Chapter 18: Truly Just a Bit Player

The next evening, just after dinner, Chu Tianfeng was whisked off to the film set.

On site, two massive cranes stood neatly parked by the lakeshore.

Yang Yi explained the details of the performance to Chu Tianfeng carefully.

Tonight, there would be two stunt scenes.

In the first, Chu Tianfeng, acting as a double, would battle an enemy general atop a ship. Flames would engulf the vessel, prompting both combatants to escape simultaneously, followed by a dramatic explosion.

In the second scene, Chu Tianfeng and the enemy general would fight above the water’s surface. Explosives were rigged underwater, set to detonate during their fierce duel, creating a dazzling visual effect.

Both scenes involved explosives. Chu Tianfeng had researched such devices online and understood their considerable threat to someone in his current state.

Zhang Qiang had repeatedly emphasized the dangers.

Yet, high risk brings high reward, and Zhang Qiang offered two enticing terms.

First, five thousand yuan per scene—ten thousand total.

Second, payment would be made immediately after filming. If Yang Yi was satisfied with the results, Chu Tianfeng could pocket ten thousand the very next day.

These terms were irresistible, exerting a powerful lure on Chu Tianfeng.

He steeled himself—there was no turning back.

Preparation for the first scene began at once.

The crew methodically moved explosives onto the warship, while Chu Tianfeng headed to the temporary makeup room.

Amusingly, he encountered Wu Bai there, also getting ready.

"You're Chu Tianfeng?" Wu Bai, seemingly unburdened by celebrity airs, greeted him.

His voice was deep and magnetic, compelling attention without effort.

"Yes, Mr. Wu Bai, hello," Chu Tianfeng replied calmly.

His first impression of Wu Bai was less than favorable; he recalled vividly how Wu Bai had watched coldly, smoking, with a mocking and disdainful look as he and Han Xinwen performed the fire stunt.

"Hello. People say you resemble me—I didn't believe it at first, but seeing you tonight, I do," Wu Bai laughed.

The makeup artist paused, waiting silently nearby.

"Thank you!" Chu Tianfeng felt no particular honor in being likened to Wu Bai, especially since they were only similar in build, not appearance.

"I’ve also heard your horsemanship and skills are impressive—is that true?" Wu Bai asked again.

Chu Tianfeng glanced at the makeup artist, smiled helplessly. "Well, just average."

Soon, both entered the set.

Wu Bai’s scene was filmed first.

At Yang Yi’s command, Wu Bai, playing Zhou Yu, was hoisted skyward by wires, leaping from one warship to the enemy's vessel.

An enemy general sprang up to meet him with a shout: "Who goes there?"

Wu Bai’s handsome face flashed with disdain. "Your grand commander Zhou Yu!"

He flourished his spear with a dazzling spin and charged the enemy general.

The enemy general roared and raised his blade to meet him.

The two duelled fiercely across the deck, steel clashing, blows echoing.

The ship’s structure was battered by their unleashed energy—doors, windows, and panels shattered and splintered.

The enemy general began to falter, leaping skyward. Wu Bai followed, intercepting him atop the ship.

Their duel continued, voices raised, intensity mounting.

Just as their battle reached its climax, Director Yang shouted, "Pause!"

Chu Tianfeng knew it was his turn.

The wire harness was tight and uncomfortable around his waist.

The actor playing the enemy general remained suspended, waiting for Chu Tianfeng.

Chu Tianfeng couldn’t help but admire his endurance.

The flames grew ever fiercer, engulfing the warship.

The clapperboard snapped; Chu Tianfeng lifted his spear and rushed at the enemy general.

They exchanged blows for several rounds. Suddenly, Director Yang signaled, and the crane arms lifted them high.

Boom!

The explosives detonated.

Splinters and sawdust flew, fire blazing skyward!

Though the wires retracted quickly, a few tiny fragments still flew at Chu Tianfeng and the other actor.

Chu Tianfeng, protected by his true energy, deflected the debris with an energy shield he projected around himself.

The shield was weak, but sufficient to ward off splinters.

The other actor, an ordinary man, was shielded by a layer of bulletproof fabric beneath his armor, which repelled the debris.

Chu Tianfeng and the enemy general landed on the water.

Director Yang shouted, "Cut!"

Mission accomplished—cheers erupted.

Chu Tianfeng’s mind, however, was fixed on the five thousand yuan he’d just earned.

The second scene was prepared.

The crew began setting more explosives.

Wu Bai entered first, standing where Chu Tianfeng had fallen into the water, continuing the pursuit of the enemy general.

Their fight raged on, fierce and relentless.

Then, Chu Tianfeng replaced Wu Bai.

They battled briefly before the crane hoisted them abruptly.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Explosions erupted beneath their feet, sending waves several meters high.

Chu Tianfeng had to wade through the surging waves, chasing the enemy general.

When Director Yang called halt, both actors were thoroughly drenched.

This time, Chu Tianfeng didn’t use his energy shield, letting the lake soak him to avoid suspicion.

After filming, Chu Tianfeng returned to the makeup room to remove his makeup.

Shortly after, Wu Bai entered.

"Interested in joining my studio?" Wu Bai suddenly asked.

His gaze, like his voice, was magnetic and alluring.

"Huh?" Chu Tianfeng was puzzled.

"I have a studio in Red Harbor. You’re talented—if you join, there could be more and better opportunities. What do you think?" Wu Bai looked at him sincerely.

