Chapter 250 - 248: The Actor Ran Away

"Lily, I don’t mean to jinx it, but we haven’t even gone into the mountains and someone’s already had enough and wants to quit. It’ll only be tougher once we’re in there. I have a feeling this shoot won’t go very smoothly," Yuna said seriously.

Lily knew what Yuna meant, but the production team was still very professional, especially the director, Titus Ashton. He had won an international award for an art-house film two years ago. Lily had made a point to watch that movie, and it was exceptionally well-done.

A large part of why she chose this script was Director Titus Ashton. She didn’t have much experience and needed guidance, and she hoped to learn more about the craft from him.

"I feel bad for dragging you and Finn into this, though. If it gets to be too much, you two should just go back. Don’t suffer through this shoot with me."

"Absolutely not. If you’re not afraid of the hardship, then neither are we. We’re your assistants; taking care of you is our job. How could we desert our post?" Yuna declared righteously. "Lily, don’t get the wrong idea. I’m just worried about you. I wasn’t complaining."

Lily gave a resigned smile, then looked down and took a bite of her noodles. "Mm... this is actually really good!"

The next day, the rain finally gave way to clear skies. In the group chat, the director announced they would be heading into the mountains at two in the afternoon.

Some in the group worried the mountain roads wouldn’t be dry, but they were already behind schedule. They would have to overcome any difficulties; heading into the mountains today was a must.

Everyone sent a flurry of "Got it" messages, indicating they were ready.

But just as Lily was about to close the group chat to pack her things, Xavier Hearst suddenly posted a message: "Director, I am withdrawing from the project. Regarding the breach of contract, you can speak with the agent and legal team at my studio. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience this has caused the production. I wish you a smooth shoot and hope we have the chance to cooperate again in the future."

Lily stared at the message, stunned. She quickly turned to Yuna and asked, "Yuna, did Xavier Hearst just quit?"

Yuna wasn’t in the group chat, so she hadn’t seen the message. She was shocked. "What do you mean, he’s not doing the film anymore? Then... then what’s going to happen? He’s the third male lead, isn’t he?"

Xavier Hearst’s character was a rural boy who becomes the only friend to a young girl who was trafficked and brought to the village. He ultimately plays a crucial role in her rescue, making him a very important character in the movie.

Lily and Xavier Hearst didn’t really have any interactions; she was just worried that this would once again put the production in jeopardy of not being able to start filming.

Realism-focused films already operate on low budgets. Since it wasn’t a commercial movie, it didn’t have many sponsors. Funding was the biggest problem, and delays like this could easily bankrupt the entire production.

The director and producer quickly blew up in the group chat.

"Sure, you can talk a good game! Is this how an actor is supposed to act? Bailing at the last minute! Do you have any idea how much trouble and financial loss you’re causing the production?"

"This is a malicious breach of contract! You’re going to have to pay a huge penalty fine!"

"The contract repeatedly stated that the filming conditions would be harsh. We haven’t even started shooting and you already can’t take it? If you can’t handle hardship, then don’t be a fucking actor!"

"..."

Art-house film directors are known for their bad tempers. There were many more nasty messages that Lily didn’t dare to read. The director’s torrent of colorful insults only stopped after Xavier Hearst left the group chat.

A moment later, a commotion broke out in the hotel’s poorly soundproofed hallway. Xavier Hearst’s room wasn’t far from Lily’s. Hearing the noise, Yuna instinctively opened the door and peeked out.

She yanked her head back in the next second, turning to exclaim in shock, "The director’s here!"

Before Lily could say a word, a crystal-clear curse echoed throughout the floor: "FUCK YOUR MOTHER, XAVIER HEARST!"

The curse left both Lily and Yuna stunned, but actors from other rooms started opening their doors and coming out. Seeing this, Lily went out as well.

The main thing was, she had to figure out what was going on.

Director Titus Ashton emerged from Xavier Hearst’s room. He was young, with a close-cropped buzz cut and a pair of black, lensless glasses. He was slim and had a distinctly roguish air about him—not at all what you’d expect from someone in the art-house scene.

"The son of a bitch actually ran off!"

He let out another string of curses as he stepped out, but his hands weren’t idle. He was already scrolling through his phone as he swore. No matter what, they were now short a key actor, and he had to find a replacement.

He made several calls in a row, but was rejected every time.

For one, everyone knew a realism-focused film meant harsh shooting conditions. For another, the pay was low. And third, there wasn’t even a guarantee of a domestic release. It was the type of project that could easily consume all your time and effort, only to vanish without a trace.

On top of that, while Director Titus Ashton had won a major international award, he was a minor director with little influence or connections in the domestic entertainment industry. His early success had already made many people jealous, and combined with his eccentric and uncompromising attitude, there were plenty of people in the industry who ostracized him. They were all just waiting to see him fail.

Seeing the project about to grind to a halt again, Titus was so furious he almost smashed his phone. The crowd huddled in the hallway didn’t dare make a sound. The entire cast was made up of obscure, minor actors who were too intimidated to even breathe loudly.

Titus suddenly looked at the crowd, his eyes red with frustration, and asked, "Anyone else planning to leave?"

Everyone averted their eyes, but no one said they wanted to leave.

Titus added, "If you want to leave, leave today. After today, if anyone dares pull this stunt on me again, I’ll fucking go to war with them!"

A few of the actors who had worked with Titus on his last movie quickly spoke up, "Don’t worry, Director. We’re not leaving."

"That’s right, we’re definitely not leaving!"

"Director, you focus on finding someone to replace Xavier Hearst. We’ll wait here with you."

Titus’s handsome face was twisted with frustration. He knew he didn’t have many connections in the industry; he disdained schmoozing to build a so-called network. He was the type of person who only wanted to make the films he believed in and would absolutely refuse to bow to market pressures.

This had always been a source of pride for him. He felt he had emerged from the muck untainted, different from everyone else.

’But the reality is, at a critical moment like this... I’m so fucking powerless!’

"Do any of you know any friends who might be suitable?" Titus asked the crowd, his tone softening.

Everyone looked at each other, then shook their heads.

It wasn’t just a question of whether they knew anyone. Who would dare shoulder that responsibility? If you recommended someone and something went wrong, you’d be the one taking the blame.

"Director."

Just then, Lily Sterling suddenly stepped forward. With a serious expression, she looked at Titus and said, "I might have someone I can recommend. But he’s only ever been a background actor, and he was injured a few months ago. However, when we messaged over the New Year, he said the injury was nothing serious. If you don’t mind that his experience is limited to being an extra, I can ask him."

"A background actor..."

Titus fell into a moment of conflicted silence. ’Could a background actor handle a major role in his film?’

Seeing his hesitation, Lily quickly added, "He’s a true-blue northerner from a rural village. Playing a part that’s close to his own background shouldn’t be an issue. I can get some clips of his previous performances for you. He’s had a few minor roles with lines before. Would you like to take a look?"

"Okay. If he’s from a rural background, that makes it easier. Lily, contact him right now. Hurry. We’re really out of time!"