CHAPTER 145: HAVING A TALENT AS A SEDUCTRESS

Samuel rolled his eyes. "If it’s not important, then why were those scenes in the book?"

"Because the audiences are different!" Mira, who had been quiet this whole time, suddenly snapped.

Her voice was filled with irritation. "The book’s audience is specific, while the drama is trying to reach a bigger audience. Is that so hard to understand? And what’s wrong if someone doesn’t want to do a sex scene? No one is going to die just because she refuses to do a sex scene!"

The room fell silent, probably because no one expected Mira to explode like that, especially at an actor who had so many crazy fans.

However, she probably dared to do that because Mira also had a strong fanbase behind her.

She was a self-made actress just like me, but she was more blessed in many ways. She had a loving family, and her agency treated her like a precious gem.

Besides that, she was also known for never being involved in scandals and having good relationships with other celebrities. Some people even said that if Mira disliked someone, that person must be truly rotten!

It sounded exaggerated, but she always acted like a sweetheart both on and off camera, so it was normal for people to think that way.

Even after scolding Samuel, she took a slow breath and added calmly, "I apologize." Her voice sounded polite, but her face showed zero regret, probably because she believed every word she said was right, and of course she was right!

If the director and writer had already agreed to change the book scenes, then why was it a problem? They knew the story best and what was needed to make the drama flow well. Suggesting something that strayed too far from the script was pointless.

"Okay, okay! Why are you so emotional?" Samuel said carelessly, acting like what he had just done didn’t affect me at all. "I was only giving a suggestion."

I finally spoke again, "I will gladly accept suggestions, as long as it’s not about mature scenes."

Samuel clenched his jaw, clearly forcing himself to stay calm. "Well, suit yourself." He leaned forward and grabbed his script again. "I was only suggesting a way for you to become famous faster."

See?! He didn’t care about the plot at all!

The only thing he wanted was to see me perform in a mature scene, that’s all!

Oh, what a jerk.

"That’s enough," the producer, Mr. Langford, finally cut in. "We’re here to work, not to start a fight." He turned toward Samuel. "If you have another suggestion, discuss it privately with Mr. Carter after we finish."

Samuel still looked unsatisfied, but since Mira openly defended me, he didn’t bother me anymore.

"Alright, let’s continue," Mr. Carter said, leaning forward. "Helcia, Samuel, please remain professional."

I nodded without hesitation, "Of course, Mr. Carter. The matter has already ended, so there’s no point discussing it again."

Besides, Samuel didn’t show any sign of guilt, so the issue clearly wasn’t a big deal to him.

"Good, then go back to the part I explained earlier," said Mr. Carter.

This time, Samuel didn’t protest and immediately brought Jacob’s spirit into his acting.

Since I couldn’t rely on body language while sitting, I needed to win everyone over with my voice alone.

"Mr. Croix, I believe the meeting has ended," I said politely, keeping a formal tone to show that Jacob and Elena were still in front of a crowd.

I kept my posture straight and occasionally glanced in Samuel’s direction. Once we entered our characters, our personal issues wouldn’t matter anymore.

"Dismiss," he said in a cold tone. His expression slowly shifted into one filled with annoyance, exactly like someone trying to hold back anger.

But to be honest, that look was very similar to how he looked earlier in real life. However, this wasn’t the time to think about that because I still needed to focus on the script.

"Mr. Croix~" My tone changed within a second, making everyone in the room stare at me in shock.

Their looks made me feel incredibly embarrassed, to the point where I could feel my cheeks burning.

Did I sound too much just now?

But according to the script, Elena was always described as someone who spoke softly, yet with a hint of a light moan in her voice.

Of course, I didn’t actually moan because that would sound very cringe, and I knew the audience wouldn’t like that at all.

That’s why I only used my soft voice, but with an intonation that made it seem like I was pouting and asking to be bought something.

On the other side, Samuel’s eyes twitched for a moment, clearly surprised by my sudden change of voice. But he quickly returned to character, staring at me with his cold and stern expression.

"Elena," he said, his voice low and heavy with frustration.

We continued exchanging the lines from the script, slowly building the chemistry between Jacob and Elena so that later, we would truly look like a couple overflowing with both romance and sexual tension.

However, to be honest, Jacob and Elena didn’t look like a couple full of romantic tension. They looked more like two people who secretly hooked up whenever they were frustrated, which was true.

Even though I didn’t look around too much, I could feel that every pair of eyes in the room was focused on me.

I wasn’t sure if they were watching because they thought my acting was good... or because they thought it was cringe.

Whichever it was, at least I had their full attention.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally didn’t have to act with Samuel anymore because he would be interacting more with his wife in the next scene.

But before Mr. Carter moved on to the next part, he clapped his hands a few times. "Helcia, that was excellent! Your intonation made you sound like a proper seductress. Keep going like this, and you will shine so brightly in this drama."

My eyes widened a little. A compliment... from the director himself?!

A moment later, the other actors also chimed in. "I swear, I was shocked every time you changed your voice from formal to that dangerously flirty tone!"

"Come on, tell us the truth, are you really a newcomer?"

I didn’t even have time to respond before the system popped up in my mind.

[Ding! Ding!]

[Congratulations, Host! Mission complete: Receive a compliment!]

[Reward: $340,000 has been added to your balance.]

[Total Balance: $727,888]

My jaw almost dropped.

Dear heavens... look at that number! I didn’t think I’d reach near one million again this fast!

However, before I could even enjoy my happiness, there had to be something that ruined my mood.

"Helcia, I didn’t expect you could act like a proper seductress like that," Samuel suddenly commented. "You actually look really innocent. Well, we can’t trust a woman’s appearance these days."

His words made my blood boil.

Excuse me? What the hell was that supposed to mean?!

So because I look innocent, I’m not allowed to act well in a seductive role? Or was he calling me two-faced? Or implying that women are all liars?

Whatever it was, I didn’t like it.

I pressed a tight smile onto my face and looked at him. "Thank you for the compliment," I said calmly.

I would let him slide for today, but if he keeps acting like this, I might really end up throwing a chair at his head.

===

The script reading lasted way longer than I thought it would. All thanks to Samuel, who kept ruining the mood and complaining non-stop.

Honestly, I had no idea how he managed to stay in this industry for so long. If he were a woman, his career would’ve crashed a long time ago.

"Good work today, everyone!" Mr. Carter finally said. He looked half satisfied and half ready to scream. Still, he seemed relieved that this chaotic script reading was over.

I smiled and waved at the other actors as they left the room one by one. But suddenly, Mira walked up to me.

"Helcia, great job today," she said with her soft voice and a warm smile. "I’m really looking forward to seeing your acting when we start filming. I’m sure you’ll do amazing."

I felt shy all of a sudden since a senior actress like her was praising me. "I still have a lot to improve," I replied. Then I added quickly, "And thank you for earlier, Mira. You really saved me from him."

I glanced over at Samuel, who was already walking out the door without saying goodbye to anyone.

"Don’t bother with him." Mira gently patted my shoulder, like she was passing me her strength. "Just pretend he only exists when the cameras are rolling. Other than that, you don’t need to notice him."

She said it so casually... that I realized she must have her own history of dealing with Samuel too.

Poor Mira.

Poor me.

Poor anyone who ever had to work with that man.