The Best Director

Chapter 392: Chapter 392: Fierce Man! (Vote for Monthly Ticket)

“Yang’s spirits are very good; he chats and jokes with his family just like before he was injured and fell into a coma, except that he sometimes has headaches,”

On the evening of August 6, after announcing the good news of Wang Yang’s awakening in the afternoon, the official spokesperson, Susan McCarthy, again revealed the latest news to the media. Wang Yang was in good physical condition, without any serious problems like memory loss or confusion, and in his own words, “this long sleep has dispelled all the tiredness from my body and mind.” Susan McCarthy conveyed, “Yang is very grateful for everyone’s concern and good wishes over the past week, and he wants everyone to be reassured.”

Indeed, Wang Yang was not seriously hurt, even though he was the most severely injured in the accident with significant aftereffects of a severe concussion and cerebral contusion, which can be major or minor, including memory decline, diminished intelligence, and so on. Yet his quick-witted mind was still sharp; he woke up after seven days in a coma with no cognitive discomfort, his temporary amnesia quickly recovered, and his physical strength was robust. Dr. Laurie Garabrut marveled at this and could only explain that the magical Yang’s physical fitness was indeed extraordinary.

The next day after regaining consciousness, on the 7th, Wang Yang was quickly discharged from the hospital!

The paparazzi camping outside the UCLA Medical Center operated on a 24-hour rotation, so even in the early hours, there were paparazzi who captured long-awaited photos of the magical Yang being discharged. Five or six bodyguards assisted by his side, shielding him, but the paparazzi still swarmed forward: “Yang, Yang! Say a few words!!” “Jessica, how are you feeling?”…

“Hey, guys!” Wang Yang did not come out in a wheelchair and was not pale or gaunt. The young director was dressed in casual summer clothes, with his injured forehead wrapped in a layer of white bandage, topped off with a red NBA headband and a Golden State Warriors cap covering his dark hair. He hung his forearm in a sling to support his broken right arm, lifted his left hand, and greeted everyone with a smile. The paparazzi noticed aside from his face being a bit thinner, showing more angles, Wang Yang’s gait was strong and confident, with a keen look in his eyes, not at all like someone who had almost died from serious injuries.

Jessica by his side had a happy smile on her face. She wore a light blue maternity dress, also with a cap and headband, her belly protruding, radiating a different kind of charm and beauty. She was obviously in a good mood, and for once, she smiled and responded to them: “Yang has recovered, of course, I’m very happy. What about you?”

The two said a word each and then no longer paid attention to the paparazzi. With the bodyguards clearing the way, they quickly got into the car and left.

If this incident couldn’t have been faked, there would be conspiracy theorists suspecting that the magical Yang used a fake injury to hype up “Firefly’s” box office. Yet even though everyone said he was in good spirits, with just a severe concussion and a broken right arm, ordinary people would think that Wang Yang would definitely need to rest for a while. They estimated that he would recuperate until Jessica had given birth to the baby, and then he would definitely be busy campaigning for “Firefly” during the awards season. Therefore, the year-end release of “500 Days of Summer” would be put on hold.

“It’s great that magical Yang could wake up safely!” As for this topic, movie fans have already been discussing it online, and many people are quite understanding. Yahoo user Teirsiant commented, “I believe this movie won’t be aborted, MY never cancels plans, but we probably won’t see it until next year.” Ganja-Daze’s comment received a high agreement rate: “Rushing magical Yang to make a movie now is really not a good idea, headaches, confusion, unable to use his dominant right hand, and he’s facing his weakness: a romance movie. I don’t want to see him fail for this reason; he should rest and recover.” Banes also wrote, “Yang, forget about the movie for now, you need a vacation.”…

Beverly Hills, Wang Yang’s bright and elegant living room was lively with noise not heard for many days.

“Patients in the recovery period from concussions often have symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, insomnia, and so on, which usually disappear gradually over weeks to months.”

Jessica sat on the fabric sofa, holding a medical book about post-illness care and read the contents earnestly. Actually, she had all the checks done and received the appropriate treatment at the hospital, but Jessica took it upon herself, and at that moment, with an unprecedented bookish air about her, she asked, “Dear, are you sure you’re alright?” Wang’s mother on the adjacent sofa also looked at her son seriously, but then Wang Yang suddenly thought of something: “Wait, restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite…” Jessica frowned in agreement.

“Isn’t that just pregnancy symptoms!?” Wang Yang exclaimed in surprise and delight, like he had found a treasure, which made the stunned Jessica and Wang’s mother feel like they might faint from the pregnancy response.

Wang Yang hugged his wife joyfully around the waist, stroking her belly and laughing, “YEAH!! I finally get to experience one aspect of being pregnant! Incredible!” Both women burst into laughter, and Mother Wang asked somewhat irritably, “Are you losing your mind?” Wang Yang arched his brows proudly, “Not at all, but I do feel like I’m pregnant now. This is what sharing joys and sorrows is all about.” He laughed and kissed the back of her hand.

