Just as he needed.

[Pity Party! Gain the audience's sympathy. The host is granted an aura that exudes the need for pity.]

As June dissected the script last night, he realized that Jian and Yian were from opposite sides?of the spectrum.

Yian coped by going against the norms. Meanwhile, Jian stuck to his norms despite all of the adversities that happened in his life.

With this in mind, June knew that his character had more potential to be liked than Yian...

...and that's exactly what he wanted.

He wanted to be more likable than Lin Zhi's character. Only then will he become indispensable to the production team.

At first glance, it may seem like Jian is just another cannon fodder who does nothing but obey the tyrant's orders. However, June wanted to portray him as someone who was forced to stay within his norms—not because he wanted to but because that was how life was for him.

Pity.

That was what he needed.

And fortunately, Fu came through to give him just what he wanted.

Oh, and his face would definitely do some of the work, too.

Risa paid close attention to what was happening. She felt quite guilty because deep inside her mind, she knew that she was unsure of Jian's character. Sure, she wrote him as a way to show that Yian had a loyal confidant and that he wasn't all alone in this world. However, based on how she wrote Jian, his personality was vague...almost bland...only there to amplify the villain's story.

So, she was curious about how June was going to spice him up.

June's gaze was directed at the script; however, when he lifted his head to look at

Taehyun in the eyes, a small gasp escaped from Risa's lips.

Taehyun, too, felt a surge of guilt inside his mind. It almost felt like he didn't want to confront June with how pitiful he looked.

It seemed like there was a white halo surrounding June, making those watching him feel like they were looking into the eyes of an innocent child.

"My brother is all I have," he finally said, his voice strong yet trembling at the same time.

The paradox of his acting was haunting, and the room turned silent as they internalized his words.

Taehyun paused for a second to collect himself, not wanting to be surpassed by the young idol in terms of acting. With that, he was able to deliver his lines with more emotion, only adding to the impact of the scene.

"You're not the only person your brother has," Taehyun finally responded. "You're nothing but a dispensable item—a tool for him to get what he wants. Do you really want to become a tool for the destruction of the world as we know it?"

June sighed heavily, a hint of empty amusement in his eyes.

Hana watched the scene intently, appreciating the nuances that June was portraying in his character.

"Then I'll be happy to die knowing that my brother has someone else aside from me," he selflessly said.

It was supposed to be a stronger statement, one that insinuated that his brother still had lots of companions by his side—ones that would lead him to victory even if Jian died.

However, with the way June had said it, those watching felt his resignation.

"And if my brother faces an unfortunate end, I'll be happy to die in a time when my brother is still alive," he continued.

"But that will never happen...I'm making sure it's not going to happen. That's why I'm standing before you and not my brother," June said, his voice gradually becoming softer.

Risa felt tears threatening to spill from her eyes. At this point, she thought that Jian would have been screaming—a crack showing in his calm facade. However, June showed a different crack—one that showed his vulnerabilities.

It was utterly devastating.

She could already imagine the sobs of the audience in the cinemas once it aired, and at that point, she knew what kind of personality she wanted for Jian.

This was it.

"My brother will live eternally," June continued.

"Because as long as there are vengeful thoughts in the minds of man, the shadows will continue to lurk...and evil will remain," he said, internally smiling since these lines were similar to what he said during his acting audition.

It was somehow comforting that Risa incorporated it into his character and not Yian's.

With that, the scene with Jian finally came to an end, but the actors couldn't find it in themselves to continue to the next scene.

The feelings still lingered, and it almost felt like their exchange was too short.

Hana looked down at the table and shook her head.

"It's a shame that he doesn't get many lines," she muttered.

However, she also couldn't help but think that June devoured those few lines.

"So, uh, when are we going to start the next scene?" June asked, finally breaking the silence in the room.

Director Bong, who was fascinated for a moment, pursed his lips when he realized that June was indeed a great actor. However, even then, his pride shone through.

"Don't interrupt the reading," he scolded, causing June to raise his arms in surrender.

The reading continued up until the ending, yet the scene with June still left the most impact.

Taehyun, too, found himself enjoying that particular scene the most.

"That's a wrap for now," Director Jam said once Taehyun said his last words.

Risa's and June's eyes met for a second, so the writer quickly showed him a thumbs up before directing her gaze to the directors once again.

"First of all, I want to thank Director Bong for choosing such talented actors for this movie," Director Jam said.

"There are still some awkward moments here and there, especially during the villainous parts," he continued, glancing at Lin Zhi.

Lin Zhi pursed his lips while June wore a subtle smirk.

"But, with more time and proper practice, we'll be able to work with it, I guess."

"And for Jian," he said, looking June in the eyes.

However, the director got lost in June's orbs for a second. He had to pinch his thigh to look away! At one point, it felt like his eyes were familiar...or maybe his eyes were truly just beautiful and expressive.

Well, at that point, the 'Pity Party' booster was still ongoing, so those that looked into June's eyes were sucked into his charm.

"From what I have seen," Director Jam continued.

"You're the perfect fit for Jian."