It's October 29, every artist arrived at the Velin Studios. All backdrops for the still shoot were already prepared while the actual shooting will be held in Crimson Film Studio.
Crimson Film Studio was located in Province J which is 5 hours away from the capital. The CFS replicates the ancient palace and is usually used by all costume dramas so scheduling in it is quite tight.
Thankfully CFS is big enough to accommodate various dramas that are being shot. Sometimes there was a moment when the drama didn't have a budget, they just rented a small space while the other palaces were also being used by different dramas they called it 'neighbor'. There are many occasions like that and people wanting to make it big to be accidentally discovered by the director also go around Province J along the CFS. While some E-lister artists that mostly act in extra also come there waiting for a pie to land on them or advertising themselves.
Zohara arrived at the Velin Studios around 11AM, all extra and 2nd and 3rd roles were shot in the morning while her shots and Riujie will be shot after them.
Many staff and artists greeted Zohara, of course not all artists feel goodwill towards Zohara. Some felt unbalanced, who wouldn't be? A new actress without previous works became a female lead of an S-tier drama. Her screen partner was also Riujie who was an A-lister. What kind of God-like luck is this? Some even thought a back door deal was operated.
Zohara didn't care about the eyes she received, she knew those people wouldn't do something stupid. Why? Of course they'll be kicked out and they don't want it. Even the extra roles that are only seen for a minute in the drama are being fought tooth for tooth, that's how important S-tier drama is. Also, the cast doesn't really need to move, because some people who fail the audition probably will.
Zohara tries on her clothes as the dress stylist takes a note of the final adjustment. Then she proceeded to the make-up room.
Her single still will be shot first, it was when she was being trained in a brothel house.
Zohara's makeup is striking and ethereal, her eyes are framed by dramatic red and gold tones with sharp eyeliner that adds intensity. Then a small red symbol on her forehead was drawn. Her lips are glossy and delicately tinted.
What were Lian Xue's characteristics, in the earlier episode she was a hardworker honest girl.
Then under Mei Lin, she pretended to be obedient and followed every Mei Lin's words, she became more seductive and sensual. Every movement of her screams elegant and tempting.
When she entered the palace, even though her movements had a hint of sensuality, it was heavily covered by mystery. That's where Emperor Xuanlie, he first wanted to uncover her and kill her but he ended up loving her.
Her hair was styled and countless hair accessories and jewelry were added.
Zohara's look at herself in the mirror shows her wearing a deep red Hanfu with detailed floral embroidery in gold and silver thread. The fabric looks rich and smooth, and the patterns add a traditional, elegant touch. Her outfit includes flowing sleeves and layered pieces.
With her cold temperament even with her clothing and make-up, she doesn't look sensual but looks regal. That's why acting is needed.
Once she entered the set, all eyes were on her. Some furrowed their eyebrows, her aura screamed like a Queen rather than a lowly dancer. While the others who saw her act, did not question Zohara nor bat an eye.
That's how Zohara's was so good, as if she's a different person behind screen, what does it mean? She will never be restricted in a single role. For artists what they found hard is their compatibility to the role. Some actresses are good as a pure character, hard working character, a CEO but once they leave their comfort zone, the audience will feel uncomfortable because the people cannot separate the artist's reality from their acting.
Good and bad actresses and actors are only separated in the thin line of delivery, if they can deliver the character and role so well that the audience forgot that they are watching a drama or movie but instead watching reality.
"Do you know how to use Guzheng?" Director Ayen asked
"Yes"
"Get that Guzheng and play it like Lian Xue"
Zohara walked on the set, it was a white standing screen behind her and a simple guzheng in front.
She sat in front of it.
She closed her eyes, exhaled, then changed her position like Lian Xue would.
Then the first note.
Lian Xue in this stage would play a festive piece like what Mei Lin told her.
"Okay!" Director Ayen shouted, the others woke up from their reverie because of Director Ayen shout, then they saw a shift of temperament from Zohara.
"Let's do a close up!"
They shoot quite different poses in her first look, then when she needed to change to a second look, it was Riujie's turn to be shot.
Riujie, was wearing a long black robe with gold embroidery, including dragon designs on the sleeves and shoulders. Underneath, there's a red garment with golden patterns, and a wide beige sash tied around his waist.
