CHAPTER 49: NOT READY

In Lola’s first life, acting was a passion she pursued relentlessly. It wasn’t just about becoming famous, but about playing roles and being a part of bringing something to life. She wanted the world to see her for who she was, to inspire, to influence.

There was so much more to that passion than being known as an actress.

Sadly, that burning passion was slowly extinguished by Melissa. That woman just kept pressing "extra hard mode" for Lola.

Although all of that was a terrible experience, there were a few things that Lola could consider good memories. One of them was having a good friend in the industry. Just like her, this good friend had it on extra hard mode.

"You’re going to manage someone?" Director Sarian and Ida looked at her in disbelief. "And you’re going to choose him?"

This time, Ida, who was standing beside the couch, sat down next to Director Sarian. "Lola, are you sure?"

"Have you forgotten why this guy is not active in the industry anymore?" Director Sarian asked again. "Lola, Cedrick got involved in a scandal regarding drugs and bullying. His reputation had already hit rock bottom."

Ida moved to the edge of the couch and added, "Even if you hire the best PR team, it will take a miracle to change his public image. Also, if people heard that he’d be cast in this project, it might hurt us as well. You know the industry."

"His name’s already cleared, and all the allegations against him are false," Lola argued calmly. "Ida, Director, I’m not asking you to cast him right away. All I’m asking is that you give him a chance. Even if I plan to manage him on the side, please overlook that for now."

"He’s not ready," Director Sarian muttered, resting his arms on his legs. He looked Lola in the eye, his expression stern. "Taz, giving Cedrick a chance isn’t the problem—not even the fact that his reputation might affect the series’s reputation."

"I will give him a chance," he continued sternly. "But, I know for a fact that Cedrick is not ready. All the artists who came to us are active actors. They regularly go to acting classes to perfect their craft. As for him, he’s not getting any minor roles or even the smallest projects. He just disappeared. Do you think he’ll stand a chance?"

This time, Lola went quiet as she thought about it. It wasn’t that this didn’t cross her mind yet, but Cedrick was a natural. It was why Cedrick quickly rose to the top in the first movie he participated in; he was even more popular than the main leads.

"Director Sarian is right, Taz," Ida agreed. "This project is yours, and your opinion matters to all of us. However, if you’re going to manage Cedrick, it’s going to take more than just a chance. You need him to own this chance and never let it go."

"..." Lola nodded and smiled at the two of them. "Thank you for your advice, Ida, Director."

"The audition for the roles will last for an entire month—max," Director Sarian remarked. "Ida will schedule him for the last batch. What role are you planning to give him?"

"Ryker." She smiled.

Lola’s answer made both Director Sarian and Ida furrow their brows. For a second, the other two stared at her in disbelief.

"Are you sure?" Ida asked. "Ryker’s character is a little..."

"Complex," Lola nodded. "He’s a villain, but in the story, he’s the villain who is loved by many. So, he has plenty of time since the audition for Ryker’s role is the last we’re going to tackle."

Lola had already been given a schedule for the roles, and the last character they were going to pick was the villain. This was decided already because Director Sarian wanted to give the actors who wanted to audition for the role plenty of time to study the character.

"You’re right. Even though I think Cedrick is the best person to start my project, I need to make sure he’s ready for this," she continued with a smile. "Thank you for giving me your advice and for giving him a chance."

Ida and Director Sarian blinked, casting each other a glance before setting their eyes back on Lola. There was plenty more they wanted to say, but they decided to leave it at that. Still, Director Sarian didn’t drop the conversation without saying,

"How about you, Taz?" he wiggled his brows. "Don’t you plan to start acting as well?"

Ida nodded. "You have the star quality."

"Haha. No, thanks." Lola laughed it off, waving dismissively.

Ida and Director Sarian didn’t stay longer, as a member of the crew soon came to call them. With that, they bid Lola farewell while Lola stayed to do her makeup.

Seated in front of the vanity mirror, Lola paused. She had just finished applying her skincare as a base before applying a ton of makeup again when a thought crossed her mind.

"Lola, I’m also curious." Suddenly, Silo’s voice rang in the suite where she was.

Lola glanced up, catching Silo’s reflection through the mirror. He was idling by the door, leaning against the jamb.

"Why don’t you start an acting career too?" he asked. "You’re pretty and a natural. I mean, you’ve always wished to be an actress when we were young. Or, was it because of Melissa?"

Lola just stared at Silo’s reflection before she shrugged, snapping her eyes back at herself. "Managing an artist is easier than being an actress myself. I have a company to run, Silo."

"Besides..." she trailed off, smiling to herself as she thought about something. "... acting may have been my first love, but producing content and connecting to other people who enjoyed my craft is something I fell harder for. It’s the same as my initial goal."

****

Meanwhile, as Director Sarian and Ida were headed to the lobby for lunch and to talk about some things regarding today’s scheduled audition, Ida suddenly stopped.

Director Sarian’s steps slowed down, looking back at her. "What happened to you?"

"Director, we forgot to tell Taz." Conflict dominated her face while Director Sarian scrunched up his nose.

There was one main reason why Director Sarian and Ida went to Lola’s suite. It wasn’t just about talking to her, but also because they figured she hadn’t been aware that a certain superstar was already in the project, even without going through the audition.

And they missed the opportunity because Lola beat them to her announcement of managing a controversial has-been.