Walking out of the virtual cinema, the surrounding environment suddenly quieted down, devoid of the various magical landscapes. This made Chu Qianze breathe a sigh of relief. He opened the light-screen navigation, preparing to search for the nearest dessert shop.
This time, there shouldn’t be any problems, right?
“Wait.”
A voice sounded, but Chu Qianze directly ignored it, continuing to walk forward.
“Please wait!” Shen Hezhi ran over from behind. Because of his speed, he rushed past Chu Qianze and ended up in front of him. However, with quick reflexes, he promptly adjusted his angle to face Chu Qianze.
Chu Qianze halted his steps. “What’s the matter?”
“I’m Shen Hezhi. We just met. Do you remember?” Shen Hezhi calmed his breathing before speaking.
“Yeah, the one who hired to play the role of your boyfriend to get rid of a childhood friend’s persistent pursuit. Quite memorable,” Chu Qianze replied.
Shen Hezhi shrugged, wearing an expression of resignation.
“For certain reasons, I chose this scene,” he said. Now detached from their roles, he couldn’t help but admit it was a bit melodramatic.
“You played it well, quite convincing,” Chu Qianze sincerely remarked.
“I saw clearly how my performance was just now. But thanks for the compliment,” Shen Hezhi replied. While talking, he didn’t give up scrutinizing Chu Qianze. The more he looked, the more he felt a resemblance, and his gaze couldn’t help but linger.
“Is there something on my face?” Chu Qianze touched his nose.
“Nothing,” Shen Hezhi assured.
Realizing that he might have been too obvious in his emotions, Shen Hezhi reined it in, a hint of embarrassment on his face. “It might be a bit forward, but have you ever considered acting?”
“Is this a new role-playing scenario?” Chu Qianze looked back, confirming that he had already exited the virtual cinema. “It seems like we’re beyond the designated area.”
“It’s not a game role-play,” Shen Hezhi clarified, realizing the misunderstanding as Chu Qianze looked back.
“So, it’s a new method of deception then?” Chu Qianze casually remarked.
Shen Hezhi pressed his lips together.
This was the first time he had spoken like this to a stranger. Putting himself in the other person’s shoes, if someone approached him like this, he probably wouldn’t have entertained the conversation.
Recalling something, he activated his light-brain and pulled up his character profile. “Here’s my identification information with the official seal. It can prove its authenticity. Rest assured, I’m not a suspicious person.”
His fingers glided across the light-brain screen, and Chu Qianze’s gaze passed over the official seal on the side. This was probably the official seal the other person mentioned.
Forgery of an official seal was considered one of the most serious crimes. Therefore, presenting personal information with an official seal here could effectively prove one’s identity.
He had noticed earlier that based on personal achievements and status, different groups had different official seals. Shen Hezhi’s seal belonged to the more advanced category.
“Why did you look for me?” Chu Qianze pushed the light screen away and placed his hands in his pockets.
“There’s a dessert shop nearby with great flavors. How about we go there and chat?” Seeing that the other person believed him, Shen Hezhi closed his information page.
After a moment of consideration, Chu Qianze agreed.
“Then come with me.” With the other’s agreement, Shen Hezhi couldn’t help but smile, a hint of joy in his expression.
Arriving at the place, Shen Hezhi opened the door and gestured for Chu Qianze to enter first. He then led them to a window-side table. “The view here is quite nice. What would you like to eat? You can just order here.”
Chu Qianze looked at the menu in front of him. Honestly, there were many items he wasn’t familiar with, so he casually ordered a recommended series and pushed the menu towards Shen Hezhi.
“Is this okay?” Shen Hezhi confirmed with him, glancing at the menu. “The Pineapple Paradise here is excellent, featuring a pineapple flavor, but they also have other fruit options worth trying.”
“I haven’t been here for a few days, and they’ve already launched new items. Looks like I’m in for a treat this time,” Chu Qianze remarked.
Shen Hezhi ordered all the featured items on the menu and submitted the order. After a short while, the sound of clashing metal echoed, and a mechanical arm descended from above, placing all the desserts on the table.
“Wishing you a delightful dining experience,” a gentle female voice sounded.
“Let’s dig in,” Shen Hezhi said, rotating the table and gesturing for Chu Qianze to start.
Chu Qianze picked up a plate and placed it in front of himself but didn’t immediately start eating. “Is there something on your mind? Let’s talk while we eat.”
“Have you ever watched the TV series ‘Extraterrestrial Invasion’?” Shen Hezhi cut to the chase.
“I’ve heard of it,” Chu Qianze replied. He had just heard about it from the system.
“They’re currently casting for a new series and conducting a nationwide audition. If you’re interested in acting, I can recommend you,” Shen Hezhi explained, choosing his words carefully to convey his message clearly.
“I don’t have any experience in acting, so I might not meet your expectations,” Chu Qianze admitted without hiding anything.
“It’s okay; these things can be learned. There’s a role that’s particularly suitable for you. I see him in you, something that others can’t portray! Experience and skills can be acquired later, but there are some things that can’t be imitated; they’re unique!” Shen Hezhi, leaning on the table with both hands, was eager to express his thoughts.
