“This is our offer…”
Zeno recalled what Devon had said during their encounter. It seemed he really wanted Zeno to be in the second season. Compared to their first interaction, Zeno’s impression of him eased a little bit.
With that, he got out of the bus and started walking to their company building. There were some fans waiting outside, some even taking photos, but Zeno took the back door and slipped in without notice.
He opened the door to their office and was greeted by Moby and Jace.
“Rival,” Jace exclaimed the moment he saw him. Zeno nodded in acknowledgment. “Where’s Bobby?” he asked.
“Right here!” Bobby exclaimed, coming out from under the table.
Zeno narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing there?”
Bobby smiled sheepishly. “I was praying.”
“What for?”
“Jace is heading out to an audition this afternoon. Moby is going to be taking him.”
Zeno turned to him and looked at his get-up. Well, at least he looked normal this time around.
“Good luck,” Zeno said. Jace removed his hands from his lap, showing two wet imprints on his army-green pants.
Oh well, Zeno spoke too soon.
“Rival… Can you give me tips?” he asked. “This is my 46th audition since the beginning of the year.”
“How many have you landed?” Zeno asked.
“Do you even have to ask that? I passed none.”
Zeno scratched the back of his neck. “You’re too stiff. I suggest you just try out for the stiffest character if you’re going to audition.”
“It’s a non-speaking role for a VERY famous show,” Jace explain. “I fear they didn’t even give us a script.”
“Then, just pray that they have a stiff character,” Zeno said in passing.
However, Jace brought out his phone and started typing Zeno’s advice.
“Alright, thanks. Got it,” he chimed.
“It’s time to go,” Moby exclaimed, also sounding nervous.
With that, the two of them went out of the office and to Moby’s truck to go to Jace’s audition.
As soon as they were gone, Zeno faced Bobby. “This seems to be different from his other auditions.”
“You’re right,” Bobby said, finally sitting on his chair. “It’s not a no-name show like the rest he tried out for. I really wish Jace the best. He’s very hardworking, but he’s not born with the talent to act.”
Zeno nodded and also sat on the couch. “So, which show is it?”
“The Ninth Circle.”
Zeno sat up straighter.
Bobby turned to him. “They’re recruiting extras—those who will fill the roles of the 100 Desperates. I would have asked you to audition, but frankly, I don’t think you should be taking on such roles anymore. I just wish you could have auditioned for the main characters, but it aligned with your schedule with The Forsaken Prince.”
“I was given a role.”
“Oh, right. You were given a role. Wait, WHAT?” Bobby exclaimed, quickly standing and looking at Zeno with wide eyes.
“Devon, the assistant director, offered me a role. lt’s one of the main characters,” Zeno repeated with the same air of nonchalance.
Bobby walked to where he was. “You didn’t tell us?”
“I met him at a dance studio,” Zeno answered.
“Dance studio? Do you have a passion for dancing now?”
“No,” Zeno quickly deadpanned. “Anyway, he offered me a role there and then gave me a briefing this morning.”
Bobby’s eyes appeared like they were plucked out of a mining cave–sparking. “So… are you going to take it?”
Zeno thought about it for a while. Without a doubt, the role given to him seemed to be quite enjoyable to portray. Along with that, considering his new system, this kind of show would truly propel his popularity even higher.
However, there was a reason he was hesitant.
It was because of the director.
He wasn’t a part of Zeno’s past like Natty. However, if there was something he learned with his system—it was always unexpected.
So, the person in the past it was pertaining to might be someone not directly from Zeno’s but from the past missions he had done.
With that, he turned to Bobby once more, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Well, it felt like it was a good time to see him again.
“Yes,” Zeno said. “I’ll do it.”
***
“Jace got the role!” Bobby exclaimed, standing out of excitement. It was the weekend, and the results of the audition were finally here. All artists were waiting for the release, and they jumped in excitement once it was announced.
Jace fell to his knees, and he began wailing. Zeno walked over to him and patted his shoulder.
Jace lifted his head and looked at
Zeno with wide, teary eyes. “I did it.”
“Yes, you did,” Zeno consoled.
“I did exactly as you told me! I prayed that there would be a stiff character, and here it is! I finally made it, and it’s for The Ninth Circle!”
“This means that two of our artists are going to be there,” Bobby spilled, causing the others to turn to him. Zeno pursed his lips before subtly shaking his head. It hasn’t been revealed to the others that he got a role because he didn’t want to make Jace any more nervous.
However, the news was already out.
They all turned to Zeno next, knowing he was the only one who could also have a role in it. The room was silent for a moment before Jace broke it.
“Woah, you also got a role?” he asked. “Of course, what did I expect from my rival? It’s natural you would be offered one since you’re part of the Rookie Class now.”
“Congratulations,” Jace said, finally standing from the ground.
Zeno cleared his throat. “It’s nothing. We’re here to celebrate your achievement.”
Jace scratched the back of his neck and turned to the side. “Yeah… my achievement.”
Bobby cleared his throat and tried to liven up the atmosphere. “Yes, yes, let’s celebrate everything for today! Why don’t we go to this new Italian place just a few blocks from here? I’ll reserve a whole room.”
“Call, I’m in!” Sarang and Leni exclaimed at the same time.
Zeno glanced at Jace, who had a wide smile on his lips, but Zeno felt it wasn’t as genuine.
“Yeah,” he muttered. “Let’s go.”