Chapter 40: Yifei: Just an Interesting Encounter

Her skin was as smooth as polished cream, her features as delicate as a painting, and her eyes sparkled like autumn waters, shimmering with an ethereal glow.

Zhang Yang had seen Liu Yifei before—she’d been just 17 when Sword and Fairy began filming in 2004. Though pretty, she’d seemed somewhat inexperienced back then; even Auntie Liu appeared more refined by comparison.

He always knew Liu Yifei was attractive, but he also thought some online fans exaggerated her looks. That changed today upon seeing her again firsthand—it truly hit him visually.

There was no need for excessive praise—he could only say that she certainly deserved being called “the woman who treats CCTV cameras as mirrors.”

“Since Brother Chao’s stand-in got injured, tonight’s shoot will definitely have to be postponed,” Zhang Yang naturally shifted his gaze away from Liu Yifei, continuing their conversation based on her response.

Deng Zhao played the male lead in the movie adaptation of The Four Great Detectives. He shared a love triangle between himself, Liu Yifei’s character ‘Wuqing’, and Jiang Yiyàn’s role, ‘Ji Yaohua’.

The scenes they were shooting at the prince’s residence depicted the four great detectives battling against the villain An Shigeng. Deng Zhao had the most action sequences, so without a skilled stand-in, it would be impossible to complete them.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Liu Yifei replied warmly, showing a range of expressions despite her cool demeanor. Her lovely brows furrowed slightly as she said, “I heard from the director that if we can’t find a suitable martial arts substitute within the next couple of days, this entire sequence might get pushed until May. And that could cause quite a headache.”

This situation seemed to align with Zhang Yang’s memories; he recalled that Four Great Detectives indeed began filming their climactic battle scenes around late May. He had initially wondered if his rebirth triggered this butterfly effect.

Now it appeared as though Deng Chao Wu’s injury was the actual reason behind the production team altering their shooting schedule.

With this realization, Zhang Yang met Liu Yifei’s gaze once more and said, “I remember you’d start promoting Ghost of Beauty in April or May, so you’ll be quite busy then.”

He knew from memory that due to her commitments elsewhere, many of Liu Yifei’s scenes were cut from Four Great Detectives, with Jiang Yiyan and Ji Yaohua receiving additional screen time instead.

“Hmm?” Liu Yifei blinked those beautiful eyes, scanning Zhang Yang’s face. “You seem pretty knowledgeable about my schedule—are you one of my fans?”

“If I were just any fan, wouldn’t I ask for your autograph and a photo right away?” Zhang Yang smiled before boldly asking, “So, what do you think—a ‘wife’ fan?”

When dealing with someone like Liu Yifei, breaking conventional rules is often the best strategy. No man dares to flirt with her—so daring to do so would surely make him memorable.

A “wife” fan? The concept caught Liu Yifei off guard, eliciting an unexpected laugh—one that could truly bewitch all who beheld it—if only they could overlook her less-than-perfect teeth.

“Only male celebrities have fanatical fans who call themselves ‘wifey.’ Are you trying to be my wifey?”

Zhang Yang shrugged. “What’s wrong with that? Either way, I win.”

“Well then, you might just be my first wifey fan.” Liu Yifei found Zhang Yang quite amusing; she couldn’t suppress her smile.

“But let me tell you, my interest in Ghost of Beauty isn’t because of you,” Zhang Yang said, shifting his tone. “I’m actually a big fan of Gu Tianle.”

Liu Yifei’s eyes flickered as she teased, “Could it be that you’re one of Gu-zizi’s husbandly fans?”

Zhang Yang fell silent.

As expected from the sharp-witted Liu Yifei—she was quick on the uptake and could connect the dots effortlessly.

“I suppose I’m more of a looks-based fan,” Zhang Yang mused, stroking his chin. “Gu Tianle has an ordinary appearance at best; compared to him, I’d only come out slightly ahead in a looks contest.”

Liu Yifei was taken aback.

Ordinary appearance? You’ve got good looks yourself, but only slightly better than Gu Tianle?

There were so many points to nitpick that she didn’t know where to begin.

“Are you perhaps misunderstanding what ‘ordinary’ means?” Liu Yifei barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes.

“You don’t understand now,” Zhang Yang said, giving Liu Yifei a deep look. “But someday, you will.”

The plain-looking Gu Tianle and the village maiden Liu Yifei.

