Almost all celebrities share a common flaw: no matter how humble and polite they appear on the surface, there is often a possessive streak, especially when it comes to signing autographs.
Most stars enjoy giving autographs to their fans, as it affirms their self-worth. However, the issue lies in where the autograph is placed. Signing a poster with their photo, a book, or a limited edition CD is perfectly acceptable. Even signing a blank notebook or clothing is generally fine.
But the problem arises if the clothing already bears another person's autograph.. Would the superstar kick him away? Fortunately, Xize's worries were unfounded.
Arnold, holding a pen, saw the flowing script on Zhou Yang's back, paused, and then uncapped the pen to strike through Xize's signature.
He then gracefully signed his own name in the blank space beside it, his signature large and bold, making Xize's signature look squeezed and bullied.
After signing, Arnold handed the pen forward and nodded. Zhou Yang, unaware of what had happened, excitedly jumped up, thinking Arnold had simply signed his name.
Zhou Yang was very clever. Though he lacked acting skills, his recent rise to fame in three months was largely due to Jane Anning and the company's packaging. Unlike the previous actress who was somewhat self-important, Zhou Yang clearly understood his strengths and weaknesses. He positioned himself as a small fan, with Arnold remaining the high and mighty superstar, content to worship his idol.
But if others were to do the same, ninety-five percent of artists couldn't manage it. After all, they were all in the same industry, and even if they admired Arnold privately, they wouldn't be willing to "grovel" like Zhou Yang.
The other auditioning artists watched Arnold and Zhou Yang's smooth interaction with a mix of envy and disdain. The director's team and Zhang Kai, however, were quite satisfied, thinking Zhou Yang was bold and smart.
Xize found the interaction between Arnold and Zhou Yang increasingly interesting. Unlike the other auditioning artists, he didn't look down on Zhou Yang. He appreciated Zhou Yang's clear understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, his accurate self-positioning, and his boldness. Only such people could rise higher in the entertainment industry.
Zhang Kai then called out, "Alright, cut! Not bad, not bad."
Zhou Yang, embarrassed, touched his nose, bowed politely to Arnold, and walked off the stage with a flushed face, returning to Xize's side, complaining, "That was so embarrassing! I think I should go back to singing."
Xize patted his shoulder and stood up, saying, "I think you did great."
Zhou Yang, naturally cheerful and fond of Xize, smiled brightly upon hearing this, his eyes narrowing to slits, "Really?! That's wonderful!"
Zhang Kai, who had been watching Xize, had a slight bias towards him and hoped he would finish the audition soon, as no one knew how long Arnold's patience would last. He called out to Zhou Yang, "Xize, are you ready?"
Xize raised his hand in acknowledgment and nodded.
Zhou Yang encouraged him, "Good luck." At this moment, almost everyone instinctively focused their gaze on the Asian youth striding to the center of the stage.
Arnold, sitting in his chair, squinted slightly, his gaze casually sweeping over Xize's face with an indifferent expression, showing no special interest.
Xize stood firm, showing no signs of anxiety. Zhang Kai, still hopeful, directly asked, "Your role?"
Xize replied, "Olay from 'The King.' I'd like to perform the classic confrontation scene between Olay and Adonis."
Olay from 'The King'?! As soon as Xize spoke, the entire room was abuzz with astonishment and whispers of disbelief. 'The King' was Arnold's breakthrough work! Could just anyone portray Olay?!
Arnold leaned back in his chair, his amber eyes darkening, and a meaningful smile playing on his lips. Interesting.
Despite the murmurs, Xize stood calmly as if nothing was amiss, his composure making Zhang Kai nervous on his behalf.
Zhang Kai, not wanting Xize to fail publicly, suggested, "This role... it's actually quite challenging. Would you like to choose another? You could..."
His suggestion wasn't baseless criticism. The character Olay was inherently difficult to portray. He was the second lead in 'The King,' the role that catapulted Arnold to fame.
'The King' was adapted from a high fantasy novel set in a fictional continent, telling the story of a nation called Olay. The story begins with a war where the ruler of Olay dies on the battlefield, and the 16-year-old Prince Adonis ascends the throne. He saves a slave in the palace, naming him Olay.
Olay grows up to become a general, fighting for the nation and always by Adonis's side. Adonis governs wisely, ensuring the citizens of Olay live better than those in other nations. However, another nation, Ao, suddenly invades Olay, nearly destroying it in a series of battles. This leads to the first conflict between Adonis and Olay.
Adonis, unwilling to see his people suffer, understands that his nation cannot win on the battlefield and considers surrendering. But Olay vehemently refuses to surrender.
In 'The King,' Olay is a complex character. Born into a high-ranking family, he lived a princely life until political struggles led to his family's downfall, and he became a palace slave. Two years later, Adonis saves and raises him, naming him Olay.
Olay's feelings towards himself, his country, politics, the royal family, and Adonis are deeply conflicted. He despises the royal family that killed his clan and the political struggles of his nation. In his youth, he even hated the emperor. He loathes his slave status but loves his country and its land. Raised by the emperor, he harbors unspeakable feelings for Adonis, yet his blood burns with the desire for vengeance. He lives in constant conflict and pain, using slaughter and bloodshed to numb himself and the battlefield to quell his love and hate.
