Leox in his 4th floor office was about to go down to the 3rd floor. It's only 3 minutes before the audition.
"Sir, this is the list of all the candidates in each role." Leox assistant said and gave a bunch of papers that are organized.
Lenox reached for it and started flipping.
Then stop.
His hands stop, his feet stop and his eyes constrict.
He was recently worried about Zohara. That day when she was betrayed by her friend Leox went to the Hill Condominium and in the garage, she saw her with Zin Linx.
Even seeing her hugging Zin's arm, he first assumed she was Zin's mistress and was shaken more than he imagined.
But he realized that Zohara was not that kind of woman and realized that Zin was the father Zohara's been talking about. He came to realize about Gias and Zan's reaction.
Why was Gias so angry in the car showcase?
Why does Zohara own that car series?
Why did his brother talk to Zohara?
Why Zohara couldn't talk about her father.
The question is, how heavy Zohara's weight is in Zin but just based on his brother's reaction, it's really heavy.
Leox never confronted his friends about his realization.
He still feels petty about being in the dark for some time.
He always watched Zohara's livestream, he heard her interest in Silk Rebellion but he never thought she would really audition.
He checks her personal sheet.
Name: Zohara Nix
Age: 18 years old
Birthday: November 13, 2XXX
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 51 kg
Previous works: N/A
Desired Role: Lian Xue
Then there is a simple picture of her.
Now knowing she was Uncle Zin's daughter, he realized her moles. It's the same with Uncle Zin, how could he never notice.
The first thought of Leox seeing Lian Xue was to reject Zohara's application.
Why?
He saw the script, the intimate scene was quite a lot!
Like sitting in the lap, kissing, being in bed, bathing…
Leox just imagining it makes him angry and irritated big time…
But remembering Zohara's position, Uncle Zin might get angry if Leox maneuver something but!
Isn't he just protecting Zohara's innocence?
Just by Zohara's stories in life, he knows that Zohara never even had her first kiss!
Why would Leox offer it to someone else?
But…
Remembering Zohara temperament
Zohara most probably will hate him to death once she finds out.
And Leox doesn't have the guts to be hated, he would rather die in jealousy than be hated.
Also, he might not even need to move!
Zohara might not get chosen and even if she does, once Uncle Zin knows the scene, he would probably stop Zohara…
Leox mind works greatly as he enters the room.
His eyes immediately seek Zohara's silhouette and their eyes meet.
Leox gave his signature smile and sat on his seat.
Then he realized Lorelei was also here
fuck…
When the imitation article was released Lorelei name was dragged, Leox immediately buried the issue.
No, not because Lorelei asked him too but because Misty Crown was still airing that time.
He wouldn't want to lose money, and he also realized that using a substitute will only affect him and Zohara in the long run.
He cut Lorelei off but because of her previous works and resource she became quite well known. Leox also didn't care about Lorelei after they broke up or more on Leox forgot about her.
•
When Leox arrived, the official start of the audition commenced.
Earlier when Maren saw Riujie arriving she was starstrack more than she felt seeing Zohara.
Riujie has clean, modern style black short hair. It is neatly styled, slightly tapered around the sides and back, while the top is left a bit longer and parted. He has thick eyebrows, a high bridge nose, almond sleepy warm obsidian eyes, and red lips.
There is a hint of maturity and warmness in his face. Riujie's eyes were the most popular feature of his, it was affectionate and cold. He's wearing a loose white button-up shirt layered over a plain white t-shirt, paired with beige wide-leg trousers.
Director Ayen Rou is a middle aged woman with an intimidating and strict aura.
Investor Yu looks in his early 30's, he looks normal while Investor Wang is a pot belly old man.
Author Li was also middle aged and wearing eyeglasses. While Scriptwriter Ren is in late 20's, he's a popular scriptwriter in the industry.
Then Leox Hill arrived, without the title, Maren didn't know who he was but the way the others acted around him, Maren knew he's a big shot.
