After tidying herself up, Elisa, wearing a mask and a hat, went to meet the program director.
The director, Mr. Usoro, wearing glasses, had a forbidding look about him when he was silent, and seemed both serious and difficult to approach.
At first glance, Mr. Usoro didn’t recognize Elisa. It wasn’t until she stood in front of him, greeting him and introducing herself, that he realized who she was.
“Are you Elisa?” he asked.
“Yes, it’s me,” she replied.
Mr. Usoro looked at her thoughtfully and then nodded. “I think I understand why Asher chose you. You have a very captivating face.”
Elisa’s lips curved into a confident smile, a trait she had never shown before. “If you think I became an actress because of my face, then you’re mistaken. I will prove myself to everyone in your variety show. I, Elisa, have never been a mere decoration.”
Mr. Usoro nodded in approval. “You have quite the confidence. Do you know who else will be participating in my show? Everyone else involved has far more experience than you. They are all industry veterans.”
“Acting on stage is different from auditioning. On camera, they can capture what you fail to perform, but on stage, you have to captivate not only the judges sitting in front but also the audience sitting behind.”
It sounded difficult. This was why there was a hierarchy in the entertainment industry, where, for example, stage actors looked down on film actors.
A good actor might perform well in a film but not necessarily in a play or stage production.
Mr. Usoro had put a lot of effort into this variety show. He had invited guests who were well-known in the industry, with acclaimed works. Someone like Elisa stood out like a sore thumb.
Why did he agree to have her on his show? Perhaps it was because of the respect he had for Asher.
“Asher says you’re a good actress, but it’s not just about talent. I’ve seen the school drama you acted in. Honestly, it was mediocre, and it didn’t capture my attention. If you came here with that level of skill, I advise you to leave now.”
Elisa sat opposite, patiently listening to Mr. Usoro. His words were not pleasant, but every word hit the mark.
“Mr. Usoro, other than me, have you said these things to anyone else today?”
Mr. Usoro didn’t deny it. “The show is about to start filming, and I don’t want anyone backing out halfway. Asher introduced you, so I’m willing to talk to you a bit more. You, yourself, are a controversial figure. Once you make a mistake on stage, even a small acting flaw will be magnified by the audience. Once the variety show starts filming, there’s no turning back.”
She understood Mr. Usoro’s concerns. The show was a competition, and for a newcomer like her to compete against veterans was like a bronze player going up against a king. She might not have been so bad originally, but if she were paired with a veteran stage actor, it was clear what the contrast would be.
To establish herself in the entertainment industry, it wasn’t just about looks. It required luck, seizing opportunities, creating works, but most importantly, it required endurance and the confidence to encourage herself to keep going every day.
If she were eliminated in the first round, she would face scrutiny. Not only would she be questioned, but it would also affect the “Revenge and Love” production team and Mr. Kentala.
She was already facing heavy criticism online, and if she failed this time, there might be no chance for redemption.
If it were an ordinary person, Mr. Usoro’s words might have shattered their confidence, but Elisa was not an ordinary person.
The difficulties she had experienced in her previous life far surpassed this, and besides, she had already died once. What did she have to fear?
“Mr. Usoro, I can do this. Since I’ve signed the contract, I won’t give up until the very end.”
Mr. Usoro looked at her confident eyes and felt a slight flutter in his heart. “Aren’t you afraid of being denounced?”
“I came here despite the scrutiny. If I want to stand firm in this circle, I can’t be afraid of others’ judgment.”
Her tone was earnest, and without makeup, Elisa’s appearance was softer, her almond-shaped eyes making her look vulnerable and gentle, like a soft bun that could be easily bullied.
But now, her eyes revealed a contrasting display of pride and defiance. It was clear she was not one to give up easily.
Mr. Usoro had met many people, but he had never come across someone with such a powerful and contrasting demeanor.
Suddenly, he understood what Asher had said to him.
“Elisa is a born actress. She should exist in any frame, letting everyone know her, the real her.”
This was the true Elisa, not the disgraceful actress portrayed online.
She lived consciously, with pride, and an inherent refusal to admit defeat.
He had always admired people like her. His variety show didn’t need fragile artists.
Finally, Mr. Usoro smiled. “Alright, you have the determination. I wish you success in the competition.”
Elisa replied, “Thank you for your kind words.”
Mr. Usoro handed her a document to familiarize herself with the program’s flow, so she wouldn’t be flustered during the show.
Elisa thanked him and, realizing it was almost time for lunch, invited Mr. Usoro to dine together. He declined, saying he had to return to the busy filming schedule, and advised her to rest well the next day, as the day after she would be entering the battlefield.
Elisa watched Mr. Usoro leave and then opened her phone to check the time. Louis had messaged her on Facebook again.
“Have you eaten?”
Was he persistent about this meal?
Feeling a bit hungry, Elisa ordered a portion of spaghetti while waiting for her meal and replied to Louis’ message.
“I’ve already eaten.”
“What did you have?”
“Spaghetti.”
Meanwhile, Louis, chewing on an A5-grade steak, suddenly found the beef less appetizing. He pushed it aside and called the waiter to order a serving of spaghetti.
When the dish arrived, he quickly took a photo and sent it to Elisa.
“What a coincidence, I had spaghetti today as well.”
Seeing no immediate response from her, Louis started to feel anxious and began typing on his phone.
“Since our tastes are so similar, why don’t we have a meal together?”
He paused for a moment, then deleted the message. It seemed too presumptuous. Elisa had rejected him in the morning, and persisting might only evoke her annoyance. What if she thought he was just a playboy trying to amuse her?
Also… girls definitely didn’t like clingy guys.
At this time of day, Elisa should be enjoying her lunch.
Wait a minute… she still took the time to reply to his message during her meal. What did that mean? It meant he was more important than her lunch!
Elisa must secretly like him, care about him, be the one who could put down her fork for him!