If he could improve his acting skills and better embody the essence of the Magician character, perhaps after filming wrapped up, he could directly draw the character card, instead of just getting some scattered skill cards.

Thinking of this—

Ethan Brooks's eyes turned serious. He nodded to Emily Bolton and said, “Emily Bolton jie, I’ll do my best, but I don’t really know how to improve my acting.”

Actually, the best way to improve acting is to find a role as an actor in a film and participate. If he could draw the skill card Acting, the problem would be solved.

Unfortunately, there simply isn’t any such project for him to act in right now.

Emily Bolton naturally had no idea about the twists and turns in Ethan Brooks’s mind. Seeing his earnest and serious attitude, she showed a gratified smile: “As long as you’re willing to work hard, leave the rest to me. By the way, you know John Grant, right?”

“Grant laoshi?” Ethan Brooks paused almost imperceptibly, then nodded, “I know of him, but I haven’t interacted with him.”

As far as Ethan Brooks knew, this John Grant was also an artist in H City’s entertainment industry, professionally trained, but already in his thirties and still only playing some insignificant supporting roles—a marginal artist the company never promoted.

Of course, now he’d also been dug out of obscurity by Emily Bolton jie and become one of her people.

“John is a great actor and quite well-known in H City’s theater circle. He just lacks the right opportunity. I’ve asked him to mentor you these days, to help you polish your acting.” After speaking, Emily Bolton picked up her phone and sent Ethan Brooks an address, and also forwarded John Grant’s WeChat to him. “He’s currently on the set of ‘King of Chefs.’ Just go there and find him—he’ll take care of you.”

Ethan Brooks glanced at it and saw the address was a famous old restaurant in H City—Harrison Hall, not far from the company.

He immediately took his leave, hailed a cab, and in just over twenty minutes arrived downstairs at Harrison Hall.

Getting out of the car, Ethan Brooks casually surveyed the surroundings, just about to take out his phone to message John Grant.

At that moment—

A middle-aged man in a chef’s uniform, looking about thirty or forty, hurried out of Harrison Hall. He glanced around, immediately locked eyes on him, and waved, “Little Ethan, you’re just in time. One of the minor roles bailed—come help us out.”

Uh…

I just got here, and you want me to play a role?

…

Chapter 10: What kind of godly hands are these?

…

Aren’t you guys being a bit hasty?

Ethan Brooks complained inwardly, but kept a calm expression, walking forward with composure and politely greeting John Grant: “Hello, Grant laoshi, Emily Bolton jie asked me to come and learn from you.”

At the same time, he quietly sized up John Grant.

They’d seen each other at the company before, but never really interacted.

John Grant looked about thirty-five or thirty-six, with decent features and a bit of a mustache, giving off a strong uncle vibe.

That look was quite recognizable.

Earlier, Emily Bolton jie said he was a good actor, but who knows which big shot he’d offended to never get a real chance.

“Ethan, there’s no need for all this ‘laoshi’ business between us, and no need to be so formal.” John Grant cheerfully patted Ethan Brooks on the shoulder, very warm and friendly. “If you don’t mind, just call me ‘John.’”

“Alright, John.”

Since the other party said so, Ethan Brooks went along with it, showing a bright, clear smile.

After the pleasantries—

John Grant led Ethan Brooks into Harrison Hall, explaining as they walked: “Our ‘King of Chefs’ crew is filming a food-themed show. The producer is friends with the owner of Harrison Hall, so we’re using the real location for free, and the brand placement offsets the venue fee.”

“That really saves a lot on venue costs,” Ethan Brooks agreed.

“There are pros and cons to filming on location, but let’s not get into that now.” John Grant led Ethan Brooks to the set and introduced him to the director, who was talking to some actors. “Director Carter, this is Ethan Brooks. Handsome enough for you?”

Director Carter was short and stout, wore glasses and a goatee. Hearing this, he looked over, and his eyes immediately lit up.

“Old Grant just showed me your flashy card trick video—really impressive, and you’re even better looking in person.”

He casually rolled up the script and tucked it under his arm, then warmly shook hands with Ethan Brooks.

“Director Carter, you flatter me,” Ethan Brooks replied with a smile, modestly. “Those are just little tricks. I’m mainly here to learn acting from John and you.”

Ethan Brooks came from a well-off family and had seen a lot of the world, so he was always calm and composed wherever he went. Even when talking to the top executives in Shanghai’s entertainment industry, he was always polite, never nervous, and never lost his cool.

“Humble, humble—we’ll learn from each other and make progress together.”

After some polite small talk, Director Carter handed Ethan Brooks back to John Grant and went off to get busy again.