591-595

*Chapter 591: Sweet Rachel Strikes Back*

Rachel McAdams felt both nervous and frustrated. She wasn’t sure what to do next.

Her audition was halfway through, with her emotions teetering awkwardly between sadness and bitterness, like being kicked out of a restaurant in the middle of a meal.

So, what now?

Anson?

Should she try to grab Anson’s attention? But how? There were likely plenty of people in Hollywood throwing themselves at Anson, and he’d probably seen every trick in the book. She’d just come off like a clown.

But should she just leave it like this? Just walk away?

Was there no hope left for the audition?

In her panic, Rachel didn’t have time to focus on Anson. Her attention briefly lingered on him before she turned to Marcia with a pleading look in her eyes.

She stood there, looking like a fool, holding her phone as if she were still on a call, her mouth twisted like a frog’s, frozen in place.

She felt like an idiot.

No, she was an idiot.

…

Marcia didn’t have time to worry about an auditioning actor’s thoughts. Her gaze was fully on Anson, her eyes openly showing admiration.

“Oh my God, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, I can’t believe it. In just a few months, you’ve gotten even more handsome.”

Marcia half-joked, half-seriously teased him, and Anson spread his hands.

“It’s all thanks to the tequila.”

With that little joke, the atmosphere immediately lightened, and Marcia’s face was all smiles.

“So, are you here to supervise?”

“No, I’m just here to help out. You know, with a small production, the budget is tight, so we need to get hands-on. I thought maybe I could be of some use during the casting, so I came to take a look.”

“Oh, and I thought I’d stop by to say hi.”

“By the way, I wasn’t sure what was on your lunch menu, so I ordered some Chinese takeout. It should be downstairs now, on its way up to the second floor.”

Wow, cheers and praise erupted. Both Marcia and Nicholas were thrilled, exclaiming that they had just ordered Chinese food too. It was like they were on the same wavelength.

Back and forth, the room's atmosphere became more relaxed.

Maybe Rachel was the only exception.

Rachel felt a bit dejected and lost, not knowing how to handle the situation. She could only helplessly signal Marcia with her eyes.

Finally!

Marcia noticed and realized that they were still in the middle of an audition, and it wasn’t appropriate to leave an actor hanging like this. But continuing the audition now seemed pointless; this actor was just too sweet-looking—

Keller was a character covered in scars.

The theme and plot of The Butterfly Effect dictated that the characters would have a tragic tone. Not just the main characters, Evan and Keller, but every character in the movie was struggling within a cycle of tragedy.

To be precise, it wasn’t a tragedy, but a heavy piece tinged with tragedy, even bordering on despair.

Marcia didn’t think this actor was the right choice.

With this thought in mind, Marcia looked at Rachel. “Let’s end the audition here. We’ll notify you later about the next steps.”

Rachel was stunned.

She knew that this was essentially a death sentence.

Her first reaction was to blame Anson and the staff member who interrupted the audition. Before that, everything was on track.

However, after a brief pause, Rachel realized there was no point.

She had handled the unexpected situation poorly. And even before that, she hadn’t managed to grab the casting director’s attention.

She should blame herself.

Taking a deep breath, Rachel tried to calm herself, but understanding the logic didn’t make the bitterness go away.

“Thank you!”

Rachel forced a smile. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with Anson, so she turned to leave, her shoulders slumped, feeling dejected and frustrated.

But then, a voice called out from behind.

“Wait.”

Rachel, lost in her thoughts, didn’t realize the voice was directed at her. She had almost reached the door when the voice called out again.

“Rachel, wait.”

Rachel froze, finally realizing, and turned around, her eyes wide as she looked around, eventually locking onto Anson.

“Me?” Rachel asked.

Anson’s smile grew, “Yes, Miss McAdams.”

Rachel: “???” “You know me?”

Of course, he knew her—

The Notebook, Doctor Strange, Spotlight, About Time, and so on. Even though Rachel had never become a massive star, she had always been a bright presence in Hollywood.

This sweet actress had been typecast because of her looks, often stuck in romantic roles as a pretty face. But the truth was, she had always thought deeply about acting and filmmaking. Even if her talent didn’t allow her to showcase her full range on the big screen, she had managed to sustain her acting career.

