Chapter 63: I Grew Up Watching Your Movies

Beep beep!

In late January, the cold wind howled through New York City as a black Ford Explorer sped through the busy streets.

"Sigh..." Richard looked out the window at the tall buildings and sighed softly.

"What's wrong?" Anthony asked, driving the car.

"Yesterday, I turned down a million-dollar contract. My heart aches a little."

"A million-dollar contract? Really?"

"Really." Richard briefly explained the situation with Starlight Sports. "If I had signed the contract, I would have gotten a million dollars. With a million dollars, I could buy a small apartment in Manhattan. It's a pity I gave it up."

"Haha, that guy Andy always wanted to take you under his wing. It was like that in the gang, and he hasn't forgotten even after starting a company. But he forgot who you are. You've been rebellious since childhood. If he really took you in, he'd probably have a headache." Anthony laughed.

"Nonsense, you're the one who's been rebellious since childhood."

"Haha, am I wrong? Cathy said you used to fight every day at the orphanage. You beat up all the older kids, and in the end, you even dared to hit the caregivers. Isn't that evidence?" Anthony squinted his small eyes.

Richard shook his head. "You don't understand the situation, so it's pointless to explain. Let's talk about the movie audition instead. Based on your recent interactions, how likely am I to get the lead role in 'Cruel Intentions'?"

"Being able to audition for the lead role means there's a chance, but based on my understanding, the chance isn't too big," Anthony said, slowing down the car.

"Tell me more."

"As you said, I talked to several producers of 'Cruel Intentions.'

I emphasized your participation in two major productions and showed them your performance photos, media reports, and information about 'Murder Case' to prove that you're a promising newcomer and that hiring you would be cost-effective.

They were impressed and added you to the audition list for the lead role.

However, according to insiders, the main producer, Neal Moritz, already has someone in mind, Ryan Phillippe.

Last year, there was a thriller called 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' that grossed over 54 million dollars at the box office.

He was one of the leads, along with Sarah Michelle Gellar. The producer of that movie was Neal Moritz, and he intends to have them collaborate again.

If this major producer insists on his choice, then you have almost no chance." Anthony explained.

"Ryan Phillippe? Neal Moritz?" Richard tapped his knee and pondered for a moment. "Have you talked to producer Moritz? Is he easy to talk to? Is there any way to change his mind?"

"I met him once and exchanged less than five sentences. He's very serious and stubborn, difficult to persuade," Anthony shook his head.

"So our chances are still very small."

"Yes, unless..."

"Unless what? Just say it, don't beat around the bush." Richard frowned.

"In the materials I gave them, there was a video of your boxing match. Afterwards, someone called and gave me a room number, saying they wanted to talk to you about the role. It was a woman. If you agree..."

"Enough, that's disgusting." Richard said with a dark expression.

"Haha, I knew you'd react this way. I rejected it without even thinking. But without relying on unspoken rules, our chances of winning are too small. Now the only opportunity is the audition. Good luck later."

"Okay!"

The car arrived near Kissena Park in Queens.

The story of 'Cruel Intentions' takes place in New York City, and the future filming location is in Queens. The production office is set up in an office building next to Kissena Park.

Upon entering the office building, there were dozens of handsome men and beautiful women standing or sitting in a large hall on the sixth floor. Some were whispering, some were reciting lines, and some were pacing back and forth in the hallway.

A few faces looked familiar, but Richard didn't know their names and couldn't recall their information.

"Ms. Reese Witherspoon!" someone called out at the door of the audition room.

"That's me!" A petite girl squeezed out from the corner and followed the staff into the office.

"Reese?" Richard frowned and remembered her information.

Reese Witherspoon, 22 years old, a famous comedy actress who debuted in 1991 and has participated in seven or eight small productions so far. She became popular in 2001 with 'Legally Blonde' and won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar in 2006 for 'Walk the Line'...

Richard was surprised to find an Oscar-winning actress here. In a few years, she would probably outshine all the auditioning actors present.

According to the information, Reese got the second female lead in 'Cruel Intentions,' the good girl who doesn't advocate premarital sex and insists on being a virgin.

There was also an interesting piece of information in the data: Ryan Phillippe, the male lead of 'Cruel Intentions,' was Reese's first husband, and they would get engaged next year.

Did they fall in love on the set of this movie?

Richard raised an eyebrow. If he snatched the male lead from Ryan, would they still have a chance to be together?

Creak~ The office door opened, and Reese walked out with a smile.

"Hello, Ms. Witherspoon. Can I have your autograph?" Richard approached her with a pen and paper, a charming smile on his face.

The young girl looked up at him, stunned for a few seconds.

"Are you a fan of mine?"

"Yes, I grew up watching your movies."

"Pfft, you're lying. You look older than me." The girl covered her mouth and laughed.

"I'm serious," Richard said earnestly. "I'm 20 years old this year. I watched your first movie, 'The Man in the Moon,' when I was 13. You played the little girl Dani in it. After that, I watched 'Wildflower,' where you played Ellie, and also 'Fear' and 'Freeway.'"

