Not long after, Sarah got in touch with someone from Director Colby’s team.
Director Beck was usually calm when he wasn’t filming, but he turned irritable on set. Director Colby was more reserved and had set a time and place for Sarah to audition.
Sarah wasn’t sure if Director Colby had seen the online drama. She worried that if she showed up, Director Colby might reject her because of her bad reputation, so she mentioned it.
Director Colby remained as indifferent as ever. “Since Crystal recommended you, I trust her. Come by and audition when you can.”
The project was an adaptation of a popular fantasy novel called The Mysterious Family, which had a strong following online. The role Sarah was auditioning for was significant, unlike a princess role that would have a brief shooting time.
She took some time to buy the novel online and spent the whole day reading it. It was indeed captivating, with the male lead searching for a lost family relic in a mysterious realm, and Sarah’s character was one of the guardians, fierce and cold.
However, big-budget fantasy films usually flopped, regardless of how good the original script was. They often ended up with terrible special effects or costumes, making it hard to please the audience. On the flip side, if done right, the stunning visuals and fantastical plot could completely immerse viewers.
Sarah had heard of Director Colby’s name; he was quite famous in this world and a successful director of commercial films. But she hadn’t really watched any of his movies closely.
So, she locked herself in her room again to review Director Colby’s past works.
Outside the room, Butler Ted and the housekeeper exchanged worried glances.
The housekeeper said awkwardly, “Miss Sarah has been holed up in her room for the past few days, only coming out to eat.”
Butler Ted muttered to himself, “Our lady must be facing some major psychological blow; she’s probably depressed.”
“Huh?” the housekeeper replied.
The more Butler Ted thought about it, the more he felt it made sense.
“Yes, our lady is definitely depressed.” He counted on his fingers. “Think about it-she’s just in her twenties, coming from a comfortable middle-class family…”
The housekeeper interrupted, “Her family owns a company; they’re quite wealthy, not just middle-class.”
“But her family doesn’t have a fraction of Mr. Holden’s wealth,” Butler Ted said, having seen all kinds of billionaires with Holden. But remembering his own poverty, he added, “Well, compared to us, she’s a rich girl… It’s worse when you think about it. She was a bright, cheerful young lady who suddenly faced a huge change.”
The housekeeper hadn’t been criticized online, but before working here, she often endured verbal abuse from her husband and knew how bad that felt, so she nodded in agreement.
Butler Ted reasoned further, “In such a situation, anyone would feel down, let alone our lady.”
The housekeeper nodded in agreement.
Just then, the door suddenly opened, and Sarah stumbled out, her hair disheveled and her eyes glazed.
She had just watched two hours of a movie, and her eyes were a bit sore; all she wanted was to go downstairs for a bottle of ice water.
Butler Ted and the housekeeper jumped in surprise and turned to look at Sarah.
Sarah had long gotten used to the idea that someone might pop up from any corner of the house. After all, with Holden buying such a big place, it was a given that someone had to manage it. The housekeeper could be in the kitchen, on the stairs, or in the bedroom, all dressed alike but with completely different faces.
Sarah thought about it-if someone wanted to assassinate Holden, they could just wear a housekeeper uniform and hide in his house. There were several housekeepers, so he probably wouldn’t be able to tell them apart…
Butler Ted watched Sarah’s back and said, “Doesn’t it look like it?”
The housekeeper replied, “Well… Yeah, she definitely looks like she’s been feeling depressed.”
Sarah twisted open a bottle of ice water and gulped down a few sips, finally feeling some life in her eyes.
Honestly, Director Colby’s movies were top-notch, known for both their critical acclaim and box office success. Even the supporting actors in his films were talented.
Sarah didn’t believe for a second that he couldn’t find suitable candidates for his new film; no matter how tough the conditions were, there would always be people willing to endure the hardship for the potential rewards.
Crystal’s favor was rare, as most actors didn’t even get a chance to audition. Sarah felt grateful for the support of her. She logged into the game and sent a request to Crystal to be her apprentice.
Oh well, her master’s skills might not be the best, but she’d make up for it later when she climbed up the ranks and tackled all the high-difficulty quests with her master.
Sure enough, Crystal was online, laughing heartily in the game before sending Sarah a party invite. They opened up voice chat.
Crystal asked, “Did you catch that variety show yesterday? The one with Elisa?”
Sarah replied, “Oh… No.”
Crystal was super nosy, “Did you really both love the same guy? What was he thinking? How did he choose her over you?”
Butler Ted, who was eavesdropping, finally understood why his lady was feeling down. That little bitch was more than just an old classmate of his lady-she was also a rival.
What was the name of the guy she loved again? Ronald White or Ronald Martin?
Heartbroken in love and getting criticized by so many, it felt terribly unfair.
“I’m wrapping up my filming soon,” Crystal said. “This movie should be set for release during Christmas. Once I finish, I’ll come find you and introduce you to some handsome guys.”
Crystal was still unmarried and had managed to maintain her youthful goddess status. It wasn’t hard to see why-she had billions, could spend freely, lived in a mansion, and had young handsome boys practically knocking on her door.
Sarah clenched her fist, deciding that her career goal was to become a successful actress like Crystal.
In the game, Crystal rode her little flying horse, proudly showing it off to Sarah. “Isn’t it pretty?”
Sarah exclaimed, “It can fly? Is that available in the store?”
Crystal replied, “Three million to draw it, and you can’t get it now-it’s not coming back!”
“Game currency?”
That would still cost three hundred thousand! Sarah had never spent more than ten thousand in a game; she’d rather buy lipstick than pour money into that.
Crystal teased, “That’s in U. S. dollars! I drew two of them! If you’re a good apprentice, I’ll gift you one in the future!”
Sarah was left speechless. What a money-grabbing game; she wondered which heartless capitalist developed it.
Butler Ted watched Sarah play and brought her a piece of chocolate cake. “Lady, you’re into this game too?”
Sarah nodded, “Playing with friends.”
Butler Ted looked again. “A year ago, this game was barely surviving, but ever since Mr. Holden’s internet company acquired it, the player base has skyrocketed.”
“Wait, isn’t he in real estate?”
Just how many industries had Holden dipped his toes into?