Chapter 135: Sorry, Taz.
"How was the audition?" Manager Kang paced back and forth outside the audition room, rushing to Simon the moment he saw him.
Simon stared at Manager Kang and slowly smiled in satisfaction. "They’re impressed. The only one they gave a round of applause to."
"I knew it!" Elated, Manager Kang cheered for everyone to hear. "Simon, we all know how hard you’ve worked to get this role. I’m sure it’s going to pay off!"
The managers and assistants around them sneered or rolled their eyes at the duo. They had to admit Simon was a good actor, but their opinion of Manager Kang was another story. He was a notorious bootlicker, after all.
"I’m so proud of you, Simon. I’ve never doubted you — not even once!" Manager Kang exclaimed, only to catch Cedrick walking out of the same door as Simon. He smirked and eyed Cedrick with ridicule. "Cedrick! How was the audition?"
Cedrick casually cast them a look and smiled. "Whether I did well or not, Senior Simon is really good."
"Haha!" Both Manager Kang and Simon laughed. The former added, "That’s alright, Cedrick. I know you did your best. Doing your best is already enough. Actually, just coming here is brave of you, so don’t beat yourself up just because someone did better."
"Of course, Manager Kang," Cedrick replied with a polite smile.
"This is a little awkward," Simon muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Cedrick is a junior of mine, and Manager Kang was your former manager before the agency cut ties with you. And after years away from the entertainment industry, you’ve finally mustered the courage to audition."
Manager Kang picked up the cue. "You have a point, Simon. It really is awkward that your first audition after a hiatus didn’t go well, just as you expected."
"Simon, is it okay if we invite Cedrick to dinner?" the manager suggested with a smile. "I feel bad."
After all, Cedrick had failed the audition because Simon was in the running.
"Of course," Simon nodded, eyes on Cedrick. "You’re not with anyone today, are you? I mean, I don’t think you have a manager or assistant at the moment. Just join us. We did our best today, and that alone is worth celebrating."
"Goodness. Look at the two of them," one bystander muttered, shaking her head. "They’re acting like they already got the role."
But the comment was low enough not to reach the two arrogant buffoons. Many had heard about the earlier audition incident, so they were cautious with their remarks.
"Thank you," Cedrick said kindly. "But I have to decline."
He had plans tonight with Lola, Silo, Haji, and the twins.
"Ahh..." Simon rocked his head. "You still have plans after this?"
"Oh." Manager Kang laughed. "Right. I forgot that Cedrick was a hardworking man. He probably has to rush to work after this—"
"Ced!" Suddenly, Silo’s voice echoed. His call earned everyone’s attention. When they turned, they saw Silo jogging toward Cedrick.
"You done?" Silo handed him a bottle of water, which Cedrick accepted. "How did it go?"
Cedrick shrugged. "Not sure."
"That’s alright. I’m sure you did well!"
"Oh?" Manager Kang arched a brow, studying Silo from head to toe. "And you are...?"
Silo glanced at Manager Kang and the celebrity beside him. Instead of answering, he turned to Cedrick.
"Let’s go?"
"Hey, didn’t you hear Manager Kang talking to you?" Simon frowned at Silo. "Cedrick, why is your assistant rude? Or is he your new manager?"
"I’m not his manager, just the assistant to his new manager," Silo smiled, taking out his purse and checking his cards before handing one to Simon. "If you’re interested, you can always contact us."
"What do you think you’re doing? Poaching my artist in front of me?" Manager Kang scoffed. "Young managers these days are getting bolder."
"The world moves fast, and people need to adapt." Silo grinned innocently. "Simon is a star that could shine the brightest. Our company has an eye for potential."
Cedrick quietly observed Silo’s casual demeanor, wondering if he even realized how rude he was being.
"We’re lucky Cedrick signed with us!" Silo slapped Cedrick’s back while beaming at them. "And as promised, my boss will make him the shiniest star there is! Even Slater will surely want to join us in the future!"
"Pfft —" Those casually listening couldn’t help but snicker.
Even Manager Kang and Simon laughed. Believing they could resurrect Cedrick’s career was one thing, but claiming to compete with a powerhouse like Slater? Or even manage him? Delusional.
"I like the enthusiasm," Manager Kang nodded at Silo, now convinced the young man was no threat. "You’re right. The world moves fast, and we have to adapt."
"Thanks, but no thanks," Simon handed the card back. "I’m in good hands."
"Are you sure you’re not interested?" Silo glanced at the card before meeting Simon’s eyes. "This is a one-time offer."
Simon snickered. "No, thanks. Focus on making Cedrick the shiniest star first. Perhaps if you succeed, one day you can try to convince Slater, and then I’ll reconsider."
"If you say so!" Silo retrieved the card without hesitation, calling out, "But if you change your mind!"
Simon and Manager Kang sneered at him before laughing and walking away. Meanwhile, Silo maintained a bright smile as he watched them go.
"Silo, I didn’t know Taz was interested in Simon," Cedrick said quietly.
"Nope," he giggled. "I just offered it because I knew he wouldn’t like it, and also... I wanted them to leave you alone."
He winked mischievously. "They look like the type to bother people, and I don’t want her to hear about it." He then slapped Cedrick’s shoulder. "You did well using them to get out of your character. Anyway, let’s go."
*****
The auditions continued, batch after batch. But since Ryker’s role was the hardest role than other roles, it wrapped up right before dinner. By that point, the panel was no longer interested in seeing everyone—they had already determined no one could outshine Simon or Cedrick.
"Director Sarian, my kids and I will go now," Lola said, smiling at everyone. "Today was really fun."
"So fun~!" the twins chimed in. "But we’re happier with the snacks! I feel like I gained more weight today than ever before!"
The others chuckled at the twins’ declaration. Director Sarian, however, remained silent. Ida noticed and moved closer.
"Director, the audition is over, and Taz is leaving."
Director Sarian glanced at Ida, then at Lola. He exhaled deeply as he looked around at everyone seated with him.
"I know we need some time, but... I’ve already chosen Ryker," he said. "And I needed your approval for this."
The remark was meant for the other two. They nodded, already expecting it. Slowly, the three turned to Lola.
Solemnness flickered in Director Sarian’s eyes as he uttered, "Sorry, Taz."