Capítulo 13: Autograph
"So, do you accept the contract for the role of Spider-Man's girlfriend, Mary Jane?"
Even though she wasn't directly facing the contract, Charlize, who was lurking in his subconscious mind, still felt a sense of unreality and dizziness. Could it be this simple? What about the second round of auditions? What about the input from the directors, producers, and other crew members?
Charlize, completely immersed in the play, found it hard to believe and subconsciously raised doubts.
"Why is it this easy? Shouldn't the director decide for the lead actress?"
A look of suspicion appeared on Alexis's face as she stepped into the trap.
Oops.
This was the part that had worried Christian the most when planning. On one hand, the hundred steps were half and ninety, and the script was the most dangerous moment. On the other hand, the signing of the contract was a bit hasty and seemed completely out of touch with reality due to the lack of collaboration.
Originally, Christian had expected Charlize's acting skills to play a role, but it seemed that Charlize, who had always performed flawlessly before, had finally made a mistake. Alexis, influenced by the hallucinations, appeared to sense that something was amiss, and she might wake up from the illusion soon.
"Generally speaking, you're correct."
Christian, once bearing the title of "Master of Deception" at the entrance of the hospital, had to step in.
"But you should know that the director you're about to face is James Cameron, the renowned studio mogul. In his films, no one is irreplaceable except himself. The true protagonist in his films is technology, groundbreaking special effects, and grand industrial scenes. He doesn't care much about the lead actors as long as their acting skills are sufficient and their pay doesn't affect the special effects budget."
"But..."
Although Charlize was a bit puzzled by Cameron's introduction, it was clear that Alexis still had some reservations.
In reality, Christian could understand their skepticism. For young women in Hollywood, it was common to face setbacks and deceptions before achieving fame. This made them naturally cautious when presented with potential opportunities for success. They knew that opportunities could either be real or traps set to take advantage of them. This was a survival instinct developed by those at the bottom of the food chain.
Faced with this skeptical instinct, Christian realized that encouragement wouldn't work, so he took a different approach.
"James believes in me, trusts my judgment, and believes I can choose the right actor. Alexis, are you skeptical of me?"
"I, I'm not..."
Alexis was about to explain, but Christian interrupted her.
"No, you are skeptical. I understand that women like you often view people in positions of power as manipulative. It seems that everything you gain through your looks can make you doubt the sincerity of any help you receive. I won't deny it. I enjoy certain privileges, but I also have my professionalism. I'll choose the person I believe is right and consider everything that follows as gratitude, not a bargaining chip. So, madam, I'll ask you again, do you want to play Mary Jane in 'Spider-Man'? Please don't waste my time. As I said before, no one is indispensable"
"Of course, I do"
Faced with Christian's stern and sarcastic tone, Alexis, feeling humiliated, gave in. To her, the world was filled with malice, and the casting director's harshness felt more real. She quickly took the contract from him and glanced at it hastily.
"So little pay?"
"What do you expect?"
Christian's mocking expression grew stronger.
"This is a superhero movie, and the focus is on the lead actor. Even the male lead, who spends more than 75% of the time with his face covered, doesn't require a well-known actor. The budget can't afford it, let alone you as the heroine. You're essentially a vase. Besides, James spends all his money on technology and special effects..."
"Alright, I understand."
Alexis reluctantly accepted the reality of extremely low pay. But when she thought about it, it was still the lead role, and the pay was higher than what she had received for smaller roles before. In the end, she signed her name on the contract.
Alexis Rachel Hyden
"That's better"
Christian accepted the signed contract, and the impatient and mocking expression on his face immediately vanished, replaced by a friendly smile, as if he had always been kind.
"Trust me, Alexis. You made the right choice, and you'll become a big star. But before that, I need to take a picture of you for formalities. Did you bring your photos?"
"Photos?"
Alexis looked puzzled.
"I didn't bring any, but aren't they on my resume?"
"That's correct, but we need new photos for certain procedures. Okay, no need to worry. I'll take a picture for you."
Speaking, Christian grabbed a Polaroid camera from the table behind him and aimed it at the somewhat nervous Alexis.
"Alright, say 'Cheese'"
"Cheese"
"Very good"
The flash went off, and with a click, a color photo of Alexis's upper body was produced from the camera. Seeing the colorful photo, Christian shook his head.
"Why? Didn't it turn out well?"
"It's not that. I just think this Polaroid camera is convenient and ready to use. The issue is that the photo paper is quite expensive, and photos taken this way aren't suitable for long-term storage. Sooner or later, this will be replaced by more advanced digital camera technology. Oops, I've started my old habit of talking too much. Sorry, Alexis. By the way, can you sign this photo as well? I have a little hobby. When I choose a role, I take a photo of the actors I've selected and have them sign it as a memento. When I'm old, it's my precious collection. I'll be like a rambling old man, showing these photos to everyone, reminiscing about their auditions and who has become a big star"
Looking at the signed color photo that Christian handed her, Alexis felt a bit dazed. The casting director in front of her had been alternately meaning and kind and the contrast was so stark that she was somewhat bewildered. On the other hand, she had started with skepticism, but due to the relaxed attitude of the other party, she had also begun to relax.
"Here you go"
After all, the other party had chosen her, and some gratitude was necessary. Plus, it wasn't an embarrassing photo. In the end, Alexis decided to indulge the other party's little hobby.
"Thank you"
Christian took the photo and smiled with satisfaction. He held the signed photo and the contract together, looked at the blonde girl in front of him, and suddenly exclaimed:
"Alexis Rachel Hyden"
"Hey?"
Accompanied by Alexis's puzzled response, a powerful gust of wind swept through the room once again...
**The End**
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