As Bao Wei began his makeup session, Liu Zehang arrived with the male lead of the film, Zhuo Jianhua.
Zhuo Jianhua, nearly sixty years old, was the most senior actor present, playing the role of the task force leader in this production. This character also had a real-life counterpart - a highly respected figure in C Province's criminal investigation circles. Having an actor of Zhuo Jianhua's caliber portray him ensured the officer's image wouldn't be dishonored.
After brief introductions, everyone quieted down as their respective makeup artists got to work.
Soon, the adjacent makeup area became noticeably livelier. Xiao He noticed that Uncle Li, whom he'd been paying extra attention to earlier, had returned to distribute water bottles.
From his behavior and mannerisms, Uncle Li appeared completely ordinary and unremarkable - exactly the kind of person Xiao He wouldn't have given a second thought to if not for his special ability.
Yet...
Xiao He fell into deep contemplation. What was this guy's deal? Did he have some special purpose for being in this production? Or was it all just coincidence?
"Teacher Li," Uncle Li handed a water bottle to a young actress sitting diagonally behind Xiao He.
From this angle, Xiao He could observe their interaction through the mirror. The actress was a stunningly beautiful young woman with lush black hair, wearing a white sundress that accentuated her gentle charm. Her eyes crinkled with warmth whenever she spoke - the very image of countless youths' campus crush.
Uncle Li chuckled warmly, "Haha, that wouldn't be proper. Teacher Li is such an accomplished actress, you deserve the respectful address."
Li Hanyue sighed, "Really, there's no need."
"It's only right—" After exchanging a few more words with Li Hanyue, Uncle Li continued distributing water, though his interactions with others were noticeably more perfunctory.
Perhaps sensing Xiao He's gaze, Uncle Li suddenly turned his head and made direct eye contact with Xiao He through the mirror.
Xiao He: ...
Since avoidance was no longer possible, he might as well face it head-on.
Xiao He offered Uncle Li a smile through the mirror.
Only he'd forgotten one crucial detail—
He wasn't an ordinary college student who could freely express emotions anymore.
He was now the Chosen Criminal!
The young man in the mirror smiled with unmistakable provocation and sinister charm.
Uncle Li's expression darkened momentarily, but instead of approaching, he simply gave Xiao He a long, penetrating look before turning away.
Xiao He shrugged to himself: As expected, a sincere smile remains the ultimate weapon.
After finishing makeup, Xiao He calmly walked onto the set, ignoring the astonished stares from others in the makeup area.
"Is that how you arrange props? Why don't you just wear it on your head? Move it over here!"
Hou Rongxuan, all smiles yesterday, had transformed into a complete tyrant on set today, barking orders with palpable irritation. "You there! Where are the knives? Bring them over! At least give me sharpened ones! Do you expect the actors to tear through with bare hands later?"
Unfazed, Xiao He took his designated position where a crew member handed him a butcher's knife.
The moment it touched his hand, Xiao He's mind automatically analyzed the blade:
Single-edged, thick spine, curved cutting edge, 20cm blade length, well-balanced weight - perfect for deboning and meat cutting.
"Xiao He, you've reviewed the script, right? Know what you'll be doing?" Hou Rongxuan approached.
"Yes, pretty much," Xiao He nodded.
This scene depicted the Zhu brothers discussing the neighboring slaughterhouse, with Xiao He mainly serving as background.
Satisfied, Hou Rongxuan pointed to a spot: "Stand behind them and make exaggerated meat-cutting motions. You don't need to actually cut - just drop pre-prepared props underneath. Keep the movements quick and continuous, and don't cut yourself, got it?"
Xiao He: ...
Actual cutting he could do, but faking it convincingly? That was truly beyond him.
"I can actually cut properly. My knife skills are decent."
"Good, then we'll— Wait, what?" Hou Rongxuan looked at Xiao He in surprise before turning serious.
"Xiao He, this isn't like chopping vegetables at home. This is an entire pig carcass. The cuts must follow the pig's anatomical structure, identify each part by its proper name, and employ the correct cutting technique for different meats... There's real craftsmanship involved. If you only know the basics, don't embarrass yourself on camera. Both Liu and Bao underwent special training for this."
Much of "Killing Life" took place in slaughterhouses. The eldest and second Zhu brothers were experienced butchers, while the youngest, though still a student, possessed exceptional slaughtering skills.
Bao Wei and Liu Zehang had trained extensively for their roles, even going to rural areas to practice pig slaughtering. Since Xiao He joined last-minute, Hou Rongxuan had lowered expectations, even reducing his scenes after consulting the screenwriter.
Yet here was Xiao He, overstepping his bounds.
Recognizing the director's anger and skepticism, Xiao He said nothing. Instead, he lifted the butcher's knife, spun it deftly in his hand, the blade flashing silver before slamming down onto the cutting board with a thunderous BANG!
The startling sound made everyone jump. Liu Zehang held his breath, half-expecting Xiao He to turn on the director. Even Bao Wei frowned until his gaze landed on the hanging pork ribs - then his expression cleared. "What impeccable knife skills!"
Following Bao Wei's line of sight, the crew gasped. The pork rib that had been hanging above Xiao He's head was now completely clean bone, all its meat perfectly sliced and piled neatly on the cutting board below - uniform pieces arranged like an art installation.
Jaws dropped at the sight, though some narrowed their eyes thoughtfully.
"Holy shit! Did anyone get that on camera?" Hou Rongxuan yelled excitedly to the cinematographer, his earlier anger forgotten. "That was absolutely brilliant!"
Who could've imagined an ordinary college student possessed such knife skills?
Unfortunately, no one had recorded the moment.
Seeing the director's crestfallen expression at the negative response, Xiao He consoled him: "Don't worry, Director. If you trust me, I can demonstrate bone-cleaving too."
After all, what's the difference between cleaving pig bones and human bones?
Xiao He rubbed his nose to hide his guilt.
Completely oblivious, Hou Rongxuan slapped his thigh and shouted decisively: "Old Li! Bring the props!"
Uncle Li dragged over a large piece of pork. Despite his slender frame, he displayed surprising strength, effortlessly hefting half a pig carcass onto the table with a twist of his waist.
Xiao He observed his every move while casually asking the director: "Director Hou, is Uncle Li part of your regular crew? He seems really capable - such strength!"
Hou Rongxuan paused before denying: "No, we hired him when forming the production crew. His strength and work ethic impressed me, so I kept him on."
"I see..."
Xiao He fell into thoughtful silence.