[Chapter 241: Submission]
In the afternoon, witnessed by Goodman, Eddie, Rosa, and Linton finalized the employment contracts for the ghostwriter positions. Megan also arranged two workstations for them, fully stocked with necessary office supplies. Linton handed Eddie the novel outline for National Treasure and gave Rosa the outline for The Fault in Our Stars.
"I'll give you four months to complete the writing."
Both original novels were under 200,000 words, and with clear outlines, four months was more than enough. That broke down to less than 2,000 words daily -- quite manageable compared to some later generation writers who could crank out 10,000 words a day.
"That should be enough time," Eddie said after reviewing the National Treasure outline. "But I'm not that familiar with the American Revolutionary War, the contents and the location of the Declaration of Independence, or the Freemasons. I need time to do some research before I start writing."
"Same here," Rosa replied. "Besides researching, I want to visit hospitals and interact with terminally ill teenagers to gain a deeper understanding of their lives and emotions."
"No problem," Linton said, fully understanding the importance of preparation. "I'll have someone gather relevant information for you, and you're free to go to the library or anywhere else that helps with your writing anytime."
"Thank you, boss, for your understanding and support," both responded enthusiastically.
"Your desks are ready. You can come to the office to write during the day so we can discuss the plot anytime. At other times, you're free to manage as you like. Submit 10,000 words for review as you go. You should also communicate with each other during breaks. If you have any questions, I am always available."
"Thanks, boss," they said, taking their outlines and heading to their workstations to start preparations.
...
After settling the ghostwriter matters, Linton returned to the crew in a good mood. Preparations had been progressing as planned during his absence.
Only Yuen Woo-ping was unhappy with Will Smith's training. "Linton, Will's not cut out to be an action star. His movements are stiff and awkward. He can't take the physical strain. Can you consider replacing him?"
"What's going on?"
"We just started basic training with a low intensity, but he's been whining non-stop. At this rate, he won't improve over the next month."
"Let's check it out," Linton said, surprised the problem involved Will.
They approached the training room and heard Will from a distance screaming, "I can't take it! My legs feel like they're breaking! God, why are you being so cruel to me?" It sounded like serious torment.
Linton and Yuen exchanged looks and stepped inside only to find the scene was quite different from expectations. Three people were there -- two of Yuen's assistants were showing Will some leg stretches, helping him stretch his legs.
That's all? Why the screaming? If one didn't know, one might've thought he was being tortured.
Linton smirked, activating his spiritual sense to scan Will -- no injuries whatsoever.
Unexpectedly, when Will saw Linton enter, he acted like he was saved from doom and quickly withdrew his stretched legs. With his ears perked up, he ran over to Linton.
"Director, they're too harsh. Can you talk to them to roll back the intensity?"
Linton and Yuen Woo-ping exchanged looks again, and Yuen shook his head.
"Will, are you hurt?"
"Injured? Not really," Will said hesitantly.
"If you're not hurt, what's the complaint?"
"This training is just too painful -- feels like torture. I've never heard of such brutal training in Hollywood."
"Will, are you sure you can't handle this training?" Linton was too tired for excuses.
"Can you ease it up a bit?"
"Sure."
"Awesome," Will cheered.
"But your role changes. You'll be cast in a part with fewer scenes and no fighting. I'll find someone else for the killer role."
Linton ignored the protests -- this was not a joke. He picked him because he believed in him and gave him a chance. If he didn't perform, replacement was inevitable. Tons of people wanted in on their crew, and here he was, quaking.
"No, no, no, Director, I'm just messing around. I can handle this. I promise to train hard and stop complaining," Will quickly backpedaled after hearing about replacement.
"Is that so?"
"I promise."
"Alright, one more chance. But if you can't meet the training standards, I won't hesitate to replace you."
"Don't worry, I can do it."
"Okay, train well, I won't bother you."
"Director, from the script it looks like your fight scenes are more numerous and intense than mine."
"Yes."
"But don't you want to train? Why not come along and keep me company?"
"So you're just annoyed because I'm not training."
"No, no, don't get me wrong."
"It's fine. I'll show you. If you can get to my level, you don't need training."
Linton took off his jacket and stepped into the training area. He called Will over. "Come on, let's spar a few moves."
"Director, that won't work. What if I hurt you? Would that mess up the movie?"
"Stop talking nonsense. You go first."
"Alright, here I go."
Will threw a right punch at Linton's chest. Linton grabbed his wrist, flipped him around, and pinned his right arm behind his back.
"It hurts! Let go!"
"Well? Want to try again?"
"I slipped earlier. That doesn't count."
"Then again."
"Okay, I'll win for sure this time."
Will attacked again, but the result was the same -- he was easily subdued.
"Convinced? If not, let's try again."
This time Will tried a different tactic. He opened his arms, bent down, and rushed to hug Linton, trying a wrestling move.
Still, Linton used the same move and subdued him.
"Convinced?"
"I am, completely."
"If you're on board, practice hard."
"I will."
"Let me show you again why I skip training."
The two Yuen's assistants demonstrated various fighting moves, which Linton followed with ease.
"Director, how do you do that?" Will asked in disbelief.
"I started training a long time ago and do it daily. Now you get it?"
"Yes, I understand now. I'll definitely train hard with you next time."
"Great. We'll see your progress later. I'll say this again: if you can't keep up, I won't hesitate to replace you."
"Don't worry, I won't give you that chance," Will said seriously, no longer joking around.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.