Brian Carter complained in confusion, “I’m being serious, Ashley Grant, what time did you go to bed last night? When I came back in the evening, I ran into Old Mr. Miller in the yard. Then he took me away, and it was Ethan Grant and Ethan White who let me go.”
“No, you were dreaming, and you’re even making up new characters. I’ve never heard of Ethan Grant-White in the underworld,” Ethan Grant said. “Have you been staring at Sister Grace for too long?”
Sister Grace is the team’s artist, and she often wears a blue-and-white striped T-shirt.
Brian Carter: “……”
What a mess.
He ruffled his hair. Could it really have been a dream? “No, no, I definitely saw them… Sigh, none of you believe me, none of you can see it, only I can. Am I the chosen one?”
Ashley Grant’s gaze drifted. He didn’t know if Brian Carter was the chosen one, but he was pretty sure he himself was the chosen one of the earth…
Even though he insisted he’d seen a ghost, since no one really believed his story the second time, and since he was broke, Brian Carter could only keep going to work as usual.
Fortunately, David Miller had already reincarnated, so Brian Carter was able to get through safely.
Soon, the ten-day shoot ended, and the crew had a small gathering in the village.
Brian Carter clinked glasses with Ashley Grant. “What are your plans next?”
Ashley Grant said, “Rest for half a month, then join another crew. What about you?”
Brian Carter had been waiting for this question. Hands on his hips, he said, “I’m getting ready to join Eric Lewis’s crew!”
Eric Lewis is a well-known director in China, with many years of experience. As his style developed, his works became both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Plus, Director Lewis started out in cinematography, so joining his crew, Brian Carter was sure to learn a lot, and his resume would look much better.
“Eric Lewis is making a new film?” Ashley Grant was so busy on set that he barely checked his phone, so he didn’t know. “That’s impressive.”
Brian Carter: “Heh, it’s all thanks to my mentor… It’s still in preparation. My mentor and I will start reading the script together as soon as he gets back. I heard the first round of investment has already come in. For his films, money is never an issue.”
“Not just money, he never lacks actors either,” Ashley Grant said with feeling. Roles in Eric Lewis’s films are always in high demand, but Eric Lewis has his own quirks—he loves to use his old team, for both big and small roles, and is extremely cautious about picking new actors. In the end, there are only a few roles up for grabs.
“Come on, let’s go toast the director.”
Someone called them over, and Ashley Grant followed the crowd.
The director was in a great mood, chatting with everyone one by one. Fate had brought them together, and after this crew disbanded, who knew if they’d ever work together again.
“Ashley Grant.” The director patted Ashley Grant on the shoulder. “I think your acting is really good.”
The director had worked with Ashley Grant twice now. Although Ashley Grant’s roles weren’t big, the director had noticed his dedication and hard work. Plus, Ashley Grant had a good attitude and didn’t take shortcuts—otherwise, with his looks, things would be much easier.
“Thank you, Director,” Ashley Grant said quickly.
“Sometimes, your technique is solid, but your emotional outbursts are a bit lacking… But you’re still young, you can build up more experience and feel more of life.” The director was already a bit tipsy, his words slurring.
Ashley Grant nodded earnestly.
The director sighed, “As for opportunities, you’ll have to wait… That’s even harder to predict than hard work.”
Ashley Grant smiled, “As long as I’m happy.”
“Right, as long as you’re happy.” The director raised his glass, then suddenly burst into tears. “That’s why my films are really good! Why don’t investors love me! I’m not even the one who saw a ghost, where’s my opportunity! I really want to make a big production!!”
Ashley Grant: “……”
.
.
The next day, Ashley Grant returned to Beijing. He was originally from Hunan Province, but had moved to Beijing for work. The company rented him an apartment in a complex with a high rental rate. Since he was just a small-time actor, there was no need for a place with extra privacy.
Ashley Grant got busy preparing for his next project, but within two days, he got a call from the company saying there had been a change—the crew he’d already signed a contract with had run into trouble and was disbanded on the spot.
Ashley Grant’s professional skills and looks gave him plenty of audition opportunities, but whether he could pass the first round, make the final cut, and what kind of role he’d end up with—there were just too many factors.
Even after landing a role and signing a contract, things could still fall apart, like now, with the crew disbanding. Sometimes, even after joining a crew, unexpected things could happen.
After a few years of work, he’d learned how to adjust his mindset and deal with disappointment after giving his best.
Ashley Grant could only cook himself two dishes and eat a big meal… well, not too big—he had to watch his weight. Anyway, he used the meal to comfort himself a bit.
The next morning, while brushing his teeth, he got another call from the company. There was a well-produced idol drama in the works, and the company had submitted resumes for several actors with open schedules. Ashley Grant was put forward for the third male lead and was notified to attend the first audition.
Having just lost a job, Ashley Grant naturally pulled himself together and went to the audition on time. The director had had some success with previous idol dramas, and a third male lead with a lot of screen time… the competition was probably going to be pretty fierce.