Wait for updates

The audition had concluded, and the standby actors remained on the stage, standing in a neat and restrained row. Murmurs and whispers drifted from the audience seats below, clearly indicating discussions in progress, very likely about confirming roles on the spot.

Almost instinctively, all eyes turned toward Renly's audition performance from earlier. Renly had indisputably taken the lead, his remarkable performance leaving little opportunity for others.

Rami was no exception. Reflecting on the moments of anticipation before, Renly's confident and relaxed demeanor during the audition process had a calming effect. Even Rami's nerves had subsided somewhat. Unconsciously, Rami lifted his head, unexpectedly meeting Renly's gaze. Those deep eyes, resembling the vast night sky, shimmered with a faint light, a captivating brilliance that caught Rami off guard. He awkwardly tugged at the corner of his mouth, offering a sheepish smile to conceal his own embarrassment.

However, upon careful consideration, Rami once again raised his gaze, this time with a more composed expression. He said hesitantly, "Your performance just now was truly splendid."

Renly seemed caught off guard by Rami's initiative to start a conversation. A slight raise of his eyebrow was followed by a soft chuckle. "We're all striving to deliver the most perfect performance, hoping to impress the people below, aren't we?" Renly's confident yet unpretentious tone, laced with a touch of humor and a hint of playfulness, caused Rami to involuntarily join in the laughter.

Turning his attention towards the audience seats, Rami muttered under his breath, "They look as if they're deliberating matters of state in the council chamber." His teasing tone showcased his own sense of humor.

Indeed, the discussions in the audience seats persisted for nearly five minutes without a resolution. This was quite unusual. During auditions, decisions were either made on the spot or discussed later to maintain the audition schedule's rhythm and ensure each group's audition time averaged around ten minutes.

"Steven, give me a reason, a reason that Renly's performance wasn't exceptional enough." Tom's stubbornness had emerged, and he turned directly to Steven, raising his voice slightly to emphasize his determination.

However, Steven remained unfazed. He calmly shook his head. "It's not that Renly's performance wasn't exceptional enough, it's that we have better options!" The other staff nearby obediently held their tongues, observing the two power players assert their stances. No one dared to remind them of the time; they simply held their breath, trying to minimize their presence.

"If you're suggesting having him play another role, I have no objections! I can make that decision right now. He's incredibly talented and capable of many roles. However, what we're discussing here is Eugene's role. He's the soul of the entire series, not just the main lead. He carries the spirit we've infused into this production!" Without realizing it, Steven's voice had risen, his demeanor displaying a touch of excitement as he stood his ground. "So yes, I refuse to have him play Eugene. I refuse to cast an inexperienced young stranger in such a pivotal role! Yes, I believe we have better options than him."

"Joseph Mazzello?" Tom didn't hesitate at all, directly expressing, his voice rising with excitement. He even stood up briefly before settling back down, clearly revealing the surging emotions within him. "Steven, I know you like him a lot, and I acknowledge that he's a talented actor. But compared to Renly, he truly falls short."

Joseph had risen to fame as a child star and was now twenty-six years old. In 1992, he starred in "Radio Flyer", working alongside Elijah Wood. During that time, both Steven and George Lucas had visited the set and were captivated by his performance. Steven had even expressed his desire for Joseph to play in "Hook". However, Joseph was only seven years old at the time, too young to take on the role.

Subsequently, for "Jurassic Park", Steven went as far as modifying a character's age and background to accommodate Joseph. Even during the preparation for "A.I. Artificial Intelligence", Joseph had been Steven's first choice. Unfortunately, due to the project's prolonged preparation, it had missed its window, and their collaboration fell through.

When preparing for "The Pacific", the pivotal character Eugene was reserved by Steven for Joseph from the start, indicating his favor towards the actor. Even masters like Stanley Kubrick had held Joseph in high regard during his lifetime.

However, now Tom wanted to give the role of Eugene to Renly, becoming the focal point of their dispute.

"Jesus Christ! He's only twenty! He has no prior works! Did you just watch that... for how long? Sixty seconds? Ninety seconds of his performance? And then..." Steven's emotions were rising, but Tom showed no weakness, promptly interrupting Steven. "But Eugene was only nineteen!"

Suddenly, Steven stood up. "But he lacks the determination amidst vulnerability that Joseph has! That's why I insist on using Joseph!" His outburst pierced through the audience seats, startling all the actors on stage. Lacking context, they were left bewildered.

