The five auditionees obediently lay down. Out of nowhere, technicians in white lab coats appeared and attached numerous sensors to their arms and foreheads. It didn't take long before Xize heard Zhang Kai's voice from a distance, likely addressing someone else: "You can get up now."
Xize knew the command wasn't directed at him. After a while, Zhang Kai's voice came closer: "You two can get up as well."
Thinking the voice was meant for him, Xize started to move, but a technician nearby pressed his hand down, saying, "Don't move."
Feeling like a lab rat, Xize lay still, puzzled by the whole situation. This didn't feel like an audition at all! Just as he was pondering, Zhang Kai's voice rang out again, this time in a purely businesslike tone: "You three can go back to the waiting room and find your agents."
Among the three called to leave was Xining, who had been the first to get up. He initially thought being called first was a good sign, but he turned out to be the first one eliminated. What made it even more absurd was that Xize was still lying there!
Young and hot-headed, with Jia En not around, Xining tried to argue, but Zhang Kai, seemingly knowing what he was about to say, turned and sternly said, "No arguments, just leave!" Clearly, there was no time for explanations.
The other two young men in the group didn't mind. They knew only one person would make it through, and it was clear they weren't as skilled. Each took one of Xining's arms and led him out. As they passed Xize's chair, Xining's gaze was as cold as iron, his eyes betraying a mix of resentment and determination. He gritted his teeth, holding back his anger and frustration, and stiffly exited the "laboratory."
Xize didn't have to wait much longer. Five minutes after Xining and the others left, Zhang Kai finally let him get up. The technicians in white coats removed the sensors from his body, and he stood up, noticing Zhang Kai approaching.
Having met Xize at the exchange meeting, Zhang Kai had taken a liking to the young man. Now, with fewer people around, he showed a rare smile of approval, saying, "I was worried you might not pass the technical test, but you surprised me. Your endurance, mental focus, and other neurological qualities are well above average! Your physical condition is a bit lacking, but that's not a major issue."
Looking at the myriad of machines in the room, Xize couldn't help but marvel at how challenging it was to be an artist in this future world. The audition hadn't even started, and they were already testing physical attributes?
Zhang Kai, aware of Xize's confusion, patted his shoulder and said, "You'll understand why we did this test later." He then called out to another young man, "Hey, you, come with me to the hall for the audition."
The other young man, Zhou Yang, was the youngest in the group but appeared the most clever and lively. With eyes that weren't purely black but still of Asian descent, he had a particularly spirited look. On the way to the hall, he chatted non-stop with Xize, "I can't believe I passed the test! I thought I would be the first to be eliminated again!"
Zhou Yang continued, "Xize, can I call you by your name? Can I get your contact code? Let's be friends! If that's too personal, your social ID will do!"
Zhou Yang asked, "Director, what were those machines for? Can you tell me?"
...
Xize felt like he was being pestered by a buzzing mosquito. Even Zhang Kai couldn't take it, turning around to playfully slap Zhou Yang on the head, "Can't you keep quiet for a bit? Save your breath for the audition with Arnold!"
Arnold?!
Xize was momentarily stunned, while Zhou Yang's voice rose in a squeal, "Arnold?! Director, are you serious? Using Arnold for an audition with small-time actors? Does the production team have too much money to burn?"
After that, Zhou Yang didn't dare make a sound, sticking close to Xize like a shrinking potato. Xize pulled him out from behind and said, "What are you afraid of?"
Zhou Yang's face was a picture of anxiety, "I'm nervous." Of course, anyone would be nervous about meeting a superstar up close.
When they arrived at the audition hall, just as Xize had expected, there were many auditionees besides him and Zhou Yang.
As Zhang Kai entered, his assistant approached. Walking towards the director's team, he made an "OK" gesture and said, "These are the last two!"
The audition hall wasn't large, with a small circular stage in the center, holding a single chair. Around the stage, several people were waiting for their turn. Xize and Zhou Yang found seats, but even in those few steps, they felt the scrutinizing gazes of others.
Naturally, most eyes were on Xize. The exchange meeting had already made him a sensation in the industry, and now that he was here, many auditionees couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety. Especially those competing for the specific Asian role, they saw Xize as a rival. As he entered, some secretly hoped he would make a fool of himself during the audition, unaware of what awaited them.
Zhou Yang, sitting next to Xize, was visibly nervous, shaking his leg. Sensing the hostility from some of the auditionees, he turned to Xize and reassured him, "Ignore them. They're scared you'll take the Asian role. You'll definitely get selected."
Xize, no fool, could tell genuine sincerity from feigned innocence. Having been in the entertainment industry in his past life, he knew who was truly simple-hearted. Hearing Zhou Yang's heartfelt reassurance, he felt a touch of warmth and smiled at him.
With everyone present, Zhang Kai's assistant quickly stepped to the center and addressed the auditionees, "Hello, everyone. I'll keep this brief. We have three roles left to fill, with one specific Asian role that must be played by an Asian actor. The other roles have no such requirements. As you may know, if you join the cast, you'll be working with Arnold. So today's audition..."
Here, the assistant paused deliberately, scanning the room before continuing, "You'll need to perform a scene with Arnold."
"......"
With that announcement, the room's atmosphere grew tense.
Seeing the stunned expressions in the front row, the assistant quickly added, "Arnold will be seated here. You can choose a movie or TV role and perform a scene with him. We can provide scripts and lines, or you can create your own scenario and character to improvise with Arnold."
