CHAPTER 75: IF YOU’RE QUITTING, DO IT WITH STYLE.

Meanwhile, at RYZ Entertainment Agency...

Melissa dragged herself into the office and sat down. "Manager Kang, what is it?"

Her gaze veered to the man in his late thirties sitting across from her. He was wearing thin-rimmed glasses, a neat suit and tie, and had a slightly plump physique.

"Melissa, I know you’re busy preparing for The Angel’s Revenge casting announcement, but while we’re waiting, I got my hands on a few scripts." Manager Kang told her excitedly. "I thought you might want to see them."

Melissa frowned. "Manager Kang, why are you giving me other scripts when I already have The Angel’s Revenge?"

"They’re good scripts!" he insisted. "Besides, The Angel’s Revenge will take time. So, it’s better if you take a look at others."

"But I want to wait for The Angel’s Revenge. And also, I’m busy preparing for my engagement party," she sighed. "Isn’t that why you cleared my schedule?"

Manager Kang, despite her clear reluctance, maintained his smile. He leaned closer to the table, lowering his voice.

"Melissa, I know you’re busy with your engagement to Derek Lancaster, but ever since everyone heard that you were the one who opened the bridge between the Lancasters and Summit Partners, many have shown interest in you." Manager Kang wiggled his brows. "There are so many offers for you right now, and rejecting them all outright isn’t going to be good for your image."

Hearing his explanation, her brows rose. "So, now I’m forced to take a look at all these scripts?"

"Just make sure you’ll look interested in them," he said, his voice getting quieter. "Otherwise, these scripts might land on the other actresses. The higher-ups favored you so much because of your father and the Lancasters, but they’ve been showing interest in Pixy and Megan."

"If they hear that you’re not interested, they’d surely ask me to make those two useless things take some projects," he added.

Melissa pursed her lips as she studied his expression. "Manager Kang, you shouldn’t be too harsh on Megan and Pixy. They’re really good actresses, and they work so hard for every audition they land." Yet, as she said the words, she took the scripts with a smile. "Then, I will read the scripts."

Manager Kang smirked. "That’s my girl."

****

In the entertainment industry, everything looked glamorous from the outside. Though the general knowledge was that the industry was fiercely competitive, there were so many other sides—the ugly, corrupted sides of it—that the public didn’t know.

In this industry, if one didn’t find a good manager or an agency, even the slightest success was almost impossible. Those with backers were prioritized in everything, while those who had worked their way up would just get buried. Talent? Talent could only take one so far, and that was the brutal truth of it all.

Cedrick was one of the rarest personalities who were lucky to get a role in a movie that was expected to flop, only for it to become a global hit. Along with the film, many of the artists gained popularity as well. But without a proper manager or agency, all of it could turn into a nightmare. Lola and Cedrick knew that very well.

"But if this works, I’ll promise you... your brother’s education and your mother’s medical needs will never be a problem anymore."

A quiet breeze blew past the two of them as they held each other’s gazes. His eyes fell on her hand, his jaw tightening. His hands slowly balled into a tight fist, and he swallowed the building tension in his throat.

"What you are asking me to do is face all the humiliation I’ve endured for years," he breathed out, meeting her eyes again. "Aren’t you scared that if the public hears I’m in the cast, you’d receive backlash?"

"You will face the unjust humiliation once more. Why would I be scared of a mere backlash when I know I’m not the only one?" she raised an eyebrow. "The Angel’s Revenge is a project made out of my love for the craft, not because I’m going to earn from it."

Cedrick huffed. "Who’s directing it?"

"Director Sarian."

Another moment of silence fell between them. Lola stretched her fingers before her, shaking them a bit.

"Are you in, or what?" she asked. "I can’t hold my hand out like this for long."

"I want guaranteed pay—no, an upfront." Cedrick swallowed the last bit of shame creeping into his heart. "If I’m going to leave my part-time, I at least want some money to send to my family—"

"Done." She cut him off. "Is there anything else?"

She tilted her head a bit. "Lodging, acting classes, and other classes, your diet, and everything. Already done. If there’s anything else you need, then consider it done. So, are you in? Or what?"

Another second passed without an answer. Her voice and demeanor showed certainty and determination, but the sweat trickling down her neck showed her slight nervousness. She wanted to help him, but at the same time, she needed him to help himself. If he still refused, she knew she couldn’t do anything else.

To her surprise, just as she was wondering what else he would say, he suddenly grabbed her hand. His rough palm pressed on hers, making her feel the thick calluses. He squeezed her hand tighter, yet she could feel him trembling.

"Let’s do it," he breathed out.

Hearing this, Lola’s shoulders relaxed as a subtle smile turned up on her face. She nodded at him, and in his eyes, it looked more like a nod of promise.

"So..." he trailed off as he let her hand go. "... what now?"

Lola shrugged and opened her palm. "If you’re quitting, do it with style. Give that uniform to me."

Confused, he still took off the loose old vest and handed it to her. "What are you..." Before he could ask, she grabbed the uniform and walked past him. "Wait—what are you—"

"Hey, Old Sir!" Lola shouted at the front of the store, eyeing the plump old guy inside who was seated in the corner. When the man turned, all he saw was an old vest flying inside, landing a few steps from him.

"Take that back—this guy is quitting!" she shouted, grabbing the back of Cedrick’s neck and pulling him down to show him to the old man. "So, you should get up in there and start cleaning the store, alright?! Keep that below minimum pay to yourself!"

She opened her mouth wide as her voice came out low, like that of a monster under one’s bed. "HE QUIT!"

The man inside furrowed his brows before his face slowly turned red. "What are you—" But as he got up from his seat, Lola squealed.

"Omg—" she shrieked and grabbed Cedrick’s arm, dragging him as she fled.

"???" Confused, Cedrick followed her and looked at her. "Why provoke him if you’re going to flee?"

His thoughts snapped as he heard yelling behind him. Looking back, he saw his co-worker yelling from the doorway.

"Hey! Come back here—you brat!"

Cedrick pressed his mouth together and looked away, gazing at Lola’s back. He laughed, and this time, picked up his pace to match hers.

"I QUIT!"