His hair is long and flowing, styled neatly to fall down his back. While a headpiece with hanging ornaments that frame his face, adding a ceremonial feels.
Everyone stops on their tracks. Zohara is beautiful and good but Riujie is different. His aura is just so condensed, especially when he is acting, most of the time his counterpart gets overwhelmed and devoured by his presence. They served as his backdrop.
After Riujie shot, he didn't change his clothes and just changed his hair style, while Zohara's make up became light but still had a tinge of red in lower eye. She's wearing a light blue hanfu with soft white and pastel accents, giving it a dreamy, graceful look.
Her hair was just half bun with a jade hair accessory. It was the Emperor's gift.
The backdrop was the emperor's throne.
"You look good." Riujie complimented
"You too senior" Zohara answer back
They look good togethe
The other thought, isn't this a classic fairy sister and a fairy brother?!
Some staff and Maren immediately jump to the ship.
Only the main and second roles remain in the set.
Riujie sat on his throne, while Zohara sat on him sideways.
"Just tell me if you feel uncomfortable" Riujie said, as a casual watcher of Zohara, he knows that Zohara has never been in a relationship and it might be new to her. He couldn't help but to reach hand as her senior.
Zohara, not detecting any kind of malice, smiles softly and hums. She also likes the calm atmosphere around Riujie. She can't help but to remember her father's words.
'I hope this experience won't ruin your future relationship.'
Zohara knows, just because Mira betrayed her, every person she'll meet will also betray her. As she said that time, she doesn't regret trusting Mira. Maybe, that time when they first met each other Mira really liked her but people changed, no one was bound to absolute emotion, someone might like her now but what about the future? There's no such thing as constant, that's why there's no point in being deeply suspicious of everyone, it'll only tire her out. She's not extremely suspicious to people to the point of ruining future connection but not naive to be just used.
"Start, guide Zohara!"
"Lets do Act III, scene 6" Riujie said softly and his aura changed to Emperor Xuanlie.
Zohara immediately adjusted herself from the initial shock. She can feel it, the sheer difference between Ceon and Riujie.
Zohara felt a powerful arms circling her waist, gripping it, as if she was owned.
Zohara changed to Lian Xue and touched the Emperor's face, her eyes changed to a deep pool.
Several camera flashes, different angles.
Maren blushed, the sheer heat, condensed tension and feelings in that single scene makes her want to scream.
OMG! JUST KISS ALREADY!
She thought
"Okay! Let's change the backdrop! and change their clothes, let's do Act V, Scene 38 then Scene 60."
Zohara stood up, her knees were quite weak. The pressure acting with Riujie is really different and when she was acting as Lian Xue, her conflicting emotions of love and rationality also kept her on edge.
"Senior, you're too good at this." She genuinely complimented
Riujie raise his eyebrow,
you mean you?
Zohara actually was able to act like a veteran in front of him.
"Youre the one who's good."
"My knee actually felt weak" Zohara said with an embarrassed smile, Riujie laugh a little
"You'll get used to it, Im excited how much you'll improve" and maybe I'll also have a breakthrough and be challenged in a role
Riujie couldn't help but to smile thinking about it.
Finally, a good candidate and female rival on screen arrived…
In the next scene, Zohara was wearing a light pink hanfu while Riujie was wearing a black but less formal. The backdrop was the edge of a house where Zohara was sitting and Riujie was sleeping in her lap. It was a peaceful scene and a pond will be edited in the front where it was a green screen when its back angle.
It seems a peaceful scene but it says a lot in the progress of the story. Emperor Xuanlie who never sleeps near someone was sleeping peacefully, eyes closed, even breathing. What's more, Lian Xue's hand was placed on his shoulder near his neck. Lian Xue, also has her eyes closed with a sad smile. The last scene was when Lian Xue was sick and Emperor Xuanlie was holding her hand.
Then a group shot including the 2nd role.
"Good job everyone!" Director Ayen
"The final script reading will be held tomorrow. Everyone should be here by 8AM sharp. Also, the announcement will be posted tomorrow after the script reading while the first character still will be on Nov. 3, Saturday. The updated scheduling was also emailed." Assistant Kal announced
"Good work" Director Ayen said to Zohara, she's quite worried about Zohara behind the camera because she didn't have any previous works. Most newbies need to adjust for at least months to years and need experience to be on the level of Zohara.
