**Chapter 101: Believing in Hope**

At nineteen, Hayden was indeed handsome.

Like a beautiful youth stepping out of an ancient Greek myth, his striking features blended a sense of innocence with a melancholic aura, with a bright smile always lingering on his lips. However, behind Hayden's shy and bashful smile, which mirrored his pure and unblemished personality, a starkly different, darker side occasionally emerged.

According to rumors, the production team of the "Star Wars Prequels" auditioned over 1,500 young male actors before selecting the male lead. It wasn't just a matter of glancing at photos and eliminating candidates; every actor had a one-on-one, face-to-face audition. Only after this extensive process was the male lead for the series decided.

—Hayden Christensen.

In terms of appearance and demeanor, Hayden certainly embodied the image of Anakin Skywalker perfectly.

Unfortunately, after the movie's release, Hayden faced heavy criticism for his stiff expressions and lackluster acting. However, it must be said that while Hayden's expressionlessness is an undeniable fact, it is equally indisputable that the poor reception of the film series cannot solely be blamed on Hayden. These two issues should not be conflated.

"Good things come to those who wait."

Seeing James and Chris shift their focus, Anson brought the conversation back, looked at Hayden, and offered a smile of encouragement.

"James is right."

"There are countless audition rumors in Hollywood, and nine times out of ten, they're unreliable. There's no need to scare yourself over every little thing."

Anson paused and spread his hands.

"Hey, Hayden, you should realize that the more intense the situation gets, the larger and more important the project might be, possibly even the studio's biggest film of the year."

"You still don't know anything substantial about the movie, do you?"

Hayden nodded in agreement.

The "Star Wars Prequels" remained shrouded in secrecy, with no leaks coming out of Hollywood.

"Maybe this is a brand-new film series, and once you take on the lead role, it won't just be one film, but two, three, or even more in the series."

"Looking at it from another perspective, Hayden, you don't know anything about the project yet, but you've been in New York for a month, gone through multiple rounds of auditions, met with the casting director, the producer, and the screenwriter. Who knows, maybe the director was watching your audition from some hidden corner."

"This process itself is meaningful."

"If I had to guess—"

"Right now, this waiting period might just be the final moment before the dawn."

Sincere, straightforward, passionate.

Anson seemed to have this ability to look someone straight in the eye and, with just a few simple words, stir up their emotions. And then, almost uncontrollably, you wanted to believe what Anson was saying.

James was full of questions. "So, what you're saying is that this might actually be a good thing?"

Anson blinked, "I'm saying that, although the situation is still full of suspense, it could be a waiting period leading to something good, perhaps even the preparation for a greater success. Maybe Hayden just needs a little confidence."

Then, Anson looked at Hayden. "I believe in you."

Chris: ...

James: ...

Hayden was also bewildered, swept up by Anson's words, and dazedly nodded, raising a fist in a confused attempt to celebrate.

James finally came to his senses. "I feel like you're trying to fool us, but I have no proof. Guys, I think Anson has joined some kind of shoe cult."

He turned to Chris and Hayden as he said the last sentence, sending out a signal for help.

However, the look in his eyes, that expression... along with the entire atmosphere in the room.

Chris suddenly burst out laughing, accidentally spraying James with spit. James closed his eyes in despair, silently expressing his frustration, which made Chris laugh even more uncontrollably.

"Sorry, haha, James, hahaha..."

He just couldn't stop.

Hayden couldn't hold back his laughter either, even though he tried his hardest. He quickly ran back to the living room, grabbed a box of tissues, and rushed back, pulling out two sheets to hand to James, his eyes filled with a smile.

James quietly wiped his face.

Then.

Hayden looked at Anson. The word "thank you" was on the tip of his tongue, but it felt too light, not enough to convey his emotions, so he swallowed it back down and instead gave Anson a shy smile.

James finally opened his eyes again, gave Chris a speechless glare, and raised his hand to prepare for an attack. But after looking at Chris's muscles and then at his own build, he sighed and looked up at the ceiling in resignation.

This action made Anson and the others laugh even louder.

Noticing Hayden's expression lighten up, James felt a bit more at ease and finally spoke up, "I wasn't planning on saying this, but since Anson shared, maybe now's the time. Actually, I also..."

All eyes turned to James.

In a rare moment, James seemed a bit shy. "Remember that audition I mentioned for a limited series? I didn't have high hopes because the competition was really tough, but—"

"I got the role."

Chris exclaimed in surprise, "Yeah!"

Just as the cheering was about to start, James quickly added, "It's for a biographical limited series. I'll be playing James Dean."

James Dean?

The Hollywood legend, often hailed as a symbol of the "rebel" generation, who became an icon of defiance and individuality due to his untimely death, a cultural symbol whose influence remains strong even half a century later, even becoming a fashion icon—*that* James Dean?

For any actor, portraying such a legendary figure is not only an honor but also an opportunity to gain immense attention.

No doubt, this was big news.

Looking closely, one had to admit, James Franco did bear some resemblance to James Dean. For a biographical film, this was crucial, further highlighting the significance of this opportunity.

"Good job!"

Anson raised his right hand, reaching out to James.

No words were needed. James also raised his right hand, and the two shared a high-five, with Anson then clenching his fist and shaking it enthusiastically in celebration of James's success.

Clearly, this was a rare and valuable opportunity, especially after the cancellation of "Freaks and Geeks." James needed this chance to regain his confidence.

However, James had kept this to himself, worried about upsetting Hayden. But now it seemed like Hayden also needed some good news to boost his spirits.

In Hollywood, rejection, denial, and being forgotten are the norms. If you're rejected a hundred or a thousand times, even the strongest self-confidence and willpower can be shattered. So, they needed some positive signals, to believe that hope exists, that waiting pays off, and that patience will be rewarded, gaining a bit of strength to keep going.

Hayden had been anxiously waiting for news, almost feeling like he'd been forgotten. When he first returned from New York, he was still a mix of nervous and excited, but as time passed, those feelings gradually faded, and he became more and more disheartened.

Yet.

First Anson, then James.

Even though none of them knew if these opportunities would blossom into something great, and even though they were all still unknown newcomers, at least they could see hope, and it was happening right around them. Their spirits couldn't help but lift—

Maybe the next opportunity would be theirs?

And just like that, the world seemed a little brighter.

Chapter 2. More updates tonight.