Chapter 5

Thanks to Xu Can's outstanding performance, the filming of *Spider-Man* progressed rapidly, much to the delight of director Marc Webb, who was all smiles every day.

Marc had never experienced such a smooth production in all his years of directing. Xu Can excelled in dramatic and action scenes, often delivering impromptu performances that impressed everyone. Marc even began referring to him as "Peter Parker," joking that Xu Can was born for the role.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he's swinging between the skyscrapers of New York right now," Marc quipped. The producer nodded in agreement.

"I questioned you at first, but now I'm grateful you stuck to your guns and cast the right person."

The crew was currently filming a pivotal scene in *Spider-Man*. Now aware of his unique abilities, Peter Parker had developed a web shooter using materials from Oscorp and was about to test his web-swinging skills for the first time from a rooftop.

With all the equipment set up, Xu Can was ready for the scene. Emma Stone, who didn't have any scenes scheduled that morning, had joined the crew on the rooftop out of curiosity. However, as she tentatively looked over the edge, the strong wind caused her to lose her balance. Already afraid of heights, the sight of the distant traffic below sent a wave of fear through her.

Just then, a pair of strong hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her back to safety. Startled, Emma turned to see Xu Can smiling at her.

"Hey, it's too dangerous to stand so close to the edge."

"Thanks…" Emma replied, her heart racing. Normally, she would banter with Xu Can, but now she felt inexplicably nervous and shy.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Xu Can asked, placing a hand on her forehead out of habit.

"No fever… You're fine."

"I'm fine," Emma stammered, lowering her head shyly—a stark contrast to her usual carefree demeanor. "Xu, please be careful during the shoot. I'll leave you to it," she added before quickly retreating from the set, leaving Xu Can puzzled.

"Was she scared?" he wondered aloud.

With the wires secured, Xu Can was ready to perform a series of rooftop jumps and web-swinging stunts. Marc Webb had become accustomed to not needing a stunt double—Xu Can's ability to execute stunts was simply on another level.

"All units ready!" Marc shouted.

"Action!"

Xu Can took off running, leaping effortlessly from one building to another. His movements were as fluid as a seasoned parkour expert, scaling obstacles with ease in one continuous take.

"Hurry up! Keep the camera on him!" Marc shouted into the intercom, struggling to keep up with Xu Can's pace even with the crane camera on the track. Xu Can's speed was astonishing, and the shot—originally expected to require multiple cuts—was completed in one flawless take.

Everyone on set, including Marc Webb and Emma Stone, stood in awe, their mouths agape.

"God!" someone exclaimed.

Xu Can reach the edge of the building, where a wide main road separates him from the nearest building across the street—a distance of at least 50 meters. The continuous shot could finally be cut.

"Cut!" Marc Webb called out, and the crew erupted into applause, once again amazed by Xu Can's incredible performance.

"Xu, how on earth did you do that?" Marc Webb asked, full of admiration.

"I did some parkour in the past, so it wasn't a big deal," Xu Can replied nonchalantly, though he was a bit shocked by his performance.

He had initially thought that his "character-possession" ability only allowed him to embody a character's mindset. But now it seemed he could flawlessly execute the physical movements as well. The subway fight and the parkour sequence had proven this.

Xu Can realize his acting possibilities were endless. He could easily take on roles ranging from a war hero to an amnesiac agent like Jason Bourne—or even a vengeful hitman like John Wick.

This reminded Xu Can that *John Wick* was a 2013 movie. He made a mental note to write a script and shoot it when he had time. Whether the series made money or not was secondary—he was in it for the fun.

But for now, his top priority was finishing *Spider-Man*. Xu Can's salary for the film was $3 million, a million less than Tobey Maguire's for the original. But that didn't matter. When negotiating his contract, Xu Can insisted on a 5% box office dividend. Sony Pictures, not expecting much from the film, agreed without much fuss.

If this version of *Spider-Man* matched the $826 million global box office of the previous version, Xu Can's salary and dividends would amount to at least $15 million! If the film succeeded, Xu Can would have a solid foothold in Hollywood.

"Xu, are you ready? Let's start the next shot," Marc called.

"No problem!" Xu Can responded, giving the director a thumbs up.

"Scene 36, Take 5, Shot 1…"

"Action!"

Despite the wires and safety cables, Marc Webb couldn't help but sweat as he watched Xu Can prepare for the dangerous stunt—a web swing between two buildings. Typically, this kind of shot would be done in a green screen studio, with safety mats below. The final effect would be achieved with CGI. How Xu Can convince the crew to shoot on location was beyond Marc's understanding.

But it was too late to stop him now. Xu Can grabbed the steel cable that simulated Spider-Man's web and leaped into the air.

"Oh my god, oh my god! Please be safe!" Emma Stone prayed, too scared to watch.

But instead of disaster, she heard an excited roar echoing through Queens—Xu Can be swinging like the real Spider-Man, soaring between the buildings! The wind whipped past his ears, the sensation of weightlessness and exhilaration filling him with joy. He couldn't help but roar like Tarzan.

This was incredible—better than any bungee jump. This was what it felt like to be Spider-Man.

Xu Could have no fear for his safety. Confidently holding the steel cable, he swung to the roof of the opposite building in an instant. The crew, initially tense, watched in awe as Xu Can completed a graceful mid-air backflip and landed perfectly in Spider-Man's iconic pose.

The set fell silent, except for the distant noise of New York traffic. Marc Webb was so stunned he forgot to call it "cut," while the camera kept rolling, capturing every detail of Xu Can's extraordinary performance.