Hailey also realized that she had been overreaching—this was Jay's group, and she had no cause to throw her weight around.Hailey could not help snapping at Zoe given how she was behaving and was surprised that Jay took exception.As such, Hailey came up with an excuse to leave.On the other hand, it was still awkward for Zoe, since Jay did hang her out to dry.He never snapped at people, but his impassive expression could leave one feeling nonexistent.Soon, the first rehearsal was over.Jay did not say much and dismissed everyone for a break before turning toward Zoe. "Come with me."Everyone was throwing Zoe looks of pity right then, and she certainly pitied herself as well.But there was no one out there to save her!She steeled herself as she followed Jay into his VIP lounge, hanging her head as she stood there respectfully like a kid caught doing something naughty.She did not mind appearing pitiful if that could buy her a little sympathy from Jay—when one lived long en
"There's a bed there in the inner room. Go take a nap," Jay said. Zoe was left staring at him and sincerely wondering if she misheard."You heard me right," Jay said, reading her mind just then. "Go take a nap."Zoe bit her lip—there had to be a catch.So what was Jay planning?However, just as all sorts of thoughts crossed her mind, Jay got up and left without any explanation, giving her the room.Zoe hesitated, poking her head in to see the interior of the inner room—it was not at all spacious, but it looked comfortable nonetheless.She felt like her soul was drifting over to lie down, and she thought she would fall asleep if she put her head on that pillow… which she did.In fact, she had actually thrown herself on that moderate-sized but exceedingly soft, clean bed. There was a faint scent of high-grade softener and nothing else.She had reason to suspect Jay never slept here before, and it was fortunate—she might not be able to sleep if she picked up his scent on the she
As Zoe abruptly opened the door to the inner room panickedly, she found Jay sitting calmly and elegantly on the luxurious couch in his lounge, taking a sip of coffee.His bearing was certainly a far cry from hers.Zoe worked hard to calm herself, before asking meekly, "How long have I been sleeping?""A day. It's now 10 PM."A day—not just a couple hours and certainly not just the entire afternoon.In other words, she slept for twelve hours… from 10 AM to 10 PM!What?!"Why didn't you wake me up?!" Zoe asked in shock.She forgot to turn on her alarm, and she was the type who always overslept if no one disturbed her.That was how soundly she slept."You used to be so foul-tempered if someone woke you," Jay blurted."That's before! Would I even misbehave now? I'd be marching out of bed if you called," Zoe quickly retorted. Jay smiled then.His smile had always been refined, and she had never seen him smile in a way that lacked control.That was why one could not tell if he
Nonetheless, Jay stopped her. "Zoe."Zoe turned and promptly nodded politely. "Thanks for the ride, Mr. Parker.""You left this," Jay reminded her then."Left what?" Zoe patted herself, but her bag and phone were there, and she had nothing else."This," Jay said, holding out a box of food.While Zoe was left surprised, he said, "It's your portion."Zoe realized with a start then.Sure, she said she wanted to take the rest of it home, but she did not actually mean it… And he was the one who had bought the chowder in the first place. Why did he have to make up for it?Still, she did not want to argue and quickly said, "Thank you, Mr. Parker. See you tomorrow."Jay swallowed. Was this the only way Zoe would treat him now?Still, he raised the car window and told his chauffeur to drive away.Zoe watched as the car left before heaving a slight sigh of relief.Just now, she felt that Jay was a little angry for some reason.Well, whatever—the past they shared was far from ide
Yelena and Clara shared the same room, and Clara woke up with a start when Zoe opened the door. One was certainly prone to being woken up when they reached a certain age."Just checking on Yelena," Zoe whispered."Okay." Clara tossed around in bed and fell asleep again.Zoe walked up to their bed and stared at Yelena's little cheeks, which were reddened from sleep.Who would have known that Zoe somehow ended up becoming a mother?Yelena's arrival certainly surprised Zoe—she never expected that she could get pregnant in one shot.It was Clara who suggested that she might be when she missed her period for three months and her belly started to swell.She was certainly shocked—she had previous cases of irregular periods before, when she slimmed down drastically or fattened up for certain roles. In fact, she was so used to it that being pregnant did not cross her mind.She struggled with herself for a long time, but she eventually decided to give birth.Clara supported Zoe, say
It was already part eleven. Jay usually should be asleep by now, right?Still, Zoe quickly replied, along with a bowing emoji: [Okay. Thank you, Mr. Parker.]Jay did not reply, while Zoe tapped on the file to see that it was an analysis on the character she would play.It dissected the character's personality with far more detail than the original script, and the contents painted a vivid image. Everything was listed elaborately, down to the instance of when the character should show which expression. She read it silently until the last sentence. [The character is minor, but she still carries weight. Do your best.]Zoe smiled for some reason—it was really out of character for Jay to write something so cringeworthy.Maybe an assistant helped with this? Everyone in the group must have a thorough breakdown like this too, and it would be difficult if Jay's group did not win with such detailed script.Holding the script, Zoe stood before her mirror and played her character severa
Once Jay arrived, everyone gathered around him, and he said, "Continue the rehearsals as arranged yesterday. Let's go a few rounds before we dissect the details. Zoe, you missed out yesterday, so try to blend in or practice solo if you can't.""Yes, Mr. Parker." Everyone dispersed and proceeded to start the rehearsals.Zoe blended in quickly, mostly because the script she was given yesterday proved very useful. She had rehearsed her role twice at home and quickly found the right mood to play her character. And with other characters to play off her role now, she got into character even quicker.By the time the first rehearsal was over, everyone was surprised by Zoe's performance.Her performance from yesterday was a stark contrast to the one she showed today—while she had been distracted and muddle-headed yesterday, she played her character down to a tee today.They had thought her character insignificant and uninteresting, but her performance painted it with bright colors. Eve
Suddenly, the director appeared beside her. "Zoe."Zoe promptly rose to her feet, appearing perfectly respectful. "Mr. Rubio.""It's fine, sit." Arthur Rubio quickly gestured. "No need to be so formal. You've not been speaking much or drinking… Not used to showbiz now that it's been a while?"In reality, she did not have to attend social dinners in the past, since she was busy filming commercials—her manager could never arrange for her to attend any."Just a little out of practice." Zoe smiled, quickly poured herself a glass full, and said, "A toast to you, Mr. Rubio.""Thank you." Arthur did not reject her offer, and they both chugged their drinks."You can really stomach your alcohol," Arthur praised."No, I don't usually drink," Zoe was certainly aware that there were plenty others who would hide their ability to stomach alcohol, or they would be goaded into drinking more than they would like."I'm honored. Here, let's have another drink," Arthur said eagerly.Zoe had no c