Second audition

Hugo and Joseph arrived at the restaurant first and sat in their seats, waiting for Nora Avalon to arrive. It was unclear whether Nora did it intentionally or not, but she still hadn't shown up even after the agreed-upon time of half past twelve. This inevitably led to various speculations. Was it because of the recent negative news about Hugo that caused her to look down on him? Regardless of the truth, both Hugo and Joseph could only continue to wait, being in a passive situation.

At a quarter past twelve, Nora's figure appeared at the restaurant entrance in a hurry. Seeing the two people, she waved and greeted them, walking briskly towards them.

Today, Nora had tied her hair into a neat ponytail, wearing a white shirt and a camel-colored trench coat. She still exuded the sharpness and efficiency of a successful person. As she approached the table, she shook hands with Hugo and Joseph respectively, saying, "I'm really sorry. "Sleepless in Seattle" is scheduled to start shooting next week, and there have been some issues with the filming location in Baltimore, so we had a last-minute meeting to discuss. That's why I got delayed. I apologize."

This was a positive signal. Nora didn't make excuses like "traffic jam" or anything similar to shift the blame. Not to mention the authenticity of the reason, at least in terms of sincerity, it was trustworthy.

"It's alright, we didn't wait for long," Joseph said politely. "So, what are you in the mood for for lunch?" Joseph waved to the waiter to come over, indicating that Nora could place her order first.

"I'll have seafood spaghetti and a glass of soda, please. Thank you," Nora replied without hesitation, placing her order promptly. Her spirited personality remained unchanged, and today she even seemed to be in a faster pace than the last time they met. One could sense that her recent life must have been very busy.

Hugo and Joseph didn't dwell on it too much and quickly placed their orders as well. Just as the waiter took the menus away, Nora looked at Hugo and asked, "Give me a reason. Why do you want to take this movie?"

Hugo paused his hand holding the water glass, put it down, and looked at Nora attentively. He had originally wanted to thank Nora for giving him a second chance and subtly inquire about the reason she gave him a second audition. However, Nora was as proactive as ever.

Nora's sharp gaze unwaveringly locked onto Hugo, and Hugo confidently met her gaze. Although it didn't show on the surface, anxiety churned inside Hugo, as if he could vomit at any moment. "If I tell you that I'm willing to believe in the love in this story, would you believe me?"

"No," Nora said succinctly. Hugo had never read the script for "Sleepless in Seattle". Throughout, he only knew the general outline of the story. So Nora didn't believe it at all because hardly anyone in the industry believed in the story of "Sleepless in Seattle", where two people get to know each other through a radio show and fall in love, even in a movie.

Hugo laughed. "Then I guess you wouldn't believe it either if I told you I'm doing it for the paycheck."

"I believe that," Nora smiled.

Joseph sat beside them, feeling a bit nervous, but he had gradually adapted to the rhythm of Hugo's auditions. So he was willing to entrust the control of the situation to Hugo and focused his full attention, in case there was a moment when he needed to interject.

Hugo shrugged. "Well, let's go with that reason then, the paycheck." Hugo said casually, which caused Nora to narrow her eyes slightly. She didn't expect Hugo to dismissively give up answering the question like this. It didn't align with her impression of him.

Observing Nora's expression, Hugo smiled and continued, "Nora, from my perspective, you're willing to film a love story not because you're a woman, but because you believe that the most sincere love exists in this world. You want to spread this idea to the audience, even if it's just one moment of touching, warmth, happiness, or hope. That's success."

Nora's face remained expressionless, but she nodded slightly. "Go on."

Hugo placed his hands lightly on the table, crossing them. "Recently, I've had some personal insights into love. I want to keep a certain distance from things that change because that's when you'll know what principles are least likely to be abandoned by time. For example, love, it's full of variables. You never know when love will appear or disappear. So, I think taking a step back and quietly observing might be a good idea, until you see the most sincere emotions."

As Hugo spoke, his eyes subconsciously avoided Nora's gaze because he didn't want a stranger to see his vulnerability. After experiencing a failed trust, Hugo was like a frightened snail, hiding deeply inside his protective shell, reluctant to make any rash moves.