"Thank you" Zohara answer with a wide smile
"You would probably received hate once the announcement were announced. Especially to the fans who they like didn't get selected." Director Ayen remind, she doesn't want Zohara to have a mental breakdown before even the shoot start.
"Can I say what I want to say?" Zohara asked
"Huh?" Director Ayen was confused
"I mean I'll be livestreaming and fight back"
"The hate will only intensify and would your agency allow you? Oh you're independent."
"It's alright, they'll probably shut up, my concern was will it affect the shoot."
Director Ayen smile
"Dont worry, once the trailer was released, they'll don't have a choice but to watch it. Im more concern for you, even with the hate, black publicity is still a publicity."
"It would be alright, thank you" Zohara answered before they bid their goodbye.
Riujie who accidentally heard it knows the livestream will be fun tomorrow.
"You really like her? That's the first time you were so concern to an artist" Assistant Kal said
"Zohara is a good girl and extremely talented. Did you see Riujie's face earlier? He was delighted as if he had found a new toy." She said and chuckle
"Well, she's interesting but you didn't need to worry about her, have you watched her livestream?"
"No, I just heard she's a famous influencer. I let the management handle her payment and I'll just trust my judgement, why?"
"She's eloquent, and her fan base is also stable. You should watch some clips later, her fans are quite fearless and have a beef with Aether's fans." Assistant Kal said while laughing
"That's crazy" She knows about Aether and their fanbase, it's the only idol band she knows.
"Yeah"
•
Tuesday afternoon,
Zohara arrived at her dorm after the script reading.
It was tiring but also fulfilling, Director Ayen and her seniors also treated her kindly. She also met some seniors that were in the industry for almost 30 years, the left councilor was played by Senior Cheng, he mostly acted as a villain in dramas and movies. He had that intimidating face but soft spoken and guided her together with another Senior who acted as the Queen Mother, her name was Senior Ma.
Senior Ma was in the industry for 29 years, she also won a best actress award in her prime. She started acting when she was 20 and now 49 mostly acting as a mother in drama and movies. Senior Ma was known for her strict attitude and openly criticized traffic actresses and actors, artists that just have a face. She was skeptical about Zohara at first but opened up seeing her dedication and talent. They talked earlier and she learned that Zohara has a Charity Website with almost 40 million donations and counting. Senior Ma was moved, she grew up in the orphanage and also donated a lot since her days. She just wants to give back.
Senior Ma and Senior Cheng, together with Riujie and Director Ayen. They polished Zohara's voice acting. As a newbie and with not much experience, Zohara needs to be guided, she's not a saint that can suddenly do everything at once. That's why she's grateful to the people who help her, from Ceon, Director Lux and now her current cast.
•
@Velin Studio
Hey!
Wake up everyone!
Finally, the Silk Rebellion drama adaptation was about to proceed!
Script Reading already accomplished and the first still will be released on November 3, stay tuned!
The final list of actors and actresses are here!
Zohara Nix (@Ohara) as Lian Xue
Riujie (@Jie) as Emperor Xuan Lie
Maren as Mei Li
Tian as General Wei Sheng
Rouwen as Scholar Yu
Cheng as Left Councilor Wang
Ma as Queen Mother Zu
30M Likes 10M comments 15M shares
:AM I TWEAKING OR IS THAT REALLY ZOHARA'S NAME?!
1M LIKES
:HUH?! FUXK FUXK FUXK
:ZOHARA?! WHAT THE HELL! TRASH! DON'T RUIN OUR IMAGINATION! HOW CAN AN 18 YEARS OLD GIRL WITH NO ACTING EXPERIENCE BECAME THE FEMALE LEAD PARTNERED WITH LEGENDARY RIUJIE?! I'M BEYOND ANGRY!
3M LIKES
:I was really excited about the drama adaptation but seeing an influencer acting as the female lead, I don't have the energy to even watch it.
1M Likes
:@Director Ayen, I TRUSTED YOU! @VELIN STUDIO! FUXKKKKK
1M Likes
: I heard there are other good candidates that time, @Lorelei and @Irai with @Ohara was deliberated but Zohara won
:?!!!!! BETWEEN IRAI AND ZOHARA THEY CHOOSE ZOHARA?!