What can Maren say about Leox? Yeah, he looks handsome and he looks easy going but there is an inherent noble arrogance surrounding him. As if he was looking at everyone as a product, not a human. Maren felt churned in her stomach and her nervousness reached its peak. Looking around, she knows she's not the only one.
"Good day everyone, I'm Ayen, the process will be like this. I'll call your number, scene I wanted you to act, and you either stay or leave. If we choose another person to stay, the next test will be highly dependent on the artist's chemistry for the main role. So, the chosen will stay for a while until Lian Xue was picked." Ayen uttered
"Scholar Yu, 1, Act II, sub-act VI, scene 15."
A young man stood up and started acting.
Once he finished he sat down and that was the entire process for the audition. The judges didn't give a comment until the number 15. They only deliberate when everyone is finished.
"Riujie, what do you think?" Director Ayen asked
"No. 3 and 10" he commented while tapping his pen
"We have the same opinion on it" Ayen
"Add No. 9" Author Li commented which was agreed by Ren
Director Ayen look at the three investors
"We trust the professional." Leox commented with a light laugh, Investor Yu and Wang also laugh, the two are only here for formality and to see if they can insert someone they sponsor or choose someone they can sponsor.
"No. 3, 9, 10, you may stay."
Just like that, 12 contestants are eliminated.
In General Wei Sheng's role, only two stayed.
No. 5 and 14
Then there's Mei Lin, she was the most sought after courtesan and Lian Xue mentor. Her character was also hard to act on and most artists just show her as a seductress, no, she was more than that, she was a strategist and one of the spear heads of the rebellion.
There's only two that stayed, No. 8 which is Maren and No. 9
When it was Lian Xue everyone was focused.
"Lian Xue, No.1, Act I, Scene 5."
That was when Lian Xue found out her little sister that was a year younger than her was dead, flowing in the river with a mutilated and abused body. They are a family of weavers, they are simple and honest, her sister weaves and she sells clothes in the market. Everything changed when a magistrate's son wanted to buy Lian Xue, but her parents didn't allow it. They thought it was the end, but the magistrate's son kidnapped Lian Xue but at that time Lian Xue was sick and her sister, Lian Xan was the one that was kidnapped. Her sister was missing for a week, her parents tried to reach the authorities but they were killed and then Lian Xue also saw her sister's mutilated body.
There were no lines on it, just emotions.
Several actresses act in that scene, for Director Ayen, she only sees some potential to No. 5 Lorelei and No. 7 Irai, who is an A-list actress. Irai and Riujie were also screen partners before, so Ayen leaned more towards Irai. Then the last contestant.
"Lian Xue, No.15, Act I, Scene 5."
Ayen raised her eyebrow, no previous works and she and Lorelei can pass as sisters. If Lorelei would be Lian Xue, this girl would be Lian Xan.
Ayen thought and so did the others until she acted.
Zohara in the middle closed her eyes, exhaled, then when she opened it, she saw her sister on the shore of a river. Lian Xue's first thought was not shock nor sadness but disbelief. She almost absentmindedly ran towards her sister's body displayed to everyone.
Her trembling hands reached her sister's hands that were missing with nails. She hesitantly turned it, then the confirmation. A red mole on her wrist likes her.
Lian Xue's hand stopped trembling, the silhouette of someone who was about to break down became filled with eerie silence.
Then Zohara stood again from the floor, and was about to go back to her seat when she stopped.
"No, stay," Director Ayen said and looked at Riujie. Riujie smiled lightly and went to the middle.
"Act 4, Scene 4"
Oh
She needed to dance. In the novel, there's only a description of how ethereal Lian Xue was. As if a goddess descended to land, that's why the Emperor was moved, the Emperor who did not accept any addition to his harem except when he was a crown prince accepted someone.
That's the impact of Lian Xue's single dance.
