Chapter 49: Can’t Escape

Basically, it was over in five or six minutes, without even a complete opportunity to showcase oneself. This situation left everyone feeling unusually downcast, with a repressive atmosphere filling the venue. It wasn’t until the seventh person that things got a little better, and gradually everyone’s mindset began to calm down. As one audition after another ended, everyone started to gradually accept this pressure and tried to adjust themselves to the best state. Anyway, since there’s no escaping this ordeal, why not go all out? With this thought, many people mustered the courage to face the upcoming challenges. Clara Bennett was in fourteenth place, while Nell Sue was in eighteenth. Their positions were not far apart, but this small gap seemed to make Nell Sue very dissatisfied. It was clear from her eyes that there was a hint of jealousy and hostility, as she stared intently at the girl not far away. Finally, it was Clara Bennett’s name: Clara White. The host’s crisp voice announced the next person to take the stage, breaking the previous silence. Clara Bennett stood up, flaunting her perfect figure, her flawless curves drawing everyone’s gaze. She then removed her mask and hat, combed her loose black hair with a few swift motions, and flashed a radiant smile, "Finally, it’s my turn." These words seemed to be filled with power, giving an impression of absolute determination. Sunlight streamed in from outside, Clara Bennett raised her head to the light, using the rubber band on her wrist to tie her hair up. The beam of sunlight beautifully contrasted with her face, making her look extraordinarily dazzling. In that instant, she appeared as if she was glowing all over. Everything around seemed to pale in comparison, leaving her as the focal point. Everyone present was left in awe; such beauty was truly rare! Each person was captivated by the light she emitted, as if she was the only one in the room. This girl seemed like a model who stepped out of a fashion magazine, every detail exuding an aura of elegance and style. Nell Sue’s expression changed immediately, a flicker of surprise and puzzlement in her eyes! What was up with her blind manager? Could it be that they’ve been too busy to notice? Allowing such a strong competitor to appear at the audition! Clara Bennett was clearly intent on using this opportunity to showcase herself, putting psychological pressure on Nell Sue. She first gently tied up her long hair, put on a peaked cap, and then smiled slightly at Nell Sue, seemingly conveying a message. Finally, she turned and confidently walked toward the audition area. Hmph, when it comes to beauty, she will not lose. She inwardly decided to let Nell Sue stew outside, and see how he handles it later! Upon entering the room, Clara Bennett bowed slightly to Director Smith, the screenwriter, and the assistant director, her movements both graceful and courteous. Despite it being just a small gesture, her perfect appearance was still hard to overlook. Even Ethan Smith, who was usually very calm, couldn’t help but cast a few more glances at her, captivated by her unique charm. Clara Bennett’s appearance was indeed outstanding, but the hope was that this was not merely about looks, more importantly, she needed to have corresponding talent. The director in charge of casting was particularly pleased to see such a beautiful candidate, quickly instructing the staff nearby, "Props team, hurry and get ready, we will need to use this." However, Clara Bennett gently shook her head and refused, "No need to trouble you, it’s a dagger that’s needed, right? I already brought one myself." As soon as she finished speaking, she placed one foot steadily on the nearby table, then swiftly rolled up her pants to reveal the dagger she had brought along. With this action, the sunlight just happened to shine through the window into the room, creating a strong reflection on the blade’s surface, the shimmering light directly glaring into the eyes of the three people sitting across from her. This scene could truly be described as "a flash of cold light"! Seeing this, the casting director gasped in astonishment, immediately asking, "Are you... are you Clara White? So is the dagger you’re holding now also a prop prepared by the crew?" Facing this question, Clara Bennett answered openly, "That’s not the case, this is a real dagger I prepared myself, and it has been specially treated, so it’s particularly sharp!" With that, to verify the truth of her words, she casually picked up a plastic bottle filled with water placed on the table as a target object. In the next moment, a lightning-fast flash of light was seen, and the original intact bottle mouth was sliced off. "Look at this effect, isn’t it impressive? I think using this weapon can fully simulate the shocking effect of ’a deadly slash’ in a movie." The three people watching the entire process from a short distance exchanged glances, all unanimously sighing in admiration, truly incredible! Such talent is truly rare to come across. The casting director’s face turned a little pale, with fine beads of sweat faintly appearing on his forehead. If not for years of experience in the industry telling him not to lose composure, he might have already covered his neck and fled in panic. After all, the scene before them instinctively made people tense. If they didn’t cast her as the lead actress, would something happen right there on set? This ominous premonition kept lingering in his mind, making him feel uncomfortable, as if there was a bone stuck in his throat. Was she here for the audition, or purposefully here to demonstrate her unique skills? At this moment, Clara Bennett broke the silence, her tone calm yet filled with undeniable confidence, "May I begin?" This brief sentence made everyone present feel an invisible pressure. Ethan Smith cautiously replied, trying to appear as composed as possible, "Don’t you think it’s safer to use a different prop? What if there’s an accident?" His concern wasn’t without reason, and everyone present could understand the apprehension behind his thoughts. "During an actual shoot, fakes can be used, but showcasing the skills now with the real thing can better convey the genuine tension and excitement." Clara Bennett answered directly, "After all, when the audience eventually watches the film, they won’t care about the specifics of the behind-the-scenes preparations, they’ll be more engrossed in the story’s brilliance." Her eyes were filled with a persistence for the ultimate pursuit of art. The three of them remained silent for a while, indeed impressed by Clara Bennett’s daring and expressive approach, it was so real! The air seemed to carry the scent of an impending fierce confrontation. Fortunately, Ethan Smith, being a renowned director with countless classic works, had the experience and poise to maintain the necessary calm and showed no sign of panic. This allowed the situation to maintain a semblance of calm on the surface. While the screenwriter beside him maintained silence throughout, in observing Clara Bennett’s performance, his eyes unmistakably glimmered with admiration and appreciation.