Whether it was in indie films or socially significant works, Rachel had been exploring her identity and image as an actress.

Compared to other beautiful actresses like Kate Beckinsale or Lindsay Lohan, who never quite broke free from their constraints, Rachel had far more vitality in her acting career, eventually earning acting nominations for Spotlight and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

However, at this point, Rachel was still just another small-time actress.

It wasn’t until 2004, when she played the role of a mean girl in Mean Girls, that her career really took off.

Anson was a bit surprised to see Rachel at the audition.

From her appearance, Rachel wasn’t suited for the role of Keller, and Anson agreed with Marcia’s judgment. But Anson understood how an actor felt; having an audition interrupted and then being rejected without completing the performance was a bitter pill to swallow.

So, at the very least, Anson could let Rachel finish a complete audition.

In fact, Anson found it interesting to see Rachel, especially since she later appeared in several time-travel and butterfly-effect-themed movies like The Time Traveler’s Wife and About Time.

But Anson couldn’t say that directly. He tapped on the resume in front of him.

Rachel realized what he meant and offered a nervous smile. “Sorry, I guess my thoughts aren’t quite right at the moment.”

Anson smiled back. “That’s why I don’t like Broadway.”

“Huh?” Rachel didn’t get the joke.

Marcia burst out laughing, mocking Anson’s failed joke.

Anson rubbed his nose. “Because stage actors have to handle too many unexpected situations. Obviously, my acting skills aren’t good enough to deal with those. I prefer movies, where actors are allowed to make mistakes.”

Rachel shrugged slightly, still not getting the joke. “I don’t think I have the luxury of choice. I’m willing to accept any role.”

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly. “Any?”

Rachel looked into Anson’s eyes, then down at her own shirt, her gaze settling on the curves of her chest. She undid a button with her eyes.

Without saying a word, her intentions were clear. Marcia almost choked on her own spit, not expecting this sweet girl to have such a sharp side.

Looks can be deceiving, after all.

Anson was a bit flustered, not expecting Rachel to look up at him, wink playfully, and flash a mischievous grin—

So, was this her counterattack?

### Chapter 592: Grace Under Pressure

Everyone knows the saying: never judge a book by its cover, because appearances can be deceiving. But in reality, humans are visual creatures, and the first impression often forms the basis of judgment.

This applies when others look at Anson, just as it does when they look at Rachel.

Anson realized, just a beat too late, that Rachel was a smart person. She didn’t fail to understand his teasing; instead, she played along with it, leaving Anson momentarily flustered.

A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.

Originally, Anson just wanted to give Rachel a chance to finish her audition. But now, his interest was piqued. Maybe it was time to change the approach.

“Sorry.”

Anson spread his hands and shrugged lightly, signaling that he meant no harm. Marcia and Nicholas both looked at him in surprise:

Apologizing? Why?

Was it because of his earlier comment about “anything”? It wasn’t a hint or a tease, just a harmless joke. Why apologize?

In fact, not only were Marcia and Nicholas surprised, but Rachel was also caught off guard.

This time, it was Rachel who felt a bit uneasy. She was about to offer an apology or explanation, but Anson continued speaking, leaving no room for her to interrupt.

“It’s been a while. Clearly, I’m not sure how to start a conversation.”

Rachel: ?

A while? She was certain this was their first meeting.

“I’m still the same. School is the same. Mom is still the same. God, even I find my life boring.”

“And you?”

Rachel: …

Rachel realized she couldn’t keep up with the rhythm. She was being completely drawn into Anson’s flow. But his words, like a warm current, painted a picture of old friends reconnecting.

Moreover, Rachel noticed a detail: Mom.

He mentioned his mom.

This implied they might be neighbors, with their parents knowing each other.

Rachel had no time to think and could only react instinctively.

“Boredom is a good thing. It means no surprises, no incidents, no disasters. Everything is going smoothly, unless you’re hoping for some excitement.”

She was referring to her acting career.

In the blink of an eye, one year, two years had passed, and she was still one of the countless aspiring actors in Los Angeles, repeatedly told that Hollywood isn’t easy. She kept bouncing from audition to audition, not knowing what she was doing.