Nora looked at the Hugo in front of her. Today, Hugo appeared the most genuine. Unlike the last time when he prepared deliberately for the audition, today's Hugo was sunny, handsome, gentle, and kind. But within that warm temperament, there was a hint of tension and detachment. This version of Hugo didn't fit the description of "Sleepless in Seattle" in terms of appearance and age, but his temperament almost overlapped with Sam, the character Nora idealized.

Perhaps Hugo didn't possess the mature and steady charm of a forty-year-old man. Even if he were made up to look thirty, he would still appear too young. However, there was a gentle yet charming quality about Hugo. What surprised Nora even more was the calm and candid manner in which Hugo spoke those words, accompanied by a hint of timidity and retreat. His genuine sincerity touched Nora.

Nora involuntarily clenched her right hand. This speech was actually a true portrayal of Sam's character in the script. It made Nora feel a bit nervous and excited. But she concealed her emotions well, not letting Hugo and Joseph notice.

"I thought nowadays young people believe more in love at first sight," Nora said with a smile. "You know, that's how it is in the script too, the male lead and the female lead only meet once."

"Of course, I think love at first sight is also a kind of love," Hugo lightly nodded and chuckled. "But I prefer a slow burn. In my opinion, Sam is the same. Otherwise, he wouldn't have waited for his wife for so long."

Nora's heart called out "good" for Hugo. Within her limited understanding, Hugo's thorough analysis of the character truly impressed her. Nora initially had no hope for today's audition, but now, the unexpected joy brought by Hugo excited her to the point where she could hardly contain herself.

"Perhaps," Nora calmly said, suppressing her inner emotions.

Hugo emerged from his own emotions, affecting Joseph's worried expression. He smiled to indicate that he was fine and then looked back at Nora. "I have another question, if I may ask?" Nora stared at Hugo, indicating that she was listening. "I'm curious why you are willing to give me a second chance. As far as I know, the role has already been cast, hasn't it?"

Nora wasn't surprised by Hugo's initiative. She smiled slightly and said, "Someone told me that you deserve a second chance because you are a talented actor who works hard and shouldn't be buried. Today's audition proved me wrong because I thought it was a mistake."

Nora recalled Hugo's effort during the first audition, as well as his change in demeanor and the maturity of his temperament today. It made her realize that a second audition was indeed a great idea.

Upon hearing Nora's words, both Hugo and Joseph couldn't contain their excitement. It was a positive signal released by Nora, and Joseph, being more rational, recognized his responsibility as a manager and firmly remembered this point. "But I heard that the roles had already been assigned, haven't they?"

"Plans always fall behind changes," Nora simply said, hinting at a hidden secret. "So, Hugo, are you willing to join the "Sleepless in Seattle" cast as the male lead, Sam? You know, if you agree, we will need to make some modifications to the script. All these preparations must be done, so I hope to get a reply as soon as possible."

Hugo and Joseph glanced at each other, their excitement shimmering in their eyes. This was truly a great piece of news, perhaps the best since the release of "A Few Good Men"!

"Of course, of course, it's my honor," a smile instantly filled Hugo's face, momentarily stunning Nora. "But Nora, is the person who wanted to give me a second chance Rob?" Hugo's curiosity about the mysterious person behind this opportunity naturally led him to think of Rob Reiner.

Nora smiled but didn't answer. "In any case, you've won the role with your performance, and that's enough, isn't it?"

"Yes, yes..." Hugo hesitated for a moment but nodded in affirmation.

Joseph, who was sitting next to them, took over the conversation. "So, regarding the contract?"

Although Hugo was now a big star, there were still certain conditions that couldn't be compromised. Joseph had to do his job.

Nora glanced at Hugo and then looked back at Joseph. "If it's 8 million, I'm sorry, I can't agree. Our production budget is very tight." It was evident that recent negative news had influenced Nora. One of the rumors amidst the speculation about the A-lister was that Hugo wouldn't accept any new projects for less than 8 million.

Joseph felt a bit bitter inside. The negative impact of the news was indeed terrible, but he gathered his spirits and said, "No, Hugo never asked for 8 million. Regarding the remuneration, we can negotiate further."

"No problem. After I return, the company will fax you the offer and contract. If there are any issues, we can discuss the details then," Nora said decisively, sensing Joseph's sincerity. She didn't want to drag it out any longer.