311: You have to act too.

As soon as Wei Ziqing finished speaking, Shen Mingyuan leaned against the wall, lightly stroking his chin with his fingers, and remarked with his usual analytical tone:

"Oh? An extreme theorist... This kind of 'human supremacism' is really quite absolute."

Wei Ziqing turned to look at him: "Is it that extreme?"

"From the perspective of objective social models and potential conflict risks, it is indeed quite extreme."

Shen Mingyuan pushed up his non-existent glasses and continued his calm dissection, "However, purely from the standpoint of an individual human, from the biological and social instincts to protect one's own species and its civilizational achievements,

it's not hard to imagine developing similar 'human-first' thoughts, even a degree of... understanding for that declaration. After all, I am also human."

He paused, seeming to weigh his words. "For a specific evaluation... I feel this logic of complete exclusion and instrumentalization is somewhat too simplistic and extreme. Personally... I'm not inclined to fully agree with this kind of black-and-white division."

He then turned his gaze to Lu Jianchuan, clearly wanting to hear his partner's opinion.

Lu Jianchuan took over the conversation:

"As a... well, probably an idealist, I personally still hope to see all intelligent life, regardless of origin, ultimately find a path to peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.

That might sound very idealistic, but I truly believe it, and I'm willing to work towards it."

He glanced at his own arm. "Perhaps one of the essences of civilization is the continuous attempt to transcend the pure Law of the jungle in natural Laws, to build more complex cooperation and ethics.

This isn't just fantasy. Just like we firmly believe in and strive to eliminate poverty and injustice, the road may be long, but the direction is worth persisting in."

Shen Mingyuan nodded slightly beside him, not delving deeper into this philosophical topic.

"Alright, anyway, ideological debates are for the higher-ups and the general staff to worry about." Wei Ziqing promptly ended the topic and shook the tablet in his hand. "I have to head out now; I have a filming assignment today."

Lu Jianchuan was a bit surprised: "You're going to shoot too?"

"Yeah," Wei Ziqing nodded. "Didn't the publicity strategy say that the three of us—you, me, and Brother Shen—are all key focuses?

Someone has to cooperate on camera for some 'safe' demonstrations and interviews. Brother Shen refused, so that work naturally needs to be shared."

Shen Mingyuan finally spoke up to confirm in a light tone: "Hmm, they invited me. I refused."

Lu Jianchuan looked at him, somewhat curious: "Why? Appropriate public appearances can actually help build public trust and have a certain deterrent and calming effect on the people."

Shen Mingyuan, with his hands in his trench coat pockets, slightly lifted his chin and replied in a tone blending matter-of-factness with a chuunibyou flair:

"Because, as a Law enforcer hidden in the urban night, a Detective who purges the shadows of crime... my stage is destined to be the dimly lit corners and moonlit alleyways.

Exposure under the spotlight contradicts my code of conduct. I must remain behind the curtain; this is both strategy and... a fateful positioning. So, I declined."

Lu Jianchuan: "..."

Wei Ziqing: "..."

The two exchanged a glance, each seeing the familiar, helpless expression on the other's face.

Lu Jianchuan finally just raised a hand to press his temple, giving up on arguing: "Fine... whatever makes you happy."

Wei Ziqing also couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head: "Alright, got it. You two chat, I really have to go; the director hates lateness. See you later!"

He waved, turned, and quickly left the lounge, the sensor door closing quietly behind him.

Wei Ziqing arrived on time at the large film and television production base on the outskirts of the city via a vehicle arranged by GUPA. Passing through busy set areas and staff dragging various equipment, he reached the dedicated soundstage for the "silver skeleton" series crew.

The director, a spirited middle-aged man, greeted Wei Ziqing warmly as soon as he saw him, giving his shoulder a hearty pat:

"Ziqing's here! Good, looking sharp! The broadcast data and audience feedback from last time were a huge success, far exceeding expectations! So we need to strike while the iron's hot. The producers and publicity department want to start preheating for Season 2 while Season 1 wraps up.

