Silver Linings

Chapter Four - Impressive Flipping

[27 MAY 2020]

⁂ GONG JUN ⁂

Gong Jun wasn't late for the training the following day, but he wasn't early either. Even though he was on time, he ended up being the last actor to arrive. Being just on time had given him a few spare minutes to talk through any damage control with Wenrui in the car. He did a quick sweep of the training room and spotted Guo Yashi who waved and motioned for him to come over. Gong Jun took off his black facemask, popped it into his shoulder bag and took out the fan, flipping it a few times in his hand.

"Gong Laoshi, good morning." Zhang Zhe Han's voice was right next to him, where he stood inside the door, and he was so startled that he almost dropped the fan. But only almost. Instead, he did what looked like a well-rehearsed intricate flip and caught it like an expert. Gong Jun thanked whatever guardian angel had helped him out and turned to his right.

"Zhang Laoshi, good morning." His co-lead looked at him with those big eyes and for a moment, just a millisecond, Gong Jun's heart skipped a beat.

"Wow~ I thought this was your first time using a fan? Did you practice a lot yesterday or are you just a natural?" Zhang Zhe Han looked amused and a bit impressed. He also looked like he wanted to snatch the fan from his hand and twirl it himself. Gong Jun held on to it a bit tighter, not really sure why he felt like he needed to protect his fan from this man.

He pressed his lips together, his eyes carrying a warm smile and lowered his voice as if speaking in confidence, "I was just lucky. It is my first drama with a fan and I haven't had much practice with it yet, but I will master it in time for when I need to. Hopefully, soon, that move will be routine."

Zhang Zhe Han looked up at him and tilted his head, the amused smile still curling his lips, "I am sure you will, Gong Laoshi." He only hesitated for a moment, before continuing, "Thank you for yesterday."

Gong Jun wondered how much his co-lead remembered of all the things that he had babbled, and responded, "Oh, I didn't really do anything. How are you feeling today?"

Zhang Zhe Han smiled and took a deep breath, "No, you did help me out and I am grateful. I feel fine now, thanks, probably because I fell asleep early. I am not that tired and I don't even have a headache."

"That's good."

They stared at each other in silence for a moment before Guo Yashi's voice carried over the crowd, calling for Gong Jun. He nodded towards Zhang Zhe Han, smiled and said, "I am glad you are feeling well today, Zhang Laoshi. I hope training goes smoothly. I'll see you later." And walked off with Wenrui on his heels.

To say that they progressed fast through the training was an understatement. They were pressed for time and they had to cover a large spectrum of fighting scenes in just a few days. They would have some time to practice during the actual filming of the scenes as well, but the more he could learn now, the better.

Gong Jun picked up specific kung fu moves pretty fast, but he was still relatively uncoordinated. Since he was a man of perfection, he rarely accepted mistakes from himself. At least not the same mistake multiple times in a row—there had to be at least a bit of progress and improvement. Practice makes perfect. And that is what I am paid for. His face was focused throughout the day, and he did get better and better. He even managed to master some of the more difficult moves whilst in a harness and wire and got a few slaps of approval on his back when he did a perfect landing.

Since they were still split up, the cast and crew only really interacted with each other during lunch. However, Gong Jun had to make a few phone calls to discuss his upcoming schedule and stepped away from the rest of the group for privacy. Not only did he have a live stream gaming competition in just three days, he also had a live stream with Givenchy coming up in two weeks. Everything from the travel arrangements to the styling needed to be checked, triple checked and then confirmed.