The confusion was brief, and then she masked it with a smile.

Rachel reminded herself that this was the path she chose. No one forced her into it, so she should face her current situation calmly, with less complaint and more persistence.

But the feelings of disappointment and bitterness were real.

Rachel looked at Anson with bright eyes, quietly hiding those shadows.

A voice came from the front, “You should believe in yourself.”

Rachel was stunned. “What?”

Anson repeated, “You should believe in yourself.”

Rachel froze.

Anson continued, “You know, when you pursue what you love, you shine. It’s like all the light in the world gathers on you. Even if you don’t do it perfectly, you still enjoy it.”

Without warning, Rachel’s eyes welled up. She quickly turned her head, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand and mumbling, “Ah, I’ve been wearing these contact lenses for too long, sorry.”

She quickly composed herself, turning back to Anson with a big smile, even more radiant and sweet, but slightly exaggerated to cover her embarrassment and awkwardness.

The line between performance and reality, fantasy and truth, blurred seamlessly.

Marcia was completely engrossed—

She couldn’t see Anson’s face as his back was turned to her, but she could feel the power and warmth in his words, and Rachel mirrored the emotions Anson was releasing.

This was a side of Rachel she hadn’t noticed before.

Fragile yet resilient.

Then.

Anson said, “That’s why I had a crush on you back then. I liked that side of you.”

Time seemed to stop at that moment.

A simple confession, yet it struck Marcia’s heart heavily—

Her pulse raced, and her ears buzzed.

Rachel gazed quietly at Anson. This was their first meeting, but in that fleeting moment, time seemed meaningless. It felt like they had entered another world, and her heart skipped a beat.

His eyes were clear and bright, without hesitation, shyness, or reserve. Like a gentle stream flowing under bamboo leaves, reflecting sunlight, clouds, and tree shade, with only the sounds of wind and birds.

Then, her heartbeat echoed in her ears.

He was calm, standing tall and steady.

But she was flustered.

Her lips curled into a shy smile as she lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes, trying to hide her anxiety. Yet she couldn’t help but look back up, her smile fully blossomed, searching for the light in his blue eyes.

“But.”

“Why didn’t you confess back then?”

Rachel asked.

Then, even she couldn’t help but laugh softly.

This time, it was Anson who was stunned. How should he respond?

Anson nodded slightly, repeating to himself, “Yes, why didn’t I confess back then?”

A faint sense of melancholy and regret filled the air.

Rachel was completely composed now, smiling as she looked at Anson. “Maybe, you didn’t like me that much after all.”

“Or maybe, you only liked the idea of me.”

“You know, painting a perfect image in your mind to hold all your hopes, but not daring to get close. You think it’s because you lack courage, but deep down, you know perfection doesn’t exist. It’s just an illusion. Once you get close, the illusion shatters.”

“Like the Little Mermaid turning into sea foam.”

In the quiet air, emotions surged, seemingly calm and serene, yet the underlying emotions were so intense and overwhelming.

Rachel’s smile remained, with no trace of sadness or pain. But the complex mix of strength and vulnerability gradually surfaced.

Marcia and Nicholas were completely focused on Rachel, yet it felt like they were seeing Anson through her—

A vivid image.

Anson didn’t deny it. Instead, he replied softly.

“Maybe because I was a disaster, so I placed all my hopes and dreams on you, believing you were happiness itself, but I didn’t think I deserved to get close or to touch it.”

“I doubted if I was worthy.”

A calm answer, yet it carried an incredible weight of despair and pain, without any concealment or dilution, hitting Rachel’s heart hard.

She was stunned too, opening her mouth to say something, but finding her words utterly inadequate and powerless.

In the end, she could only smile again, “So, do you think you’re worthy now?”

*Chapter 593: Sparks in the Scene*

Anson was slightly stunned—

His thoughts briefly entered the world of Evan from "The Butterfly Effect," but unintentionally delved further into his past life, plunging him into deep doubt.

Does he even deserve happiness?

The mess his father left behind plunged countless families into the depths of despair. His smile, his joy, his happiness seemed to further harm those families. He must carry those shackles and chains forward, and if he can't repay the debts, at the very least, he shouldn't be happy.

