First Role

"Jupiter Aleado, he turned 21 recently and is a super model. He is 6'1 feet tall. He has a couple of well received singles, but has not pursued music as a career. You met him once four years ago as a favor to the school. He has recently come out as bisexual and is well liked by the public. His fans are known to fight with the haters, reducing hate. He has a mostly happy personality, and is awkward with new people. He has no ties with the underworld from what we can tell."

The secretary's watch beeped.

"And he has just left the hotel building."

Draven sighed and rubbed his face, his grey eyes conflicted.

"You know what. I'll just leave it alone."

<><><><><><>

Sam stared out of the window of the car before taking a deep breath with his eyes closed. He got his phone out and called someone.

"Hey Carmella."

"Sam! I have been calling you all morning! What were you doing?"

"You know that acting offer we got from that drama? I'll do it."

The line went silent.

"Sam, it is a big production that will take up a lot of time. We won't be able to do as many shows and it might not be a hit. Is it worth it?"

"I am not lacking in money, so missing a few shows will be alright. The endorsements also pay better."

"Okay... If you say so. You know what you will be acting as, right?"

"Yeah, the second male lead. General Xia Kai."

"Okay then, I'll let them know that you are willing to audition."

"Thank you."

"Sam?"

"Yes?"

"Just... Next time you do something, let me know. I thought something happened to you."

"Yeah... I will."

<><><><><><>

The next day, Sam was owning the runway in a dark elegant suit by Armani. The bright lights shone down from above him and made him look like a dark, dangerous, and powerful being. His hair was slicked back and his eyes seemed deep and mysterious. The people held their breaths as he went by, oppressed by his aura. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of Sam walking and the sound of camera shutters.

After the show, he went to the after party, and met with directors and ambassadors of brands. When the party was over, he quickly flopped onto his bed and fell fast asleep.

<><><><><><>

"Sir, the director of the drama we are investing in asks for you to be the male lead."

"Normally, I wouldn't accept, but I need to take my mind off of something. Accept."

<><><><><><>

A week later, Sam was sitting in a waiting room that was tense. The people sat in their chairs and silently pressured their competition. There were a couple of composed people who minded their own business. Sam was one of them.

Sam sat in his chair and read through the script until his name was called. Since Sam had been inconspicuous, no one had paid him any mind until his name was called.

"Jupiter Aleado? Isn't that a supermodel?"

"Jupiter! My idol! Ah~ I was in the same room as him!"

"Che, he will probably fail. All he has is looks."

"Take that back!"

"Fight me!"

Sam kept walking as the waiting room erupted into chaos behind him. He stepped into an empty room that had three people seated at one table. They all looked bored, one of them even had his head down on the table.

"Jupiter Aleado. Please begin scene 25," a lady said before yawning.

Sam schooled his face into neutrality before morphing into one of fighting spirit and resilience.

"No, I will not tell you where the prince is. Never. Not even as a ghost. I have made an oath to protect and serve my prince. An oath that will never be broken."

Sam's face was resolute. He seemed to be a battle-worn soldier who was being tortured for information.

One of the judges started to pay attention to Sam.

"Join you? Why would you ever think I would say yes? Are you an idiot?"

Sam's head whipped to the side, appearing to have been punched.

" Evil mastermind, get your lackey to behave."

His head snapped to the other side.

"Just kill me."

Then the scene ended. The judge that had his head on the table was looking up now, his eyes gleaming.

"I love it! That portrayed Xia Kai perfectly! If only we had special effects! And the other characters! You're in! Just sign the contract already!"

Sam was puzzled. What kind of audition was this and what kind of over the top reaction was that?

On of the judges placed her hand on the man's shoulder.

"Director. Calm down." She turned back to Sam and smiled. "What the director says goes. Although this was a little bit rushed, welcome to the cast of Rising Dragon."