Directing in Arknights: Success If Not Banned

"… whether in Syracuse or Columbia, Syracusans can only rely on the protection of their families." Texas then explained:

"And those who stand on the side of the law are destined to be opposed to their families. In the eyes of Syracusans, the law is merely a civilized and legal veneer for the family's 'business'."

"Therefore, anyone who gets involved with the law is destined to be unwelcome by their family."

"The gentleman in the room, his wish is likely to be in vain."

Texas said this, and couldn't help but take out another Pocky stick and put it in her mouth. She hesitated, yet couldn't muster any sympathy for the pathetic father inside…

As a Syracusan, he placed his hopes on Columbian law to protect him, abandoning his family's protection. Now, for him to seek the family's help, it was clear that the legal judgment had not granted him his wish.

But unfortunately, the family would not help a "traitor" who offered no benefit to them. Texas knew this, and that's why she felt regret.

And Texas herself didn't realize that she had unknowingly "gotten into character," into a play she hadn't even noticed.

Chapter 6: Filming a Famous Scene, You Won't Even Call Me Godfather

However, outside the room, Texas had already made her judgment about the person seeking help inside, and everything that followed seemed to confirm Texas's words.

She heard the father in the room finish his plea, which was nothing more than begging the other party to teach a lesson to the two punks who had bullied his daughter. Soon, a slightly slurred, hoarse, and weathered voice, yet one that Texas found somewhat familiar, replied without any emotion:

"...I can't do it."

"We've known each other for years, but this is the first time you've come to me for help. I don't remember the last time you invited me to your house for coffee."

"Even though my wife is the godmother to your only daughter—let's be honest, you never wanted my friendship, you were afraid of owing me a favor."

"But I understand you." At this moment, the Godfather inside changed his tone, speaking with utter indifference:

"You think Columbia is paradise, your business is booming, you're doing well, and you have police and courts protecting you. You don't need friends like me."

"But now you come to me, saying 'Mr. Corleone, please give me justice'... without any respect for me, you don't treat me as a friend."

"You won't even call me 'Godfather'."

"And then you find me on my daughter's wedding day and try to bribe me with money to kill someone?"

However, as soon as the Godfather's voice fell, it was clear that he had stated his attitude. At this moment, the Godfather's aura was fully displayed, and not a single person present dared to interrupt him. Even though his voice was not loud, it was firm and resonant.

However, a moment later, the women outside the door broke free from this strange tense atmosphere. Exusiai said with some dissatisfaction:

"Why is this person like this? Is it just because it's been a while since we last had coffee? If he likes to drink, I'll just treat him until he's sick. Why is he so cold-blooded and heartless?"

"—Because things like this happen often in Syracuse." Texas, however, offered a different perspective. As a former member of a family, she had experience in these matters. She said calmly:

"Syracuse's order is maintained by the rules of the families. Of course, not everyone knows and follows these rules. Therefore, when someone attacks someone under the family's protection, the family members will appear to resolve the problem."

"But, there's a prerequisite: he must acknowledge that he is someone under the family's protection. This means you need to repay the favor of this protection at some point."

"This is why the patriarch refused the other party. He wants the other party's respect and friendship, and... 'acknowledgment.' But this father clearly doesn't want any involvement with the family."

"Clearly, this man is a very seasoned patriarch. This whole process is very familiar."

"Then, is there no other way to make the patriarch change his mind?" Kong asked with some pity. She noticed that Texas was eating Pocky faster and faster, as if she were smoking one cigarette after another, suppressing her emotions in this way.

"...Yes, that is if you acknowledge that you are a subject under his protection." After a period of silence, Texas nodded and continued, saying:

"But getting involved with the family is very dangerous. It means stepping into the darkness, and in the future, when the family needs you to help with your life, you will have no right to refuse."

"...This is the 'civilization' of the mafia, wearing the skin of civilization while doing the work of bandits, a 'civilized bandit'."

Speaking of this, even Texas, who was usually calm and accustomed to such things, couldn't hide her disgust. She didn't approve of such "civilization," nor did she approve of laws that couldn't protect most people, yet required families to maintain "order" in running a country.

However, these rules were clearly unknown to the father inside. He could only endure his fear and continue to plead:

"Please, give me justice."

"That's not justice. Your daughter is still alive." The Godfather's tone was starting to become impatient.

"—Then let those bastards taste the suffering my daughter went through!" The father mustered all his courage, and in the end, said the most wrong thing:

"How much do I owe you?"

"..."

For a moment, the previously harmonious atmosphere became dangerous the instant this sentence was uttered. At this moment, even though there was no response from inside the room, the four women outside could smell a threat to life.

