I'm not a drama freak, I can really see through the script

Chapter 376, A Modified Version of "Source Code"

Li Xuan was in the studio, gesturing at a huge green screen. This was, after all, a sci-fi blockbuster being filmed, and a large number of scenes used green screens.

The plot of the Chinese version of "Source Code" also needs to be modified, and quite a few at that. For example, the retired Afghan American soldier should be replaced with a retired Chinese soldier, and not someone who retired because of war.
After taking care of everything that needed to be filmed on set.

"I'm ready, system."

Li Xuan remembered some things about the original "Source Code".

But it still feels like something's missing.

Since the goal is to 'localize' it...

That would be more than just copying movies.

Such movies have no soul.

These days, Li Xuan hasn't paid much attention to the results of "Hidden in the Dust," but instead has devoted all his energy to imitating "Source Code."
But he also added his own understanding through the 'original' script.

Will the system accept this understanding?
[Start Simulation: Source Code]

At this moment, Li Xuan...

It has also entered a simulation state.
As the Chinese version of "Source Code".

As a 'hero' of the Chinese people, he is absolutely incomparable to the American soldiers who participated in the AfH war.

at this time.

Li Xuan was completely immersed, fully experiencing what kind of person he had become, dressed in military uniform, fully armed, heading towards his destination.

Wenchuan——

People's Liberation Army soldiers.

They went to help with earthquake relief.
Trance.

This is a regret for the Chinese people.

"I am coming!!!!!"

There's no need to think about anything.

Acting on instinct, what would I do as a soldier?

I will do that.
Only two words.

That is saving lives.

Blood, flesh, pain—Li Xuan had no time to look at these things, no time to think about them.

All that can be seen are collapsed buildings.

The collapsed earth echoed with the cries of his compatriots.

The 'mission' of a soldier.

The 'mission' of being a Chinese person also drove me to save lives.
Just did it.
Pain had long since blurred my body; only two words drove me forward.

That is saving lives.

That is to rescue even one of the dead.
until one day.

the other side.

China Film Group.

Han Ping's office
"Science fiction film."

Han Ping uttered those three words and found himself speechless, both amused and exasperated.

"Science fiction film, Source Code."

Jiang Wen slowly poured himself a glass of wine, ignoring Han Ping's conflicted expression.

"Didn't you promise to provide them with the resources to film a sci-fi movie? Now you're having second thoughts. You really are something else..."

"After watching 'Hidden in the Dust,' I had a feeling that he should have gone down this path. He can achieve success even with this kind of subject matter, so he should continue to do so. To be honest, I actually regret supporting his science fiction. I would have thought he was serious if he asked for more money, but he asked for so few resources and budget. Does that mean he was just dabbling in it?"

Think about it carefully.

Science fiction is a huge pitfall in the domestic film market.

A bottomless pit that burns money without ever making a profit, and nine out of ten times it collapses.

This kind of thing relies too heavily on industrial infrastructure and special effects. Compared to Hollywood, Chinese films in this regard are like fighting an aircraft carrier fleet with millet and rifles—they're simply not in the same league.
Jiang Wen finally looked up at him, a mocking smile on his lips.

"Old Han, you're just narrow-minded."

"I'm narrow-minded?" Han Ping was speechless. "His trump card should be that book, 'The Age of Awakening.' I've read it, and it's really well-written!"

Han Ping leaned forward, lowered his voice, and said.

“Those are the scripts that can truly win big awards. In my years of experience in the industry, the ratings may not be explosive, but if filmed well, they are definitely the main course that will win awards.”

In Han Ping's plan, Li Xuan should focus on "The Age of Awakening" and use this project to establish his status in the hall of masters.
As for the "Source Code," the safest choice is to treat it as a hobby or wait until the technology is more mature before working on it.

After listening, Jiang Wen let out a low laugh.

He took a puff of his cigar, the smoke billowing around him.

"Who told you that Source Code was just a side dish?"

Han Ping was taken aback.

"Is not it?"

"Old Han, you still don't understand." Jiang Wen stubbed out his cigar in the ashtray, and a clear light appeared in his eyes, which were always filled with madness.

Jiang Wen always remained calm when it came to matters concerning his 'closest friend'.

“That kid is different from us, from Wang Shuo and the others, from everyone else.”

"When we make a film, we first think about whether this subject matter is suitable for filming, whether it will pass censorship, whether it will win awards, and whether it will be profitable."

Jiang Wen extended a finger and tapped his temple.