The Emperor is a wise and cruel leader, he never bat an eye in killing anyone one who cross him. And he was able to manage all the minister, he doesn't have that much of lavish lifestyle nor drunk on women. He was rational, so why does Lian Xue hated the Emperor?
In reality as Lian Xue understood Emperor Xuanlie more, the more she couldn't hate him. But Lian Xue's hatred was not solely for the Emperor but to those who have powers and turn blind eye to justice. The magistrate's son who killed her sister was a distant relative of the left councilor who is the right hand man of the Emperor.
Why does the magistrate 's family kill her family? Because they have powers. Why did the justice system deny her away? Because she doesn't have any power. And who gives those people their power? The Emperor.
Lian Xue's goal was not to follow what she was asked to. To seduce the Emperor and kill him like what Mei Lin told her. Her primary goal was to seduce the Emperor and shake the core of the Kingdom. She's not doing it for a greater good but to watch the people in power crumble in front of many more people. She wanted them to feel what she felt that time, the sheer helplessness in knowing nothing will change.
And Lian Xue's great scheme starts when she dances in the palace.
Zohara needed to improvise the dance.
Riujie got a chair and sat, in front of her was Zohara.
Zohara removes her shoes and stands barefoot.
When she opened her eyes, her cold temperament changed into a different kind of coldness, it has a hint of mystery than coldness.
Lian Xue walked to the middle of the platform, sat on the floor as she fixed her hair. Every movement of hers was filled with silent temptation.
Then she dances as if there is music. For Zohara who danced before it was much easier to improvise; she just needed to embody Lian Xue's mindset and character.
In her last movement.
Lian Xue and Emperor Xuanlie make eye contact. That decided everything, in Lian Xue's life and in Zohara's role.
"You did great" Riujie complimented and offered a hand. Zohara accepted it.
"Thank you senior" She said with a light smile
Director Ayen looks at the two, she's more than happy, Zohara is extremely talented, she is able to embody Lian Xue complexity, there's still some things needed to polish but Zohara is more than enough. Or more so, Director Ayen couldn't imagine someone else as Lian Xue. Just imagining it in real shoot, with props and wardrobe! Director Ayen blood boils.
"Zohara would be Lian Xue, is there any violent reaction?" Director Ayen asked
"I also select Zohara" Author Li said with a wide smile
"Zohara you can stay, No. 5 and No. 7 can leave."
When Lorelei heard it she felt unbalanced and looked at Leox with a hint of grievance.
She just knows that Leox must do something about these results!
Lorelei was in her world turmoil not realizing that Leox has bad looks because of the result. He just hoped Uncle Zin wouldn't allow Zohara. Just watching her earlier dance, he immediately wanted to cover people's eyes, and it'll be screened!? It might be Leox death.
The remaining auditions proceeded where the characters' chemistry with Riujie and Zohara was tested.
In the end Maren was chosen as Mei Lin, Ruiwen as Scholar Yu and Tian as General Wei Sheng.
Zohara realized her next problem, scheduling.
"The Velin Studio will call your agency or manager within this day." Leox announced
"We want to release the first episode of the series by April, the shooting will start by November until March. Wardrobe finalization will be next week together with the character poster shoot." Director Ayen announced
"I have a problem." Zohara said
"Go on"
"I still need to attend my class, I have half classes from Wednesday to Saturday but I can compress until Friday so I can shoot for Saturday-Tuesday?" Zohara suggest
Director Ayen raised her eyebrow.
"Youre not in film academy?"
"Im Biology student of University A"
"She scored 729 in N.E." Leox also mentioned making the other look at him "Im a fan" He said nonchalantly
Another problem…
Director Ayen thought.
"The team will talk later about the schedule adjustment but I need you to compromise on some things when you're extremely needed."
"The academic school year is only until the first half of February, I'll be free after that."
