Li Zhe!
The name surprised Cassius a little.
But upon closer thought, it wasn't that surprising!
He remembered the young face he saw on set, wearing the same dirty extra's costume, eyes full of longing for Hollywood but unable to hide his anxiety.
The two had encouraged each other and exchanged contact information.
They even had a scene together during a cameo appearance!
When they met backstage at the school showcase last time, Li Zhe had come over to greet him enthusiastically.
Cassius didn't think much of it at the time.
The graduate recommendation spot in Professor Anderson's hand led directly to top-tier resources and connections. For an actor wanting to develop in Hollywood, the temptation was self-evident.
Cassius himself didn't even know about this.
It was likely that Professor Anderson appreciated his performance and might have mentioned his name during internal discussions, or even considered giving him the spot.
That was enough to make Li Zhe, who was fighting tooth and nail for this spot, feel a fatal threat.
"Just because of a recommendation spot I didn't even know about, he pulls a stunt like this?"
Cassius was a bit speechless.
This move was truly both stupid and malicious.
Anonymous tip!
Trying to use an academic stain to strike at his newly established public image, and even better if it could mess up his Green Lantern project.
At the very least, it disgusted him!
Maybe Professor Anderson would consider the impact and give up the idea of having Cassius as his student!
Rob also found out about this and was furious. "Too sinister! Should I find some dirt on him and expose it too? Let him taste his own medicine!"
Cassius shook his head. "No need! He's just an extra; there's no dirt worth exposing!"
"So we just let it go?"
Rob wasn't reconciled.
"Of course we can't let him off!"
Cassius wasn't someone willing to be bullied.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have stood up for Shen Man back then!
"Send the information Li Suyan organized anonymously to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards and to Professor Anderson. No need to add anything extra; just present the facts, and the school will handle it!"
Cassius couldn't be bothered to do it himself!
The turmoil soon spread to the school forum.
Li Zhe's actions were exposed by Li Suyan on the forum, instantly sparking public outrage!
Cassius, as a relatively famous senior and classmate from their years, was seen by them as a springboard into Hollywood!
And Li Zhe's actions were equivalent to burying all their possibilities of entering Hollywood!
Moreover, this kind of internal strife that damaged the school's reputation was intolerable to the administration.
Li Suyan secretly forwarded a notice from the School of Cinematic Arts to Cassius:
Li Zhe's qualification for the recommendation application was cancelled, and he received a serious warning. Any further behavior damaging the reputation of the school or alumni would face stricter disciplinary action.
In the latest seminar, Professor Anderson specifically emphasized the importance of professional ethics and mutual assistance among peers. Although he didn't name names, everyone knew who he was talking about.
Meanwhile!
The official Twitter account of the USC School of Cinematic Arts retweeted Cassius's previous tweet:
"We are delighted to see our student Cassius achieve such remarkable success in the field of practice. There is more than one path in art, and USC has always taken pride in cultivating creators who can shine in the industry!"
"After verification, the procedural issues related to student Cassius's studies due to his participation in major film projects have been properly resolved recently. We look forward to more academic and artistic exchange opportunities with Cassius in the future. #TrojanFamily"
Immediately after, Professor Anderson from the School of Dramatic Arts also retweeted using his verified account and added:
"Cassius is an extremely talented and insightful actor and creator. His sharing when he returned to school to participate in the student showcase benefited our students greatly! The so-called academic issue is purely a misunderstanding. Looking forward to Green Lantern!"
The official and professor's personal clarification instantly defined the academic scandal as a misunderstanding.
Public opinion completely reversed!
"Holy shit! USC officially clapped back! Satisfying!"
"So it was resolved long ago? Is the person who leaked the info living in the past?"
"Even the professor came out to praise him! That's status!"
"So Cassius counts as an honorary alumnus now? The school's move is smooth!"
"Does the haters' faces hurt? Hahaha!"
Rob, who was anxious just a moment ago, watched this divine turn of events, dumbfounded, then ecstatic. "Bro! When did you handle USC? This assist was too timely!"
Cassius was also a bit surprised by the efficiency of Professor Anderson and the school.
It seemed the professor really remembered the favor of him helping out before.
He sent a brief thank-you email to Professor Anderson.
The professor replied quickly: "You're welcome, Cass. You were right; the set is the best classroom, and you are already an honor student! Looking forward to your 'graduation thesis' getting an A+!"
The academic storm came fast and went even faster.
---
It even ended up brushing a wave of positive image for Cassius, and subsequently boosting the heat for the Green Lantern project!
Those haters jumping up and down instantly went silent.
Only a few stubborn ones were still saying sour things like "The school came out to whitewash," or "Hollywood political correctness is invincible."
But they couldn't make any waves!
A small storm started as a farce and ended with internal processing.
Cassius never publicly mentioned this matter again, as if it never happened.
But for Li Zhe, he lost not only a spot but also the crucial reputation and potential opportunities in this circle.
He might still be able to act in the future, but the invisible label of framing a peer out of jealousy would likely accompany him for a long time in Hollywood, a place that values interpersonal relationships and reputation.
Rob later smacked his lips and commented, "Bro, well done!"
Cassius continued looking at his script.
Hollywood was never just about the Walk of Fame and celebration parties; calculation and jealousy in the shadows were everywhere.
Li Zhe wouldn't be the first, nor would he be the last.
He turned off the message notifications and pulled his attention back to the script in front of him.
Compared to dealing with this crap, he cared more about how to make Green Lantern truly shine on the screen.
The Green Lantern project progressed quickly!
Just after resolving the small internal storm, Warner and the production team put casting on the agenda.
This time it wasn't an audition, but showing the candidate list directly to Cassius and Rob.
As the male lead and an important creative participant in the project, his opinion was crucial.
Rob looked at the encrypted email sent by Greg Silverman, rubbing his hands with a "We finally made it" expression on his face.
In the past, when did they ever have the chance to choose others!
Being chosen by others was already something to be thankful for!
Cassius stood by the side, quickly scanning the email.
The email content was the candidate list for the two most important female roles: the female lead, reporter Lindsey Shaw, and the main supporting actress, former Marine instructor Sierra Jordan.
It carried significant weight!
The supporting female role, Sierra Jordan, was set as a tough, pragmatic former special forces member with extremely high tactical literacy, who served as the protagonist Cassius's demon instructor on Oa.
The first name on the candidate list was Gina Carano.