"We have too many preconceived notions in our minds."

But he didn't.

"He only has one thing on his mind—whether the story is interesting or not, and whether he wants to make it. I'm more looking forward to 'Source Code' than 'The Awakening'."

Han Ping neither confirmed nor denied this.

Those who are involved in art and those who are focused on business will always have different, even conflicting, views.
Han Ping paused for a moment.

He thought for a moment and said.

Han Ping and Jiang Wen reserved their opinions, feeling that Li Xuan was wasting his talent.

"Alright, let me tell you something. Li Xuan's potential in art films—this time, Zhang Yimou personally called to ask the cinemas to increase the number of screenings."

Jiang Wen was stunned for a moment.

At first glance, it seems like Zhang Yimou is taking care of the younger generation.

But that's definitely not the case. He's not that kind-hearted, and Han Ping and Jiang Wen both know that.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Wen clicked his tongue.

"That old fox."

"Although he didn't have good intentions, Li Xuan's performance in 'Hidden in the Dust' this time has truly had a profound impact." Han Ping paused and said, "Now, the top player in China wants to use Li Xuan as a 'weapon'!"

I may not know much about art, but I know their reactions speak volumes.

"Source Code" is a bit of a shame; it was a waste of time.

I still hope he can get "The Age of Awakening" done soon.

……

The simulation ended, and Li Xuan looked at the blue sky and white clouds.
Somewhat dazed
"Are you alright?" Liu Yifei asked with some concern from the side.

Li Xuan shook his head.

"I'm fine, everything's normal, I understand the script to be like this."

"Um"

A few days later, filming officially began for the movie "Source Code".

The lineup this time is very simple.

Li Xuan, Liu Yifei, and Gao Yuanyuan are the main actors.

The opening ceremony was very simple. No media were invited; it was just a meal and a prayer ceremony for the crew members.

Han Ping also came, but he left in less than half an hour.

Before leaving, he pulled Li Xuan aside, his expression serious.

"As for 'Source Code,' you can decide for yourself. I don't understand science fiction."

He patted Li Xuan on the shoulder.

"But you need to pay attention to 'The Age of Awakening,' that's our main focus this year, aiming for awards. We can't afford any mistakes. Time is tight and the task is heavy. The big awards are less than two years away. The pressure on you is increasing. Some people are using you as a 'knife.' You may get some benefits, but it will also put you in the spotlight."

After saying that, he hurriedly got into the car.

Li Xuan watched the car drive away and smiled.

He understood what Han Ping meant.

In Han Ping's view, low-budget science fiction films like "Source Code" were just something Li Xuan did as a hobby, a "sweet treat" he did in between filming "Awakening Age".

Whether it works out or not is irrelevant.

But "The Awakening Era" is out of the question. It's a major project that China Film Group is eyeing, a real "main course," a main course that fits their style—a "mainstream" film that's unlikely to win the title of "King of Dramas," but one that's likely to win awards. Fine.

With no one watching him, he was able to take more photos.

The first day of filming, the first scene.

The scene is a simulated high-speed train carriage.
Gao Yuanyuan sat opposite Liu Yifei. She was a little nervous. This was her first time working with Li Xuan, and it was a science fiction genre that she had never been exposed to before.

"Scene one, shot one, action!"

Li Xuan sat behind the monitor, his voice low.

then.

He entered the film set by himself.

A smooth entry into the state.

Even Gao Yuanyuan, who was acting opposite her, immediately got into character and followed the lines in the script.
The first version of the script was the original script for "Source Code".

And now, the second version of the script.

After changing his identity to a soldier involved in disaster relief in Wenchuan.

The train was modified to resemble the Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed ​​Railway G1001, and a rear-end collision was deliberately staged to obstruct the high-speed rail from entering service.
Turn on.

Shooting.

At this moment, Li Xuan was also fully in the zone, acting as Ke Yang.
The protagonist of Source Code.

……

Liu Yifei knows better than anyone else.

During the filming of "Hidden in the Dust", she had witnessed Li Xuan's immersive state countless times.

He wasn't just "acting" a role; he lived his life as that role.

Today, he did it again.

He lived his life as "Ke Yang".

A soldier who dug out lives from the ruins of Wenchuan, a hero who has sacrificed his life but is now trapped in a digital prison.

Liu Yifei's fingertips lightly traced across the script.

She had already read the complete script.

The difference between this version and the current version is quite significant.

They all felt that Li Xuan was just dabbling in science fiction, using a sci-fi shell to try out a new genre.

