Chapter 120 Gossip
On the second day, Erin and Roman arrived at DragonSky Studios early in the morning for the opening ceremony.
Erin stood with a group of other actors‘ assistants, watching the main actors, director, and producer of the film uncover the cloth that was covering the main camera to signify that the film shooting would officially start.
Roman, Matthew, Megan, and ten other main actors were dressed in ancient costumes. They would start filming right away after the
opening ceremony.
The film “Fox” told the fantasy story of a lox spirit from over a thousand years ago. It seduced the monarch and brought calamity to the country and its people. Roman played the upright prince who wasn’t seduced by the fox spirit and teamed up with Matthew, who played the general to fight demons. Megan played the fox spirit that was both benevolent and evil at the same time. At first, she only wanted the prince, but later on, her love would turn into hatred, and she would plot to destroy the prince’s kingdom.
Erin had already read the script and found it quite interesting. She was looking forward to Roman and Matthew’s performances. Now that she had become an assistant trainee, she could watch Roman perform on set.
The opening ceremony quickly came to an end, and the stall from various departments immediately got to work. Roman had already returned to his dedicated dressing room to touch up his makeup. He had a total of five scenes to shoot that day. Erin went to Megan’s exclusive dressing room with the bottle of red wine. After knocking on the door, she was let in.
As soon as she pushed the door open, she was amazed at the sight of the acclaimed actress, Megan. She didn’t expect her to be even more beautiful in person than on screen, especially with her glowy, smooth skin. It would make any woman envious.
Erin was lost in thought upon seeing her, and there was a hint of concealed satisfaction in Megan’s eyes as she took in Erin’s reaction. She asked, “Are you Roman’s new assistant?”
As the question was directed at her, Erin snapped out of her daze and replied, “Yes, Miss Zeigler. Here’s the red wine that Roman asked me to return to you. He said he appreciates your kindness but he isn’t drinking red wine at the moment.”
Megan’s personal makeup artist spoke up first, “The wine won’t expire.”
Erin smiled and didn’t respond to her seemingly indifferent remark.
Megan then smiled. “Miss Lane, are you sure it was Roman who asked you to return the wine to me?”
Hearing Erin call Roman this way made Megan feel uncomfortable. It was as if she was doubling Erin’s abilities and character.
“Miss Zeigler, if you want to personally give Roman the wine, you can call him to confirm.” Erin maintained her smile.
“No need. Just leave the wine and go.” Megan had already shifted her gaze away from Erin by then..
After a simple farewell, Erin walked out of the dressing room. On her way, she entered the women’s restroom, and not long after, two makeup artists from the crew walked in. The makeup artist with short hair rinsed her mouth with mouthwash, while the makeup artist who had long hair stood beside her, adjusting her clothes.
The makeup artist with long hair sneered, “Did you see Roman’s new assistant? She’s the woman rumored to be involved with Matthew. I checked her Twitter, and she claims to be friends with Matthew. Who the hell would believe that? The photos taken at the hotel have been
leaked, and she’s still pretending to be innocent!”
The other makeup artist wiped her mouth and said, “I have to admit, that girl looks better in person than in the photos. She’s the type that
men would definitely like-”
“What type?”
The short–haired makeup artist took out a Chanel lipstick from her pockel to touch up her makeup as she smirked. “She’s the kind that looks like a fairy but is actually a slutty, cunning bitch! Don’t underestimate her. She can flirt with Matthew while being Roman’s assistant. It shows that she has conquered Roman too.”
Those offensive words pricked at Erin’s ears, and she felt the urge to burst out and scold the two gossipy individuals. However, she restrained hersell and chose not to stoop to their level.
The short–haired makeup artist continued, “Have you heard? This film has attracted a new investor, and word is he has significant influence. He invested two hundred million dollars to support his lover. In a couple of days, that woman will join the crew as the second female lead.”
“I’ve heard about that too from my uncle. I’m genuinely curious as to who that backer is. To be willing to invest two hundred million dollars for a girlfriend, it’s unimaginable
After some time, the two makeup artists left after they were done using the restroom.
