Chapter 44: Competition Schedule (Asking for Votes and Support)

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"Good morning, Gwyneth!"

In the morning, Richard walked onto the set while eating a hot dog and ran into Gwyneth.

Gwyneth gave him a cool glance, "That hot dog suits you."

"What do you mean?"

Richard asked, puzzled, holding his hot dog.

Gwyneth smirked and walked back to her seat, her high heels clacking.

"Hot dogs are junk food!" Gwyneth's assistant reminded him before quickly following her.

"Junk food?"

Richard shook his head and took a bite. It tasted pretty good.

---

"Director, director, did you see that? Richard and Gwyneth seem to have fallen out."

In the director's area, Henry, the assistant director, whispered.

"Are you sure?" Director Davis looked up and asked.

"Yes, they almost started arguing at the door just now."

Henry briefly described the scene he had witnessed.

"Really?"

Director Davis stroked his chin, then suddenly slapped his thigh. "Ha, that's great! They are really fantastic."

"Uh, director, you think that's great?" Henry asked, puzzled.

"Yes, it's perfect timing for them to fall out. Get everyone ready; we'll shoot a few more scenes today while the mood is right."

Director Davis waved excitedly.

"Is this mood good?" Henry didn't quite understand but went to notify the crew to start work early.

"Scene 18, take 1, action!"

Filming began, and Director Davis watched Richard and Gwyneth's performance on the monitor, smiling as he watched.

Their chemistry was perfect.

From initial awkwardness to intimacy and now to their fallout, the real-life changes mirrored perfectly on film.

In the movie, after Emily discovers David's background and schemes, Gwyneth looked at Richard with sadness, disappointment, disgust, and resentment in her eyes.

"Brilliant!"

Director Davis cheered silently. The expressions, the actions, the auraâ€"these weren't just good acting; they were real emotions.

Richard's responses were equally seasoned, like an unrepentant rogue, a cunning deceiver.

In this scene, both actors had significantly improved, surpassing their previous performances.

But he had one question.

Why did these two go from being all lovey-dovey to enemies overnight?

The change was too fast, too in sync with the script.

Could they be doing this on purpose to better immerse themselves in their roles? If so, their dedication was admirable.

Director Davis mused.

"Director, this scene is done."

Henry whispered.

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

The crew filmed over ten scenes in one day.

In the movie, David Shaw and Emily had few interactions, and Richard and Gwyneth worked so well together that the crew finished all their scenes in one day.

After filming, Gwyneth left the crew, leaving a harsh remark, "Richard, you insulted me. This isn't over!"

Did I insult her?

Richard thought for a while but couldn't figure it out. He sighed, grabbed his training gear, and went to the gym. The only cure for his troubles was lifting weights.

Gwyneth was gone, and Richard stayed, training and waiting for the arrival of Michael Douglas, with whom he had a few scenes left.

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"Hey, Richard, the competition schedule is out."

On the morning of November 14, while Richard was training, old Alvin called. The WBC light heavyweight championship qualifier schedule had been announced.

Richard's first match was on December 2, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, against a fellow New Yorker, Oney Smith.

Richard knew this opponent well, having met him two years ago at the Youth Games. They fought three rounds, and Richard won on points. Back then, he had been boxing for less than two years.

What would it be like to meet again?

Richard was looking forward to it.

"Alvin, have you calculated how many matches I need to fight before I can face Joey Jones?"

"About twelve."

"So many?"

"Yes, you're a newcomer. You need to fight at least ten qualifying matches and maintain a winning streak to qualify to fight the champion."

"Alright, I got it."

After hanging up, Richard put on his gloves and resumed training.

Thud, thud~ thud, thud~

---

The next afternoon, Michael Douglas arrived on set.

Michael Douglas, 54, won an Oscar in 1987 for "Wall Street." His notable works include "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Basic Instinct," and "The American President." He's a veteran actor.

Michael resembled his on-screen persona, with slicked-back hair and a cigar. He exuded an air of authority.

However, he had a bad cough, often exacerbated by smoking, and his presence always carried a strong smell of smoke.

With other commitments, Michael's time was limited, so they got to work quickly.

In the movie, Douglas played Stephen, a wealthy man planning to kill his unfaithful wife. Richard played David Shaw, the wife's lover.

"Now I see why Emily likes your work."

In the studio, Douglas commented on the paintings on the wall.

"Oh, why?"

Richard turned on the lights, illuminating the dark room.

"Your work looks like trash, but it's sexy."

Douglas smiled faintly.

"Trash? Is that what he said?"

Richard asked.

"You're managing your anger well."

Douglas observed another painting.

"You think I'm angry?"

Richard smiled lightly.

"Your work is full of anger."

Douglas continued, "The colors carry a sadness from who knows where. Is it from your heart?"

"Yes, it's from the heart."

Richard replied.

"Cut, cut, cut!"

Douglas interrupted, "Is this how you usually act?"

"Mr. Douglas, is there a problem?"

Richard asked.

"This won't do. Your performance lacks intensity and emotion. It's like a pale brush; how can you paint vividly?"

Douglas sternly said, "Remember, acting is serious. Every time you face the camera, you must be prepared, giving it your all. No slacking off, understand?"

"Understood!"

"Again!"

They resumed rehearsing, but Douglas interrupted frequently.

Douglas had a fiery temper and was strict. Even minor mistakes weren't tolerated. Sometimes, he made Richard repeat a line or action dozens of times until satisfied.

The first rehearsal went from 4 PM to 10 PM. The next day was eight hours. On the third day, they started filming their scenes, and Richard learned from Douglas as they shot.

Compared to Lewis, Douglas was harsher. Acting with him was stressful and exhausting, but the rewards were great.

Richard hadn't attended acting school and lacked professional training, but working with Michael deepened his understanding of acting.

"Richard, your acting is getting better."

Director Davis patted his shoulder.

Richard smiled, "It's thanks to you and Michael."

"Ha, I didn't teach you much. With him around, my job is easier. You should thank him."

Director Davis laughed.

"Yes, I should thank Michael."

Richard smiled and approached Douglas.

"Michael, the director praised my acting, saying I've improved a lot. I think I owe it to you."

"Don't mention it."

Douglas said, smoking a cigar. "I just have a bit of professional OCD. I don't like working with bad actors, and you're not too bad."

Richard smiled wryly. Despite all the hard work, he only got a "not too bad."

"Michael, how can I become as great an actor as you?"

Richard asked seriously.

Douglas laughed, "It's simple. Keep acting, act for decades, play hundreds of roles, until you can't walk. But I don't think you can be me."

"Oh, why?"

"Because there's only one Michael Douglas, and that's me."

Douglas laughed heartily.

Richard nodded, "Then I'll be Richard Brad, a unique actor."

"Hope your dream comes true!"

"Thanks!"

Richard smiled.

"Richard, phone call!"

Anthony walked over.

"Who's it from?"

"Guess!"

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(End of Chapter)