CHAPTER 48: CHAPTER 48: REQUESTING A REAL HIT

Her eyes gained a few strands of resentment towards Quinn Lockwood. This woman, even if she moved out of the Sinclair Family, wouldn’t quiet down. It seems like only a complete eradication would prevent future troubles.

Joyce Kramer no longer paid attention to Freya Caldwell and talked about collaboration with Preston Caldwell. Freya didn’t want to interrupt further, leaving the matter unresolved.

"Pleasant collaboration."

"Pleasant collaboration."

After discussing the collaboration, the two parties happily shook hands.

Preston Caldwell chivalrously escorted Joyce Kramer to the elevator. As she left, Joyce suddenly turned back and smiled at Preston meaningfully, saying, "Mr. Caldwell, should take time to discipline your daughter."

Film crew.

Quinn Lockwood continued filming, but seeing Freya Caldwell already left, she felt a bit comforted. At least Freya didn’t pester her like Nina Sinclair did.

Next to be filmed was an important emotional scene; according to the script, Quinn Lockwood had to be slapped by Ariana Lynch.

Actually, scenes of getting hit are the hardest to film, because actors earn their living through their looks and generally won’t take real hits, relying on positioning instead.

Yet therein lies the art; if positioned too far, it appears too fake, too close and there’s a substantial risk of injury.

So, this scene posed a considerable challenge for the inexperienced Quinn Lockwood.

Therefore, she worried if Ariana Lynch might seize the chance for revenge.

"Okay, prepare the scene, three, two, one, action."

The crew clapped the board, and silence fell as everyone held their breath, watching Quinn Lockwood and Ariana Lynch.

Mind you, although it’s only acting, it had always been Savannah Lowell hitting others before, now she was the one getting hit. Should there be a mistake, the set would definitely erupt, so everyone had a spectator-like attitude globally fixed on her.

"Smack."

Ariana Lynch executed a fly-by positioning slap, but due to the director’s voiceover being a second slow, Quinn’s action of falling was slightly delayed.

"Cut, one more time."

The director helplessly called a halt.

Quinn Lockwood took a deep breath, re-entering the state.

"Smack."

Ariana slapped again; though influenced by the earlier effort, she hadn’t managed her expressions well, but all eyes were on Quinn Lockwood. The frontal shots here didn’t need to cut to her close-up, so the director turned a blind eye.

Simultaneously, Quinn Lockwood fell to the ground responsively; this time, sound and action fused flawlessly, but the director wasn’t entirely satisfied with her falling movement and called cut again.

...

Shot continuously over a dozen times, the director remained dissatisfied, continuously calling cut.

People around started whispering to themselves, with most voices saying Quinn Lockwood’s acting was unsatisfactory.

Quinn knew it was due to her fault and felt like she was wasting everyone’s time.

"Director, I’m requesting to take real hits during filming."

Thinking it over, Quinn found this to be the simplest effective solution at that moment. With real hits, instinctive reactions would surely unleash her emotions.

Moreover, everyone’s doubting her capabilities, initiating a real-hit request might slightly change others’ attitudes toward her.

Sure enough, her words shocked everyone on set, including Ariana Lynch.

She looked at Quinn incredulously, never expecting her to have such mettle before.

At this moment, the set fell dead silent, with all eyes fixed on Quinn. Everyone’s mind was awash with mixed emotions and private concerns.

"You, are you sure?"

After a moment, the director, skeptical, asked again to confirm.

"Yes, I’m sure. I want to present the most authentic side to the audience."

Quinn resolutely stated.

It wasn’t for shifting others’ previous opinions of her that she spoke intentionally on the set; she sincerely wanted to enhance her acting prowess at that moment.

No one achieves success so effortlessly. Many predecessors started out in extra roles before gaining fame; why shouldn’t she?

Since Savannah Lowell has reached this status, at least she could experience grassroots progression from the ground up, accumulating experience bit by bit.

Quinn’s attitude earned newfound respect from everyone present, leaving the director somewhat comforted, nodding, "Okay, if that’s the case, let’s proceed as you say."

The set returned to filming status, quieting gradually to ensure the actors’ emotional investment.

"Scene fifteen of ’Amidst Misty Rain,’ action."

After the board clapped, Quinn earnestly brewed her emotions.

After Ariana Lynch delivered her lines, recalling Quinn’s earlier request for real hits and series of bold words, aversion welled within her heart.

However, since it was her own request, she shouldn’t blame her for being impolite; Ariana raised her hand to slap down hard.

If she dared pretend to earn favor in such a way, let Savannah taste what it means to be powerful.

"Smack." Quinn fell responsively, glaring at Ariana with resentment and indignation.

"Cut."

The director again called a halt. Everyone held their breath, wondering whether a retake loomed inevitable; otherwise, Savannah would have suffered in vain.

As others indulged in flights of fancy, the director suddenly declared joviality, "It’s done."

The set erupted immediately, having endured a whole day’s toil was undoubtedly the best news.

"Savannah, well done, your performance just now was excellent, that gaze felt incredibly real as though through the screen I could sense your inner grievance."

The director publicly praised Quinn Lockwood, earning admiration from those around, aside from previous negative impressions, if only within this matter, she indeed dazzled everyone.

No one anticipated the formerly arrogant, self-centered Savannah Lowell would actively seek real hits.

Watching people’s attitudes soften toward Quinn, Ariana Lynch harbored immense jealousy.

Those original praises and honors belonged to her; why should someone full of scandals, without family background, overshadowed her in physical, facial, and every aspect get to take them away, prompting her to clench her fist gradually.

"Thanks, Director, this is what I should do; I still have much to learn."

Quinn Lockwood very happily received the director’s acknowledgment, barely noticing the ache on her red-flushed face, busy being courteous.

Until everyone gradually left, preparing the next scene, did Quinn realize her slapped face had turned red and mildly stung.

"Hiss~"

She touched her face lightly, letting out a painful cry.

Coincidentally, Dylan Quinn caught this scene unintentionally and immediately approached with an ice pack, "Here."

He handed the ice pack to Quinn Lockwood.

"Oh, thank you."

Quinn thankfully received it, promptly pressing the ice pack to her face, sensing a slight relief.

"Are you okay?"