The female lead’s scenes were far more numerous than the second female lead’s. With an already heavy workload, Quan Jiu arrived at the film set before six in the morning, practically working from dawn till dusk.
Fortunately, her beauty was unparalleled, and she was flawless from every angle on camera. While other actors required two to three hours for makeup, she could be ready in half an hour, allowing the crew to begin formal shooting by 6:30 AM.
However, just as filming was about to commence today, a staff member announced that someone was visiting the set. The person being visited was none other than Quan Jiu.
Guo Wen guessed it was likely someone surnamed Chu, as he was still counting on Chu Rong to help him with Liu Zhi Xi’s matter. He didn’t stop them. To his surprise, three unfamiliar men walked into the set with cheerful smiles.
Of course, they were followed by over a dozen men in black, who clearly weren’t ordinary people.
Guo Wen watched the newcomers with a sense of bewilderment.
The three men shared a striking resemblance in temperament and appearance, suggesting they were father and sons. While it wasn’t unusual for a father and his sons to be together, it was peculiar that they had come to visit the set together, and… why were they walking towards him?
“Director Guo, I’ve heard much about you. I am Quan Maoheng, and these are my sons, Quan Tianyang and Quan Tianxi. We apologize for disturbing you so early in the morning. We hope you don’t mind.” Quan Maoheng stepped forward and warmly shook Guo Wen’s hand.
Quan Tianyang and Quan Tianxi nodded slightly in greeting.
Guo Wen was a bit confused. “Oh, you’re looking for Quan Jiu? Hurry up, we’re about to start filming.”
“It’s alright, it’s alright. Your work is important. We’re just here to take a look. It would be best if you just pretend we’re not here,” Quan Maoheng said politely.
Seeing that Quan Jiu on set showed no intention of coming over, Guo Wen agreed and announced that all staff should prepare.
Soon, filming began. Quan Jiu completely immersed herself in her role, and the surrounding crew and onlookers became mere phantoms.
Standing outside the filming area, the Quan father and sons tacitly took out their respective equipment – cameras and video recorders. The cameramen next door were envious; those were the latest models.
Other actors who had scenes but were not yet on set began to gather and chat in hushed tones.
“Yesterday it was that middle-aged man, and today there are two more. They look like his father and younger brother. Is she some kind of hidden wealthy heiress?”
“I don’t know. I’m numb to it already. Having one visitor every day was enough to make me jealous, and now they’re changing it up. She’s definitely not simple.”
“But coming so early, they’re really dedicated.”
“It’s too much. With this setup, I almost thought they were paparazzi.”
As they were engrossed in their conversation, a tall and imposing man in black suddenly appeared, startling them. They quickly fell silent, afraid to speak.
Unexpectedly, the man in black handed over a box. “This is some food prepared by our master and young masters for everyone. We’ll trouble you all to take good care of Miss San from now on.”
Miss… Miss San? Everyone was stunned into silence.
After the man in black left, everyone tacitly recognized Quan Jiu with a new understanding: a wealthy young lady.
Meanwhile, the Quan father and sons, who were frantically taking photos and recording videos, started to bicker.
“You two brats, get out of my shot, you’re blocking my lens.”
“Dad, this is my spot. You and second brother go over there.”
Quan Maoheng’s face darkened. “Quan Tianyang, do you think the company doesn’t have enough work? Perhaps you should go to Country D next year. There’s plenty to do there, and I guarantee you won’t be idle.”
While they were arguing, Quan Tianxi quietly squeezed to the front, aiming his camera at Quan Jiu. He chuckled inwardly, thinking that recording was the most cost-effective at this moment; photos were just single shots, but video was king.
Thus, the first scene was completed, somewhat absurdly. The director’s team adjusted the camera angles and changed the scene, while Quan Jiu and the next actor took the opportunity to go over their lines.
…
Due to the tight schedule, filming proceeded from one scene to the next, continuously from 6:30 AM until noon, when Guo Wen finally called for a break.
Quan Tianxi took out two batteries from his pocket and looked at the other two men whose cameras had run out of power due to lack of preparation, feeling amused.
Quan Tianyang frowned, displeased. “Give me the video. Jiu Jiu is returning to her roots. I need to edit the video to show to the guests on the big screen.”
Quan Tianxi snorted, “It’s not like I can’t edit. You took photos, and this one is mine.” Saying this, he took out the memory card from the video recorder.
Seeing this, Quan Tianyang moved to snatch it. As Quan Tianxi dodged, he glanced towards Quan Jiu and suddenly stopped. “Wait, wait, wait. Dad is already going over there.”
At that moment, Quan Maoheng had already arrived in front of Quan Jiu, his face showing paternal affection. “Jiu Jiu, perhaps you’ve already heard. The hair you gave Tianyang yesterday has undergone a paternity test, confirming you are my daughter. Here are the results of the paternity test.”
Quan Jiu had actually seen Quan Tianyang and Quan Tianxi long ago and guessed that the eldest among them was likely her biological father.
However, she hadn’t expected her biological father’s entrance to be exactly the same as his eldest and second sons. These three men were truly one more straightforward than the other.
Fortunately, there was no one else around, otherwise, this reunion might have become the talk of the set.
She took the paternity test results. Although she had prepared herself mentally, the moment she saw the results, her blood boiled uncontrollably.
Heaven knew how much she longed for a complete family, a father and a mother. She had dreamt of it countless times, never imagining that one day, such roles would truly appear before her.
After the excitement, tears of joy welled up uncontrollably.
Quan Jiu cried and laughed. “I… I never thought that one day I would really have biological parents. It’s like a dream.”
Quan Maoheng’s eyes also welled up with tears. After a long pause, he sighed, “It’s our fault, and your mother’s, that we could even misplace our own child, causing you so much hardship over the years. Jiu Jiu, your parents are sorry.”
“No, no. For me, every experience is indispensable. If you hadn’t made the mistake back then, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I really like the person I’ve become.”
Quan Tianyang and Quan Tianxi also walked over.
Seeing that both of them had red-rimmed eyes, Quan Tianxi quickly changed the subject. “Don’t just stand here talking. It’s windy here.”
Quan Maoheng quickly agreed, “Yes.” The four of them then headed towards the lounge.
On the way, Quan Maoheng tentatively spoke.
“Jiu Jiu, I came today mainly to ask for your opinion. You must be very busy these days… but could you come home in three days? I want to have a simple homecoming party for you. And your mother, and your mother-in-law, they both really want to see you, but they’re afraid of overwhelming you if they all come at once.”
Although this was their first meeting, Quan Jiu could feel that she was being treated like family. That sense of closeness and familiarity made her feel incredibly comfortable.
She also liked this family very much – having parents and two brothers, whose every word and action revealed their affection for her. Therefore, she readily agreed.