Chapter 45: The Fire of the Soul

"Darn it! Damn it..." Kerry Mulligan shook her head vigorously, her short blonde hair flying around as she appeared frustrated. "Why is it like this? Why?"

James Franco watched her, finding even her angry state adorable.

Meanwhile, Murphy leaned against the wall, arms crossed and chin resting on his hand, enjoying Kerry's performance.

"Why did my state suddenly disappear? Why can't I keep up with your performance?" Kerry exclaimed in frustration, hitting her head a couple of times, looking genuinely upset. "I'm so dumb! I'm such a huge idiot."

"Stop! Stop!" James quickly intervened. "Don't be like this. Don't."

Seemingly done venting, Kerry stopped and blinked, her eyes misty as she stared at James as if he were her savior.

James couldn't help but feel intoxicated by her pleading gaze. He remembered what the newbie director had said about sincerity being Kerry's soft spot, and it seemed to be working perfectly. Should he thank him for the advice?

Though he thought this, James didn't say it aloud. "Kerry, it's not your fault," he assured her.

Upon hearing his comforting words, Kerry looked at him expectantly, asking, "How is it not my fault? Clearly, I can't get into character."

"The sudden transformation of your character, Hayley, is challenging for any actor," James explained, leaning closer. "Your role was previously innocent and charming, but after enthralling Jeff, you instantly become a cunning and manipulative girl. Any actor needs an adjustment period and time to find that feeling."

"Okay!" Kerry wiped her misty eyes. "Let's continue rehearsing."

As Kerry's performance worsened, Murphy became even more intrigued.

Finally, Kerry exploded again, pacing around the sofa.

"Don't worry, Kerry. I'll help you," James reassured her.

"How can you help?" Kerry turned to him, and seeing James momentarily at a loss, she began pacing again. After a couple of rounds, she slapped her own forehead. "I've got it!"

"Huh?" James looked surprised.

Sitting back on her sofa, Kerry explained, "The scene and the character weren't right. I couldn't immerse myself in my role. If we recreate Hayley and Jeff's scene from the script, I think I'll find the feeling faster."

James nodded. "Makes sense."

"Jim, will you help me?" Kerry blinked her bright eyes at him, and without hesitation, James said, "Of course!"

"But..." Kerry seemed hesitant, biting her finger nervously. "It's a bit... challenging. You might not..."

"No, Kerry!" James interrupted. "Whatever it is, I'll help you."

Kerry's pleading expression melted any remaining resistance in James's heart. "I want you to become Jeff and then rehearse with me."

"I am Jeff right now," James said immediately.

"No, not like this..." Kerry made a tying motion with her hands. "Just like the scene in the script."

Hearing this, Murphy almost laughed out loud but managed to hold it in. Kerry, after his reminder, must have realized James's intentions and decided to take advantage of his weakness.

"This..." James hesitated. "Isn't it too much?"

Kerry wrinkled her nose, her eyes watery, looking as if she might cry any moment. Softly, she pleaded, "Please..."

Who could resist such a plea? Besides, it wasn't a big deal, just assisting her in rehearsal. James couldn't refuse. Deep down, he felt it was the right thing to do.

"Okay, then," he agreed. "Kerry, we're good friends. I'm willing to help you."

"Thank you," Kerry managed a smile. "I won't forget your help."

Hearing this, James felt his actions were justified. If it brought them closer, what was the harm?

"Just wait here," Kerry stood up. "I'll go get some rope."

With that, she hurried off to the temporary prop warehouse. As she turned away, out of James's sight, she revealed a victorious smile.

Murphy observed everything, finding it increasingly amusing.

Kerry returned quickly, and at her request, James sat on a large chair. He closed his eyes as Kerry proceeded to tie him up like a giant dumpling. It was quite a sight, the white ropes contrasting with James's gray attire. Perhaps due to the recent exertion, Kerry took off her beige jacket, revealing a black T-shirt underneath, whether intentionally or not.

Kerry stood in front of James, eyeing him with a strange expression.

For some reason, James suddenly felt uneasy. He glanced down at the ropes binding him and asked, "Shouldn't we start rehearsing since we're in the middle of it?"