Chapter 457: 457 Uncle Yang's Influence

“Wow, Sweethearts, thank you, thank you for your enthusiasm!”

Wang Yang had had an amazing talent since he was young, which was being particularly welcomed by animals, dogs, for instance. Maybe it was just his own illusion, but now, even the fierce German Shepherds were charmed by his charisma. When he walked into the kennel’s verdant lawn, dozens of dogs warmly welcomed him, eagerly surrounding him with wagging tails. Although their manner was not exactly tame, there was also no sign of aggression, as if they knew he was the director.

If the dogs’ gazes were to be stretched out, one would find that it wasn’t just him alone. Under the azure sky, Wang Yang, Nancy, and a few others strolled on the expansive lawn, playing with the dogs while observing their various postures.

“Simultaneous filming” would inevitably be an extremely difficult challenge. Both teams from “I Am Legend” and “Infernal Affairs” had to have a high degree of tacit understanding, ability, and diligence. There also had to be some coordination between the two teams to support the director and others who would be running back and forth. Undoubtedly, it was challenging to have such an effect for the first-time collaboration. Therefore, Wang Yang called for many capable subordinates to join the team and take up important positions, helping him complete this “impossible mission”.

It could be said that there was an overwhelming response! Various departments were quickly formed and rejuvenated with new blood. Nancy Reno would become one of the assistant directors for “I Am Legend” and the first assistant director for “Infernal Affairs” as well as one of the deputy directors. Meanwhile, as one of the producers for “Saw IV”, which was about to start shooting, she was so busy that she was practically more occupied than Wang Yang.

Having lost Joshua, his longtime production assistant, Wang Yang felt somewhat unaccustomed. However, Joshua was actively searching for potential horror scripts to strive for next year’s Sundance Film Festival. Although he wanted to come back and help, Wang Yang refused his eagerness. He had his own sky to soar.

Despite her multiple roles, Nancy’s main task was to assist with coordination, scheduling filming, conveying the director’s intentions, and so on, largely in a logistical capacity. Other logistical staff were similar. However, the main creative departments of the two films each had their own teams, including set design, props, art, lighting, and so on. Clearly, not everyone felt they could easily switch between “simultaneous filming”. To avoid inefficiency and mishaps, Wang Yang did not dare to force the issue but instead made the most appropriate invitations and arrangements. For example, Valery Fiest would act as the cinematographer for “I Am Legend”, and Harry George would be the cinematographer for “Infernal Affairs”.

“Have you taken a liking to any of the dogs?” Kennel owner Judith asked with a proud look, pointing to the chasing and frolicking dogs, and introduced to Wang Yang and the others nearby: “They are all well-trained and outstanding dogs. That one is called Anna, she’s three years old, very smart and well-behaved. Anna! Come here! That one is called Jack…”

“OK…” Wang Yang watched the dogs intently, patted the head of Anna who came running, and she licked his palm a few times. In fact, there wasn’t much difference in each German Shepherd’s presence on camera, and it was the same when it came to screen chemistry with Will Smith. But their postures, sizes, and appearances were still distinguishable. Wang Yang first eliminated some dogs that were either too standard or non-standard in appearance, for he had no intention of using makeup; then those that were too large, too small, looked too fierce, too serious, too melancholic… were all disqualified.

Because “Sam” was one of the reasons Neville kept going, it represented a sliver of hope—the last of Neville’s family. It was both a companion and a child, a dog that was genteel and looked lively and cute, not very strong but trustworthy—perfect for the role.

Sam was just like an ordinary pet dog. When it joyfully ran, everyone would smile; when it disobediently ran around, everyone would grow concerned; when it fought to the death with zombie dogs, everyone would choke up; when it died in Neville’s arms, people’s emotions would reach their peak. Thus, the remaining seven dogs all fell into the category of above-average appearance, with a proper look and charming smiles. Anna, with her black back and black muzzle and pricked ears, was also chosen.

