novellhall Chapter 70 "2 Broke Girls"
Chapter 70 "2 Broke Girls"
"How is it?"
Robert watched Chen Xun's expression nervously.
Chen Xun closed the script, a satisfied smile spreading across his face:
"This version is much more interesting!"
He likes this setting.
It retains the cultural characteristics of Asian characters, sheds low-level stereotypes, and adds unique memorable elements.
This kind of handsome Eastern man with a touch of mystery is really not often seen in American TV series.
Yes!
Rob excitedly pumped his fist:
"I knew you'd like it!"
"They really put in the effort this time. They listened to your suggestions and even hired a consultant to enrich the character. Now, Han Li is no longer a joke, but a participant and even a creator of laughs!"
Christine flipped through a few pages and nodded:
"Hmm, this character is much more pleasing to the eye; at least he doesn't make me want to smash the TV while watching it!"
"Is the next step an audition?" Chen asked.
"Yes! I've already scheduled a meeting with director Michael Patrick King and the producer for the day after tomorrow."
"Although the script has been revised according to your requirements, the necessary procedures still need to be followed, and there are other candidates as well!"
"Don't worry, you're their top choice right now. As long as your audition performance is satisfactory, the role will definitely be yours."
Robert paused, then added:
"They're also very interested in you and want to see for themselves what this script-changing actor is like!"
The pressure was put on Chen Xun.
The script has been revised, but whether it can be won in the end depends on the performance on the spot.
"no problem!"
Chen Xun nodded, already having some ideas in mind.
This new version of Han Li needs a mysterious quality of "I know my destiny, but I won't reveal it".
This is a good challenge and opportunity for him to showcase his current acting skills.
"Get ready!"
Rob patted him on the shoulder:
"Getting this role will put you on the mainstream television radar! Sitcoms offer a lot of exposure!"
Rob gave a few more instructions on the audition details before driving away, satisfied.
Chen Xun and Christine returned to the house.
Chen Xun took the new script and sat down on the sofa to study it carefully.
"Looks like you're going to become a charlatan?"
Christine poured him a glass of water and handed it to him, teasingly.
"This is called Eastern wisdom!"
Chen Xun corrected her.
He looked at the script and subconsciously mimicked the action of tossing coins with his fingers, pondering how to portray the seemingly casual yet precise fortune-telling state.
Chen Xun discovered that this role required a great sense of rhythm and control over facial expressions.
It needs to convey that mysterious and enigmatic feeling, but it can't be too flamboyant and make it seem like a fraud.
While catching Max's sarcastic remarks, maintain the character's composure and humor.
These two attributes are exactly what can be used to achieve this.
The sense of rhythm and dry humor that I previously learned from Robert Pattinson seems to be able to be incorporated into the design.
"Do you need me to go over the words?"
Christine sat down beside him and picked up another copy of the script:
"I can reluctantly play the role of Max and use my sharp tongue to hone you."
Chen Xun smiled as he looked at her eager expression:
"Alright, then I'll leave it to Miss Max."
The two began practicing the revised script for "2 Broke Girls" in the living room of Beverly Hills.
Chen Xun tried to find Han Li's unique tone and manner.
Christine imitated Max's fast and scathing style of roasting, occasionally adding her own impromptu remarks that almost made Chen Xun burst out laughing.
During a break from practice, Chen Xun looked at the script in his hand and felt a great sense of accomplishment.
It feels more fulfilling to be able to push a character to change in a more positive and interesting direction than simply getting a role.
He's determined to get the role at the audition the day after tomorrow!
……
Chen Xun arrived at the Warner Bros. Studios for his audition for "2 Broke Girls" at the agreed time.
Robert accompanied him, constantly reminding him of precautions along the way, but Chen Xun himself was quite relaxed.
As soon as he entered, he felt the relaxed and lively atmosphere unique to sitcom crews.
Director Michael Patrick King and several producers were already seated behind a long table.
The two leading actresses, Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs, were also present.
"List!"
As soon as Kat Dennings saw him, she waved enthusiastically, her face beaming with an undisguised smile of familiarity.
"Wow, we've traveled all the way from Asgard to our little Brooklyn restaurant?"
Chen Xun smiled and gave her a high five: "I hope the rent here is cheaper than at the Immortal Palace."
Beth Behrs also greeted him in a friendly manner.
Except for Kat Dennings, whose favorability rating is 50, the others' ratings are all in the 30-40 range.
The director and producer looked at him with curiosity, clearly interested in this actor who dared to say no to the original script and actually pushed for changes to the character.
