Chapter 13: Deception

——So you got the contract? Spider-Man's girlfriend, Mary Jane's show contract?

Even though she was not actually facing the contract, Charlize, who was lurking in her subconscious, still felt unreal and dizzy. How is it so simple? What about the second round of auditions? What about the casting director's difficulty? Are there hints of the real power figures in the crew such as the director and producer?

Charlize, who had been thoroughly involved in the drama, couldn't believe it was true, and subconsciously had these doubts, so——

"Why is it so simple? As the heroine, doesn't the director need to make the decision himself?"

Alexis, who had already stepped into the trap step by step, had a look of doubt on her face.

Oops! ! !

It was this place that Charlotte was most worried about when she was making plans. On the one hand, those who walk a hundred steps are half to ninety, so the most dangerous moment is the first step at the door; on the other hand, because there is really no one to cooperate, the signing of the contract does seem a bit sloppy, which is completely inconsistent with reality. Originally, Charlotte expected Charlize's acting skills to play a role here, but it seems that Charlize, who had been performing perfectly before, finally made a mistake, and Alexis, who was affected by the hallucination, seemed to realize that something was wrong, maybe Soon it will be out of control and awakened from the hallucinations.

"Generally, that's true."

There was no way, Charlotte, who had once swiped out the title of "Master" at the entrance of the hospital, had no choice but to play in person.

"But you have to know that the director you are about to face is James Cameron! The famous studio tyrant!! In his movies, no one is indispensable except himself! In his movies, Whether it’s a male lead or a female lead, they’re just vases! In his films, the real protagonist is technology, the magnificent special effects that have never been seen before, and the shocking industrial scene! For him , it doesn’t matter who the hero and heroine are, as long as the acting skills are sufficient and the salary doesn’t affect his budget for special effects!”

"But……"

Although Charlotte's introduction to Cameron, who didn't know whether it should be a compliment or a mockery, was somewhat bewitching, it was obvious that Alexis still hesitated.

In fact, Charlotte can probably understand that this is the case. Whether it is Alexis or Charlize, for these girls floating in Hollywood, before they become famous, it is commonplace to suffer and be cheated, which makes them nine out of ten. Everyone is full of doubts about this world, especially when faced with possible chances of success, they will be extremely cautious. Because they know that an opportunity may be a real opportunity, or it may be a bait placed in a trap. This can be said to be an instinct naturally developed by small animals at the bottom of the food chain.

Faced with this skeptical instinct, Charlotte saw that well-intentioned encouragement was ineffective, so she simply did the opposite:

"James trusts me, trusts my judgment, and trusts that I can help him choose the right actor. So, Alexis, are you doubting me?"

"I, I'm not—"

Just as Alexis was about to subconsciously defend herself, Charlotte interrupted her again,

"No, you're just doubting! I know, you women always imagine that those of us who hold power are filthy. It seems that everything you exchanged with your body can make you feel better than direct acknowledgment and help. Feel real. Well, I don't deny it, I don't mind having some fun, but I also have my own professionalism. I will choose the person I feel is right, and then take everything after that as a thank you, not as a threat chips. Now, ma'am, I ask again, would you be willing to play Mary Jane in Spiderman!? Please don't waste my time, as I said earlier, no one is indispensable !"

"Of course I would!"

Faced with Charlotte's harsh and harsh sarcasm, Alexis, who was so ashamed and angry, felt at ease—in her view, the world is full of malice.

The harshness of the casting director is even more real—she hastily took the contract from the other party, browsed through it hastily,

"So little pay?"

"What do you think?"

The mocking expression on Charlotte's face became more intense,

"This is a superhero movie, and the leading actor is the key. But even the leading actor, because he wears a headgear more than 75% of the time and does not need to show his face, and does not need any well-known actors, so even the salary of the leading actor is low. You can't afford it, let alone you, the heroine who is basically a vase? Besides, James spent all his money on technology and special effects..."

"……alright, I got it."

Alexis reluctantly accepted the reality of the ultra-low salary, but thinking about it carefully, even so, this time she was the heroine after all, and the salary was still much higher than those of the previous low-level roles—— In the end, she still signed her name on the contract——

Alexis Rachel Haydon!

"now it's right!"

Charlotte put away the signed contract, the impatience and sarcasm on his face immediately faded, and turned into a big smiling face, as if he had always been kind to others,

"Trust me, Alexis! You didn't make a wrong choice, you will become a big star!! But, before that, I have to take a photo of you for some formalities, or, you Did you bring your own photo?"

"photo?"

Alexis looked bewildered,

"I didn't bring it, but isn't it on my resume?"

"That's right! But there are still some procedures in the future, and a new photo is needed. Well, don't bother anymore, I'll take a photo for you!"

Saying that, Charlotte picked up an iGood Polaroid camera from the table behind her, and pointed it at the restrained Alexis,

"Okay, say 'Cheese'!"

"Cheese!"

"very good!"

The flash flickered, and with a click, a half-length photo of Alexis spit out from the camera. Seeing this color photo, Charlotte shook her head.

"What? Isn't it a good shot?"

"That's not true. I just think that although this camera from Polaroid is good, it can take instant photos, but the problem is that the photo paper is really expensive, and the photos taken in this way are not suitable for long-term preservation. If this continues, it will sooner or later replaced by the more promising digital camera technology.”

Speaking of which, Charlotte suddenly patted her head,

"Hey, my old habit of talking to myself again! Sorry, Alexis! By the way, can you sign your name again on this photo? I have a hobby , I will take a photo of the actors I choose when I choose a role, and ask them to sign their names as a memento. When I get old, this will be my precious collection. At that time, I will share with everyone Like a long-winded old man, looking through these photos to see who has become a big star, and then recalling the embarrassment of their audition!"

Looking at the color photo of herself handed over by Charlotte, Alexis couldn't help feeling a little dazed. The casting director in front of her was sometimes mean and sometimes kind. The contrast between before and after was really big, which made her feel at a loss. But on the other hand, her heart full of doubts was also relaxed because of the relaxed attitude of the other party.

"for you!"

After all, the other party chose her, so the necessary thanks are indispensable, not to mention that there are no shady photos, Alexis finally decided to satisfy the other party's little hobby.

"Thanks!"

Charlotte took the photo and smiled with satisfaction. He took the signed photo of Alexis and the contract together, looked at the blonde girl in front of him, and suddenly called out:

"Alexis Rachel Haydon!"

"Why!?"

Accompanied by Alexis's puzzled answer, another violent whirlwind blew up in the room...

***********End of text************

Finally, I would like to thank the stewardess, Kushi D, and Zheng Zhengda for their book list recommendations. It’s great that someone reads the book!