An empty bus, the driver leisurely humming a tune.
The scenery outside the window flashed by like a carousel.
Ye Tong and Ji Ning sat side by side in the window seats, Ji Ning leaning on the window watching the scenery, while Ye Tong lowered her head flipping through a book.
Every page of the book was densely filled with reading notes, showing how much the owner loved this book.
Ji Ning accidentally glanced at the book title, paused for a moment, "What book is this?"
Ye Tong glanced at the book cover, "Ji Ning's Inspirational Quotes, it's a memoir of my and Tangtang's favorite character. Do you want to read it?"
"Sure." Ji Ning took the book and opened the first page, which contained a reviewer's comments.
The more she read, the darker her face became, wanting to dig those three guys out of the ground.
What the heck is this lousy stuff?
[Ji Ning is a beacon in life; her life philosophy offers lifelong benefits after just a minute of reading.]
[Ji Ning's words are simple and sincere, always soothing wounded hearts and making everyone feel warm.]
[This is a book everyone can understand, filled with positive energy, a highly recommended book among countless women.]
...
If she were that amazing, she wouldn't have struggled to fight for territory back then and been chased across two streets. She could have directly taken over the territory just by bragging.
"Sister Ning, it was after reading this book that I made Ji Ning my lifelong idol. How can she be so amazing? It's absolutely perfect. I'd be lucky to have even half her talent."
Heh... she also wanted to know what sins she committed back then that led those brats who couldn't even recognize all the words to write a 250-page memoir, beautifying her as such a saint.
It truly has no equal to the "strong generals" she taught hand-in-hand.
Ji Ning glared at the three all-too-familiar signatures on the title page, gritting her teeth: "Indeed amazing."
Indeed, she was too soft on them...
"Sister Ning, I'll lend you this book. After reading, we can exchange some insights."
"...Okay..."
***
After transferring buses three times, the city gradually turned into fields, and they successfully entered the village.
"The next stop is Anhe Film and Television Base, where we work as extras."
"We?"
"Um... I'm an extra..." Ye Tong blushed with a bit of embarrassment.
Bai Xiaotang only knew she was an actress but didn't know she was a very ordinary extra, too ordinary to have landed even a frontal shot in any major crew till now.
"Alright, we should get off. Later I'll take you to find the extras' leader, and make sure not to speak. Leave everything to me."
Ji Ning closed the book and slightly nodded.
Anhe Film and Television Base is the largest film and television base in Anhe City, covering over a thousand acres, with dozens of crews filming daily and a high demand for extras, leading the surrounding area to develop into a film town, hosting various hotels, homestays, restaurants, and shops.
Ye Tong usually loved taking a stroll around the small town leading to the film base, shopping for the props she needed for her performances.
To be a good extra, one must be well-equipped with costumes, makeup, and props; some are provided by the crew, and some rely on oneself.
Sometimes, when one is well-prepared, directors are willing to give more screen time.
These are some essential tips for doing extras.
Since getting off the bus, Ye Tong seemed to enter her own turf, chatting non-stop about tips on being an extra to Ji Ning.
Ji Ning listened quietly with hands in pockets, occasionally following her gestures to look at the places she pointed out.
This little caregiver is much livelier than at Bai Xiaotang's home.
"Sister Ning, Anhe is the hometown of idols, and the locals hold great respect for idols here. Just read the book I lent you a few more times, and you'll soon blend into the circle." Ye Tong kindly reminded Ji Ning.
She could sense Ji Ning had little reverence for the idol who shared her name.
As a seasoned fan, seeing someone with this attitude and faintly turning dark is something that must be corrected.
Ji Ning hesitated slightly, deliberated for a moment, then asked, "Have you considered the history from various angles?"
Ye Tong furrowed her brows, somewhat disapprovingly said, "This is content personally narrated and written by three chiefs, it's undoubtedly authentic history."
Seeing her somewhat agitated, Ji Ning pursed her lips and said no more.
Ye Tong's displeasure lasted only a moment before it all vanished upon seeing the film base's gate.
"Sister Ning, they film a lot of war-era dramas here, so you should prepare more costumes, makeup, and props from that era in the future. You can then enter several crews in a day and earn more money."
Ji Ning observed as the surroundings gradually grew desolate, her pupils slightly shrinking.
This place seemed a bit familiar.
***
Ye Tong has a great personality outside, almost capable of talking to everyone.
They greeted people all along the way until they arrived outside a certain crew.
Ye Tong took a deep breath, her smile changing instantly, even her steps became much lighter, quickly approaching a diverse group of people, greeting them skillfully, "Sister Juan, Mr. Huang, Sister Ying, here so early?"
"Xiao Tong, you finally came? Heard you were sick? How are you feeling now?"
"Much better, just got discharged from the hospital and came right over. How about having lunch together?"
"Sure.
"Let's settle that then, at noon at the South Gate BBQ. I'll introduce my sister to you, and hopefully, you can take care of her in the future." Saying this, Ye Tong waved at Ji Ning and gave her a look, "Sister Ning, come over quickly."
Ji Ning glanced at the three people beside Ye Tong, walked over without enthusiasm, just slightly nodding.
Ye Tong quickly took her arm, smiling as she explained, "My Sister Ning is introverted, doesn't like talking much. My mom worries she might become reclusive in the future, so she let me bring her out to act and meet people, to get some exercise."
"Oh wow, this girl is so pretty, born to be in this profession. Not liking to talk is fine, just standing there she's already a character." Sister Juan laughed as she sized up Ji Ning, her eyes full of admiration.
"Indeed, if you become successful, don't forget about us."
"Sister Ying, don't flatter us. My sister is just a beginner who doesn't know how to act, she is here just for the exercise. Not like you, the directors praise your acting skills."
The group chuckled as they complimented each other until a short man got out of a small car.
"Brother Tao..."
"Brother Tao is here."
"Come over quickly, Brother Tao is here."
The group immediately gathered around, greeting the man.
Even Ye Tong ran over, smiling sweetly, and called out, "Hello, Brother Tao."
Seeing Ye Tong, Li Tao expressed slight surprise, his mouth curling up, showing concern, "Xiao Tong, you came, how's your health?"
"Much better, I just thought Brother Tao might have a new drama here, so I came right away."
Li Tao smiled, flicking Ye Tong's nose from afar, casually handed her the black bag he was holding, "You're flexible indeed. There's a new drama, I'll take you into the crew."
"Thank you, Brother Tao." Ye Tong held the bag, full of excitement, almost moved to tears with gratitude.
The extras gathered around and recommended themselves, which made Brother Tao very happy, striding towards the film studio.
Ye Tong quickly caught up, turned back, and made a 'follow me' gesture to Ji Ning who remained standing still.
Ji Ning watched for a moment and then stepped forward to follow.