While Amanda was waiting in her seat, a noise came from the main door.
"I AM HERE!" a man's voice filled the room.
All heads were facing the door. The man walks in like a star. All eyes were on him.
"The great Tyrone Gao," Amanda whispered.
Tyrone Gao walked towards her and stopped by her seat.
"Well, I see we have a newcomer here eh?" He said while looking at Amanda. Amanda rose to greet the actor.
"Hi, I am Amanda Lao. It is nice to meet you," she said with a smile. She reached out her hand to make a handshake. Tyrone's smile grew wider and took Amanda's hand.
"I guess you already know me. But to make it formal, I will do what you do," he chuckled. "Hi, I am Tyrone Gao and it is nice to meet you too."
Amanda chuckled. Tyrone looked around the hall as if looking for someone.
"Guess like my partner is not yet here so I'll sit down beside you for a moment," Tyrone said. He sat down by the chair on Amanda's right and gestured to Amanda to sit down.
"Let's chat for a while. I've heard you studied in the US? What urged you to still go back to China where you are at least a step closer to Hollywood?" He asked sincerely.
Amanda was surprised by his question since they just first met. 'It sounded like an interview' she thought.
"Uhm, the US is a really good start to being famous but I want to act here, in China. Yes, I am close to Hollywood but every time I am reconsidering to act there full time, China seems like it is pulling me back to her," Amanda said truthfully.
Tyrone sat down straight and said "Wow! I didn't expect you to answer that seriously! I think our little chit-chat will last for hours!" He said.
Amanda and Tyrone's 'chit-chat' lasts for about the whole waiting time. Amanda learned that Tyrone is a fun type of guy. He loves to play and dress up for some occasions. Amanda found a friend in the acting industry.
They only stopped talking when all of the actors were in the hall and started sitting in their seats. Tyrone sat there even though his designated spot was on the other side of the table.
"Well, I guess Chloe Chu is the only one missing so we'll have to wait for a few minutes. While waiting, you can review the scripts again so we'll have a smooth reading later," Director Lance said.
Amanda was already prepared for her script but she is still unsure about the emotions so she decided to re-read again. After re-reading, she wanders around only to see Ms. Yula was bored sitting in the corner. Since everyone was bored, they started to chat with their seatmates and practice their lines with them. Tyrone and Amanda continued their conversation that was cut earlier.
After an hour of waiting, a bunch of staff quickly entered the hall giving drinks to the director and other actors.
"Hello! Hello! I am sorry I'm late!" Said a girl's voice.
Amanda heard some whispers on her side.
"Finally she's here!"
"Yeah, I thought she will be here tomorrow!"
"Shut it! You two! Someone might hear you! You know some people that report to her what happened!"
"Chloe! Finally, you're here!" Director Lance said and walked towards Chloe to greet her.
"I am so sorry! I just got stuck in traffic," Chloe reasoned out.
"It's okay, it's okay. So let's start the reading," Director Lance said and went back to his seat.
Chloe walked towards Tyrone and Amanda's place. She stopped between Tyrone and Amanda's seats.
"Hi Tyrone, I got your favorite!" Chloe said as she put down Tyrone's drink.
"It was so kind of you, Chloe. Thank you," Tyrone politely said. Chloe smiled and looked at Amanda.
"Hi! I'm Chloe! I bought you these especially for you since you are new here! Welcome!" She said as she put down Amanda's drink. It was an iced caramel macchiato.
"Thank you so much. I hope to learn so much from you," Amanda said.
"I hope you'll learn something from me," Chloe grinned and got back to her seat.
"Okay, enough with the chit-chats and let's start the script reading…" Director Lance said and started the script reading.
The script reading went well, that's for Amanda. She got all the praises that she can get and she got to know her character well.
In the middle of the script reading, Chloe seems to be wandering around.
"You've got to be kidding me?! I own this place-"
"Uhm excuse me, Chloe, I think you're reading the wrong scene," Director Lance said.
"Oh, I am so sorry director, didn't get enough sleep hehe," Chloe said.
Some producers 'tsk-ed' and some ignored it. But when Chloe made a mistake for the fifth time.
"Florence you don't know all the things I did-!"
"I think we all need to rest for a moment. Chloe seems to be tired and I think all of you are tired. I'll give you an hour's rest and we'll continue," Director Lance said.
Everyone breathed heavily and stretched their arms as if tired. Amanda fixed her documents before standing up.
"I'll get your food Amanda," Haley said and gestured to her to sit down again.
Amanda nodded and sat down again. She saw Ms. Yula walked towards her.
"Ms. Yula, did I do well?" Amanda asked.
"Oh yes, you did well. Well, I'll just go outside to get some fresh air. Familiarize the crew and get close with them. It will give you a good impression," Ms. Yula said and tapped Amanda's shoulder.
"Thank you for the advice Ms. Yula. I will do that," Amanda said.
Ms. Yula waved bye and walked out of the hall. Haley brought her food and Amanda started to eat. Just when she was about to take a spoonful, Tyrone tapped her back and said.
"Cool! You're eating too? Let's eat together!"
Amanda put the spoon down and said, "Yeah, let's eat!"
Tyrone sat beside her and began digging in. In between of their eating, they talked about some things and some media secrets.