That night, Scarlett told Ethan about Kagari's incident. Upon hearing it, Ethan immediately decided to recast the role.
As for Kagari, Ethan assigned her to play Cleopatra's mother. Not kicking her out entirely was already an act of mercy.
Meanwhile, the crew had filmed the original scene as planned. Ethan intended to recreate it one-to-one once they returned to Los Angeles and reshoot the sequence.
After this minor incident, the filming progress of Lucy 2 proceeded rapidly.
Scarlett and the other actors were all highly professional, with almost no issues in dialogue-heavy scenes.
The action sequences, compared to the first film, were far more intense. This time, Ethan had planned five major fight scenes, each with a distinct style.
Moreover, since the enemies' strength had been significantly enhanced, even Lucy couldn't outright suppress Arasaka, a global corporate behemoth.
As a result, the overall spectacle of the film was significantly greater than in the first installment.
Ethan also indulged his love for explosions in this movie.
However, the most intense explosion of the entire film was only just beginning.
That evening, on the streets of Los Angeles, Nathan Lindemann, the head of the pyrotechnics team, was briefing Ethan.
"All detonation points on the buildings have been set, and the ones on the street are ready and currently undergoing final adjustments."
Ethan looked at the blocked-off street in front of him, lined with wrecked vehicles, including many sports cars.
These cars were rigged with green safety ropes underneath them to help prevent them from crashing into nearby buildings when they were launched into the air by the explosions.
"Once all detonation points are confirmed, check everything again," Ethan instructed.
He was always meticulous about explosions. He would rather spend extra time ensuring safety than risk any mistakes—because any mistake in this line of work could cost lives.
Although in America, a casualty wasn't necessarily a major scandal, for the company, it could mean a massive financial loss.
After the final safety check, Scarlett approached Ethan, looking surprised.
"I didn't expect you to shoot this explosion scene practically. When I read the script, I thought it would all be CGI."
"I prefer practical effects. The visuals feel more authentic that way," Ethan explained. "Besides, don't you think this is romantic?"
"Romantic?" Scarlett was puzzled.
"Yeah. Setting off fireworks that engulf an entire street in flames, right in the heart of America's most prosperous city—even the wealthiest capitalists can't just do that. But for filmmaking, it's possible."
Scarlett laughed. "That's true. But if the Los Angeles City Government knew you were planning to set an entire street on fire, they probably wouldn't have let you shoot here in the first place."
"That's exactly why I shot the smaller explosion sequences first—to avoid that issue."
Just then, Nathan Lindemann returned to report that all detonation points were fully prepared.
"Then let's begin," Ethan ordered decisively.
"Alright! All departments, prepare for detonation. Countdown: two minutes."
Once the countdown started, everyone retreated to their designated safe zones, waiting for the blast to commence.
Moments later—
BOOM!
The first explosion erupted atop a building, igniting a fiery blaze. Immediately afterward, a series of explosions detonated along two rows of buildings.
The cars on the street were thrown into the air by the force of the blasts. A massive wall of fire engulfed the entire street, lighting up the darkening sky in a vivid red hue.
Seeing the spectacle before them, Ethan and the surrounding crew took a deep breath.
"So magnificent."
Scarlett marveled, then exchanged a knowing smile with Ethan.
Meanwhile, residents across Los Angeles suddenly noticed a fiery explosion illuminating the night sky. The sight of intense flames, combined with the shockwave, sent many into a panic, fearing that war had broken out. People frantically pulled out their phones to record the scene.
Journalists and news agencies rushed to the scene upon hearing about the explosion. But upon discovering that it was merely a scene from Lucy 2, they were left speechless.
Nevertheless, they faithfully reported the incident through news outlets and broadcasts, calming public fears about a possible war.
Of course, Ethan and Lucy 2 quickly became trending topics, sparking heated discussions among film fans.
The very next day, however, the Los Angeles government shut down all further filming for the crew—clearly worried about Ethan pulling off something even more outrageous.
