Throughout the afternoon, Ashley and Mary's performance was divinely inspired, and the filming progress soared as if on wings.
In half a day, they filmed a remarkable six pages of the script. Anyone familiar with the film industry would understand how astonishing this number is.
After an additional hour of overtime, the crew decided to shoot all the scenes required at Universal Studios in one go.
When everything concluded, not only the actors but also the MGM staff wore expressions of disbelief.
Such a frantic filming pace is rarely seen even once in a decade, and crucially, the quality remained high.
Eric clapped his hands: "Thank you all for your hard work today. That's a wrap! See you all next Monday!"
With his command, the day's work came to an end, and everyone gradually began to leave.
Andrea excitedly hugged the Olsen Sisters: "Ashley, Mary, you two were fantastic, simply beyond imagination!"
The two sisters smiled sweetly: "Thank you!"
James McAvoy was still trying to process what had happened. He approached Ashley, with whom he had scenes, and humbly asked: "Ashley, how did you do it? Your performance was so astonishing. Is there some special trick you can share with me?"
Ashley secretly glanced at Eric: "I'm not entirely sure. It just suddenly clicked for me. Maybe it's what Eric calls 'belief.' An actor needs to believe in their character."
McAvoy looked puzzled: "I know all that you're saying; teachers at school teach it. But how do you go about the process?"
Ashley shook her head: "Sorry, James, I can't explain it clearly. It's just a feeling, and I don't know how to describe it."
The more mysterious she made it sound, the more James McAvoy believed her, because acting is very much about natural talent, and moments of sudden inspiration are not uncommon.
He could only sigh helplessly: "It seems I still need to accumulate experience. Perhaps returning to the UK to continue participating in plays is a good option."
"Keep it up, James, I believe you'll become an excellent actor."
After a casual word of encouragement, Ashley joined Eric. She and Mary flanked the man, one on each side, just as they had half a day earlier.
"Eric, come to our house on Saturday. Last time you came back from Santa Barbara, Jeanette invited you, but you declined."
"That's right, you don't know that little Elizabeth specifically called my mom to make a lavish dinner. You made her sad."
As they spoke, both silently cursed Gal Gadot. Initially, they hadn't felt much about her, at most envying her good luck.
But now it was different; little Elizabeth said Gal Gadot was Eric's acknowledged girlfriend. So, the problem arose: what were they, the sisters?
Although the two sisters would certainly have their own competition, that was an internal conflict. Gal Gadot was different; this was an external invasion, and she had to be driven away first.
Eric, such an excellent man, was definitely a good choice for a boyfriend and a husband.
Young, handsome, talented, from a superior family, wealthy, and with intricate ties to Dual Star Entertainment—not to seize the opportunity would be foolish.
Facing the invitation, Eric was unaware of the Olsen Sisters' internal thoughts, but he still had to go to New York on the weekend, so he naturally couldn't accept.
He had neglected Elena, that flirtatious woman, for over a month. If he didn't show up soon, she might genuinely get angry. Plus, he also needed to visit Sergei Hassenfield; that connection was very important and maintaining it would be very helpful for the future.
He carefully chose his words: "Saturday probably won't work; I already have an appointment."
The two sisters' alarm bells immediately rang. Mary directly asked: "With whom? Gal Gadot?"
Eric thought, I'm going to meet your dear aunt, but I can't say that.
"No, why bring Gadot into this? I'm going to New York to discuss a business deal with Hasbro."
Hearing this, the sisters breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't fooling around with Gal Gadot, it was fine.
"That's a shame, but you've already stood us up twice. Don't you feel a little guilty?"
Eric spread his hands: "No, I don't. You invited me; I didn't actively seek to go. Why should I feel guilty?"
Bang!
"Ouch, don't hit me! Alright, alright, I'll definitely go next week. It's a deal, okay?"
Having secured Eric's promise, the two sisters happily left.
In the pink lamborghini, Mary hesitantly said: "Ashley, do you think he's lying to us? Eric is very sly."
"I don't know either. We can't keep pressing him; that would make him resentful. Do you have any good ideas?"
"Should we ask Aunt Elena to keep an eye on him? Auntie lives in New York, and they're friends. We'll know if Eric is really going to New York for work."
After a moment of thought, Ashley sighed: "Is it necessary? Even if we find out he's lying to us, what can you do?"
This question immediately left Mary at a loss for words. Yes, even if they knew he was deceiving them, what then?
This relationship was unequal from the start. The Olsen Sisters were in a vulnerable position, while Eric was in absolute control.
The paths before them were actually few. Either withdraw early and simply avoid this muddy water, maintaining only a business partnership in the future.
But for young people like the Olsen Sisters, whose minds are not yet fully mature, this path is a bit difficult, especially with such a complex three-person relationship.
Or, they could strive to improve themselves, drive away Eric's other competitors, and ultimately succeed.
This path is even more difficult. The primary condition is to learn patience, to control one's temper and personality, and even to transform into a Ninja Turtle to have a chance.
After all, Eric isn't some pure and good man. With his inability to control his lower half, coupled with the temptations of the entertainment industry, it's too hard.
Mary also sighed: "Don't ask me, I don't know what to do either. But if I don't even know if he's lying to us, I'll be even more uncomfortable and resentful. I don't care, I'm calling Aunt Elena anyway."
"Alright, then call her."
"Eric, are you going out again? I heard movement late last night. Is there a pretty girl?" Joshua asked mischievously.
Gulp!
"Ah."
Putting down the glass, Eric took a sip of water. He wasn't sure how effective the health-preserving wine Han Sanping gave him was, but as for the taste, it was really not good.
However, his dad seemed to like it that night, and the bottle, originally full, was now only half-empty, so it probably did have an effect.