Such a complex character is not easy to portray. Arnold himself took a long time to master it. Xize seemed too young, and based on Zhang Kai's years of industry experience, he doubted Xize could handle it.
But before Zhang Kai could finish, Xize had already turned to face Arnold, kneeling heavily on one knee with a clasped fist. The impact was so strong that Zhang Kai heard a "thud."
With that sound, the room fell eerily silent. Arnold, sitting calmly, looked down at Xize, who knelt with a raised arm obscuring his face, yet his imposing presence was undeniable.
Whether it was due to Arnold or Xize, this tableau exuded a faint sorrow, like charcoal shading on a drawing, capturing the moment in time.
No one spoke, all eyes fixed on Xize. Zhang Kai, stunned, swallowed his words and slowly sat down, as if afraid to disturb the king and his general.
At this moment, Xize lowered his arm and suddenly looked up, his demeanor shifting instantly. His thick black lashes lifted, and his gaze, sharp as a blade, met Arnold's indifferent eyes with formidable intensity.
As their eyes locked, everyone sensed that Arnold was in character, and astonishingly, Xize was matching him!
Xize remained kneeling, arms at his sides, back straight. His piercing gaze fixed on the emperor seated high above, he spoke in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, Makar's army has withdrawn from Stan City."
Arnold's gaze drifted into the distance, his brows shadowed with gloom. He didn't look at Xize, merely uttering a faint "Hmm," as if he had let down all his defenses or was too weary to say more.
Zhang Kai's secretary, searching the original script of 'The King' on a digital screen, found the scene and shared it with the directors, then handed the screen to Zhang Kai, whispering, "Xize seems to have altered the lines."
Zhang Kai, sensing something amiss, took the script and confirmed the difference. This scene was the first major confrontation between the two protagonists, originally written to highlight their intense masculine pressure and psychological battle.
But Xize didn't follow this script, and Arnold, embodying Adonis, also deviated from the original. Realizing this, the directors were all astounded. Xize had managed to lead Arnold into his own rhythm!
In the center of the stage, Xize silently locked eyes with Arnold.
Arnold's face showed a hint of fatigue as he withdrew his gaze, coldly saying, "Rise."
Xize remained motionless, still kneeling, staring intently at the king. At this moment, his gaze was sharp but devoid of other emotions, as if silently challenging the emperor.
Seeing him unmoved, the emperor finally snapped back, frowning and coldly asking, "Olay, are you threatening me?"
Still kneeling, Xize met the emperor's gaze with unwavering intensity, firmly replying, "I dare not."
Arnold squinted, meeting the young man's piercing eyes. Both understood the situation— the king knew his general's purpose, and the general understood the king's thoughts. Yet neither backed down, maintaining a tense atmosphere.
Xize's gaze finally shifted, showing a hint of reluctance and suppressed emotion. He stood, not approaching the emperor but stepping aside, his gaze distant as if looking at the vast lands of Olay. His eyes softened, conveying his love for the country, its people, and the endless blue sky above.
The tension between them eased slightly. The emperor, supporting himself, turned to the window, saying, "Olay, leave."
Xize raised a hand, grasping at the air as if holding a window frame. His previously softened gaze turned cold, fingers whitening with restraint, coldly replying, "Leave? Where to? Where else on this continent is there another Olay City?"
This struck a nerve with the emperor. Arnold suddenly stood, his gaze icy and fierce, shouting, "Insolence!"
At that moment, everyone's hearts tightened, as if awaiting an imminent clash. Xize and Arnold's flawless performance made it clear— Arnold was the king willing to trade his kingdom for peace, and Xize was the relentless general refusing to surrender.
In response to the shout, Xize turned, his expression transforming into that of a battlefield warrior, fierce and resolute. His black eyes deepened, veins bulging on his forehead, his face like a wrathful demon. He stepped forward, almost chest-to-chest with the emperor, pointing towards the window, coldly confronting, "Look, this is Olay City! Where else on this continent has such mornings?! Your subjects, who worship you as a god, now you want us to surrender with a single word?!"
Arnold, fists clenched, radiated regal authority, retorting, "Fight to the last man?! And let Makar burn Olay City to the ground?!"
Xize's eyes reddened, facing the emperor, swallowing hard but unable to hold back, shouting, "Fight or die! I've heard of generals dying in battle, never surrendering! Your warriors fight for you, your subjects pay taxes to support the royal family! You can't abandon us! Olay will not surrender!"
Arnold, enraged, roared, "Enough! You only think of your sword! Have you considered the millions of subjects?! They want to live, not bleed!"
Xize, eyes burning with sorrow and conflict, restrained his rage, calmly and mournfully replied, "Live, as slaves?!"
At that moment, everyone felt Xize's profound sorrow for his country, his land, and his emperor. His hatred and fear gnawed at his soul, corrupting his remaining love and protection. Numbed by battlefield bloodshed, he struggled to find a unique place with Adonis, wielding his sword but lost in direction...