"Steven, Tom..." Finally, someone from the sidelines stood up, gathering their courage. "We can discuss this more thoroughly later. At the moment, we're running a bit short on time..." The words trailed off hesitantly, and they cautiously eyed the two power players.

Steven sat down directly, turning his back to Tom. Tom also repositioned himself, supporting his chin with his right hand, silently gazing at the stage as if no one else were there.

The tense atmosphere had subsided for now, but it was still palpable. "Ahem." The casting director cleared their throat, redirecting everyone's attention. "For today, the auditions will conclude here. You can all leave now. Any further updates will be communicated to you."

Wait for updates?

After almost seven minutes of debate, the result was "wait for updates"? A collective inhale followed by an exhale, and once again, all eyes were on Renly. If even Renly's astounding performance hadn't swayed the production team, then who could secure a role in "The Pacific"? This...

As a central figure in this dilemma, Renly struggled to conceal his disappointment. To be honest, his recent performance had been exceptional, reaching a peak state, his most outstanding act yet. Coupled with the on-site controversies and discussions, expectations had naturally soared. Now, to receive the response of "waiting for updates", anyone who had participated in auditions or interviews would understand that this reply often signified radio silence, an uncertain abyss. This disparity left Renly feeling somewhat disheartened.

Perhaps, the opening monologue had already foretold the current outcome, hadn't it?

Thinking about the phone call from his parents before the audition, there was a lingering heaviness in his heart. However, this was merely his first audition, and any negative emotions rested briefly in his chest before transforming into a wisp of smoke, dispersing into thin air. Ten years bedridden, two lifetimes lived, he had learned to be magnanimous. A gentle smile curved at his lips, akin to the rosy hues of twilight at six in the evening, soft and radiant.

Turning around, Renly took the lead in leaving the stage. Rami hesitated, looked around, and noticed that the next group of standby actors was already prepared at the entrance. He quickly caught up with Renly's stride, and one by one, everyone left the theater.

Stepping outside again, the fresh air lifted the gloomy atmosphere, clearing it away. Rami watched Renly's retreating figure, hesitated for a moment, and then gathered the courage to catch up, "Hey, Renly." Once again, Rami realized the fatal height difference between them. His short legs had to work harder to keep up.

Fortunately, Renly halted his steps, waiting in place. Rami slowed down, coming to a stop in front of Renly. Gasping for breath, he realized he had rushed in without a plan. Prepared words vanished into thin air. Gazing into Renly's inquisitive eyes, Rami hesitated, then spoke, "...I think you'll definitely get the role!" His words were profoundly affirmative. After finishing, Rami nodded with determination. "I'm serious!"

Although their meeting had been brief, and they were essentially strangers, Rami genuinely expressed his support and affirmation. A warmer smile graced Renly's face, "I believe we'll see you in "The Pacific"; and I have a hunch the role will be significant."

Renly's resolute expression carried a sense of uncontestable certainty. There was no polite pretense, and Rami couldn't help but want to believe these words. Yet astonishment and disbelief still echoed in his mind. His own performance had paled in comparison to Renly's; if Renly had been passed over, how could he possibly be chosen?

However, before Rami could continue his questioning, Renly waved his goodbye. Rami managed only a "goodbye," then watched Renly move forward once again, and his internal storm of thoughts was just beginning.

Renly wasn't being polite; that much was true.

Rami not only succeeded in landing a role in "The Pacific", portraying an important character just below the core leads, but he also later won an Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series for "Mr. Robot". After struggling for six years in Hollywood's third tier, he finally welcomed the spring of his acting career.

Rami's distinct eyes, reminiscent of young calves, carried exceptional recognition. Born in 1981, his prominent eyes had ensured he maintained a youthful countenance, to the point that even in 2017, he hadn't changed much from how he looked then. Time seemed to have forgotten him as it flowed on.

Leaving the theater, basking in New York's thin, lazy sunlight, Renly took a deep breath of the slightly agitated air. His mood soared again. The audition just now was only a beginning, an insignificant start. He once again possessed the chance to rewrite his life. Wasn't that what mattered most?

In the summer of 2009, the journey of Renly's dreams began, as the bugle of departure sounded.

Taking his skateboard from the security guard at the theater entrance, Renly thanked him and then discarded the skateboard on the ground. With a light step, he hopped on, his left foot pushing off strongly, and he took flight on the wind.