The progress of this film's shooting was not fast; in fact, it was even slower than the Lucy series. This was because Ethan kept correcting the actors' various subtle habits.
His tyrannical temper resurfaced, mercilessly mocking every failed performance.
"Will, do you know what you just showed me? Like a female chimpanzee failing to court a human. Damn it, you need to resist!
"Harley, your body language looks utterly stupid. Stop those movements! Stay still. Pretend your arm is broken, got it?"
After scolding the actors, Ethan personally strapped on the Steadicam and lifted the camera. "Watch my movements! I need a shaky, realistic shot, not something stiff and lifeless!"
"Lighting crew, adjust 15 degrees to the upper left. I want a silhouette!"
Under his command, every department quickly moved, meticulously following his instructions to adjust the set and lighting.
Before long, this scene was successfully completed.
By now, four months had passed since filming began. Ethan hadn't left the set for nearly two months, to the point that a certain lady couldn't help but come looking for him.
"Look, it's Avril!"
"Is she here for a set visit? But for whom?"
"Come on, it's obviously the director."
The crew members were right—Avril went straight to Ethan and hugged him the moment she saw him.
"You've been so busy lately…" Avril's tone carried a hint of grievance.
Ethan patted her shoulder. "Sorry, babe. This movie is just particularly tricky."
Avril lifted her head from his embrace. "Do you think you'll win any awards?"
"Of course!" Ethan was full of confidence. "You know, babe, the Oscars are basically my backyard."
"Hahaha! If other people heard you say that, they'd go crazy." Avril shrugged, pinching Ethan's nose. "So, did you miss me?"
"Miss you? Of course."
"Your nose didn't get longer, so I guess you're telling the truth."
Ethan chuckled helplessly. "That's right. I'm Pinocchio."
Then, he kissed Avril. "Since you're here, I'll take the day off and go out with you."
Avril shook her head and said considerately, "No need, Ethan. You go ahead with your work. I just wanted to see you."
Ethan pulled her onto the bed. "That won't do. I don't just want to see you."
Avril gazed into Ethan's eyes. After a brief moment of eye contact, she tilted her head up and kissed him passionately.
While the two were tangled up, yet another female singer arrived at the set, wearing sunglasses.
"Look, it's Taylor Swift!"
"What's up with today? Why are so many singers showing up? Is she also here for a visit?"
"Obviously, she's here for the director."
"But Avril is still inside."
"What? FXXK! This is gonna be good."
Before the crew could witness any drama, Ethan's bodyguard knocked on his door, informing him that Taylor had arrived.
"Taylor?" Avril immediately narrowed her eyes with a forced smile.
Ethan raised both hands. "Alright, I swear, I didn't ask her to come. This is just a coincidence."
Although Avril no longer bothered about Ethan's flings, it still irked her to see it firsthand.
Especially Taylor—this girl was nothing like Anne or Jessica. Her sharp tongue spared no one. If she and Avril clashed, sparks were bound to fly.
But at this point, there was no time to send her away. Ethan had no choice but to step out and greet Taylor Swift.
"Darling!"
The moment she saw him, Taylor quickened her pace and threw her arms around Ethan's neck.
His bodyguard tactfully stepped aside, keeping guard outside.
"Oh, baby, what brings you here so suddenly?" Ethan wrapped an arm around her soft waist.
"I just finished recording nearby and wanted to see you. We haven't been together in so long." Taylor pouted. Then, she sniffed the air. "What's that smell on you?"
Before Ethan could answer, the door behind him suddenly swung open.
Avril stood there, dressed in a white bathrobe, leaning against the doorframe. "Of course, that's my scent."
"Oh, for f**k's sake…" Ethan glanced back, feeling a headache coming on. Avril had even changed into a bathrobe—there was no way Taylor wouldn't misunderstand.
"Disgusting!" Taylor clenched her teeth. "Messing around in broad daylight. So cheap."
"Cheap? What, did you come here to be a saint? I just got here first, b*tch." Avril wasn't backing down.
"B*tch? Who are you calling that?" Taylor was fuming, itching to scratch Avril's face.
"I'm talking about a b*tch." Avril had grown much calmer since recovering from Lyme disease. These insults no longer fazed her.
Taylor, however, was seething.
"Ethan, look at her!"
"Enough." Ethan raised a hand to stop their argument. "If every time you two meet, all you do is fight, then don't come to my set anymore."
Hearing this, Taylor immediately shut up. She shot Avril a glare but didn't say another word.
"Alright, I won't bully the little girl," Avril said with a smirk, playing the big sister role.
Ethan pulled Taylor inside. "Take a break. Since you're both here, let's go out together."
Then, he picked up his phone and called the assistant director, canceling the day's shoot.
Soon, a bodyguard drove them to a nearby shopping district.
To avoid being recognized, Ethan wore oversized sunglasses and a cap, while Avril dressed similarly. Taylor, however, skipped the cap, opting for just oversized sunglasses. With her hair tied up, she wasn't too easy to recognize either.
The three of them entered a nearby art gallery. The place had no attendants, just paintings covering the walls, waiting for buyers to choose.
After browsing for a while, they stopped in front of a painting of classical court musicians.
Avril and Taylor both paused and spoke at the same time.
"This color is really nice."
"This color is really nice."
They both froze for a moment, then changed their wording.
"This instrument is quite interesting."
"Quite an interesting instrument."
"You're copying me?"
"You're copying me?"
They stared at each other.
Ethan, watching from the side, burst out laughing. "Looks like you two really are in sync."