for a while, Ge Fangyu felt relieved. The kid seemed approachable enough. Acting skills can be honed, but a bad temper? That’s a real problem.

Chi Zhongqiao looked up and saw Ge Fangyu approaching. He immediately stepped forward. “Good morning, Teacher Ge. I’m Chi Zhongqiao, playing…”

Ge Fangyu chuckled. “Just call me ‘Brother Fang.’ ‘Teacher’ sounds so awkward. I know you’re playing Shang Tang. We have three scenes together today. Let’s run through them before Teacher Yan arrives.”

Ge Fangyu’s straightforwardness put Chi Zhongqiao at ease. Ditching his media-friendly demeanor, the two slung their arms around each other’s shoulders and moved to the side to rehearse.

Fu Jingshen: “???” Who the hell was just full of complaints?

Yan Qingbo arrived soon after, her complexion pale, but she greeted Chi Zhongqiao and Ge Fangyu warmly.

The bear-like Ge Fangyu stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Chi Zhongqiao. As Yan Qingbo approached, they greeted her in unison: “Good morning, Teacher Yan.”

Yan Qingbo couldn’t help but laugh at the pair’s synchronized greeting, her spirits lifting considerably from her earlier discomfort.

Once she entered the makeup room, Chi Zhongqiao tilted his head. “Brother Fang, you seem even more nervous than I am.”

Ge Fangyu gestured emphatically. “A Goddess, you understand?”

Chi Zhongqiao nodded. “I understand!”

The first scene after the cameras started rolling was a confrontation between Ge Fangyu and Yan Qingbo. Chi Zhongqiao set down his script and stood beside Fu Jingshen to watch the two actors spar.

Yan Qingbo’s character, Detective Chen Xuling, was one of the intellectual powerhouses of the series, while Ge Fangyu’s character, Forensic Pathologist Cao Gu, served as the technical expert, explaining everything from forensic procedures to obscure scientific concepts—a veritable walking encyclopedia.

The scene was a heated exchange between Chen Xuling and Cao Gu in a corridor, their urgent dialogue punctuated by rapid footsteps. The intense rhythm and explosive energy of the scene immediately electrified the set, demanding peak performance from the actors.

For actors of Yan Qingbo and Ge Fangyu’s caliber, such explosive delivery was second nature.

Even watching from the sidelines, Chi Zhongqiao could feel the oppressive tension building, as if the scene were about to erupt into a thunderous climax. The raw, unpolished filming environment couldn’t diminish the palpable sense of urgency.

These were the two leads of <Invisible Crimes>. Unlike the undemanding historical romance dramas like <Empress of the World>, this production boasted the nation’s finest talent, from its costume and set design to its cast.

Chi Zhongqiao gently fingered the script pages, itching to join Ge Fangyu in a scene. But his part came later, so he had to restrain himself, standing behind Fu Jingshen.

Fu Jingshen’s smile vanished the moment filming began. No matter how brilliantly the actors performed off-camera, he stared impassively at the small monitor before him.

If a take didn’t meet his standards, Fu Jingshen would demand a reshoot, sometimes repeating a scene ten or more times until he was satisfied.

Fu Jingshen appeared laid-back, but professionally he was a strict and demanding Director.

The scene wrapped up quickly. Yan Qingbo and Ge Fangyu, having received the “cut” signal, dispersed to prepare for the next scene.

Clutching his script, Chi Zhongqiao grabbed a small stool and settled beside Fu Jingshen, determined to stick to him like glue.

Fu Jingshen, breaking out of his work mode to grab his water cup, turned to find Chi Zhongqiao staring up at him with wide, eager eyes. He was startled. “What are you doing here?”

Chi Zhongqiao hugged his script. “Watching them act.”

Fu Jingshen: “Could you at least clear your throat before plopping down next time?”

Chi Zhongqiao: “Ahem.”