Director Ayen think for a while
"That will do, let's dismiss it for now." Director Ayen said
"Congratulations" Leox said to Zohara
"Would your father approve of the scene though?" He further added before leaving
Zohara rolled her eyes, she didn't know much about Leox, she just knew that his sister is annoying, his brother is annoying and he is annoying.
"Im also a fan, I'll bring a paper next time." Riujie joked, Zohara smile
"Alright"
They bid their goodbye after exchanging names.
Zohara saw her manager who had a wide smile.
"Congratulations!" Manager Eli said with an excited wide smile
"Thanks" Zohara replied with a smile, of course she's happy, she really spends a lot of time in character study.
She loved it, when all her effort came into fruition.
She immediately contacted her father while they were on their way out.
"Father!" She said happily
"Congratulations, I know you can do it," Zin said, hearing his daughter's excited and happy voice, as if a kid got her favorite toy.
Zin knows it, of course he did, his secretary just received an email from Leox Hill that his daughter was chosen as the female lead and he sent the whole script. He even wrote that he was worried because of some scene but Zin knows Leox was just informing him about something.
Upon reading the script, he realized why, his daughter who never touches or gets intimate with any man has a kissing scene! Of course, Zin didn't want Zohara to act on it but hearing his daughter's happy voice, he immediately folded.
As Zin's favorite word for Zohara, as long as you're happy.
"Yeah!" Zohara exclaimed
"Are you really alright with that scene?" Her father asked with a hint of worry
"I'll try and if I really feel uncomfortable I'll ask for a double, so don't worry! You know I wouldn't do something I don't want." Zohara explained
"Hmmm, I understand"
"But father, we needed to finish our trip in 3 days. Just November 12-14" Zohara said sadly
"I know, I'll reschedule, remember to rest when you're having a shoot."
"Hmmm you too"
The call was short and when they were about to leave they saw Lorelei with her manager looking at her. She glared at Zohara and left.
Zohara didn't mind it and entered the car.
•
Wednesday morning, Zohara took her exam.
"What's with the questions?" Soren grimaced while they are eating their lunch
"Right" Coco followed
"Like why the hell the question formulated that why? My mind was buzzing!" Soren complained and look at Zohara who's glowing as always
"What was your busy week? The last two livestream are just 1 hour." Soren noticed
"You'll see" Zohara said quite happily
"This makes me curious!"
"I heard you changed your Language class schedule to Friday and will sit in Block 2?"
"Yeah, I need some days off and I'll be busy." Zohara shared.
The contract was already sent to her, her fee would be 3.7 million per episode. It's an alright deal as a new artist but it's less in acting in an S-tier drama as the female lead. Well, she doesn't have any previous works so it's understandable. The studio is only paying her that much because of her popularity and potential. Riujie , who is an A-lister and has a lot of experience, usually earned 15-20million per episode. Zohara heard that the budget was 3 billion.
With the large fanbase and popularity of Silk Rebellion, including the factor of the artist they can get back the investment from just licensing and distribution, there is also product placement or brand deals that have ties with the drama itself. The rights can also be sold internationally.
Manager Eli already settled the contract in ICONIQ and her shoot would be on Saturday, while she also had a shoot for the first character still on Tuesday. Then the shoot will start on Nov 3, Saturday and the photos will be released on the same day.
•
Saturday morning, she arrived with her manager at U-Magazine Building. They were immediately entertained and led to the shooting area. Zohara already received the portfolio and theme. She'll have 3 backdrops, bed, piano and school.
The first shoot was the bed, in the studio home set up, numerous staff were there. Fixing the props and fixing Zohara's make up. She is wearing a white long sleeve sleeping dress with curls in front and tie on the wrist. The bed was white bed, surrounded by flowers.
"Just give me some natural poses, or what you usually does in your bedroom"
Photographer Eva said
Zohara walked to the bed and sat, she touched the satin. She heard the clicking of the camera. Zohara then lay backward to the bed and face the camera, while also posing not looking at and playing with the flowers.