Erin, who dared not make a sound, continued pretending as if her booth was empty. Roman had already informed her last night that if she heard others gossiping about her, she should ignore it and act as if she wasn’t aware. Her task was to focus on her own affairs.
After all a place like this never lacked gossip or controversies. Composing herself, Erin returned to Roman’s dressing room.
Roman was about to leave. Seeing Erin’s gloomy expression, he offered. “If you’re bored, come watch me film.”
Erin looked up at him, and nodded, but didn’t say anything.
Although she was Roman’s assistant, menial tasks such as carrying bags and getting drinks for Roman were tasks handled by the driver, Ken. Whenever Erin tried to help, Roman would stop her, saying she didn’t need to do those things. If there was something he needed, he
would let her know.
Alter Roman left, his personal male makeup artist followed him as they needed to be ready at any time to touch up his makeup and adjust his appearance. Erin sat on the couch with the script in her hand. She began studying the lines because Roman had told her that they would occasionally practice lines together.
After about half an hour, a crew member knocked on the door.
Erin said, “Come in.”
The crew member pushed the door open and asked, “Miss Lane, this extra says she knows you and claims you’re her cousin=”
“Erin!” May, dressed as a palace maid, bypassed the crew member by squeezing herself in through the gap under his armpit.
The crew member was about to intervene, but Erin said, “Yes, I’m her cousin.”
Upon hearing her confirmation, the crew member nodded and left, closing the door behind him.
May, who was holding a magazine, had already sat down next to Erin. She hugged Erin and said, “I’ve missed you so much! How have you been during all this while?”
Suddenly faced with May’s enthusiasm, Erin felt somewhat uncomfortable. She forced a smile and replied, “I’m doing alright. May, I heard from Aunt Charlotte that you became an actress.”
May burst into laughter at her words. “That was just a lie I told my mom. I can’t compare to you, Erin. You’re the assistant of the renowned actor, Roman! It seems you’ve been doing well.”
Erin replied calmly. “I got the job through a friend’s recommendation. Roman gave me a chance out of respect for my friend.”
May winked at her. “Come on. No need to be modest in front of me. I don’t blame you for the incident last time. I hope you didn’t take my harsh words to heart.”
“It’s okay, it’s all in the past. Where are you living now, May? Are you really working with the production team?”
“Can’t you see? Look at my outfit! I’ve met a man who is the leader of the background actors. He’s in charge of the affairs of the extras. He said that as long as I perform well, I can become a proper actress!” May’s eyes were filled with excitement.
Erin hesitated but still asked, “What about your studies?”
May shrugged. “What’s the point of going to school if I can pave my way in the entertainment industry? What good is that diploma? Let me tell you, Erin, entering the entertainment industry is the lastest way to meet wealthy people. If it weren’t for that man’s guidance, I wouldn’t understand that until now..
Seeing May yearning to join the entertainment industry. Erin didn’t know what to say. Remembering her aunt’s previous advice, she earnestly said, “May. If you really love acting. I’m all for it. But there are some things you need to be cautious about and not let unscrupulous people take advantage of you.”
Her words caused a change in May’s expression, and her tone held a hint of reproach. “Erin, don’t treat me like a child, okay? You make it sound like I have no brains and can be taken advantage of easily!”
“May, I didn’t mean it that way.
May stood up with a disdainful look and said, “Don’t think you’re superior to me. Although I’m still an extra. I believe it won’t be long before the director starts assigning me more lines and roles. As for you, you let men play with you casually, and what do you get in the end? Abandoned! Chandler will ultimately marry an heiress from a prestigious family who is suitable for him!”
Erin’s eyes were aloof as she remained silent, suppressing her anger.
May thought she had struck a nerve and sarcastically continued, “You slept with Matthew, but he clarified on Twitter that you were just friends. Chandler played you and, in the end, you didn’t gain anything. Now, you’ve become Roman’s assistant. Don’t be a fool and let others have their way with you easily anymore-
Finally reaching her limit, Erin spoke with a frigid expression, “Get out!”
May snorted coldly. “Fine. I’ll leave. Take a look, Erin. The news of Chandler’s engagement is all over the news!”
