Han Fei’s understanding of fear was far better than anyone present. He had lived through the deepest despair, his experience was branded inside his mind. In this story, he was the victim and the murderer. He needed to manifest two types of fear. The first was the fear of the killer; and the second of the fear of death, the respect a killer would have towards the enveloping darkness. He was familiar with all the personas, their strengths and weaknesses. He needed to outsmart and out-manoeuvre 8 individuals inside this apartment so that he would be the last one standing.
Cattle Alley was his worldview and the House of the Butcher deep inside the alley was his mind brought to life. All his 9 personas lived there. They had gotten used to one another but one day, the peace was shattered when one of them was murdered.
Opening his eyes, Han Fei turned to the male actor before him. He placed himself back inside the haunted apartment, playing a game that he could not afford to lose. Toeing the line between life and death, he danced at the edge of the abyss. He placed himself fully into the mindset of the main persona, he needed to pick up the blade and murder the 8 different versions of himself. He needed to kill to save himself. Each meticulously-planned death was the swan song for each persona.
Just with 2 readings, Han Fei memorized all the lines. The male actor on the stage with him started to pour with cold sweat. Han Fei’s presence overshadowed him. This scene was meant to be one where the main male character started to question the intention of Han Fei’s character. Through indirect questioning, he planned to draw information out from Han Fei but gradually he realized his lines appeared so weak and powerless before Han Fei. He involuntarily moved his eyes away. His brain warned him that the man standing before him was going to kill him but the scariest thing was, he had no evidence to prove that!
Originally, the reading was supposed to last only for 5 minutes but no one dared to stop the scene until it was over. The tall male actor’s face was rather pale. As an experienced actor, he had not been so nervous in a long time already. Being on the stage with Han Fei, he needed to be 200 percent present to keep up with Han Fei’s rhythm.
Once the scene was over, the people in the audience seat whispered among themselves. They were mightily impressed by Han Fei’s performance. The more Director Zhang got to know Han Fei, the greater his satisfaction. It was like Han Fei was born to play this role. Director Zhang had a good eye for talent due to his years in the business. He already had his eyes on Han Fei when he watched Twin Flowers. Before he met Han Fei, he felt there was just something missing in the other actors who came to read for this role. It was not that they were not good enough but they simply lacked something that later Director Zhang realized was unique to Han Fei. To ensure his project’s perfection, Director Zhang even made this special trip to Xin Lu.
After watching Han Fei’s audition, Director Zhang knew that his trip was not wasted. The 9 personas had different personalities, careers and backgrounds. Even though the main persona was ultimately just a side character, he was also the key that kept the whole machine running. Only by having a solid main villain that the other characters would have the chance to shine.
“Han Fei, do you mind sharing with me your perspective on this character?” Director Zhang who was famed for his sternness was smiling all the while he was conversing with Han Fei. “Come, I feel like we have many things to talk about.”
Walking down the stage, Han Fei did not hide anything, he shared his own opinions with Director Zhang. They chatted for half an hour and Director Zhang already decided to cast Han Fei for the role. When he found out Han Fei was not attached to any company, he called his personal assistant over to draw up a contract for Han Fei.
“Even though this movie has conventional main male and female actors, every single actor has their own weight to carry. All 9 personas are played by professional actors, I aim to shoot for the Oscars with this film.” After watching Han Fei’s performance, he felt like he had found the last missing piece for his project.
“Director Zhang, I really cannot leave Xin Lu…”
“If you’re concerned about that, I will add this extra clause in the contract where all of your parts will be completed in Xin Lu.” Director Zhang showed great understanding. He believed only Han Fei was able to bring his character to life.
“Thank you, Director Zhang.” Han Fei read through the contract but he did not sign it instantly.
“Do you have other questions? Is it the pay? We can negotiate that further.”
“No, sir, I’m very satisfied with the pay, it’s just that I won’t be able to participate in the shoot from midnight to 5 am. But I will do my best to complete my job before midnight.” For any actors, shooting overnight was incredibly common.
“No problem.” Director Zhang agreed easily. Seeing how easily the senior director caved, the other male actor was unable to hide his shock. If this was someone else making the demand, Director Zhang would have walked off already. After making sure there was no problem, Han Fei signed his name and then used his id to scan the e-contract.
“It has been a journey to gather all 9 actors. You should go back home to take some rest, we’ll call you to meet the rest of the crew in about 3 days.”
“Okay.” Han Fei was going to be a part of a big movie and it was in cooperation with Director Zhang, he would not even dare to dream of this in the past. Han Fei left after signing the contract. It was by then just past 9 pm. After he left, Director Zhang made to leave as well but he was stopped by his assistant. “Sir, we still have a few other actors here for the reading. Aren’t you going to stay to look through their performance?” The assistant said helplessly. “They are all new actors from powerful companies. It’ll be quite rude to tell them to leave without even giving them the chance to show their skills.”
“You’re right.” Director Zhang patted his assistant on his shoulder. “So you and Ol’ Zhang will stay here to observe their performance. If there’s any good talent, take note for me.” Then Director Zhang walked towards the exit. He hummed under his breath, he was in a good mood.
“Ever since Director Zhang lost that big award, he has not been so plainly happy already.” The male actor who was on the stage with Han Fei commented.
“Brother Zhang, I’ll leave the readings of the other actors to you, I need to go and figure out how to reply to their representative companies.” The assistant hurried to chase after Director Zhang and left the male actor at the scene.
“Hey! Don’t do this to me! I have my own schedule too!”
…
Rubbing his hands nervously, Ah Cheng tried his best to memorize his lines. However, he could not stop images of Han Fei from appearing in his mind. ‘Just you wait, you’re not snatching this role away from me this time!’
Popping a gum into his mouth, he glanced at the clock on the wall. It was almost 9 pm when the worker walked into the waiting room.
“Is it our turn?” The actor from Secret Urban Romance stood up with the script. “We’ll take the stage according to our decided order. Guys, like what we said earlier, no matter who gets it, we’ll be happy for him.”
After the young actors lined up in a row, they looked expectantly at the worker. Ah Cheng who stood at the front already had the image of a defeated Han Fei in his mind. His desire to defeat Han Fei was so pronounced that the script in his grip bent out of shape.
“You’ve even decided on an order already?” With the pairs of anticipatory eyes on him, the worker found it difficult to force out the words that he was told to deliver. He pursed his lips awkwardly before adding in a whisper. “I’m sorry but the role has already been set. I’m here to tell everyone that you are free to go home now.”
