"Hi, Gilbert." Scarlett poked her head through the door, startling Gilbert.
"Scarlett?" Gilbert exclaimed. "Aren't you supposed to be in training? What are you doing here?"
Scarlett pouted. "Can't I take a break from training? My scenes aren't that many anyway, so I have plenty of free time."
"Alright, alright, you've worked hard." Gilbert ran his hand over Scarlett's wine-red dyed hair and said, "But I'm busy with auditions today, so I don't really have time to entertain you."
"What's the big deal? Can I come along and watch?" Scarlett asked eagerly.
Gilbert thought for a moment and replied, "Fine, but you mustn't cause any trouble."
Scarlett was immediately unhappy. "I'm super well-behaved, okay? When have I ever caused trouble?"
"Oh? Haven't you?"
"Never, ever…"
In the lounge prepared for the young actresses, many girls were receiving last-minute coaching from parents or agents. Most of it was about etiquette—how to greet people properly and who to address in what way.
First impressions mattered greatly; nobody liked a rude or mischievous child actor, except in very special cases.
Emma Watson was nervously getting ready. Compared to the other young actresses, her only real advantage was her fame.
But fame was also a double-edged sword. The role of Hermione had made her famous, but it had also confined her.
Before today's audition, Emma had cleverly gone to Melon Manor to cozy up to Gilbert, just as she had been doing over the past few years.
Emma Watson knew clearly that this project was her best chance to break free from the shadow of Hermione.
So that day, she even deliberately showed a submissive attitude, thinking it might appeal to Gilbert. From what she'd learned, certain powerful men in Hollywood and upper-class North America were fond of that kind of demeanor.
But clearly, Gilbert was not that kind of man. Even Scarlett Johansson had only secured her place at Melon Manor after she had become a stunning beauty.
Of course, Scarlett and Gilbert had a special relationship. This promising Hollywood actress owed everything to Gilbert—he had brought her to where she was today.
Emma Watson desperately wanted to be the next Scarlett Johansson, but unfortunately, Gilbert didn't seem particularly interested.
Her agent encouraged her, saying, "Emma, you've got a great chance. I heard Tom Cruise will personally attend the auditions today. Don't be nervous—just do your best."
Emma nodded seriously. "Don't worry. I'm determined to get this role."
Not far away, Saoirse Ronan was also preparing.
Back in 2003, Saoirse had acted in her first TV series The Clinic, which made her a small child star in Ireland and the UK.
Later, she followed her parents to Los Angeles in search of opportunities, where she was spotted by an agency that got her a few roles in different productions.
Because of that experience, Saoirse Ronan's name was eventually added to the Screen Actors Guild roster, allowing her to enter the final round of auditions.
Today, her parents had accompanied her. They looked even more nervous than she did—after all, this was a film directed by the world-renowned Gilbert, whose name was known across Europe.
If their daughter was chosen, it would mean instant stardom.
Saoirse, however, smiled and tried to comfort them. "Don't be nervous, Mom, Dad. I'm ready. I'll nail this audition."
"That's easy to say," her mother whispered, pointing not far away. "Look—that's Hermione. She's here to audition too."
She didn't know Emma Watson's name, but she knew she had played Hermione—proof that the character and the actress were almost inseparable in the public's mind.
Saoirse looked in that direction and just happened to meet Emma Watson's gaze. The two locked eyes for a brief moment, and the air seemed to freeze.
After a second, both quickly averted their eyes.
Emma's expression turned displeased, while Saoirse smiled brightly. "It's alright, Mom. Director Gilbert isn't someone who judges based on fame or connections. As long as my audition is better than everyone else's, he'll definitely choose me."
Her mother sighed softly. "I hope you're right."
In the audition hall, assistant director Annie and the cinematographer were already in place, while Charles Roven reviewed the list of auditioning actors.
Gilbert walked into the hall with Scarlett bouncing beside him. She immediately ran up to Annie, grinning. "Hey, Annie! Long time no see!"
"Scarlett?" Annie said, pleasantly surprised. "When did you get here?"
"This morning," Scarlett said with a smile. "I begged Gilbert to bring me along to watch the auditions. How's everything going?"
"Pretty well," Annie replied mysteriously. "Today we've gathered the most outstanding young girls born after 1990. Every one of them is an excellent actress."
"Really? Then I've got to see this for myself," Scarlett said curiously.
Annie took Scarlett's hand and said playfully, "You know, if you were six or seven years younger, this role would definitely be yours. Gilbert wouldn't give it to anyone else."
"Of course," Scarlett said proudly. "I'm the perfect choice! But I suppose it's time to let the other young actresses have a chance."
Those who had worked with Gilbert for a long time all had a good relationship with Scarlett, and everyone knew how fond Gilbert was of her.
Even if they didn't want to flatter her, no one dared to offend this little princess.
Gilbert was talking with Charles Roven about some production matters, then quickly called over to Scarlett, "Sit down now, the auditions are about to begin."
"Got it!" Scarlett replied obediently, sitting beside Gilbert as docilely as a well-behaved Persian cat.
Outside the audition hall, Tom Cruise walked over accompanied by his assistant, passing by the waiting room full of young actresses.
The moment the Hollywood superstar appeared, every pair of eyes turned toward him.
Many of the parents and agents rarely had the chance to be near a Hollywood legend, and the eleven- to thirteen-year-old girls were old enough to understand exactly what the name Tom Cruise meant.
Tom Cruise waved warmly at them, greeting the young actresses before stepping into the audition hall.
"Tom, you're here? Thanks for coming today," Gilbert said, giving him a hug.
"Don't mention it, it's my pleasure to cooperate," Tom replied. Then, noticing Scarlett beside him, he asked, "Scarlett, aren't you filming Iron Man right now?"
"Yeah," Scarlett replied, "but I don't have any scenes at the moment. The crew's still negotiating with the Pentagon about renting F-22 fighter jets for the movie. But after they read the script, the Pentagon wasn't happy and demanded revisions."
"Don't worry," Gilbert said with a knowing smile. "Michelle will take care of it."
"Don't even mention it," Scarlett sighed, rubbing her head. "Michelle's been really stressed lately. She said she'd rather be filming than dealing with all this paperwork."
After moving behind the scenes, Iron Man became Cameron Diaz's first film produced without Gilbert's direct involvement. Although Kevin Feige was also part of the team, he was still a newcomer in the film industry.
Because of that, Cameron Diaz had to handle a lot of work personally, and the pressure was heavy.
But if she wanted to become a good producer, this was a challenge Cameron Diaz had to face on her own. Gilbert didn't offer any special help—she had to learn how to grow by herself.
...
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