How significant must the incident caused by Selena be for Tom to decide to replace a female lead?
The two groups of people who rushed to the set early in the morning were truly unaware, but those who understood Tom knew that he had significant control over his films. Thus, the decision to replace an actor was entirely his prerogative.
No one asked unnecessary questions, nor did they inquire about the extent of Selena's trouble.
The director, accompanied by two screenwriters, entered the room hastily, indicating that this decision was made under urgent circumstances. The urgency was evident, as a portion of Selena's scenes had already been filmed yesterday. Despite the decision being Tom's, he was visibly furious.
In the meeting room, three groups stood. Tom wiped the sweat from his forehead and frowned, saying, "Don't blame me for being direct." He then turned his gaze to Xize and Jane Anning, "You two are okay with this, right? Transitioning from supporting roles to leads."
Jane Anning thought to herself, "Of course, I'm fine with it!" But she had an inkling that Xize might not agree. Despite his seemingly obedient and calm demeanor, he had his own strong opinions.
Indeed, when Jane Anning turned her head, she noticed a fleeting expression of surprise on Xize's face, though he quickly resumed his usual calm appearance.
Xize looked at the director without saying anything. His silence did not imply agreement but rather that he knew Arnold would not agree—yesterday, the online community informed him that Arnold had never acted in a male-male romantic role.
Tom, hands behind his back, turned to Arnold and asked, "What do you think? I know you typically avoid such roles. If you can't accept it, we can remove the romantic subplot from the script, and you and Xize will both be leads." This was a way to sidestep the issue, letting the audience imagine the romance themselves, sparing the screenwriters from adding romantic scenes.
Tom was prepared to cut the romantic scenes, as no one could force Arnold to act against his will. However, to everyone's surprise, Arnold responded, "I can do it."
Everyone present: ".........!!"
Xize was stunned. What was happening?! The online community clearly said Arnold wouldn't take on male-male romantic roles! What happened to the promise of not acting in such scenes?
The meeting room door was closed, but the makeshift set outside wasn't soundproof. The noise of crew members moving equipment and talking was audible. When Arnold said "I can do it," everyone felt a surreal sense of disbelief.
Arnold stood near the door, exuding an aura that made him seem unapproachable. His handsome features, usually expressionless, were tinged with a cold aloofness.
But now, as he stepped forward, the light from the simple overhead lamp illuminated his features clearly. The crowd saw the restrained power that only this man possessed.
Xize was taken aback. He had met many people in the entertainment industry, but few like Arnold, whose restrained charisma and demeanor truly befit the title of a top star. However, this wasn't the time to admire Arnold—he really didn't want to act in a male-male romantic scene!
After Arnold stepped forward, Tom picked up his jaw from the floor and asked in disbelief, "Did you really just say that?"
Arnold's amber eyes gleamed under the light as he nodded without hesitation, "I can try, but I can't guarantee I'll do well. Romantic scenes are my weak point."
Tom was so excited his jaw trembled. This was fantastic! Though he didn't understand why Arnold suddenly agreed, if they could get Arnold to break his rule and act in a male-male romantic scene, their film would likely break box office records, even with a mediocre plot!
Tom touched his chin, excitedly turning to Xize. To him, Xize had no reason to object to such a golden opportunity. He pointed at Xize, saying, "Xize, let's proceed this way. If the romantic scenes work, we'll include them. If not, it's fine. We can adjust anytime. You'll transition from a supporting role to a lead..."
Xize felt like he was bleeding internally. He was straight! Straight! Straight! He had a psychological barrier against acting in male-male romantic scenes. He wasn't a god who could master every role. He hadn't spoken up earlier, hoping Arnold would refuse, sparing him from offending the director. Now, Arnold had accepted without hesitation.
Top star!! What happened to not acting in male-male romantic scenes?!
At this point, Xize could only raise his hand to indicate he had something to say. Jane Anning, knowing Xize had his own thoughts, touched her forehead.
Tom, thinking Xize wanted to discuss the death scene filmed yesterday, nodded and looked at him, "Actually..."
Xize frowned and looked at Tom, "Director, I might not be able to handle a male-male romantic plot..."
Everyone present: "........."
The female screenwriter almost threw her script in frustration. Was this a joke?!
Since Xize's audition, she had been a die-hard fan. Knowing he would take this film, she had polished the character of Ayer to perfection. Last night, as Xize officially debuted, she stayed up all night following the event, witnessing the online praise for Xize. This morning, when the director informed her of the change in the script, replacing the female lead with Xize as the lead, she was too excited to speak. She knew Arnold wouldn't agree to a male-male romantic scene, as there was no precedent. As a screenwriter, she understood more than clueless fans and knew Arnold and Xize had no special relationship.
But when Arnold agreed, she felt like fireworks were going off in the room. She was so excited she almost fell to the ground. Arnold agreed! Wasn't it said they had no special relationship? Why did it now seem like Arnold truly loved Xize? What was happening?!
