Chapter 9: Working Overtime**

**Chapter 9: Working Overtime**

"Richard, great job! I can't believe you even managed to win over someone as strict as Lewis." 

Anthony grinned from ear to ear.

"Of course. My skills speak for themselves. Not just Lewis—I'd handle Will Smith, Tom Cruise, and Tom Hanks just as easily."

"Enough already. You get praised, and your ego shoots through the roof," Anthony scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Let's talk business. They say once an actor breaks into the industry, they need to choose a suitable path. You can fight and act, so action roles suit you best. We should focus on action movies. You might even become a kung fu star."

"It doesn't have to be just action movies. My looks are top-notch, my charm irresistible, and my eyes can tell stories. I could do romance, drama, Hamlet, the Prince Charming... Wait, where are you going?"

"Too nauseating, I can't stand it." Anthony flipped him the bird and went to chat with the executive producer.

"This jerk is so unprofessional. Once I have enough money, I'm definitely getting a gorgeous manager," Richard muttered, shaking his head.

---

"Richard, it's time to shoot. Please get ready!" 

The crew member's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Alright, thanks!"

Richard stopped his training, wiped off his sweat, and headed to the ring.

He had waited over three hours while they filmed Lewis's scenes. Now it was time to shoot their boxing match.

In the movie, Daniel Lewis's character, Danny Flynn, starts boxing again after getting out of prison and faces the Northern Champion, Eddie, in his first match. They have two matches in the film. In the first, Danny, recently released, is in poor shape and loses to Eddie. Despite the loss, Danny's perseverance and fighting spirit earn him respect and admiration.

Richard's role was Eddie, the Northern Champion, Danny's formidable opponent. With Danny as the protagonist, Richard was playing the villain—a role he relished.

"Hey, Richard, we can fight for real in this scene. Don't hold back," Daniel Lewis said, donning his gloves and stepping into the ring.

"You sure?"

"Yes!"

"Okay!"

Richard cracked his knuckles. Fight for real? What a joke. Knock him out for real, and the scene would be over. But on the ring, he would make sure to give Lewis a good show.

"Everyone ready? Scene 7, Take 1. Action!"

The cameras started rolling. Richard and Lewis stood in their corners, preparing for the scene.

Around the ring, five cameras were capturing every angle, with over thirty crew members bustling around them.

Ding ding ding~

The match bell rang.

"Box!"

The referee swung his arm down, signaling the start. Richard, as Eddie, swaggered to the center.

"Danny, I'm going to destroy you!" Eddie thumped his chest and laughed arrogantly.

In the story, they weren't just boxing rivals but also had conflicting political stances. Eddie represented the radicals, antagonizing Danny, which was sure to rile up the audience.

Danny ignored the taunt and launched his attack.

Eddie, with a smirk, danced lightly on his feet, effortlessly dodging Danny's punches, all while grinning like a cat toying with a mouse.

After a few rounds, Danny grew impatient and charged recklessly.

Bam bam bam~

Eddie unleashed six quick punches—three blocked, three landing on Danny's face, earning him three points in a real match.

"Cut!"

"Daniel, are you okay?" Director Jim Sheridan called out.

Lewis shook his head, "I'm fine. Richard pulled his punches. He didn't really hit me."

"Pulled his punches?" The director was surprised. 

On the monitor, Richard's punches looked fast and solid, with Danny's head visibly moving and his face rippling from the impact. How could that be fake?

"Richard, great job. Let's continue!" Jim smiled.

"Thank you, Director."

"Richard, in the next take, show more aggression," Daniel Lewis said, raising his fists.

"Aggression?" Richard furrowed his brows, looking menacing.

"Yes, just like that. Richard, you're a natural actor."

"Thank you. I'll learn from you."

"Ready?"

"Okay!"

"Scene 7, Take 2. Action!"

---

The first scene took over two hours to shoot. Richard had a couple of lines, making it relatively easy for him.

By the time they finished, it was dark. The crew continued filming into the night for the second scene.

In this scene, Danny makes a comeback and defeats Eddie, earning cheers from the audience.

Once the filming started, Eddie barely managed to hold on for a few rounds. Under Danny's relentless assault, he eventually succumbed, getting knocked out.

This scene wasn't hard either. Richard was used to faking injuries and defeat in real matches, fooling opponents and spectators alike. This was no different.

"Thud~ Thud~ Thud~"

Lewis's punches flew like a flurry of small motors, drawing loud cheers from the extras.

Richard, failing to defend himself, took several hits. His face, smeared with fake blood, looked battered.

After two rounds, Richard stumbled and fell, a camera capturing the scene from above.

"Cut!"

"That's a wrap for this scene!"

Director Jim announced.

After three hours of shooting, they finally nailed it.

"Richard, I got too into it and accidentally hit you," Lewis apologized, extending a hand to help him up.

"No worries. I'm used to it from my matches. I don't get hurt that easily," Richard said, rubbing his face with his glove.

"You're incredible. When's your next match? I'd love to watch."

"Sure, I'll let you know."

"Great!"

Lewis bumped fists with him.

---

Past two in the morning, Richard left the set.

"Haha, Richard, here's your pay—$1,000 for the day. Easier than a boxing match!" Anthony kissed the money, beaming.

"A whole day and night for just $1,000? You're too easily satisfied."

Richard drove, shaking his head.

"This is your first role, and you earned $1,000. That's better than 90% of actors."

Anthony stashed the cash away.

"Do you think this movie will be a hit, like 'My Left Foot' or 'In the Name of the Father'? Maybe even win some Oscars."

"Unlikely."

From what Richard knew, "In the Name of Love" only garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, falling short compared to other works.

Though the response might be lukewarm, being part of such a film was still a significant milestone for a newcomer like him.

"We'll take it step by step. You'll be a big star someday, and I'll be a top manager. Let's keep pushing!"

Anthony leaned out the car window, staring into the vast night.

"To the top!"

Richard grinned, revving the engine.