Sir Anthony Hopkins' performance was truly textbook.
He didn't need to shout. A subtle shift in his gaze, a light tap of his finger on the scepter, was enough to vividly portray the majesty, weariness, and deep-seated fatherly love of the All-Father.
Cassius watched entranced. Just as the old man was scolding Thor, a deep purple attribute orb [Oppressive Gaze +6] slowly dropped.
Purple!
Cassius exclaimed internally and immediately absorbed it with his mind.
A massive stream of information about how to use minimal eye muscle control to convey complex emotions of authority flooded his brain, instantly elevating his understanding of gaze acting to a new level.
Immediately after, his attention was drawn to Tom Hiddleston's Loki.
Tom was portraying Loki's complex state of superficial deference and internal scheming.
When he lowered his head slightly, the corner of his mouth curling into an almost invisible, secretive smile, a blue attribute orb [Cunning Expression +3] fell.
Absorb!
Cassius felt his control over his facial muscles become even more refined.
Over there, Chris Hemsworth was expressing his defiance and impulsiveness.
His waving arms, puffed-out chest, even the rhythm of his breathing were full of power and a slightly reckless vitality.
As he loudly retorted against Odin, a green attribute orb [Leadership Aura +2] dropped.
Although the level wasn't high, this kind of sunny leadership aura was exactly what Cassius lacked before.
Absorb immediately!
He didn't just watch the leads.
Those actors playing Asgardian ministers all had deep foundations in dialogue delivery; just standing there, they had presence.
One old actor, while stating government affairs, enunciated clearly with a full sense of rhythm, dropping a blue [Classical Rhythmic Dialogue +3].
Another used subtle body language to express distrust of Loki, dropping a green [Micro-Movement Expression +2].
Cassius quickly picked up and absorbed every glowing attribute orb he saw.
Gray, green, blue, and occasionally purple!
This quality, this density, was more than a hundred times better than waiting for gigs in Santa Monica!
As expected of a Marvel blockbuster, the average level of the actors was just too high!
Under this high-quality observational learning, Cassius felt his understanding of acting being refreshed every day.
The absorbed attribute orbs not only boosted his panel stats but, more importantly, broadened his acting horizons and technique library.
One afternoon a few days later, they were filming a scene where Fandral and Volstagg were resting and chatting after training.
This scene was relaxed, mainly showcasing the camaraderie between the Warriors Three.
Cassius and Ray Stevenson, who played Volstagg, sat opposite each other, drinking prop mead.
The lines were simple, just bantering about today's training and bragging a bit.
Before filming started, Cassius habitually adjusted his state.
He recalled the attributes he had absorbed over the past few days about "micro-expressions," "hidden cunning," and "classical rhythm," combined with Fandral's identity as a noble warrior, and had an idea.
"Action!"
Ray Stevenson spoke first, complaining about the intensity of the training in Volstagg's gruff tone.
Listening, Cassius wore Fandral's signature smile, elegant with a hint of roguishness, but there was something more in his eyes.
Not simple agreement or teasing, but an indulgence for his comrade's clumsy cuteness and a trace of imperceptible superiority.
He took a sip of mead, his movement natural and reserved, then followed up with his line in that Asgardian noble tone, yet incredibly natural, teasing Volstagg's drinking capacity.
Just as he completed this series of actions, he felt two slight barriers inside his body being breached simultaneously.
[Body Language Attribute leveled up to 2]
[Gaze Attribute leveled up to 2]
Leveled up!
And a double level up!
Instantly, a massive flow of information and a sense of bodily control surged.
His control over every muscle reached an unprecedented level of precision, as if he could feel the minute tremors of muscle fibers.
And his control over his gaze entered a new realm.
Not only could he transmit complex emotions more accurately, but he could even preliminarily feel how to use his gaze to guide the attention of his co-actors.
Behind the monitor, Director Branagh sat up slightly straighter.
He keenly sensed that the feeling Cassius projected in that shot was different from the previous days.