Living itself became a form of atonement.

For a fleeting moment, he felt burdened by guilt, leading him to question whether he deserved happiness.

Was Evan the same? Unable to find a way for everyone to be happy, and unwilling to sacrifice others' happiness for his own, he repeatedly went back in time, trying to fix things, only to find that he still couldn't. The pain and torment seemed like fate.

Happiness, too, can be a sin.

Then—

"Do you deserve it now?"

A simple question, yet it carried profound meaning, pulling Anson out of his thoughts and back to reality, as if he had journeyed from his past life to the present.

Anson looked at Rachel and nodded slightly, though with difficulty.

"Maybe."

Maybe this time, he could embrace happiness. Maybe this time, he could freely spend time. Maybe this time, he could truly enjoy life.

Rachel noticed. Although she had no idea what Anson had been through, she could sense a heavy weight in his deep blue eyes, bringing unexpected warmth to her own.

This time, Rachel didn't hide it.

She took a deep breath, once again showing her charming demeanor. Her mouth didn't curve into a smile, yet warmth could still be felt in her eyes.

Then Anson asked, "What about you?"

Rachel's smile lingered at the corners of her mouth.

Anson clarified, "Are you ready to open your heart and embrace happiness?"

Rachel was stunned. For a moment, she was caught in a struggle—

She didn't know how to respond.

It was a deep and complex emotion, one that Rachel, with her limited life experience, had neither encountered nor could understand. Worse, she had no character or script to rely on, no way to research or think it through. The performance she was trying to deliver felt like a floating weed without roots, suspended in midair. She didn't trust her own acting.

So—

When Anson delivered the key line, Rachel got stuck.

The panic, the confusion, the bewilderment completely took over her mind.

In the end, she just lacked experience—

At this moment, Anson could clearly see Rachel's struggle and confusion. Although Anson himself didn't have much acting experience, it was still different from Rachel, and from the beginning, Anson had the upper hand.

Realizing this, Anson didn't continue to press, instead giving a smile. "Do you still need to perform the audition scene you prepared?"

The fourth wall, broken.

Silently, they returned to reality.

But the key was when to enter the scene and when to return to reality; when to act as the character, and when to show genuine emotions. There were no boundaries, making the atmosphere in the room particularly special.

Rachel didn't notice, but she felt like she'd just been on a rollercoaster and involuntarily let out a small breath, savoring the moment.

Unfortunately, her brain wasn't working, like a mushy mess.

"No, I’m fine. My audition went well enough."

Rachel felt a bit dejected—

It turned out she wasn't as good as she thought. Leaving aside the unexpected events, she still messed up the audition. Even with Anson personally acting with her, she failed to seize the opportunity.

Her mouth showed a hint of melancholy; but it only lingered for a moment. Rachel took a deep breath, regained her usual smile, and looked back at Anson.

Anson noticed the fleeting confusion in Rachel's smile. "You don't always have to smile. I suppose your agent told you to do that to leave an impression on the casting director."

"But you're not a Barbie doll. Before you become an actor, you’re a person first—a person with edges, colors, and a soul. You’re allowed to show different sides."

A simple statement made Rachel's smile freeze.

Then Anson raised his hands, "Sorry, I shouldn't be telling you what to do. I spoke out of turn."

This made Rachel's smile return, "You mean like when I mess up an audition?" This was in response to Anson’s earlier comment. Clearly, Rachel felt she had messed up her audition.

Anson chuckled but didn’t reply. "Thank you for coming to audition."

Rachel said, "I'm more eager than you think. Trust me, it should be my honor."

Finally, she threw out a small joke, ending the conversation as it began, with a joke. Then Rachel didn’t stay any longer and turned to leave.

Clap.

The room returned to silence.

Marcia and Nicholas were still immersed in the atmosphere, unable to pull themselves out.

Marcia admitted she had been mistaken.

Rachel had an artistic temperament, mixed with unique resilience and fragility, though it was hard to see normally. It only revealed itself, unintentional yet brilliant, when sparked by Anson’s performance.

Of course, at the last moment, Rachel couldn’t keep up, which was indeed regretful, exposing her inexperience. Her resume didn’t lie—lack of experience is lack of experience, and her youthful acting couldn’t be hidden.