They took several photos, when it comes to the piano, she was wearing a black backless dress and they focused on her back and form. The school team is quite normal, sitting in the chair, looking at the window, listening to music while studying, and taking notes. The last shoot was the cover of the mini-magazine, the angle was from her shoulder and showing her face in the mirror. She was wearing ethereal make-up and a blue dress.
Then it was the interview, most questions were connected to the photos they took. She spent 5 hours before everything was finished. They want to release it as a November issue, it'll be announced tomorrow so the pre order can start by October 28 until 31 and released on November 1st, Thursday.
After bidding goodbye to her manager, she went back to her dorm and slept immediately because of tiredness.
•
Sunday Afternoon, Zohara woke up around 1PM, with a growling stomach. She went to the bathroom and washed her face.
"You really are something." She heard Anastasia's voice the moment she left the bathroom. Zohara tilted her head with a hint of confusion.
"Your magazine in ICONIQ, the first release of 10 million already sold out." Anastasia with a hint of amazement
"Ah," Zohara said and smiled lightly, "That's good."
That's really good, remembering her tiredness yesterday. They should be sold out.
•
@ICONIQ MAGAZINE
October 28th| Welcome our newest ICON in an ICONIQ-Artist File Vol. 253. Zohara Nix (@Ohara). It'll be a mini-magazine with 10 pgs, exclusive photos and interviews can be found inside.
The pre-order is now open and will close on October 31st. Here is a sneak peek for you Hara!
10M Likes 2M comments 3M shares
Pinned: @ICONIC MAGAZINE: Because of the high number of traffic the website crashed out BUT dont worry we already fixed it!
Edited after 2hrs: The first release of 10 million pre order is now SOLD OUT.
But DONT WORRY, the 2nd release will be opened however it'll be delivered 3-7days late.
:FUCK WHO HOARD THE MAGAZINE?! LET ME HAVE IT!
1M Likes
:I SECURE JUST ONE COPY, I'M GLAD I ALREADY PURCHASED IT BECAUSE A SECOND LATE IT'LL BE MISSING!
200K LIKES
:LIKE GIRL! I'M CHANGING THE VOLUME WHEN I WAS KICK OUT IN THE WEBSITE!
:I THOUGHT MY INTERNET IS LAGGING, THE WEBSITE CRUSHED!
:WHO BOUGHT MORE THAN 1 PLS LET ME HAVE IT!
Soren: I bought 1,000 copies
2M Likes
:THE FUCK?!
:YOU'RE THE REASON I COULDN'T EVEN GET ONE?
:SOREN YOURE OUT MAN!
:fuck i couldnt secure one, there 10 million copies and i couldnt get one?
:someone definitely bought a million copies
:fuck
:sadly no, Zohara is also famous internationally…I heard my sister in Country J that is almost everyday topic
:JUST LOOK AT THOSE BACK! I HAVE A NOSE BLEED!
:ZOHARA'S BACK BRIGHTER THAN MY FUTURE
334K Likes
:Guys, we have another competition, many passersby keep asking who she is!
:huhuhu crazy
:my brother accidentally saw her picture, he immediately said he likes her without seeing her face. he said 'with that back, i know its a goddess'
:I DIDNT KNOW MILLIONS OF PEOPLE HAVE BACK FETISH?!
1M Like
:Why do I need to feel guilty…btw I secured 10 copies, be jealous.
•
"What happened?" Sienna asked her child, who looked so happy, that they were having lunch.
"I secured 1,000 copies of her new magazine!" Soren said happily
"What would you do with 1,000 copies?" Silas, his father asked
Soren raised his eyebrow
"Of course, cut some and paste it! You can also create a key chain, or sticker from it!" Soren excitedly shared already imagining how will he use the 1000 copies, he'll also give each to the members.
They all want to sigh, all he thinks is Zohara.
"Give me one."
"Huh?" Soren asked his brother Sage
Sienna already felt a headache.
