noveldepot Chapter 105 The Running Elf
Chapter 105 The Running Elf
Chapter 107 The Running Elf (5/5) Please subscribe, add to your favorites, and vote with monthly tickets.
"What is Richard Gere?"
He was nothing more than a puppet in the director's hands, without his own thoughts, only a glamorous exterior and a delicate face.
Directing is a highly talented profession; he has no right to give orders.
Brooklyn, on the set of "Run Lola Run" on Eighth Avenue.
Sweat streamed down Charlize Theron's face as he sat in the chair, panting heavily.
She was exhausted!
Filming has entered its fourth week, and she feels like she's about to break down.
Every day is spent running.
Jogging, running fast, running at varying paces.
Although I knew this shoot would be tough, I only realized how incredibly tough it was after I actually did it.
In addition to physical exhaustion, there is also mental fatigue.
Xu Shengjie was well aware of her exhaustion, so he tried various methods to help her find novelty and maintain her enthusiasm.
But it was really tiring!
With over 1300 running shots, Xu Shengjie constantly adjusted the shooting rhythm.
He breaks down complex emotions and then releases them gradually—stable, neutral, and even slightly calm shots carry the accumulation of tension, rather than simply using dazzling movements to amplify that inner vulnerability.
Theron is very tired.
But she also knew that Xu Shengjie was even more exhausted.
At this moment, Xu Shengjie is adjusting the lighting on set.
He used light with great restraint, creating low-light environments, strong contrasts, and ample shadows.
In his eyes, the entire Eighth Avenue was no longer a background but a participant, which made his voice on set increasingly powerful.
What an amazing guy!
Theron took a sip of water and felt an itch on his scalp.
To maintain the vibrant red color of her hair, she hasn't washed it for three weeks, and it feels like worms are growing in it.
Danny Airo sat beside him, reading the newspaper aloud.
This was also to provide Theron with emotional relief and alleviate her physical fatigue.
Who is it?
"Quentin, Quentin Tarantino."
"Why did he suddenly speak out?"
Xu Shengjie walked over and sat down next to Theron.
He took the goji berry and red date water that Theron handed him, took a sip, and asked in confusion.
"This guy is really smug now. With Pulp Fiction grossing $931 million in its opening weekend, he naturally has the confidence to speak out."
"What do you mean?"
"He's speaking up for Uma Thurman—Jeffrey, have you read Pulp Fiction? She's absolutely stunning!"
Of course I've seen it, and more than once.
However, that was something I saw in my past life.
Xu Shengjie laughed and said, "Do you think I have the time?"
He spends all his time on set and has no time to watch anything.
"But why is he targeting Richard Gere?"
"He likes Uma. Uma is in big trouble this time; she's been recognized by the media, and a lot of people are criticizing her. Richard Gere isn't showing up, while she has to travel around with the crew for promotions. Luckily, John, Bruce, and Samuel helped shield her from the reporters, otherwise it would have been very embarrassing. Quentin is trying to divert attention from her situation, so he's dragging Jeffrey into it."
"I knew it; there seem to be more paparazzi around the film set these past few days."
"That's perfectly normal, you're famous now!"
Edward also came over and sat down next to Danny.
"Director, how are the sales of your two books?"
Buffy and Canal Street have been on the market for a week and are performing well.
"Buffy" attracted the attention of many teenagers with its gimmick of a youth campus fantasy novel.
They didn't care about Richard Gere; they just thought Xu Shengjie was cool.
Fighting in the NBA Finals, roaring on the court—all of this felt familiar and appealing to them.
Therefore, "Buffett" debuted at number 12 on the New York Times bestseller list in its first week, selling 13,000 copies. Fortunately, Jason adjusted the print run before publication, otherwise there might have been a shortage crisis; while the audience for "Canal Street" was mainly adults, who bought the book influenced by "Golden Scene".
Of course, many people also boycotted "Canal Street" because of Richard Gere's influence.
Therefore, "Canal Street Subway Station" only sold 5,200 copies in its first week, failing to enter the top 20 non-fiction novels.
But Robert said it was an outstanding sales figure.
It is expected that as word-of-mouth continues to spread, the sales of "Canal Street" will gradually increase.
At the same time, once Buffy's audience is large enough, it will also boost Canal Street.
Those teenagers have amazing purchasing power and don't have the same concerns as adults.