Sometimes, exceptional beauty is described using the simplest terms.

“I just knew you were a bit of a narcissist,” Liu Yifei rolled her eyes.

As a female celebrity, she still needed to maintain her image in front of strangers—unless…

She couldn’t help it!

Zhang Yang smiled; he was about to say something else when he spotted a figure approaching from afar, causing him to change his tone abruptly:

“I’ve got to run now, gotta take care of some stuff. Bye, Miss Yifei.”

Liu Yifei watched as Zhang Yang turned neatly and headed towards the back of the tent. Her beautiful eyes sparkled mischievously. “I have a question for you.”

“Hm?” Zhang Yang looked over his shoulder at her.

“Have we met before somewhere?”

Under the lamplight, Liu Yifei’s face glowed like jade, her presence captivating.

“Miss Yifei, I know I’m quite handsome.” The corners of Zhang Yang’s mouth quirked up, his eyes filled with amusement. “But isn’t that pick-up line a little cliché?”

Liu Yifei: Pick-up line?

For the first time, she felt an urge to let loose with some choice words.

“My memory is excellent. You’re not part of our crew, but I can be certain this isn’t our first encounter.” Liu Yifei lightly gnawed on her silver tooth.

Zhang Yang had striking features—if he were part of their crew, she would undoubtedly remember him. Yet she sensed they’d crossed paths before.

Liu Yifei’s words took Zhang Yang slightly aback.

It had been seven years since their last encounter, growing from 14 to 21—quite a transformation.

For Liu Yifei to still recognize him, her memory was indeed impressive.

Of course, it also certainly helped that he was so “average-looking.”

“It’s true, this isn’t our first meeting,” Zhang Yang replied, allowing Liu Yifei to feel slightly smug.

See? I knew I wasn’t imagining things.

“As for when we first met, if we have another chance to meet again, I’ll tell you then.”

With those words, Zhang Yang swiftly made his exit, disappearing behind a tent in the blink of an eye.

Liu Yifei’s half-formed smile froze on her face.

Wait, no! I just asked out of curiosity; I don’t care if you don’t tell me.

Why does it suddenly make me feel like I really want to know when we first met?

A hint of melancholy settled over Liu Yifei.

This man is actually kind of annoying.

“Qianqian, who were you chatting with?” Liu Xiaoli’s gentle voice broke through her thoughts.

Liu Yifei snapped back to reality, turning to hug her mother’s arm. “No one important, just a staff member asking about what happened earlier.”

Unsuspecting, Liu Xiaoli tenderly straightened her daughter’s collar. “Director Chen said filming will be put on hold today. He’ll contact friends tomorrow to see if they know anyone suitable for the role. If they can’t find someone within three days, we’ll head to Xiangshan for shooting instead.”

“I hope they do find someone,” Liu Yifei said, shifting her focus to more pressing matters.

As for that little thief she’d encountered earlier—it hardly mattered now.

It was just an amusing encounter.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yang left the film set amidst surprised stares from many onlookers.

On his way back to the hotel, he received a call from Lin Feng:

“Brother Lin, it’s nothing serious,” Zhang Yang explained. “I was just wandering around the movie set earlier. The Four Great Detectives crew seemed quite active, so I wanted to ask if you knew anyone there who could let me in for a look.”

“No need now. I’ve already gone inside; Deng Zhao’s stunt double got injured during filming.”

“Oh, okay. Enjoy your meal with everyone else then.”

Zhang Yang waited until Lin Feng hung up before putting away his phone.

Back at the hotel, he stayed in his room until 9:30 PM, then decided to go find Nazha.

Halfway there, his phone rang again—it was Lin Feng.

“A-Yang, I checked with Director Chen, and it’s true that Deng Zhao’s stunt double had an accident.”

Zhang Yang fell silent.

Why should I care about this? And you actually went straight to Director Chen? Smooth move!

“Director Chen asked me if I knew of anyone suitable for the role,” Lin Feng continued. “At first, I thought I didn’t, but then I remembered you. So, I gave you a plug—interested?”

A stunt double? Not interested.

“Sorry, Brother Lin, but I’m signed with Tangren,” Zhang Yang replied politely.

“I understand.” Lin Feng’s voice came through again. “This isn’t just any stunt double—we’re talking about a minor character who has scenes with several main actors.”

Zhang Yang remained silent.

“Even though I’m contracted with Tangren, I can’t refuse your kindness, bro.”