There was still more than an hour before the filming finally ends. Wearing a traditional dress and long hair extensions for her role, Avery felt like an ice cream on the verge of melting.
It was in the middle of summer, and even though the sun has already sunk into the horizon, replaced by the beautiful and clear moon in the sky, the weather was dry and humid.
"This film production is so stingy, there's not even a cooling fan for each of the actors," her agent, Su Tang, grumbled beside her while wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Avery gave her a wary smile, "Shh… your voice is too loud."
Su Tang bit her tongue and looked around. When she was sure that no one heard her, she stepped closer to Avery and spoke more quietly., "I just heard a rumor that the investors of this film invested 200 million. But looking at the production team and how they handled things… someone might have pocketed half of the money."
At this, Avery raised a brow in surprise.
She was well aware of the role investors play in the world of filmmaking. They not only inject funds but also offer invaluable networking opportunities to countless filmmakers. Their absence could lead to reduced production budgets and the use of subpar equipment in the film production process.
Most of the time, the investors in the film industry also owns companies and businesses that belong in the same categories.
But there are some wealthy heirs who just wanted to spend their money.
And from what Avery knew, the one who provided the highest fund in the film she was included wasn't a corporation, but an individual.
There was no problem if the truth that someone in the production team pocketed his money was exposed. However, no one could tell what would the investor would do.
"Let's not think about this and just hope that this film becomes successful," said Avery as she got ready for her scene after seeing the cast director beckoning her to go back to her position.
Su Tang sighed and nodded. "You're right. If this film succeeds, it will also help you stabilize your position in the acting industry."
Avery nodded, but inwardly, she knew that there was little hope in that. She was not an actress. She was a member of an idol group with minimal experience in acting. The role she secured through her agency after her idol group, SERA, was reluctantly placed on hiatus due to an unexpected incident.
***
After an hour.
Avery wrapped up her final scene with a satisfactory 'ok' from the director, who then dismissed her, granting her permission to head home early. Even though she had the opportunity to stay and observe the main actor and actress during their scenes to learn from them, her tired eyes were already beginning to droop.
She just wanted to go back to her room and rest.
"Here, drink some of this." Her agent appeared behind her, holding a cup of cold water in her hand.
Avery stretched her hand out to take the cup, thanked her, and then walked towards the door.
"Breaking news! Mikael just announced his relationship with actress Lin Yu!"
Avery came to an abrupt stop as she overheard people conversing just outside the room.
"Which Mikael?"
"Who else is there? Of course, it's Mikael Jiang, the president of J Jewelry Corporation!"
"Let me see— Oh My God! It's really true!"
Su Tang noticed Avery standing unusually still behind the door. She stepped over to her side and asked, "What's the matter?"
However, Avery couldn't hear what her agent was saying. Her attention was solely focused on the excited voices coming from the people outside the door.
"Look at this. It's a photo of Mikael Jiang and Lin Yu. They went on a trip to Meteor City and were captured hugging in front of a hotel! This is so sweet!"
At that moment, a third female voice whispered, "Eh? Wasn't Mikael Jiang dating an idol singer?"
The other female immediately scoffed and rebutted, "Where did you even hear that? It's not true. How can Young Master Jiang date an idol singer? It's just a baseless rumor to protect Miss Lin from toxic fans. Ohh... so romantic of him!"
Behind the door, Avery hung her head low, struggling to contain her emotions. The anger within her was nearing a boiling point, ready to erupt like a volcano.
Su Tang couldn't tell which part of the conversation outside had triggered Avery, but she could tell that the latter wasn't in a good mood.
Fearing that Avery might act impulsively, Su Tang placed her hands on Avery's shoulder and gently guided her out of the building and into the nanny van.
Throughout their journey to the apartment, Avery hadn't said a word.
Upon reaching the apartment's entrance, Su Tang's voice softened. "Would you like to talk about what's been bothering you?"
Avery blinked, lifting her eyes to meet her agent's black pupils.
A minute of silence passed as they stood in front of the doorstep. Su Tang eventually gave up, releasing a sigh.
"Alright, I won't ask you anymore. But you have to tell me if it's something that will jeopardize you as an artist, okay?" As the idol group SERA's manager, Su Tang should be the first to know of anything concerning her artists. She truly didn't want to handle another person's problems and risk having her salary deducted by the agency.
Understanding the implied message in her agent's words, Avery obediently nodded.
Su Tang patted her on the right shoulder before turning to leave. However, Avery's voice resonated in the empty space. "Would you believe me if I told you I am Mikael Jiang's fiancée?"
Su Tang hadn't registered the words in her brains when her body froze instantly. Then, in a blink of an eye, she turned around and looked at Avery as if she had been possessed grew a pair of head on top of her shoulders.
"What?" her agent exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Avery stared at her and repeated her words:
"You asked me to share what's been bothering me. So, here it is: I am Mikael Jiang's fiancée."
***