Buffy, a fiction novel, is priced at $9.99 per copy, while Canal Street, a nonfiction novel, is priced at $17 per paperback copy. Robert predicts that by the end of the year, Buffy will sell over 150,000 copies, while Canal Street will reach 80,000 to 100,000 copies. This is an excellent result for a new author.
But Xu Shengjie found it very boring.
Even if the sales volume exceeds 150,000 copies, with an 8% royalty rate, after deducting US taxes, the income would only be $80,000.
After deducting the $50,000 advance payment, the actual income is only a little over $30,000.
The situation on Canal Street is similar; the total would probably be around $60,000.
Suddenly it doesn't taste so good anymore!
You worked so hard on this, and you only got this little money?
To be honest, Xu Shengjie was a little disappointed.
"Ed, how's your preparation going? You're going to have a scene with Uncle Ghost coming up."
Edward Norton's face showed a complex expression whenever the topic of Ghost Uncle was mentioned.
"Jeffrey, Ghost Uncle—did he really have a history with gangs?"
"His ancestor was the founder of On Leong Tong, one of the largest gangs in New York, and also served as a sheriff."
He's the second-in-command of the On Leong Tong, similar to a consigliere in the Italian mafia. Do you understand now?
Edward looked at Danny.
Danny laughed and said, "He's someone who has a one-way connection with the Mafia patriarch and is on equal footing with him."
"Has he killed anyone?"
"I don't know that, but I do know that he runs a funeral home."
Edward's face twitched slightly, and he said softly, "No wonder, when I was alone with him, I always felt an indescribable feeling about him. Even if he just stood in front of me without saying a word, I felt fear."
Xu Shengjie and Danny exchanged a glance and couldn't help but laugh.
Gui Bo's status is much higher than that of the gang leader in the script.
"On another note, Quentin is actually a pretty good guy; he stood up for Uma."
"That's because he has the confidence to do so—if Pulp Fiction hadn't performed well, he wouldn't have come out to provoke Richard Gere."
Didn't you see? This whole thing has been going on for so long, and he only spoke up after the first week's box office results came out.
They're all shrewd people!
"That's true, that's not bad either."
In Charlize Theron's eyes, Quentin had become a devoted and loyal admirer.
Xu Shengjie didn't comment on this, but instead asked Danny, "No movement from Richard Gere's side?"
"It hasn't happened for a while, and something feels off."
Also, he said he was going to Paris for Fashion Week, but he's still in Los Angeles. I suspect something's happened; otherwise, even if he didn't say anything, he'd be showing up at Fashion Week quite prominently. His silence means the problem is serious. Let's wait and see; I expect news soon. I'm getting impatient!
"Me too!"
Xu Shengjie burst into laughter.
Theron glanced at the two men and muttered, "They're both bad guys!"
She suddenly changed the subject, looking at Xu Shengjie and asking, "Hasn't Julie contacted you?"
She made a phone call, but I didn't answer it; I only heard the voicemail.
Actually, there's nothing to keep in touch with—her decision back then wasn't wrong, and I don't want to think about these things anymore.
She commented that she had never said that the idea for "Lola" originated from her.
It was Jon who acted on his own initiative.
Edward, could you please take a moment to call her? Just tell her I'm busy on set every day; she'll understand what I mean.
"Oh well!"
He was basically telling Julie that he didn't blame her.
There is no right or wrong in this matter, just different choices.
So, this is what it means to be separated; both are relieved, a kindling joy for...
"Each, right?"
Theron tilted her head, her clear eyes looking at Xu Shengjie.
Xu Shengjie thought for a moment and nodded.
"So, it's all over?"
"Of course—Sally, why are you so long-winded! Are you rested enough? Let's continue, let's take advantage of the good light now and not waste any more time."
Theron chuckled.
She got up and walked towards the film set.
Xu Shengjie sat back down in front of the monitor, and as the script supervisor clapped the clapperboard, Theron started running again along the wet street.
Oliver stood on a skateboard and fixed the camera to it.
As the staff dragged the skateboard along, the camera kept a close eye on Theron, whose short red hair shone brightly in the sunlight.
Xu Shengjie stared intently at the monitor, watching the running sprite.
For some reason, a cool and dashing image suddenly entered his mind, and as Theron continued to run in the shot, that image became clearer and clearer, and a new story slowly took shape.
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