Chapter 12: Up, Three Mysterious Visitors

Chapter 12: Up, Up and Away – Three Mysterious Guests

The movie unfolded slowly on the screen.

“Up” was Pixar Animation Studios’ tenth animated film.

The story told of an elderly man who had once promised his late wife to travel to a waterfall nestled deep in South America.

But life’s struggles had kept them from going, until the government threatened to demolish his old house. Then he decided to take the house and fly it toward the waterfall.

Along the way, he embarked on adventures with a plump young boy named Russell.

Though the central theme was the adventure between the old man and the child, the earlier flashbacks of Carl and Ellie’s love story were deeply moving.

Scarlett’s eyes glistened with tears, watching intently.

Qin Feng glanced at her secretly, wanting to hand her a tissue but realized he hadn’t brought any.

The film ended, and the audience began to disperse.

“Oh, this movie was just superb,” Scarlett sighed.

“Yes,” Qin Feng agreed, “Though it’s an animated film, it has love and friendship, humor and thrills. It’s a rare masterpiece.”

“To earn Director Qin’s approval, it must truly be exceptional,” she said.

“Don’t say that. It was already excellent on its own.”

Qin Feng hailed a cab, and they discussed the film all the way.

From Pixar animations to Disney movies, from art films to action flicks.

Scarlett discovered that Qin Feng not only knew Hollywood films well, but was also incredibly knowledgeable about the global film industry and its future, speaking with ease.

She couldn’t help but admire him anew.

The taxi stopped beneath the apartment building.

Scarlett got out and waved goodbye to Qin Feng. “Another unforgettable day!”

“Hey, Scarlett,” Qin Feng called after her, “Can I take you out again?”

She turned around.

Her sultry lips curved into a charming smile.

Qin Feng’s eyes shone clear.

“Of course, Qin Feng, I’m really looking forward to it.”

…

News of Qin Feng and Scarlett’s date quickly spread through the art department.

Everyone was amazed. Scarlett was a star—young, beautiful, and the dream of countless men.

Qin Feng was just an assistant director.

Yet Kelly and a few others held a different view.

“Qin Feng and Miss Scarlett are a perfect match of talent and beauty.”

“Exactly! They look great together!”

“Scarlett herself is so approachable; she seems genuinely fond of Qin Feng.”

Upon hearing this, the male colleagues groaned in despair.

“No! My Scarlett! Ouch! My heart hurts so much!”

“I can’t stand it either! I’ve waited for her for over ten years. Why does she like someone else? Am I not handsome enough? Is it just because I’m bald?”

Kelly sneered, “Uncle, you’re over fifty. Just quiet down!”

“No! My Scarlett! Aaargh!”

…

Meanwhile, “Jurassic Park” was being intensely prepared.

All storyboards and animation previews were distributed to the relevant staff.

Qin Feng worked closely with Spielberg, effectively becoming his assistant.

At the same time, he was learning Hollywood’s workflows and methods.

Spielberg offered him much help.

During this time, Qin Feng also obtained a U.S. driver’s license.

A little over a month flew by, and filming was about to commence…

One afternoon, Spielberg called him over.

“Qin, tonight, you’ll have dinner with me.”

Without hesitation, Qin Feng replied, “Yes, Director.”

He didn’t know the reason, but following Spielberg was always a wise choice.

Recently, he had learned so much experience.

He regarded Spielberg as a life mentor.

After work, Qin Feng rode in Spielberg’s private car, leaving the studio.

The spacious, luxurious interior resembled an exquisite castle. Spielberg lowered the center armrest and took out a bottle of wine.

“Director, are we meeting some big shot?”

“Not a big shot, just some old friends. You’ll see soon enough.”

“Oh…”

Seeing Spielberg was silent, Qin Feng didn’t press further.

“Qin,” Spielberg looked at him, “I’ve already seen the film you made before coming to the U.S.”

“Ah! What?” Qin Feng froze.

No way! Spielberg had already watched “The Whole Village Sinks”?

Had Spielberg found someone to get a copy from back home?

Surely, since it was online, someone must have translated it.

He wondered what Spielberg thought after watching it—probably laughed at him...

Feeling embarrassed, Qin Feng stammered, “Director, that film, I…”

Spielberg smiled and said, “The concept was good, very authentic, but the storytelling and special effects were lacking.”

He patted Qin Feng’s shoulder like an elder advising a younger one:

“Qin, no one succeeds easily, and no director’s first film is a box office hit.”

Qin Feng listened attentively.

“Being a film director is hard. Failure is normal; it’s a necessary path.”

“No matter what you do, you must have ambition and confidence. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks.”

Qin Feng felt deeply moved and nodded. “I understand… Thank you, sir.”

As the city lights began to glow,

the car weaved through the streets and stopped twenty minutes later in front of a luxury hotel.

Spielberg and Qin Feng got out.

They entered the building and took the elevator to the third-floor restaurant.

From afar, three people were waiting.

Two men and one woman.

They saw Spielberg and hurried over.

Qin Feng stood behind the director, eyes wide, instantly recognizing the three leading actors of “Jurassic Park”!

Mr. Sam Neill, Ms. Laura Dern, and Mr. Jeff Goldblum!

Qin Feng felt as if he had stepped into a time machine, instantly transported back to his childhood memories.

A strong sense of unreality enveloped him.

Here, in a parallel world, he was recreating this film.

One by one, the actors embraced Spielberg.

“Hey, Director, how have you been?”

Sam Neill was mature and wise, dressed like a scholar, with a British accent.

“Great to see you, Director!”

Laura Dern was beautiful and elegant, serene with the passage of time.

“How’s your health lately?”

Jeff Goldblum, towering at 1.94 meters, well-maintained, always wearing a charming smile.

Spielberg was equally delighted to see them.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Come, everyone sit.”

They gathered around the table.

The restaurant was quiet, with beautiful piano music drifting from a corner.

The servers brought the dishes.

The three noticed Qin Feng’s East Asian features and, seeing him with the director, guessed he must be someone important.

Sam Neill asked, “Who is this gentleman? Director, please introduce him.”

“Heh… Everyone’s read the script, right?”

“Yes.”

“This is our chief screenwriter and assistant director, Qin Feng.”

(End of chapter)