allonlinenovel Chapter 266 - 70: Limited Edition Skin: Qipao
Chapter 266 - 70: Limited Edition Skin: Qipao
Nian's studio was not at all what Felix had imagined. After taking several turns through a maze of narrow alleys, he finally found the right address and knocked. No footsteps came from inside. Out of curiosity, he tried the door—and to his surprise, it opened easily.Sunlight poured through the windows, illuminating a space that looked far less like a filmmaker's workshop and far more like a forge. The walls were lined with dazzling props; racks displayed unfinished weapons—blades, spears, and halberds still unsharpened. Whoever this "movie director" was, she clearly had a remarkable talent for crafting.
Felix squinted, studying one of the longswords resting on the rack. To his surprise, its quality shimmered blue—battle-ready once it was properly honed.
This prop is actually blue-grade?
He blinked, then began checking the others. The lowest quality he found was green; most were blue, and several even glimmered purple.
This isn't a film prop workshop—it's a weapons shop in disguise.
If she opened a store, she'd make a fortune.
Using his blacksmith and artisan sub-professions to analyze the items, Felix noted that the blue weapons contained minor flaws—imperfections that marked them as half-finished. If corrected, they could easily reach purple quality, and with a few added attributes, even ascend to pink rarity.
"Ah? You're here already?"
A familiar, lighthearted voice called from the inner room. Felix looked up to see Nian approaching, and gave a polite nod. "Hello. These weapons—are they all your work?"
"Eh… more or less?"
She scratched the back of her head, then grinned with visible excitement. "Since you're here, that means you've agreed to play the male lead, right?"
"…What about the other actors?"
Her face instantly fell. "Haven't found them yet."
Felix turned on his heel to leave.
"W-wait, wait, don't go!"
Nian grabbed his sleeve with surprising strength, holding him firmly in place. Pouting like a child, she said, "You're already here, at least stay for a bit! I promise I'll find the rest of the cast!"
"But I don't plan on staying in Shangshu long," Felix replied evenly. "I'm only here for official business. Once it's done, I'll be leaving."
"Eh—" She drew out the sound dramatically. "Then where do you live normally?"
"Lungmen."
"Perfect! The film industry there is thriving. I've always wanted to shoot a movie in Lungmen!"
Beaming, she led him into the inner room. Felix noticed two books laid out on the desk—both copies of The Sword of Mount Shu. One was the original edition; the other, a revised version.
"Have you read the full version of The Sword of Mount Shu?" she asked.
"Halfway through."
"What do you think of the second female lead?"
Accepting the cup of tea she offered, Felix nodded in thanks before replying, "She's the manifestation of a woman's dream—her real body lies asleep in ancient ruins, wounded beyond healing. She's a character that evokes deep pity. Whether her experiences in the dream are illusion or truth, the author leaves it beautifully ambiguous. I think she was written with great personal charm."
"…Is that so?" Nian smiled softly.
"Here, take this copy," she said, handing him the revised edition. "The original ended with the second male and female leads missing their chance—the woman's soul fades into the underworld, and the man lives alone, never marrying. But in the revised version, she survives, and they retire together in peace."
"Which one do you prefer?" Felix asked.
"The revision, of course! I don't like tragic endings," she replied with a bright grin.
Felix accepted the book and thanked her quietly. Then, with a curious look, he asked again, "Those weapons and props for your film—who made them?"
"I did."
She thumped her chest proudly.
"You?"
"What, surprised?"
Crossing one leg over the other, Nian leaned back into her grand armchair with an impish smile. "Didn't expect that, huh? Feel like you're meeting me for the first time?"
"I admit, I'm impressed," Felix said with genuine respect. "Your craftsmanship is extraordinary. I'm a blacksmith myself, but compared to you, my skills are still far behind."
"Oh? So we're in the same trade!" she laughed.
"Sort of," he replied. "But my main focus isn't blacksmithing—it's engineering."
He reached into his pocket and produced a small metallic cube. With a click, the cube unfolded into four tiny mechanical legs and began clumsily toddling across the tabletop.
"Looks pretty cute, doesn't it?"
Nian picked up the little cube toy, turning it over curiously in her hands. As she examined it, she murmured things like, "I see, so that's how it's structured." After fiddling with it for a bit, she returned it to Felix.
"I'd like to learn some forging techniques from you, Nian," Felix said sincerely. "Would you be willing to teach me?"
Nian didn't hesitate long before nodding. "Sure, but you'll have to pay tuition~"
Felix thought for a moment. "Then… how about this — I'll forgo my acting fee. Will that work?"
"Ah… that's…" Nian rubbed her chin, thinking. "My lessons will take quite a while, you know. And I won't just be teaching you blacksmithing — I'll also be teaching you how to forge."
