CHAPTER 397: CHAPTER 397 PROFESSIONAL

"Who is that?" Kaelan asked, his voice low but laced with curiosity as he glanced over his shoulder.

His assistant, who had just appeared beside him holding a neat stack of scripts, followed his gaze toward the woman disappearing into the editing wing.

"Her name is Ruby," the assistant replied smoothly. "Her clothing line, ORA, is extremely popular right now."

Kaelan’s brows lifted. He already knew that name. Recently, a new style of robes had been popping up everywhere — sharp cuts, fine embroidery, and an elegance that caught attention without being flashy. He remembered strolling through a trade fair not long ago and spotting one particular piece that had practically called out to him. He bought it on the spot, even though he rarely wore anything off the rack.

Oh my goodness... he thought, his lips twitching. She’s the shop owner from that time?

"And currently," the assistant continued, a little more animated now, "she’s also one of the most sought-after editors in the industry. You know Director Sylvia’s latest film? The one that blew up in the capital and overseas? That edit was all her work!"

Kaelan’s head tilted slightly. "Hmm..."

"She’s kind of a big deal right now. Multi-talented. There’s even a rumor she’s working on a game project. People think she might expand her company into the tech field next," the assistant added, clearly impressed.

Kaelan’s golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Game developer, huh? She’d told him that in the car. Maybe it wasn’t just talk after all.

Talented. Beautiful. Sharp-tongued. And apparently, very good at keeping secrets.

He grinned to himself. This was going to be interesting.

***

Meanwhile, Karl was in another part of the building, sitting across from his new manager, Miranda.

Her posture was straight, and her expression was firm. Beside her, Penny was carrying a clipboard — Karl’s assistant, who was already jotting things down.

"We do most of the shooting here on set," Manager Miranda explained, sliding a folder across the table toward him. "But there will be travel for location shoots as well. City streets, countryside estates, and one or two big outdoor sequences in the mountains. You’ll receive your schedule well in advance, so you can prepare."

Karl nodded, his hands folded in his lap, though inside he was buzzing with excitement.

"And remember," Miranda’s tone sharpened slightly, "this is not just about acting. Your reputation and professionalism are equally important. If you’re easy to work with, directors will recommend you for other projects. That kind of word-of-mouth is just as valuable as popularity."

Karl straightened, nodding seriously. "I understand." He didn’t think anyone could dislike him anyway. In fact, he was fairly sure he’d win them all over.

Miranda glanced at Penny. "You’ll be working closely with her for schedules, wardrobe fittings, and transport. She’ll also keep you updated on script revisions and scene changes."

Penny gave him a polite smile.

"And," Miranda continued, "I’m managing another artist here — the main lead of this drama. I’ll introduce you later. It’s important to have a good rapport with your co-stars. On-set chemistry affects the final product."

Karl nodded again, filing away her words — or at least trying to. There was already too much to process, and half of it would probably slip out of his head in a few hours. But he wasn’t going to tell Miranda that.

"Don’t worry," she said at last, closing the folder. "The set work officially starts in the evening. Before that, we’ll have a full cast meeting so you can meet everyone. You’ll recognize most of them from the industry news."

Karl’s grin widened. "I’m ready."

Miranda gave him a long look. "...We’ll see."

***

The cast meeting was held in a large conference room with a long polished table and neatly stacked scripts at every seat. Posters from previous productions lined the walls, and the quiet hum of small conversations filled the air. Assistants moved around, handing out schedules and water bottles while the director prepared her notes.

Karl entered with Miranda walking beside him, holding his script close. He could feel the eyes of a few cast members turning toward him — curious, assessing. He kept his expression polite and neutral, just as Miranda had advised.

Halfway down the table, his gaze landed on someone he instantly recognized. Kaelan. Tall, broad-shouldered, with neatly styled golden hair that caught the overhead lights. Karl had seen him countless times before — in Soulstream’s most popular dramas, often playing the charming but confident leads.

For a brief moment, Karl felt a flicker of excitement. Meeting someone he’d only watched on-screen before made his heart beat a little faster, but he quickly reminded himself of Miranda’s earlier words: Professional behavior matters more than anything. So, instead of staring or blurting anything out, Karl simply offered a polite nod as he reached his seat.

Kaelan, lounging comfortably in his chair, returned the nod with a faint grin before looking back at his script.

The director began outlining the shooting schedule. "Most of our work will be done here on the indoor sets, but there are three location shoots planned. Travel details will be sent to your managers." She glanced between Karl and Kaelan. "You two will be working together in nearly every major scene, so I expect you to coordinate closely."

Karl straightened in his seat, listening carefully. Kaelan leaned back, flipping through his copy of the script with a nonchalant expression.

When the introductions circled the table, Miranda spoke for Karl. "Karl Graves, playing the fifth lead, Phailor."

Kaelan’s turn came next. "Kaelan Nightmare," he said smoothly, "playing the male lead." His tone carried that easy confidence Karl had noticed in all his on-screen roles.

Karl kept his calm demeanor, even when Kaelan’s eyes briefly flicked toward him with a look that felt like both a test and a challenge.

The rest of the meeting covered scene orders, costume schedules, and rehearsal dates. Karl stayed focused, jotting notes in the margin of his script, determined not to miss anything. He could feel Kaelan’s presence beside him, but he didn’t let it distract him — at least not outwardly.

When the meeting wrapped up, Kaelan stood and stretched, glancing at Karl again before leaving with his assistant. Karl exhaled quietly.

To be continued... 🪄