Wang Yang never worried about their training from the start. As expected, the seven dogs were clever and well-trained. In the following “talent show” phase, they performed commands like heeling, jumping over obstacles, and focusing very well. They were currently doing “reading lines”. At Judith’s command, the seven dogs barked in unison: “Woof, woof, woof, woof—” followed by individual performances…

“They really are outstanding.” Wang Yang offered some praise, then after exchanging opinions with Nancy and the others, he finally, with a heavy heart, eliminated two dogs whose “line reading rhythm” was too fast. As the two dogs were led away panting with tongues out, he couldn’t help but sigh; but there were still five left, and only two spots available.

“Look at me…” Wang Yang bent down, touching his knees, and made eye contact with Anna who was sitting on the lawn. Beside him, Nancy recorded the time with a stopwatch, ticking second by second, until after a long while, Anna tilted her head, signaling the conclusion, followed by the next dog.

He used this method because the dogs needed to make eye contact, and it also gave them a chance to compete against each other. The final two dogs that prevailed were Anna and Lud, both three-year-olds, a girl and a boy, who would both play Sam. Additionally, a puppy Shepherd was needed to play “puppy Sam” but was not chosen here. They would find the actor closer to the shooting in New York, otherwise, if chosen now, the puppy would have grown into a big dog in a few months.

When he got home that day, Danny sniffed around him for a very long time and couldn’t be shooed away. The old fellow didn’t know that he had almost gotten a little buddy. At the kennel that day, Wang Yang impulsively wanted to take one of those adorable Shepherd puppies home to grow up with Keke after seeing them. However, after asking Jessica’s opinion, the two of them decided to wait until Keke was old enough to take care of a dog, then let her pick her own beloved puppy.

“Hey, Will, good evening! The dog choice is settled.” In the brightly lit study, Wang Yang twirled a pencil while chatting on the phone. After summarizing the situation to Will Smith, he laughed and said, “Their performance was incredible.” Laughter came from the earpiece immediately: “Haha, great! I can’t wait to meet my screen opponents.” Wang Yang looked at the spinning pencil in his right hand but turned serious: “You will, and I have an idea.” To which Will asked, “What is it?”

Wang Yang chuckled, seriously suggesting, “You know Neville has very, very deep and complicated feelings for Sam. I’m wondering if you could personally raise Anna or Lud for a while, building a bond and getting a deeper understanding of Neville, so you can really get into character when we shoot later?”

“Great idea!” Will’s interest piqued instantly. His house was big enough to manage several dogs without a problem, and with the help of the servants, he wouldn’t have to worry about being too busy. Indeed, taking care of the dogs personally would help build a connection! After a moment’s thought, Will replied, “That sounds like a good plan, but, Yang, I need to ask Jada and the kids what they think.” Wang Yang laughed heartily, “Tell them it’s Yang’s idea!” Will also laughed, “Then they’ll definitely agree.”

Terry Smith and Jaden Smith worshipped Wang Yang like a deity. The person who most influenced their childhood and current life wasn’t their father, Will Smith, but their coolest and funniest Uncle Yang! Terry was even set on joining the high school’s basketball team, favoring basketball over the football he had been practicing since he was little and had some talent in. Jaden dreamt of becoming Wang Yang’s apprentice to master the art of Kung Fu. He often dreamt of that dashing and swift figure…

Influenced by this, the Smith family’s youngest daughter, Willow Smith, couldn’t help but adore that amazing and funny big brother. As long as the three kids agreed unanimously, and it was beneficial for their father’s career, Jada Smith would inevitably go along with it.

After a brief chat, they ended the call. Will immediately called a family meeting at home, gathering everyone in the living room. With 13-year-old Terry, 7-year-old Jaden, 5-year-old Willow, and 34-year-old Jada looking on, Will laid out the proposal, ending with, “It’s Yang’s idea.”

“Of course, of course, that’s great!” Jaden was the first to shout excitedly, dancing and throwing his fists into the air, yelling, “I can take care of Sam!” Terry also had an excited smile, exclaiming, “Yes! I can take care of Sam too, Uncle Yang must be right, dad, let’s do it.” Both brothers were extremely happy and eager to do something for Uncle Yang, not to mention Jaden had been looking forward to “I Am Legend” for a long time. He could visit the set and learn Kung Fu! Then Willow chimed in, “I want to see the doggy!”

