**Chapter 129: The Role Seems in Jeopardy**

"Has Luca Kelly arrived?"

At the audition site, after about half an hour, a staff member shouted in the corridor.

"Yes, I'm here!" 

In the crowd, Luca raised his hand.

"Mr. Kelly, please follow me."

Luca took off his hat, tidied his hair, and followed the audition guide out of the hall into the next room.

The room wasn't large, with bright windows letting in the radiant morning light. 

Behind an oval table sat two men and a woman, the casting team. They faced the sunlight, their expressions somewhat serious. 

Sitting in the middle was a middle-aged man, the casting director, Daniel Flynn.

To his left was a 30-something brunette woman, still very charming—Tina Fey, the screenwriter of *Mean Girls*, who also played the role of the teacher in the film. It was a significant role.

On the right was a man in a gray suit, blending into the background—Wayne Hicks, one of the producers of the film from Paramount Pictures. Though he remained silent, he held the most influence among the three.

Besides them, there were two assistants, a man and a woman, helping with the audition.

Luca politely greeted the three.

"Luca, your profile says you've acted alongside Mr. Tom Cruise?"

The casting director began.

"Yes, in Mr. Cruise's new movie *Collateral*, I had a two-minute scene with him, with three lines in total."

Luca looked a bit regretful.

"Haha, you're a new actor. To have lines with Mr. Cruise is already quite an accomplishment."

"It really is. I learned a lot from Mr. Cruise."

"For example?"

Tina Fey suddenly chimed in.

"For example, when working with a nervous rookie actor, one must show enough patience."

Tina Fey curled her lips slightly.

It was an interesting answer. He used self-deprecation to acknowledge his nervousness working with Tom Cruise while complimenting Cruise's patience with new actors.

High emotional intelligence, and quite clever.

"Alright, both of you, our time is limited, let's move on!" 

Producer Wayne Hicks tapped the table as a reminder.

The casting director shrugged. "He's recommended by Director Worcester. I have no objections. Tina, what about you?"

Tina Fey stroked her chin and looked him over a few times. "Mr. Kelly, tell us your thoughts on the character Aaron."

"Aaron is a handsome and charming guy, the target of two school queens vying for his attention. Although his role in the film isn't extensive, he's the focal point of the conflict between the two queens. In the end, he becomes Cady's boyfriend, but it also shows that he's merely a trophy, a symbol of victory."

In male-centric movies, winning the girl is a symbol of triumph. In female-centric movies, winning the handsome guy is the same.

"You have a very deep understanding of the script."

Tina Fey was a bit surprised. The script had only been out for three days, yet he could articulate such profound insights.

"Thank you."

"I have no objections anymore."

Tina Fey looked at the other two.

"Let's move on to the audition scene."

The assistant handed over a printed sheet with a few lines for Aaron.

"Hey, Aaron, I didn't understand this question. Can you help me?"

"Sure, this is factorial. Each one multiplies by an N."

"So, does the total stay the same?"

"Yes, it stays the same."

"Thanks, I get it now!"

This scene takes place between Aaron and the main character Cady in a classroom, with them sitting in front of and behind each other. 

Cady, who is trying to flirt with Aaron, uses a math question as an excuse to chat him up. In the movie, Cady's character is a math genius, better than even the teacher, while Aaron is just a pretty face.

"Are you ready?"

"I'm ready."

Luca folded up the script and began acting out the scene with the assistant. 

Since he understood the context, the performance came easily to him. With just a few simple actions, he perfectly captured Aaron's handsome profile, melancholy gaze, and clueless demeanor.

"That'll do."

The casting director smiled slightly.

"Thank you for your performance, Mr. Kelly. We'll inform you of the results as soon as possible."

"Thank you!"

Luca put his hat back on and left the audition room.

"What do you all think of Luca?"

The casting director asked.

"He looks the part, his lines and acting are solid, and those melancholic eyes really suit the character."

Tina Fey agreed.

"Yes, Director Worcester also thinks he's a good fit."

The casting director added.

In Hollywood, directors don't usually participate in the audition process, but they do have significant input. Before auditions begin, the director will communicate with the casting director and outline some requirements. The casting director then works to meet the director's vision, ensuring a smooth production.

If the director is unhappy with the casting, they can ask the producer to recast the role.

"What do you think, Mr. Hicks?"

The casting director looked at Wayne Hicks, who had remained silent.

"There's no rush. The auditions aren't over yet, are they?" 

Wayne Hicks smiled faintly, putting down the information card.

The casting director furrowed his brow slightly. Was he dissatisfied with Luca?

"Next, please!"

In the emergency stairwell, Luca had his hands in his pockets, walking downstairs.

He had planned to take the elevator, but two girls were waiting by the elevator, and he didn't want any trouble, so he chose the stairwell.

This corridor was seldom used, dimly lit, and smelled faintly of disinfectant.

Clap, clap.

Suddenly, the sound of someone slapping another echoed in the empty stairwell.

"Joe, go on. The role of Aaron is yours."

A raspy female voice called out from afar.

"Thank you, darling. See you tonight!"

A man's voice responded joyfully.

Thud, thud, thud.

Then, the sound of excited footsteps echoed from below.

On the stairs, Luca felt a bit awkward. Should he quietly leave, or stay and see who this competitor was?

"Luca Kelly?"

But before he could make a move, the person below came up, calling his name.

Luca raised his eyebrows, looking at the person—a tall, slim, and handsome young man, almost like the original lead, though he couldn't recall his name.

"And you are?"

The man didn't answer, instead smiling as he stopped in his tracks. "You're here for the audition too?"

"Yes."

"For the role of Aaron?"

"Yes."

"What a coincidence. So am I. Want to see who gets the role?"

The man said smugly.

Luca shook his head slightly. "I don't stand a chance against you."

"Haha, glad you realize it."

The man chuckled proudly and headed upstairs.

Watching him leave, Luca frowned. It seemed like the role was slipping away. 

(End of chapter)