Roy encountered some extras on set who were looking to steal a bit of screen time from him. After all, he was still considered a newcomer in the industry. Compared to actors like George Clooney, who had fought their way up the ranks with their fists and kicks, he seemed like an easier target.
In reality, George Clooney's fame hadn't yet surpassed Roy's, and it was the TV series "ER" that truly made him a household name. However, Clooney was a seasoned actor and, at a slightly older age than Roy, he commanded respect.
Roy was different; his path to success had been too smooth, and it was filled with the name Laila Moran at every turn. Perhaps some things hadn't been known to the outside world, but in the eyes of certain Hollywood insiders, he was seen as a guy who had risen to prominence through a woman's influence.
Without Laila Moran, would he have been able to break into Hollywood? Would he have received so many acting opportunities? Would he have smoothly landed leading roles? Would he have attracted the attention of world-class luxury brands? Would he have performed at the Super Bowl and become the center of global attention?
The answers were all negative. Many in the film industry saw his success as being primarily propelled by Laila, but they failed to see the hard work and dedication he had put into achieving it. Therefore, in the eyes of those people, especially those still desperately waiting for their opportunities, he became an object of envy. Why could he have someone boosting his career while they had to fight tooth and nail for even a role without lines?
Jealousy could be a frightening thing, and Roy's days on the set were far from smooth. In some of the more challenging scenes, the people he had to work with seemed to malfunction repeatedly, making him endure additional challenges. Regular dialogue scenes were fine, but when it came to action sequences, even someone with plenty of stamina would find it tough after doing them over and over.
Everyone on the set was aware of the situation. Some took pleasure in his misfortune, while others observed with cold detachment. After all, the director hadn't said anything, so who would speak up for him?
Roy's temperament had changed since coming here. In the past, he might have resorted to physical violence, but now it seemed like he had suddenly grown up. He made friends with some people using his remarkable social skills while using his acting skills to win over those who looked down on him or thought he was just a pretty boy who relied on women for success.
So, when Laila saw him a few months later, she almost didn't recognize the man before her as Roy Seasonstar.
"When did you come back?" Her heart leaped with joy when she saw the light on in the room next to hers as she returned home, and her footsteps quickened as a result.
Roy, who was talking to his younger brother, glanced at her and replied casually, "Just got back."
Compared to a few months ago, his skin had darkened considerably, indicating that he had endured harsh weather conditions. His hair was shorter than before, no longer the slightly disheveled style of a teenager with a side part but rather a crew cut, combined with broader shoulders and some stubble growth, giving him a rugged, masculine appearance.
Laila had learned from others that Roy's next movie was "Ocean's Eleven," which was quite a good film and had garnered favorable reviews in later years. It differed from the types of roles he had played before, and the character required a more stringent portrayal. Director Steven Soderbergh had specifically chosen Roy for his physical abilities.
Taking on different roles could test an actor's versatility and provide growth opportunities. So, even though this role might not be very significant in her eyes, she hadn't opposed his decision. She did not doubt that, with her current influence in Hollywood, If she just changed his role to a supporting role, there wouldn't be any director who didn't give her face.
"Is it already finished shooting?" She sat down opposite him and looked at Roy, who had seemingly transformed significantly in just a few months.
"Not yet. I came back to get some winter clothes replacements." He still had that casual demeanor, busying himself with packing clothes into a suitcase without even glancing at her.
It wasn't that he didn't want to look at her; it was just that he was afraid that if he did, he might lose control. He missed her deeply, and on those lonely nights with only the script as a company, his mind was filled with thoughts of her. He frequently saw her name in newspapers and news articles, and whenever that happened, he wished he could be by her side, facing the criticisms and attacks together.
However, he didn't impulsively return home because he understood that his current self was utterly powerless. When he thought about the troubles he had caused in the past, she had always been the one to resolve them. He had never been there for her, and he felt busy without actually doing anything.
These few months of introspection and contemplation had allowed him to realize many things and see the areas where he was lacking. Until he achieved the level he aspired to, he didn't want to appear before her again.
Even today, when he had returned to retrieve some replacement winter clothes, he had chosen a time when she wouldn't typically be at home. However, he hadn't expected to get carried away talking with his younger brother and forget about the time. The result was that she arrived, and he was too much of a coward to look at her.
Abel quietly left the room at some point and considerately closed the door behind him.
Such thoughtfulness made Roy feel the urge to rush out and drag his younger brother back, but when he raised his head, he met Laila's gaze.
Anyone who had seen a Siberian Husky's blue eyes would know they were a cold color, whether described as calm, devoid of emotion, clear, or pure, it had a calming effect on one's heart.
Laila's eyes were just like that—intimidating yet with the ability to cool a passionate heart.
Roy thought he wanted to look at the door but inadvertently met her gaze. As he looked into those icy blue eyes, his heart also calmed down a bit.
"Roy, you've changed a bit," Laila finally broke the silence.
"Is it a good change or a bad one?" Roy pretended to be nonchalant and redirected his gaze to sorting and packing his clothes. He was grateful she had initiated the conversation first, as he wasn't sure he could maintain his composure if he looked into her eyes.
Laila pondered for a moment. "I think it's a good change." The change in his image made him seem less mischievous and more mature. Before, when people first met him, they would find him cheerful, playful, and easygoing. But now, he seemed more weathered and stable.
Laila knew that the transformation in his appearance was related to the roles he was playing in movies. His looks were tailored to fit his characters. Even his eyes and overall demeanor had changed, which surprised her. He had only been away for a few months, yet he had transformed so much. She had thought that the Roy who followed her around was impressive enough, but she hadn't expected him to undergo another kind of evolution under Orvis's guidance. Although it might make her feel a bit disheartened, she couldn't deny that Orvis had done an excellent job.