Chapter 00192: Li Lianjie Returns to Beijing
# Li Lianjie Returns to Beijing
Chapter 192
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 192: Li Lianjie Returns to Beijing
"It's called Wuxia!"
"The movies we make should be called Wuxia films!"
The rumbling sound of the train pulled Li Lianjie out of his thoughts.
At this moment, he was sitting on a train heading back to Beijing, holding a copy of the China Youth Daily from a few days ago.
The bold headline read:
"This is the Dawn of the Wuxia Era—An Exclusive Interview with Chen Qi of *Tai Chi*!"
The characters for "martial" and "chivalry" seemed ordinary on their own, but when combined, they carried an inexplicable allure, as if they were ingrained in the blood and genes of the Chinese people, much like farming, listening to music, or covering one's belly button while sleeping.
*Shaolin Temple* had already finished filming, and Zhang Xinyan had returned directly to Hong Kong.
The project had started in 1979 and wrapped up in 1981, taking nearly three years.
As for its release, that would have to wait until next year.
Xiong Xinxin had returned to Guangxi, Yu Hai and Sun Jiankui to Shandong, Yu Chenghui to Ningxia, and Ding Lan, the shepherdess, to Henan.
In the blink of an eye, the film crew had scattered like smoke in the wind, leaving only him behind...
"Why are you still reading the newspaper? What's so interesting about it?"
Ji Chunhua walked over with an enamel mug in hand, plopping down casually beside him.
"Wuxia, huh? If Brother Qi says it's Wuxia, then it's Wuxia. Let's not call it martial arts films anymore."
Li Lianjie couldn't quite connect with him.
He folded the newspaper and said, "Old Ji, you've been away for so long. Don’t you want to go home and see your family?"
"Nothing to see there. I send money back on time, that's enough."
"Have you thought about what you'll do in the future?"
"Follow Brother Qi, of course. Didn’t the newspaper say they’re making *Tai Chi 2*?"
"They said the main cast won’t change. Your character died in the first one. How are you going to be in the second?"
Ji Chunhua frowned at that, then waved his hand dismissively.
"No big deal. Brother Qi told me to come to Beijing and find him. He won’t let me starve."
"Ah, the simple-minded are truly blessed," Li Lianjie sighed inwardly, feeling a pang of envy.
If only he had been dismissed from the martial arts team like Ji Chunhua.
But there was no use dwelling on what-ifs.
He knew exactly what kind of trouble awaited him upon his return.
…………
Beijing Film Studio, soundstage.
*Judge Bao* was filming its final scenes today before moving to outdoor locations.
"Cut! Let’s take a break!"
At Yang Jie’s call, Li Jianqun quickly wiped her eyes and gently massaged them to soothe the redness.
She found a chair, leaned back, and closed her eyes to rest.
She had just finished filming a crying scene, crying non-stop for what felt like forever.
"Do you need eye drops? We have some in the first aid kit."
A voice came from beside her, familiar yet unfamiliar.
Her eyes were too sore to open, so she simply said, "Thank you, could you get them for me?"
A bottle of eye drops was placed in her hand.
She applied a few drops and closed her eyes again, feeling some relief.
The person waited patiently beside her without saying a word.
When she finally opened her eyes and turned her head...
"I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was you. I thought it was one of the crew members."
"No problem, no problem. Feeling better now?"
"Yes, much better."
"Filming crying scenes is tough. Take it slow, you’ll get the hang of it with some practice..."
Li Jianqun responded politely, though she was puzzled.
Chen Qi had clearly come to see her, but they weren’t close.
What could he want?
Her heart skipped a beat.
Could it be... a role in a film?
"I heard you’ll be leaving soon. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you."
Chen Qi handed her a document related to *Tai Chi 2* and said, "I’m preparing a new film. You’re a professional in art design, right? I’d like you to design the costumes for my movie. What do you think?"
"Design costumes?"
Li Jianqun blinked her beautiful eyes, still damp from the crying and the eye drops, making them even more striking.
She was genuinely surprised.
"I don’t have any experience. Why me?"
"I’ve started a company. If I use people from the Beijing Film Studio, it’s a bit complicated due to the transfer arrangements. The costumes for *Tai Chi 2* don’t need to be overly elaborate, so I thought I’d give you a try. If you’re willing, you can start designing while you’re filming on location and show me the designs afterward. Of course, there’s also a role in *Tai Chi 2* that would suit you, if you don’t mind it being a small one."
This made her heart race.
Li Jianqun’s biggest worry right now was what to do after finishing *Judge Bao*.
Joining *Tai Chi 2* would be perfect.
But she lacked confidence, having no experience in this area.
After much hesitation, she finally made up her mind:
"Since you trust me, I’ll take the job. I’ll make sure the designs meet your expectations!"
"Great. My requirements are all in here. Take a look. As for payment, we’ll follow the studio’s standards. I’ll give you the salary of an assistant art designer. Come sign a contract after today’s shoot."
"A... contract?"
"I’m running a company now, so of course we need a contract to formalize our agreement for *Tai Chi 2*."
"I don’t know much about this. Sorry if I seem ignorant."
Li Jianqun lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
She was quite well-known at her school and had solid professional skills, but in front of Chen Qi, she felt like a country bumpkin.
…………
"Brother Qi!"
"Xiao Ji? When did you get back?"
After settling things with Li Jianqun, Chen Qi returned to find Ji Chunhua squatting outside the guesthouse, looking even darker and more muscular than before.
Still bald and eyebrowless, he carried a huge luggage bag, looking like he’d just been released from prison.
"Just got back! Came straight to find you!"
"*Tai Chi* was such a big deal. We even set up a table for you in the *Shaolin Temple* crew. Li Lianjie said it was a way to celebrate with you from afar."
Ji Chunhua ran over eagerly, grinning widely, his eyes shining like a child waiting for candy.
Chen Qi knew exactly what he was thinking and chuckled.
"Alright, alright, come with me!"
"Sure, sure!"
Ji Chunhua hoisted his bag and followed Chen Qi up to a small office in the main building.
Inside were four desks and chairs, with only the accountant present.
"Director Chen!"
"Mm, carry on."
Chen Qi motioned for Ji Chunhua to sit and got straight to the point: "My company is just starting out. It’s small, but it’s a legitimate operation. Right now, there are only three people. You’ll be the fourth. We haven’t finalized the structure yet, but for now, you’ll be part of the acting department. Your monthly salary will be 48 yuan, with additional allowances for filming and bonuses..."
Hearing the figure of 48 yuan, the accountant glanced up but said nothing.
Her job was simply to ensure that the foreign earnings were handed over to the state and that the company’s accounts were in order.
The rest wasn’t her concern.
"As long as I get to act, I don’t even need the money!"
"Let’s keep things separate. You won’t be shortchanged. For now, stay at the guesthouse. The company will cover the cost."
"What will I do normally?"
"Whatever you like. Or you can stick with me and double as my bodyguard."
"Perfect! I like that job!"
Chen Qi looked at Ji Chunhua, who resembled a big, dopey wolfhound, and shook his head.
"How’s Li Lianjie? Did he go back to the martial arts team?"
"Yeah, but he didn’t seem too happy about it."
"Did he say anything?"
"Not really, but I could tell. That guy’s heart isn’t in it anymore. Like me, he wants to make movies... I mean, leave the martial arts team and focus on acting. Brother Qi, why don’t you sign him up?"
Ji Chunhua asked innocently.
Chen Qi smiled, not bothering to explain to this simpleton.
He walked to the window and looked out at the Beijing Film Studio courtyard.
"His situation is special. The timing isn’t right yet."
(End of chapter...)