Chapter 37
Kylie took a deep breath. She had always been a person who kept a clear distinction between public and private matters. She glanced at the message notification on her phone and chose to ignore it.
In Toville, Ethan sat in his office at Hayden Group’s branch, staring at his silent phone with a gloomy expression.
Derick dared not say a word. It wasn’t clear what had happened. The surprise inspection at the branch revealed satisfactory results. Yet, Ethan’s face was still dark.
“Derick, Ethan said.
“Yes, Mr. Hayden. Derick replied.
“Book the earliest flight back to Beliey for tomorrow, Ethan instructed.
“Isn’t dinner with the urban planning bureau leader scheduled for tomorrow?” Derick asked. They planned to handle the inspection and the social obligations simultaneously.
“Tomorrow night’s flight then,” Ethan corrected himself. Anyway, he had to return the next day.
“Yes,” Derick replied respectfully.
He thought, I’m afraid it will be well into the midnight hours after the social engagement tomorrow night. It must be because of Kylie, right? Since arriving in Toville, Mr. Hayden has been frequently checking his phone. Even during meetings, he’s absentmindedly gazing at the darkened screen… Indeed, men who have fallen in love can’t be viewed with normal eyes.
At the filming location in Beliey, the kissing scene was being retaken.
Zola adjusted her emotions, and Algernon, on the side, tried hard to engage in conversation, attempting to make them more familiar with each other to reduce the awkwardness.
The camera assistant announced, “Third scene, first shot, second take. Action!”
The two actors quickly immersed themselves in the scene. Since the blocking from the first take worked well, they proceeded directly to the kissing scene.
Algernon pressed Zola against the wall and leaned in for a kiss. Just as their lips were about to
about to meet…
“Sorry.” Zola evaded once again. Algernon felt embarrassed.
“Cut!” Leopold stood up from his director’s chair, walked over to Zola and Algernon, and said, “Zola, come
with me.”
Zola pursed her lips and followed Leopold to a corner.
“I’ll cut the kissing scene for you. You can prepare for the next shot,” Leopold said.
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Zola was somewhat astonished. She thought Leopold would scold her, considering the delay to his shooting schedule.
She hadn’t worked with him before, and she wouldn’t have this time if Ethan hadn’t insisted. However, the entertainment industry was small, and she’d heard rumors. Leopold was known as the most handsome director but also the strictest. If he wasn’t satisfied, he could make the actor redo a scene a hundred times. He was nicknamed “Devil Leopold‘ in the indus
“No need” Zola declined.
Leopold raised an eyebrow.
Zola added. “If you didn’t want me to film a kissing scene, it shouldn’t have been in the script. Since we have this scene, there’s no need to delete it. I don’t want to take the blame.” With those words, Zola walked past him.
Leopold swallowed. Initially, Zola wasn’t the female lead in this script. The change happened abruptly. The script was finalized, and the decision from the investors had been made. Changes couldn’t be easily made before shooting started, but on set, adjustments could be made based on the specific circumstances.
He returned to his director’s chair. Zola and Algernon had prepared for the next shot.
Third scene, first shot, third take. Action!”
Algernon approached Zola again. Zola closed her eyes, and her hands, hanging by her side, involuntarily clenched into fists.
Despite her five years in the industry and over 10 TV shows and movies under her belt, who would have thought that this would be her silver screen debut kiss?
The two finally kissed. The shooting progressed from wide shots to close–ups and finally to extreme close- ups. At that moment, it was crystal clear that Algernon’s tongue slipped in.
Zola’s body stiffened as she clenched her fists tighter, but she didn’t push Algernon away.
“Cut!” Hearing that, Zola forcefully pushed Algernon aside.
Algernon knew exactly what Zola was angry about. He couldn’t resist himself just now. Zola wasn’t only beautiful but had lips so soft they were irresistible.
If it weren’t for the director calling a halt and Zola pushing him away, he might have continued kissing.
Zola turned around and left without caring about the retake.
Algernon quickly caught up. “Zola.”
Zola turned with a cold expression.
“Sorry, I just…” Algernon apologized, then gritted his teeth. “The director told me to deepen the kiss, said it would enhance the effect and help us get into our roles faster.”
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“Do you mean Leopold told you to stick out your tongue?” Zola asked sarcastically.
Algernon suddenly felt that Zola’s mood seemed worse now. Just now, she was angry, but now it seemed like she hated him. And her eyes even reddened at that moment.
“Mr. Cavanaugh wanted it for the effect.” Algernon did not deny it.
“Humph” Zola sneered again.
Leopold had said he’d cut the kissing scene, but a moment later, he let the male actor take advantage of her. She should have been accustomed to Leopold’s hypocrisy.
Zola returned to the dressing room with her assistant and started removing her makeup.
Kylie was already waiting for Zola outside in the sedan. She had witnessed the kissing scene just now and had also seen Algernon’s intentional actions. Whether it was an illusion or not, she felt that Leopold sitting at the camera seemed to have an unpleasant expression.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting. Zola got into the car.
“No worries. There wasn’t much going on today anyway.” Kylie politely said.
–
“Let’s go, Zola said.
Kylie instructed the driver to head to the destination.
Entering the VIP private room of the restaurant, Zola took off her hat, mask, and large sunglasses. Just as she sat down, the door was pushed open again.
“Quintina, Zola greeted.
Quintina walked in, looking a bit unfamiliar with Kylie.
“This is Kylie, Ethan’s… Zola paused. “She wanted to discuss endorsement with me.”
“When did you become so ambitious?” Quintina teased, showing no concern.
“Ms. Xaviera, please have a seat.” Kylie extended her hand. “I’m Kylie from Galaxy Group.”
“I know you.” Quintina smiled at Kylie, friendly. “Sergio’s fiancée.”
“Former fiancée,” Kylie corrected.
Quintina was momentarily surprised and said, “Oh, sorry.”
“It’s been a long time,” Kylie casually said, smoothly changing the conversation. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise, Quintina said.
The three of them sat down. Since they were all women, Kylie had Jordyn leave first.
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The waitstaff began bringing dishes.
“Ms. Yvette, if you don’t mind, I’d like to discuss the Galaxy Group Apparel endorsement before dinner.” Kylie’s tone became more serious.
“Galaxy Group Apparel’s clothes are too ordinary, lacking any fashionable highlights,” Zola stated bluntly.
Kylie hadn’t interacted with Zola before and hadn’t expected her to be so straightforward. In Kylie’s eyes, those who could reach the top of the entertainment industry should be smooth operators. Of course, she preferred dealing with straightforward people.
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