Chapter 265: The Script
The opportunity he'd invested his savings in ended abruptly. A brief conversation led to a trivial distraction. He'd just given her his favorite composition, without even getting her phone number, before being forced to leave.
In his pursuit of Elizabeth, Chris overlooked Josan, the girl who'd always been by his side and adored him. Like Chris, Josan lived in a basement, faced constant rejection, struggled with societal expectations, and endured rent pressure. Yet, she clung to her dreams, aspiring to overcome her hardships. His affection for Elizabeth felt unattainable; Josan, however, cherished him, supporting and encouraging him during his lowest moments.
The film's central conflict—his choice between them—formed its biggest suspense.
Ultimately, while rescuing Chris, Josan was injured in a car accident, preventing her from playing the piano again. Her dream was shattered. After continuous struggle, Chris abandoned his pursuit of Elizabeth and chose to stay with Josan, who had always supported him. This ending captivated Joyce.
Eventually, Chris achieved fame and recognition from a music director, reaping the rewards of both career and love. He and Joan held an outdoor wedding, with joyful smiles and happy expressions from both bride and groom.
However, the final scene shifted to the night after the wedding, where Chris dreamt he finally confessed his love to Elizabeth. The scene then returned to the wedding, but the bride was now Elizabeth, not Joan.
Joyce found the ending intriguing, departing from the typical "wakes up from a dream" trope. It offered a plot worthy of deeper contemplation and discussion. She anticipated intense debate after the movie's release regarding Chris's true love—Elizabeth or Joan.
Elizabeth, despite limited screen time, was undoubtedly a compelling second female lead. Joyce chose this script because, beyond its trendy, low-budget appeal, it added depth and humor to genre clichés. She had two additional reasons: Aquapolis's filming location allowed her a homecoming break, and she owed the director a favor. After careful consideration, she agreed to act.
16–23 Mon, 27 May G
Chapter 265: The Script
Mia was unimpressed with Chris's choice.
"But he chose Joan in the end," Joyce reminded her gently.
"How could someone willingly give up the one they loved for someone else?"
Mia said, "That just means he didn't love her enough. Honestly, it's about Chris's male ego awakening. Once he gained fame, he didn't want to be the chaser anymore; naturally, he preferred someone like Joan, who orbited around him, placing him first."
"Maggie, what do you think?" Mia asked Maggie.
Maggie pondered, sipped her drink, and said slowly, "I think he probably liked them both, but maybe he liked Elizabeth a bit more."
Mia agreed, saying, "I like eggplants and hate green peppers. No matter how nutritious green peppers are, they'll never become something I like."
Joyce chuckled, pointing out, "But Chris doesn't hate Joan."
"Exactly, which makes him a scumbag," they concluded with a laugh.
After their discussion, they realized that perspectives vary greatly. Interpretations of movies and stories differ widely based on individual viewpoints and experiences. Everyone's perspective and background are unique, revealing the complexity of human nature. Human nature isn't easily generalized; no one is purely good or bad.
"Are there any new series or films in the works?" Maggie mused, considering that blockbusters two years out are likely in pre-production now. The timing was right. Joyce responded warmly, "There are a few historical dramas and fantasy series for television, and for movies, there's a traditional mythological film, three or four thrillers, and a few family-friendly ones."
Maggie probed for more details. Then she said, "There's a period drama titled 'A Queen's Gambit' that I've read the script for. I had Mia and Leo invest in it, and it's currently casting. Joyce, you should try out for it."
Maggie recalled that 'A Queen's Gambit', initially an 'A' level project with limited funding and only one or two A-list actors, became an unparalleled period drama over the past decade or two, launching every actor to stardom. She'd made a hefty investment through Leo's entertainment company.
She had other planned investments, but their funds were limited, stretching their financial resources and straining their cash flow. This led Maggie to consider involving her brother in the business. The Adams family had some entertainment ventures, but it wasn't their main focus. She'd been cautious about the Camerons finding out, but needed to capitalize on this opportunity to strengthen her brother's resources.
Joyce nodded, saying, "I heard some rumors but didn't pay much attention. I'll have someone reach out to the production team."
"Try to see if the lead role is still available," Maggie suggested.
Maggie explained that while they should have cast the female lead, the original actress was dismissed due to scheduling conflicts and a bad attitude, necessitating reshoots. Therefore, there was still a chance for Joyce.
"The lead role isn't confirmed?" Joyce, surprised by Maggie's industry knowledge, asked.
"Compete for other roles and prepare for the lead too. I heard the director is strict, but the lead actress has a poor work ethic. There might be a later opportunity," Maggie suggested.
Joyce, perceptive as always, sensed there might be more to it, but didn't press further.
Maggie believed the protagonist's role was perfect for Joyce. Charlotte, the main character, a noblewoman among those presented to the king for marriage, pretended illness to avoid attention, maintaining a reserved demeanor. However, she fell for the king, believing him to be her true love and marrying him. Amidst palace intrigue, however, she discovered the king's affections lay elsewhere, his pursuit of her a calculated move to secure her father's military power. He'd been secretly giving her contraceptives, and her unexpected pregnancy was terminated on his orders.
(Send Gifts – This appears to be a separate, unrelated note.)