Megan spoke, her chin instinctively lifting with pride, looking very pleased with herself.
Liu Tianxian's eyes widened, unsure what to say for a moment.
After all, in terms of fame, status, and commercial value, an Oscar-winning actor does indeed outshine an Oscar-winning actress, something that's reflected in their paychecks.
"Also, in my opinion, Hollywood's top actresses are even more famous than an Oscar-winning actress," Megan continued.
"For example, the ones I worked with on Wayne's film *The Bourne Identity*, like Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, and Nicole Kidman. I imagine Wayne thinks the same way, otherwise, why would he have cast those three in the $50 million-budget *The Bourne Identity*?"
Liu Tianxian was speechless.
She may be young, but she's not stupid. How could she not realize Megan was showing off?
However, what she didn't know was that this was truly Megan's belief, and it was the path she planned to take.
Winning an Oscar is the highest honor for an actor, but Megan wanted to be a star!
A big star, constantly adored by millions under the spotlight, living an indulgent and lavish private life!
Although Liu Tianxian was around Megan's age, her upbringing and limited time in Hollywood meant she hadn't fully considered this path yet.
But since she had entered Hollywood earlier in this alternate world, it was only a matter of time before she'd have to think about it—whether to be an actor or a star, or both. The difficulties and costs of each path would be entirely different.
"Okay~" Liu Tianxian shrugged like Megan, then asked curiously, "But even someone like Susan Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actress, has to audition? I mean, hasn't she already signed the contract? Do Hollywood actresses still have to audition?"
Although Liu Tianxian hadn't made herself very clear, Megan understood what she meant.
"Didn't I just say? Being an Oscar-winning actress isn't that big of a deal, and it's not a magic key. It could be an image issue, or something else. Either way, even an Oscar-winning actress might have roles she can't play well or doesn't fit."
Megan paused, then lowered her voice by several decibels and said, "All these major roles, including the ones we're playing, were actually decided by Wayne alone."
"But Wayne isn't a tyrant or dictator. In fact, he respects the director's opinion quite a bit, so the audition process is the final test."
"If the director, screenwriter, and producer all feel the person isn't right, Wayne isn't dead set on anyone. Even if they've signed the contract, they can still be replaced."
"So, this upcoming audition is really important for us!"
Just as Liu Tianxian had started to relax, she became tense again.
"Really? I thought this audition was just a formality..."
Megan couldn't help but roll her eyes and gave her a look that clearly said, "You're overthinking it," making Liu Tianxian even more nervous.
"Then how can I ensure I pass the audition?" Liu Tianxian asked nervously.
Megan's mouth twitched at the question, a cold smile creeping across her face. There was no real guaranteed way to pass an audition.
But then an idea came to her, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. With a straight face, she said, "Want to guarantee you pass? That's easy~"
"Easy?" Liu Tianxian blinked innocently, eager to know, "How?"
Megan smiled slightly and said, "It's really simple—just become Wayne's girlfriend, like Jessica and Charlize Theron did. And Naomi Watts and Anne Hathaway? They probably got their roles by hopping into Wayne's bed."
Liu Tianxian was stunned after hearing this.
But a few seconds later, she made Megan wear the same shocked expression.
"But Wayne went to Europe, didn't he? Even if I wanted to sleep with him, I wouldn't make it in time!"
"???"
Megan was dumbfounded, feeling like three giant question marks had popped over her head.
"Aren't Chinese people supposed to be conservative in that regard? How can this girl talk about something like that so casually?"
"Uh… Are you really Chinese?" Megan couldn't help but ask.
Liu Tianxian clearly didn't understand why Megan suddenly asked this, but she still nodded and said, "Yeah, I'm Chinese, but I switched to American nationality after coming here to study with my mom."
"How long have you been studying here?" Megan asked again.
"Not long, less than three years!"
Megan was left speechless because she knew that three years was more than enough for American campus culture to completely change someone's personality.
However, she quickly realized that, given Liu Tianxian's age, even if she tried to throw herself at Wayne, she'd probably get rejected, which instantly put Megan in a better mood.
After all, if that were the case, someone else could experience the same pain she had.
There's nothing more frustrating for a woman than seeing a handsome guy she likes but being unable to get close to him—just like how men feel when they see a beautiful woman they can only look at.
Liu Tianxian, meanwhile, had no idea what 'evil' thoughts were running through Megan's mind.
Realizing there was no outside help available, she reopened her script and began studying it earnestly.
Honestly, she had some pride and ambition—she wanted both acting skill and fame.
The auditions soon officially started.
Although Megan didn't think much of Susan Sarandon, she was still an Oscar-winning actress, and currently the biggest name in the cast, so she was, of course, the first to audition. This was not only out of respect for her status but also to avoid wasting her time.
"Hi, Miss Sarandon, long time no see!"
Inside the audition room, Susan, Gus Van Sant, and Alan Ball all stood up to greet her. After all, in terms of seniority, Susan Sarandon was far ahead of them.
Of course, they wouldn't go easy on her during the audition. In fact, they'd hold her to an even higher standard.
But Susan Sarandon hadn't won her Oscar for nothing—her acting was definitely up to par.
Moreover, she came well-prepared for the role and had carefully chosen a stylish yet simple and elegant outfit that perfectly fit the character of Evelyn.
(End of Chapter)