Chapter 0005: Astonishing Skills

Not only the other auditioning actors but also the crew members turned their attention. Throughout the audition process, the two prominent figures showed an interest in Lan Li that far exceeded expectations, which is truly remarkable

Especially after experiencing the recent deviation from the intended course in the talk show, the contrast has become increasingly pronounced

Within those deep and vast eyes, melancholy sadness and earnest pleading shimmered brightly, as if the slanted shadow on the ground were that of a giant crashing down, a moment of fragility, a moment of softness, a moment of shame, yet these transformed the entire figure into a more substantial image

"An interesting choice." Tom's eyes lit up, "But why did you choose this passage?" As soon as he finished speaking, Tom noticed Steven adjusting his sitting posture, propping up his chin, and adopting a pose of attentive listening, which made Tom unable to help but smile

As an actor himself, Tom undoubtedly feels the most deeply. In Lan Li, he sees a natural talent for performance, with an energy that bursts forth effortlessly in every gesture and movement. Even a single glance, a smile, or an action is imbued with richness, and the overwhelming impact has a powerful infectiousness, easily drawing the audience into the world he has created.

It would be impossible to say that the phone call before the audition had no impact on him at all. Now, every opportunity is exceptionally precious to him, and he is uncertain whether his earlier performance was sufficient. However, he is certain that the performance was wonderfully beautiful, exhilarating, and magical, and deep within, his dream of becoming an actor has become more resolute than ever before

Lannister knew it was time for him to exit. He politely nodded in greeting and then turned to return to the group. He could see Ramina's face, tense and rigid with anxiety, but Ramina still secretly raised his right hand and gave a thumbs up to Lannister

Earnest and sincere, magnificent and brave, upright and resolute

A simple explanation suddenly enlightened everyone. Just now, the truncated performance by Lan Li immediately became substantial—Mark was facing the enemies who killed Caesar, and he had to figure out how to avoid his own death without appearing too cowardly or sycophantic; this was an art of strategy. Memories of every detail from the earlier performance involuntarily resurfaced in his mind, and the surprise brought by this second reflection once again caused his pupils to dilate.

The profound sorrow and resoluteness burst forth with dazzling brilliance in that powerful tone, allowing every listener to deeply feel that earnestness. "If I had as many eyes as your wounds, I should let them flow with torrents of hot tears, just as blood gushes from your wounds. Yet, I have been ungrateful and have become friends with your enemies"

Lannister suddenly withdrew his hands, his desolate expression resembling a rare orchid under the moonlight, scattered sparsely. "Dear friends—sigh! How should I put this?" He took a step to the side, his heavy footsteps dragging on the ground as if shackled by a thousand-pound weight. "My reputation is now in jeopardy; if you do not consider me a coward, you will think of me as a sycophant!"

However, the rich connotations and unique charm found in Shakespeare's writings, as well as the vivid imagery and profound meanings present in his plays, were vividly unleashed in that brief performance, undoubtedly deserving of widespread acclaim. For this alone, Lan Li is worthy of a standing ovation.

Lannister slowly stood up, as if every movement consumed all the energy in his body. He fought against the weight of a mountain to straighten himself, but before he could steady his footing, he took two large strides forward. The overwhelming and powerful momentum that surged downwards created a wave of pressure, causing every spectator to hold their breath with thunderous intensity

Those brief words collide in the chest and mind, sparking bursts of fire, like surging waves, one after another, striking the softest places within, stirring deep emotions

Lannister stopped in his tracks, turned to face the audience, and calmly accepted the scrutiny and judgment from below the stage

Lannister stood among the ranks, gently exhaling a breath. Although he appeared calm and composed just moments ago, in reality, his inner tension was no less than anyone else's, and a thin layer of sweat had formed on his palms. This was merely his first official audition; he was a complete newcomer.

Lannister could not help but smile slightly, nodding his chin to encourage Rami

Lift your head and gaze at the deep and vast blackness above, the taut curve of the jaw revealing a hint of contradictory entanglement. "Ah, Caesar! I once loved you, and this is an undeniable fact; if your ghost were to look at us now, would you not feel more sorrow than death itself, seeing your Antony shamelessly avenging himself before your corpse, holding the bloodied hands of your enemies?"

A voice spoke up from the side, not Tom, and all eyes turned to look, surprisingly it was Steven. "Aren't you worried that we have all not seen this play, and thus do not understand your performance?"

