In the original novel and its adapted screenplay, this scene was supposed to mark the first intense confrontation between Adonis and Olay due to their differing stances. In the film adaptation of "The King," this scene on the big screen was also rendered with significant dramatic conflict, with the scriptwriter and director seemingly intending to use this clash to propel the plot towards a pivotal turning point.
However, when Xize reinterpreted the character of Olay, the scene was imbued with an overarching sense of sorrow and melancholy. The argument between Adonis and Olay did not escalate through verbal and physical confrontation but rather reached a subtle climax through the characters' emotions and complex psychological activities.
"Live, as a slave?"
Through this line, people seemed to see the true Olay beneath his rigid exterior—a general burdened by his slave identity.
After uttering this line, Xize silently gazed at Arnold, his eyes brimming with unspoken emotions that vanished in an instant. When he reopened his eyes, all the emotions in his black pupils were perfectly concealed, as if he had always been just the nation's sharp weapon on the battlefield.
He slowly took a step back, a step that was heavy and deliberate, as if bearing a thousand pounds. After retreating half an arm's length from the emperor, he once again knelt on one knee, saluting the emperor, his raised arm covering his cheeks, his face buried in his arm in silent reverence, just as he had come, as if regardless of the conflict with the emperor, he had always been the armored general, unchanged.
The emperor stood in silence, and the general knelt in silence. This scene mirrored the one from a few minutes before, still steeped in profound sorrow, giving an illusion of temporal dislocation.
How would the emperor decide? What would be Olay's future? As the scene froze, everyone instinctively looked towards the uncertain future beyond the current situation.
But the atmosphere in the center of the stage quickly shifted. While the audience was still immersed in the audition's plot, the kneeling youth shrugged and stood up, instantly stepping out of the scene, reverting to the Asian newcomer, Xize.
The transition was so swift that many did not react in time, still waiting for the next development in the "Olay" and "Adonis" storyline. But it was over?! Over?! Over!!
The other auditioning newcomers, as if awakening from a dream, looked around in bewilderment. Zhang Kai and his director team, also stunned, finally snapped back to reality. Zhang Kai even asked aloud, "Is it over?"
Xize turned and blinked, also puzzled, "Yes, it's over. Isn't this an audition?" Auditions typically lasted only a few minutes, and he felt he might have even exceeded the time limit.
The audition hall erupted in astonishment as everyone finally realized, this was an audition! An audition?! How could this be an audition?! Give us back the "Olay" we just saw!!
The director team and Zhang Kai were utterly impressed by Xize's performance. The other competitors were equally astounded. Zhang Kai, excited, approached Xize, asking, "Who taught you this scene? Was it your idea?"
Seeing the reaction around him, Xize knew he had succeeded to a large extent. He humbly smiled, "I had read the novel before, and felt the initial confrontation didn't quite fit Olay's psychological state at the time, so I made some adjustments." He paused, thinking it unwise to take all the credit as a newcomer, and added, "Actually, it's thanks to Arnold's guidance."
Before Xize could finish his modest words, Arnold walked over, speaking with a kingly arrogance, "He's just being modest, Director Zhang. He has a knack for acting and was merely being polite."
Arnold's authoritative aura silenced the room instantly. Some, unwilling to believe they were inferior, whispered, "It's because the senior guided the scene..."
Xize didn't mind the murmurs. A fragile ego wouldn't survive in the entertainment industry. He initially ignored it, but the superstar spoke again, his tone lazily venomous, "If he wasn't polite, some people wouldn't have an excuse for their lousy acting."
Inwardly, Xize thought, "People should not be so harsh."
The atmosphere shifted subtly again. Many initially thought Arnold was merely reprimanding some juniors for not taking their acting seriously, but after a moment, they realized—
Holy...! Is the idol protecting him so blatantly?! Without any disguise?! Is he still in character? You're Arnold, not Adonis! Stop protecting your general!!
Xize glanced at Arnold. He had heard Jane Anning describe Arnold as sharp-tongued but hadn't fully believed it. Now, seeing it firsthand, he thought, "Yes, the superstar's mouth is indeed quite venomous."
After speaking, Arnold turned away. As Xize looked back, Arnold glanced at him, their eyes meeting. Arnold's cold arrogance almost froze Xize.
With an innocent blink of his pure, beautiful Asian face, Xize watched Arnold turn and sit back down indifferently.
Protection? Absolutely an illusion!
After the audition, Xize stepped down from the stage. Zhou Yang, on the verge of madness, looked at Xize with eyes almost spitting fire. He had always been a die-hard fan of Olay from "The King"! How could Xize portray him so well, as if bringing the character to life from the pages?!
Zhou Yang pulled Xize over, almost wanting to hug and shower him with praise. Xize dodged several times before escaping Zhou Yang's grasp. Zhou Yang, clutching the hem of his shirt, was so excited he was nearly in tears, "You will definitely become famous. I'll cherish this shirt with your and Arnold's signatures. It will be the only one of its kind in the universe!"