This was the precursor to a family patriarch being insulted. And if a patriarch was insulted, then in Syracuse, the other party had only one outcome: death.

At this moment, Texas, who reacted first, almost instinctively placed her hand on her sword hilt, then slowly released it, as if hesitating whether she should intervene.

Exusiai, Croissant, and Kong didn't think so much. Exusiai almost immediately raised her two submachine guns; Croissant also put down the Emperor she was holding and placed her hand on the handle of the hammer at her waist; Kong, who was the least combat-capable, also retreated a few steps, ready to save someone at any moment.

Everyone felt that death would erupt in an instant, but after a strange silence, they heard the Godfather inside speak with an extremely helpless tone.

"Bonacera, Bonacera..."

"What did I do to make you disrespect me so much?"

The chilling killing intent emanating from the Godfather dissipated almost instantly, leaving behind sincere persuasion, as if he hadn't been the one wanting to kill just a moment ago. He said calmly:

"If you had come to me as a friend, the scum who insulted your daughter would be crying more than you today."

"If someone as honest as you were to have bad luck and provoke enemies, then they would be my enemies too."

"...Then they would fear you."

"...Your friend?" The father, named "Bonacera," his voice trembled slightly, and he didn't answer immediately. But at this moment, everyone could tell that his tone had completely surrendered.

As expected, after just a moment, the father seemed to lose his soul, calling out in a trembling voice:

"...The Godfather."

With a gentle kiss of the hand, everything returned to peace. Afterward, the Godfather, in a tone filled with kingly majesty, uttered only two words:

"...Very good."

"One day, perhaps that day will never come, I will ask you to repay me."

"Until that day, consider this justice my wedding gift to my daughter."

"Thank you, Godfather." For the first time, Bonacera's tone held joy.

"You're welcome," the Godfather replied nonchalantly. At that moment, the four women outside the door knew someone was about to come out and immediately retreated elsewhere.

As the door opened, before Penguin Logistics could fully conceal themselves, a young voice, not belonging to the somber atmosphere, suddenly broke the heavy air:

"Cut! Good! One take, long shot. Madam Sicily, you did a fantastic job!"

As this voice fell, the silent manor before Penguin Logistics suddenly became filled with many sounds.

Soon, figures darted out from who knows where, and not just people, but also much photography and recording equipment appeared, leaving the newcomers of Penguin Logistics in a state of bewilderment.

"What, what's going on?" Croissant asked instinctively. At that moment, the Emperor, who could no longer hold back, immediately cursed:

"Idiot, can't you tell? They're filming! Filming! Everything that just happened inside was an act!"

"What's wrong with you all? Can't you see something so simple? They're wearing 'Phidias' brand optical camouflage suits that blend into the environment, along with matching equipment, and you still can't see it?"

"Especially you! Exusiai! As a sniper operator, you can't even see such simple camouflage? Your salary this month is halved!"

"No, boss!"

However, amidst Exusiai's wail, Texas was undoubtedly the most shocked among them. She hadn't expected that the conversation she had found so realistic and seamless was just part of a script?

What surprised Texas even more was the name called out just now... Madam Sicily? She... could she have become one of the actors in the crew?

How could this be possible?!

Texas found it extremely hard to believe such a thing could happen. However, as the door opened, she saw Madam Sicily, dressed in men's attire, pull off her wig. Walking out beside her was Chen Qi, whom Texas was familiar with.

"Ah, it seems my 'little son' has finally arrived?" Madam Sicily recognized Texas as soon as she saw her, but her tone was not as authoritative, carrying more of a teasing quality.

"Madam Sicily..." Texas's eyes were a little lost. Soon, she saw the two figures behind Madam Sicily and instinctively called out:

"Leontoso Bellone? The young master of the Bellone Family?"

"And Lavinia? The city judge, you guys..."

"Is that Celina Texas?" The Lupo boy called Leontoso nodded, acknowledging the last descendant of this Texas and said faintly:

"It seems our situations are the same now. We are all 'The Godfather's sons'."

"To correct that, I can still be referred to as a daughter," Lavinia replied with her eyes closed. After glancing at Texas, she continued:

"Also, remember to use codenames in the crew. Si Ye, and you must also call me by my codename, Chastisement."

"...I didn't expect Director Chen Qi to be able to gather so many members of the Mafia families, and each of them is a significant figure."

After a slight shock, Texas turned her gaze to the smiling Chen Qi. After a long while, a smile actually appeared on Texas's face, and she chuckled lightly, saying:

"...It seems I have no reason to refuse now?"

"This is an offer you can't refuse, Miss Texas." Chen Qi picked up Texas's words, stepped forward to shake her hand, and said with unconcealed excitement:

"Welcome to our big family."

