Simon might’ve been in the entertainment industry longer than Cedrick, but during Cedrick’s peak, he had overshadowed many other actors — including Simon. As mentioned before, Cedrick’s career and popularity had skyrocketed because of that one movie.
Envy and toxicity were nothing new in the entertainment industry. However, Simon’s dissatisfaction with Cedrick came from a very specific reason.
The role Cedrick had played—the same role that made him famous—was originally offered to Simon. But since the production budget was low, and the film was expected to fail, Simon had rejected it without even reading the script. Only when the movie went viral and Cedrick’s popularity shot up did Simon feel the envy and bitterness.
It was his own fault for rejecting the role, but somehow, in his twisted mind, it was Cedrick who had stolen that chance from him. Hence, his bitterness toward the guy.
"Man, I heard you’ve been working in a coffee shop. I’ve seen a photo of you lately on the internet. Then, the other time, you were posted because you were doing some food delivery services," Simon intoned, letting everyone hear him. "Cedrick, you really are amazing! Even before, you work hard in everything!"
He paused, dawdling his next words. "Did you take a day off to be here?"
His question earned a few chuckles from others, but Cedrick remained silent.
"Well, if you get this role, I don’t think you’d have to go back there," Simon mused. "With your talent, I’m sure this competition will be fierce. After all, everyone here is a great, determined actor."
"Simon, you don’t have to be humble," someone said. "It’s not as fierce as it is until you show up."
"Damn it. My chances were already low, but now—they’re even lower."
"You guys, don’t say it like that," Simon said, loud but relaxed. "We all wanted this role, and you’re here because your audition tapes made the cut. That means we all have the same chance, and whoever gets it is surely worthy of the role!"
"It’s not an easy role, after all," he added. "I hope you guys prepared well, despite that the audition for the role was moved up earlier."
Everyone smiled while some shrugged. A few just stared at the pretentious guy, acting like he was already a winner. But no one dared say a word—Simon was someone they didn’t want to cross.
Simon was under Manager Kang, and his recent projects had made him one of the agency’s top earners. That alone spoke volumes.
"It’s a complicated role, so I feel blessed to have been invited here," he added, loud and clear, letting everyone feel the distinction between them and him. And he successfully did so as many frowned.
Simon cocked his head, eyes on Cedrick. "Good luck to all of us."
"What? Simon was invited here?" one man from the corner frowned. "Then, if he’s invited, does this mean this audition is just a formality?"
"Is Ryker’s role already chosen?"
Another one studied Simon’s demeanor and sighed. "No doubt about it. I guess they’ve already chosen who would be Ryker, but the production is just trying to avoid any backlash."
Everyone studied Simon’s demeanor. Earlier, he had been arrogant, but now, his confidence told them a different story. This quickly disheartened half the room.
As for Cedrick, he remained quiet, seated beside Simon, his eyes blank but his mind calm. Just the fact that Simon was there felt like a mockery. The comparison was unavoidable:
One—a fallen star, plagued by scandal. The other—popular, established, and seemingly "meant" to be in the industry.
Cedrick knew it all too well. Every word Simon spoke, every smirk, was meant to ridicule him, to push him back to rock bottom. And Cedrick absorbed it all, keeping his mouth shut, controlling the storm forming in his chest.
[Remember this feeling.]
Lola’s voice echoed in his mind, reminding him of Ryker’s nature—someone calm on the outside, but a constant conqueror of the battlefield within. Ryker observed first, smirked, and struck without warning.
Cedrick let it all sink in until his tensed shoulders relaxed.
While everyone was busy thinking of ways to insult him, and Simon continued to brag, Cedrick closed his eyes.
"By the way, are you under any management?" Simon asked out of pure curiosity, only to see Cedrick nodding off.
"What are you doing?" Simon quipped. "Cedrick, are you memorizing the dialogue? I can help if you like. Let’s see how you’d approach Ryker’s role. The role is insane. I’m still surprised they moved up the schedule—though this probably gives all of us little time to understand the character."
He wiggled his brows. "As your senior, I can help you. For old times’ sake."
Everyone stared at Cedrick as he hung his head low. His position obscured his subtle smirk from everyone except Simon.
Deep lines appeared on Simon’s brow as he noticed the disconcerting expression. Cedrick opened his eyes slowly, casting a sharp side-eye.
"Thanks, Simon," Cedrick said, his voice low and calm, though tinged with something off. "But I’m fine. If anything, do you need my help?"
He tilted his head, the expression in his eyes sharper, giving off a faint, unsettling feeling.
"Don’t take it the wrong way, Senior," he continued calmly. "I’m just concerned since Ryker’s backstory shaped who he is. He had a tough life that led to insanity before success."
He smiled. "But Senior Simon? You’ve barely had any hardships. As your junior, I’m simply worried about you."
"Pfft—" Some stifled laughter, looking away to hide it. Others furrowed their brows. Even the cadence of Cedrick’s voice had changed.
Everyone had believed Cedrick didn’t belong here. That belief remained the same, but now it was tinged with unease. Something about him was... wrong, and they could all feel it.
"Numbers 110 to 115, please prepare. You’ll move to the audition room in five minutes," one staff member announced, her voice cutting through the quiet.
Cedrick checked his number and smirked, holding the round piece up for Simon. "115."
He glanced at Simon’s—114.
"It seems it’s our time now," he said, eyes squinting as a wide smile turned up on his face. "Good luck, Senior. I’m blessed to see your performance first. I’ll try to learn a lot from you."