Chapter 120: A Perfect Wrap-up

Chapter 120: Chapter 120: A Perfect Wrap-up

"All departments, take your positions. This is the last car chase scene. Action!"

Irene’s instructions echoed across the set through the walkie-talkie.

Under the sun, the Mini Cooper driven by Matt roared out of the curve, with Charlize’s car hot on its heels.

Both cars executed precise drifts at the designated spots, tires grinding against the ground and kicking up fine dust. High-definition cameras steadily captured the tacit exchange of glances between the two, while the high-speed camera outside the car froze the stunning image of splashing dust intertwined with sunlight.

"Cut! A perfect wrap-up!"

When the smooth, complete sequence appeared on the monitor, Irene pumped her fist, and the set instantly erupted in cheers.

Matt and Charlize got out of the cars, high-fiving and hugging the crew members. Members of the prop and camera teams patted each other on the shoulders.

The exhaustion of the past few days turned into pure joy at this moment. The most difficult car chase scene had finally wrapped up successfully, aided by the sunny weather.

Brown Charles hurried over with the shooting checklist, a long-lost smile finally appearing on his face.

"Irene, all the car chase shots have been approved. We only need to reshoot a few minor indoor scenes. We really completed all the location shooting within the scheduled time!"

Irene nodded with a smile. "I told you we’d make up for the lost time."

She wanted to say something more, but a commotion suddenly erupted at the entrance of the set.

Loren pushed in a giant chocolate cake, with "The Italian Job Car Chase Wrap Party" written in cream on it, surrounded by miniature car models that perfectly matched the film’s theme. He was followed by a few staff members carrying trays full of drinks and snacks, clearly a surprise he had specially prepared for the wrap.

"Loren? Why are you here?" Irene walked up, surprised and delighted.

Loren put down the cake cart and walked up to her, his tone gentle and slightly proud. "I knew you were shooting the last car chase scene today, so I came over to celebrate with you and the entire crew."

He turned to look at the approaching crew members and shouted with a smile, "Everyone has worked hard! Help yourselves to the cake and drinks. Let’s relax!"

The set instantly came alive as everyone gathered around the cake, cheering. Vera gently nudged Irene’s arm and teased, "Boss, Mr. Loren’s surprise is so thoughtful. It seems he’s spoiling our entire crew."

Irene watched Loren busily serving cake to everyone, her heart filled with warmth.

During this time, not only had he quietly accompanied her when she was anxious, but he had also gone out of his way to help her build rapport by bringing treats for the entire crew. This thoughtfulness and consideration made her cherish their relationship even more.

After distributing the cake, Loren returned to Irene’s side, holding a small piece of chocolate cake, which he handed to her. "For you. I specifically chose your favorite dark chocolate flavor."

Irene took the cake and took a small bite. The sweet but not cloying taste melted on her tongue, perfectly matching her mood at that moment.

"Thank you, Loren. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me," Irene whispered close to Loren’s ear.

Loren shook his head gently and pulled her into his arms. "No need to thank me. I just did what I should. I have seen all the effort you’ve put into this film. You deserve all the success and joy."

The surrounding cheers gradually died down, and everyone tacitly looked at the embracing couple, their eyes full of blessings.

Loren lowered his head, gently cupped Irene’s face, planted a tender kiss on her forehead, and then deepened the kiss.

Sunlight spilled onto the two, casting a golden halo over them. The crew members applauded, and some whistled, creating a sweet and enthusiastic atmosphere.

...

In October, on the USC campus, the sycamore leaves were tinged with a pale yellow. Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting warm light and shadows on the red brick paths.

Irene, wearing a simple white shirt and jeans with a backpack, walked into the familiar yet unfamiliar teaching building.

The remaining scenes of The Italian Job had all been completed, and all the film had been handed over to Fox Pictures. The post-production editing work could only be done during her time after class.

Because the academic affairs office had already called three times, if she didn’t return to class, she wouldn’t need to go anymore—even George Lucas interceding for her wouldn’t work.

As soon as she pushed open the classroom door, the originally noisy classroom instantly fell silent. Dozens of gazes turned toward her in unison, followed immediately by an uncontrollable commotion.

"Oh my God! It’s Irene!"

"She actually came to class! Mean Girls grossed 166 million, and she was filming The Italian Job at the same time! That’s amazing!"

"I’m so lucky to be classmates with such an awesome director!"

The discussions rose and fell. If it weren’t for the fact that mobile phones didn’t have camera functions yet, the scene would likely have been filled with the sound of clicking shutters.

"Irene! Here, here!" Vivian waved vigorously, her face full of excitement. Without waiting for Irene to respond, she grabbed her arm and pulled her to the empty seat beside her, even using a book to shield them, whispering,

"Sit down quickly, or you’ll be surrounded and won’t be able to leave later."

Irene had just sat down and hadn’t had a chance to say much to Vivian when a boy in the front row turned around, holding a Mean Girls movie poster booklet, his tone filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

"Irene, I really like your movies. Could you sign this for me? I’ve always wanted to be a screenwriter, and I’d love to hear your advice."

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding students seemed to receive a signal and swarmed over.

"Director Irene, I want an autograph too!"

"Can you reveal some shooting details about The Italian Job? Are Matt Damon and Charlize Theron a good match?"

"How do you manage to make movies and keep up with your studies? Can you share some experience?"

Everyone was asking questions at once, handing over notebooks, posters, and even textbooks. This return to campus was even more enthusiastic than when she finished filming Legally Blonde, leaving Irene a bit overwhelmed.

Vivian smiled and helped her block the overly crowded crowd, saying helplessly, "Slow down, one by one! Don’t crush our director!"

Irene picked up a pen, signing for the students while patiently responding to everyone’s questions. "Thank you all for liking Mean Girls. Actually, the most important thing in filmmaking is to stick to your own ideas, observe life more, and accumulate material."

"The filming of The Italian Job went very smoothly. Matt and Charlize are both very professional actors, and it was a pleasure working with them. As for whether they are a good match, you’ll know when the movie is released."

"Balancing studies and work is indeed not easy. I didn’t manage it well, which is why the dean of academic affairs called me to force me to come to class."

Everyone laughed at the last sentence.

"Irene is still the same Irene. She doesn’t seem to have changed much."

"Exactly. Unlike some people who join a small production crew and get so full of themselves."