Unfazed, Ethan simply relocated the production to New York.
The New York City government welcomed his team but issued a firm warning: no excessive stunts.
Upon hearing the news, Vincenzo immediately released a video analyzing Lucy 2.
"The explosion scene that lit up a Los Angeles street has everyone talking. But let's not forget—Ethan has always been bold. Whether it's Lucy's visual design or its storyline, one thing's for sure: I'm officially hyped for the sequel. So today, let's analyze which part of the Comic Lucy 2 will adapt."
His video quickly went viral, surpassing even his most popular analysis from the first Lucy movie. Overjoyed by the response, Vincenzo continued releasing a series of related videos.
Other film analysts and YouTubers also jumped on the bandwagon, digging deep into Lucy 2's potential plot points and ending theories.
Most people believed that Lucy 2 wouldn't reveal the true nature of Earth just yet. Such a major revelation was too significant to happen this early in the franchise.
A few months later, Lucy 2 officially wrapped filming.
The film's trailer was released, showcasing many character designs.
But what intrigued audiences the most was the glimpse of the antagonist, Adam "Hammer."
Though only a silhouette was shown, his massive frame and heavily armored cybernetic body made him appear terrifying.
Not to mention the missile launchers on his back—he was practically a walking death machine.
For someone like Vincenzo, who had read the manga, the character was instantly recognizable. However, he was taken aback by just how imposing Adam Hammer looked in live-action.
Vincenzo pondered for a long time but still couldn't figure out which actor had been cast in the role.
After all, a height of over two meters was something only basketball players could typically reach.
He speculated for a while but couldn't come to a conclusion. So he went online to check the forum discussions, where fans were throwing out all kinds of guesses.
Dwayne Johnson, Hugh Jackman, Will Smith, Jason Statham...
Seeing such a wide range of guesses, Vincenzo decided to make a video compiling them. Unexpectedly, this video generated even more discussion than his other content analyzing the plot.
Clearly, many people were just as curious about who was playing the main villain in Lucy 2.
However, the official Norton's Eye team had no intention of revealing the actor's identity so soon. Even the cast list on the promotional posters remained vague and ambiguous.
While fans were busy discussing Lucy 2, Taylor Swift's new song Last Kiss was also released as scheduled.
But this song sparked heated debates among fans.
"Milon, have you heard Taylor's new song?" Judy asked excitedly as she sat in the car after work, looking gossip-hungry.
Mirren kept his eyes on the road and nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"I heard she wrote it after a breakup!" Judy eagerly shared the celebrity gossip she had picked up.
"Breakup? So who was Taylor dating?" Milon was intrigued.
"There's no official confirmation, but a lot of tabloid reporters are saying it was Ethan. Someone even photographed Taylor flying to Italy, and Ethan happened to be shooting a film there at the time."
"Huh?" Milon was surprised. "But doesn't Ethan have a wife and kid?"
"Exactly! That's why people are still just speculating. But Taylor is under Ethan's label, and Ethan personally discovered her, insisting on signing her despite opposition. So, you have to admit, it sounds kind of plausible."
Milon had never been that interested in celebrity gossip, but Ethan was different—he had been a fan of Ethan's work for years.
He had followed Ethan's career since the director was making music videos.
"Did any reporters ask Ethan about it?"
"Of course!" Judy nodded. "He was questioned about it during his movie promotions."
"And?"
"Ethan didn't give a direct answer. He just said he and Taylor have a great relationship."
"What about Taylor?"
"She told reporters it was none of their business and that her personal life was off-limits."
"Well, Ethan really does have a reputation as a ladies' man." Milon wasn't too surprised. In the entertainment industry, celebrities broke up and got together at an absurd speed—everyone knew how messy relationships could get.
"And get this—the reporters say Ethan and Jessica never actually got legally married. They're just husband and wife in name."