But Marcia didn’t see this as a problem. Anson wasn’t an Oscar-winning actor either. They weren’t preparing for some artistic showcase of acting prowess. Those rough edges and inexperience could be smoothed out over time.

What really mattered was the chemistry between the actors.

Marcia couldn’t help but ponder, imagining Rachel and Anson together, trying to picture Evan and Keller. She had to admit, the image of the two actors together made her heart flutter with excitement.

Nicholas didn’t have time to observe Marcia; his eyes were fixed on Anson. "Wait, Anson, where did those lines come from?"

"They weren't in the script."

Anson turned around, "Even if they were, she hadn't read the script; and I haven’t started memorizing it either."

Nicholas: ???

Thinking back, Nicholas thought he’d found a gap, but Anson’s words threw him off again. What had just happened?

Nicholas looked at Anson, puzzled, almost bursting with questions.

Anson, slightly exasperated, still replaying the audition in his mind, reluctantly pulled himself back to reality. He spread his hands, "Inspiration, Nick, inspiration."

Nicholas was taken aback, and couldn’t help but laugh. "Look at me being foolish. Where are we, and what are we doing?" He then put on a deliberately mysterious expression. "Art, we’re discussing art, right?"

Anson shrugged lightly, "This is Hollywood."

*Chapter 594: A Headache*

Auditions come in many different forms. Ultimately, they aim to discover certain traits within the actor that resonate with the character, exploring potential through various methods. There’s no strict way to do this, so the possibilities during an actor’s audition scene are endless.

What Anson and Rachel just did was an improvised and uncertain type of audition.

To be precise, Anson merely extracted certain traits from the character and tossed them to Rachel to see how she would instinctively react.

Neither Rachel nor Anson were seasoned actors with extensive experience. Much of their acting was based on their personal life experiences, which made the sparks from their spontaneous reactions the most authentic.

In fact, the script of The Butterfly Effect operates in a similar way. The powerful tension in the storyline often overshadows the subtle details of the actors' performances. The dramatic ups and downs perfectly fit the style of a soap opera. But if the actors approached it with a soap-opera mindset, the movie's quality would feel cheap—over-the-top and melodramatic.

Thus, an emotional interpretation based on instinct and a grounded state of being is what truly aligns with the script.

Sometimes, actors need to strip themselves away and enter an entirely different role; other times, they need to return to their true selves.

Some believe that directors, even with different stories and styles, spend their entire lives making the same movie, repeatedly expressing themselves. Similarly, many actors are ultimately unable to escape their own identity.

So...

Anson didn’t strictly follow the script. He selected fragments and scenes to test, searching for the emotional memories buried deep within him.

At least, for now, Rachel had passed with flying colors.

Despite her sweet appearance, Rachel had her own experiences and stories, unexpectedly giving a fresh interpretation of Keller.

However, Marcia wasn’t overjoyed. She had her concerns. "Anson, what style are the two directors?"

Anson was confused.

Marcia clarified, "Rachel's performance isn't something that naturally shines through. The director needs to capture and dig into it with the camera."

"In other words, if the director treats her like a vase, she’ll come across as a vase. But if the director sees her as a muse or an artistic goddess, she’ll appear as a goddess."

Some performances are external, naturally present before the camera, while others are internal, requiring the camera’s attention to capture them.

So, what style do the directors have?

Anson thought about it seriously. In his previous life, The Butterfly Effect starred Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart.

Amy Smart was more active on television, appearing in shows like Shameless, Justified, and Scrubs. Strictly speaking, she was more of a TV actress than a movie star.

Before streaming blurred the lines between TV and film, the distinction between TV actors and film actors was quite significant. One of the most apparent differences was that TV actors often tended to overact.

There were two reasons for this:

First, TV directors didn’t take the time to capture the nuances of actors' performances the way film directors did, so actors had to be more direct and obvious in their delivery.

Second, TV shows prioritize the script’s tension and character development. The actors' performances are more like a platform for showcasing the story.

Because of this, for a long time, there was a clear wall between TV and film. Movie actors disdained appearing on television, while TV actors dreamed of making it to the big screen but rarely succeeded. The differences in acting style and production made it hard for actors to transition between the two mediums.

