Henry Wright added, “In my opinion, Director Brooks, you shouldn’t hesitate any longer. Just settle on Grace Hill for this role as soon as possible. If we keep dragging it out, the film won’t make it to next year’s XX Film Festival.”

Brian Foster pondered the meaning behind President Wright’s words.

But Director Brooks didn’t pick up the conversation. The two of them just kept drinking, one glass after another, with no end in sight.

The whole meal was eaten in a state of unease, with no one really saying what they meant. In the end, it wrapped up hastily with President Wright blacking out.

On the way back to the dorm, Brian Foster didn’t dwell on those matters. Since he was already here, he might as well go with the flow. It was Emily Thompson who seemed unable to stay calm. After all, they’d finally managed to have a meal together, but still hadn’t settled the casting, which was understandably nerve-wracking.

A WeChat notification sounded.

“You owe me a thank you.”

It was from Adam Bennett. Brian Foster didn’t quite get what he meant and replied bluntly, “Why?”

After sending it, he thought back—was it because he’d helped him open the candy jar last time? But he’d already said thank you for that.

Adam Bennett: I had dinner with you today.

Brian Foster: With me? Weren’t you there for business?

After sending the message, Brian Foster found Adam Bennett more and more baffling. He was starting to wonder if this person was even a character he’d created.

It was a while before Adam Bennett replied.

“In a few days, you’ll understand. I’ll be waiting for your thanks.”

Chapter 9: The Ultimate Showdown of Beauty and Acting (Part Nine)

Utterly baffling.

Brian Foster exited the WeChat screen and asked 0901, “If I interact with Adam Bennett, will points drop?”

0901: “Yes, Mr. Foster.”

Brian Foster: “Is the number of points random?”

0901: “No, the amount of points depends on the intimacy of your interaction with Adam Bennett.”

Brian Foster: Why does this feel like selling myself...

0901: “The prerequisite is that Adam Bennett is willing, of course. If he takes the initiative, the chance of points dropping is even higher.”

Brian Foster: “This is so hard.”

0901: “But didn’t he take the initiative this time?”

Brian Foster: “That was just a fluke.”

Back at the company, Brian Foster returned to his life as an idol group member—dance practice, singing, rehearsals, tours—so busy he barely knew which way was up. He didn’t even have time to scroll through Weibo; any spare moment was spent catching up on sleep.

Several days passed with no news, and Brian Foster gradually forgot about the movie. After thinking it over, he realized his chances weren’t that great anyway.

Just let it be.

It wasn’t until the day after the concert ended that Emily Thompson burst into the practice room, grabbed the half-asleep Brian Foster—who was stretching his legs—and rushed out.

Luke Harris: “Huh? What just happened?”

Chad Sullivan yawned with a smile, “A game of eagle catches the chick.”

Emily Thompson glanced at the dark circles under Brian Foster’s eyes, looking helpless. “Can you please have a little more self-awareness as an idol?”

Brian Foster: “A nap will fix it.”

Emily Thompson tried to keep a straight face, but after seeing Brian Foster’s tired yet sweet expression, she almost broke character. She pulled out a document and slapped it against Brian Foster’s chest. “Congratulations, Grace Hill.”

Brian Foster was momentarily stunned. He took the document from Emily Thompson and opened it—turns out it was a contract!

“Grace Hill? It’s really settled? Why was there no hint of this before?”

Emily Thompson: “Actually, someone did drop a hint to me a few days ago, but it wasn’t certain at the time. I was afraid you’d be disappointed if it fell through, but now that the contract is in hand, I’m not afraid to tell you.”

Brian Foster made a sound of acknowledgment, then asked, “What kind of hint?”

Emily Thompson: “After that dinner, I added Screenwriter King on WeChat. While we were chatting, she said the reason President Wright organized that dinner was to see you. Even though you’re very popular, he doesn’t necessarily need someone with high popularity. After all, if he finds someone with fewer quirks and better acting skills, making this film into a critically acclaimed art piece would be great too. The commercial value might be lower, but it would be a solid, safe bet that definitely wouldn’t flop.”

Brian Foster agreed with President Wright’s thinking. If it weren’t for the need to complete his task, he’d rather give this opportunity to a young actor with acting skills like Adam Bennett.

“But after meeting you, he felt you were different from the typical idol he’d imagined—very quiet and genuine, which he liked. Plus, your commercial value fit his needs. However, President Wright isn’t the kind of investor who insists on controlling all the casting. He respects the director and screenwriter, so that dinner was just for him to decide not to veto you.”

Brian Foster had already guessed, “So who made the final decision to cast me?”

Emily Thompson smiled, “Mark King said that at first, when they heard you were coming to audition, they were shocked and thought you were overestimating yourself. But after meeting you in person, they were shocked again. You were the only one who came in with a bare face. The funny thing is, the moment Mark King saw you, she thought you were the spitting image of Grace Hill—your looks and temperament were a perfect match. She was just worried your acting wouldn’t be up to par. But you memorized your lines so quickly, and your tone and rhythm were great. She was actually very satisfied with you.”

“But the screenwriter can’t make the final casting decision, right?”