Sophomore (2)

Inside the dark conference room, a young man's face was projected onto the white screen.

Sion Lee.

Dirty blonde hair slicked back with pomade. Pale skin, a high nose bridge, and deep, captivating green eyes. He possessed the kind of face that any filmmaker with even a shred of artistic appreciation would covet. He was currently ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠being discussed as one of the lead candidates for a project that had been in development for a very long time.

While several high-ranking executives involved in the film's production were gathering their final opinions, someone suddenly spoke up. It was Rupert Hopper, the Executive Vice President of the studio funding the project.

"Is it really necessary to take such a risk?"

The people in the room raised their eyebrows at his words.

"We all saw Deadly Summer Camp. His acting in that was atrocious. What we're trying to do here is create a new kind of cinema that breaks away from the traditional Hollywood studio system. Is he really the right fit for that?"

"Are you bringing this up only now?"

"Better late than never."

"Did you not see Swing in Chicago? It drew 6.3 million viewers on a budget of just one hundred thousand dollars. Who do you think deserves the credit for that record?"

"That was purely the power of marketing," Rupert replied, slightly averting his gaze. He refused to back down. "Sure, it was a good movie. But I'm still skeptical. Think about his acting ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠before that. Has anyone other than Sion Lee's die-hard fans ever praised his performance? I can't help but think that movie could have done even better, but it was held back to just that level because of him."

Most of the people in the room felt Rupert was being incredibly stubborn. But there was little they could do. In the world of film production—and indeed, in most human affairs—decisions were often driven by momentum and political justification rather than logic and reason. It was a common reality that even the right path could be easily bypassed with a few smooth-talking words.

Rupert clung to his opposition of Sion Lee with dogged persistence.

"His personal life is a disaster too. He even got into a fistfight with a fan after an argument. Sure, he's sensational. He's the perfect actor for Hollywood gossip columns. Very Mickey Rourke or Sean Penn style. But do we really need to take on that kind of liability?"

Because there was a sliver of truth to his logic, the others found it difficult to counter him immediately.

Longday Studios was a newly established independent production company. It had been founded with the solemn determination to create deeply moving films that could comfort people after a long, exhausting day. It was a corporate entity formed by individuals who wanted to break away from the rigid Hollywood system and forge a new path, and Rupert was connected to their largest financial backer.

A man who had been quietly waiting for Rupert to finish speaking let out a soft chuckle. It was Jack Nicholson.

"Fuck, I really need to quit smoking."

He flicked his fingers to the side, and someone immediately placed a cigarette in his hand. The legendary Hollywood actor, whose presence in the room could not be ignored by anyone, casually lit it and took a long drag. Then, stretching his mouth into a wide, menacing grin that mirrored his ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠portrayal of the Joker, he smiled.

"So, what you're saying is, we should cast someone else instead of Sion?"

"Exactly, Mr. Nicholson. I believe there are plenty of other, more proven actors out there."

"Let's be honest here. Your 'big money' backer just doesn't want to use an actor I brought in."

"...I'm not sure what you mean by that."

"Oh, cut the crap. Your boss wants to grow this studio just to make a quick killing. Is there anyone here who doesn't know that? To walk away with the biggest slice of the pizza, you need to pack our long-prepared debut project with as many of your own people as possible. But Sion Lee doesn't belong to your camp."

Jack held his lit cigarette, staring at Rupert with an intense, interrogative gaze. Uncomfortable under that piercing stare, Rupert nervously loosened his tie. After a brief silence, Jack Nicholson burst into a hearty laugh.

"Howdy, motherfucking Hollywood. Aren't we gathered here to make a good, fresh movie? Why are we already resorting to the same old tricks of the major studios? This garbage political maneuvering."

"No, that's not my intention at all. Since this is our first project, I simply want to ensure we have a thoroughly proven—"

"I've already proven him, so you don't need to worry."

"Did you hold an audition?"

"Auditions are for cowards. Real actors recognize each other. When you work in this town, you become a 'player' before you even realize it. And Sion Lee is an excellent player. One who knows exactly how to utilize himself."