"A big family... that's fine. At least it's better than swinging a knife and killing people." Texas didn't refuse and nodded respectfully to Chen Qi. Texas had to admit now that she had been "conquered" by Chen Qi.

For a director to gain the support of so many families, even Madam Sicily, and to unite the Twelve Families of Syracuse with just a script, such talent... made Texas have to admire him.

In a sense, Chen Qi had achieved what none of the Twelve Families could. And to be able to participate in such a widely recognized film, Texas felt it was her good fortune.

"Hahahaha! Even you have been conquered? Texas?"

"Then it seems I too must join this big family and get involved!"

At this moment, a slightly manic voice echoed above everyone's heads. The next moment, a white figure instantly descended, standing before Chen Qi and Texas.

Lappland finally appeared, and now, she had made a decision, a decision more meaningful than causing chaos in Syracuse.

She, too, would participate in the filming of this movie, contributing her own "strength" within it.

Chapter Seven: Starting with a Big Scene? Si Ye's "Wedding Bed Scene"?

"Lappland?!"

Texas also hadn't expected to meet Lappland here. Although she was already accustomed to Lappland appearing wherever she went... she hadn't expected to encounter her in Syracuse, their homeland that neither of them wanted to return to.

However, Lappland's appearance here was not a good sign. Knowing Lappland's crazy ideas, Texas asked with some nervousness:

"Lappland, why are you here? You're not thinking of... carrying out a devastating massacre of the families here, are you?"

"Hahaha! As expected of Texas, you really understand me." Lappland let out her characteristic laughter upon hearing this. However, then, under everyone's gaze, Lappland did not raise the two sun-shaped swords hanging at her waist. Instead, she suppressed her smile and said:

"If it were ten minutes ago, I might have had that thought. But now, after watching Director Chen Qi's scene with you, I've changed my mind."

"Especially since you, Texas, are planning to participate, I've become even more determined! I want a place in this movie too!"

"...You? You're going to be in Director Chen Qi's movie too?"

However, Lappland's words caused the originally tense Texas to look confused. It wasn't just her; even Si Ye and Chastisement, who felt Lappland might pose a threat to Madam Sicily upon seeing her, found it incredible.

This was because they all knew Lappland's true identity. Originally the eldest daughter of the Saluzzo Family, she had ultimately become a traitor to the family. She also scoffed at the "civilization" of Syracuse, but her methods for changing Syracuse were far more radical...

And now, she was actually proposing to participate in the performance of The Godfather? It was hard not to suspect she had ulterior motives.

However, Lappland was unfazed by everyone's reactions. She turned and walked directly towards Chen Qi, performed an elegant Syracusan bow, and chuckled:

"Long time no see, Director Chen Qi. We met once in Lungmen, do you remember? I was deeply impressed by you. You have great potential as a director, and your screenwriting ability is even more admirable."

"Today, I must say, you've opened my eyes again. The rules of the family are displayed so vividly in your film. I really enjoyed watching it?"

Chen Qi: "...And then you gave our first movie a one-star rating?"

"Hahahaha! Don't blame me for that. My standards for judging movies are very high. While your film is good, it's still far from my standards." Lappland showed no guilt about this, but the reason she gave for the one-star rating was unacceptable to Chen Qi.

So, her judging standard was simply whether or not something related to Texas appeared in the movie? If that were the case, then there probably wouldn't be many movies in this world that Lappland would rate highly.

"But now is not the time to talk about these things." Lappland also suppressed her laughter and, becoming much more serious, asked Chen Qi:

"So, Director Chen Qi, regarding the role I will be playing, I have a small request. I wonder if you can accept it?"

So she had already assumed she would definitely be cast? Chen Qi was helpless about Lappland's self-centeredness, but he had to admit that he did want Lappland to join. He signaled for her to continue.

Lappland: "Earlier, when I was entering the manor, I saw an interesting figure. They looked familiar, giving me the urge to stab them in the back."

"So, please grant me this small wish. Is there a role in this movie that can 'kill' that person? Then I'll play that character."

"Are you talking about the head of the Saluzzo Family?" Chen Qi understood what Lappland meant. Although he had persuaded Lappland's father to act using Lappland herself, in reality, apart from the main actors with more screen time, the actors for other roles could be changed at any time, as long as someone with higher family status could replace them.

Facing Lappland's wish, Chen Qi had an idea after some thought and replied:

"I had originally planned for the head of the Saluzzo Family to play 'Tessio,' one of the Godfather's right-hand men. In the end, Tessio would betray the Godfather and be executed by the family, but I don't plan to design a scene for that."