Unexpectedly, Kate's performance during the screen test was nothing short of a disaster, making it almost unbearable to watch.
The surprise, however, was that this unexpected situation instead highlighted Anson's performance, steering the entire screen test in a different direction.
Unlike last time, Laura didn't hide her curiosity. Her gaze was completely fixed on Anson, not just because she had started today's audition with very high expectations, but because Anson's performance remained consistently excellent. He completely shattered her preconceived notions of him being just a pretty face, which was truly interesting.
At this moment, Mary Jane was speaking. Logically, the camera's focus should be on Mary Jane. However, Kate's emotional grasp was entirely off, making it hard for the scene to resonate. So, how would Anson, without lines and entirely in a passive position, handle it?
Peter Parker didn't speak; his gaze never left Mary Jane. It was warm and gentle—not pampering, worshipping, or even overly forgiving, just a quiet companionship, patient waiting, keeping a slight distance while always being protective.
To be honest, they had to admit that today's wardrobe and styling were neither eye-catching nor dazzling, forming a stark contrast with the Emmy Awards ceremony.
Yet, Anson exuded a peaceful, boy-next-door vibe, not so out of reach, not so high above, but still impossible to look away from.
Every time they met, every appearance, he showcased a different aura, but each time, he left a deep impression.
Initially, his appearance should have been the biggest obstacle between Anson and Peter Parker. However, now, Anson fully utilized his advantages, turning his looks into the most charming aspect of his portrayal of Peter Parker. This ability alone was truly impressive.
At this moment, all the focus and energy in the room quietly centered around Anson, making the entire scene reasonable just by his performance alone.
Peter Parker slightly pursed his lips and calmly said, "There's nothing to be ashamed of."
One line, without any grand reasoning or emotional preaching, but miraculously persuasive.
One look, one line—this was everything. But, incredibly, with the entire focus on Anson, everything made sense, even Kate's somewhat over-the-top performance didn't seem so out of place.
Kate couldn't help but look up at the sky again, "Don't tell Harry."
Peter Parker's eyes widened, not hiding his surprise and astonishment, "Don't tell Harry?"
Kate responded, "Aren't you two living together? We're dating; didn't he tell you?"
Peter froze—
Harry knew he liked Mary Jane, even though they had never discussed it. Harry should have been the only one who knew about his crush on Mary Jane.
They were good friends.
But he didn't know.
The smile paused slightly at the corners of his mouth. Peter immediately realized that Mary Jane was right in front of him. His gaze flitted nervously, dropping to the ground and then drifting diagonally upward, trying to divert his attention, "Oh, yeah, of course." He hastily blurted out, forcing a smile.
Not the usual shyness, but a radiant one that tries to cover up.
His gaze quietly brushed over Mary Jane's face, only to quickly look away, slightly drawing in his jaw, then using his peripheral vision to outline Mary Jane's eyes.
A crush, so grand yet so lonely, as if his world had collapsed, yet in reality, it was silent, known only to himself.
From being calm to evasive, from bright to reserved, from confident to restrained.
One glance, one posture—even if you couldn't see his face clearly, nor his changing expressions, you could still sense the emotional shift from the handling of his gaze and the adjustment of his body posture.
That confident Peter Parker was still, at his core, a shy and cautious teenager.
Without a doubt, Laura's eyes were completely locked on Anson.
Now, Laura had some understanding of what Gary meant:
Anson's understanding of the character was subtle and complex, full of layers. He gradually fleshed out the character within the framework, even without changing the lines or needing to alter the script. He still managed to add more interpretive possibilities to the story, sparking inspiration.
Who would have thought that in just this short one-and-a-half-page script, they could not only see the sweetness and bitterness of a crush but also witness that even after becoming Spider-Man, Peter Parker still faced the growing pains of every teenager, with the dialogue rich with interpretative possibilities.
Unconsciously, Laura quickly glanced at Sam—
Perhaps this was the reason Sam insisted on using this scene for the screen test despite opposition?
Ian and Laura both believed that since it was a superhero movie, the screen test should involve wearing the costume, allowing the audience to see if the look matched expectations.
Of course, there were many challenges because the production team was still designing the costume. So far, three versions had been reviewed, and none were satisfactory. However, they didn't mind letting the actors wear a simplified version of the costume, as they were just looking for a feeling, a visual effect.
But Sam insisted.
Sam believed that the costume wasn't important. The person was the real core. They should be choosing not Spider-Man, but the ordinary Peter Parker.
In the end, after much dispute and disagreement, Ian and Laura compromised, going along with Sam's idea.
Now, Laura couldn't help but speculate that perhaps Sam was right. Maybe Sam knew exactly what he was doing.
Meanwhile, Anson enriched the simple dialogue.
Over there, Kate still couldn't keep up, completely missing Anson's interpretation of the lines, the plot, and the situation, simply immersed in her own rhythm.
Talking to herself, as if there were no one in front of her, it was like she was conversing with thin air—a typical performance style for a teenage rom-com.
It's not that it was bad or wrong; it just didn't quite fit the scene in front of her. "I think he hates me being a waitress. He thinks it's beneath me."
At least Kate could grasp the subtle emotion of "a boyfriend not liking his girlfriend working in a restaurant." Her expression was spot on—that was her strength.
Peter's lowered gaze lifted again, looking at Mary Jane, "It's not beneath you. It's a job."
His eyes were filled with sincerity.
Though his voice wasn't loud, his tone was firm.
From the beginning until now, Peter had been consistent. He noticed Mary Jane's uniform, but he didn't mind. The light shining in his eyes revealed a conviction:
He believed in the possibility of looking up at the sky while standing in the mud.
Peter opened his mouth, preparing to continue, "Harry…"
But then he realized his position. Harry was his friend, and so was Mary Jane. Whatever he said now, he needed to maintain some distance and keep his words measured.
So, Peter paused slightly, and in a light-hearted, teasing tone, he remarked, "You know, Harry doesn't really live in the real world."
Kate laughed, "Haha, no, I suppose he doesn't."
After saying this, Kate looked at Anson, quietly gazing at him. For a fleeting moment, there was an illusion—
The boy in front of her, with complete honesty and a single-minded focus, was staring at her. His warm, gentle, and thoughtful attention slowly enveloped her, and the cold winds rushing in from all directions became soft and light. Her heart couldn't help but fall and drown in those eyes.
Her heartbeat skipped a beat.