Fu Jingshen: “I swear, I’m tempted to ask Young Master Lu to drag you back home right now.” You’re President Lu’s precious darling, aren’t you?

Since the first day’s filming focused on scenes featuring the main actors, all of whom were seasoned professionals, each take was completed in a single shot. Before long, it was time for Chi Zhongqiao’s first scene.

Yan Qingbo needed a makeup touch-up, so the crew took a short break. Ge Fangyu turned around after finishing his shot and saw Chi Zhongqiao sitting upright on a small stool, clutching his script with a serious expression as he spoke to Fu Jingshen.

He’s nervous, definitely nervous, Ge Fangyu thought. No wonder. The kid has barely any experience—just one role under his belt. And now he’s starting his second role with a scene opposite a veteran like Teacher Yan? How could he not be nervous?

Ge Fangyu had a nephew around Chi Zhongqiao’s age. Seeing the young man in his early twenties, he instinctively adopted a paternal attitude. Upon noticing Chi Zhongqiao’s “nervousness,” he immediately began to worry.

“Come on, take a deep breath,” Ge Fangyu said, his heart brimming with the warmth of a caring Senior. He hurried over to Chi Zhongqiao.

Chi Zhongqiao looked up, puzzled. “Huh?”

“You’re shooting your first scene with Teacher Yan soon, right? I’m worried you’re nervous. Come on, relax. Take a deep breath.”

Chi Zhongqiao brushed him off. “I’m not nervous at all. I’m totally relaxed. Brother Fang, stop blocking the way. I need to get through.”

Ge Fangyu grabbed him, insisting on giving him a pep talk. “Teacher Yan is still touching up her makeup. Sit down. Listen, don’t be nervous. Director Fu may be strict, but he’s quite lenient with newcomers. Just act naturally. This scene is relatively calm, with minimal conflict, and Teacher Yan’s presence won’t be too overwhelming…”

When drunk, Chi Zhongqiao loved cornering people and forcing them to listen to his “motivational speeches”. This tactic had made him invincible among drunks. He never imagined he’d become the target of such a lecture himself.

Ge Fangyu pinned him to a small stool, forcing him to listen to his endless rambling with a look of utter despair.

Yan Qingbo emerged from makeup to find the two of them: One stubbornly clinging to Chi Zhongqiao, the other slumped over, desperately trying to tune him out. She burst into laughter. She knew Ge Fangyu well—a top male star in the industry, renowned for his excessive concern for younger actors. His overflowing kindness had nowhere to go. He was likely forcing a pep talk on Chi Zhongqiao.

Seeing her, Chi Zhongqiao immediately shot her a pleading look.

Yan Qingbo walked over. “What are you doing, Ge Fangyu? Don’t wrinkle Zhongqiao’s clothes. Director Fu will yell at you if he sees.”

Remembering how fierce Fu Jingshen’s scolding could be, Ge Fangyu’s scalp tingled, and he shuddered, quickly releasing his grip.

Chi Zhongqiao hurried away from Ge Fangyu’s clutches. “Exactly!”

He patted his clothes and walked to the set.

By the time the actors for the scene had gathered, Fu Jingshen had finished his cigarette and sauntered back to his Director’s chair, waiting for the actors to take their positions.

Ge Fangyu sat anxiously on Chi Zhongqiao’s stool, muttering, “Old Fu, listen to me. Zhongqiao is a newcomer. You can’t be so strict with him. You need to be more lenient. If he messes up, you have to explain it gently, not yell. These kids these days are so sensitive…”

Fu Jingshen’s head throbbed from the nagging. “I swear, I want to kill you.” He’d rather have Chi Zhongqiao sitting behind him; at least he’d stay quiet.

Ge Fangyu bristled.

Fu Jingshen pointed at him. “Let’s make a bet. I bet Zhongqiao and Qingbo can nail this scene in one take.”