I implore you! If you harbor animosity towards me, now that your blood-stained hands are still warm, quickly execute your will!" Lan Li extended his hands, grasping the enemy's hands in the void, the taut muscles of his arms conveying that his entire body was like a tightly drawn bowstring, the fierce light bursting forth from the depths of his brows and eyes was incredible, "Even if I were to live for a thousand years, I would not find a better opportunity to die than today; let me lie beside Caesar, is there a better place to die than this? Let me die at the hands of you contemporary heroes, is there a better way to die than this?"

Ha. Lan Li chuckled lightly, not concealing his joy and excitement, yet not overly ostentatious. "Performance is performance; the program is merely a medium. What I need to showcase is the performance, is it not? Moreover, I do not believe that Shakespeare's plays would be needed in 'The Pacific War'"

We will only know when the results are out, won't we? Yet, within these simple words lies a hint of cunning, and a wave of light laughter once again rises from the audience.

However, there is no one beneath the stage who can respond in a timely manner. It feels as if they have just experienced a violent storm, and they are like a solitary canoe amidst the tumultuous waves, completely unable to resist, only able to be tossed about by the surging tides. Now that the storm has passed, they remain frozen in place, their battered spirits in need of a little time to recover and settle.

Rami took a deep breath. After experiencing the extraordinary audition of Lan Li, the pressure on his shoulders undoubtedly increased once again. However, he did not feel any frustration or jealousy; on the contrary, he felt a surge of motivation, becoming even more energized. He clenched his fist and then set off, passing by Lan Li, one returning to the team and the other moving toward the forefront

"Because this is what I excel at?" Blue Lei's response elicited a light laughter from everyone present, infused with a hint of teasing confidence. He then continued to explain, "I have always believed that Mark is a very interesting character. Setting aside his private life, Shakespeare endowed Mark with a soul in 'Julius Caesar.'" I have always believed that Mark is a very interesting character. Setting aside his private life, Shakespeare endowed Mark with a soul in 'Julius Caesar.' Historically, people have often viewed him as a reckless man who was so infatuated with Cleopatra that he neglected his great undertakings, or as a simple-minded brute with brawn but little brain. However, here, Mark is portrayed as a measured orator, a cunning politician, and a decisive military commander.

Steven lowered his chin and pretended to speak seriously, saying, "I can assure you that the person making the decisions is not standing on the stage" The staff burst into collective laughter, but the actors on stage felt increasingly bitter and tense

Clearing his throat, Tom was the first to break the silence, "What we just performed was ... ..." His understanding of Shakespeare's plays was still limited, and the segment just performed was not from the well-known classics in his impression. This also reflects Lan Li's courage and confidence.

Julius Caesar," Lan Li replied with a smile, "is a tragedy written by Shakespeare before he created 'As You Like It.' What I just performed was an excerpt featuring Mark Antony. Historically, Mark was one of Caesar's most important military commanders and administrators, and his most well-known deeds are undoubtedly those of his extraordinary romance with Cleopatra VII, the 'Queen of Egypt'.

Although it is said that Lan Li's performance is Shakespeare, which is perhaps the forte of British actors; although it is said that this segment of the performance may have been honed countless times by Lan Li, what is presented is precisely the most perfect moment; ... although it is said that the previous performance was full of dramatic style, it may not align with the television series ...

Then, it was observed that Lan Li retracted his movements, pausing in place for approximately two seconds. All emotions gradually converged, as if the powerful aura could be visually perceived, dissipating like swirling smoke. The shock brought by the spirit even began to affect the senses of sight, hearing, and smell. The entire venue was enveloped in silence, not a single sound could be heard, to the extent that when Lan Li walked back to the center of the stage, the only sound in the theater was that of his footsteps, as if each step weighed a thousand pounds, pressing heavily upon the hearts of every audience member.

The latter part of the sentence is clearly a retort to Tom's earlier joke. Steven turned to Tom and laughed gleefully, while Tom himself chuckled in disbelief, "I thought you couldn't wait to seize this opportunity." If it weren't for that joke, they would have missed the chance to witness Lannister's exuberant performance, which clearly indicated that Shakespearean plays were Lannister's forte.

This level of skill is truly impressive

Tom turned his head to look at his colleagues nearby, each of their expressions so similar: astonishment, fear, and amazement. Even the shrewd Steven displayed a look of intrigue at this moment, clearly showing a great interest in Lannister, which was indeed rare