章 146: Wrapping up
Taking a simple break was evidently a good way to adjust.
The following afternoon, when filming resumed, the crew was noticeably more energetic than usual.
With everyone full of vitality, the filming progress naturally picked up speed.
As time went by, the shooting of "Miscreant" entered its final phase.
The actors started to wrap up their work one by one.
Jason Statham finished on April 23rd.
Eva Green completed her scenes on April 25th. Of course, she didn't leave. Apart from occasionally visiting her parents, she mostly stayed on set, helping out as much as she could. In this situation, Lyman couldn't say much.
When someone helps you without asking for payment, what can you say?
René, being one of the producers, had always struggled to decipher their relationship. At this moment, he didn't dare to assign any specific tasks to Eva. Instead, he gave her some easy tasks to ensure she could wrap up and remain with the crew.
In reality, it was also a step for Lyman.
He had always liked to keep personal and professional matters separate. Even with friends like Thomas and René whom he considered close, he tried not to cross the line. Many times, a thin line separated various things, and crossing it often led to unfavorable outcomes.
When emotions, money, and interests got tangled, one had to be even more cautious.
Being in the entertainment industry, he was accustomed to people changing their attitudes overnight. Naturally, he didn't want such things to happen to him.
Living in this world, everything is just a façade. Is that pitiful?
...
On April 29th, the crew had their final scene. After finishing the shoot, they wrapped up the production.
Lyman got up earlier than usual today. Before 6 a.m., he was already up and about.
After dressing up and a quick wash, he went downstairs to have breakfast at a street stall. He then walked towards the set.
On the way, many crew members greeted him as they passed by.
He nodded in response to each of them.
Indeed, film production really stimulates local economic development because of the vitality it brings.
In less than a month of filming, various vendors had spontaneously appeared around the set, selling all kinds of goods – fruits, breakfast items, beverages, and more.
Nearby bars and hotels were also making quite a profit.
If this business could be stabilized, creating a film city wasn't out of the question.
Of course, apart from facilitating filming, EuropaCorp's establishment of the soundstage had similar intentions.
The French government or the Paris city government were definitely involved in this process. Just the land itself was a considerable expense, and any discounts would save a substantial amount of money.
Economic development often starts gradually in these cycles of circulation, doesn't it? The nature might differ, but the principles are quite similar.
By nine o'clock, the actors began to arrive one by one.
Everyone's spirits were high, and Lyman didn't dawdle.
With everything prepared, he sat behind the director's monitor. He gestured with his eyes, and next to him, James Wan picked up the megaphone and shouted loudly, "Scene 76, Take 1, action."
...
The filming went smoothly, but after a short while, the sky outside became overcast, and soon, it started to rain.
Looking outside, the rain was coming down quite heavily.
"Get a green screen to cover the surroundings, and we'll use studio lights for the shots instead of relying on natural light."
If it had rained two days ago, it might have disrupted the crew's work, but the final scene was a simple indoor one. No matter how much it rained, it wouldn't disturb their work.
Hehe, it seems the heavens are quite upset.
With the surrounding light completely blocked, the large lights placed around were turned on. Immediately, it looked as if it was a sunny day.
"Action."
This scene featured Tom Cruise in a solo act.
The second-in-command's retaliation was sudden and fierce.
He stood on the balcony of his own room, holding a phone to his ear.
The third-in-command had been attacked and was critically injured; his wife had been brutally murdered.
He appeared somewhat silent, lowering his head slightly as he pulled out a cigarette box.
His hand trembled a bit, but he managed to stay composed. He brought a cigarette to his lips, lit it, and took a few deep drags.
During post-production, flashbacks would be used here to introduce his life with his wife.
In reality, he had married the gentle woman with a purpose. Her grandfather held a high position in the "Golden Gate Group". While he wasn't directly involved in the organization, he was still a part of it.
By marrying her, he gained the appreciation of the gang's higher-ups and his own social status ascended.
This was beyond doubt, so he went along with it.
As for genuine feelings? It was somewhat laughable. How could there be sincerity when the intention was hidden?
Halfway through his cigarette, Tom extinguished it with his fingertips.
The momentary burning sensation stung a bit.
His somewhat clouded mind gradually cleared, and he realized what he had lost forever.
Whether he loved her or not, he had no choice; as for caring or not, it was probably something he cared deeply about.
The woman who always smiled, her eyes twinkling like stars, was no longer there.
Why had he lived in fear all these years, enduring silently?
He didn't know, even when he was working undercover, he was clueless. It was just a casual remark from his superior that set him on this path.
