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Chapter 81
Chapter 81
Bland stood frozen, caught in a dilemma over whether to bolt or first go and make amends.
Yet his deer–in–the–headlights look was misinterpreted by others.
The assistant director was concerned. Bland was known for his dedication to his craft. Despite his blue–blood lineage, he never acted the diva. He had one rule when filming. The acting had to pass muster, and no investor could push in a pet actor. Was he dissatisfied with Cordelia?
The assistant director glanced at the ever–composed Cordelia and coughed softly as a reminder. “Cordelia, honey, why don’t you say hello to Mr. Sullivan?”
The assistant director thought, “Cordelia was such a pretty girl. A little apology would do the trick.” But Cordelia just gave him a slow, silent look.
The assistant director was confused.
Cordelia wasn’t unwilling to speak but pondering how to address Bland. Actorman? Too formal. Landie? That was Little Parrot’s nickname for him, too intimate.
The assistant director was getting anxious. With the girl not speaking up, what to do? Just as he was thinking of what to do, Bland’s eyes narrowed with a sly glint, and he approached Cordelia. “Lia, you are in my scene?”
The assistant director was stunned.
Everyone was puzzled to hear that. Lia? What the heck? Had they misheard?
Cordelia nodded, and the beauty mark under Bland’s eyes made his face even more striking. “I’m off to change. Catch you in a bit!”
After Bland had entered the music room, the bewildered assistant director asked Cordelia. “You two know each other?”
“Yeah,” Cordelia responded before inquiring, “Changing clothes?”
“Yep, head to the makeup room right over there.” The assistant director said as he led Cordelia to the makeup room. Once she entered, it dawned on him that only top–tier stars like Bland warranted his escort. Why had he just guided a minor cameo actress there?
Five minutes later, the door of the makeup room burst open, and the makeup artist emerged.
The assistant director jolted. “What’s wrong?” Was there another hiccup?
The makeup artist was just as baffled. “Nothing’s wrong. She’s all done up.”
“What? That quick?”
The makeup artist looked amazed. “Yeah, her skin is flawless, and she hardly needs foundation. Just a bit of blush, some lipstick, let her hair down, and that’s all! She’s changing now and will be out in a moment.”
The assistant director was at a loss for words. This content © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
As the makeup artist spoke, Cordelia exited the room, and everyone in the vicinity was stunned.
Her blonde hair, smooth as silk, cascaded down her back. Shedding the bulky school uniform for a delicate costume, a crisp white blouse tucked into a pleated skirt flattering her slender waist, and
her long and straight legs extended beneath it, ending in a pair of white sneakers highlighting her lovely ankles.
The assistant director was all smiles.
Bland had a striking presence, and acting opposite him put pressure on any actress. The director had wondered what kind of girl could match Bland’s unforgettable allure.
Seeing Cordelia, the assistant director understood she was the one
Cordelia and Bland were quick with makeup, but the set wasn’t ready yet, so they sat and waited in the front
TOW
Extras–playing students were seated when Hayley and Juliana appeared. Juliana turned to leave, but Hayley grabbed her. “Don’t go. Let’s watch her flop at the piano.”
Juliana hesitated, but Hanley also approached, adding, “Stay here, and you can lend a hand if she cries from the piano teacher’s scolding.”
Juliana clenched her fists, wanting to protest, but the crew had her sit down.
In the front row, Bland was immersed in his script, finding his character. Cordelia, meanwhile, was busy scribbling in a notebook. The assistant director was pleased. Such a diligent girl!
First–time jitters were understandable, but when he approached to offer reassurance, he was shocked to find Cordelia working through the Classic Math Olympiad Problems!
The assistant director was shocked. He ventured, “You.”
Cordelia looked up leisurely, still mentally calculating, chose an answer, and then focused on him. “Yes?”
The assistant director swallowed, “Are you… doing homework?”
“Yeah.” Cordella glanced at the set, and the assistant director read in her expression. Your slowness is wasting my time.”
What the hell?
After tackling several problems, Cordelia put aside her workbook as the scene was finally ready. The assistant director explained the first scene. “We’ll shoot the piano scene later. Let’s do the one where Bland flirts with you in the piano class.”
Cordelia nodded. Sitting below, Merry was slightly worried for her friend. She’d never seen Lia wear more than one expression. How would she handle Bland’s flirting?
The assistant director announced, “Now, we’ll shoot, and I’ll guide you through. Action!”
The first shot began. Bland entered the classroom, casually sipping from a milkshake Cordelia had been drinking. He raised an eyebrow, his face all tease and flirtation. The skill of a seasoned actor was undeniable. The scene was perfect in one take.
The second shot was Cordella’s close–up.
The assistant director didn’t expect much from Cordelia. A blank expression would suffice since the script never clarified whether her character liked Bland.
So, he explained, “See, he drank from your milkshake, from the very spot your lips touched. That’s something like an indirect kiss.”
An indirect kiss? Cordelia was baffled, suddenly recalling the morning at Midnight Scent when Everard ate her sandwich and drank her latte. Was that an indirect kiss?
That scoundrel! A flicker of complex emotions danced in Cordelia’s eyes.
The assistant director caught the moment, rushing forward with the camera so close it nearly smacked Cordelia in the face!
What a surprise! Such a delightful shock!
This girl was a natural–born actress, slipping into character so swiftly! That expression was to die for! It was the raw emotion he had been yearning for.
Their scene was a one–take wonder, incredibly fast, and next was the close–up of playing piano.
Glancing at his watch, the assistant director remarked, “Stanton’s student hasn’t shown up yet. Cordelia, how about just winging it for us? Play a few random notes, and let’s see what we get.”
Clapier of
Cordelia nodded.
She approached the stage and sat before the grand piano, her fingers resting on the keys.
From the crowd of extras, Hayley watched with a smirk, ready for a spectacle. “Someone who has never touched a piano is going to play? Tsk, she’s about to have a meltdown.”
The director called out right after she finished speaking, “This piece is ‘Wedding Dream‘. Action!”
When his voice echoed, Cordelia’s fingers descended upon the keys, her slender, pale fingers dancing swiftly, and a smooth melody filled the air.
“Cut!” The assistant director suddenly shouted, “Who’s playing piano song? Cut it off! Just have Cordelia mash the keys a bit!”