"Thank you, but for now, I prefer to stay inland," Chu Tianfeng replied without hesitation, using it as an excuse.

Had it been his predecessor, he might have gladly accepted. The former Chu Tianfeng was passionate about acting and dreamed of fame. Following Wu Bai could have made both easily attainable.

But the current Chu Tianfeng regarded acting and fame as worthless.

"You’re refusing so quickly? Won’t you reconsider?" Wu Bai seemed surprised at the swift rejection.

"No need, I have my own plans, but thank you," Chu Tianfeng answered.

Wu Bai shrugged, regret evident.

The next morning, Chu Tianfeng, led by Zhang Qiang, collected ten thousand yuan in cash from the finance department.

Before leaving, Zhang Qiang handed him a folder—tonight’s scene designs, urging him to familiarize himself.

Chu Tianfeng accepted gladly.

To him, the folder contained not just printed paper, but stacks of currency.

Lately, everyone seemed intent on giving him money, which moved him somewhat.

Especially the previous night, when Peng Yongliang and others, setting aside past grievances, chased after him, sobbing and shouting as they handed him over twelve thousand yuan.

———

Peng Yongliang was truly depressed.

He lay on a hospital bed by the window, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Beside him sat a middle-aged woman, around forty, her face showing signs of fatigue.

She was Peng Yongliang’s mother, Hu Runqin.

She slowly peeled an apple, as if sculpting a work of art.

In the room, another bed held Yuan Qi, equally dispirited, playing with his phone.

Knock, knock!

A gentle knock sounded from outside.

"Your cousin’s here," Hu Runqin said, rising to open the door.

The door revealed a young man, his face covered with pimples.

"Aunt!" he called.

"Ah De, you’re finally here, come in!" Hu Runqin greeted warmly.

The young man, Ah De, entered. Peng Yongliang and Yuan Qi sat up slightly. "Brother De!"

He was Peng Yongliang’s cousin, full name Hu Changde, a trusted aide of Liu, the chief of the Salt Guild at Hang City.

"How are you?" Hu Changde asked directly.

"I broke two ribs," Peng Yongliang said through clenched teeth. "He shattered his shoulder bone—probably irreparable."

"The other side fought six of you and still seriously injured two?" Hu Changde pressed, clearly aware of the incident.

"Yes, he struck fast—almost instantly knocked out the two of us. The other four were so terrified they begged for mercy; he didn’t hit them." Recalling the fight, Peng Yongliang still shuddered.

Hu Runqin softly closed the door and returned to Peng Yongliang’s bedside, dragging her stool to Hu Changde. "Ah De, sit and talk."

"Aunt, you sit," Hu Changde sat by Peng Yongliang’s bed. "Is he really just a bit part actor?"

Hu Changde was puzzled—facing six opponents, easily taking down two, meant the man was at least a martial artist. If so, why would he stoop to acting as an extra?

"Ah De, you must get justice for your cousin," Hu Runqin’s eyes reddened. "He’s my only son, beaten so badly."

"Aunt, I need to investigate his background first," Hu Changde said, frowning.

He worried the man might be from a major sect. The Salt Guild was powerful but not enough to confront martial artists from big sects.

Besides, he understood the incident well—their side was clearly in the wrong. If the other had no power or backing, it might be fine. If he had powerful connections, they could only accept their misfortune.

"That kid has no real background; we know him pretty well," Yuan Qi interjected.

Hu Changde glanced at him, then turned to Peng Yongliang.

"Yes, I heard he’s an orphan, no parents, working alone in Shudian," Peng Yongliang added.

"I’m not asking about his family—I mean his sect," Hu Changde smiled wryly. "His skill doesn’t just fall from the sky; I care about his teacher."

"Well..." Peng Yongliang was at a loss, looking to Yuan Qi.

"We’re not sure," Yuan Qi thought for a moment. "All I know is he keeps going to the lakeshore at night. We thought he’d found some treasure."

"What did you say?" Hu Changde’s face changed, standing up. "He often goes to the lakeshore at night?"

"Yeah, so what?" Peng Yongliang asked, confused.

Hu Changde took a deep breath.

Lately, rumors of Chidori Lake’s hidden treasure had stirred up a frenzy. All the factions had converged there, searching desperately.

Could it be that the treasure, sought with so much effort, had been discovered by this bit part actor?

Otherwise, why would he frequent the lake nightly?

If so, even without his cousin’s injury, Hu Changde couldn’t let the actor off easily.

He even suspected the man joined the film crew with ulterior motives; otherwise, why would a martial artist risk his life for a few thousand yuan?

Thinking this, Hu Changde’s expression grew grave.

"What’s his name?" Hu Changde asked Peng Yongliang. "Any photos?"

"Chu Tianfeng—Chu as in Chu Han. Plenty of photos, I’ll send them all," Peng Yongliang answered earnestly.

Though Peng Yongliang and his friends didn’t know what was happening, seeing Hu Changde’s serious demeanor, they sensed the gravity.

Hu Changde received the photos and stared at his phone for a long while, then retreated to the bathroom, closing the door to make a call.

Several minutes later, he emerged.

"Ah De, what’s the verdict?" Hu Runqin asked nervously.

"Aunt, don’t get involved in this anymore. It’s complicated—I can’t tell you much. Remember, don’t mention Chu Tianfeng to anyone," Hu Changde said, turning to Peng Yongliang and Yuan Qi. "If you dare leak a single word, don’t blame me for cutting you off!"