56: Chapter 56: The Most Perfect Protagonist 56: Chapter 56: The Most Perfect Protagonist “Actor’s body training?”
Li Xue heard a new term, and she found that her curiosity about Han Fei was growing.
He dreamed of becoming a comedic actor, yet because of his role in a thriller-mystery film, he stumbled upon the clues to a serial murder case.
He looked gentle, even somewhat frail, but his physical and mental strength were exceptional, as if he had gone through a hellish ordeal.
Working in criminal investigation, Li Xue had seen all kinds of odd people, but she had never encountered anyone like Han Fei before.
“The things I’m teaching you, don’t use them indiscriminately, and especially not on people’s vital points.
If you encounter danger, your first choice should still be to call the police,” Li Xue warned as she saw Han Fei still practicing diligently, as if he truly planned to apply the skills in a real-life situation.
“You also don’t need to be too nervous.
The police have already increased their presence around here.” Seeing Han Fei repeat the training earnestly over and over again, Li Xue did not interrupt further, “I’ll take my leave now.
I’ll inform you as soon as there’s any progress on the case.”
“Okay.” Han Fei continued to practice tirelessly.
He wanted to turn these techniques into instinct so that he could survive in that perilous Underworld.
By noon, Han Fei prepared some food at home and now, even while eating, he would have a book by his side.
He spent the time he used to devote to scrolling through short videos and playing regular games on studying criminal investigation, counter-surveillance, and anti-tracking skills.
To survive, he had become extremely passionate about learning.
Immersed in the ocean of knowledge, Han Fei felt a sense of fulfillment he had never known before.
Unlike the fleeting excitement, this happiness was enduring and came with a clear goal.
“You must work hard in silence, and then stun everyone who wants to kill you.”
In the afternoon, just after three o’clock, Han Fei received a call from Director Jiang.
He wanted to have a sincere talk with Han Fei.
Truth be told, for a director to pay such attention to an eighteenth-tier actor was already a sign of great consideration.
Around four o’clock, when Han Fei arrived at the filming location of Flower of Evil on North Street, the victims’ families were still gathered outside the apartment building.
However, this time they didn’t act rashly and were just holding banners, silently protesting, with some people recording the scene next to them.
“Old man, the Human-body Puzzle case has been reopened and results should be out before long.
You’re getting on in years, standing all the time can take its toll on you.” In the game, Wei Youfu had taken care of Han Fei, so in reality, he wanted to look after Wei Youfu’s elderly father a bit more.
The father and son were quite alike in character; both were persistent and kind-hearted good people.
“I appreciate your intentions, but this is all I have left, the only thing I can do for Youfu.” The old man grasped Han Fei’s shoulder, his murky eyes filled with complex emotions.
It seemed he wanted to say more, but he ended up only sighing, “Thank you, young man, I really like your portrayal of Youfu.”
Han Fei had shielded the victims’ families with his own back from a bucket filled with blood plasma, and some of the victims’ families began to consider him one of their own.
“The killer will definitely be brought to justice, I promise you,” Han Fei was just an actor, and to passersby, he had nothing to do with the case, but somehow, the victims’ families felt there was a strangely convincing force in his words.
Their gazes softened as they looked at Han Fei, as if they could faintly see the figures of the victims on him.
Entering the filming location, the crew member led Han Fei to a room on the second floor.
As soon as the door opened, thick smoke drifted out.
Jiang Yi and several other middle-aged people sat together, with several versions of the script laid out on the table between them.
“Little Han, the screenwriter and I revised the script overnight.
You have a good relationship with the victims’ families, and there are parts with controversy that I want you to help persuade them.”
The ashtray was full of cigarette butts, and both screenwriters’ hair was nearly scratched bare—revising again and again was indeed a very troublesome task.
“You want me to persuade them?”
“This is already the greatest respect I could offer to the victims’ families.
If they still disagree, then I have no choice but to proceed with filming by force.”
Jiang Yi also had his own difficulties: “Although I am the director, it’s not just up to me to decide everything about this movie.”
Han Fei picked up the script on the table and started reading.
The opening was great, and the investigation process was mostly realistic, but the further it went, the more preposterous it became.
“The victims’ families will never agree to this script, and I can’t possibly take it to persuade them,” Han Fei said as he tossed the script onto the table.
“The complexity of the Human-body Puzzle case far exceeds your imagination.
Instead of making things up, you’d be better off studying the case properly.”
“How do you know we haven’t studied it?
It’s easy to talk standing up,” retorted the balding middle-aged screenwriter as he snuffed out his cigarette.
“Director Jiang, I’ve revised the script so many times; I have done all that I could.
There’s nothing in our contract that says the script requires the victims’ families’ consent to proceed.”
“Exactly, just shoot it according to this script.
What are we making movies for?
Don’t make me laugh; let’s talk about making money first,” said another screenwriter as he stood up, ready to leave.
“Director Jiang, both screenwriters, I know it hasn’t been easy for you continuously revising the script.
I also know you’ve already made significant concessions.
If it were another production team, they probably wouldn’t care at all about the victims’ families’ feelings; you’ve actually done quite well,” Han Fei said as he opened the window of the cabin to let the wind disperse the thick smoke.
“But why can’t you wait a little longer?
This play will soon have a real conclusion.”
“Why should we wait for the real conclusion?
Do the viewers like to watch the actual ending?
Do you know what the market is?
Do you know the positioning and the target audience for our play?” the balding screenwriter snatched up his coat and headed towards the door, reaching out to push Han Fei aside.
“I don’t know what the market is, but I know that debts must be repaid, and murder must be atoned for,” Han Fei stood at the door of the room, his gaze sweeping over the screenwriter’s neck and ribs.
In that instant, the icy look in his eyes was so intense that the screenwriter couldn’t bring himself to drop his hand; he ended up awkwardly flicking the dust off his shoulders instead.
“Director Jiang, if you think the movie is just a tool for making money, then how you shoot it doesn’t matter to me, but I won’t be involved in such a film,” Han Fei stated firmly.
“Although many people think I’m just a minor role, an extra, a flop, I consider myself an actor.
I am also involved in a film that absolutely cannot afford any mistakes right now.”
Han Fei left the cabin after speaking his mind, and Director Jiang watched his retreating figure and took out his mobile phone.
His gaze wavered between the line producer and the lead actor Acheng for a long time, but in the end, he didn’t call Acheng to come back and act according to the original script; instead, he called the line producer.
“Sister Long, can you give me a few more days?” he asked.
How much time have I already given you?
Now with the lead actor on strike, victims’ families causing trouble, and constant negative news online, it’s very difficult for me over here!”
“Three days, just give me three more days!
I’ve found a new leading actor candidate who surpasses Acheng by far in both integrity and acting skills.
Most importantly, he truly possesses the demeanor of someone seeking to solve a murder case!
He is simply the perfect protagonist in my eyes!”