"That's shocking." Milon was taken aback. He had always focused on Ethan's films and never paid much attention to his personal life.
Hearing all this today, he couldn't help but feel slightly disapproving.
"That's just irresponsible," Judy huffed in frustration. "He should take responsibility like a real man."
"Yeah."
"Oh, and another thing—what do you think Scarlett thinks about all this?"
Mirren's eyes widened. "Scarlett? Oh right, she's Ethan's ex."
"Exactly! This whole thing is just too interesting. I'd love to know what happened when Taylor and Scarlett met." Judy sighed regretfully. "Too bad no paparazzi managed to capture anything."
"But don't you think something feels off?" Milon suddenly had a thought and tried to defend Ethan. "If there really was tension between Scarlett and Taylor, why did they still walk the red carpet with Ethan during that fashion gala?"
Judy paused. "You have a point."
"Right? And if Taylor really did visit Ethan's film set, she would've run into Scarlett, right? Wouldn't that be super awkward? What if Taylor wasn't even there for Ethan?"
Judy nodded, considering the possibility. She quickly grabbed her phone and sent her theories to her group chat with her girlfriends.
For the rest of the car ride, Judy was glued to her phone, immersed in gossip discussions, until they finally arrived home.
"So, are we still going to see Lucy 2?" Mirren asked after closing the car door.
Of course, he still wanted to watch it. But by now, he had learned to consider his girlfriend's opinion—otherwise, they might end up arguing, which would be annoying.
Judy didn't even hesitate. "Of course! Why wouldn't we? Ethan's personal life has nothing to do with us enjoying the movie. Besides, his work is genuinely great, isn't it?"
"Yeah, you're right."
Many people, like them, just laughed off the gossip and moved on. But some overly passionate fans weren't so rational.
They believed that Taylor and Ethan were destined to be together and that no one else should interfere in her love life.
That included Jessica, Scarlett, or even Avril.
So, in support of Taylor, they created a website to encourage her to "fight for her love" while cursing all the other women in Ethan's life.
But just two days after launching, the website was hacked and completely destroyed.
Even worse, the person behind the site was arrested by the New York police—because the hacker who took them down also uncovered evidence of financial fraud and handed it over to the authorities.
Ethan sat in his office, listening to a private investigator's report when he received a call from Davis.
"Ethan, I want to come back to New York," Davis said over the phone.
Even though things had been going well for him in the Philippines—where his fearless reputation had earned him significant clout in the criminal underworld—he was still restless. It had only been a little over six months, but he was already desperate to return.
Ethan tapped his fingers on the desk. "New York's situation isn't great right now. A lot of gangs have been hit hard, and you're still a wanted man. I checked with my contacts in the police department—the prosecutor isn't planning to let you off. Are you sure you want to return now?"
"I…" Davis hesitated. "Then when can I come back?"
"There will be a chance," Ethan assured him. "Be patient, kid. If you do come back, you can't return as 'Davis.' Tell you what—head to South Korea first."
"Korea? Why?" Davis was confused.
"To change your identity, kid." Ethan smirked. "Once you've got a new face, New York will be a whole new home for you."
Davis understood immediately. Without hesitation, he agreed. "Got it! Let's do it."
Revenge was the only thing on his mind—he didn't care if he had to give up his name.
With his consent, Ethan arranged for specialists to take Davis to South Korea, where he underwent surgery at a top-tier plastic surgery clinic.
The operation went smoothly, and in just two months, Davis had almost fully recovered.
When he finally removed the bandages and looked in the mirror, even he was shocked.
His face was completely different.
Aside from his eyes, everything else—his nose, mouth, forehead, and cheekbones—had changed.
Even he barely recognized himself.
It took him a long time to get used to his new reflection.
Once he had fully healed, Davis boarded a flight back to the U.S.
This time, when he passed through customs, the passport he presented bore a brand-new name.
Raymond.
A young Black man returning home after working abroad in South Korea.
Davis no longer existed.
...
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