Listening to him, Reese's mouth gradually opened wide. She had debuted at 15 and had played many small roles since then. There were so many that she had long forgotten the names of the characters, but this tall, strong, and handsome guy in front of her actually remembered them all.

Was he a true fan?

"By the way, your performance in the first season of 'Friends' was also wonderful," Richard added with a smile.

"Okay, thank you for liking my movies." Reese was happy to meet a true fan and took the paper and pen, writing quickly.

"Reese, my name is Richard Braddock. Could you also write, 'Wishing Richard all the best, forever handsome and charming'? Is that okay?" Richard smiled slightly.

Reese chuckled. This fan was sincere, but a bit too narcissistic.

Forever handsome and charming... Well, this guy was indeed very handsome, with black hair, black eyes, a high nose bridge, sharp features, and fair skin. His chest... eh, why was it so exaggerated? If this person wasn't a woman disguised as a man, then those two lumps must be his pectoral muscles.

"Pectoral muscles"

Uh oh, she accidentally wrote "pectoral muscles" on the paper. She quickly crossed it out, brushed her hair, and calmly handed back the pen and paper. Acting in so many plays was beneficial; even in embarrassing situations, she wouldn't blush.

"Reese, thank you. You're really nice. Did your audition go well just now?" Richard asked.

"Not bad, actually this role was... cough cough, right, what are you doing here?" Reese looked at him in confusion. Oh right, this was an audition. Why was this guy here asking for an autograph?

"Oh, I'm here to audition for the male lead, Sebastian."

"...You're an actor too?" Reese blinked and asked.

"Yes, a new actor. I've acted in two movies. One is 'In the Name of the Father' with Daniel Day-Lewis, which was released last December, and the other is 'A Perfect Murder' with Michael Douglas, which hasn't been released yet."

"..." Reese was stunned again. Who was this guy? First Daniel Day-Lewis, then Michael Douglas. His ability to get roles was amazing.

"Reese, I hope to have the opportunity to work with you." Richard extended his hand and smiled.

"Oh, okay!" Reese shook his hand. His hand was so big.

"Honey, what are you doing here?" At this moment, a handsome young man walked over. He was of medium build, with blond curly hair. This was Ryan Phillippe. Were they already together?

"Ryan, this is Mr. Richard Braddock. He's also here to audition for Sebastian," Reese introduced, withdrawing her hand.

"Is that so?" Ryan glanced at him and instantly felt hostile. This guy was tall, strong, and so handsome. He was just holding Reese's hand...

"What work have you done? I don't think I've seen you before."

"I just debuted and have only played two small roles," Richard said with a faint smile.

"Oh!" Ryan curled his lip. So he was just an extra. And he wanted to compete with me for the male lead?

"Honey, let's go. Producer Neal Moritz said he wants to talk to us about the script."

"Okay! Goodbye, Richard." Reese waved and left with Ryan.

"Goodbye, Reese!" Richard smiled and waited for a while. The staff member at the door called out, "Richard Braddock!"

"That's me!" Richard followed and entered.

---

Inside the audition room sat three men and three women: director Roger Kumble, screenwriter Ms. Kloss, casting director Anne McCarthy, and three members of the production team.

"You're Richard Braddock?" A middle-aged woman from the production team stared at him and asked.

"Yes!"

"Huh, I heard you're a professional boxer. Why are you here instead of boxing?"

"...I'm here for the audition. Last year, I worked with Michael Douglas on 'A Perfect Murder.' This film is also a drama, and the character I played in it has a lot of similarities with Sebastian. I'm confident I can play this role well," Richard said confidently.

"That's easy to say, but that movie hasn't been released yet. Who knows how well you acted?" The middle-aged woman retorted.

"Ma'am, please rest assured about this. The director of 'A Perfect Murder' is Mr. Andrew Davis. He is very serious about his films and would never work with a bad actor.

The actor I played opposite was Mr. Michael Douglas, who is even stricter about acting. This is not a secret in the industry.

In such a crew, someone without acting skills definitely wouldn't last three days.

Not only did I complete the filming perfectly, but I also received unanimous recognition from director Davis, producer Bill Copelson, and Mr. Douglas.

You are all professionals in the industry, and I don't think I need to lie to you." Richard said seriously.

Director Roger Kumble and another producer nodded slightly.

"Hmph, our crew has high requirements for the role of Sebastian. Now, please take off your clothes and turn around a few times." The middle-aged woman said arrogantly.

"..." Richard looked at the casting director with a cold expression. If you don't control this crazy woman, I'll complain to the actors' union, believe it or not?

"Ahem, Ms. Rogers, shall we follow the steps?" Casting director Ms. McCarthy said.

"Whatever!" The middle-aged woman shrugged, crossed her arms, leaned back in her chair, and looked at him coldly.

"Okay, Richard, please act out this scene: Annette leaves, and Sebastian is heartbroken and cries."

"Okay!"

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(End of chapter)