“Isn’t it fun?” Jessica rolled her eyes playfully and looked at her face, while Wang Yang sincerely said, “Jessie, you’ve really been through a lot, I’ve only experienced a small part of the discomfort of pregnancy, but you’ve shouldered it all, thank you.” He turned his head toward his mother and laughed, “How could I forget you, Mom, thanks!” Mother Wang shook her head with a smile, “You’re welcome.” Jessica was touched and took over the conversation with a smile, “You haven’t experienced the wonderful part of it, that evens it out! Oh, the baby just kicked me again…”

“Where? Where?” Wang Yang excitedly reached out to feel it, and Jessica guided his hand to the left side of her belly where Mother Wang smiled with a hint of nostalgia, “Yang, you were such a lively child; in the prenatal class I attended, you always had the most frequent fetal movements among the babies.” Later, as a child, he had been so energetic it was as though he had ADHD, leading him to picking up martial arts from Master Wu. Jessica was going through the same phase and her eyes widened with amusement, “The baby is like that too! Having more frequent fetal movements than the others.”

Laughter and chatter filled the living room as the three talked at length. Just then, a car horn sounded outside, and Joshua had brought Danny back from his temporary stay at their relatives’!

“Wow, our big hero! Danny -” Wang Yang and his company happily went to the door to greet him, and saw Danny leap joyfully from the passenger seat of the black Hummer. As soon as he touched the ground, he sprinted towards them, tail wagging with lightning speed. If it weren’t for one person being injured and another pregnant, they would have already squeezed him in a warm embrace! Wang Yang and Jessica bent slightly to pet him, praising in unison, “Good boy, good boy…”

Danny extended his tongue to lick their hands, showing a delighted, beaming expression. It had been a long time since he had seen them, especially Wang Yang whom he hadn’t seen for two weeks.

Yang, where have you been lately? Danny licked his left hand frantically, only to hear him laugh inexplicably with thanks, “Thanks, pal! To honor your bravery, please accept two hamburger treats I’ve prepared for you.” Danny cocked his ear, but Jessica was quite deflated, “No way!” Joshua, standing beside, couldn’t help but feel the injustice for Danny, “Come on, just this once!” Jessica held up three fingers with a toothy smile, “At least three!” Wang Yang and Joshua shouted “YEAH!” in agreement and went on to suggest, “Should we add a box of fried chicken wings?” “Don’t forget the donuts; he loves those.”…

“You guys are too much!” Jessica couldn’t help but warn them, sweets are not good for dogs! Wang Yang and Joshua shrugged their shoulders, while Mother Wang offered a soothing smile, “Don’t worry about Danny not getting a treat, I’ll simmer a pot of bone broth for him.” Wang Yang then pondered something, “Just food rewards seems not enough!”

The day he hadn’t been discharged from the hospital, in a dream of an apocalyptic world, and even earlier, Wang Yang had already considered this idea, and it was time to act! As everyone walked into the house with Danny, Wang Yang laughed and said, “Dogs really are man’s best friend. Why shouldn’t Firefly Films make some movies about dog stories?” Jessica immediately perked up, “I love dog movies like ‘101 Dalmatians’, ‘Cats & Dogs’, ‘Homeward Bound’…” Wang Yang followed with a chuckle, “‘Homeward Bound: The San Francisco Adventures’.” He told Joshua, “I’ve watched it at least three times.”

“Buddy, it sounds like… you’ve got a new movie plan?” Joshua couldn’t forget the day when he decided to make ‘MIT-21-TEAM’ and ‘The Hangover’, luckily this time the star was Danny.

As they arrived in the living room, Wang Yang looked at the still very excited Danny and gradually formed an idea, saying, “I don’t think dog movies are in my directing plans, Firefly Films will produce suitable projects… but in fact, you could say ‘yes’, I’m going to make a movie about a man and a dog.”

Hearing of one plan after another, Mother Wang frowned and asked, “Yang, what exactly are you thinking? Aren’t you planning to rest for a few months?” Jessica also furrowed her brows; he had only just woken up a day ago and still occasionally suffered headaches. Concerned, she called out, “Dear.” Wang Yang did not nod, but instead clenched his fist with enthusiasm and waved it, “Jessie, Mom, I’ve been lying down too long! I know my body, apart from some pregnancy symptoms, I’m fine! Do I look like I need rest?”

Mother Wang, Jessica, and Joshua all gazed at him critically; his forehead was bound with bandages, a sling hung across his chest, and his right forearm encased in plaster, and they all nodded, “YES.”

“Oh my gosh, then you’ve misunderstood me.” Wang Yang worriedly pinched his forehead, after spending more than two months in the post-apocalyptic world of his dreams, he was nearly going crazy from the confinement!

