Global Film Emperor

Chapter 502 Fatini's Choice
The wrap party for the film crew didn't last long, ending abruptly after about an hour. The reason was simple: most of the actors found it difficult to get along with Lu Ze. Everyone has their own ideas, and their work attitude was more casual than Lu Ze's. Even though Lu Ze didn't require them to treat acting as seriously as he did, as mavericks in a group, they were naturally not accepted by most people.

This issue was also observed in other production crews, but because there were also particularly hardworking actors in the other production crews that Lu Ze had worked with who learned from him and took the initiative to get closer to him, which improved the atmosphere of the entire crew, the problem of a gap between the actors and the male lead was not exposed.

This is a cultural difference. While a hardworking and excellent person is naturally worthy of respect in the eyes of outsiders, it is hard to be happy about the negative examples compared to him, similar to the overworked dog in the eyes of colleagues.
However, it wasn't exactly hostility. After all, Lu Ze's professional level was much higher than theirs. To be honest, they genuinely admired actors like Lu Ze. As long as they weren't dragged into it, the atmosphere at the banquet, while not freezing, was anything but lively.

"I have to go now, I have to catch an early flight tomorrow. Have fun."

Lu Ze knew very well that he would delay their nightclub party. Perhaps after he left, they would appear at some upscale bar within half an hour, drinking heavily to loud music. Thinking of this, he didn't linger any longer. After finishing the last dessert, he put on his coat and got up to say goodbye to everyone. Everyone stood up and politely asked Lu Ze to stay, hoping that he could join them for some more fun without affecting his schedule.

As a Chinese, how could he not understand politeness? After his repeated refusals, the others did not insist and could only show expressions of regret. Interestingly, their regret contained feigned sincerity, yet also subtly revealed a trace of genuine emotion, which was quite intriguing.

"I'll go with you. The driver is waiting downstairs. I'll take you home."

The other "thorn in their side" who could stop their dissolute behavior was also self-aware. He picked up his coat, and without waiting for Lu Ze's response, stood next to Lu Ze, said goodbye to everyone, and got into the car amidst everyone's farewell.

At first, neither of them spoke, each leaning against the car door and peering out. It was already eight o'clock in the evening, and Turin's nightlife had not yet begun, but it was already ready. Under the night sky, neon lights once again draped this somewhat old city in a beautiful coat.

The elderly packed their belongings and went home to rest, while young people, dressed in fashionable clothes, took their partners out on the street. Even the music changed from melodious to upbeat. All the changes were completed quickly and silently, as if everyone was maintaining a tacit understanding.

A heavily modified car, gleaming and shiny, carried sexy girls; skateboarders used the entire street's public facilities as their own barriers; masked boys carried large bags of spray paint to paint on buildings until the police came to arrest them, at which point they ran away as fast as they could. Lu Ze had never done any of this before, so he couldn't help but feel a little curious. But soon, his attention was drawn to a soft hum beside him.

He adjusted the seat to the most comfortable angle, twisted his body a few times, and the fabric of his clothes rubbed against the leather on the seat, making a slight sound. He crossed his hands on his stomach and sprawled on the seat as if waiting to be buried. Lu Ze glanced at him and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Do you regret becoming a director?"

"Well, to be honest, I couldn't keep going halfway through filming, but since I'd already invested all the money, I had no choice but to grit my teeth and persevere."

"You've already persevered, haven't you?"

"Yes, that's why I'm so tired, I'm exhausted every day."

I can understand Fatini's exhaustion. Film directing is an extremely demanding job, plus managing several companies and having to travel to various places to negotiate contracts. If he's not exhausted, he probably wouldn't even have a drop of urine in his stimulant.

Moreover, as a direct descendant of the family and not the only male heir, he has many competitors. Many people hope that he can make decisions that will affect the company's profits. It seems that the pressure he faces is much greater than what is outwardly apparent.

Looking back now, his claims that Italians value life more and live a life of ease seem more like Fatini's wish or an excuse to squeeze out some time to pretend to be carefree.

"Then you should rest for a while. Once the special effects company finishes the post-production, you can slowly finish editing the film. There's no need to put so much pressure on yourself."

"No way. Ever since I entered this industry, I feel like making movies is like waiting outside the delivery room to give birth. I just want it to come out as soon as possible, I'm afraid it will come out late, and I'm even more afraid that it will suffocate in the womb and not come out. In addition, I'm quite looking forward to what everyone thinks of my 'child' when 'Atonement' is released. I hope they will like it. If they don't like it, I'm likely to lose my temper and kill them all."

The somewhat inappropriate and whimsical metaphor, which was even a little funny, was perhaps the most accurate reflection of the director's true thoughts, making it hard for Lu Ze to disagree.

As they were chatting, the car suddenly stopped. Glancing outside, they realized they had arrived at Lu Ze's address. The conversation paused briefly, and then Lu Ze said goodbye to Fatini.

"See you before the movie starts?"

"Okay, tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, I'll have the driver wait for you at the door, is that alright?" "Okay."

Lu Ze got out of the car and gently closed the door. He had just started walking towards the room when Fatini called him back. He turned around and saw Fatini sticking her head out of the window, seemingly organizing her thoughts and preparing to say something.

"Lu Ze, do you think you'll look down on me if I give up being a director?"

The question wasn't entirely unexpected for Lu Ze. From the second half of the filming, Fatini's subtle body language and words had already revealed her intentions in this regard. The question Lu Ze asked in the car earlier was actually a roundabout way of asking Fatini's thoughts, which might be why Fatini is being so honest now.

After all, passion and work are two different things. Anything you love will change its flavor and become less pure once it becomes your job. Often you are willing to invest in your passion, but once it becomes your source of income, you will start to worry about whether it can generate the returns you are satisfied with. As for movies... they are probably the least profitable and slowest-returning business that Fatini has ever done.

"Probably not, maybe... I might even be happy for you."

This answer surprised Fatini. He had imagined that Lu Ze's answer would be a simple yes or no, but now, Lu Ze's answer was much more important than he had thought.

Lu Ze was one of his few friends, and the only one he made through film. This was very important, at least in Fatini's heart. During this period of time, Lu Ze had unknowingly become intertwined with the film he envisioned. With Lu Ze, there would be no film of his own; without Lu Ze, his film would naturally cease to exist.

For him, talking about ideals was as shameful as giving them up. When all choices would cause him pain, his only answer was to rely on Lu Ze, who was tied to his ideals. Perhaps this way, knowing the inevitable outcome would make him feel a little better.

"Okay, I understand. I'll be going now."

The answer he received was better than he had expected. He forced a smile, pulled his head back into the car, his posture no longer languid. He gently tapped the center armrest with his fingers, and finally, slowly closed the car window and instructed the driver to leave.

Lu Ze remained silent, watching the white Phantom drive down the mountain until its headlights disappeared from sight, before turning and leaving.

The living room light in the villa was still on. Normally, unless he was there, Wang Zixuan would have already gone back to her bedroom to rest by now. Pushing open the door, just as he had expected, Lucas was sitting at the dining table with his back to Lu Ze, doing something unknown.

"I thought you weren't coming back tonight."

As soon as he opened the door, he joked about Lucas, who hadn't attended the wrap party that night but had rushed off to propose. But as Lucas turned around, Lu Ze saw the grease on his lips and the beer on the table, and a bad feeling crept into his heart.

"what?"

"What? Didn't you go to propose? Why are you back so early? What are you eating? Your mouth is all greasy. How did the proposal go?"

"She agreed."

"Oh, that's good, that's great..."

"But it seems... I'm not that happy either."

"..."

(End of this chapter)