Devon tapped Victor’s shoulder. “I think they need more time—”
“I think they’re ready,” Victor said, watching as Zeno didn’t even bother executing the move he needed to do. The smirk on his lips reappeared. He quite liked Zeno for his acting and popularity, but there was someone who needed to teach him how the industry works.
Victor wanted to take the honors. From Zeno’s history, it appeared he hadn’t gone through the hardships a typical actor did. True, he started from the bottom. However, his first project was already a big hit.
In less than a year, he’d established his name in the industry and managed to penetrate the Rookie Class—the fastest to do so.
So, he might not be accustomed to this. The reality of the industry is that some are more valuable than others. He had been that ‘invaluable person’ before, so Victor understood. Now that he was part of the ‘valuable’ ones, it was time to repay what the industry had shown him when he was at his lowest.
He wasn’t going to replace Zeno, of course.
The striptease scene alone was enough to draw in a good fanbase. However, this scene would show him that he should not try to change Victor’s directing style again.
“Let’s mark it!” Devon exclaimed, wanting to ensure that everyone stayed safe.
“Oh, but we’ve already taken up too much time,” Victor smiled. “Do you think you can do it right away, Zeno?”
Marvin’s and Devon’s eyes widened. “I don’t think—” Devon began, but Zeno’s voice cut him off.
“Got it!” he exclaimed from afar.
The staff stopped what they were doing and focused on the scene. The medic was also on alert in case something went wrong. Marvin nudged Zeno’s shoulder. “I broke my neck when I attempted this for the first time.”
“Just rest,” Zeno smiled peacefully, as if he wasn’t worried at all.
Meanwhile, Moby and Shin appeared to be in a prayer circle, wishing Zeno success. Although that felt a little out of reach, considering he was literally about to do an impossible stunt.
Sangwon watched from the side with amusement, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “An ordinary military man thinks he can do these stunts, huh?” he muttered under his breath.
“Scene 35! Action!”
The dialogue was done; all they had to do for this scene was the trick. Misha held onto the knife with a determined expression.
“First knife!” Victor exclaimed, still smirking.
Misha threw it toward Zeno at great speed, appearing to take out all her frustration on him.
“Good,” Victor muttered. That kind of determination was what he needed for the scene. However, it would also give Zeno a much harder time.
“Crap,” Marvin muttered. “Even I would have a hard time dodging that.”
However, before they knew it, Zeno executed a cartwheel with only one hand, as opposed to the two-hand method that Marvin instructed him to use. The knife merely grazed his shoe before hitting the ground.
He then narrowed his eyes, still in character, while the rest of the crew stood in disbelief. The look on Misha’s face mirrored the shock of her character, mixed with disbelief that Zeno had managed to dodge it.
Victor couldn’t even call for the second throw. Fortunately, Sora, having a lot of experience under her belt, threw the knife at just the right moment.
Marvin held his breath as he watched the knife hurtle toward Zeno at what seemed like the speed of light.
However, Zeno looked unfazed—relaxed, even. A small smirk appeared on his lips as he crouched down slightly.
At that moment, Marvin remembered Zeno’s words.
Cockiness is confidence without basis.
Then, Zeno executed the spontaneous triple flip that Marvin had spent years mastering. An audible gasp swept through the set as Zeno landed on his feet without any trouble; the knife once again didn’t graze an inch of his skin. He looked back at the camera with a confident expression.
Marvin still couldn’t breathe. Zeno wasn’t cocky. He was confident—and he had every right to be.
Devon watched with excitement, and he even took the lead. “Cut!” he exclaimed.
[Side Quest Completed!]
[New Skill: Atheltics. Current Grade: A+]
It felt like all hell broke loose.
Victor’s throat was tight, feeling as though he were having an anaphylactic reaction despite the absence of an allergen. He wanted to teach Zeno a lesson, but why did it feel like he was the one being schooled?
Sangson slowly retreated from his spot, feeling embarrassed for what he had said mere minutes ago.
Jace puffed up his cheeks in excitement. “I knew it,” he muttered. Zeno never messed up! He would never subject himself to something he couldn’t do!
Apple couldn’t help but nudge both Sora and Misha with excitement. That snapped them out of their dazes as they turned to the petite stuntwoman.
“That was so… hot!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been wanting to learn that second move for years, but I still can’t do it!”
“Yeah, it is hot,” Sora muttered. “Right, Misha?”
“Hmm,” she absentmindedly hummed. However, her eyes quickly widened when she realized what she had done.
Apple looked at her with amusement. “So, you’re interested in him now?”
Misha swallowed. “No way,” she muttered.
Apple shrugged. “That’s alright. More chances for me!”
Just then, someone emerged from behind them. “I thought you said you had a boyfriend.”
Apple nearly jumped in shock when she saw Jace lingering. She turned to glare at him.
“Yeah, I do,” she said before walking away.
Jace scratched the back of his neck. “Girls confuse me.”
Misha continued to stare at Zeno’s smug face before shaking her head. She left the scene with red cheeks.
Meanwhile, the directing staff continued raving about Zeno’s acrobatic performance.
“H-how did you do that?” Victor stammered, still in a state of shock.
Zeno smiled, tilting his head like a little kid. Then, he wrapped one arm around Marvin.
“He taught me a secret technique,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.”
“Right?” he asked, turning to Marvin.
“You did a great job picking their company,” Zeno continued. “They are very valuable entities in this production.”