Xize silently recalled the signature on Zhou Yang's back, unable to tell him that his own signature had been crossed out by Arnold...yes, crossed out.
The young actress failed her audition, Zhou Yang's skills surpassed his acting, but Xize's performance left everyone in awe. Whether it was his perfect portrayal of Olay or something else, subsequent auditions lacked the intensity. Most couldn't match Arnold's presence, their lines fell flat, or their expressions lacked depth, failing to connect with Arnold.
After the Asian auditions, Zhang Kai told them to wait for news, promising a decision within three days. Zhou Yang and Xize left with the staff.
Returning to the waiting room, they were greeted by the eager faces of Jia En and Jane Anning, nearly startling the staff.
Jia En quickly pulled Zhou Yang aside, maintaining a calm tone despite his urgency, "How did it go?"
Jane Anning asked Xize, "Finished the audition? What did you perform?"
Before Xize could respond, Zhou Yang excitedly exclaimed, "We acted! Arnold was there! The director had us act with Arnold!"
Jane Anning and Jia En's hearts skipped a beat. As experienced managers, they knew how challenging it was to act with Arnold, especially Jane Anning, who had once been Arnold's temporary manager.
While Zhou Yang animatedly described the audition, Xize calmly nodded to Jane Anning, "It should be fine."
Jane Anning knew Xize often brought surprises but was still somewhat worried, considering it was Arnold they were dealing with. They hadn't anticipated Zhang Kai and the director team throwing such a curveball.
"Acting with Arnold? What scene? Was it really a random choice?" Jane Anning asked, still uneasy. Zhang Kai's method of selecting was unparalleled and baffling.
Xize nodded. Jane Anning, anxious, asked, "Which role did you choose?"
Xize replied, "Olay from 'The King,' the scene of his first argument with Adonis."
Jane Anning nearly collapsed, stunned by Xize's bold choice. Olay was Arnold's role back then, and Xize dared to choose it for his audition? She stared at Xize in disbelief, unable to speak.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yang continued his excited recount, pulling the other two Asian youths in their group, pointing at Xize, "Xize was amazing, acting with Arnold was like a showdown, it was thrilling!"
Jia En slapped Zhou Yang on the back, scolding, "Calm down!"
Jane Anning turned back, determined not to lose in spirit regardless of the outcome. She led Xize out with a triumphant air, leaving Jia En fuming. The three youths admired Arnold's precious signature on Zhou Yang's back, while Xining sat silently in the corner.
Jia En, frustrated, nudged Xining, "Stop overthinking, let's go." As a manager, he accepted defeat gracefully. Who else would dare challenge the role of Olay?
Xining, brows furrowed, gripped a digital screen tightly, his arm trembling. Jia En knew he was the most competitive and deep-thinking of the group, and tried to console him, "A talented actor with an Asian face, you can't just accept it?"
Zhou Yang glanced over, "Xining, you..."
Before he could finish, Xining stood and smashed the screen, his expression twisted with rage, eyes burning with hatred and resentment.
How could he not hate? A person with no presence, living like an outcast, suddenly became someone he could only look up to! Xining once believed he was the best, but one day, Xize trampled him underfoot. How could he accept it calmly?!
Jia En, understanding the brotherly rivalry between Xining and Xize, was also displeased with Xining's outburst. The other three youths, unaware of the target of Xining's anger, felt he was too self-centered.
Jane Anning cheerfully drove Xize back, humming a tune along the way.
Xize asked, "So happy? The decision isn't final yet."
Jane Anning huffed, "If Zhang Kai doesn't choose you, it's his loss. He'll regret it!"
Xize sensed Jane Anning had more to say and asked, "What's making you so happy?"
Jane Anning replied, "Remember the role of ' Ayer ' you said you couldn't play? Tom contacted me during your audition, saying they revised the script and the character."
Revised? Xize leaned back, expressionless, revealing no emotion. Jane Anning often wondered if Xize was really a nineteen-year-old boy, as he seemed more like a man in his thirties or forties, perfectly concealing his emotions. After a while, Xize asked, "So, we're going to see Tom?"
Jane Anning clapped, "Of course. If you like the revised role, we can accept it. Tom is flexible with those he favors."
She smiled confidently, and Xize nodded, not in a hurry, but inquired about Tom's film, including investment, script, and lead roles. Jane Anning answered each question, finally saying, "Arnold's studio is also investing, and he's leading the cast."
Investing... leading the cast? Xize was stunned, "What role is Arnold playing?"
Jane Anning chuckled, "The lead, of course."
Xize: "..."
Jane Anning continued, "Actually, 'Player' is half-tailored for him. Tom had long decided Arnold would star. You're lucky to be involved in his projects twice."
She added, "You two really have a connection."