The camera followed the rising smoke, and Tom's figure seemed incredibly small.
The curtain rose.
...
"Cut." As Lyman shouted this word, everyone's attention shifted towards him.
"It's a wrap." Lyman continued in a relaxed tone.
"Phew, it's finally over."
The main creative team of the crew collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
Tom adjusted his mood and swiftly left the scene.
"Tonight, we'll party until we drop. I'm treating."
Tom announced boldly.
From an undercover agent to a charming host, it seemed like Tom only needed a second to transition.
Very quick.
Lyman had no issue with his generosity. After all, who paid for the wrap party didn't matter.
The crew worked energetically to clean up the set, and they carefully stored the film footage shot over the past two months.
The group set off towards the Four Seasons Hotel in the center of Paris.
After a hearty meal and ample drinks, they headed to a street filled with nightclubs.
Tom wasn't short of money, and he ensured that every service was first-class.
Unfortunately, Lyman didn't join the later activities. Instead, he considerately arranged for a car to take Eva back home.
Eva was quite satisfied with his gesture. As soon as she got into the car, she eagerly leaned in for a kiss.
How could Lyman let a woman take advantage of him?
In an instant, the roles reversed, and his hands became less obedient.
Eva smoothly straddled Lyman, her response equally enthusiastic.
After a while, their lips parted.
Eva blushed as if only now realizing there was someone else in the car.
Of course, if the driver, who was currently at the wheel, knew what she was thinking, he might have been quite disdainful.
As an experienced driver, he had seen it all. He'd seen it all.
"Am I your girlfriend?"
"No."
"Then what am I to you?"
"Don't know."
Eva looped her arms around Lyman's neck and kissed him once more.
This kind of conversation wasn't new.
Lyman responded casually.
He wiped his lips gently; that kiss had been too intense, almost like he'd been bitten.
Eva naturally knew there wouldn't be a definitive answer, but she liked asking nonetheless.
She didn't know why, perhaps as Lyman had said, she seemed a bit clueless.
Eva looked sensuously at the bite mark and gave it a couple of teasing licks.
Who could withstand that? Immediately, she took it into her mouth and began kissing again.
Inside the car, the temperature kept rising.
Fortunately, they reached their destination.
"Eva, it's time for you to go back."
She still clung to Lyman, showing no intention of letting go.
Suddenly, her face reddened, and she whispered, "How about I don't go back tonight? There's a hotel nearby. We could go there."
Lyman's tone became serious, "No, we're already under your apartment building. It's better to go back."
To "cross the threshold," Lyman disagreed.
They just finished a major battle last night, and now she wanted to go at it again tonight?
Was his kidney going to be okay?
He turned down an invitation from Tom himself. He rejected all sorts of temptations with a strong stance. How could he stumble here?
"It's not possible, absolutely not."
Eva suddenly burst into giggles, even glancing down beneath Lyman.
What did this mean? What kind of look was that?
When it came to a man's dignity, Lyman wouldn't stand for it any longer, "I think your suggestion is quite good. How about we do some yoga for a performance tonight?"
In response, Eva got out of the car.
"I'm heading up. Goodnight," she smiled and waved.
"Sure, goodnight." Lyman subconsciously let out a sigh of relief.
Good thing that didn't happen.
Otherwise, what would he do if his kidney gave out?
In the days to come, with so many beauties around, young man, you need to exercise some restraint.
The car slowly turned around and drove back the way it came.
Eva watched the car disappear from view and then cheerfully went upstairs.
What she didn't know was that someone observant had seen everything clearly.
...
Eva came from an entertainment family. Her mother, Marlène Jobert, was a French actress, her acting career wasn't very successful though. After marrying and retiring from acting, she started writing children's novels. Her father, Walter Green, was a Swedish dentist, not connected to the entertainment industry, but he did act in the movie "Au Hasard Balthazar". Her aunt, Marika Green, was a professional actress who was now semi-retired and focused on family life.
She also had a twin sister named Joy Green, who was currently in college.
...
"I'm back." Eva entered and changed into slippers before heading towards her room.
Her mother was watching TV on the sofa, and when she saw her daughter come back, she greeted her warmly, "Are you hungry?"
"I've already eaten."
It was late at night, and by the time Eva finished freshening up in the bathroom, her mother had already gone to bed.
Presumably, her call saying she was coming back had made her mother curious.
Eva changed into her pajamas and lay on the bed, hugging a pillow, tossing and turning.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
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Shallowman
Shallowman "Au Hasard Balthazar" - "Balthazar's Encounter"
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