1M Likes
:SO THAT'S REASON FOR LORELEI RECENT POST?!
:What post?
:She post last week, "What is talent in front of money"
2M Likes
:FUXK
:Do you think Soren helps Zohara?
:Probably not, he's also shock
:Pretending
:RIUJIE FOLLOWS ZOHARA!
:CONGRATULATION MY FAIRY SISTER, I KNOW YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT! SO EXCITED
1M Likes
Prettyu: I'M SO HAPPY FOR ZOHARA! Her debut drama would be an S-tier!
Zohara's name as expected was hated by Lorelei and Irai fans. While half of the Silk Rebellion novel fans were also hating about Zohara the other half was just waiting.
Lorelei's timely post and Irai silence also contribute to the chaos.
•
Frose furrowed her eyebrow, she was as Riu for almost 10 years. She hates what's happening, no, not because of the cast name but because of Lorelei and Irai fueling the fans. Thankfully, most of the Riu are organized and they have been here for a long time.
They didn't like Riujie just because of his face, but because of his works. More than Zohara, what they trust is Riujie's judgement. She posted a notice.
@ Riu No.1
Please calm down Riu, remember who is the director and studio and of course who we are.
We are Riu, we should trust Riujie's judgment.
We should wait before actually judging,
Don't join any hate trains or start one.
Thank you.
2M Likes 300K comments 270k shares
:One of the most sensible fandom I've ever seen
:As a Hara, thank , those people can't keep their mouths shut.
Frose seeing positive replies then a notification.
Zohara is livestreaming.
She hoped Zohara would cause much more chaos.
•
"30 million viewers?" Zohara said sarcastically she was in her dorm. She just woke up and it's already 8PM.
"Yeah, I know, I can see, maybe half are here to attack me. Feel free" Zohara said while laughing as she left her bed
"Yeah, I just woke up. I'm so tired after reading the script."
:Fuck…
:BITCH
:IT SHOULD BE IRAI!
:YOU BOUGHT YOUR ROLE!
:Go, Zohara irritate them more until they die
:lol, i just know Zohara didnt care about those bashes
:she actually looks shes enjoying it
"Why are you crying here? You should cry to your idols… or with your idol?"
:...
:HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA
:BITCH
:SHAMELESS
"I'll drop the name, Lorelei."
:Woah
:FUXK
:HERE IT IS
:AN OPEN WAR?
"I just saw your post. I actually don't care about your existence to the point I almost forgot about you. But why do you keep posting things implying I bought my role? Don't comment that she didn't mention a name or if the shoe fit then wore it. No, it's obvious that she is referring to me and the drama role." Zohara said and prepared a cereal and went back to her room.
"Why do you think I bought the role? Because you didn't trust Director Ayen's judgement or you just think that you should be the one for it? If I was less talented, it wouldn't be your turn, it's Irai, not you. Remember that."
:WOAH
:AHHHHHHHHHH
:As expected…
"And you even glare at me after the audition?"
:Fuck
:FUCK
:HOT TEA
"You should glare at yourself in the mirror of being less talented."
:WOAH
:too arrogant
"Of course I'am, I can."
"Sometimes I want to open idiotic people's heads and see their brains. I'm curious, is your brain all smooth, that's why you can't think critically?"
"Why do people keep accusing me of buying the role, do you think Director Ayen would allow it? The book's author? Just accept that I'm talented, that I was chosen even without that much experience. Some people are just that talented, and one of those people is me."
"Arrogance? No."
"It's confidence, in knowing I can be something. It's confidence in the hard work I put through and the people who believe in me. It's my role not to betray their trust so don't worry I'll act well."
:Im convinced
:She's so eloquent
:The confidence I need, really
:As a Silk Rebellion fan, I'll give you a chance
Most of the comments shift but there are still some negative comments, well, it doesn't just disappear. Especially Lorelei fans.
Zohara claps her hand.
"All seriousness aside, I won't entertain more hate comments in my livestream. I don't care if you believe me or not, regardless I'll still be sleeping peacefully later. Don't worry, I'll play Lian Xue better than you can imagine."
:ROGER!
:I'M MORE THAN CONVINCED, I'LL WAIT.
:DONT DISAPPOINT US!
:Let's move on! CONGRATULATION!
The comments were filled with congratulations.
Zohara smiles happily.
