*Chapter 208: You Overacted*

The next day, Richard continued filming on set.

"I didn’t expect it would be you who saved me," Dominic said as he looked at the police cars gradually disappearing behind them. Just after the race ended, he was chased and nearly caught by the police. Fortunately, Brian came along at the crucial moment.

"I thought if I could earn your respect, maybe you'd let me keep this car," Brian said as he drove.

"Yes, you've earned my respect, but I still want this car. I won it," Dominic said with a smile.

"Alright," Brian shrugged.

"You're a good driver. Were you a racer before?" Dominic asked, glancing at him.

"No."

"A car thief?"

"No, never," Brian shook his head.

"You've been to prison, right?" Dominic chuckled.

"Just overnight, no big deal," Brian said impatiently.

"You spent two years in prison for stealing cars, at Tucson Prison. Am I right?" Dominic said with a smile.

"You investigated me?"

"Yes, I had Jesse check your background. It's easy to find out anything you want through the internet," Dominic said, looking at him. "So why did you lie?"

"What about you?" Brian asked.

"I did two years in Lompoc. I’d rather die than go back," Dominic said quietly.

"Cut!"

"Stop the car and wait for the motorcycle gang to catch up," Director Rob Cohen's voice came through the intercom.

"Got it!" Richard responded, picking up the intercom.

Paul Walker stopped the car, and the director's car also pulled over. The crew began guiding the motorcycle gang into the scene.

"Richard, the new Winston Cup registration is open. Want to join in?" Paul Walker asked, gripping the steering wheel.

"I can't. I'm not even an amateur racer," Richard shook his head. The Winston Cup is the premier event of the American Racing Champions League, with hundreds of professional and amateur racers competing each year. The competition is very high-level, and Richard didn’t think his driving skills were up to par.

"I'm thinking of giving it a try, just for the experience," Paul Walker said with a smile.

"Be careful, don’t flip the car."

"I won't!" Paul said, a little displeased.

Richard laughed, and then heard Director Rob on the intercom instructing them to get ready. Paul glanced at the approaching motorcycle gang and slowly started the car.

---

After finishing the shoot in the afternoon, Richard returned to the city. Since he had promised to spar with Paul yesterday, he got back in the zone and went a few rounds with him.

After two hours of training, they were both drenched in sweat.

"Remember, James Toney’s boxing technique is extremely refined. He’s excellent on both offense and defense, with hardly any weaknesses. So don’t underestimate him just because he’s small," Richard said, sitting on the floor with a cup of tea.

"I know. I won’t underestimate any opponent, just like you," Paul said, lying on the floor and grinning.

"Just respecting him isn’t enough. I suggest you watch the 1997 match between David Tua and Ike Ibeabuchi. There was a 10-inch height difference between them. David Tua was originally a mobile powerhouse, but he met Ike, who was like a piledriver, and lost in the end. It was a classic fight, and you could learn from Ike’s style."

"I know about Ibeabuchi. He was fierce, like a beast. It’s a shame he went to prison. If he hadn’t, he would’ve definitely held the heavyweight championship belt. Lewis and Holyfield wouldn't have stood a chance against him," Paul said admiringly.

"There’s nothing to be sorry about. He brought it on himself."

In 1997, when David Tua faced Ike Ibeabuchi, Tua's undefeated streak came to an end. Ibeabuchi, who was 13 centimeters taller than Tua, relentlessly attacked Tua's bald head during the fight, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

The match went on for twelve rounds, with Ibeabuchi ultimately winning by decision. Afterward, Ibeabuchi also defeated the quick Chris Byrd, ending Byrd's 27-win undefeated streak, and gained significant fame in the professional boxing world.

However, Ibeabuchi had some mental issues. In 1997, just two months after defeating David Tua, he drove into a concrete pillar with his ex-girlfriend's child in the car, causing the child to be disabled. For this, he was sentenced to two months in prison.

After his release, just a couple of months later, he assaulted an escort in Las Vegas because she demanded payment upfront. Ibeabuchi was enraged and forced himself on her. When the police arrived, he resisted arrest, prompting the officers to use pepper spray and tear gas. He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison, effectively spending the prime years of his boxing career behind bars.

Ibeabuchi's fate was similar to Mike Tyson's: both came from poor backgrounds, rose to the top with their formidable fists, and then committed crimes during their prime, including assaulting women. Both also tried to use mental illness as an excuse to escape punishment. Being imprisoned was just the consequence of their actions.

"Get up, let’s train some more. I’ll be busy with filming in the next few days and might not have time to come by," Richard said, standing up.

"Alright," Paul replied, wiping off his sweat and stepping back into the ring.

*Boom, boom, boom...*

Training resumed.

---

"Cut! Richard, focus and pay attention!" Director Rob Cohen shouted through a megaphone on set.

"Got it!" Richard replied, stretching his neck. He took a cup of coffee from Mike and drank it in one go. Filming during the day, training in the afternoon, and accompanying Gisele Bündchen for evening strolls had been draining his energy lately. Sometimes, he would zone out during filming.

"Richard, you look exhausted," Paul Walker commented.

"Didn't sleep well last night," Richard glanced at him. He had to shoot scenes with one Paul during the day and train with another Paul after work. He was getting tired of the name.

"Didn’t sleep well? What were you up to last night?" Paul Walker grinned, raising an eyebrow as if he understood.

"I’m a decent guy," Richard said, putting down the cup and getting back into character for the next scene.

"Scene 89, Take 5, Shot 2, action!"

The clapperboard clicked, and the camera started rolling.

"Brian, this is a critical moment. You need to be careful with every word you say. If you understand, nod your head," Dominic said, folding his arms and coldly staring at Brian, who was lying on the ground.

"Nod your head!" Vance, Dominic's henchman, shouted, pointing a gun at Brian.

Brian nodded.

"Stand up!" Dominic said calmly. "Tell me, why are you here?"

"Dom, I'm here because of the upcoming race. I found out something about Hector in this warehouse. He has three Honda Civics, all equipped with Spoon engines. Besides that, he’s ordered three T66 turbos and a couple of NOS tanks from Harry," Brian explained.

"According to what you’re saying, you check out what cars every opponent is driving before a race?" Dominic asked.

"Yes, Dom, you know I can't afford to lose again," Brian said.

"Stop lying. You’re a cop!" Vance yelled.

"Are you a cop?" Dominic asked.

"I'm not," Brian replied.

Dominic stared at him. "Let's go. I'll take you for a ride."

"Cut! Paul, when you're lying, show more internal conflict in your eyes. Richard, don't smile like that—you look like a villain," Director Rob Cohen shouted through the megaphone.

"Got it, I understand," Richard said, adjusting his expression.

"Richard, the director is right. Your smile is kind of scary, especially when you squint your eyes. It feels like you're about to punch me," Paul Walker said with a laugh.

"That means I'm doing it right. Dominic suspects Brian is a cop; he should have a menacing vibe," Richard replied.

"It’s just suspicion; their relationship isn't that hostile. You overacted," Paul Walker pointed out.

"Alright, I’ll tone it down," Richard said, rubbing his face. When the clapperboard clicked again, he put on a more neutral expression.

"Scene 89, Take 5, Shot 3, action!"

---

(End of Chapter)