novelraw Chapter 949 - 947: Lost in the Role
Chapter 949 - 947: Lost in the Role
As Young Master Ji had anticipated, since deciding to take on the dual personality film titled "Double-faced Man," Nuonuo has started her retreat preparation phase once again.This time, instead of delving into classic films like she did for the historical drama, she went to the library and borrowed a pile of novels and psychological books about dual personalities to read.
While the Ji Family is concerned about her dedication and drive, they are hesitant to say much. However, everyone secretly keeps a close eye on her for any strange behaviors.
Fortunately, prior to joining the shoot, Nuonuo didn’t exhibit any abnormal emotions.
Not long after the school started in September, Nuonuo officially joined the film crew. Since this film conveys more on the mental level, there’s no need for locations in other cities. Most of the scenes are shot in the studio, with a few outdoor scenes shot locally.
This is something the Ji Family, especially Da Bao, is particularly pleased about.
This is the fourth film Nuonuo has accepted, and while the director’s renown doesn’t match Director Sun’s, he is an up-and-coming director in recent years. This Director Zuo reportedly has three no-shoot rules—no commercial films, no idol films, no blockbuster films.
Like this time’s "Double-faced Man," industry insiders think he’s crazy to shoot such an unpopular film during the time when comedy films are dominating the box office. Even film people need to eat, right?
Therefore, when Director Zuo announced he would shoot "Double-faced Man," many colleagues were waiting to see the joke.
Initially, Director Zuo indeed faced obstacles everywhere; just securing investment took nearly a year.
Once he finally found investors, it was rumored he wanted the recently popular Si Han to play the female lead, prompting many colleagues to advise against it. Si Han is quite selective, known as a distant beauty, choosing projects based on the script and production, not the paycheck.
With Director Zuo’s modest investment and niche theme, could he possibly persuade the high-status and talented Si Han with high popularity?
When Director Zuo gleefully announced that Si Han would indeed play the female lead of "Double-faced Man," everyone was shocked. They said Director Zuo must have been incredibly lucky to invite Si Han as the lead for someone so obscure!
While outsiders might be unaware, industry insiders know well that a popular and skilled lead can determine a film’s fate.
It was for this reason that Director Zuo readily agreed to the extra request made by Young Master Ji.
The film’s main storyline is not complex, primarily revolving around the dual personality of the female protagonist, leading to two divergent life trajectories.
In the film, the female protagonist is a completely different person during the day and night, with each personality unaware of the other’s existence.
The two personalities engage in a subconscious tug-of-war, each hoping to defeat the other and become the sole owner of the body.
When the story begins, the two personalities exist independently during the day and night without interference. For Si Han, it’s equivalent to playing two different roles, due to the buffering time for switching. Furthermore, Si Han did thorough preparation for these different personalities, making it manageable.
During the first half month of shooting, Si Han managed to pass every shot in one take, which is quite challenging for an actor who has only been in the industry for over a year and played a few roles.
Director Zuo grew increasingly satisfied with Si Han.
Young Master Ji and his family’s concerns seemed unfounded during the first half month.
However, about a month into filming, Young Master Ji noticed Nuonuo’s increasing silence, and her daydreaming became more frequent. The most severe instance occurred when Young Master Ji called her during one of these spells; her gaze, filled with confusion and a strange look, stared at him as if he were a stranger.
For the first time, Young Master Ji experienced the taste of fear!
It was clearly the person he loved, still the beloved face, but the expression was so unfamiliar it frightened him!
Young Master Ji didn’t dare tell his traveling parents or Little Treasure about Nuonuo’s changes to avoid worrying them. Instead, he contacted the psychologist he had initially arranged for the crew. The doctor hurried over immediately, assessing Nuonuo’s situation and asking Nuonuo a few questions before pulling Young Master Ji aside.
"Young Master Yu, Si Han is too deep in character. Perhaps you should talk to the director about pausing filming for two days? Allow her some rest; I’ll come by and chat with her twice a day."
Young Master Ji initially wanted to stay and listen to the doctor and Nuonuo’s conversation, but since the doctor mentioned his presence might hinder progress, Young Master Ji left the study to Nuonuo and the doctor.
Meanwhile, he made a call to Director Zuo from the living room.
Director Zuo’s words confirmed Young Master Ji’s suspicions.
Apparently, since two days ago, the film’s female lead’s second cold and ruthless personality that belongs to the night has been waking during the day. Initially, its influence was weak, but its awakening has increased with each passing day, causing the personalities to strive to suppress one another, leading the protagonist to various illusions.
"Director Zuo, Si Han’s current situation worries me. She needs to rest for a couple of days, so please adjust the filming schedule."
Director Zuo’s voice revealed his unease, "I understand, please ask Young Master Ji to tell Si Han to take good rest."
Over the following two days, the doctor would visit daily to spend hours talking with Nuonuo. Meanwhile, Young Master Ji took Nuonuo out for a stroll, shopping, and movie-viewing, trying his best to keep her away from the concocted world of the film.
After resting at home for three days, Nuonuo returned to the set. This time, Young Master Ji was cautious, ensuring the psychologist remained by her side at all times; whenever Nuonuo left the camera, the psychologist would find ways to pull her back from her fictional character into reality.
Perhaps thanks to Young Master Ji’s arrangement, or maybe Nuonuo herself gradually grasped a method to quickly disengage herself, but until the film wrapped up, Nuonuo experienced no further anomalies.
On the day the film wrapped, not only did the director and crew sigh in relief, but the Ji Family also breathed a huge sigh of relief.
With the film done, Nuonuo soon faced exam season. While she should be at school revising and attending supplementary lessons, she frequently visited Xinying Company during that period.
Sometimes, she would even have dinner at the company.
Young Master Ji knew Nuonuo was visiting Ning Yi and Jiahao at Xinying, but she remained vague about her specific intentions. Although Young Master Ji had some thoughts, he said little, simply instructing Tian Fang to take good care of her, ensuring she wouldn’t skip meals even if she didn’t come home to eat.
It wasn’t until after the Spring Festival that Young Master Ji discovered what Nuonuo had been up to during that time.