The car arrived near the studio.
While still far from the soundstage, Cassius noticed something was wrong.
The usually smooth road was clogged tight today.
Cars lined the sides of the street.
A dense crowd surrounded the perimeter of the soundstage area. Security guards linked arms to form a human wall, loudly maintaining order.
Flashes went off one after another.
He could even see fans holding signs that read:
"Han Lee, please bless my luck!"
"Cassius! Look here!"
...
"This lineup rivals the premiere of Twilight..."
Cassius expertly turned the steering wheel, turning into an inconspicuous side road and circling to the staff-only back entrance.
The situation at the back door wasn't much better; scattered reporters and fans were also camping out.
Fortunately, Warner had strengthened security here. Several burly guards confirmed Cassius's identity before shielding him as he quickly passed through the encirclement of the crowd, braving the screams to enter the building.
Once inside the soundstage, the noise was shut out.
But the atmosphere inside was equally enthusiastic.
Director Michael saw him and walked over immediately, excitement written all over his face.
2 Broke Girls was receiving such attention before it even aired!
The filming for the next season was basically secured!
Kat was blowing air on her neck with a small fan. Seeing this, she whistled.
"Whoa, our superstar is here! Seriously, Cass, did you eat some Eastern elixir today? Why does it feel like your handsomeness reached a new height?"
She circled Cassius, her gaze sharp. "This isn't right, very wrong!"
"Eat elixir?"
Cassius dodged Kat's attempt to poke his cheek.
"I think you ate too many cupcakes last night and are hallucinating. Want me to cast a hexagram to see if it's food poisoning?"
Kat rolled her eyes, but the curiosity in her gaze didn't diminish.
"Come on! There's definitely something up with you. Feel like your whole person is glowing, like you have a beauty filter on!"
"Confess honestly, did Kristen send you some expensive lady's cream from Europe?"
Beth also leaned over, adding sincerely: "Really, Cass, you look exceptionally good today, very spirited!"
She seemed unable to find a more accurate word.
But her gaze couldn't help lingering on Cassius's upright figure and clearly defined face for a few seconds longer.
Cassius laughed it off, changing the subject: "Maybe because of Thor, you see me with a halo!"
Amidst the joking, Director Michael clapped his hands, signaling everyone to prepare for taping.
He walked specifically to Cassius's side, lowering his voice, unable to hide the smile on his face.
"Cass, get ready. The audience's enthusiasm today might be a bit extraordinary. That scene outside..."
"It's all thanks to the traffic from you and Chris!"
Sure enough, when the audience entered, countless gazes focused on Cassius.
As soon as he stood behind the counter, before even opening his mouth, a burst of enthusiastic applause and screams erupted from below the stage.
Interspersed with shouts of "Han Lee!" and "Cassius!"
Today's scene was Han Lee believing the lucky cat in the restaurant was placed incorrectly, causing wealth to leak away.
He insisted on moving the lucky cat to the kitchen entrance, severely hindering Oleg and Max's movements, triggering a series of chaotic events.
During filming, Cassius could clearly feel the bonus brought by his enhanced appearance and temperament.
The camera seemed to favor him especially. Even if he just made a helpless facepalm gesture in the background, there would be slight commotion and laughter from the audience.
His improvisation was also smoother and more natural.
He grasped the delicate balance between seriousness and comicality perfectly.
Han Lee held a thick book of Essential Feng Shui, pointing at the lucky cat placed near the trash can, saying seriously to Max:
"According to this ancient text, this is a gathering place for filth, seriously affecting the flow of our restaurant's financial luck!"
Cassius's handsome face was written with the persistence of "dedicating myself to metaphysics."
The contrast was maxed out!
Max, while trying to kick away the obstructive lucky cat, fired back:
"Boss! If you don't move this thing, I guarantee in the next second you'll personally experience what a 'calamity of blood' is!"
"I don't know if your financial luck will flow, but the hot soup in Oleg's hand is about to flow onto your head!"
The audience laughed until they rocked back and forth.
Cassius caught a blue attribute orb [Comedic Rhythm Control +3] dropping from Kat.
Absorbed immediately!
His control over sitcom rhythm was becoming more and more adept.
Taping went exceptionally smoothly, almost all in one take.
The audience reaction was enthusiastic, as if they had watched the finished episode in advance.
Behind the monitor, Director Michael nodded frequently, the smile never leaving his face.
Taping ended.
Before Cassius could remove his makeup, he was stopped by a staff member.
Producer Julie Annetos asked him to go to her office.
He straightened his clothes and followed the staff member to the production office.
Julie Annetos was a shrewd and capable middle-aged woman. Seeing Cassius enter, she greeted him warmly to sit down and got straight to the point.
"Cass, sit. Today's taping was fantastic. You saw the audience reaction!"
"Thanks, everyone was very committed!"
Cassius responded politely.
"Not just committed!"
Julie leaned forward, hands clasped on the desk, her eyes appreciative.
"Cass, you and the character Han Lee can now be considered a golden signboard for our 2 Broke Girls!"
"After Chris's surprise cameo yesterday, online discussion about you reached a new high!"
"Our monitored data shows that search indices for Han Lee and Cassius are continuously soaring!"
She paused, then threw out the real key point.
"We don't want to lose this momentum. After discussion among the higher-ups, we hope to sign the contract for the next season with you in advance."
Cassius's expression remained calm, waiting for her to continue.
He knew the important part was coming up.
Julie saw his calm reaction, and the appreciation in her eyes grew stronger.
She liked dealing with clear-headed people.
"We recognize the value you bring to this show and see your huge potential. Therefore, in the new contract, starting from this season, your per-episode salary will increase from the current $50,000 to $100,000!"
"Next season's salary will be recalculated based on this season's broadcast performance!"
Directly doubled!
Cassius's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained unruffled.
This increase was quite sincere by Hollywood's standard practices!
Especially for a regular character who wasn't the absolute lead.
This fully demonstrated the production side's recognition of his current value and future potential.
"Of course, the contract will also include corresponding responsibility clauses, such as guaranteeing your screen time ratio and priority renewal rights, etc.!"
Julie added:
"Your agent, Mr. Rob, will receive the formal draft contract later. I personally very much hope you can continue to stay at the Williamsburg Diner!"
Cassius knew this was basically the final offer!
The production side showed enough sincerity.
He stood up, extended his hand, his tone steady.
"Thank you and the production for the recognition, Julie. I really like the character Han Lee and enjoy the creative atmosphere of the crew!"
"Looking forward to next season's cooperation!"
Julie smiled with satisfaction and shook his hand firmly.
"Great! I love working with straightforward people like you. Keep up the good work, Cass. I'm rooting for you!"