National Forensic Doctor-Chapter 1142 - 1073: Farce

"Go outside and take a look. Are film crews here always this bold?" Liu Jinghui closed his pad and glanced at Dai Mingsheng as they walked.

Dai Mingsheng said apologetically, "I’m really sorry. They’re likely worried about delays. Every day a film crew is delayed, they could lose hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions. We haven’t released any information, so outsiders don’t know it’s a murder case here. We’re occupying the location, and the crew is likely trying to test the waters."

What he said was quite frank. The film and television industry is the backbone of Lanyue City’s economy, with a massive workforce and numerous related companies. Everyone here depends on it for their livelihood, and it’s natural that frontline crews wouldn’t want to bear such unexpected losses.

Mu Zhiyang, standing nearby, seemed surprised: "Can it really be hundreds of thousands a day? If this location is unusable, can’t they use another one? They should be able to find something similar."

"A single crew involves directors, assistant directors, script supervisors, several photographers and their assistants, lighting technicians, makeup artists, prop handlers, and of course, the actors. Even at the bare minimum, you’re looking at over 20 people. That crew had more than 60 people on site at the time. Now, the external crews—discounting extras—still likely have half of their people waiting outside. Whether they change locations or stick around, it’s going to cost a lot of money." The speaker this time was Dai Mingsheng’s deputy, stepping in with a somewhat conciliatory tone.

"Feels like they’re constantly under investigation every day," Jiang Yuan suddenly recalled the days impacted by massive personnel budgets and expenses.

Liu Jinghui chuckled and remarked, "Faced with something like this, their fears are useless. Don’t they need to seek help from insurance or their investors?"

Dai Mingsheng paused, then said, "You’re not wrong, but some will still want to handle things on their own."

"Well, let’s hope they’re genuinely afraid of losing money." Liu Jinghui smirked and spoke more bluntly, "Every single producer I know is extremely savvy, and their words are sugary sweet. I wonder if the crews in Lanyue Film and Television City have something unique about them."

His statement was clear and posed an irrefutable question—do film crews truly fear losing money?

Some might indeed feel apprehensive, especially those investing their own money to make films. They’re known to stretch every penny. But the majority, the overwhelming majority of filmmakers, are spending someone else’s money to shoot films. How genuinely afraid could they be of financial losses? This, Liu Jinghui and Jiang Yuan understood all too well.

"If you have to pay, you pay. That’s it."

"Let’s go meet this crew." Jiang Yuan’s interest was piqued.

Mu Zhiyang immediately reached for his walkie-talkie to call for backup. You never know—there might be stunt professionals among the crew. What if someone fights as skillfully as Jackie Chan like in the movies? Better to gather more reinforcements.

A short while later, Jiang Yuan and the others exited through the gates of the replica Ming dynasty courtyard. freewēbnoveℓ.com

Outside, the ground was paved with blue bricks and spacious enough to resemble a small square. Originally, it served as a filming location.

At this moment, the police had occupied about one-third of the entrance area, cordoned off with yellow police tape. Several fully equipped officers stood outside the perimeter.

Beyond the tape gathered a group of more than a dozen people, nearly 20, some dressed casually, others in costumes, shouting towards the inside.

"What’s the plan?" On the way out, Dai Mingsheng decided to follow orders and directly asked Liu Jinghui and Jiang Yuan.

Liu Jinghui turned to Jiang Yuan and asked, "Do we escalate this or keep it low-key?"

"Round them all up first," Jiang Yuan replied and then asked, "Would you consider this escalating or staying small?"

"Can’t escalate much more than this," Liu Jinghui joked, clearly appreciating Jiang Yuan’s decisive attitude. A hands-on detective, truly fearless in making decisions.

Seeing this, Dai Mingsheng nodded as well and said, "I’ll call the Bureau Chief."

The group finalized the plan and approached the police line upfront.

Dai Mingsheng proactively introduced himself, "I’m the officer in charge here. What’s your issue?"

