Hearing the word "sinister", Song Jixing's interest was instantly piqued.
Song Jixing: "How is it sinister?"
Xu Kai then briefly explained some of the information he had gathered.
Those in their line of work didn't lack wealthy people.
Among them was a certain director who was a rich second-generation heir, investing in and organizing each film himself. Although he only focused on making horror films, which were somewhat niche, he still produced quite a few notable works, occupying a place in the horror film market.
For this director's latest film that was almost finished shooting, a temporary problem arose. The original actress playing the female lead quit and refused to act, willing to pay a huge breach of contract penalty just to escape the filming location.
With the female lead leaving before finishing her scenes, the incomplete film was essentially a waste!
So the director was desperately seeking a new actress with a large payout to play his female lead. In theory, such a high-paying job would be fought over, even if that place was sinister.
However, the director's own requirements were not low either.
He didn't want a rank 18 actress to play his leading lady, inviting only famous first- and second-line stars, each with their own representative works!
Those lacking money and fame couldn't go, while those with great fame naturally lacked neither money nor the desire to wade into such troubled waters.
After going back and forth, the director hadn't loosened his demands, nor had a new female lead been found.
Xu Kai said gravely: "That sinister town has recently become a hot topic online! At nightfall, cats start wailing non-stop, with stray cats dying at the town entrance every night!"
"Even cats locked in cages would somehow escape and die at the town entrance. Many who didn't believe the news brought their own cats there, with several dying! Some cats wore cameras, but no assailant was caught on film, with only screams captured!"
After listening, Song Jixing pondered seriously, feeling it was likely a newly awakened spirit animal causing trouble, probably one with a grudge against cats, otherwise it wouldn't only be cats that were harmed.
"Sounds interesting, can I give it a try?" Song Jixing asked.
She had previously acted in many horror films, though not in leading roles, so she was somewhat experienced in the genre.
As for her fame, although she had been out of the spotlight recently, after starring in Zhang Shuangcheng's film, she had likely gained a lot of popularity! Song Jixing was full of confidence.
Xu Kai himself was terribly afraid of such sinister things, feeling a chill as he spoke, turning to see Song Jixing looking eager to try!
She must... have some sinister objects at home, so she's not afraid!
Nevertheless, Xu Kai still tried to advise her: "Although the pay is high, that place is truly quite sinister! What if something happens to you? You'll miss out on making money!"
Money wasn't an issue for Song Jixing, as since the leaves from the formation's central tree could fill her stomach, her spending hadn't been as tight.
The problem was, "I'm just curious how sinister it is, I want to go see!" Song Jixing said earnestly.
Xu Kai: ???
Xu Kai felt he didn't quite understand women, especially Song Jixing.
However, since Song Jixing volunteered herself and said she wasn't afraid, he could ask around and help.
Shi Fei was extremely happy to receive news that Song Jixing wanted to come audition, even directly going to the Lan Ying company headquarters to interview her.
The audition results were naturally very smooth, with Song Jixing's acting ability meeting the requirements without issue.
After leaving the office, Shi Fei excitedly grabbed Xu Kai's hand and said: "I've already watched Director Zhang's 'Northern Song' twice! I especially love it! I never thought I'd get to work with Teacher Song so soon, I'm overjoyed!" Let's go, I'll treat everyone to dinner today!"
Xu Kai smiled along, turning to glance at Song Jixing beside him, who appeared calm and unperturbed.
Having resolved the problem that had been troubling him for a long time, Shi Fei was in a good mood, directly taking everyone to Y City's most expensive restaurant.
As soon as they were seated, Shi Fei urged everyone: "Order whatever you want, it's my treat!"
During the ordering, Shi Fei's assistant hurriedly came to the private room, taking out a stack of contracts for Song Jixing to sign.
Song Jixing didn't hesitate, directly writing her name.
Shi Fei became even more excited, immediately raising a tea cup to toast Song Jixing, "Teacher Song, I toast you, wishing us a pleasant collaboration! May the film be a great success!"
Song Jixing returned the toast: "Wishing us a pleasant collaboration!"
Perhaps due to finding the female lead, saving the film from being shelved, Shi Fei's crew were all very happy, everyone joyfully eating amidst the dishes.
Now the only one not so happy was Xu Kai, not because Song Jixing didn't listen to his advice, but because he felt uneasy just hearing about sinister things!
Seeing dish after dish he had only heard of but never ordered being served, Xu Kai became confused by the food, gradually losing himself.
The filming location was in Jiyu Ancient Town next to Y City, a well-known tourist spot in Y City with many visitors coming to sightsee regularly.
After the town's sinister reputation spread, it quieted down for two days.
Just as the town's tourism bureau began worrying about this, the town was suddenly flooded with large numbers of young people coming to explore, even more than before.
Perhaps seeing the benefits of adventure tourism, the authorities didn't investigate too deeply after issuing a statement to clear the town's name, and the phenomenon of cats wailing in the town showed no sign of abating.
Song Jixing stepped off the mobile home arranged for her by the company, standing in front of an old yet elegant manor compound, following the crew into the place where she would be filming.
This film involved the karma between lives of a family clan, with many scenes filmed inside the manor.
Reportedly, Director Shi Fei disliked the uniformly modern and processed buildings in film studios, directly waving a big hand to rent out an entire manor with over 300 years of history. Such a historically rich and well-preserved manor was uncommon in China, thus requiring extra care.
Filming was allowed inside, but living there was not!
In addition, with the recent influx of tourists in Jiyu, there were no available hotels to rent, so the company directly arranged a mobile home for Song Jixing.
On her first day at the crew, the assistant director took Song Jixing on a tour to familiarize her with the lead actors and crew, also giving her a sachet of incense.
"There's a protective charm inside, from Jinling Temple, it's very efficacious!" the assistant director explained.
Song Jixing didn't refuse, directly accepting it.
Then came the time to memorize lines and wait for filming to begin.
Considering Song Jixing had just joined the crew and hadn't fully read the script, Shi Fei didn't rush her, instead giving her a few days to adapt and familiarize herself.
He also took advantage of this adaptation period for Song Jixing to prepare some makeup and props.
Even without filming, Song Jixing's days were still extremely busy, with no free time.
Only at night was her true free time.
12AM.
Listening to the incessant cat wails outside, Song Jixing left her mobile home and went into the streets to investigate the cause.
Perhaps due to the many recent strange incidents, in addition to the bright street lamps, there were also constantly patrolling residents in Jiyu.
A red-sleeved resident greeted Song Jixing: "Miss, it's dark out, hurry home!"