Today we'll shoot a few concept trailers and promotional Materials. The official script is still being polished."

Wei Ziqing nodded; he was used to this kind of cooperation: "Understood. What do you need me to do now?"

"Today is mainly to familiarize yourself with the environment, shoot a few sets of stills and simple motion capture for the trailers." The director said, beckoning over a young man who had been quietly waiting nearby. "Here, Ziqing, let me introduce you. This is Long Qingyun, 'Qing' with the three-dot water radical. He will play your important partner in Season 2, set up as a comrade-in-arms who fights alongside you and grows together, from meeting to building deep trust. The interaction between you two will be a core storyline in Season 2."

The young man called Long Qingyun looked slightly younger than Wei Ziqing, with handsome features, bright eyes, and the unique mix of nervousness and eagerness typical of a new actor.

He hurriedly stepped forward and politely extended his hand: "Hello, Teacher Wei! I'm Long Qingyun. It's a great honor to work with you. I look forward to your guidance!"

"Hello, no need to call me teacher. Just Ziqing is fine." Wei Ziqing shook his hand, his attitude calm. He could feel a bit of sweat in the other's palm, but the attitude was sincere.

"Qingyun is a newcomer the company has high hopes for recently. His audition performance was outstanding, and he has a lot of potential."

The director added from the side, his tone encouraging. "He fought hard for this Opportunity, putting in a lot of effort himself, plus a bit of luck, to get into our crew.

The kid's got drive. He told me he wants to ride the 'silver skeleton' wave and become a genuine 'Rising Star'!"

Long Qingyun smiled somewhat sheepishly, but his eyes indeed burned with fighting spirit.

At that moment, a young girl nearby who seemed to be Long Qingyun's assistant or friend leaned in and said with a giggle: "Go for it, Long Aotian! I'm rooting for you!"

Hearing this, Long Qingyun not only didn't appear embarrassed, but instead straightened his chest, turned to the girl, slightly lifted his chin, and responded in a deliberately measured tone, carrying a hint of "domineering" yet still sincere:

"Don't worry! My goal has never changed. On this journey, I will surely reach the summit!"

After speaking, he even raised an eyebrow in coordination, his eyes revealing a bit of that legendary complex expression of "three parts unrestrained, three parts confident, four parts determined to succeed."

Wei Ziqing watched from the side: "..."

He silently shifted his gaze away, facepalming internally: 'You've got to be kidding me... another one? Having one chuunibyou Detective like Shen Mingyuan in the team is enough, how did we get assigned another chuunibyou actor?'

The director seemed quite pleased with Long Qingyun's "sense of character both on and off set" and smilingly arranged for them to go to the makeup room first.

On the way to the makeup room, the two naturally began to chat. Wei Ziqing, being a martial artist, had a steady temperament and no airs. Long Qingyun, despite his chuunibyou tendencies, wasn't a bad person and was quite talkative.

"Apart from studying acting, I usually stay at home taking care of my cat overlords."

Speaking of this, Long Qingyun's eyes lit up, the earlier "Long Aotian" aura instantly diluted by a "cat slave" vibe. "One Ragdoll, one Golden Shaded, and one rescued tabby. They're quite lively, but also very comforting. Brother Wei, do you like cats?"

"They're alright. A neighbor had one when I was a kid; it was quite affectionate." Wei Ziqing replied; he wasn't averse to such everyday topics. "I heard from the director that you prepared a lot for this role?"

"Yeah!" Long Qingyun nodded emphatically. "I watched Season 1 over and over, studied the combat style and spiritual core of 'silver skeleton,' and even took some martial arts training classes, though it's just the basics... I really want to play this role well, bring it to life.

"Him becoming 'silver skeleton's' partner isn't just a plot requirement. I hope the audience can believe in the bond between them."