RGS 17

Chapter 17

If one were to select the most famous and influential person among all the stars, both officially and among the public, there were generally two recognized candidates. Apart from the giant star who was already in a semi-retired state, the other was Arnold.

Arnold was the benchmark of the entertainment industry, and “red” was no longer sufficient to describe his position in the industry. He was like the throne of the entertainment world, often becoming a figure that people admired and looked up to. He had also received the only artist medal awarded by the Federation, making him the most influential artist acknowledged by the entire interstellar community.

In fact, as a superstar, Arnold had been extremely low-key for the past two years. He was so low-key that he might not even attend the promotion and premiere of his movies. However, compared to another giant star who hadn’t released any work for two years and had essentially disappeared, Arnold still appeared on the screen, which was already reassuring for the public.

But this low-key superstar, who had been quiet for two years, unexpectedly collaborated with Zhang Kai’s company and studio this year to create the program “Player.” Not only did he act in it, but he also personally came over to audition for other roles.

All these signs indicated that Arnold, who had been low-key for many years, might have a breakthrough plan in his career this year.

Jian Anning had once worked as Arnold’s temporary agent, helping to manage his work, and she also had some personal connections with Arnold’s agent, Sam. So, she could get some insight into the current situation.

She explained it to Xie Ze like this: “Although Arnold is now sitting on the throne, if the other person doesn’t completely disappear from the public eye, his current position is definitely not that stable. Although I don’t know the specific situation, Xia Li and I talked a few days ago, and I speculate that the former superstar who has been out of the public eye for several years might make a move soon.”

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Xie Ze smiled politely and greeted, “Hello, I’m Xie Ze.”

The female screenwriter’s eyes were now fixed on Xie Ze’s handsome face, and his refreshing smile almost dazzled her. Handsome guys with mixed blood were all over the entertainment industry, but a pure Asian like him was simply a treasure! The female screenwriter was so excited that her hands trembled when she shook hands with Xie Ze, and she almost couldn’t bring herself to let go. She even felt herself acting a bit out of character.

So, her explanation came out a bit amusing, “Sorry, you’re way beyond what I can handle in terms of handsome. My inner core is having trouble processing it.”

Jian Anning couldn’t help but chuckle; it seemed like the female screenwriter under Tom was quite smitten.

The female screenwriter had a lasting impression of Xie Ze. She had watched the audition scene several times before and even secretly made a copy to watch it at home. Watching it once was exhilarating enough for a good night’s sleep.

The female screenwriter also happened to be going upstairs to attend a meeting with the director, so she started chatting with Jian Anning in the elevator. She mentioned that after the exchange meeting, the director had convened several script meetings and had made significant changes to Ael’s character in the script. Everything had been coordinated with the production company.

Upon entering the conference room upstairs, they found not only Tom and the assistant director but also another male screenwriter. Jian Anning had met this screenwriter before; he was the head screenwriter for this movie.

Xie Ze wasn’t dressed very formally today. Compared to the white suit he had worn at the exchange meeting, his current attire was much more casual, just a shirt and slacks. However, he had good looks and a great presence. He was like a slender pine tree, and as soon as he entered the room, everyone’s eyes turned toward him.

The last time Xie Ze came to audition for the production, almost no one remembered him. At that time, he was truly himself, shy and hesitant, looking at the director without daring to meet his gaze, not knowing what to say.

But the Xie Ze of this moment had clear eyes, gazing directly at others with sincerity and calmness. A shallow smile hung on his lips, making people feel very comfortable.

Jian Anning greeted Tom as soon as she entered, exchanged pleasantries, and introduced Xie Ze to the people in the conference room. She displayed impeccable etiquette. After both parties were seated, Tom finally took a good look at Xie Ze and didn’t say much. He got straight to the point and had the screenwriter hand the script to Xie Ze and Jian Anning, saying, “We’ve changed the character of Ael, essentially abandoning the original character design and adding some new scenes.”

Xie Ze opened the script, which was only a few pages long, and couldn’t help but feel that it was more of an outline than a full script.

Tom leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and addressed them, “You can take a look at the script first. It’s not very long. After you’ve read it, we can continue discussing any questions.”

Jian Anning responded quickly, her smile warm, “Director Tom, does this mean you’ve decided to cast Xie Ze as Ael?”

Tom’s personality was entirely different from Zhang Kai’s; he was straightforward and very assertive. His films were under his firm control, with at least ninety percent of creative authority. He didn’t compromise with any investors. He could make changes to the script as he pleased for the sake of a character. 

He answered Jian Anning, “You know me well. I’m lazy and don’t like beating around the bush. I was indeed very satisfied with the audition scene from last time, and I also attended the exchange meeting. So, to put it plainly, I have high hopes for this newcomer of yours. If it weren’t for you already signing with Silver Fox under that shameless fatty Xia Li, I would have taken him to my own company to nurture.”

Jian Anning chuckled, “Oh, Director, you really have high hopes for Xie Ze.”

While the director and Jian Anning were talking, Xie Ze had already flipped through several pages of the script. Just as Tom had mentioned, the script had indeed undergone significant changes.

In the original script, Ael was a timid character who hindered the protagonist in various ways and eventually betrayed them, meeting a tragic end. In the new script, Ael was portrayed as an extremely positive character. Despite his frailty, he was enthusiastic about life and could influence people positively in any situation. Although he couldn’t escape his eventual tragic fate, the revised character seemed acceptable to Xie Ze.

Xie Ze remained silent, focused on reading the script, not joining the conversation between Jian Anning and the director. To others, this newcomer appeared diligent and earnest.

Xie Ze read through the script quickly and, after finishing, nodded in approval to Jian Anning.

Tom directly asked him, “To act or not to act, one word will do!”

Xie Ze turned his gaze to Tom, his expression sincere and determined, “To act.”

Tom grunted, nodding, “That’s about right. Don’t learn anything from that fat bastard Xia Li. He’s full of crooked ideas. Just now, you were looking at the audition script. Once you sign the contract, I’ll have the screenwriter send you all the scripts.”

Jian Anning had a faint victorious smile on her lips. She didn’t expect things to go so smoothly. It seemed that Tom was genuinely very satisfied with Xie Ze. Just as she was about to speak, her wristband vibrated. She discreetly placed her hand under the table, activated the communication, and found that it was a message from Zhang Kai’s side, with just a few simple words: “OK! Come over to sign the contract!”

Jian Anning lowered her head, her smile uncontrollable this time. Everyone in the room turned their attention to her. Tom squinted and asked, “What’s so funny?”

Jian Anning raised her head, raised an eyebrow, and pointed her chin towards Xie Ze, saying, “It’s a message from Director Zhang. Xie Ze passed the audition for ‘Player.’ It looks like I’ll have to start scheduling now.”

Everyone was momentarily stunned. Someone remarked, “Director Zhang Kai? I remember that Arnold is going to participate in that show.”

Tom raised an eyebrow, wearing an expression of disbelief. A newcomer could actually land a movie role and then a show, especially one involving Arnold – it was incredible. He looked at Xie Ze, thinking that this young man might have a bright future ahead.