Nicole would definitely not let him off tonight. He had already expended too much energy on Ashley and Mary, and his vitality hadn't fully recovered. He might as well try this stuff.
"I'm asking you, Eric, is there a pretty girl? Introduce me to one." Joshua nudged his brother's shoulder.
"There's no pretty girl, I'm going to work overtime."
"Nonsense. Look at what time it is. Do you think I'm a fool?"
Eric held up the script for la vie en rose: "Why would I lie to you? I was busy filming during the day and didn't have time to study it, so I can only do it at night. I've arranged to meet the screenwriter."
Joshua was skeptical: "Really?"
"Believe it or not. Don't be idle all day. If you have nothing to do, go back to the team and learn about management."
After speaking, Eric left the house, and the lamborghini sped away.
The second time was easier than the first. This time, climbing over the wall was much smoother. He didn't fall or tear his clothes. Eric, familiar with the route, arrived at the door.
He pressed the doorbell: "Nicole, open the door, your husband is here!"
Click!
The door opened, and Nicole Kidman emerged wearing a sheer lace slip, with the distinctive concentric knot necklace around her neck.
"Husband? Where? Where? Why can't I see him?" She pretended to search, looking left and right.
Eric extended his thumb and pointed to his chin, then realized his mistake. Why did he subconsciously make Vegeta's frustrated gesture? This gesture was unlucky, so he quickly retracted it.
"Look here, it's me."
"You? You're Eric Cooper. How could you be my husband?" Nicole looked at him with a half-smile.
Eric skillfully took off his jacket and scooped her up: "You'll know soon enough."
Carrying Nicole to the sofa, Eric kissed her nose: "Darling, why do I feel like you've gained a little weight?"
"What! No way!"
Nicole Kidman instantly broke free from his embrace, her eyes wide with surprise.
She walked to another room and, a moment later, returned with a scale.
"OMG! I've gained 5 pounds! This is absolutely terrible!"
Seeing her intense reaction, Eric quickly pulled her into his arms and kissed her, silencing the woman's mouth.
After a long while, they separated. Eric gently stroked Nicole's forehead: "Relax, lady, you've only gained a little weight. It's actually quite good, because you used to be too thin. I actually hope you gain another 10 pounds."
Nicole pulled his hand to her chest: "You're just comforting me. Actresses can't get fat; it would ruin everything. Look at Kate Winslet; now she can only play housewives."
"Heh heh, what's wrong with housewives? Doesn't it show off acting skills even more? Besides, I have a friend who is obsessed with Winslet. He doesn't care if she's fat or thin; that's true love."
Nicole wrapped her arms around Eric's neck, her eyes fixed on him: "What about you? Do you care about my weight?"
"Of course not. Didn't I just say I want you to gain another 10 pounds?" Eric didn't hesitate.
"Why? Give me a reason."
"I think it should be health!"
Nicole shook her head: "Could your reason be any more fake?"
"Hmm, a little flesh is good. Too thin is poky!"
"You're annoying! You're really..."
Before she could finish, the two had already begun a French kiss.
After not seeing each other for a few days, Eric was decisively squeezed dry for two hours.
After the 'battle,' Nicole returned to her languid state, lying in Eric's arms like a kitten.
"Darling, no wonder you won an Oscar Winner. I think I've found a reason."
"What?"
"Just now, you were so wild, like you wanted to devour me, but now you're as docile as a bunny. Isn't that the living embodiment of acting?"
"Eric, I find you're getting more and more annoying." Nicole crinkled her nose.
"Hehe, really? You hate me?"
"Of course I hate you, but I hope other women hate you more, so you'll have to stay by my side."
Saying this, she climbed on top, and they kissed tenderly.
After a long while, Nicole picked up the script and began to read it.
"Move over, don't distract me. Let me concentrate."
"Need a narrator?"
"That would be best!"
The script they held was only a first draft; it still had a way to go before perfection. So, Eric's explanations made it easier to understand.
They continued reading late into the night. Later, Nicole simply put down the script and listened intently to Eric's narration.
Dong!
The midnight chimes rang, and the legendary life of Edith Piaf slowly concluded with Eric's voice.
"Wow. Although I looked her up after you mentioned her last time, it's still a very moving life story."
"Eric, what type of film do you want to make this?"
"A biopic, it must be a biopic!" Eric said with great certainty.
If la vie en rose were made into an adapted commercial film, the work would lose its meaning and would surely fail both commercially and artistically.
"Hmm, I'm glad we agree on that point. I think playing such a role would be very interesting and challenging."
"Nicole, I believe in your acting. You can completely master this role. Who knows, it might even bring you another Oscar statuette!"
Nicole nodded: "I love a challenge, but there are still a few issues. The Little Sparrow was less than 1.5 meters tall, but my height..."
Eric waved his hand: "That's not a problem; it can be technically adjusted through camera work. As for the singing, I plan to use Edith Piaf's original soundtrack. You just need to lip-sync and focus on learning the performance etiquette."
"Is that alright? Won't it seem unprofessional? My first film after winning an Oscar Winner, and doing it this way, people will definitely gossip." Nicole was a bit hesitant.
Eric snorted: "Don't mind what those film critics think. In a few years, with the demise of print media, these people will also meet their end. You have to understand, we are filming the life of a legendary French singer. Are we supposed to use French throughout?"
"Of course not! This is still a Hollywood film; it will only use English. Is there any bigger flaw than that?"
Eric dared to say this because Marion Cotillard in the original version also used the original soundtrack, but it didn't affect her winning the award at all, because it simply wasn't a problem that could be solved by personal effort.
"Alright, but I still want to give it a try, at least to show an attitude."