From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

For a blockbuster like "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace", confidentiality agreements were required even for auditions to prevent leaks, and everything was conducted in secret.

Occasionally, some production crews have even more stringent confidentiality measures in place, where even the actors and their agents are unaware of the project they are auditioning for. The auditions are completely unrelated to the role or the script, purely testing an actor's demeanor, state, and reactions. Information is completely blocked, truly leaving no room for leaks.

Perhaps the only thing they can be certain of is that this is a blockbuster, an important project.

They observe and make judgments based on subtle clues such as the number of actors auditioning, the number of auditions, the interviewers and content of the auditions, and the socializing after the auditions, realizing that this is a project that could change their career and must be seized firmly.

Without a doubt, Hayden is auditioning for "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace".

Moreover, Anson is sure and certain that Hayden's efforts and persistence will be rewarded.

But on the other end of the phone, Hayden wasn't so confident.

"Ah…"

"I, honestly, I'm not even sure where I am."

"I'm on a rooftop right now, with a garden and a swimming pool, and it's packed with people. Every nook and cranny is filled with people. I can't even find my agent, and I don't know what I'm doing here. I'm standing behind a potted plant making this call, but nobody can see me."

Imagining the scene, Hayden, at 6.0 feet (183 cm) tall, was carefully hiding behind a potted plant, pathetically shrinking into a ball.

Chris and Anson exchanged a look, finding it a bit amusing.

"I just want to go home right now."

"God, I've been here for a month, just constantly auditioning, waiting, auditioning again, waiting again. I have no idea what I'm doing."

"Ah…"

He sighed deeply.

"I just want to go home, curl up on the sofa, drink a beer, and watch TV with you guys, watching Anson make a fool of himself on the small screen…"

Anson interrupted, "Oh, I think you might be disappointed. Chris and the others are already prepared to worship my heroic figure on the screen. You should also prepare yourself, get your knee pads ready."

"And, I guess you won't be able to grab any beer either, because Brad and James have already taken it all."

Before Hayden could respond, Chris was stunned. He turned around and saw that the small refrigerator storing beer was empty, and couldn't help but protest dejectedly, "Hey!"

Hayden didn't need to be there to picture the scene, and couldn't help but chuckle.

The corners of Anson's mouth also lifted slightly, "Hayden, listen, the fact that you're still in New York means things are moving in the right direction."

Hayden took a deep breath, "But there's still no result. What if I've worked so hard for so long, and still fail in the end?"

Anson chuckled, "Then this experience will become part of your resume. Trust me, Hollywood is a small circle, everyone is watching and listening. Regardless of the audition result, the audition itself is information, and the news should have already spread."

This was the truth—

Just like Henry Cavill later on.

This young actor, born in 1983, was known as the unluckiest actor in Hollywood, having missed out on a series of important roles such as "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", "Twilight", "Superman Returns", and 007.

Moreover!

Henry made it to the final round of auditions for all these roles, a choice between two or three, but collectively fell at the finish line.

Disaster, utter disaster.

However, these auditions were not in vain, eventually becoming nourishment for his starring role in "Man of Steel", and he finally got his chance.

Simple words, but revealing a hint of firmness, an unshakable determination.

Hayden's slightly impetuous and chaotic mood quietly settled down.

He slightly raised his chin, revealing a hint of confusion and curiosity, "Anson, you seem to have changed."

Anson: …

"Become… more determined and freer, no, no, no, I don't even know what I'm saying." Hayden still couldn't find an accurate description to express his feelings.

"Heh heh." Anson chuckled, "Because I can go back and inherit billions of dollars at any time, shh, you better keep it a secret, don't tell Chris and the others."

Hayden laughed directly.

As a result, joy turned to sorrow.

Hayden patted his forehead, "Oops, I've exposed my location."

"Sorry, Anson, I need to hang up now. I know tonight's episode will definitely be a success. I'll go back and watch the replay tonight, I hope everything goes well."

In a hurry, Hayden hung up the phone without even saying goodbye.

As soon as he looked up, Anson saw James, who was pouring beer, appear in front of him, casting an inquiring look.

Anson gestured at the phone screen, "Auditions, still going on."

James understood and exchanged a look with Anson, "Looks like a blockbuster. A super… blockbuster."

After speaking, his eyebrows rose like caterpillars, making a funny face. The next step was to reach out and put his arm around Anson, holding up the beer in his hand high, like Rafiki presenting Simba in "The Lion King", letting Anson face the entire audience.

"Guys!"

"Entering the countdown stage, come on, come on, get ready, tonight's main event is about to begin! Drinking? No problem, we'll continue after we watch TV together."

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome Anson Wood with applause."

Roar!

Not just cheers, but even pounding on the tables and walls.

Roar roar roar!

Although it wasn't a premiere, the earth-shattering cheers and shouts erupted with incredible energy, and the entire house began to shake slightly.

In sight, you could see Chris, Brad, James, and the others taking the lead in shouting, each one more enthusiastic and crazier than the last.

The scene was even more lively than a movie premiere.

Then.

Anson raised his right hand and kept waving it around, raised his left hand and pretended to wipe away non-existent tears, with a face full of emotion.

"Thank you. Thank you!"

"Thank you everyone for being willing to give a superstar like me a chance to party with you ordinary people. I believe you won't forget tonight."

"At this moment, let us raise our glasses together, and cheers to me!"

Pfft.

Laughter, everywhere.

There was both complaining and jeering, both laughter and astonishment. The air was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, probably just like a real premiere.

Noisily, everyone gathered together, sat around, temporarily forgetting the party, temporarily putting down their glasses, and crowded in front of the TV.

The scene was just like in the eighties, when TVs were still a novelty, and also the best window for people to peek into the outside world. Whenever classic programs or dramas were broadcast, small groups of friends would gather together, watch TV together, and party together.

Tonight, it was the same.

When the iconic theme song of "Friends" rang out, everyone sang along.

When Anson's figure appeared on the small screen, the whole place cheered.

Memory seemed to freeze at that moment, and afterwards… the pictures in my mind became blurred, leaving some scattered fragments that could not be connected.

Everything, blacked out.

No one knew when the party ended or how it ended. Before anyone could even react, they had already passed out in a daze.

Until—

"Ah!"

A heart-wrenching scream pierced the sky.