Only she knew that Li Xuan never intended to make a purely sci-fi film from the very beginning.

What he wants to photograph are people.

It is the soul of a Chinese hero.

On the monitor, the first image of Ke Yang shows pure bewilderment and panic—the genuine reaction of an ordinary person caught up in a supernatural event.

The second point he began to examine, his confusion turning into vigilance.

Thirdly, he became anxious and began actively searching for clues in an attempt to break the cycle.

……

Until Article 7.

When Li Xuan "woke up" again, all the emotions on his face disappeared.

There was no more panic, no more searching, only a near-deathly stillness.

He even gave Gao Yuanyuan, who played Gao Yue, a smile—a fleeting smile, yet one filled with endless weariness and tenderness.

Then, he began to observe everyone in the carriage.

At that moment, Liu Yifei felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing her heart.

She got it.

At that moment, Ke Yang had already accepted his fate.

He knew he was dead, knew this was a train heading to death, and knew he would be trapped forever in those endless eight minutes.

But he didn't give up.

His ingrained calling, the instinct called "protection," overcame the fear and despair brought by death.

He was no longer trying to save himself.

He was fulfilling his final duty—to find the killer, avert another explosion, and save more innocent people.

Even if he is just a "source code" living in a server.

Even if he saves the world, he himself can never go back.

This is the real Li Xuan.

This is the true core of his script.

Unlike typical science fiction films, it doesn't rely on dazzling special effects.

Even Liu Yifei herself.

They all have stereotypes about science fiction.

Everyone thinks that science fiction is associated with special effects blockbusters like "The Forbidden Kingdom".

However, in this film, Source Code, he uses the last eight minutes of a sacrificed soldier to define what a hero is.

Gao Yuanyuan walked back to the rest area in a daze, sat down heavily, and remained silent for a long time, just looking down at the few newly added pages of the script in her hand.

Liu Yifei could guess how much that question, "Have you ever regretted it?" had impacted Gao Yuanyuan.

That was Li Xuan helping her, and also helping the character "Gao Yue" find her soul.

"What are you thinking about?"

Li Xuan walked over at some point and sat down next to her.

The heavy aura that belonged to "Ke Yang" on him had dissipated, and he had returned to being that familiar young man with a clear look in his eyes.

"I was thinking about that soldier," Liu Yifei replied softly, without looking up.

"Ok?"

“He’s alive.” Liu Yifei looked up at Li Xuan. “Just now, on your monitor, he really came back to life.”

Li Xuan paused for a moment, then smiled.

"Ah."

"This is just the beginning." He stretched. "There's more to come."

Liu Yifei didn't speak; she knew what Li Xuan was referring to.

The cruelest, and also the most glorious, part of this story is yet to come.

Li Xuan took the other few pages from his assistant and handed them to her.

"yours."

Liu Yifei lowered her eyes to look.

It's a scene featuring her as "Guo Rong".

Guo Rong, one of the executives of the Source Code Project, is a calm, rational, and even somewhat ruthless military scientist.

She is Ke Yang's only communicator in the real world.

The contents on the paper are a scene from the second half of the movie.

In the original setting, Guo Rong was in the control room, comforting him and ordering him to continue the mission; that was her mission.

But it seems...

The plot doesn't really need her.

Or perhaps, she was the one who was needed.

But Ke Yang overcame his own fear instinct with another kind of instinct—the soul of China, the soul of a guardian.

This made Guo Rong, who was a cold, corrective machine, less necessary.

At the end of the script, there was also an additional handwritten section, which was not part of the original script.

That wasn't a line from a script.

That was a description of an action.

[Ke Yang's voice disappeared from the earpiece, and the life support system showed that his brainwave activity had completely ceased. Mission accomplished. In the control room, everyone was celebrating. Guo Rong stared expressionlessly at the frozen image on the screen. As everyone turned away to open champagne, her hand quietly moved towards the control panel.]

She disobeyed her superiors' order to "clear the data."

She pressed the start button for the final loop, giving Ke Yang a non-existent "eight minutes" to complete his final journey with the girl he loved in a virtual world.

Liu Yifei's breathing paused for a moment.

She suddenly raised her head and looked at Li Xuan.

Li Xuan was looking at her, a slight chuckle on his lips, and lowered his voice, speaking in a volume that only the two of them could hear.

"A hero should not die alone in a cold machine."

"Eight minutes of confinement, a lifetime of freedom."

(End of this chapter)