Jack waved his fingers, signaling to move on and stop wasting time. The screen naturally transitioned to the candidates for the female lead.

"Currently, the most promising candidate is Julia Roberts. Her schedule aligns perfectly. We also considered Winona Ryder and Nicole Kidman, but they are currently filming other projects, so adjusting their schedules would be difficult."

"Who do you think has the look that best matches our female lead?"

"Julia seems to be the best ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠fit. She has those large eyes and an innocent, pure image."

"...Hmm."

"Ah, is there something else bothering you, Jack?" Rupert asked sarcastically.

Jack Nicholson ignored the jab and answered calmly.

"How about we go for someone younger? To match Sion's energy."

"Are you suggesting we cast a minor?"

"No, no. Someone with a youthful image. This is Sion Lee's first lead role since completely reinventing his image. I think it would be wise to cast a female lead in a way that highlights that transition."

"Who on earth do you have in mind..."

"And someone who can support Sion Lee's star power."

Having set the stage, Jack Nicholson finally uttered a name.

The executives gasped. "Huh..."

Just as Jack had described, she was indeed an actress with a remarkably youthful image—a rising star who was just beginning to make a name for herself in Hollywood. She fit the description of the female lead perfectly. More than anything, the sheer buzz of casting her would be unparalleled.

Even so, many in the room looked hesitant and asked in disbelief,

"Are you serious? Her, with Sion Lee?"

To their question, Jack Nicholson nodded without a single shred of hesitation.

Since returning to Hollywood, Sion Lee's daily life had been the epitome of peace. By Hollywood standards, that simply meant his routine consisted of being relentlessly photographed by paparazzi whenever he stepped outside his house.

Well, just another ordinary day in Hollywood.

Sensing a gaze from somewhere, Sion turned his head to find a paparazzi photographer eagerly snapping photos of him. Sion raised his middle finger to politely acknowledge the "photo request," which only prompted the photographer to keep clicking his shutter before finally leaving.

Tomorrow, those photos would undoubtedly be plastered all over various tabloids and magazines for the public to consume.

It's not really a big deal.

Since he was just doing some ordinary gardening in his yard, he decided to give them a little something extra. The reputation of paparazzi was absolute garbage in Hollywood anyway. No one would blame him for flipping off those parasites. The magazines would probably run sensational headlines like "Sion Lee! Gardening! Shocking!", but people would likely just laugh it off, even if they were a bit surprised.

It was a stark contrast to how Sion used to behave.

Following his mother's passing, the original Sion had been spiraling out of control. He had attended every wild party, drank excessively, and caused numerous public scandals. But ever since Swing in Chicago, he had suddenly gone quiet, which naturally piqued everyone's curiosity. His heartfelt declaration on The Tonight Show only added fuel to their interest.

Of course, gardening wasn't just a PR stunt for Sion.

I literally have nothing else to do.

He no longer went to parties, nor did he ride his motorcycle. Furthermore, unlike in Chicago, almost everyone in Hollywood recognized his face, making it impossible for him to just wander around outside. Consequently, Sion spent his days quietly at home, keeping himself busy with various tasks.

He was beginning to understand why the hot-blooded young actors of Hollywood so easily fell into the party lifestyle.

However, while his physical body was eighteen, his mind was that of a forty-eight-year-old man. Sion was not so easily swayed by temptation. He had already experienced all those fleeting pleasures in his past life, and he knew all too well from personal experience and countless testimonies that they left you with absolutely nothing in the end.

On the other hand, staying at home left him with plenty of productive things to do.

Cleaning, laundry, gardening, and cooking. He poured his effort into maintaining the precious home he had bought to live in with his mother. He filled his days with stretching, moderate weight training, various acting exercises, watching films, and reading. He consistently disciplined both his mind and body to honor the physical vessel his parents had given him and the second chance bestowed by heaven.

Because I failed to do that in my past life.

In his previous life, he had let himself go completely, turning this very house into a literal garbage dump. As if repenting for that past, Sion fully immersed himself in the present, enjoying every single moment.

The phone call came a few days later.