Anson had never realized this because he had slowly worked his way up from TV to film, and Friends and The Princess Diaries didn’t have much of a stylistic barrier. The shift in acting style wasn’t very obvious.

But now, Marcia's professional insight brought a new perspective.

Anson recalled the movie The Whale, in which Samantha Morton played an important role.

Samantha, a once-prominent actor in films like Sweet and Lowdown, In America, Minority Report, and Her, was widely considered a genius, earning two Oscar nominations. However, after years of primarily working in television, her performance in The Whale came across as exaggerated, stiff, and out of sync with the other actors—a disaster.

These differences, whether acknowledged or not, objectively exist.

In the original Butterfly Effect, both Ashton and Amy had these issues.

Simply put, like a melodramatic soap opera, both actors presented their roles in an over-the-top, exaggerated way, making their performances seem childish.

Clearly, Eric and Mackie, the two directors from a screenwriting background, faced a similar issue.

As screenwriters, they focused on plot and were used to telling stories with words. But film requires using visuals and sound to convey a story, so they weren’t sure how to approach it. Inevitably, they filmed with the mindset of a screenwriter or a TV director, leading to exaggerated performances.

Besides, both Ashton and Amy were accustomed to TV-style acting.

Marcia, with her expertise, had hit the nail on the head.

If Rachel were cast as Keller, the interaction between the actress and the directors could be problematic. This was something the producer had to consider.

And Anson didn’t have directing experience either. How could he guide the two new directors?

Tom Hanks once said, "Trust the professionals." But in this case, neither the directors nor producers were professionals. Who were they supposed to trust?

Anson had a headache.

But with a smile, he shrugged, "Looks like we have a problem."

Marcia was speechless and just stared at Anson.

Nicholas, sitting nearby, snickered quietly.

Knock, knock.

Just then, the door opened again, and their Chinese takeout arrived.

Anson joked, "At least it didn’t interrupt the audition this time."

Marcia: ...

She couldn’t help but laugh.

Thinking about it, Marcia found it absurd. "Working with those overly strict producers is a headache. But working with such laid-back producers is just as challenging."

Anson nodded seriously, "Have you ever considered that maybe you’re the problem?"

Marcia: ???

Anson ignored her and calmly stood up. "Lunch. It’s lunch time."

Marcia turned and saw Nicholas struggling to hold back laughter. Noticing her gaze, Nicholas exaggeratedly stretched, "Time to eat!"

Marcia glared at Nicholas. "Ha! With acting like yours, you should be grateful to be sitting on this side of the table."

*Chapter 595: A Series of Performances*

As Anson turned around, he saw Marcia's face filled with worry and frustration. He placed the Chinese takeout boxes on the table and offered a few comforting words.

"Marcia, I understand what you mean. Both directors are inexperienced, and I'm also a first-time producer. This is obviously a challenge."

"That's why I need your help. I’m really grateful that you’ve lent a hand. I know you don’t lack work, but you still agreed to help."

"It’s my honor."

Marcia looked into Anson’s deep blue eyes, and for a brief moment, her heart stopped.

A fleeting daze.

Then, Marcia looked up to the sky and let out a long sigh, "Jesus Christ. This is why I can never retire."

Nicholas chimed in from the side, "Unable to resist the charms of a handsome man?"

Marcia shot Nicholas a glance, "Aside from good looks, I don’t mind getting my hands bloody. Want to give it a try?"

Nicholas quietly whistled, diverting his gaze.

Anson, with a smile in his eyes, brought the conversation back on track. "So, while we’re having lunch, will the actors waiting outside for their auditions also be taking a break?"

Nicholas, grateful for the change in topic, nodded at Anson, "No, of course not. Auditions will continue. Otherwise, we might not finish today."

Anson glanced at the pile of takeout in front of him, a hint of hesitation in his eyes: Really?

Eating while watching auditions—was that okay?

Marcia, seeing Anson’s inexperience, reassured him, "In Las Vegas, it’s common to watch shows while eating, even performances by Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. I’m sure it’s fine for an audition."