On one hand, he was very eager to spend more time with his family, and on the other hand, he was super eager to throw himself into work, feeling he could balance the two! He didn’t want to stop. Thinking about these things, Wang Yang pleaded like a child begging for candy, wrapping his left arm around his mother’s, “Mom! I promise I’m not being tough, not forcing myself, you know that!” He then turned and hugged his wife’s shoulders, “I wouldn’t want to worry you guys, but I’m really fine! Understand? I really know I’m fine, don’t forget I’m a martial artist! Heh-da heh-da…”

“Alright, you must not push yourself.” Wang’s mother and Jessica nodded helplessly in succession; they both thought, anyway, they would keep a close eye on him and call a halt at any sign of trouble!

Joshua’s opinion was ignored, “Um, I was going to say…” Only Danny looked at him, extending his tongue to pant and cool himself down.

Wang Yang made decisions quickly. As long as he had the support of the two most important women, he had no further concerns, and the baby’s opposition, if any, was of no consequence for now. With a decision made, there was an announcement to make, and that very night, Flame Movies informed the media and the public: “‘500 Days of Summer’ will be released this Christmas as originally planned.”

Yang is sure his health condition will support him to complete the work, ‘500 Days of Summer’ will start official filming within the next week and release on schedule.”

Flame Movies spokesperson Fiona Hassan said this, and she revealed Wang Yang’s original words: “I won’t rest, I’ve already rested for a long time in the hospital. It seems fortunate that I didn’t choose to play basketball in middle school; I’m not an NBA player, nor am I a photographer, a broken right hand won’t have a devastating impact on my directing work; and I’m certain that if I stop, my headache will be worse.”

“I love Amazing Yang, I love Top-Captain! Such a tough guy!” Upon hearing the news, a large portion of Yang fans cheered with joy; they could continue to look forward to ‘500 Days of Summer’! Amazing Yang’s onset with injuries would certainly become a remarkable tale!

But there was another sentiment. Yang fan Podaguee commented, “MY, isn’t this showing off? Is there any need? We wouldn’t blame you; if in a few days, you say ‘sorry, let’s postpone it’, we’ll understand.” Mannered said, “Did YOUNG get a brain injury from the accident? This isn’t a good decision!” Kenny expressed concern, “I think MY needs to cool down! Don’t be hot-headed.”…

“Welcome to the Office Building Rule, WANG, you’re too smart!” It wasn’t just the Yang fans paying attention; the Yang haters were also in action, questioning and mocking Wang Yang’s decision and words.

Yang hater Carlos-D mocked in writing; “Who believes Wang Yang would have become an NBA player if he had pursued basketball? Kid, you wouldn’t even handle the WNBA, perhaps only the WNGA.” Glock wrote: “I’m sick and tired of seeing Wang Yang in the papers every day, why can’t he be in a coma forever? I wish it would happen.” Rickey-Lives’s words carried a curse: “Wang Yang, I support you so much, I look forward to hearing about your death on set.”…

However, more and more people discovered another fresh and hot explosive piece of news on Wang Yang’s blog… he’s going to shoot a sci-fi movie with a theme of world apocalypse! Scheduled right after ‘500 Days of Summer’!

Wang Yang wrote in a new post: “Undoubtedly, the plane accident has caused great harm to me, my family, and everyone who likes me. On the plane, before passing out, I was really scared, I hadn’t even seen my daughter yet; during the coma, I had a terrible and prolonged dream, in which I was the only human in the entire world. That feeling of loneliness was of course unpleasant. But I don’t want to avoid it, lose it, I want to retain it, to reflect on it, because it is also a valuable asset, an extraordinary experience. Since everyone has paid a price, don’t forget to reap the benefits.”

“I know some will ask ‘what kind of movie is that?'” His subsequent words were mysterious “It will actually be a very cliché movie,” and then he revealed: “Also, to thank the dog for helping me wake up from the coma, to thank my good kid Danny for playing a key role, Flame Movies will produce a movie about a dog’s story, please look forward to it.”

Ever since Wang Yang woke up, he has been pulling off one surprising move after another! Movie entertainment media, fans, and Hollywood insiders were once more abuzz: a cliché apocalypse sci-fi movie?! A movie about a dog’s story?! What kind of play are they preparing to perform this time?! Flame Movies has been making big moves recently, having officially kicked off multiple film projects, including ‘The Green Hornet’, ‘The Prestige’, and the hot Broadway play ‘Mamma Mia!’ for which they had recently acquired screen adaptation rights. Now with Amazing Yang’s faint and wake, new plans emerge! It’s really overwhelming.

It wasn’t just Flame Films gearing up to produce a new movie; other film companies were also continuing in full swing, and with Wang Yang’s recent awakening, another eye-catching event arose: Paramount Pictures was set to produce a biographical drama with Wang Yang as the main character!

