Sivan Carter was a well-known director in the entertainment industry, renowned for his work on ancient martial arts films and fairy tales. Over the years, he had launched the careers of many popular actors, earning a reputation for his discerning eye.
John, up until now, had covered his face with a black cloth, so Sivan hadn't been able to see him clearly. But now that John had revealed himself, Sivan was immediately struck by his presence. He marveled at him, realizing that John had the natural charisma of a leading actor.
John was a cultivator. His movements as he scaled the mountain earlier had been graceful, agile, and undeniably elegant—qualities that could never be achieved through acting alone. His demeanor exuded an extraordinary aura, unlike anything the average actor could replicate.
He was dressed in simple black attire, but Sivan could already imagine him in an ancient costume, dressed in flowing white robes, looking every bit the immortal. John's allure would no doubt captivate female audiences, and his mere presence would drive ratings up.
This was the current state of the film and television industry. As long as the tastes of the female audience were catered to, success was almost guaranteed. Even if the plot was weak, if audiences were drawn to a man they adored, they would follow the show to the very end.
This was why so many young, inexperienced actors were thrust into leading roles, despite their limited acting skills. Investors often demanded that certain popular actors be cast in leading roles or they wouldn't consider funding the project. The result? Those actors earned astronomical salaries.
In contrast, seasoned actors, many of whom had decades of experience, were slowly fading from the spotlight, struggling to find roles. It was a sad reality, but it was the market's choice.
As a director, Sivan had no choice but to meet the market's demands, even if it meant sacrificing some of his personal creative visions.
But in John, he saw a treasure—a rare gem who possessed not only good looks but also an aura that set him apart from the rest. The more he looked at John, the more Sivan was convinced that he had discovered a future star.
"Hello, Mr. Lopez. My name is Sivan Carter. I'm the director of this production. It's a pleasure to meet you," Sivan said, extending a hand warmly.
"John Lopez. Anita's brother," John replied, offering a polite handshake. He pulled his hand back gracefully, maintaining an air of modest elegance.
Sivan was increasingly impressed. He turned to Anita and said, "Miss Moore, your brother is extraordinary. Have you ever considered bringing him into the entertainment industry? If he acts alongside you, he'll surely be a sensation."
His eyes gleamed with expectation as he surveyed them both. They were a perfect pair, after all. Anita, with her celestial aura, and John, who exuded an air of mystery. If they acted together, there was no doubt it would spark public interest and dominate the headlines.
In fact, Sivan even entertained the thought of changing the main character of the project he was working on, just to cast John in a starring role.
Anita smiled, her lips curving into a playful grin as she looked at John. "I think I should ask my brother first. I can't decide for him, can I, John?"
She felt a deep sense of pride and happiness that Sivan had taken such an interest in her brother. Her smile was radiant, almost like the warmth of spring after a long, harsh winter.
The crew, who had been watching from a distance, was captivated by her smile. It was rare for Anita to show such genuine affection for a man outside of the script. And considering the surnames of both, it was clear that they weren't truly siblings, which only fueled rumors of a deeper connection between them. It was no surprise—sibling love was a common trope these days, and many of the crew members couldn't help but entertain the idea.
Sivan was momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew that the woman standing before him was not someone he could pursue, but he was still hopeful that he could recruit John.
He turned to John, eyes burning with enthusiasm. "Mr. Lopez, what do you think? Would you consider it?"
John didn't seem particularly surprised by the offer. After all, he had been expecting something like this when he'd casually shown up to tease Anita. It was a natural consequence of his own charm.
"Thank you for the kind offer, Director Carter," John said with a calm smile. "But I have no intention of entering the entertainment industry. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."
He wasn't interested in the glitzy world of fame and media frenzy. His life was peaceful and fulfilling without the constant spotlight of being a public figure. While Anita had embraced her role as a star, John was content with the simpler pleasures of life—his sisters, his privacy, and the quiet moments at home.
The last thing he wanted was to be constantly hounded by paparazzi, as he had heard Queenie describe Anita's struggles with the press. Since becoming a major star, Anita had been forced to take extreme measures to protect her private life. She even had to buy a separate house in the provincial city, just to escape the prying eyes of the media.
For these reasons, John was resolute in his decision to decline Sivan's offer.
"I understand," Sivan said, nodding in acceptance. "If you change your mind, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll make sure to create a role specifically for you. I truly believe you have what it takes to be a star."
He handed John a business card, clearly hoping that one day John would reconsider.
"As of now, I have no plans," John replied, accepting the card politely. "But if that day ever comes, I'll discuss it with Anita first."
Sivan smiled, understanding that the door wasn't closed entirely. He would wait patiently, confident that John's undeniable talent would eventually lead him to the screen.