"Do you think we'll get a chance to see Anson in person?"
"Hah, no way! Actors don't usually show up for auditions like this."
"But I heard that sometimes the actors do come to test the chemistry."
"In some commercial films, sure, and maybe in a few art films too. But for something like this, there's usually no need. You'd only see the actors on set, especially the lead actor."
"That's a shame. I knew I didn't stand much of a chance, but I just wanted to try and maybe catch a glimpse of Anson."
"What's the big deal? Anson's just a guy with two arms and two legs, nothing special."
"Aren't you excited to see him?"
"Actually, I am. Anson's so sexy. Hahaha."
The hallway buzzed with whispered conversations, filled with barely restrained excitement that permeated the air.
Eva Green was a bit surprised.
She knew "Spider-Man" was a huge hit, but she hadn't realized that Anson had become such a benchmark for the new generation, with so much influence even among his peers.
No wonder someone mentioned that the wave Anson is causing now reminds them of Leonardo DiCaprio after "Titanic."
Initially, Eva didn't agree; "Spider-Man" didn't seem to have the same impact as "Titanic." But now, she was less sure.
She couldn't help but think of Anson from when he visited the acting academy. His sunny and playful image had left a lasting impression on her, more so than any notion of him being sexy.
If she were to stand in front of Anson now, would he recognize her? Probably not. After all, they were in very different places now. But Eva hadn't expected that the next time she'd be "indirectly connected" with Anson, it would be under such circumstances:
She was just one of many auditioning, while Anson was the lead actor and producer of the film.
What a dramatic change!
No wonder people say that in Hollywood, anything is possible. With just a snap of the fingers, someone's fate can change completely.
Eva didn't envy him. In fact, she was a little scared by the idea of reaching such heights overnight and suddenly being exposed to the whole world. She preferred to advance step by step, exploring the craft of acting at her own pace and in her own way, finding joy in it.
That's why Eva came to audition for "The Butterfly Effect." It wasn't because Anson was the producer or because she wanted to be on screen with him. She found the project and the character intriguing, with a sense of exploration evident even from the movie's title.
However...
Her personal thoughts were one thing, but seeing other actors drooling over Anson was another.
Eva couldn't help but smile.
At that moment, a commotion came from the end of the hallway. Like everyone else, Eva reflexively looked towards the stairs.
A tall, slender figure appeared, dressed simply in an ash-gray T-shirt and black jeans, with no extra accessories, no hat or sunglasses. Everything about him was understated, so much so that you might not notice him as he passed by. But a quick glance would naturally draw your eye.
With short, clean hair and a hint of rugged stubble, his low-key appearance hinted at a wild and unrestrained nature, exuding a lazy kind of sexiness that could make your heart skip a beat.
It was just a fleeting moment, but it was enough to capture attention.
Until—
"Hey, Eva."
The figure stopped, smiled, and greeted her. Eva was caught off guard, blurting out her surprise.
"You remember me?"
He paused, chuckled softly, "So, is that a bad thing?"
Eva realized her tone wasn't quite right but wasn't about to admit fault. "I guess that's your trick to attract women."
"Haha. So, did it work on you?"
Eva, "What?"
"Too bad, it seems it didn't work on you. I guess you're used to men fawning over you?"
"Some, maybe."
Despite the casual exchange, there was an undeniable spark, a mutual understanding filling the space between them.
Then, they both smiled.
Eva met his piercing blue eyes, "This meeting wasn't quite what I imagined."
"Oh, so you imagined it?"
Teasing her back, Eva couldn't help but laugh, "Of course! You're the talk of Hollywood right now. It'd be strange if I didn't. It's great to see you again, Wood, Anson Wood."
The man in front of her was indeed Anson.
As exaggerated as it might sound, it was true: everyone around them had stopped breathing, staring at Anson like a T-Rex had just walked into the room. The once-buzzing hallway was now eerily silent, with only the sound of their heartbeats filling the air.
Anson seemed completely at ease, raising his hands. "Still the same two hands and two feet, nothing's changed. I can assure you, I'm not Bigfoot."
He even showed off his feet.
There was a stifled laugh from someone nearby.
The hallway was packed, not just with female actors but also male actors and child actors auditioning for other roles, all eyes now fixed on Anson.
The atmosphere was... unique.
"So, you're here to audition? Want me to give you a leg up?" Anson joked.
Eva could feel the metaphorical arrows piercing her back, but she stood tall, unfazed.
"Please."
"Please do give me a leg up. I've been waiting for this day."
Anson burst out laughing, "Haha, no problem, as long as you don't mind the movie flopping."
Anson didn't linger, "I'm going inside to say hi. See you in a bit."
With that, Anson walked away.
Instantly, Eva was surrounded by envious, jealous, and resentful stares, but she remained calm and collected, meeting their gazes head-on—
This was Hollywood.
Just then, Anson saw his assistant, nodded in greeting, and knocked on the door.
Knock, knock.
Pushing the door open, Anson offered an apologetic smile, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Rachel McAdams looked up, visibly frustrated, trying her best to hide it. Then she heard a surprised voice from Marcia.
"Anson?"
Wait, Anson? Which Anson?
That Anson? But why was Anson here?
Rachel quickly turned her head, looking up at him—so tall.
She hadn't even registered his face, only noticing his chest, and blushing, quickly looked away, her mind racing with a single thought:
This is my chance. My chance! But what should I do? What should I do?
Should she, like those cunning characters in movies, pretend to faint into the male lead's arms, seizing the opportunity to make an impression?
But how does one even pretend to faint? She had never faked fainting in front of an audience before. That wasn't her skill set.
Damn it, wasn't she an actor? Why couldn't she pull this off? Clearly, her acting skills weren't up to par.