Chapter 572 - 372: Welcome to Hollywood

Chapter 572: Chapter 372: Welcome to Hollywood

He wasn’t sure if there would be a result today, nor did he know where to go. He had done everything he could; the rest was up to God.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

It was the casting director’s number!

Ryan nearly choked on the burrito in his mouth. He scrambled to grab his coffee from the floor to wash it down, quickly swallowing the bite of food.

Wiping his mouth with his forearm, he hurriedly answered the call.

"Ryan Reed?" the casting director’s voice came through the line.

"Yes, yes, that’s right. That’s me." Ryan’s heart leaped into his throat.

"Director Del Toro has confirmed," the voice on the other end said. "The role of the Mage is yours."

It was as if a hammer had struck his head, leaving his entire brain buzzing.

"Your contract is for 400,000 USD. The signing bonus is fifteen percent, with thirty percent upon commencement of filming and another thirty percent midway through—" The casting director paused mid-sentence and suddenly added, "Never mind, I’ll discuss these details with your agent. Just send me their contact info."

"Director, I..." Ryan Reed said cautiously. "I don’t have an agent."

The line went quiet as the casting director didn’t know what to say. After a few seconds, he asked, "Do you have a lawyer, then?"

"I don’t have one of those either..." Ryan immediately replied. "I’ll go find one right now."

"Alright, be careful not to get scammed," the casting director advised. "Industry lawyer fees are generally around five percent. Don’t let anyone rip you off."

"Understood."

"Also," the casting director added with a smile, "once you have this offer, you should be able to sign with a talent agency. Then things will really be on the right track for you.

"Congratulations, and welcome to Hollywood."

9:30 PM.

Ryan Reed parked his car outside his apartment building.

He took the stairs two at a time. His hands were shaking so badly when he pulled out his keys that he had to steady his grip with his free hand just to get the key into the lock.

When he entered the room, Claire was sitting cross-legged on the bed, a script practice workbook spread out on her knees.

She was wearing one of Ryan’s old T-shirts today, her hair tied casually behind her head.

"Why are you back so late to—" She looked up, caught sight of Ryan’s face, and the words died on her lips.

"What’s wrong?" She stood up. "What happened?"

Ryan stood at the door, his lips trembling.

"Oh, it’s okay," Claire said, breaking into a sudden smile. She pulled Ryan over to the sofa and sat him down. "It’s just one role. If you didn’t get it, you didn’t get it. Why are you crying?

"You might not have gotten it this time," she comforted, pulling him into her embrace, "but there will always be a next time."

"I got it," Ryan said. "Claire, I got it."

Claire froze for a moment. "The role of the Mage?" she asked cautiously.

Ryan pressed his face into her embrace and let out a forceful, affirmative sound.

Claire covered her mouth. Suddenly, her own tears spilled out as if the floodgates had opened.

"I knew you could do it," she choked out. "I always knew."

"Once I sign the contract tomorrow, we’re moving out," Ryan said. "I’ll give you the absolute best of everything."

Noon the next day.

"CUT!" Director Del Toro yelled. "Moving on!"

He looked toward Ryan Reed with satisfaction.

After signing the contract that morning, Ryan Reed had quickly joined the crew at Li Wei’s request, diving straight into filming the scene where the Mage joins the party. Meanwhile, Li Wei’s quest, [Heart of the Dragon (3)]—which had been stuck for over a week—had finally updated.

[Quest Completed: Heart of the Dragon (3)]

[You have gathered (3/3) companions. The Dragon Slaying Squad is fully assembled.]

[Quest Initiated: Heart of the Dragon (4)]

[Locate the dragon’s lair.]

[Quest Reward: 0.1 free attribute points]

The quest had finally updated!

Li Wei let out a long sigh of relief, his mood soaring.

Just then, Robert Flynn sent another message.

"Robert Flynn wants to meet me alone at the police station?" Li Wei closed his phone, muttering to himself. "What is it this time?"