Chapter 153

Xu Can accelerated his actions to complete the monopoly before Netflix.

Fortunately, the other party was only a DVD rental company and had not ventured online.

Xu Can had ample opportunity to build his own moat.

Two days later, in the Hollywood of Los Angeles, at the Star River Pictures studio.

The cast and crew of La La Land gathered here, ready for the filming kickoff ceremony!

The director, screenwriter, and male lead were naturally Xu Can; this film was written, directed, and acted by him.

Those around were no longer surprised by Xu Can's versatility.

The assistant director, Damien Chazelle, was the original director,

discovered by Xu Can and pulled in to serve as labor.

The female lead, Emma Stone, was the original female lead.

It was just a bit challenging for Stone; at nineteen, she needed to portray the bitterness and helplessness of a twenty-eight-year-old.

Aside from that, there were only supporting roles, with casting basically following the original film.

Worth mentioning is J K Simmons, who played the restaurant owner, having previously collaborated with Xu Can in Spider-Man.

He was the editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, the man who targeted Spider-Man every day.

In Spider-Man 2, the two would continue to collaborate.

"Alright, everyone is here; I declare the film La La Land officially underway!"

"Yay!!"

The crew applauded in acknowledgment, and Stone twisted open a confetti cannon, excited and leaping like a little Miss.

The first shot of the film was of the male lead, Seb, sitting in the restaurant, playing jazz music with total absorption.

The female lead, Mia, opened the door; only she could appreciate the melody the male lead played.

This was also their second meeting.

Before the piano, Xu Can sat on a chair, with J K Simmons ready beside him.

Even now, Emma Stone still couldn't believe it.

"Wait, you really can play the piano?"

"Of course."

"Then why haven't I heard you play before?"

"I was busy filming before; there was no chance."

"Huh?"

Xu Can's mansion did not have a piano placed in it. He hadn't touched one before, and Stone hadn't imagined he could play!

She had thought she knew this man well enough; she had thought she was already his confidante.

Xu Can was always like a mystery, constantly bringing her new surprises.

The rest of the crew, including the landlord who rented the venue, and Ivanka, a wealthy young lady visiting the set, were also very expectant,

what level could Xu Can possibly play?

Under the gaze of everyone, Xu Can, with zero piano foundation, was not panicked at all.

He took a deep breath and quickly focused his attention.

His entire soul seemed to have burst out of his body, shattering the void.

My name is Sebastian; friends call me Seb,

a jazz musician... a pure jazz musician.

A few years ago, my partners and I founded a jazz club; back then we were very happy, thinking we could carry forward traditional jazz.

Unfortunately, due to conflicting philosophies, the club went bankrupt.

They went off to pursue so-called trendy jazz, planning to blend in pop elements...

Is that still considered jazz?

Anyway, I have no job now; I can only do my best to keep the part-time job at the restaurant to compose my own melodies.

That damn restaurant owner only lets me play boring tunes,

does it mean truly no one understands jazz anymore?

That lady in the blue dress over there, are you making fun of me?

Damn it!

In just an instant, the idealistic yet frustrated musician Seb had completely merged with Xu Can.

Countless melody fragments flickered in and out of Xu Can's mind,

he only felt his desire to create explode!

If he hadn't known he was on set, he would have rushed to record the notes just now on the score.

Hoo—

Xu Can took a deep breath, his fingers flowing slowly over the piano.

"Hmm? Silent Night? Isn't this music even children can play?"

At first, everyone was surprised; Xu Can was playing a very basic piano piece.

Perhaps Xu Can was just joking before; he had learned a little piano, not much?

Stone relaxed slightly; if Xu Can's piano skill was only this level, she would feel better.

If this man were too outstanding, the Nanmian Society would inevitably tire of looking up at him.

Yet then, the melody actually shifted!

Everyone's pupils contracted, and they instantly sensed something was off.

"This... what melody is this?"

"It sounds so sorrowful, I've never heard it before!"

"So beautiful! Could the director have composed it himself?"

"I heard all the music in the film was composed by the director!"

"Oh my god!"

Ivanka at the side of the set had her eyes light up, filled with pleasant surprise,

and across the entire set, a faint melody was flowing gently, plaintive and mournful, perfectly matching the film's script outline!

This was the theme song of the male and female leads, "SebMiaTheme," and also the melody running through the entire film.

Xu Can, just like in the film, stood beneath the spotlight,

surrounded by nothingness, with only him playing between heaven and earth.

Stone Sister, just like the film's female lead Mia, stood in the distance gazing at Xu Can,

her eyes filled with shock!

He... really can play the piano!