Felix nodded in understanding. Forging — it wasn't just making weapons. It was the art of enhancement: +1, +2, +3 — strengthening equipment, imbuing it with new attributes, improving existing ones. It was an advanced craft, one he'd never had the chance to learn in his previous life.
In that world, only a few elite guilds and professional teams possessed the skill, keeping it secret because it could generate immense profits. Ordinary players like Felix had no choice but to rely on them, paying to have their gear enhanced.
Now, in this life, he'd advanced far ahead of schedule. Equipment wasn't an issue — but with an opportunity to learn such a rare craft, there was no way he'd pass it up.
"How about this," Felix proposed. "You're planning to go to Lungmen soon, right? I can arrange a place for you — a private villa. I'll also cover your living expenses, so you can eat comfortably and live well while you're there."
Nian's eyes sparkled instantly. She slapped Felix on the shoulder with a grin. "Didn't expect that from you! You're sharper than I thought — I really misjudged you, huh?"
"You're too kind," Felix replied with a smile.
"Hahaha!"
They both burst into laughter, each feeling like they'd struck a good deal.
After some casual conversation, Felix carefully steered the topic toward Nian's plans. Eventually, she decided she'd spend the next few days cleaning up her workshop. She wouldn't be able to leave for Lungmen at the same time as Felix and the others, but they agreed to meet again there once she arrived.
At some point, evening fell. Nian grabbed Felix by the arm. "Come on! Let's go get dinner — my treat!"
They talked about films all through the afternoon. Felix mentioned several classic Columbia movies and discussed cinematography techniques, which absolutely fascinated Nian.he trio joined the crowd heading toward the conference venue.
The mobile cities of Shangshu were vast — countless towns and settlements surrounded them. Felix estimated there were nearly a thousand attendees at the meeting. Their seats were near the front, at a table shared with other city delegates.
"Our report's already been submitted," Lin Yühsia whispered beside him. "The city lord of Shangshu will open the session, and afterward the floor will be handed to a representative from the Central Authority."
Felix simply nodded. He wasn't here to give a speech — that was Ch'en and Lin's responsibility. His role was to represent Lungmen's presence and lend support.
After the city lord's address, an elderly man took the stage. His face was etched with the lines of age and experience. His expression was solemn yet commanding.
"...That's the Grand Tutor," someone at their table whispered in surprise.
Felix lifted his gaze just as the old man's eyes swept the audience — and for a fleeting moment, their gazes met. The Grand Tutor gave the faintest of nods before continuing to scan the hall.
Under that sharp, weighty gaze, every representative straightened in their seat.
"I can't believe he came to Shangshu himself," someone murmured from behind. "He's always buried in state affairs…"
"Did you bring the gift?" another whispered.
"Yeah, it was meant for the city lord — should we give it to the Grand Tutor instead?"
Thanks to his keen senses, honed by training, Felix caught every word from the group behind him. From their chatter, he gained a rough understanding of who this Grand Tutor was — a man of immense influence, one whose presence demanded respect.
Sitting upright, Felix listened quietly as the Grand Tutor spoke — his tone calm yet authoritative, each word carrying the weight of history.
At one point, Felix noticed the old man's gaze flickering toward their table again. He couldn't tell whom he was looking at — Ch'en, Lin, or perhaps himself. The uncertainty left him puzzled.
When the initial session finally concluded, the senior officials withdrew to the inner hall for a private meeting, leaving the other delegates with a short break — a chance to socialize.
"How are you finding it so far?" Lin Yühsia asked with her usual calm smile as she sat beside him.
"It's been enlightening," Felix admitted. "I never realized the internal workings of Yan were so intricate."
Indeed, it all reminded him of the dynastic systems from the CN region's ancient history — complete with politics, hierarchy, and bureaucracy. Except, of course, this was Terra, where Originium and its strange technologies shaped everything.
Ch'en Hui-chieh seemed lost in thought. Until now, her perspective had always been limited to the city of Lungmen. Seeing the broader scope of the nation had clearly expanded her horizons.
"Honored representatives of Lungmen, a pleasure to meet you."
Ch'en turned and found several smiling delegates standing nearby. From the badges pinned to their chests, she could tell they were representatives of other cities.
Before she could respond, Felix rose with an easy smile — warm and natural, like a spring breeze. He shook hands with each of them, exchanging polite, diplomatic pleasantries and light laughter.
At that moment, both Lin Yühsia and Ch'en Hui-chieh saw something familiar in his demeanor — something that reminded them of Wei Yenwu and the cunning "Rat King" of Lungmen.
A political creature, through and through.
"Mr. Felix," one of the delegates asked, glancing between the three, "and these two lovely ladies are…?"
Before he could answer, Lin Yühsia smoothly hooked her arm around his right. Ch'en blinked — then immediately grabbed his left arm as if in reflex.
And just like that — left and right — he found himself caught between the two of them.
Felix's polished smile froze slightly.