Ge Fangyu: “Fine, I’ll take the bet. I say it won’t work. You’re going to lose this one for sure. The second half of this scene is tricky to pull off. If you don’t lower your standards, you’ll be waiting for an NG.”

Fu Jingshen: “I say it will work!” he called out. “All units, take your positions—Action!”

Chi Zhongqiao’s scene was a police interrogation, generally a calm scene to help the actors settle into their roles. But as Ge Fangyu had pointed out, the individual shots in the second half would be particularly challenging to execute.

**Scene:**

“The victim was a seventeen-year-old female. Someone saw her visiting your home the night before she died. Do you remember what you did that evening?”

Yan Qingbo, playing Detective Chen Xuling, sat across from Shang Tang, asking questions in a soft, measured tone.

A young officer, fresh out of the academy, sat beside her, wearing thin-rimmed glasses and holding a pen, ready to take notes.

Shang Tang frowned slightly, as if trying to recall the details. “She came to practice piano with Nannan… probably stayed for about half an hour, then left.”

“I see,” Chen Xuling replied. “Did you notice anything unusual about her during that time? For example, was she more agitated or withdrawn than usual?”

Shang Tang shook his head. “No, nothing like that. She seemed perfectly normal.”

The young officer scribbled furiously.

Chen Xuling continued with his questions, all the while subtly observing Shang Tang’s expressions. But the man’s reactions were flawless, like those of an ordinary person shocked by the news of a neighbor’s death. Finding nothing suspicious, Chen Xuling finally rose to leave.

Off-camera, Ge Fangyu and his colleague tensed. The latter half of the scene was a solo performance by Chi Zhongqiao, with no dialogue or internal monologue to be added in post-production. Everything depended on Chi Zhongqiao’s expressions and movements.

This was the most challenging part of the scene.

**Scene:**

Shang Tang escorted the police officers to the door. Once the wailing sirens had completely faded, he gently closed the door and walked over to the vase on the coffee table. He sat down and studied it for a long moment before picking up a pair of delicate scissors.

His lashes lowered halfway, revealing his strikingly handsome features. The corners of his eyes and lips hinted at hidden depths of emotion. With this unparalleled facade, he gently snipped off a nearly blooming flower bud.

The gesture was inexplicably chilling.

“Cut!”

Ge Fangyu felt goosebumps rise on his arms outside the scene, finally grasping the screenwriter’s meticulous intent. No wonder they’d cast such a young, fresh-faced actor—a “refined scoundrel” needed to be handsome, the more so, the more compelling the role.

Fu Jingshen called “Cut!” Chi Zhongqiao remained seated on the sofa, waiting with Yan Qingbo for Fu Jingshen’s decision on whether to keep the take.

Fu Jingshen propped his chin in his hand and reviewed the footage again. With a decisive wave, he declared, “Alright, that’s a wrap!”

Chi Zhongqiao immediately relaxed his rigid posture. This was his only scene for the morning; his two afternoon scenes were both scheduled for the evening, leaving him a long stretch of free time. He planned to excuse himself early to take Lu Yuzhou out for lunch.

Fu Jingshen waved him off. Once Chi Zhongqiao had left, he turned to Ge Fangyu. “Does your face hurt? ‘He’s a newcomer—don’t be so harsh’.”

Ge Fangyu stared blankly. “I apologize. I lack discernment. I beg forgiveness.”

A few minutes later, Ge Fangyu let out a howl. “This ‘beast in gentleman’s clothing’ is too damn compelling!”

Fu Jingshen flinched, startled. “Are you crazy? Get out from behind me and go sit somewhere else.”

Chi Zhongqiao pulled out his phone and called Lu Yuzhou. “Are you done with your meeting? Should I come over now?”

Lu Yuzhou replied, “I’m at Willow Lane nearby, but the meeting’s still going on. I can’t leave yet. I’ve ordered takeout for you, Brother Qiao, so don’t go out to eat.”