Anson understood, and he wasn’t trying to make a fuss about it. He casually remarked, "That’s why singers and actors try to escape Las Vegas."

Of course, times were always changing.

Once upon a time, getting a long-term performance contract in Las Vegas was an honor, reserved only for top stars. Later, it became a sign of career decline, a refuge for desperate performers. But then, Las Vegas made a comeback, regaining its allure.

In the world of entertainment, it was best not to take things too seriously.

Marcia caught on to the humor in Anson’s words and didn’t say much more. "Had I known this, we should’ve gone with subs. Five minutes, and we’d be done."

In the end, auditions were paused for thirty minutes.

Not only for the staff but for the actors as well. They each took a number to confirm their spot, temporarily stepping away to grab lunch—otherwise, they wouldn’t know how long the auditions would run or when they’d have time to eat.

"Eva..."

Anson called out to Eva, who was about to leave, and warmly invited her to join him for lunch. Surrounded by envious gazes, Eva accepted the invitation without hesitation.

Eva hadn’t expected this turn of events, but she remained calm and composed. "If you’d just give me the role, it would save everyone’s time."

Straightforward and direct, Eva laid her cards on the table—unlike many American actors, this French actress was refreshingly blunt.

Anson shook his head, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "That’s far from enough."

Eva immediately stood up, confidently facing the group. Her gaze swept over the people around her before she spoke again, "So, who do I need to sleep with to get the part?"

Bold, direct, and fiery.

Finally, Eva looked at Anson, saying nothing more, just gazing at him without a trace of embarrassment.

Nicholas quietly quipped, "If it’s Anson’s bed, you might need to get in line."

Anson rubbed his forehead. "What do you guys think my bed is? A public restroom? Come and go as you please?"

Eva blinked, "Well, staying is an option too."

"Ah..." Anson sighed dramatically, pretending to have a sudden realization. "So, this is what it feels like to be Leonardo DiCaprio?"

"Haha."

The room erupted in laughter.

Marcia took another look at Eva—sharp, intelligent, bold, and genuine. She was striking, a far cry from her doll-like appearance. Like a rose with thorns, Eva left an unforgettable impression.

But was she right for the role of Kayla?

At first glance, it didn’t seem like a fit. Kayla was broken, full of scars. But after some thought, Marcia began to see things differently.

Kayla was fragile, like a porcelain doll pieced back together, her surface unblemished but her soul fractured. Yet, she had a resilience, having left her family to build a life on her own, relying on her strength to start over. She wasn’t a Cinderella waiting for a prince to save her.

In Eva, Marcia could see this complex mix of traits.

Maybe Eva was more suited for the role than expected.

However, Marcia still had her doubts:

Experience.

Eva had yet to act in any film, with even less experience than Rachel. Moreover, her English was far from fluent—it was clear that Eva was more comfortable speaking French.

Would they need to alter the script?

No, no, no—that wouldn’t work. Kayla and Evan’s childhood connection was crucial. Changing that would strip the movie of its essence.

The best solution was still to see Eva's audition.

After lunch, without waiting for the other actors to return, Marcia requested Eva to perform the audition scene she had prepared.

Eva was clever. She hadn’t chosen any iconic scenes because she knew she couldn’t outperform the originals and didn’t want to expose her weaknesses. Instead, she created her own scene to perform—

This reminded Anson of himself.

He had done the same during his "Friends" audition.

It became clear that Eva, though inexperienced, relied heavily on instinct in her performance. Her portrayal was deeply personal, with the scene blending seamlessly with the aura she had displayed during lunch.

This didn’t surprise Anson.

After all, Eva wasn’t known for her exceptional acting skills. Despite her muse-like presence in various artistic films, she was often seen as a perfect symbol of sensuality.

"Kingdom of Heaven," "Casino Royale," "Sin City 2," "The Golden Compass," and so on.

Mysterious and unique, vivid and stunning, her image had become a symbol. Even in the future, as Anson knew, she hadn’t made much of a breakthrough in acting.

But that’s the point—Eva’s chameleon-like quality made her consistently captivating on screen, even if she was often playing a version of herself.

Perhaps the only question was whether Eva fit the role of Kayla.

However, Marcia seemed somewhat disappointed.