Officers from the Lanyue City Bureau saw the Criminal Police Detachment Leader himself step in and immediately moved in closer. Some sharp-minded officers even picked up their walkie-talkies.

Under normal circumstances, even with a murder case, the Criminal Police Detachment Leader wouldn’t personally handle it. In fact, most murder cases don’t reach the Criminal Police Detachment level. They’re typically handled by district or county police departments. For example, cases in Ningtai would first be managed by the Ningtai County Criminal Police Team rather than escalating to the Qinghe City Criminal Police Detachment.

Similarly, cases in Qinghe City’s Qianjin District would be handled by its district police team. Only significant or complex cases go to the city-level Criminal Police Detachment, which often serves a supervisory or supportive role in most cities.

In this instance, however, Dai Mingsheng invited Jiang Yuan over specifically and made an appearance for accompaniment. For the on-site Lanyue City Bureau officers, even though they were still bound by confidentiality requirements, it quickly became apparent that this case was undoubtedly high-profile.

The crowd gathered outside the police line suddenly felt immense pressure under the collective gaze of the officers.

Compared to actors who need specialized training in wielding commanding expressions, criminal investigators hone theirs through daily work. When applied here, the effect was unparalleled.

Those who had been loudly shouting moments earlier now felt a bit uneasy.

"What are your demands?" Dai Mingsheng inquired again, purely fishing for information.

"We... We’re from the ’Wangsheng Pharmacy’ crew. Based on schedule, we should already be using this location today, but you’ve blocked it off. Who’s responsible for compensating our losses?" The leading man braved the pressure and spoke up. His voice was loud and carried an air of training.

Inwardly, Liu Jinghui thought, "He’s probably showing off techniques learned for his role."

Dai Mingsheng maintained a composed smile and asked, "Did no one negotiate this with you?"

The leading man hesitated and replied, "I wouldn’t know. But I do know that halting production costs us tens of thousands of yuan daily. Personnel are paid per day, cameras, lighting, and props all have daily rental fees. Actors’ schedules are the hardest to adjust..."

"What’s your name?" Dai Mingsheng interrupted.

The man straightened up under further pressure and replied, "I’m not afraid to tell you—my name is Liu Xueyi. Officer, I’m just trying to fight for my rights. We paid for this location, and now we’re being told we can’t use it. Should we just helplessly absorb this loss? What does your investigation have to do with us?"

"Who’s the producer of your crew? Actually, never mind." Dai Mingsheng turned to his assistant and said, "Look into this crew’s details. Find out who’s in charge and who’s funding it. Call them and let me talk to them."

Liu Xueyi had braced himself for conflict but hadn’t anticipated the police would simply call his boss.

Liu Xueyi froze for a moment and said, "Even if the producer agrees, we’re still out of work, aren’t we?"

"As long as you’re paid, that’s all that matters." Dai Mingsheng looked at him and said, "If the crew dares to withhold your wages, you can call the mayor’s hotline or report it to me directly. I’m Dai Mingsheng, the Criminal Police Detachment Leader of Lanyue City. But if the producer pays you and your companions fully, then stirring up trouble like this is unnecessary. Honestly, I find it strange—why are you defending the interests of capital so vigorously?"

Liu Xueyi hesitated for a long time before replying, "When the drama is completed, isn’t it beneficial for everyone?"

He turned and looked at his peers for support.

Those who had yelled loudly earlier exchanged glances and muttered agreement in much quieter voices.

During the standoff, the assistant returned with a phone, handed it to Dai Mingsheng, and reported softly, "The producer of this project is named Li Jike, a small-time producer under Lisong Culture. It’s already been clarified."

Dai Mingsheng took the phone, switched to speaker mode, and said, "Producer Li, this is Dai Mingsheng. I’ve put you on speaker. What do you have to say?"

"I fully support you!" Producer Li’s voice rang out loudly through the phone, followed by a furious roar, "Liu Xueyi, are you out of your mind? Get back here immediately!"

"No need for him to rush back." Dai Mingsheng hung up the phone, looked at Liu Xueyi, and asked, "If the producer didn’t send you, why are you causing trouble here?"