"Hmmm, thank you guys, I'm really happy though."
"Yeah, I was busy with it these weeks." Then Zohara reached the physical copy of her book and flipped it. It has a lot of highlights and annotations, with clip papers
:fuck…
:dedication…
:as a reader im so fucking happy seeing the actress actually reading the novel!
"I study character, I find Lian Xue character quite complex. Especially her feelings and emotion. Before the auditioned, what I was worried about was how to express love, her love was not pure nor deep, its swallow but cover her entirety. She can keep herself rational, but still feel the intensity of it. I've never fell in love so how would I express it?" Zohara laughed and finished her cereal and went outside to wash it while talking
:What did you do?!
:dont tell me you have a boyfriend now?!
"No, I consumed love media, fiction, movies, basically literature." She answer
"Wait, I'll just wash my face and brush my teeth." She said and paused the livestream
After a few minutes she came back and entered her room. She covered herself in a blanket and hugged Nanako's plushies.
:FINALLY!
:The set up is making me sleepy
:When did you learn how to act?
"I've never learned it. Hmmm, when I was young and learned piano and violin, I noticed I lacked the essence of the pieces. I sounded dry even when I kept practicing. Then I learned about analyzing, dissecting, understanding and embodying them. There I learned to embody the emotions the pieces wanted to deliver. That's how I also do acting. But acting is much harder, certain emotions are quite complex, it's also delivered differently depending on the situation and character design. So, I spend a lot of time learning the essence of the character."
:...
:im more than convince
:amazing perspective
:have you put it in practice?
"I think I can say this, I acted in a movie but I couldn't say its title, so, yeah, I already put it in practice. That's also how I was chosen."
:MOVIE?!
:WHY THE HELL IS OUR FIRST TIME HEARING THIS?!
:YOU'VE BEEN KEEPING IT OUT TO US?!
"Acting with Senior Riujie? He's good, too good. I got overwhelmed, I really didn't notice it in the audition but when we shot the still yesterday. I felt so pressured that I was stunned, and my knee felt weak." She shared while laughing
:thats Riujie for you
:It's alright, it's to be expected
:Girl, Riujie has 18 years of experience, of course you will!
:THIS IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION! SILK REBELLION HAVE A KISSING AND BED SCENE!!!!!!!!!
:NOW THAT YOU MENTIONED IT?!
:WE ACTUALLY FORGOT!
:ZOHARAAA
:CAN YOU DO THE SCENE?
The comment section was filled with such questions. Zohara's already sleepy blush a little.
"I'll try, I've never kissed anyone."
:AHHHHHH FUCK! WHAT A LUCKY BASTARD
:ZOHARA'S FIRST KISS?!
:RIUJIE DID YOU SAVE A COUNTRY IN YOUR LAST LIFE?!
:RIUJIE CANT FIGHT US ALL, RIGHT?
:I REMEMBER RIUJIE IS ALREADY 28 AND ZOHARA IS ONLY 18, WONT YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE? OR ISN'T THIS WEIRD?
"I'll be 19 this November, and not really. If I feel uncomfortable in any way I'll hire a double but based on our synergy yesterday. Senior Riujie is kind and comforting, so I'll probably be alright."
:RIUJIE REALLY SAVE A COUNTRY
:DEFINITELY
:DONT FALL INLOVE PLEASE
:PLEASE
Zohara laugh
"Dont worry, Im a professional" laugh "Even when I consumed love media I don't have a love brain"
:I'LL BELIEVE IN YOU
:LET'S BET
"I have morning class, bye-bye"
•
"Is it really alright to post a selfie right now?"
Irai managers asked
Irai looked at herself in a compact mirror after posting the selfie.
"That girl is smart"
Irai answered, it would be a lie if she said that she was not irritated or felt unbalanced that she was not able to get the role but she was not that idiotic enough to post obvious targeted words against Zohara like what Lorelei does
.
"She even used me to drag Lorelei, my fans would calm down after a week or so when I act unaffected." Irai added
"Yes! See the internet though, all the reactions shift and people are now dragging Lorelei."
Irai closes the compact mirror, she knows.
Especially with that girl fans and Riujie, Irai knows that Riu wouldn't attack Zohara at all.