But before she could finish her excitement, Xize's "I might not be able to handle it" felt like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing her burning heart.
She was probably the first to realize "Arnold has feelings for Xize, but Xize has none for Arnold"..., what to do? Life felt hopeless. Why did she have to witness this firsthand? She must have been out of her mind to choose screenwriting as a career!!
The female screenwriter cried internally, hoping the director would ignore Xize's words.
As a commercial film director, Tom didn't disappoint. He selectively ignored Xize's statement, glaring briefly before turning and leaving, equally hurried. As he left, he muttered, "It's decided!!" and instructed the two screenwriters, "Hurry up with the script, make the romantic scenes tear-jerking..."
[Female screenwriter: The director is awesome!]
Xize: "............" Just debuted... No voice... Reality is... So harsh...
After the director ignored Xize and left, Sam and Jane Anning couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Xize felt utterly embarrassed, touching his nose in frustration. When he looked up, he met the gaze of the other involved party.
Arnold, with his amber eyes, looked at him disapprovingly. His aura seemed to change, making others want to shrink away. But Xize, feeling relatively unbothered, blinked and returned Arnold's gaze.
At that moment, a crew member called from the doorway, "Mr. Arnold, the director wants you to change and do your makeup for the next scene."
Arnold finally broke eye contact and left. As Sam followed, he greeted Xize, "Hi, I'm Sam. Nice to meet you. I've been with Arnold for years, and you're the first to refuse a romantic scene with him." He gave a thumbs up.
Xize: "............"
Xize's two scenes for the day were canceled due to the script change, but he couldn't leave, surrounded by crew members asking for autographs and photos.
What puzzled Xize was that many crew members had dark circles under their eyes. It wasn't just one or two; it seemed like half the crew hadn't slept well. Xize had no idea why. He had gone to bed around eleven, unaware of the online drama involving Selena and Ivy.
The crew was warm and caring, often offering Xize their nutritional supplements or recommending brands to him, and introducing themselves.
Xize quickly became familiar with the crew. After a while, he heard the call for a fifteen-minute preparation for shooting and walked over with Jane Anning to watch Arnold's scene.
This scene involved Arnold's fight sequence. The director was discussing the plot with the martial arts coordinator, while Arnold, holding a metal rod, swung it with practiced ease, clearly not a novice.
Standing on the sidelines, Jane Anning finally had a moment to speak with Xize, "Are you really unable to act in that kind of romantic scene, or are you worried that acting with Arnold will lead to endless fan speculation?"
Xize hadn't thought that far. Last night's events showed him that many things were beyond his control, especially in the entertainment industry. He genuinely felt he couldn't handle such a scene, having never acted in a male-male romantic plot.
Xize replied, "I'm really afraid I can't do it."
Jane Anning nodded, glanced towards the set, and said, "It seems Arnold is very career-focused this year. He has never tried this kind of role before. Maybe he wants to challenge himself." She patted Xize's shoulder, "But he's really making it easy for people to misunderstand. I almost thought he agreed because of you." She leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, "You really don't know Arnold? No private connection? No relationship? If you do, you can tell me. I won't tell anyone."
Xize gently pushed her hand away, "Sis, you're overthinking. I really don't know him."
Just then, the director waved at Xize.
Xize and Jane Anning walked over. Tom actually called Jane Anning to discuss Xize's future schedule, leaving Xize with nothing to do.
Xize stood next to a prop wall, made of real bricks for authenticity. As the director and Jane Anning talked, Xize noticed the female screenwriter looking at him, so he smiled at her.
The female screenwriter initially smiled back shyly, holding some papers, but suddenly widened her eyes at Xize, raising a hand and waving while saying something.
Xize was momentarily confused, unable to hear over the noise. However, he suddenly felt a sense of pressure as if someone was approaching. He instinctively turned around and found himself locked in the gaze of a pair of icy blue eyes.
Xize: "!!!"
Arnold stood before him, looking down with a focused gaze, his voice low and resonant, "Is it that you can't act, or you don't want to?"
Xize was stunned by Arnold's sudden approach. His mind went blank for a moment. As he regained his senses, he heard several distant screams.
Could they not scream?! The crew was about to go crazy!! The female screenwriter felt like she had died and come back to life several times today!!
Yesterday, even with the online uproar, internal staff believed there was nothing between Xize and Arnold, thinking the promotional photos were just misleading, a case of official content killing fan fiction.
But now?! Now?!
Why was Arnold so close to Xize?! Why was he looking at him so intently?! Why did it seem like Arnold had deep feelings for Xize?! When Arnold approached quietly, and their eyes met, wasn't this the rhythm of true love?! How could they claim there was nothing between them?!
Even the official stance was now in disbelief!!
This was like the real-life version of official content killing fan fiction!!