The two-day script reading session passed in the blink of an eye.
For Landon, it was a rare immersive reading experience.
And Landon's solid foundation in his lines gradually won the initial recognition of the actors, including Russell Crowe and Ed Harris.
During the breaks, everyone gradually became more familiar with each other.
Russell Crowe even joked about Landon's overly outstanding appearance, patting his shoulder and saying:
"Hey, Landon, I suspect the director chose you just so you could steal the scenes." The atmosphere lightened up quite a bit.
At the same time, Landon felt Jennifer Connelly's extreme curiosity about him, which went far beyond a simple professional evaluation.
This Hollywood talent, like many others, couldn't understand why Director Ron Howard chose someone as young as Landon to play Charles.
But after the reading session, with Landon's impressive performance, Jennifer had already recognized his professional ability.
But what made Jennifer feel different was the way Landon looked at her.
For a handsome actor of his age to take a few extra glances at the beautiful leading lady on set was more than normal.
However, Landon's gaze always carried something that made her want to investigate, as if he could see right through her.
But combined with Landon's handsome face, this gaze didn't feel offensive; instead, it piqued a bit of her curiosity.
During a lunch break, the sun was nice, and several lead actors gathered in the set's rest area to chat.
Russell Crowe noticed Landon discussing something with Ed Harris not far away and also caught his occasional glances toward Jennifer.
He nudged Jennifer next to him with his elbow and chuckled in a low voice, "Look, our Charles is admiring Alicia again."
He changed the subject with a mischievous intent, "Hey, Jennifer, care to make a bet? Go tease him. I bet this kid will definitely turn bright red and won't be able to speak straight. After all, you're Jennifer Connelly."
Hearing this, veteran actor Christopher Plummer, who was holding a coffee, smiled and pulled ten dollars from his suit pocket, placing it on the round table. His voice was gentle but certain: "I bet he won't."
Director Ron Howard, who was nearby, actually heard the commotion. He looked back and just gave a tolerant smile, not interfering.
A film crew needs a good atmosphere. In his view, this kind of playful joke helped bring the actors closer together, as long as it didn't go too far.
Besides, he had seen Landon's composure during casting and his ease during the reading session, so he didn't think the young man would be easily flustered.
Under Russell's provocation and Christopher's gaze of "financial support," Jennifer couldn't explain why, but she unexpectedly stood up and walked toward where Landon and Ed Harris were soaking up the sun.
No one noticed that the assistant, Zoe, who had been wandering around the set because Landon didn't have any scenes for the past few days, happened to stroll nearby and overheard the little bet.
She blinked and looked at Jennifer Connelly walking toward Landon, a sense of sympathy and the anticipation of watching a good show rising in her heart.
She had seen how her boss performed in front of Catherine Zeta-Jones.
This Hollywood talent would probably be eaten alive, wouldn't she?
Zoe found an inconspicuous corner and prepared to watch the battle with great interest.
Landon was chatting with Ed Harris while enjoying the rare warm spring sun in New York.
Suddenly, he felt the sunlight blocked by a figure. Looking up against the light, Jennifer Connelly stood there. The sun traced a hazy halo around her body; her black hair cascaded down, and her face was serene and beautiful, momentarily dazing Landon.
Ed Harris, the old hand, immediately realized that the leading lady wasn't there for him.
Very tactfully, he patted Landon's shoulder and, without a word, made an excuse and slipped away, leaving the space to the two of them.
Landon felt a bit puzzled.
On the set of A Beautiful Mind, he didn't have female cast members approaching him from the start like he did on 24 hours.
These past few days, he had mostly been interacting with male actors.
Of course, he did glance at Jennifer from time to time.
After all, she was a goddess-level figure with both beauty and acting skills in his past life memories; appreciation was an instinct.
But he didn't consider himself the type to fall for everyone he met or someone eager for an on-set romance.
Probably not, at least definitely not right now.
His eyes quickly scanned the surroundings and immediately noticed that Jennifer had come from Russell and Christopher's direction, and those two were watching with meaningful "waiting for a good show" looks.
Landon's mind immediately cleared as he guessed what was happening: the bored Best Actor and the veteran were having fun at the newcomer's expense.
Just then, Jennifer sat down in the empty seat next to him, very close.
She also seemed unsure how to start this "incited" interaction. After a moment of silence, she suddenly did something Landon didn't expect—she reached out her hand, palm up, signaling Landon to do the same.
"Shall we compare?" Jennifer's eyes were mischievous.
Landon looked at her exquisite face and reached out his hand anyway.
Jennifer pressed her small hand against his, palms touching and fingertips aligned.
Landon's palm was a size larger than hers, with slender fingers.
He let Jennifer compare them, feeling the soft touch on his palm, finding it amusing in his heart.
After comparing hands, Jennifer also felt that this opening was a bit silly.
She made an even bolder move, reaching out her right hand to gently stroke Landon's cheek.
This action carried an obvious probe and a hint of flirtation.
"Your face is very photogenic," she said, trying to keep her tone flat, but her slightly quickened heartbeat betrayed her nervousness.
"I heard you've done commercials before? Are you interested in running lines with me?"
"I have a kissing scene with Russell later, and I just can't find the right feeling. I wanted to try it out with you first."
As soon as the words left her mouth, even she was stunned.
My god, what was she saying? Running a kissing scene?
With this young boy she'd only known for a few days?
Could it be that she'd been single for too long and was bewitched by this overly handsome face and that strange gaze?
Landon looked at her forced composure and then glanced at Russell Crowe in the distance, who was almost bursting with laughter. His mind became clear.
Oh, so this was the "teasing" method.
She wanted to see him shy and flustered like a little boy?
The bit of playfulness in his heart was piqued.
Since the older sister had come to his door to run lines, and such "exciting" ones at that, how could he refuse?
So, while Jennifer was still in shock, Landon's face broke into an innocent smile, and he replied very straightforwardly, "Sure."
Before the words even faded, he didn't give Jennifer any time to react or regret.
He leaned forward slightly and kissed her red lips.