Even if it's true that Zohara got the role through money, it's not their place to open it without evidence because more than half of the industry get their breakthrough through sponsors. It's quite prevalent. That's why Irai is wondering, what does Lorelei knows that makes her act so dumb about it.
•
@Soren
I should be an actor.
2M Likes 1M comments 1.5M shares
:same sentiment
:HOW I WISH IT ME!
:I don't know who to get jealous to, Zohara whose first kiss would be Riujie or Riujie who could get Zohara's first kiss
900K Likes
:I WANT THEM BOTH
•
"Maybe I should debut as an actor." Fen uttered while looking at the ceiling
•
"Zero dude, are you okay?" Reaver asked the absentminded Zero
"I'm not…"
•
Seeing the shift of comments was please. Lorelei fans still comment negatively about Zohara but Hara and Riu help each other to fight back.
Of course the Riu is happy, their idol was put up and got complimented the most by Zohara so why wouldn't they? Also Zohara is actually so genuine without intention of stirring unwanted CP and Riujie follows Zohara. Indicating that Riujie supports Zohara.
Zohara's and Riujie followers continue to grow to 30 million and 70 million respectively.
Then the first still was posted.
It ensues chaos.
All the trending topics were about the Silk Rebellion, Riujie, Zohara, Maren, Riuwen, Tian and the other cast.
They all look so good but Riujie and Zohara were the main characters for a reason.
When the Riu, Hara, Silk, and other passerby netizens saw the first still they all swept away!
Frose look at the image, the gripping hands! their hands! The tension is palatable!
@Velin Studio
This is what we are all waiting for!
Can you feel the tension?
21M Likes 5M comments 3M shares
:fuck
:I HAVE A NOSE BLEED
:THEY LOOK SO FUCKING GOOD TOGETHER!
:EMPEROR XUANLI AND LIAN XUE IN FLESH!
:AS A SILK IM SO FUCKING HAPPY
:WHAT THE HELL IT LOOKS SO FUCKING AMAZING
:IM SO EXCITED
:PLEASE AIR IT IMMEDIATELY
:I literally have a goosebump, THIS IS JUST A STILL! I THINK WE'LL ALL DIE IN TRAILER
:WE'LL REINCARNATE IN EP.1
:NEVER DOUBT DIRECTOR AYEN'S EYES
•
"The responses are good." Assistant Kal said they are currently in the CFS, finalizing the details for the first day of shoot. They'll mostly shoot easy scenes of Zohara and Riujie together because it's the first day and as a norm, every first day of the shoot they have a cast party at night with the investors.
"Of course" Director Ayen said while remembering Zohara's livestream, she's beyond blunt. She chuckled.
The scenes were quite simple, Zohara and Riujie were able to get it in single to two takes. Everyone couldn't help but to feel awe.
While the other was being shot, Zohara and Riujie were resting in the tent while watching Maren act.
"Are you adjusting?" Riujie asked
"thanks to Senior" Zohara answer, Riujie laughed
"Hmmm that's good"
Their talk stopped.
They are not that close and they felt a certain wall against each other, well it doesn't matter as long it does not affect the scene.
For Riujie, he really likes Zohara, not romantically but what he likes is her capability and freedom to talk back to the attacks without minding the people's reaction.
When Riujie was still a child, he was trained to answer, to maintain his image, it was ingrained to his being that he couldn't simply change. If you compare 4 years ago and now, he's more stable and less strict now.
This is because his fandom already stabilized itself, he felt quite proud about it, seeing the Riu attitude. When he was in his prime, a year ago, the Riu was more careless than the A5, they attacked anyone but Riu right now was being handled properly and only attacked the people who attacked Riujie first.
So seeing Zohara he felt refreshed about it. If it was years before, he might even feel envy because of the freedom she has, but he already grew tired of it, the competition, and dirt in the industry. The only thing that keeps him in the industry is his love of acting.
•
On the evening of Nov. 3, they come back to the H. Hotel and a private semi-formal dinner party was held in the dining hall.
Zohara's room was one of the largest rooms, the same with Riujie and the important cast. Well, it is basically owned by Leox's family.
Zohara wore simple, square denim pants, black short heels, and white fitted tee. Her hair was laid bare and she used a head band. It was a gift from her father, another hair jewelry from Vespera Jewels. It's made of small diamonds and red rubies flowers.
