Chi Hui stood frozen, shocked at the accusation thrown at him. Being handsome wasn't his fault. Besides, the entertainment industry had always been a bit twisted; how was that his concern? He was just a kid fresh out of college, ready to take on a supporting role.
"Just leave," the producer, Yang Mu, said coldly as he dismissed him.
Chi Hui felt humiliated but didn't dare to protest. He hung his head and shuffled toward the door in silence.
"Hey, what's up with you guys? He didn't do anything wrong! That dance is perfectly fine for both boys and girls!"
Avril couldn't stand watching them ridicule the handsome guy and interjected helpfully.
"He doesn't fit our image, which doesn't meet our requirements," Yang Mu replied hastily, wary of Avril's temper.
"Not fit? He's super handsome! I think he'd make a great leading man," Avril argued, fuming.
Director Park exchanged concerned glances with the producer. This girl was speaking up for another man right in front of them!
Wasn't she the one with the problem?
They were too intimidated to interject, worried that they could find themselves in the crossfire.
Chi Hui noticed someone had come to his aid and shot a grateful look at Avril, who was listed as the assistant director.
He had always managed to charm women easily, and there were plenty who lined up to date him once he grew up.
Back in college, he had even turned down a rich woman who wanted to spoil him rotten with her sports car.
But he had refused, as he wasn't interested in women who came off as predatory and superficial. They seemed rather shallow and shortsighted.
He figured the assistant director might also want him, though he chalked it up to just being another pretty face.
Women were too much trouble, and he preferred to keep his distance.
"Thank you for standing up for me, assistant director. It seems I'm truly not cut out for this project, so I won't take up any more of your time," he said with a polite bow before turning to leave.
His calm demeanor garnered some sympathy, prompting Park to think: what a shame.
The ideal star for their project should embody that kind of unwavering confidence and composure.
Dressed in a flowing white robe with cascading silver hair, he would surely shine on screen.
"Uncle, say something! He's about to walk out," Avril urged, shaking James's arm anxiously.
"I don't understand these matters; they're the professionals. What would I know to say?" James retorted.
Although the guy was indeed striking, he had initially come just to observe. He didn't want an outsider directing the professionals, and besides, his mood wasn't great without a pretty girl to lighten things up.
With Avril so smitten by the handsome guy, he felt a headache forming.
"I believe he could easily play the lead role with that looks. Uncle, this film might even blow up because of him!" Avril insisted, her enthusiasm palpable.
James contemplated for a moment; if he was going to support one actor, he might as well make room for another.
This guy's appearance was quite striking, and as long as he wasn't chaotic, he could think about bringing him on board.
Feigning reluctance, he called out, "Hey, wait a second!"
Avril's face brightened at his words.
There was something satisfying about being accommodated, especially by the most influential man on the set.
She cozied up to James, a proud smile plastered on her face as she shot a look at the director and producer, as if to say, "I have my dad, and you'll all listen to me."
[System Notification: Avril's favorability +5]
James was momentarily taken aback, not expecting that such actions could boost her favorability.
Could it be that raising this girl's attitude required displaying acts of kindness on set?
He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, Park and Yang exchanged glances, shaking their heads with a sigh.
They had anticipated that the investor might indulge in whims, bringing their own people onto the set or swiping pre-cast actors for rolesâa common practice in the industry.
But the issue at hand was that a lead actor, backed by a wealthy patron, had begun to call the shots. That was something they'd prefer to avoid.
As they contemplated the upcoming months of enduring this girl's whims, Park couldn't help but chuckle to himself, reminiscing about the previous project.
"Sir, my name is Chi Hui. Is there something else you need?" Chi Hui returned to the room, bowing respectfully.
He hadn't expected the assistant director to have such sway with the producer.
Gazing at the man embraced by the assistant director, Chi Hui noted he looked only a few years older than him but emanated a presence that was both powerful and refined.
He had a casual grace that spoke to his status.
James brushed Avril off of him with a slow, deliberate motion, then addressed Chi Hui, "I have a few questions for you. If you answer them well, I might consider signing you for a role that suits you."
Chi Hui's eyes lit up with hope.
He had seen that the film was rumored to have a budget of three hundred million.
Regardless of the authenticity of those claims, with the director's established reputation and the fairly known producer, this wasn't a project to be taken lightly.
Plus, as the financial backer, James must be in a good position.
His heart raced with excitement as he replied, "Of course, please ask away."
James slow-drawled, "So, with looks like yours, you must have had quite a few girlfriends in school, huh? Did you break up with them all?"
He intended to gauge whether the boy was available.
But Chi Hui replied without flinching, "Nope. I haven't had a girlfriend since I turned eighteen. You can check with my school."
James was taken aback. This guy was so handsome, yet he had no girlfriend?
"Are you gay?"
"Not at all," Chi Hui quickly rebuffed.
While he wasn't particularly interested in women, he also found men unappealing; it was just too painful.
James could see that this wasn't an issue for him and tossed out another inquiry: "Do you aspire to be an actor for the money or the fame?"
Chi Hui answered sincerely, "I want both."
James pressed further, "What if you could only choose one?"
After a moment's thought, Chi Hui responded, "Those two shouldn't conflict, but if I had to pick, I would choose fame."
"In the name of fame, would you be willing to sell your soul?" James asked with interest.
"If necessary, I would," Chi Hui answered casually.
After all, they were adults; it was just part of the job.
As long as no rich woman came sniffing around for "fun," he was open to whatever.
Meanwhile, Avril was listening intently to their strange exchange, her gaze on James filled with suspicion.
Being a girl who had watched all sorts of dramas, she couldn't help but conjure a bold theory in her mind, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.
James, oblivious to her expression, continued asking personal questions, noticing Chi Hui's honest responses.
He began to develop genuine interest in this young man named Chi Hui.
As an actor, Chi had a solid worldview and the necessary awareness.
Looking purely at his appearance, he was undoubtedly even more handsome than the usual heartthrobs on the market.