Silas and Seth look at each other.
Sern raised his eyebrow.
Vierra is beyond shocked, she remembers Selene, Sage's fiancee. Now that she thought about it, Selene has the same amber brown eyes as Zohara.
Vierra only saw her once, Selene Wen, she came from a simple family but looks so beautiful. Vierra remembers that many young men chase after her when she was studying in University A. For the people like them in the upper class, Selene was like a piece of white paper, untainted, pure.
It was quite a topic that time, it seemed like a fairy tale, a poor woman and a wealthy man. Influential and wealthy sons were attracted to Selene, like the Asgard Family second son Aris Asgard, a Major General in the military now. Then there is Luther.
Luther was Selene ex in their University days. Everyone thought that they would get married because of their 4 years relationship but Selene left the country upon finishing her pre-med and study MD in Country A. When she came back, she was already engaged with Sage, who was her senior in the University.
When Selene and Sage came back to Country C, 4 years ago, they were already engaged and living together. They never heard any response or reaction from Luther.
Every Sunday, Sage came back to the Erlx Family Home but only once brought Selene back.
Sage never talks about someone, even Selene, he only mentioned her once. What kind of shock they felt when she took on interest.
"I'm a fan." He answered concisely
"Eh?! Wow! I need to tell this to Zohara, she's really amazing! How can she convert you into a fan?! I will give you a copy!" Soren said excitedly
You focus on the wrong thing!
They all thought at unison
•
"Hello guys" Zohara greeted, she was in her dorm room, holding papers and an ipad. She needed to advance reading and cover the remaining term before she started shooting.
:beautiful as always
:you look so good in the photos!
:YOUR BACK IS TO DIE FOR
:studying today?
"Yeah, I'll be just studying so you'll be bored with me." Zohara answered with a little chuckle
:What was the other photo's theme? SPILL
:SPOILER PLS
"hmmm, I don't think I can say it but you'll not regret buying it." She tilt her head
"Yeah, it's my first time. I don't have the energy to drive the car to my unit." She answer
"I still lean on classicals when studying."
"These past few weeks hmmm" Zohara said with a teasing smile "You'll know."
:AHHHHHHHH WHAT
:OMG ANOTHER MAGAZINE? SHOOT?
:ENDORSEMENT?!
"I also want to talk about it, but…" She uttered "I'll be studying now."
Zohara said and spent her time studying while classical background music was playing.
Zohara livestream until the evening while eating brunch and dinner in between.
:I couldn't fathom how can Zohara focus this much for a long time
:dedication….
•
@Ohara's Coconcubine
This is just an appreciation post for my wife.
I've been following @Ohara's life through L-Line since middle school, first it was for the notes, but as I learned more about her and her achievement, I couldn't help but to feel an awe.
I thought she had it easy, beauty, brain, talent and wealth. She has it all but through her livestream I saw her passion. The time she put through in studying, to have a good grade.
I'm just really glad that all her achievements are the result of her efforts.
I love you my wife, may you always be happy.
1.2M Likes 340K comments 70k shares
:Who's your wife? THATS MY WIFE!
:true, at first I felt unbalanced seeing her have it all but seeing her actually being a hard worker, it inspired me.
:Zohara is really a heaven sent to you all.
Prettyu: Her notes are also all impeccable! I'm one of its members and I improve leaps and bounds! Before, I thought being beautiful is what matters but seeing Zohara having it all, it inspires me!
500K Likes
:One of the most beautiful Hara I've seen
:I know you girl, I heard you change boys so frequently like changing clothes and going to bars a lot but seeing your recent post and achievements in school! I want to cry! You really improve in your study!
Prettyu: Thank you for the recognition, it means a lot. Once I began changing, many people laughed at me, telling me it's too late or didn't believe in me. But I want to prove myself to everyone, I can change and now balance my life.
:I love all Hara, Im willing to be a Hara's concubine
:Ermmm pass
:lol