God knew how excited he was when he saw this person. After explaining the situation to Zhu Bing and asking for help with tidying up, he immediately rushed out.
“If you’re interested in acting, you can give it a try. That role fits you perfectly. Please trust my judgment.” Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Shen Hezhi took a sip of cold tea to calm his emotions.
“May I ask, what role you want me to play?” Chu Qianze adjusted the light screen under the table, preparing to check the character details once Shen Hezhi mentioned the name.
“Chu Qianze.”
“Hmm?” The tapping on the light screen paused. Chu Qianze didn’t immediately respond but waited for Shen Hezhi to continue.
Shen Hezhi tightened his grip on the cup. “That person’s name is Chu Qianze. Those who know a bit about history should have heard his name. In the final battle two hundred years ago, he single-handedly stopped the advance of the extraterrestrial invaders, securing a precious three minutes that contributed to the victory in the war.”
Feeling something was off, Chu Qianze placed his hand below the light screen, swiped it open, and searched for the name Chu Qianze. A bunch of search results appeared.
Oh, there’s even an official homepage?
Clicking in, Chu Qianze’s expression became somewhat complicated.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Shen Hezhi continued talking, and once he started with that name, he found it hard to stop.
“He excels in both literary and martial arts, outstanding in abilities, handsome in character and appearance…”
Chu Qianze blinked rapidly and raised his hand, gesturing, “Isn’t that a bit too much?”
Shen Hezhi slapped the table. “You can criticize me, but you can’t criticize him!”
Stirring up a hornet’s nest.
Chu Qianze said, “…Go on.”
Shen Hezhi cleared his throat. “In short, he’s a hero and my idol.”
Rubbing his ears, Chu Qianze responded a beat slower.
“If you’re interested, you can sign up on the official website, and just fill in my name as the guarantor. The system will then send you the audition time and location, and you can come directly then.” Shen Hezhi felt a bit thirsty from talking too much and took a sip of tea.
“I feel like it’s a bit too much for me to play such an important character. I don’t really see how I fit the role,” Chu Qianze lightly laughed, scooping up a spoonful of cake.
“I’m not afraid of your jokes. The moment I saw you, I just felt that the role could be played by you. It’s a strange intuition, but my instincts are usually right, so this time, I choose to believe in it,” Shen Hezhi said, looking at the person in front of him with sincerity.
Glancing at the task list on the light screen, Chu Qianze took another bite of cake. “Thanks, I’ll give it a try.”
“Really?” Shen Hezhi stood up, grabbing Chu Qianze’s hands, a smile brightening his face. “I’ll explain the situation to the director, and he will personally assess you when the time comes.”
“Oh, there’s still an assessment?” This seemed a bit different from what was implied earlier.
It felt a bit like joining clubs and student unions in college, where seniors lured you in with kind words, but during the actual interview, they each became noble and aloof, ultimately passing you over.
Shen Hezhi fell silent, feeling like he needed to salvage the situation.
“Because this shoot is of great significance, every aspect needs to be handled carefully. The final casting requires agreement from all three parties. Because you resemble the character and gave me that impression, which is quite rare, you’ve passed in my eyes. However, it still needs to be looked at by the director and the investors. But I trust their judgment and vision—”
“If you really want to act, give it a try. What if you get selected?”
While talking, suddenly, a suppressed chuckle was heard. Looking up, Shen Hezhi saw Chu Qianze trying to stifle a laugh.
Did I just get played?
Shen Hezhi furrowed his brow slightly. This person seemed distracted from the beginning, not appearing very interested.
Why did he feel like the other person resembled that character? Shen Hezhi suddenly doubted his own judgment.
“I understand. Such an important role wouldn’t be given to me right away. I’ll apply for the audition, challenge myself, after all, opportunities like this are rare,” Chu Qianze said, moving his wrist. “Could you please let go of my hand?”
Shen Hezhi finally realized that he had been holding onto the other’s wrist. “Sorry.”
“Let’s exchange contact information first,” Shen Hezhi said, taking out his phone and navigating to the contacts page. He handed the phone to Chu Qianze. “Just send it directly to me.”
The phone and the light-brain were interconnected, so either could be used.
Chu Qianze took the phone, entered his contact information into his light-brain, then made a brief call and hung up before handing the phone back.
“Now that we’ve finished chatting, I’ll take my leave. Thank you for the invitation,” Chu Qianze said.
“Alright,” Shen Hezhi glanced at the desserts on the table, realizing that the other person only ate a portion of what he ordered. “Are these not to your liking?”
“I’m full.”
Chu Qianze smiled, walked toward the door, and said, “Goodbye.”
“What’s your name?” Shen Hezhi suddenly realized that he hadn’t asked for the other person’s name.
The motion of opening the door came to a halt, and Chu Qianze paused, turning back to look at Shen Hezhi. “Sent it to you.”
Without further delay, he opened the door and left.
From that angle just now, he really resembled…
Shen Hezhi stood in a daze for a moment, recalling Chu Qianze’s words. He lowered his head and glanced at his phone, eyes slightly widened.
On the phone screen, in the contacts section, three words were displayed: Chu Qianze.
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