Not just Fandral's dashing nature, but with added depth, especially that profound look in his eyes—it had real substance.
"Cut! Very good!"
Director Branagh couldn't help asking, "Cass, what was the thought process behind that look just now?"
Cassius put down his cup, smiled, and said half-truthfully:
"Just felt that Fandral watching Volstagg making a fuss might be a bit like looking at his own big dog—disdainful but also kinda fond of him!"
This grounded metaphor made everyone laugh. Even Ray Stevenson laughed and punched him lightly.
Director Branagh smiled too, nodded, and didn't press further, but the appreciation in his eyes grew a few degrees.
This young Asian actor seemed to bring a little surprise every time he appeared.
After wrapping up, Cassius was in an excellent mood.
He happily packed his things, ready to drive back to Beverly Hills. He even hummed a tuneless song on the way.
These days of squatting on set collecting attributes were just too happy!
When Cassius drove the Porsche, which he was still a bit smug about, back into the garage in Beverly Hills, he found Kristen's car already parked next to it.
He raised an eyebrow; she wrapped up pretty early today too.
Pushing open the door, it was quiet inside, only faint sounds coming from the open kitchen in the distance.
Changing his shoes, he walked over and saw Kristen with her back to him, rummaging through the refrigerator.
She was wearing a loose home T-shirt and gym shorts, her blonde hair tied up in a messy bun, a few stray strands hanging by her neck.
Hearing footsteps, she turned around. Her face showed a bit of fatigue, but her eyes lit up when she saw Cassius.
"Hey, you're back!"
"Wrapped early today!"
Cassius walked over, leaning naturally against the island counter, looking at her.
"You finished early too?"
"Just got back not long ago. Exhausted."
Kristen took out a bottle of water, unscrewed it, took a sip, and scanned his face.
"You look pretty energetic! Successful cultivation in Asgard?"
Cassius smiled, not taking the bait, and asked instead, "What's for dinner?"
"Don't know, no appetite. Maybe ate too much on the plane."
Kristen pouted, placed the water bottle on the counter, turned to face him fully, and looked him up and down.
"Haven't seen you for a few days, you seem in good shape!"
There was a different meaning in her eyes, and her tone dragged slightly.
Cassius met her gaze and understood instantly.
They hadn't seen each other for several days, busy with their respective shoots, exchanging text messages at most.
Something in the air seemed to have quietly changed.
The daily conversation about dinner was quickly replaced by an ambiguous atmosphere.
Kristen took a step forward, closing the distance. Her fingers unconsciously traced the smooth edge of the island counter, her gray-green eyes staring straight at him, her voice lowered.
"So, Mr. Cass, did you miss me these past few days?"
Cassius looked at her face close to his. He could smell the faint, fresh scent of post-shower on her, mixed with a hint of her usual cool perfume.
His Adam's apple bobbed. He didn't speak but reached out and gently held her hand resting on the counter.
The moment their fingertips touched, it was like a silent switch.
Kristen grabbed his fingers back, her grip strong.
Cutting the chatter, she pulled him directly towards the master bedroom, her steps a bit hurried.
Cassius let her drag him, not resisting, just feeling his heart beat a little faster.
The indescribable longing accumulated over the past few days seemed to ignite all at once.
Click!
Entering the bedroom, the door closed gently behind them.
Kristen pushed him against the door panel, standing on tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck, and kissing him.
Cassius paused for a second, then reacted, responding immediately.
One arm went around her waist, pressing her to him; the other hand threaded through the stray hair at the back of her head, cradling her head to deepen the kiss.
The unfamiliarity from not seeing each other for days melted rapidly in this intense, almost fierce kiss, leaving only familiar warmth and desire.
When they parted, both were panting a little.
Kristen pressed her forehead against his, breathing rapidly, her eyes misty and carrying obvious aggression.
"Enough talk! Be direct!"
Her words sent blood rushing to Cassius's head. He let out a low laugh.
"As you wish!"
............