Previously, the craze ignited by “Firefly” had made Wang Yang the focus of media and public attention across America and the world; his week-long coma further fueled a massive popularity explosion. Innumerable retrospectives on his 25 years surfaced, with headlines like “Who is the Magical Wang?” “The Man Who Drove the World Mad: Wang Yang,” “A Living Young Legend,” “The Youngest Best Director and Billionaire,” “He Changed the World,” featuring in prominent publications such as the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle…

If a film company wanted to adapt media reports or books about the public figure Wang Yang into a movie, they needn’t gain his approval. Of course, his authorization would be ideal, as it could provide the scriptwriters with more authentic story details; without his consent, the book or film would simply be marked “unauthorized” or “non-autobiographical,” leaving it to consumers to judge and choose. Over the years, as Wang Yang’s achievements grew more startling with each passing year, there were indeed many who had set their sights on him. However, three major concerns arose: how should they shoot it? Would it offend the Magical Wang? Could it turn a profit?

For starters, the racially charged firing incident was a sensitive subject, and despite the young Magical Wang having many stories to tell, choosing the starting and ending points of the film was troublesome; secondly, major film companies preferred to invite him to direct their films, aiming to make money through collaboration rather than adapting his personal story for the screen. Angering him might signify a complete loss of any hope for cooperation. More critically, and a reason why many production companies hesitated, was their reserved outlook on Wang Yang’s commercial value. Despite seeming like a massive superstar, biopics of celebrities often lose money—how much box office revenue could an Asian star really bring in?

However, the recent global box office sweep of 1.6 billion by “Firefly” was known worldwide, and it was a foregone conclusion that Wang Yang would get his second Best Director nomination at next year’s Oscars. Furthermore, considering the global public reaction to the week of Wang Yang’s coma, film companies knew the time was right! The commercial value of the Magical Wang was enormous, simply enormous!

“We are going to make a biographical drama that tells the story of the Magical Wang,” Paramount Pictures announced joyfully on the day Wang Yang woke up, an announcement that bore a hint of “if I can’t have you, no one will.” After being rejected by the Magical Wang time and again, this Hollywood giant finally couldn’t sit idle any longer! The film’s script was adapted from a short story by Ben Mezrich that was published in The New York Times a few days earlier—he was the author of “Las Vegas,” and the film is tentatively titled “The Magical Director.”

Producer Scott Rudin, who had just come off the financial flop “Clone Wife” the previous year, costing Paramount a fortune, initiated the project. He explained to the media, “Actually, we’ve been preparing this plan for quite a while, and we’ve collected a lot of material on the Magical Wang, but we’ve been unable to find a suitable main script. Mezrich’s short story perfectly solved this issue; he’s had extensive contact with Wang Yang because of ‘MIT-21-TEAM’, and over the years, he’s visited and compiled a tremendous amount of valuable information, which is genuinely interesting.”

According to Paramount, the story of “The Magical Director” will cover Wang Yang’s journey from his high school graduation to his entry into the University of Southern California, his wrongful dismissal, and all up to the point where “Paranormal Activity” shook the world. The budget won’t be less than 50 million, and they also plan to invite directors of John Madden, Sam Mendes, and David Fincher’s caliber to take on the film. Moreover, they will definitely look for a suitable renowned screenwriter to write the script.

Producer Scott Rudin stated, “We take this movie very seriously. Everyone should know that ‘The Magical Director’ isn’t just another celebrity biopic. It’s a story of genius that encompasses youth, restlessness, sex, love, friendship, confusion, and struggle—it’s a dramatic film.”

“So, who will play the Magical Wang?” Whether supportive or opposed to “The Magical Director,” fans and moviegoers unanimously believed the choice of actor to be a huge issue. The Wang Yang of the “Paranormal Activity” era was a mere 18 years old, and casting a middle-aged actor would clearly be nauseating. Daniel Wu was considered too old for the role, and while Harry Shum Jr. might be tall and young, he lacked the appearance and charisma of Top-Captain. Not to mention, other active Asian-American actors seemed even more out of the question; they felt it would be an insult to the Magical Wang.

Deciding on the Magical Wang wasn’t the only major issue—Mezrich’s short story wasn’t difficult to find, and after reading it, fans couldn’t help but ask, who would play Jessica Alba, who would play Rachel McAdams? Probably the easiest role to cast would be Joshua Alba.

These challenges were all Paramount’s to deal with, and one thing was for sure, creating a satisfying “The Magical Director” for the masses would be no small feat.

As Sunday, the 7th, became a thing of the past, and the North American weekend of August 5-7 came to a close, “Firefly” had finished its eighth weekend, while “Assassin’s Creed” had concluded its opening weekend. (n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om