"I wouldn't say we're very familiar with each other."

Xiao He immediately explained what he knew and told Qian Lao about the brief exchange on the night of the Lantern Festival.

Although he was somewhat disappointed that Qian Wenhao hadn't intended to do anything to leave behind a genuine artifact and set things right, Xiao He was still somewhat relieved in retrospect. Fortunately, Qian Wenhao hadn't done anything that would affect his future.

After all, Qian Wenhao seems to be an important member of the association, and his family has a deep connection with calligraphy. He must have worked very hard to get to where he is today, and he shouldn't ruin his future because of something like this.

After listening to Xiao He's words, Old Qian didn't show much emotion. He just touched his chin, remained silent for a moment, and then said with a smile, "Then you don't need to worry too much about him. This brat took more than a month of sick leave recently, and we haven't seen him in the association at all. If it weren't for my old face, I'm afraid everyone else would want to kick him out."

This is why he couldn't help but frown when he heard the name Qian Wenhao.

Why did you take such a long sick leave?

Xiao He was very puzzled.

Old Qian snorted coldly, still seemingly dissatisfied with Qian Wenhao, this junior, and said, "I heard that a classmate from our archaeology department asked him for help with something. Who knows what he's thinking! Next time I see him, I'll definitely have his dad break his legs!"

Xiao He: Wow, so Qian Wenhao is studying archaeology. I really didn't expect that.

But thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. They have a tradition in calligraphy, so it's quite logical for them to study history or archaeology.

But what exactly is Qian Wenhao doing? What could possibly be more captivating to him than the Emperor's handwriting?

This is completely different from his previous behavior!

Xiao He was genuinely curious this time.

But he also knew that this was someone else's private matter, and he probably wouldn't get any information from Mr. Qian. After all, their relationship was just so-so, and they had only met once. He had no right to ask so many questions, and it would only make him disliked.

"Oh, I see. I thought he was taking a long leave because he was sick or something. It's good that he's alright—"

Xiao He didn't want his senior to worry about the younger generation, so he changed the subject: "Oh, that's how young people are. Sometimes they just do whatever comes to mind. For example, I just finished practicing the Su style a while ago, and now I want to learn the Liu style. When you have free time, you always want to find something to do."

Old Qian paused for a moment, then stopped dwelling on Qian Wenhao's matter. Instead, he chuckled and scolded Xiao He, "You brat, cultivating your character is an essential part of learning calligraphy! When will a half-hearted beginner like you ever develop the style you want?"

If Xiao He's calligraphic talent hadn't truly been described as unparalleled, then when he uttered such "eager for quick success and instant benefits" remarks, Qian Xuesen would have been quite blunt in criticizing this impetuous young man.

However, Qian Xuesen had to admit that Xiao He had the ability to be indecisive – after all, even a living “printer” couldn’t be more capable.

This young beginner can learn any style almost perfectly, and his learning speed can be described as abnormal. The number of famous calligraphic works that Qian Xuesen could provide is becoming increasingly scarce.

Sometimes, Old Qian even suspected that this kid hadn't completely drunk the water of oblivion back then, so he hadn't forgotten much, and then he had practiced diligently for over twenty years, just waiting for this moment to play a joke on this old man...

But thinking about it, it's impossible.

Progress is real, and Qian Xuesen himself did not consider himself old enough to have failing eyesight.

Xiao He, of course, had no idea of ​​the old man's melancholy thoughts. He just chuckled, spread his hands, and said in a very nonchalant manner, "Well, there's nothing I can do about it. I'm already struggling enough with just practicing. Creating my own calligraphy system is something I'll have to leave to you seniors."

Mr. Qian was heartbroken: "Oh dear, you still have the nerve to talk back?"

Why!

Why did such a prodigy in the calligraphy world become a celebrity?

He offered advice on all other professions!

While the staff were looking for him, Xiao He quickly said, "Mr. Qian, I'm going to get my makeup done now. I have scenes to film this afternoon. Let's talk later!"

Then, bracing himself against Old Qian's piercing gaze, he quickly slipped away.

There was no way around it; this old man was exceptionally persistent in a certain area.

He should slip away first!

Old Qian stood there, half speechless and half helpless, watching the young man leave, and finally shook his head with regret.

"They're all such a headache..."

...

In the afternoon, Xiao He began filming his first scene.

This first scene is the bombshell, the most important scene in "The Imperial Concubine"—the coronation ceremony.

-

The gilded dragon throne on the high platform was solemn, with a long vermilion carpet laid in front of the steps, bronze ritual vessels standing on both sides, tall lamp pillars, and a faint sandalwood fragrance in the air.

The production crew was adjusting the camera positions and lighting, the props team was carefully checking the placement of the ritual objects, and other staff members were also moving around. The extras dressed in ancient official robes of various ranks also arrived one after another and began to stand in their positions according to the crew's arrangements.

Xiao He looked up and felt that the palace was magnificent and the ceremony was solemn. Even before the filming started, there was already an imperial ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) aura about him.

The location chosen by the production team for the coronation ceremony is one of the most common old backdrops in many period dramas. It has witnessed countless historical dynasties, both real and fictional, and is considered a veteran in Hengdian. It hardly needs any additional setup from the production team; it already exudes the aura of a true dragon, carrying the absolute authority and solemnity of a historical emperor.

To be honest, Xiao He found it hard not to think that choosing the coronation ceremony as the first scene on the first day of filming was a deliberate arrangement by Director Qiu.

And this conjecture became confirmed the moment he was led to meet Director Qiu.

"This scene is very important. You must give it your all and show me your full potential. If I'm not satisfied, you can leave after this first scene—"

Today, Qiu Zhenlong was dressed in a white training uniform with a gray vest, looking more casual than an old man taking a stroll in the park. However, the walkie-talkie he was holding clearly indicated that he held the power of life and death over everyone present. He looked more like an emperor than Xiao He, and could attack his target at any moment if there was a disagreement.

Perhaps due to concerns about his own abilities, Qiu Zhenlong spoke quite bluntly, even in front of everyone present, directly pointing out his sinister intentions in choosing this scene.

—If you perform well, stay.

—If you don't act well, get out of here immediately!