Chapter 80: Filming the Routine and Conflict

"All positions ready, Scene 7, Take 3 of 'Honey' is about to begin!"

"Lights, music, and all background actors, move! Dance like you usually do!"

"Actors, on set. ACTION!"

At noon, inside the Rockwood Music Club, the crew of *Honey* started filming Scene 7.

The main plot of Scene 7 involves Michael, played by Luca, coming to the club where the female lead, Honey, works. He invites her to join his production company, and the two engage in a series of conversations.

The scene features Luca, Jessica, Joy Bryant, who plays Honey's best friend Gina, and hundreds of extras—it's a large-scale scene.

As the filming began, the club was filled with flashing lights and loud music. Extras on the dance floor began to move energetically, creating a typical nightclub atmosphere.

Ahh oh wee 

Ahh oh wee 

I used to say that I'll never fall in love again 

At the bar, Honey and her friend Gina were drinking.

"What are you doing? You're about to get her drunk!" Honey scolded the bartender behind the counter, holding her tipsy friend.

"It's fine, give me another drink," Gina waved her hand, swaying slightly.

At that moment, Michael entered, wearing a striking red shirt. He pushed past a few writhing bodies and approached Honey.

"Excuse me, are you a dancer?"

"Yeah!" Honey shrugged while holding her glass. Her shoulder-length, wavy hair was loose, and she wore an off-the-shoulder dress. She smiled sweetly, radiating confidence and sensuality.

"I figured," Michael smiled and gestured with his hands. "Here's the thing—I'd like you to dance for me."

"Ha!" Honey shot him a playful look, her eyes full of spark. She turned to Gina and said, "Let's go!"

"No, no! Don't go, I'm serious," Michael stepped forward and squeezed into the crowd, coughing slightly as if adjusting to the club's atmosphere.

"Good!" Director Billy smiled in satisfaction as he watched the monitor.

Based on his discussion with the screenwriter, Michael, being white, would feel out of place in a club mostly frequented by Black patrons. Just like how Luca felt when they first came here, Michael's discomfort needed to be shown.

Before shooting, Billy had told Luca to act naturally and stay true to the character's feelings. From his subtle reactions, Billy could tell Luca understood his instructions perfectly, and he was pleased.

"Don't go, I'm serious!" Michael caught up with Honey and Gina and introduced himself. "I'm... I'm a video director. I'm starting a project next week."

"Haha, are you saying you're giving me a chance to whip something and shake my ass in front of your camera?" Honey glared at him with disdain. "Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. Gina, let's go."

Honey pulled Gina into the crowd. The main camera smoothly pulled back, and the lighting and sound followed automatically.

"Honey, what are you doing? He's a director!" Gina asked, confused.

Honey scoffed, "Every guy says he's a director when he's hitting on someone."

"Hey, wait!" Michael followed them again, pointing to his ear. "It's too loud here. How about we go upstairs to the VIP lounge and talk?"

"Sure!" Gina replied.

Honey waved it off, refusing, "It doesn't matter where we go—I'm not doing any stripping."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Did I say anything about stripping?"

"Yeah, someone told her that before," Gina chimed in.

"No, no, I'm not that kind of director. My name is Michael Ellis."

"Wait, what? Who did you say you were?" Honey asked, surprised.

"Michael Ellis!" Michael repeated, a bit smug as he rubbed his ear.

"Wow! You're Michael—Michael Ellis? Honey, this is the guy you've been looking for!" Gina said excitedly.

"CUT!" Billy called a short break. The extras continued dancing, but the three lead actors paused their performance.

Billy walked over to them and said, "Jessica, your emotions aren't intense enough. You need to be more excited! In the music industry, Michael is a big deal, someone who can give you a real opportunity. You're an ambitious person—you want to work with someone like Michael. When he's in front of you, you should light up like a bulb and dazzle him, not look at him coldly."

"Hehe," a soft laugh came from the side.

"Is something funny, Luca?" Billy asked curiously, while Jessica and the others turned to look at him.

Luca shrugged and said, "Give me a second."

He pulled Billy aside, away from the camera.

"What's up, Luca? Are you going to tell me a joke? Now's not the time," Billy said, slightly annoyed.

Luca stopped, spread his hands, and said, "Billy, didn't you notice? Miss Alba has a problem with me—a serious problem."

"Really?" Billy was surprised.

He glanced at Jessica among the extras. "I didn't notice anything."

Luca shrugged. "It's true. She's not just cold to me in the scene; she's like that off set too—aloof, cautious, and dismissive."

"That bad?" Billy frowned. "Maybe you're mistaken?"

Luca chuckled, shaking his head. "Billy, read my expression."

Billy looked into his eyes and paused.

Luca's eyes were dark and clear, like a screen displaying his every emotion.

Billy was quietly impressed. For an actor to show this much depth at such a young age—Luca was only twenty-one—was remarkable.

"Don't you see it?" Luca frowned.

Billy stroked his chin. "There's disdain, coldness, and even a little hurt in your eyes."

"Exactly!" Luca sighed in relief. "My acting coach always said reading eyes is a crucial skill for great actors. It helps you understand your scene partner's mood and adjust accordingly, so I know I'm not wrong."

"I see..." Billy scratched his head, looking conflicted.

Luca and Jessica were key actors in the film. If they were having issues, it could slow down production. This needed to be sorted out quickly.

"Luca, hold on a minute," Billy said and walked over to the bar, where he had a brief conversation with Jessica.

After a few minutes, he returned.

"Well, Billy?" Luca asked.

"She didn't say much," Billy shrugged, "but she assured me it won't affect filming. Maybe you could talk to her privately?"

"Umm, alright," Luca frowned as he headed back to the set.

Jessica walked over with her arms crossed, acting like nothing had happened.

"Scene 7, Take 4 of 'Honey.' ACTION!"

(End of chapter)