Zohara went downstairs with her manager.
"Say it," Zohara uttered while typing something on her phone. She was talking with Ceon. Ever since the shoot they sometimes chat when they are free and Zohara also asks some questions related to acting while Ceon asks for her well being.
"Do you think you're underdressed?" Manager Eli asked, even though it's said semi-formal, most cast would probably wear dresses and tuxedo. Well, Zohara doesn't really look underdressed but they might comment on her attitude.
"They say it's semi formal, and I look good, so don't worry." Zohara answered and went to the dining hall that was guarded. As Manager Eli expected most of the people were wearing extravagant dresses and tuxedos, while Director Ayen was wearing formal pants. Riujie was not wearing a tuxedo but also semi-formal clothing.
When people first saw Zohara they collectively thought
'What is she wearing'
but looking at her again, she looks so beautiful and cold that even the artist wearing dresses pale in comparison.
Zohara walks to the table with Director Ayen, Riujie and the other main cast. The three main investors were also seated there which includes Leox that was staring intently at her.
"Our main character is here." Tian joked
"Am I late?" Zohara asked with a raised eyebrow
"No, just in time." Director Ayen answered as Zohara sat beside Riujie.
You're not late but people usually come at least 10 minutes before the event!
Tian hates arrogant actresses and actors that only get roles through connection.
Of course not only Tian thinks about it, most people in the industry does. Even though they can't deny Zohara's talent or potential, they also can't accept that she can easily get a main role, why? Because some extremely talented people never get a main role even with their talent! They think it's unfair.
In every industry connection is necessary, if a poor artist with no connection and has extreme talent wants to be famous they still need at least years to be known if they are lucky or get buried without even making a name. Without connection, means no resource. So, some people hate and dislike Zohara's guts of saying that she is just talented, that's why she got the role. The others understand the unfairness and unbalance some people felt. It's not entirely directed to Zohara but to the system!
Zohara's cold and nonchalant attitude to hate also contributes to people disliking her and belittling people as if she was entitled to do so.
"Everyone is here, I wouldn't say anything more, the start of the shoot is quite good and I want everyone to stick to it. You might feel different emotions in the situation but I want to warn everyone that I won't tolerate any intentional damage in my work!" Director Ayen announced and the hall was filled with claps, Leox also stood up in turn.
"I expect great things in this drama" Leox just simply said with a smirk.
Some actresses and actors know him but some don't. He never introduced himself but seems to be the most important person right now. So some people's eyes brighten seeing him.
In reality, people knew authority brought fame and power. They know connections are sometimes the only means to survive.
Yes, some people despise selling themselves but some think it's the easiest way up. Yes, they hate Zohara, but no one would reject an offer to be at her place, to bathe in the privilege she's been living.
As the dinner proceeds, some artists get this chance to socialize with the upper tier artists and even talk to some investors at different tables. On the other hand, people at the main table wouldn't leave their seat because the most important people are all seated there.
At the table, Zohara was sitting beside Riujie on her left and Leox on her right. Beside Leox was Director Ayen, then Maren, Investor Yu, Investor Wang, Riuwen, Tian and Author Li.
Across them, Maren and Investor Yu are talking while Tian, Riuwen and Investor Wang are talking. Then Author Li and Riujie were talking about certain roles.
"Is that another gift from your father?" Leox asked to see the new head band of Zohara. Even though the others were talking they still listened to those people around them.
"You know Zohara's father?" Investor Wang asked quite interested. He's been eyeing Zohara for a while now but he couldn't move because Zohara's background is quite mysterious and if maybe Zohara was already being sponsored by the son of the Erlx. He's not an idiot to touch someone who he couldn't touch.
"I met him," Leox said with a teasing smile, expecting to see a reaction from Zohara.
"You met father?" Zohara furrowed her eyebrow "Why does your family keep meeting father?" She uttered with a hint of irritation. She remembers Luther seeing her crying, also that's not just the reason why she is irritated. Luther never gave her something. Zohara wouldn't care if Luther didn't promise but he did say he'll give her something but he forgot.
"What?" It's now Leox turn to be irritated
Zohara didn't answer, feeling it's irrelevant to talk about it. Leox asked, but didn't mention it anymore.
The others who heard their conversation have a lot of speculation in their head.