Chi Zhongqiao sounded a little disappointed. “Alright, I’ll hang up then.”

Chi Zhongqiao wandered back to the film set, dragged out a small stool, and found a spot with a balcony to sit down.

Zhong Yin sat down next to him. “Brother Qiao, what are we doing now?”

Chi Zhongqiao slowly looked at the script. “Waiting for the takeout.”

They had been squatting there for only a few minutes when Yan Qingbo’s assistants suddenly rushed out. They soon returned carrying large bags and even ushered in a man.

The man was walking very quickly. Chi Zhongqiao glanced at his face and thought he looked familiar, but he couldn’t place where he had seen him before.

A few minutes later, Ge Fangyu, who had just finished filming, dragged his own small stool over. He was carrying a large bag in his arms. When he reached them, he pulled out desserts and fruit to share.

Chi Zhongqiao picked up a treat and sniffed it, the sweet aroma filling his nostrils. “Sweet Delights—this place is pretty expensive. Did someone from the crew bring this in? Even when Teacher Yan joined the set, there wasn’t this kind of fanfare.”

“Oh, it’s from Teacher Yan’s husband,” Ge Fangyu said. “He’s not from our industry, just visiting her on set.”

Zhong Yin sighed enviously. “Their relationship must be amazing. Visiting on the very first day of filming!”

Chi Zhongqiao ate a piece of fruit. “This dog food¹not literal. Chinese internet slang: When a couple shows their affection in front of single people, it’s seen as “feeding” them “dog food,” making the singles feel the contrast of their own single status. tastes surprisingly sweet.”

He was thinking about the takeout Lu Yuzhou had ordered. After taking a bite, he carefully wrapped it up to save for later.

Ge Fangyu, already starving, devoured a sandwich in a few bites. “Yeah, Teacher Yan and her partner are really close. It’s tough being a single dog like us, but at least we get free food. Hey, Zhongqiao, are you dating anyone?”

Chi Zhongqiao shook his head. “No.” He was even more pitiful than Ge Fangyu—single for two lifetimes!

Ge Fangyu patted his shoulder sympathetically. “Poor kid. So handsome and still no one wants you. Don’t worry, you’ve got Brother Fang here. I’m thirty-five and still single too. The media’s even stopped bothering to photograph me.”

Chi Zhongqiao felt a wave of despair. Who wants to end up a thirty-something bachelor like Ge Fangyu?

Ge Fangyu, ever the optimist, launched into a lengthy monologue about the joys of being single, rambling on for thousands of words.

Chi Zhongqiao listened with half an ear, but not a single word registered in his brain.

Zhong Yin scooted over a bit. “Holy cow, someone can talk even more than Brother Qiao!”

Just then, Lu Yuzhou’s takeout arrived.

It wasn’t delivered by a typical delivery driver. Instead, six or seven people carrying insulated boxes swarmed the set entrance. The team leader called Chi Zhongqiao, who then learned that Lu Yuzhou had ordered meals for the entire crew.

Zhong Yin trembled as he held a takeout box bearing the Willow Lane logo. “I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d eat takeout from a restaurant this fancy.”

Chi Zhongqiao had no time for his antics. He took his phone and went to answer Lu Yuzhou’s call.

Ge Fangyu, his lengthy monologue interrupted, stared in disbelief. “This is…”

Zhong Yin, chewing on a rib, mumbled, “President Lu sent it. I’m riding Brother Qiao’s coattails this time. To order food for just Brother Qiao, he went ahead and got it for the whole crew. President Lu truly lives up to his ‘domineering CEO’ title.”

Ge Fangyu grumbled sourly, “…What happened to our pact to stay single until thirty?! Who’s this fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged sweetheart President Lu’s got now?”

Hey, introduce me to one of these rich ladies too!

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  not literal. Chinese internet slang: When a couple shows their affection in front of single people, it’s seen as “feeding” them “dog food,” making the singles feel the contrast of their own single status.