Time flew by. In less than a week, the film's production was already halfway complete—an absurdly rapid pace.
Yet, in a way, it made sense. Every scene was shot in a single take, with virtually no retakes required.
Even the most seasoned actors typically need time to find their rhythm on set and inevitably make mistakes during filming. If even one person falters, the entire scene has to be reshot.
Moreover, even if one actor finds their stride, another might suddenly stumble, disrupting the flow. These variables alone could derail production.
Furthermore, depending on the film's plot, the crew might need to travel extensively, perhaps even crisscrossing the globe.
Low-budget comedies or horror films set in a single location generally require two to three months of filming.
By contrast, a science fiction blockbuster can take a year or more to shoot and refine.
From any perspective, Sparkle's production pace was impossibly fast. As an outsider to the industry, she might not fully grasp the implications, but Jiang Li, a seasoned professional, understood all too well how extraordinary the situation unfolding before her truly was.
Jiang Li thought of the protagonists in novels who, after obtaining a System, could break through multiple cultivation realms in a month, become saints in half a year, and deities in a year—all with effortless ease. Compared to that, her feat of filming a movie in just two weeks seemed rather unremarkable.
On the eighth day, Sparkle noticed the heavy dark circles under Jiang Li's eyes. After a moment's contemplation, she suggested, "Let's take a break today."
"Huh?! Why?" Jiang Li was stunned. She could clearly sense a masterpiece taking shape in her hands, every ounce of her effort yielding tangible results. There was nothing more intoxicating than this.
If someone could see a "progress bar" for their work, they would undoubtedly push themselves to the limit. Jiang Li felt exactly that way—every fiber of her being pulsed with energy and motivation!
It was no exaggeration to say that Jiang Li's own contributions were crucial to completing half the film in just a week. Apart from meals and minimal sleep, she had worked tirelessly without stopping.
Sparkle's words hit Jiang Li like a sudden halt, leaving her frustrated and restless.
"Isn't this just to prevent you from collapsing from exhaustion?" Sparkle waved dismissively. "Besides, I have other plans today. I've arranged to meet Miss Robin. Why don't you stay here and continue filming while I go see her alone?"
"Of course I'm going!" Jiang Li's expression instantly transformed from confusion to excitement. It was no exaggeration to say that at least 70-80% of young people in Dragon Nation were fans of Robin, and Jiang Li was undoubtedly one of them.
The prospect of meeting Robin sent her into a frenzy. The film could wait—opportunities like this were rare. The choice was obvious.
Seeing Jiang Li's reaction, Sparkle raised an eyebrow. "Your director's soul must be weeping right now."
Jiang Li retorted without hesitation, "What director? What soul? All that exists here is the purest, most devoted fan of Miss Robin! So, when and where are we meeting her? Let's go now!"
It was noon, and Jiang Li sat anxiously in an ordinary barbecue restaurant by the roadside. "Are you sure it's okay to meet here?"
"I thought it would be some high-end, luxurious restaurant, or at least a clean and tidy Western-style place. But this..."
"What does it matter where we meet?" Sparkle said casually.
"What if Miss Robin doesn't like it?"
"Impossible. You're overthinking it," Sparkle shrugged. "How could she not like it? I deliberately chose this place because I wanted barbecue. Besides, if you're so worried about this meeting, shouldn't you be focusing on sprucing yourself up instead of questioning the location?"
The past seven days of relentless filming had left Jiang Li's hair disheveled, and her dark circles were starkly visible, giving her the unmistakable appearance of a "cultivator."
"Oh..." Jiang Li froze, startled. "Damn it! I was too excited and completely forgot..."
"Never mind, it's not a big deal," Sparkle reassured her.
After spending some time together, Sparkle felt she had come to understand Jiang Li quite well. Jiang Li herself had a good foundation, but she had absolutely no sense of style and never wore makeup.
Jiang Li was straightforward, cheerful, and outgoing, which made her extremely popular in school. Known for her exceptional fighting skills, she once single-handedly beat up five drunk men to rescue a younger student, earning her the title of undisputed "Big Sister" among her classmates. Everyone affectionately called her "Reward Sister" because when her name was pronounced quickly, it sounded almost identical to the word "reward."
(TL Note: Chinese name pun)
Numerous boys had confessed their feelings for her, only to be rejected with the same line: "Sorry, I only see you as a brother."
The reason was simple: her parents forbade early relationships, and Jiang Li herself had little interest in romance. Instead, she was passionately devoted to film, pouring most of her energy into her studies.
However, things changed after graduation when Jiang Li's blunt personality began to rub people the wrong way in the workplace. After all, who in their right mind would beat up their boss at the office?
Despite Jiang Li's exceptional abilities, she had yet to work on a single film project.
Returning to the present, a figure bundled up in a gray coat, hat, and sunglasses entered the barbecue restaurant and headed straight for the private room where Sparkle and Jiang Li were waiting.
After closing the door behind her, Robin finally let out a sigh of relief. She removed her hat, letting her long, silky, shallow blue hair cascade down. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
She then took off her sunglasses and coat, opened her shoulder bag, and a Halo flew out on its own, hovering above her head.
Turning to Jiang Li, who looked somewhat dazed, Robin smiled warmly. "Hello."
"Y-you... Hello!" Jiang Li stammered, her voice trembling slightly.
"Don't be nervous," Robin said. "Just treat me like any other friend and talk normally." She was used to this reaction by now; most people reacted similarly upon meeting the real Robin. Her fame was simply overwhelming.
P.S. There won't spend too much time on the movie plot. It won't simply copy and paste the HI3 storyline—this isn't a plagiarism novel, after all.