Including Elena, it was a lineup of stunning actresses who were actively building their careers and would remain famous far into the future. Honestly, it was such a stellar group that any of them would have been an incredible co-star. They were all around Sion's age or slightly older, meaning they would undoubtedly look great together on screen.

However, as Sion Lee, he believed that Elena was the most suitable partner for this specific project.

They already had a history of working together. Furthermore, because he had completely botched his performance back then and that film hadn't focused on romance, he felt the public would find their reunion in a romantic drama highly intriguing.

And above all...

Because of the recent "I hate you" incident.

From a public relations standpoint, they would be entering the project with a massive, pre-packaged show business narrative. In Hollywood, where real-life drama is actively weaponized to generate capital, the personal relationships between directors and actors, or actors and their co-stars, were constantly exploited by the media.

"So, what do you think?"

Hearing Jack Nicholson's prompting question, Sion grinned and delivered the exact answer the veteran actor was hoping for.

Fundamentally, the most critical element of a romance film was the cast. Romance is the ultimate archetype of storytelling. When executing it, the most important factor is how the emotional connection between the lovers is constructed and gradually revealed.

However, once translated to the highly visual medium of film, the audience's primary concern inevitably became the physical compatibility of the actors portraying the roles. As such, Hollywood studios had always utilized the most beautiful men and women of each era to craft the romance films that defined their generations.

"People want to see a handsome man and a beautiful woman get together."

Hearing Jack Nicholson's remark over a sip of coffee, Sion replied with a cheeky tone.

"Well, the handsome man is right here."

"You little punk... you've gotten comfortable, haven't you?"

Though his words were sharp, Jack let out a hearty laugh. Sion didn't say anything, but he felt the same way.

When they had first met, the sheer weight of facing such a legendary actor had made him behave much more reservedly than usual. But now, he felt comfortable enough to throw out the kind of banter he usually reserved for Charlie Kang.

And it helps that Jack is a remarkably broad-minded man.

They were sitting in a conference room at Longday Studios. Having arrived thirty minutes early for the meeting, Sion and Jack were taking the opportunity to chat beforehand.

Ultimately, the studio had officially selected Elena Asimov as Sion's co-star. While it was primarily Jack Nicholson's wish, the decision had been finalized easily since Sion had raised no objections.

"Anyway, I have high expectations for you and that girl. Don't make me look bad."

"I'll make sure to steel my resolve."

"Did you say things were a bit awkward between you and Elena?"

"No, we're actually very close."

"Hmm, the way you say that makes it sound incredibly uncomfortable. Well, I suppose you two are polar opposites. If you strip away that pretty face of yours, you have the vibe of a street-level plumber, while that young lady is a princess to her very bones. People who received elite training from childhood and those who just worked blindly on set to make a buck tend to have a hard time understanding each other. Class division among actors isn't just a British problem."

Alongside the Barrymore family, the Asimov family was one of the most prestigious acting dynasties in Hollywood. While Elena's parents were the most famous, almost all of her relatives worked in the film industry. As the only daughter of such a family, Elena had naturally walked an elite path from the very beginning.

"She's the complete opposite of me, since I've lived relying solely on my face."

"Haha, but you still managed to land a blow on her this time. You spoke well. That 'I hate you' incident caused quite a stir."

Jack Nicholson's eyes gleamed with the sharp instinct of a businessman.

They called it an "indie film," but the majority of the funding and distribution came from major studios. What those studios wanted to buy was the "indie" prestige. In this setup, Sion and Elena were not just actors; they were puppets performing on a stage designed to manipulate public interest. The public would undoubtedly be clamoring to see the two of them share the screen again.

Still, working here will give me a bit more breathing room than working directly under a major studio. And as one of the investors, Jack's influence seems to be the strongest.

Having returned to Hollywood on the heels of Swing in Chicago's success, Sion found himself standing in a world rife with political power struggles. He smiled softly, fully aware of the complexity of the new stage he had stepped onto.

This is going to be fun.

Setting everything else aside, the prospect of teaming up with Elena Asimov was genuinely exciting.