After exchanging pleasantries, the director got straight to the point:
"Chen, we all really like the direction of revising the Later Han Dynasty's Li family!"
"Today I want to see how you portray this mysterious and humorous handsome Eastern man. Kate will be acting with you, in the scene on page three of the script where Han Lee first uses a coin to tell Max's fortune."
"no problem!"
Chen Xun nodded.
He calmly pulled three gleaming silver coins from his pocket.
This was specially prepared by him, and he practiced at home for a long time.
Kate Dennings immediately switched into Max mode.
With her hands on her hips, she spoke in her signature, slightly mocking yet languid tone:
"Okay, my mysterious boss, how's my luck today?"
"Can you predict whether a handsome millionaire will fall into my arms today?"
Han Li, played by Chen Xun, did not answer immediately.
He gracefully walked to the table that had temporarily served as the restaurant counter, and gently weighed the three coins in his palm, his movements natural and fluid.
Under everyone's curious gaze, he didn't simply toss the coins. Instead, with a nimble flick of his fingers, the three coins seemed to be under a spell, spinning and weaving rapidly between his knuckles.
His upgraded physical attributes have made his control over his muscles more precise, allowing him to perform these kinds of tricks with ease.
The director and producer exchanged a surprised look.
Kat Dennings was also taken aback for a moment, then channeled Max and retorted:
"Wow, looks like you're not just a restaurant owner, you're a street magician too!"
"But will this trick of yours help me pay my rent?"
Chen Xun stopped his coin trick, and the three coins landed steadily back in his palm.
He looked up at Kate, a teasing glint in his eyes, a subtle smile characteristic of people from the East playing at the corners of his lips.
"Magic can't, but wisdom might!"
His voice was calm and had a unique rhythm.
Following the script, he tossed the coin on the counter, then looked down at the divination result, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were truly interpreting some divine secret.
Then, he looked up and said to Max in a serious tone:
"The divination indicates that you will meet someone today who will change your financial situation... however, it may not be in the way you expect."
"He'll probably be wearing a cheap suit, carrying a dubious business plan, and trying to trick you into giving him your entire fortune!"
He paused, then added, a sly glint in his eyes:
"So I suggest you sell small cakes instead!"
The performance was completed in one go.
He captured Han Li's mystique and humor perfectly.
It's neither too mystical and fake, nor too bland and lacking in comedic effect.
Especially the cool coin trick at the beginning, which instantly distinguished this character from the traditional impression of Asian characters, added a unique charm and memorable point.
"Cut!"
Director Michael shouted, a barely suppressed smile on his face:
"Excellent! Chen, that's exactly the feeling! Mysterious, interesting, yet not annoying!"
"Did you add this coin toss game yourself?"
"A little trick, I think it might suit Han Li's personality!"
"Chen Xun put away the coins and said modestly.
"Perfect! It instantly brought this character to life!"
The director was clearly very satisfied.
Kat Dennings smiled and nodded:
"Hey buddy, that's really cool! Can you teach me on set sometime? Maybe I can use it to scare away those difficult customers!"
Beth Behrs also agreed:
"Yes, Chen, your performance made Han very charming, and your interactions with Max and Caroline felt just right!"
The following process became simple, even somewhat perfunctory.
After Chen Xun, several more Asian actors came in to audition.
They may have good acting skills, but neither their image and temperament, nor their unique understanding of the mysterious Eastern humor of the character, can achieve the natural and highly personal effect that Chen Xun just demonstrated.
Especially compared to Chen Xun's dazzling coin-handling skills, their performance seemed somewhat bland and conventional.
The director and producer exchanged a few words in hushed tones, nodding occasionally, their eyes glancing from time to time at Chen Xun, who sat to the side waiting for the results.
After all the auditions were completed.
Director Michael Patrick King walked directly up to Chen Xun and extended his hand:
"Chen, your performance has exceeded all our expectations!"
Welcome to the 2 Broke Girls family! We look forward to the chemistry you'll bring!
Is that settled?
Chen Xun breathed a sigh of relief.
Although he was confident, he was still pleasantly surprised that things went so smoothly.
Chen Xun grasped the director's hand:
"Thank you, director. I will do my best!"
Rob, grinning from ear to ear, quickly stepped forward to finalize the details of the subsequent contract with the producer.
Kat Dennings came over and gave him a hug:
"Congratulations! Looks like we'll be colleagues in Brooklyn for a while longer! Remember to teach me how to play with coins!"
"No problem, you can use your little cake to pay for the tuition!"
Chen Xun joked.