Lillian spent two anxious days at the hospital, but neither John’s family nor Conrad came looking for her.
Her mentor, Jack, called her up.
Lillian rushed to campus, where Jack greeted her. “Weren’t you in a hurry to find a job? I spoke to the crew on your behalf. They haven’t started filming yet, but in the meantime, how about shooting a promotional ad for our school?”
“I went out of my way to get this slot for you,” he added with a smile.
“Thank you, Professor.” Lillian had been struggling to find decent work the past few days.
Though she had some money saved up, her grandmother’s surgery would cost several million, and she was still far from having enough.
“So, is the spokesperson already picked? What about the setting?”
“We’ll film on campus, so the location’s sorted. As for the spokesperson, you’re about to meet them.”
Jack led her to the principal’s office. “This one’s got connections. They pushed their way in. Otherwise, your grades and looks would’ve made you the top choice, but keep an open mind. You’ll have other opportunities.”
Lillian didn’t care about being the spokesperson. “It’s fine. As long as they pay me on time, that’s all I need.”
All she wanted was to be a director, though her looks could easily have launched her into the entertainment industry.
Jack knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
Lillian followed Jack into the room and immediately spotted Conrad sitting there with Evelyn by his side.
Lillian’s expression froze, while Evelyn looked at her with a complex mix of emotions.
“Mr. Conrad, let me introduce you,” the principal said, gesturing. “This is Professor Jack, our department head. He’s mentored a lot of famous students, many of whom are now renowned directors with award-winning works. This young lady here is his student, Lillian. She’s hardworking, and talented in her field, and though she hasn’t directed a film on her own yet, she’s already contributed to many student projects. Lillian, go ahead and greet Mr. Conrad.”
Lillian felt like a prey caught in the gaze of a predator as she stepped forward and forced a polite smile. “Hello, Mr. Conrad, I’m Lillian.”
Conrad didn’t even look at her, pretending not to hear a word.
The principal tried to save the moment with an awkward smile. “Lillian here may be young and still finishing her studies, but she has exceptional skills and a real knack for understanding what today’s young people want to see.”
At that, Conrad barely raised an eyebrow. “What’s her name again?”
Lillian gritted her teeth. “Lillian.”
“Speak up, didn’t you have breakfast?”
“Hello, Mr. Conrad,” she said louder, still trying to keep her composure. “I’m Lillian. Pleased to meet you.”
“Oh, I don’t want to meet you. Don’t cozy up to me.”
“…” What an absolute jerk. If the school staff weren’t right there, Lillian would’ve walked out then and there.
The principal’s face flushed in embarrassment. He glanced at Jack, signaling him to take Lillian out before things got any worse.
But just as Jack was about to leave with her, Conrad’s arrogant voice stopped them. “She’ll do.”
Jack quickly nudged Lillian. “Thank Mr. Conrad.”
Lillian took a deep breath, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Conrad, for the opportunity. I’ll make sure to do a great job on this project.”
“If you’re going to thank me, just say it. That creepy smile-are you trying to scare me?”
Lillian looked up, now with a bright, flawless smile that startled him for a split second before she turned and extended her hand toward Evelyn. “Nice to meet you. Looking forward to working together.”
Evelyn barely managed a tight smile and didn’t bother to shake Lillian’s hand. Instead, she clung to Conrad’s arm. “Conrad, can’t we pick another director?”
Jack bit his lip in annoyance. Seriously? What was this girl, who only got in through connections, complaining about now? With her basic qualifications, even if H University went back a hundred years, they’d never let her be their spokesperson.
Conrad didn’t respond, though, so Evelyn had to settle for signing the contract. Her educational background was limited, and her enrollment had been… unconventional. To save face, she picked an obscure major in art appreciation. At least it sounded impressive.
The shoot location was set at the school’s main entrance, aiming to capture a sense of youth and vitality. Clear enunciation was essential, as they’d be using live audio recording.
Evelyn finally came out after a long time in makeup, but Lillian’s team was already fed up with waiting.
Their jaws dropped when they saw Evelyn, though. She was decked out in designer clothes and sporting a full glam influencer look.
Lillian asked, “Excuse me, did one of our team members recommend this look for you?”
Janet had just shown up before the shoot started, while Lillian and her team were still setting up the scene, lighting, and getting everything ready. The moment she heard Lillian questioning Evelyn’s look, she sneered, “Are you kidding? That makeup artist you hired must be from some rundown place down the street! Nowhere near good enough for Evelyn-so tacky.”
Everyone knew Evelyn was there through connections, and it was obvious her so-called “Best friend” Janet was faking expertise too.
But Lillian couldn’t step aside, especially since she was the director; the final product would impact her grade directly.
“Sorry, but this makeup just won’t work,” Lillian said flatly.
Janet snickered, “I knew you’d make trouble! That’s why I came here to help Evelyn myself. You’re like a shadow that just won’t go away.”
Lillian, unfazed, replied, “Miss Evelyn, we have certain requirements for this shoot. No need to dress like it’s a red carpet. Luxury clothes worth tens of thousands aren’t a typical college student’s wardrobe. We’d appreciate it if you’d choose something more realistic, or else the footage will just be a waste and require reshooting. I’m sure you don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
The school’s reputation was at stake, and Evelyn knew she’d be in the spotlight for anything that went wrong. No need to risk that.
Evelyn, a bit sharper than Janet, understood that while Lillian might be targeting her, there was no use in throwing a tantrum on Lillian’s turf-it wouldn’t look good in front of Conrad either.
“Sure thing, Lillian. Whatever you say.” Evelyn turned to the crew and said with a smile, “Sorry for the delay, everyone. Let me get you some coffee as thanks for waiting.” With that, she walked off with a blank expression and got into the luxury RV Conrad had arranged for her.
“Can you believe this?” Janet huffed, practically fuming. “She’s doing this on purpose! Evelyn, why don’t you just slap her?”
Evelyn scoffed, “I wouldn’t stoop to her level. As long as Conrad spoils me, that’ll bother her enough.”
Janet rolled her eyes, then chuckled as she flattered her. “Of course! Look at you, already riding in a million-dollar RV-only top-tier celebs get this treatment. You haven’t even debuted yet, and Mr. Conrad’s spoiling you like this. Imagine what he’ll do for you once you’re aiming for Best Actress.”
Here in City N, Conrad practically ruled the city. If he wanted to promote someone, it’d take only a word.
Blushing, Evelyn said, “Give me a new look, something fresh and innocent.”
She came back out with a toned-down look, complete with the university’s emblem pinned to her clothes.