Chapter 78: How About Staying at My Place

Morning, Manhattan. The sun was shining brightly. A black Ford stopped in front of the luxurious residence at 62 Central Park South.

Richard got out of the car and admired the mansion's scenery with a bit of envy. The house was close to Central Park, less than 500 meters away. Opening the windows, one could see the park's beautiful landscape.

This was the set of "Dangerous X Game," where the main character, Sabas, lived. Using such a lavish location for filming also highlighted Sabas' status.

In front of the villa was a large green space, with well-maintained plants, a lush lawn, and an arched corridor, creating a stunning scene.

When Richard entered the set, most of the crew was already there, busy setting up. Reese Witherspoon was also present, dressed in a cherry blossom-colored blouse and white casual pants, with her blonde hair flowing freely. She sat quietly on a bench reading the script, looking particularly pure and innocent in the bustling Manhattan.

"Good morning, Reese!" Richard called out.

Reese glanced up at him and then continued reading her script.

Richard smiled softly and sat down next to her.

"Reese, where are you staying? Is it at the crew's hotel? It's not very convenient there. How about staying at my place? It's not far from here, and commuting would be easier."

"Keep your voice down!" Reese whispered, glancing around. "Why are you speaking so loudly? If people hear, they'll think we're really close."

"Aren't we close? I'm friends with your dad, so we're friends too. You're here in New York for filming, practically at my doorstep. It's only right I take care of you, isn't it?" Richard chuckled.

"I don't need you to take care of me. I'm older than you and have been in the industry longer. Why would I need you to take care of me?" Reese said, puffing up her chest and assuming a senior's posture.

"But my fists are bigger than yours, my arms are stronger, and I'm better at fighting," Richard joked.

"But my rank is higher than yours. I'm a C+, do you even have an E-level?" Reese raised her chin.

Richard hung his head in shame. In the industry, a low rank was a significant drawback, leading to his pay being only $10,000, while Reese got $50,000 and Sarah Michelle Gellar even higher, at $100,000, ten times his pay.

Whenever he thought of the gap between them, he reminded himself to work harder.

"Are you upset?" Reese tugged at his shirt. "Okay, okay, I'll go to your place this afternoon. Is that alright?"

"Then I won't be upset." Richard smiled lightly. "After we finish filming, we can go to the supermarket and buy some groceries. By the way, can you cook?"

"Uh... what do you mean?"

Reese was stunned.

"If you're staying at my place, we have to eat, but I can't cook, so you'd have to do it."

"You mean I have to cook if I go to your place?"

"Yes, can you cook?" Richard asked expectantly.

Reese clenched her fists tightly, feeling an inexplicable urge to punch him.

"Okay, I'm just kidding. There's an auntie at my place who cooks quite well," Richard laughed.

"You're so annoying," Reese rolled her eyes at him, picked up her script, and used it to shield her face, refusing to talk to him anymore.

Richard chuckled softly and picked up his script as well.

In the film, Richard's character Sabas is a wealthy playboy who initially is promiscuous but becomes deeply devoted in the end. Portraying this role required a good deal of acting skill.

To prepare, Richard wrote a 30,000-word 'Sabas' Personal Narrative,' detailing Sabas' emotional journey and psychological changes at different stages.

With this narrative, he could present various emotions and feelings based on the character's psychological changes, making his performance more layered and compelling.

These methods were learned from Daniel Day-Lewis and Michael Douglas, who said this approach was suitable for newcomers, helping them get into character more quickly.

The crew didn't start shooting in the morning but rehearsed for the upcoming scenes. Once rehearsals were done, they officially began filming.

Since Sarah Michelle Gellar was busy and hadn't joined the crew yet, they started with scenes between Richard and Reese.

The first scene was Sabas meeting Annie.

Annie, before the start of the school year, happened to stay at Sabas' aunt's house. The scene had five characters, including Richard, Reese, Ms. Sahil (playing the aunt), and two extras.

"Scene 41, Take 1, Action!"

Around noon, when the sunlight was at its brightest, the crew began filming. Sabas, dressed in a gray plaid suit with his hands in his pockets, slowly walked up the arched steps.

Annie walked ahead of him, her blonde mid-length hair flowing. She had a petite figure and a sweet smile, looking very pure and beautiful.

"I read your manifesto," Sabas said, eyeing Annie's figure as they walked.

"Really?" Annie turned and asked.

"Yes!" Sabas quickly diverted his gaze and replied earnestly, "Frankly, I think it's terrible."

"You're the first person to say that. Many people think it's good," Annie smiled.

"Most people are just flattering you. How can you criticize something you've never experienced?" Sabas shrugged, his eyes drifting over Annie's legs and waist.

"You just sound like a lesbian," Sabas said with a mischievous smile.

"Hmph, someone like you would never understand my beliefs," Annie said angrily.

"What do you mean by that?" Sabas frowned.

"I've heard about your reputation. You've made many promises to girls just to get them into bed," Annie said.

"Who told you that?" Sabas grabbed her shoulder.

"Cut!" Director Roger took off his headphones and stood up. "Richard, you're too intense. Just reach out and stop Reese, don't press down on her. You're a head taller than her, and pressing down on her shoulder makes it look like a big bad wolf bullying a little rabbit."

The crew laughed.

"Sorry, I'll be more careful," Richard apologized, then turned to Reese. "Did I hurt you?"

Reese rubbed her shoulder and looked at him with her blue eyes, laughing, "Richard, why did you get so agitated when I mentioned tricking girls into bed?"

"Sabas felt wronged; it's natural to be a bit agitated."

"But you got too agitated. Did that line hit a nerve?" Reese giggled.

"Don't talk nonsense. I'm not like that."

"Who knows?" Reese gave him a suspicious look and moved away from him.

"Actors ready, all departments ready, Scene 41, Take 2, Action!"

The second take began, and Richard and Reese returned to their original positions to continue acting.

"How are Richard and Reese?" Neil Moritz, the producer, approached the set and asked.

"Reese is fine, Richard is a bit raw, but he's learning quickly. Plus, his temperament fits Sabas' character well: dashing and handsome, with a bit of a rogue charm. His gaze can be a bit suggestive without being sleazy, which is a plus," said Executive Writer Ms. Corolla.

Neil Moritz nodded. "Compared to Ryan?"

"Richard isn't as lively as Ryan, but his looks and aura are better. He has more charisma, making his portrayal of Sabas more convincing," Ms. Corolla assessed.

Neil Moritz smiled. When the crew changed actors, few supported Richard. Many suspected Richard had something to do with Ryan's exit, so they didn't support the 'schemer' taking over.

Neil went against the majority and gave Richard another chance, curious about the young man's potential. It seemed Richard didn't waste that opportunity.

"Cut! This take is good! Prepare for the next one!"

——

Thanks to reader mfn123 for the tip. Thank you (*￣︶￣)