**Chapter 32: Will You Perform Those Racy Scenes?**
After the audition at the wine bar, Richard attended a formal audition.
In addition to producer Copson and Director Davis, the panel included casting director Amanda Mackey, screenwriter Patrick Smith, and five others.
At the audition, Richard underwent several tests, including scene readings, physical demonstrations, and line deliveries. In the end, he successfully passed the audition.
"Richard, you passed the audition?"
Anthony asked in surprise while they were in the car.
"Yes!"
"Did you really pass the audition?"
Anthony still seemed unsure.
"Yes, yes, you heard it right. I got the role of the supporting male lead in 'The Perfect Murder'."
Richard smiled.
"Haha, that's fantastic! Richard, do you know who you'll be working with next? Oscar winner Michael Douglas and the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow. They're top stars. You, a newcomer, actually get to work with them. Haha, that's amazing!"
Anthony clapped the steering wheel and laughed like a big fool.
Richard shook his head, "Anthony, I'll leave the rest to you. According to Daniel, the movie's budget isn't high. After hiring two big stars, the remaining funds are even less. When negotiating the acting contract, salary isn't important. Gaining experience is the priority."
"I know that. Opportunities like this are priceless. Even if there's no pay, we've still gained something."
Anthony grinned.
"Of course, there's no way we can work for free. I'm not a volunteer. When negotiating the contract, we need to fight for what we deserve. Don't act like a beggar."
"Understood!"
Anthony smiled and started the car. "By the way, Richard, I just looked at the script. There's a passionate scene between you and Gwyneth at the beginning. Heh, are you looking forward to it?"
"No, I'm a handsome guy with smooth skin. How could I look forward to such messy things?"
Richard shook his head.
Anthony clicked his tongue and grinned, "Richard, seriously, there's a passionate scene in the movie. If you've never done that sort of scene before, what if you don't perform well? How about I ask Mike to arrange a few professionals to give you some guidance?"
Richard shook his head, "No need. I'm fine in that regard. But I do need help finding a teacher for drawing. Within half a month, I need to learn how to do simple sketches and figure drawing."
"Half a month? That's too short."
"It's okay. I'll work hard and practice more. I'll try to master it within half a month."
"Alright, it's up to you then."
Anthony pressed the gas pedal, and the car sped through the streets of Manhattan.
——
"Alvin, there's something I need to tell you."
Arriving at the gym, Alvin was playing cards with a group of old buddies. Richard approached and greeted him.
"You came at a good time. I have something to discuss with you too. Go ahead."
Alvin put down his cards, greeted his old buddies, and walked into his office.
"Here's the thing."
Richard explained about his acting role.
The filming for the movie was scheduled to start in about half a month, in early November. He had a supporting role with quite a bit of screen time, which would require about three to four weeks of shooting. This meant he needed to adjust his training schedule during this time.
"You're a professional boxer now, and you want to be an actor too?"
The old man seemed a bit displeased.
"Being an actor is my dream. Training in boxing is too monotonous. I want to develop some hobbies. Besides, with my handsome looks, it's a waste not to act," Richard joked.
"Hmph~"
The old man glanced at him disdainfully. "It's fine if you want to act. With your current strength, you shouldn't encounter tough opponents in the preliminaries. But don't slack off in your training. If you become complacent, others will surpass you."
"Understood. I'll train at least four hours a day and keep it up."
"Mm!"
Alvin nodded.
He had complete confidence in Richard. Richard was very self-disciplined and motivated. He didn't need supervision to train proactively, unlike some people who would slack off if not closely watched.
"Here!"
The old man pulled out a drawer and handed over an envelope. "This is your boxing license."
"Passed the review?"
"Your amateur record is good, so it wasn't hard to pass the review."
Richard opened the envelope and took out a card the size of a driver's license—his professional boxing license.
Since deciding to compete professionally, he had submitted an application to the Professional Boxing Association. This included personal information, boxing training experience, coach qualifications, and amateur competition results.
Amateur results were the most important.
According to the Professional Boxing Association's regulations, only those with outstanding results in amateur competitions could qualify as professional boxers.
Richard had participated in amateur matches since he was 17, with a 17-0 record. His qualifications were barely adequate.
He received the license after passing the association's review.
Name: Richard Blade
Number: US-NY-004988
Division: Light-Heavyweight
Style: Orthodox
Rank: 1092/1092
Coach: Alvin Tarfful
He was registered with the New York Boxing Association, with the number US-NY. His division was light heavyweight, and his ranking was currently 1092. The ranking would be adjusted after the preliminaries.
"Alvin, when will the time and location for the matches be announced?"
"Based on previous arrangements, it'll be after mid-November," Alvin thought for a moment and said.
"That's still enough time."
Putting away the license, Richard changed into his workout clothes and started his warm-up.
For the next two weeks, he balanced training with learning sketching and figure drawing.
He had taken two years of art classes in school and had a good foundation in drawing.
With the guidance of a professional teacher and Angela, he made significant progress in his drawing skills over the two weeks and was on track to draw even more complex subjects like bearded and overweight characters.
——
**(End of Chapter)**