Chapter 45: Soul Fire

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"Damn it! Damn it all…" Carey Mulligan shook her head vigorously, her short blonde hair flying as she looked agitated. "Why is this happening? Why is this happening!"

James Franco watched her, thinking she looked adorable even when angry.

Murphy stood quietly against the corner wall, one hand on his chest and the other supporting his chin, observing Carey Mulligan's performance with interest.

"Why did I suddenly lose my groove? Why can't I keep up with your acting?" Carey Mulligan exclaimed in frustration, hitting her head with her fist twice, looking extremely upset. "I'm so stupid! Such a big idiot!"

"Stop! Stop!" James Franco hurried to stop her. "Don't do that, don't be like that."

As if venting her frustration, Carey Mulligan stopped, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at James Franco as if he were her savior.

That pleading look made James Franco feel a bit intoxicated. He recalled what the rookie director had said about sincerity being the best way to move Carey Mulligan. It seemed to be working well. Should he thank him?

Thinking this, James Franco continued, "Carey, it's not your fault."

"How can it not be my fault?" Carey looked at him, her eyes full of expectation. "I'm the one who can't find the feeling."

"The sudden transformation of a character like Haley is challenging for any actor," James Franco leaned forward slightly. "Your character was innocent and charming before, but after seducing Jeff, she becomes a cunning and ruthless girl. Any actor would need time to adjust and find that feeling."

"Alright!" Carey Mulligan wiped her tearful eyes. "Let's continue rehearsing."

As Carey's performance deteriorated, Murphy's interest only grew.

Finally, Carey Mulligan got frustrated again, pacing around the sofa.

James Franco frowned. "Don't worry, Carey, I will help you."

"Help me? How?" Carey turned and asked, but James Franco had no immediate solution. She began pacing again, then suddenly slapped her forehead. "I've got it!"

"Huh?" James Franco looked at her in surprise.

Carey sat back on her sofa. "The scene and characters were wrong. I couldn't get into character. If we recreate Haley and Jeff's scene, I think I can find the feeling faster."

James Franco nodded. "Makes sense."

"Jim, you'll help me, won't you?" Carey blinked her bright eyes, and James Franco immediately responded, "Of course!"

"But... but..." Carey seemed hesitant, biting her finger and mumbling, "It's a bit... difficult, you might not..."

"No, Carey!" Having worked so hard to create this situation, James Franco was eager to use this opportunity to get closer to her. He said firmly, "No matter what it is, I'll help you."

This seemed to eliminate all of Carey's reservations. "I want you to become Jeff, and then we can rehearse."

"I am Jeff now," James Franco said.

"Not like that..." Carey made a tying motion. "Like in the script for this scene."

Hearing this, Murphy almost laughed but held it back. Carey, after his reminder, had realized James Franco's intentions and was using her advantage to trick him.

"Well..." James Franco hesitated. "This... might not be appropriate..."

Carey wrinkled her nose, her eyes brimming with tears as if she might cry any moment. Softly, she said, "Please, Jim, please... you said you would help me..."

That cute and beautiful doll-like face was right in front of him, and James Franco felt as if his heart was being squeezed. Such an innocent and adorable girl was his light, his soul fire...

Carey had great confidence in her appearance. She begged again, "Please..."

Who could resist such a plea? Especially when it wasn't a big deal, just helping her rehearse. James Franco couldn't refuse; his deepest self wouldn't allow it.

"Well... alright." He nodded. "Carey, we're good friends. I'll help you."

"Thank you." Carey managed a weak smile. "I won't forget your help."

Hearing this, James Franco felt that everything he did was worth it. As long as it brought them closer, what was the problem?

"Wait a moment." Carey stood up. "I'll get some rope."

She quickly ran to the temporary storage for props. When she turned around, out of James Franco's sight, she revealed a victorious smile.

Murphy saw everything, finding it increasingly interesting.

He had no intention of stopping it, thinking Carey was just messing around a bit. She wouldn't seriously harm James Franco, a grown man.

Men could be very irrational under certain desires.

Putting himself in James Franco's position, Murphy believed he could see through Carey's act because he didn't share Franco's peculiar fetish. If it were something he deeply desired, could he refuse?

Probably not much better.

Carey quickly returned with some rope. At her request, James Franco sat in a wide chair, closing his eyes as Carey bound him like a big cocoon. He was quite cooperative.

The white rope contrasted sharply with James Franco's gray clothes. Perhaps from the exertion, Carey had removed her beige coat, revealing a black T-shirt underneath, whether intentionally or not.

Standing opposite him, Carey looked at James Franco with a strange expression.

For some reason, James Franco suddenly felt uneasy. He glanced at the ropes binding him and asked, "We're rehearsing, right? Should we start?"