Chapter 3

**Los Santos has simple folk customs.**

**Sony Pictures, Studio Entrance**

"Good morning, Xu."

"Good morning, Emma. Still feeling dizzy?"

"Hmm… I have a terrible headache."

Emma Stone smiled bitterly, rubbing her head. The hangover was definitely not a pleasant experience.

"I know who made you drink so much last night. Here, drink this—it'll help you feel better."

Xu Can handed her a cup of honey lemon tea that he had prepared in advance.

"Wow! Thank you, Xu! You're so sweet! This is really thoughtful."

Emma was genuinely touched by Xu Can's kindness. She didn't expect him to be so considerate.

"We're friends. Let's head in—it's almost time."

Xu Can also didn't expect that they would drink together until midnight. The two young actors had clicked instantly and spent hours talking over drinks.

Emma had vented about her doubts regarding her acting career, while Xu Can shared stories from his days at the Beijing Film Academy.

Emma ended up drinking too much, so Xu Can took a taxi to get her home, carried her to bed, and made sure she was comfortable before heading back to his apartment. By the time he got home, it was already late.

Today was the official start of *Spider-Man*'s filming, and Xu Can woke up early to prepare some tea for Emma. Despite not getting much sleep, his mind was still preoccupied with something.

"What was that state I experienced during the script reading?" he wondered.

"Is it some kind of special ability?"

Xu Can felt as though, when he concentrated, he merged with the character he was playing. He wasn't just acting—he *was* Spider-Man.

But as soon as he stepped off the set, the mysterious state vanished, and Xu Can returned to being himself.

Today's shoot would be the perfect opportunity to see if that "character possession" could happen again.

If it did, Xu Can began to imagine the possibilities.

---

**"Scene 1, Group 1, Shot 1, Take 1… Action!"**

Marc Webb, sitting in the director's chair, gave the command, and the clapperboard snapped shut.

The long-awaited *Spider-Man* movie was finally in production.

Peter Parker, played by Xu Can, skated down the school corridor. His smooth, confident movements caught the eyes of the actresses nearby, who couldn't help but stare.

After leaving the building and stepping onto the campus, Peter immediately spotted Gwen Stacy.

Emma Stone, playing Gwen, sat quietly on a bench, her slender legs highlighted by over-the-knee boots. She looked so stunning that Peter couldn't resist taking out his camera to capture the moment.

At the same time, a luxurious Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up at the school gate.

Harry Osborn, played by James Franco, made his entrance.

"Peter!"

"Hey, Harry! You're here."

"Harry, you forgot your backpack."

The "Old Green Goblin," played by veteran actor Willem Dafoe, then entered the frame.

"Peter, this is my father…"

"Mr. Osborn, it's an honor to meet you."

"Peter," Osborn smiled as he stepped forward to shake Peter's hand. "I've heard a lot about you. Harry speaks highly of your knowledge of science."

"I read your research on nanotechnology and genetic engineering—truly impressive. Your parents must be very proud…"

"Alright, alright, we can chat later—it's time for class."

Harry interrupted their conversation and led Peter towards the building.

"I hope we'll have the chance to talk more later," Osborn said with a meaningful look as he watched Peter walk away.

"Cut!"

Director Marc Webb picked up the megaphone and called out, leaving everyone on set staring at him in anticipation.

Then, Marc Webb broke into a wide smile.

"Great! The first shot's a wrap! Let's take a three-minute break and get ready for the next one!"

"Awesome!"

The cast let out a collective sigh of relief. It seemed their performance had gone well.

Marc Webb was even more relieved. The first shot was a complex long take, set outdoors with multiple characters and extras, and several lines to deliver. He had designed it to introduce the main characters in one fluid sequence.

Emma Stone had no lines, which wasn't a problem. James Franco and Willem Dafoe were experienced actors, so Marc hadn't worried about them.

His only concern had been Xu Can. As a newcomer with no prior acting experience, Xu Can's casting had been questioned by the media and the studio. Marc had been under a lot of pressure to justify his choice.

Despite trusting his instincts and Xu Can's potential, Marc had been anxious about the first scene, fearing that repeated mistakes might undermine everyone's confidence in Xu Can as Spider-Man.

But to his delight, Xu Can had delivered flawlessly. He perfectly embodied Peter Parker, bringing the high school student to life.

"Is this kid really a genius?" Marc wondered.

Even the other actors were a bit surprised.

"I thought Xu would struggle and maybe forget his lines, but he adapted better than I did," James Franco admitted with a laugh. "I was a little nervous at first."

Willem Dafoe took a sip of his Coke, glancing at Xu Can with newfound respect.

"To be honest, I was hesitant about this role at first. An Asian Spider-Man? I wasn't sure. But I'm glad I listened to my agent and took the part."

Willem had a feeling that this *Spider-Man* movie might just be something special.

Meanwhile, Xu Can and Emma Stone sat together, chatting during the break.

"How was it? Did you get used to the filming process?"

"I didn't really feel anything. Once we started, I forgot about everything else and just became the character."

"Wow, maybe you really do have a natural talent!" Emma said, genuinely happy for him.

After hearing about Xu Can's journey, she sincerely hoped he would succeed in achieving his dream.

"Alright, everyone, break time's over! Get ready for the next shot!" the assistant director called out.

*Spider-Man* had already been delayed for several years, and Sony Pictures was eager to move forward. With tight schedules and heavy workloads, the entire crew was under pressure.

---

**"Scene 1, Shot 2, Take 1… Action!"**

The moment the clapperboard clapped, Xu Can's mind cleared.

At that moment, he wasn't Xu Can anymore.

He was Peter Parker.

"I am Spider-Man!" he thought to himself.