Peter stared at the script, his heart hammering with excitement. Although he had never been in a large-scale sex scene before, the audition with Isabella had proven just how powerful the system was. Being able to work with an actress like Vanessa in a scene this significant wasn't just a rare opportunity; it was a gift from the gods.
Seeing the ecstatic grin spreading across his face, Zara leaned in, her eyes scanning the script. "Desire, Betrayed, directed by Director Evans, starring Julian Croft, Adrian Shaw, Vanessa…"
As she read the names aloud, Zara's jaw dropped. She knew exactly how much weight those names carried in the industry. "Peter, you're going to be famous! You're actually acting opposite them! They're all huge stars!"
Peter's smile turned bitter. "Not really. I only have scenes with Vanessa, and I'm a faceless stand-in. I won't get famous from this. The audience won't even know who I am."
"Oh, that's a shame," she said, her expression softening. "But at least you can make some connections." Then, the humor of the situation hit her again, and she burst out laughing, unable to stop.
Peter couldn't help but smile. After four years as classmates, Zara was like a sister to him. He decided to change the subject. "If I get famous, I'll help you get famous too."
"Really? Awesome!"
He nodded, an evil glint in his eye. "But I'll have to 'discipline' you first. Make you film sex scenes with me."
Zara gave him a charming roll of the eyes. "If there's any ruling to be done, I'll be the one ruling you! I'll definitely get famous before you!"
"Tsk, we'll see about that," Peter retorted playfully. "It all depends on who gets popular first."
Suddenly, Zara seemed to spot another angle. "Wait a minute, Peter. Does this mean you were the one who got ruled? Is that how you got this role?"
"Hey! Your brother here has higher standards than that!"
"Do you?" Zara deadpanned.
Peter was speechless.
After chatting for a while, they went their separate ways. Zara was still desperately trying to find a company to sign her. She'd had several interviews with media companies and film crews, but they all ended in failure. Worse, in almost every interview, a director or producer had hinted that she could get the role if she was willing to accept the "unspoken rules." The past few days had given her a harsh new understanding of the entertainment industry. Her past self had been so naive, thinking that hard work and a degree from a prestigious drama school were all it took. She hadn't expected the real world to be so… evil. The entertainment industry was even more sinister.
Back in her dorm, she lay on her bed, the memory of those leering producers making her feel sick. She thought silently to herself that if the day ever came when she truly had no other choice, and she had to let someone 'discipline' her, she would definitely choose Peter. With that thought, she found herself genuinely hoping he would become a huge star soon. Of course, it was just a fantasy. Right now, Peter was just a stand-in, only slightly better off than she was.
Meanwhile, Peter returned to his own dorm and immediately began to study the script Isabella had given him. He quickly realized it contained no lines for his character. He was a stand-in for a sex scene; his job was to convey mood and state through action alone.
Lying on his bed, he mentally reviewed the plot and movements of the three infamous sex scenes from Desire, Betrayed as he remembered them from his past life, silently doing his homework. With the system's help, he felt confident he could replicate the shocking intensity of the original film. He just didn't know if it would be enough to make him famous.
Then, another problem occurred to him. In his world, the film had been banned.
His heart sank. But after a quick search on the internet, his worries vanished. In this world, the country's government was far less restrictive with media. This type of film could be released without any cuts.
"This world is really something else," Peter sighed. No more hunting for… study materials.
But a new worry crept in. Director Evans was famous for his relentless perfectionism. Even with the [Sex Skills] from the system, would it be enough to satisfy him? It seemed he needed to do more to prepare.
Wait a minute, he thought. The mission I completed earlier… the rewards should be here!
He immediately clicked on the system. In his inventory, an icon for ten consecutive draws appeared. He tapped it without hesitation. A large, spinning turntable materialized in his vision. Peter scanned the prizes and saw that they were all-encompassing: attribute points, luxury cars, mansions, cash, skills, songs, scripts… you name it, it was there.
"The system really is powerful," Peter murmured, closing his eyes. He said a silent prayer and hit the button. The turntable spun at a dizzying speed.
After a few seconds, he opened his eyes. Three icons had appeared in his rewards slot.
[Cash: 50,000]
[Skills: Storyboard Skills! (Grants the ability to draw master-level storyboards for films and TV series)]
[Skills: Favorability! (Allows you to see a girl's favorability towards you! Below 30: Disgusted; 30-60: Neutral; 60-70: Slightly Favorable; 70-80: Likes You; 80-90: Likes You a Lot; 90-100: Head over Heels, will do anything for you; 100: Completely Yours!)]
The cash is pathetic! he thought. And seven out of ten draws were empty? This system's drop rates are so bad, it's a waste of talent not to be a planner for EA!
Peter complained for a moment, but then he looked at the other two rewards. They were actually pretty good. The storyboarding skills could be useful immediately. And favorability… Well, Mom will never have to worry about me failing to pick up girls again.