If one were to choose the most famous, influential, and outstanding star in all aspects, both officially and among the public, there are generally two recognized candidates. Besides the megastar who has already semi-retired, the other one is Arnold.
Arnold is a benchmark in the entertainment industry and among all artists. The word "famous" is insufficient to describe his status in the circle; he is like the throne of the entertainment world, often becoming an object of admiration. He has even received the only artist medal awarded by the Federation, making him the most influential artist recognized by the state across the entire galaxy.
In fact, as a megastar, Arnold has been very low-key in the past two years, so low-key that he might not even attend movie promotions and premieres. However, compared to the other megastar who hasn't released any work for two years and has basically retired, Arnold's occasional appearances on screen are already a comfort to the public.
Yet, this low-key megastar, who has been dormant for two years, has this year joined forces with Zhang Kai's company and studio to invest heavily in the program "Player." Not only did he participate, but he also personally came to audition for other roles.
All indications suggest that Arnold, who has been low-key for many years, may have a groundbreaking new plan for his career this year.
Jane Anning once served as Arnold's temporary agent, managing his work, and she has some personal connections with Arnold's agent, Sam. Therefore, she can somewhat grasp the current situation.
She explained to Xize, "Although Arnold is currently sitting on the throne, if the other one hadn't completely withdrawn from the public eye, his position wouldn't be so secure. Although I don't know the exact situation, Xia Li talked to me a few days ago, and I suspect that the megastar who has faded from the public eye for several years might make a move soon."
Xize understood, "Arnold is afraid his position might be threatened?!"
They had finished their lunch, and the aircraft was in autopilot mode, taking them to their destination.
Jane Anning found a comfortable position to lean on, thought for a moment, and nodded, "That might be one of the reasons. The 'Player' program is very special, tailored by Zhang Kai for him. I also asked Sam, and Arnold's schedule this year is much busier than last year. I feel something unusual is going on." After a pause, she added, "But this is also good; it's a great opportunity for you."
Xize nodded. Indeed, it seemed that his luck had been quite good since his rebirth. His starting point was already much higher than ordinary people, and his opportunities were better than others. If there were no issues on Zhang Kai's side, it would be almost a sure thing. Now it depends on how Director Tom will modify the role of Ayer.
Tom had arranged the meeting in his company's conference room. When Xize and Jane Anning took the elevator upstairs, they happened to meet the female screenwriter under Tom.
The female screenwriter didn't recognize Jane Anning but immediately recognized Xize, pointing at him with wide eyes, excitedly saying, "You're... you're that..."
Xize looked at the female screenwriter, searching his memory. He initially thought she was someone the original owner knew, but he found no impression in his mind.
Jane Anning recognized the female screenwriter and greeted her, introducing her to Xize, "This is the chief screenwriter under Director Tom."
Xize smiled politely, "Hello, I'm Xize."
The female screenwriter's eyes were now filled with Xize's handsome face, and his fresh and clean smile almost blinded her. In the entertainment industry, mixed-race handsome guys are everywhere, but a pure Asian like him is a treasure! The female screenwriter was so excited that her hands trembled when shaking hands with Xize, almost reluctant to let go, feeling a bit embarrassed herself.
She then explained in a way that made people laugh and cry, "Sorry, your handsomeness is beyond my acceptable range. My core can't process it."
Jane Anning chuckled inwardly, thinking that Tom's female screenwriter was quite a fangirl.
The female screenwriter had a deep impression of Xize. She had watched the audition clips several times, even secretly copying a copy to take home, watching it repeatedly and feeling a sense of satisfaction before sleep.
The female screenwriter was also going upstairs for a meeting with the director. Knowing Jane Anning's purpose of bringing Xize, she started chatting in the elevator, saying that the director had held several screenwriter meetings after the exchange meeting, modifying the role of Ayer in the script and coordinating with the investors.
Upon entering the conference room upstairs, besides Tom and the assistant director, there was another male screenwriter, whom Jane Anning had met before, the chief screenwriter of this film.
Xize was not dressed very formally today. Compared to the white suit he wore at the exchange meeting, his shirt and casual pants were much more relaxed. However, his good looks and temperament made him stand out like a tall pine tree, drawing everyone's attention as soon as he entered the room.
When Xize came for the audition last time, almost no one remembered him. At that time, the real Xize was timid, afraid to look the director in the eye, not knowing what to say.
But now, Xize's gaze was clear, his dark eyes looking directly, sincere and calm, with a faint smile on his lips, giving a very comfortable feeling.
Jane Anning exchanged pleasantries with Tom upon entering, introducing Xize to the people in the conference room, displaying impeccable manners. After both parties were seated, Tom finally took a good look at Xize and went straight to the point, having the screenwriter hand the script to Xize and Jane Anning, "We have rewritten the role of Ayer, essentially scrapping the original character design and adding more scenes."
Xize opened the few pages of the script, feeling it was more of an outline than a full script.
Tom leaned back in his chair, looking at them, "You can take a look first. The script is short; we can discuss any questions after you finish reading."
Jane Anning quickly responded with a smile, "Director Tom, does this mean you have decided that Xize will play the role of Ayer?"
Tom, unlike Zhang Kai, was straightforward and assertive. He had almost complete control over his films, never compromising with any investors. It wasn't the first time he had rewritten an entire script for a single role.
He told Jane Anning, "You know my style. I don't waste words. I was very satisfied with the audition clip, and I attended the exchange meeting. To be blunt, I have high hopes for this newcomer. If you hadn't already signed with Silver Fox under that shameless fat Xia Li, I would have poached him to my company for training."
Jane Anning smiled, "Oh, the director thinks so highly of our Xize."
While the director and Jane Anning were talking, Xize quickly flipped through several pages of the script. As Tom said, the script had indeed undergone significant changes.
In the original script, Ayer was timid and weak, always dragging others down, and eventually betrayed the protagonist, dying a tragic death. In the new script, Ayer was a very positive character. Although physically weak, he was full of enthusiasm for life, always able to influence those around him with his positive emotions, even though he couldn't escape a tragic end. The revised character seemed fine to Xize.
Xize remained silent, reading the script without joining the conversation between Jane Anning and the director. To others, this newcomer seemed very diligent and serious.
Xize read the script quickly, and after finishing, he nodded to Jane Anning.
Tom directly asked him, "Will you take the role or not? Just one word!"
Xize turned his gaze to Tom, sincere and firm, "Yes."
Tom snorted, nodding, "That's more like it. Don't learn from that shameless fat Xia Li, full of tricks. What you just read was the audition script. Once you sign the contract, I'll have the screenwriter give you the complete script."
Jane Anning's lips curled into a subtle victorious smile; she hadn't expected it to be so smooth. It seemed Tom was genuinely satisfied with Xize, otherwise, he wouldn't have rewritten the character. She was about to speak when her wristband vibrated. She discreetly checked it and saw a message from Zhang Kai: "OK! Come sign the contract!"
Jane Anning lowered her head, unable to contain her smile this time. Everyone looked at her, and Tom squinted, "What's so funny?"
Jane Anning raised her head, arching an eyebrow, and nodded towards Xize, "It's a message from Director Zhang. Xize has passed the 'Player' audition. It looks like I need to start scheduling."
Everyone was stunned. Someone said, "Director Zhang Kai? I remember Arnold will participate in that program."
Tom raised an eyebrow, looking incredulous. A newcomer who managed to land both a movie role and a program with Arnold, such luck was unbelievable. Tom glanced at Xize, thinking this kid might indeed have a bright future ahead.