"That's a Vespera Jewel, right? My daughter also wants one." Investor Yu said with a sigh
"Yeah" Zohara answer as she ate
"Bought her one!" Investor Wang said to Investor Yu with a laugh
"You must be joking, its limited edition fetched 1.2 million. My wife would berate me if I bought that for my daughter." Investor Yu said while laughing
"Its alright, its also an invested" Investor Wang said while laughing
"I don't understand that much buying such expensive stuff." Author Li join the conversation
"Well, it really depends on the person." Riujie commented
"Me too, I'll feel guilty!" Tian
"But it looks beautiful" Maren commended looking at Zohara's hair
"Its different for me, as long as the person I gifted it to feel happy, I can spend that much" Investor Wang said with a hint of arrogance and laughter
"We're the same" Leox commented
"Its the first time I heard its price" Zohara also joined
"I thought you asked your father for it." Leox commented with a hint of teasing, knowing Uncle Zin, stoic attitude.
"I didnt need too" Zohara answer
"What's your plan for your birthday?" Leox asked
"Right, your birthday is in November." Riujie commented
"How did you know?" Investor Wang asked, looking at Riujie with a hint of teasing as if he discovered a secret. He even wishes the two would date so it can cause a stir and more money would come to him.
"I'm a fan." Riujie answered calmly
Director Ayen laugh
"Hearing those words from Riujie" she said and laugh a little
"Im a human too" Riujie answer while laughing to Director Ayen
"Yeah right" Director Wang
"So?" Leox asked
"Why are you asking?" Zohara retorted
"So we can celebrate in the set" Leox answered a matter of fact
"I'll not be on the set and I'll be leaving the country."
"Hara would probably be sad." Riujie commented
"Usually artist spend their birthdays with their fans" Riuwen answer seeing Zohara's confusion
"They'll understand" Zohara answer with a light chuckle
"I wont understand" Leox answer
"Are you even a Hara" Zohara retorted
"I've been there since your first livestreaming" Leox answers with a smirked and looks at Zohara
"Ohhh I didn't know Zohara's fandom is this so far reached" Director Ayen
"People hearing this must think you bought her role." Investor Yu said knowing the issue
"As a Hara, I'm against her being Lian Xue, I was really irritated when the Director chose her." Leox answered calmly with a laugh, Investor Wang and Yu together with Ayen laugh knowing his intention. While Riujie raised his eyebrow.
Right, they can see it. Leox is interested in Zohara, it's in plain sight. So why would he choose her as Lian Xue knowing the script. He wouldn't. It's more of a question why he couldn't remove Zohara in the main role.
"Sorry, I couldn't just let her go. Even if you ask to change it." Director Ayen jessed
"You must be the one who sent it to your father."
Leox just laugh
"You even plan to sabotage my role, are you even Hara" Zohara said and roll her eyes
"Well, can't you understand? Who want someone they like to kiss someone else?" Leox asked with a raised eyebrow but a serious expression. The table was filled with silence. If his brother and the other will be secretive with it, he'll just let it open. So, people will know that the person they are eyeing is already being guarded. He's that shameless enough.
"If you're offering yourself, I'll pass, you're too old." Zohara said with grimace.
The people at the table choked on their food and drinks.
Fuck
She really said it
Well
This is hella fun
They thought collectively
Leox was stunned for a second before laughing.
"Riujie and I are in the same age, why it's okay for him but not for me?" He teased
"We're acting and you actually are serious" Zohara answers knowing that Leox is really serious. She also noticed what he was doing, guarding her. Erecting a fence so no one would try to jump on it.
"Hmmm I understand, don't worry I'll wait at least 3 years"
"Even after 3 years I wouldn't like you"
"No one knows" Leox answered quite nonchalantly about it.
Riujie only felt entertained, it's only the second time he's been in the front row of Zohara's insulting skill. It's really refreshing.
The others also felt the same, especially Maren. She likes Zohara more and more.
Zohara didn't answer anymore, she knows she can't do anything to Leox nor control Leox. Leox was not like Soren. Zohara just wish Leox interest would disappear. She doesn't entirely hate Leox, she just feel he's irritating, he actually looks good an 8.7, but Zohara knows the Hills. It's chaotic, she doesn't want to enter herself in that place.
The dinner shifts to the talk of investment and new movies and series. Zohara just ate silently.