Chapter 478: Fantasy
Reba inexplicably recalled that classic line from Teacher Fan Wei in "If You Are the One": "I can refuse to accept, but they cannot refuse to give!"
Jiang Heng had appointed her as the female lead of the new film, and indeed the favor was not small. If she showed no sign of gratitude at all, it would be somewhat inappropriate.
After thinking, she said, "Should we prepare a gift?"
The assistant looked Reba up and down a few times, frightening her into quickly crossing her arms, "What are you looking at me for?"
"It's nothing; anyway, the role is already in hand, so let's first treat to a meal and talk later!"
Reba nodded, also thinking the idea was not bad; at worst, she could think later about what gift would be more sincere.
Huh!
Reba took a deep breath, telling herself inwardly, "It's fine, it's fine," before dialing Jiang Heng's phone and sharing her idea.
"Shall we eat together?"
Hearing Jiang Heng's hesitant tone, Reba quickly said, "If you're not available tonight, another day works too!"
Jiang Heng laughed, "Nothing inconvenient; it's just that the male lead of the new film also chose today to treat me to a meal!"
"The male lead?"
Reba hesitated for two seconds before recalling that Jiang Heng had mentioned the male lead of this film was Wu Jing.
"Oh oh, then you guys drink; I……"
Jiang Heng said with a smile, "Since it's such a coincidence, let's go out and eat together; you two have opposing scenes in the film, so meeting up would be good!"
"Alright then!"
After hanging up, Reba inexplicably felt a bit more relaxed.
It was really that Jiang Heng's aura was growing stronger, making her feel overly pressured.
When the time comes, with Wu Jing there, the two of them will drink, and she can just be a tiny invisible presence pouring tea and wine.
Following the address Jiang Heng gave, a driver drove Reba there.
Upon arrival, she found only Wu Jing present, who didn't even know Reba was coming—quite a clueless look.
"Where's Director Jiang?"
"Um, I didn't come with him. I actually wanted to treat Director Jiang to a meal, but he told me to come here."
"So you are the new film's female lead?"
"Probably so!" Reba said rather vaguely.
"Oh, nice to meet you, nice to meet you, happy cooperation!" Wu Jing said with a chuckle, his attitude being both enthusiastic and keeping distance.
So before Jiang Heng arrived, the two of them were purely engaging in awkward small talk!
"Yo, I'm late!"
"No, no, we came too early!"
Wu Jing chuckled, stood up, invited Jiang Heng to sit inside, and immediately had the server bring the dishes.
Reba greeted him and helped pull out Jiang Heng's chair.
"Hey, we're old friends, like family—no need for such formality!"
Wu Jing said with a smile, "That said, this time is different; after acting in so many big films, this is my first time showing my face!"
Hearing that, Reba couldn't help but laugh.
Wu Jing then self-deprecatingly said, "If we talk about personal box office, I should be the top mainland actor; with so many Journey to the West films, who could compare? Too bad the makeup is too good—no one can tell it's me acting!"
Reba nodded slightly; in the game "Black Myth: Wukong," Sun Wukong was not played by Wu Jing but by Wu Yue.
As a result, many people still couldn't tell the difference and thought it was also Wu Jing's work!
From that perspective, it's also quite tragic.
Therefore, the film "Alien Divergent Paths" is truly extraordinary for Wu Jing.
Of course, the same goes for Reba.
After exchanging pleasantries and sitting down, the three began chatting about the new film.
Wu Jing had read the script, greatly praised the story's content, and tried to offer his own view. His idea was that the subject matter was very novel and the setting had great potential for expansion.
If it were merely Earth civilization using advanced military equipment to crush an alien civilization still in the gunpowder era, the sequel would be boring.
In the universe there can be many civilizations; later we can just make up more.
Jiang Heng chuckled, "Your idea coincides with mine!"
Wu Jing's face lit up with surprise, "You think the same?"
Jiang Heng nodded, "Of course! Look at Marvel's stories: Captain America's shield is made of vibranium, and this material comes from extraterrestrial meteoric iron."
Since in our story the protagonist and others go to another planet, of course we can bring back special metals!
Wu Jing being able to direct and produce the "Wolf Warrior" series naturally shows he's quite thoughtful and capable of applying one example to many.
His eyes lit up instantly, "Right, there's also that alloy used to modify Wolverine, which also seems extraterrestrial. So in the sequel, we could also have similar superheroes!"
"So, if this film is done well as the first installment, there could be dozens of related works afterward, collectively forming a cinematic universe."
If that happens, you two will both be the creators!
Saying that, not only did Wu Jing's heart surge with excitement, but Reba also began to feel excited.
"Dozens of effects-heavy blockbusters? She wouldn't need that many; appearing in just one-third, or even one-fifth, would be enough to make a name for herself in the Chinese-language film world and stand firm."
Thinking that, the role she currently obtained is no ordinary importance! "Director Jiang, rest assured, when the time comes you can tell me how to act however you want—I'll give it my all!"
Jiang Heng chuckled, saying it's not that extreme, not that extreme.
He really feared that Wu Jing would overexert himself while filming and get injured; in his previous life, when he shot "Wolf Warrior 2," he truly risked his life for the visual effects!
Reba beside him also expressed her stance, guaranteeing she fears neither hardship nor fatigue and will devote herself fully to filming this movie well.
Jiang Heng laughed, "When hearts are united, even Mount Tai can be moved; with your attitude, this film cannot fail!"
Wu Jing chuckled, "We two are just the icing on the cake; the key is still your excellent special effects!"
"In terms of special effects, you don't need to worry; it's absolutely the highest standard!"
"Hearing this, Wu Jing grew even more delighted; just based on Director Jiang's words, the box office will surely not be lacking!"
"The three drank and chatted, and Wu Jing asked how the remaining casting decisions were."
"Jiang Heng said that the special forces squad led by the male protagonist he plays consists entirely of young male actors from Neidi."
"As for the other roles in the film, they will still be played by veteran actors like Chen Daoming, Tang Guoqiang, and Wang Hui Chun."
"Of course, Haolaiwu artists also take part, but they are the kind without much fame."
"As for the crew's expenses, Jiang Heng also focuses on saving money, not wanting to spend a cent more! After eating, Wu Jing made an excuse of being drunk and left first, leaving only Jiang Heng and Reba in the private room."
"Do you want to go home? I'll have the driver take you?"
"Mm!"
"Reba's voice was like a mosquito's buzz; she didn't even know whether she should go home."
"Besides, even if Jiang Heng doesn't send her, a single phone call can summon her assistant and driver."
"But at this moment, she still decided to follow Jiang Heng's arrangement."
"Am I really that scary?"
"In the car, Jiang Heng saw Reba's stiff posture and said with a chuckle."
"No, certainly not!"
"You, don't have any psychological pressure; just act well!"
"Oh!"
"Upon hearing this, Reba felt relieved, yet also felt an inexplicable sense of loss."
"Actually, there is some pressure, but it's not unbearable."
"After all, for a girl in the entertainment industry, having a backing gives her confidence! (End of chapter)"
End of Chapter
