Chapter 102
“Your ‘R‘ sound was slightly off just now. Try curling your tongue lightly, creating a sound similar to the English letter “L” Xanthes looked up and explained to him. Benjamin was momentarily startled, then quickly regained his composure and started to follow her Instructions, but to little avall.
After several failed attempts, Xanthea put down her notebook, “Why don’t you come sit closer?”
“Okay.”
Benjamin obediently moved across the table, sitting directly opposite her. Xanthea slightly opened her mouth and began demonstrating.
“When you’re trying to make the ‘R‘ sound, lightly curl the tip of your tongue like this, let your tongue gently touching your upper palate without too much force; otherwise, the sound won’t be accurate.”
She was like a dedicated teacher, but all Benjamin could focus on were her captivating eyes, the graceful arch of her nose, her rosy lips, and the glimpse of her delicate tongue… He was mesmerized once again.
Oliver walked into the office with some documents Just in time to witness this scene.
Xanthea was sitting across from Benjamin, gesticulating as if trying to explain something complex, while Benjamin stared at her, as if he were enchanted.
“I haven’t arrived yet, and you’ve already started discussing the script, haven’t you?” Oliver remarked.
“Uncle!” Xanthea exclaimed, standing up. Benjamin quickly averted his gaze, only realizing after a moment that his heartbeat was thundering.
“I was just teaching this gentleman how to pronounce the trilled R sound.”
“This gentleman?” Oliver chuckled, “Xan, don’t tell me you don’t recognize him?”
“Isn’t he your friend?” she replied, puzzled.
“Ha!” Oliver clapped Benjamin on the shoulder, introducing him grandly. “This, my dear, is the young master from the northern parts of Crestwood, a national movie star who has shattered box office records multiple times–Benjamin Jones!”
Benjamin? National movie star?
Suddenly, Xanthea remembered where she had seen him before.
“I’m sorry, Benjamin. My niece has always been so focused on her studies that she hardly pays attention to anything else, so she didn’t recognize you.”
“No worries. It’s precisely for that reason that Ms. Nightshade is so outstanding,” Benjamin responded, looking forward to seeing her excited reaction to his name.
“I remember now! The poster in my mom’s room, that’s you! You’re my mom’s favorite actor!”
“What?” Benjamin was stunned, never expecting this answer, “I just started early. I’m not that old.”
“Ha, Benjamin became famous at a young age, he’s only 26 this year, and has already made unparalleled achievements in the film industry. If you could star in ‘Realm of Illusions, I’d rest easy knowing Xan is in good hands!” Oliver added.
“What? Uncle, are you saying today’s surprise is inviting the Movie King to play the lead male in Realm of Illusions?” “That’s right, Ms. Nightshade. That Russian you were teaching me earlier is actually a line from the script,”
“Ah.”
Xanthea scratched her head, and seeing her look troubled, Benjamin was a bit puzzled, “Do you feel there’s something not quite right, Ms. Nightshade?”
“Not at all! It’s an honor to have such an experienced colleague join “Realm of Illusions. I’m just worried that it being my first time acting, my many shortcomings might cause you trouble.”
“That’s Okay, I don’t mind,” Benjamin shook his head without a second thought, “Just like how you instructed me in Russian, I can assist you in acting.”
Oliver was secretly astonished at Benjamin’s words. It was well–known that Benjamin was very demanding of his co–stars. If someone’s acting skills were unsatisfactory or they lacked professionalism, he wouldn’t even consider them. Having invited him personally to discuss staring as the male lead in “Realm of illusions,” Oliver had assumed that Benjamin would outright refuse upon learning that Xan was a novice, and had been prepared to negotiate heavily.