As soon as the assistant finished speaking, the doors to the hall opened. Arnold walked in, dressed in a simple white T-shirt and jeans, yet his cold, aloof aura was unmistakable.
Xize could feel the temperature in the room drop.
Arnold nodded to the director's team and Zhang Kai, then casually sat in the central chair, legs slightly apart and one hand resting on the armrest, exuding a kingly presence.
Holding the audition list, Zhang Kai announced, "Let's begin. You have twenty minutes to prepare."
To Xize, this audition felt particularly unique, almost like a primal test of survival. Whoever could impress Arnold would get ahead.
Given that "Player" was practically tailored for Arnold, using him as the benchmark made sense.
When Arnold entered, Xize had already decided how to perform. Zhou Yang, on the other hand, was visibly anxious.
Seeing Zhou Yang's nervousness, Xize couldn't help but offer some advice, "If you can't handle a complex role, choose one that suits your personality. Incorporate your own traits into the character."
Zhou Yang, trying to calm himself, replied, "I'll think about it, I'll think about it." The future's entertainment industry was indeed more cutthroat and primal. With Arnold as the standard, using connections was out of the question; only talent mattered. With so many participants and only three spots, the competition was fierce. Some had already prepared and were asking the assistant for lines.
Scripts, lines, character settings, and scenes varied for each person, but the common factor was acting with Arnold. Everyone knew the competition was tough, but the rewards were high. Getting into this show would undoubtedly elevate their careers.
Xize sat quietly, not moving. At this point, no one paid him any attention. Zhou Yang suddenly suggested, "Let's go first. With so many people, the scripts and lines differ. The longer we wait, the more likely Arnold will get tired and speak less."
Zhou Yang was indeed smart, hitting the nail on the head. With so many auditionees and only one Arnold, expecting the superstar to stay engaged throughout was unrealistic.
Xize had planned to go early, but he still asked, "Should I go first?"
Zhou Yang shook his head, smiling wryly, "I have faith in you. I think you're a great actor. If you go first, the other Asians won't even need to audition. Let me go first and at least get a chance to meet Arnold up close!"
Xize had no objections, "Alright."
However, someone else took the first spot. A young actress who had gained some fame in recent years stepped forward. She had starred in several popular modern dramas and was brave enough to volunteer first.
She chose a scene from a TV drama where a couple argues and the man gives the silent treatment. The young actress was smart, knowing Arnold's aloof demeanor. She opted for a scene that suited his character.
She paced back and forth, her face showing hesitation and anger, before turning to face Arnold. She looked down at him, pouting, "You're still mad? I didn't even say anything."
Arnold, lounging in the chair, appeared relaxed yet cold, fitting the scene's mood.
The young actress stomped her foot, ready to continue, but froze when she met Arnold's gaze. She hesitated, unable to carry on.
Arnold, taking her lead, raised his eyes, his gaze soft yet tinged with annoyance. He spoke gently, "What do you think?"
The young actress blinked, realizing she had lost her focus. She couldn't believe it—she had lost her focus! Though not the best actress, she had played several lead roles. Facing Arnold, she couldn't continue. Why? Arnold was in character too!
Turning to the director, she asked, "Can I try again?"
Arnold, back to his aloof self, replied, "No. You can't. Next."
Zhang Kai added, "Next."
Disheartened, the young actress returned to her seat, shaking her head. It wasn't the director or Arnold's fault; she simply couldn't match Arnold's presence.
The other auditionees saw it clearly. The young actress had lost her focus the moment Arnold looked up. They knew acting with Arnold was tough but hadn't expected it to be this challenging. Some who had wanted to go early now hesitated.
Zhou Yang, puzzled, asked, "What was in Arnold's eyes? How did she lose focus?"
Xize replied, "If you were a girl, imagine he's your boyfriend, and you're arguing. You go to comfort him, he looks up, and you see Arnold's face. What would you do?"
Zhou Yang, confused by the gender switch, imagined the scenario and tearfully said, "I'd probably faint from happiness."
Exactly. Xize looked at Arnold, some people's presence was too strong, making it hard for their scene partners to stay in character. Arnold was such a person. Facing him, it was difficult to see him as just a character.
Experienced actors, having played many roles, could usually stay in character despite a strong presence. But even they might struggle with someone like Arnold.
Zhang Kai called out, "Second!"
"I!" Zhou Yang stood up, signaling to the director's team, "I'll go next."
Zhang Kai, surprised to see a newcomer volunteering, asked, "Role?"
Zhou Yang replied, "My own scenario."
Zhang Kai nodded, initially not paying much attention to the newcomer. But now, he seemed smart, choosing his own scenario knowing his inexperience and Arnold's strong presence.
Zhou Yang hadn't left the seating area, standing at the edge. As soon as Zhang Kai nodded, a loud "Ah!!" echoed through the hall. Everyone, including Arnold, turned to see Zhou Yang, fists clenched, eyes shining with excitement, running towards Arnold, "Ahhh! Arnold! My idol! Could I please have your autograph?!"
Everyone: "......"
Xize was speechless, watching Zhou Yang act like an excited fan, circling Arnold. This was probably his true self, wasn't it?
Zhou Yang, eyes sparkling, pulled out a pen, trembling as he handed it to Arnold, half-kneeling, pulling his shirt collar, "Please sign my shirt!"
Zhang Kai and the director's team were laughing, while the other auditionees were stunned. If the young actress had shown cleverness, this young man displayed true wisdom. Arnold, holding the pen, was taken aback.
Xize, initially amused, suddenly froze, realizing his signature was still on Zhou Yang's back!