Seeing the kids’ expected excitement, Will smiled, showing his white teeth, “Alright then, which one should we take in, Anna or Lud?” Jaden joyfully said, “Anna and Lud! We should raise both!” Before Willow could make a fuss, Will quickly explained, “Woah, woah, wait! Only one, one Sam!” Terry understood, but Jaden and Willow immediately looked sad, “Oh…” Finally, Jada couldn’t keep silent. She had been reluctant from the start, having never heard of adopting a dog specifically for a movie. She objected, “Kids! Have you really thought about the house…”

“I want it! I want it! I want it!” Jaden shouted, interrupting her. Anything related to Uncle Yang got him incredibly excited; though Terry didn’t say anything, his silent protest and hopeful gaze were fixed on Will; Willow was almost crying, “Doggy, I want the doggy!”

Hehe! Worthy of an Oscar-winning actor, beneath Will’s calm exterior was a snickering heart. Sorry, Jada, but you’re not the one with the most influence at home, not you, not him, not anybody—it’s Uncle Yang! He strategically sighed, “Kids, your mom is right, we should seriously consider our situation at home—if it’s not a good fit, then dad will have to say no to Uncle Yang. Oh, right! I almost forgot to mention, your Uncle Yang says hello and he has a joke for you.”@@novelbin@@

“What joke?!” Jaden stopped shouting and sat down next to his father on the sofa. Terry and Willow also urged, “Dad, come on, tell us!” Jada seemed disinterested, arms crossed. What trick was the Magician Wang trying to play now?

“Hmm,” Will glanced at Jada, not sure whether to share or not, but with the kids already chanting, he decided to tell the joke prepared by Wang Yang, “In the morning, two neighbors met. One said, ‘I heard it all, was your wife causing a commotion yesterday?’ The other one replied, ‘Yeah, she was losing her temper at the dog.’ Then the person said, ‘Poor dog! I even heard your wife threaten to take away its house key!'”

“Ha ha ha!” The children immediately burst into laughter, looking at their expressionless mother, they laughed even harder. Terry and Jaden laughed the loudest, with Jaden adding, “That’s so dumb!” Terry praised with a laugh, “Uncle Yang is so funny.” Willow giggled happily, “Dogs can’t use keys! Hehe—”

Jada took a deep breath in annoyance, feeling as if the children had been taken by someone else. Uncle Yang, Magician Wang… that guy… so irritating! At this moment, Will kept making eye signals to his children, saying, “So, what’s our decision?” Jaden and Willow screamed as they pounced towards their mom, “Ahhh—” They didn’t really dislike Wang Yang, and since it was a serious matter and the children were pleased, Jada had no choice but to relent, “Alright, alright! Just remember what you said, and don’t neglect the dog once the novelty wears off and leave all the work to someone else.”

“Yay—I won’t!” Jaden was already exclaiming excitedly, high-fiving Terry and striking a Kung Fu starting pose with an audible “Haha,” while Willow raised her hands in celebration, “Yay—” It really worked! Will laughed, his white teeth shining, “So, are we adopting Anna or Lud?”

And so, to facilitate better performances and to build a connection and understanding with the dog, the Smith family took Wang Yang’s advice. Will would take care of Anna for the entire preparation period of “I Am Legend,” and then through the filming of Sam’s scenes. Will joked with Wang Yang, “After this movie, I might officially have an extra family member.” Could the children, having grown so fond of the dog, ever send it back to the kennel? Wang Yang laughed, “It’ll be even livelier, don’t give me an opportunity to compete with you for it.”

The night was deep, a bright crescent moon hanging high in the sky. After hanging up the phone, Wang Yang chuckled, then immediately settled down to ponder the many issues of “I Am Legend” and organise his thoughts. What did he want to convey with this story? How should the infected appear on the big screen? The novel “I Am Legend,” “The Last Man on Earth,” “The Last Man,” and WB’s version of “I Am Legend” tumbled through his mind…

Wang Yang shook his head, those words and images were suddenly swept away. Forget the three versions of “I Am Legend,” forget the original novel, what did he really want? (