Chapter 108: Investment Tycoon

She had a clear understanding of her actions: since there wasn’t a deep connection between them, there was no need to expend energy studying each other’s minor preferences. In contrast, she shifted her focus to others—such as Ethan Smith. She cared deeply about Ethan, studied his likes carefully, and made some thoughtful little arrangements based on his preferences. On her way here today, she even went out of her way to bring him a steaming, fragrant Mexican chicken wrap as a token of sincerity. Sure enough, this small gesture worked at a critical moment. Originally ready to fly into a rage, Ethan managed to hold back his impending outburst when he saw this unexpected surprise. However, despite this, he still insisted on calling Clara Bennett aside for a private conversation. Feigning casualness, he asked, "Clara White, you’ve probably read through the script, right? I just heard that your company’s president seems to have some opinions about certain scenes, especially... about you not filming intimate scenes?" His tone was calm, but his words had an edge, clearly probing for the truth. Clara Bennett’s smile remained gentle, as if she hadn’t caught the probing undertone in his words. She replied in a lighthearted tone, "Director Smith, you really make me feel ashamed. Actually, I’m here to apologize. I know the company acted too hastily on this matter. You see, our president is very protective and thinks that since I’ve just entered the entertainment industry, I might need to pay more attention to image crafting. In his words, he wants to help me align with the ’fairy’ image." She paused for a moment and then shrugged half-jokingly, "But, Director Smith, look at me now, do I look anything like a fairy? Alas, it’s just the president is too protective of his subordinates, meddling even in these trivial matters." At this point, Clara Bennett slightly adjusted her expression and added, "In any case, don’t worry, the exact limits of those scenes are ultimately up to your discretion. Our cooperation has been so pleasant that I’m confident we’ll present a satisfying outcome in the end!" In just a few words, she seemed relaxed and spontaneous, yet subtly laid a soft nail in place. She skillfully avoided the core conflict, shifting all responsibility onto the president, while also indicating that the matter was not yet definitively settled. After all, there was no need to break the peace and let things turn awkward when there was still time before actual filming started. Moreover, internal sources had revealed that the investors were starting to apply pressure recently. If they proposed clear demands, then even if Ethan wanted to stick to the original plan, it might not be feasible. Regarding Nell Sue’s situation, to be honest, Clara Bennett knew very little. But that didn’t stop her from making a judgment. No matter who plays the female lead, as long as everyone’s professional abilities are in place, it shouldn’t result in the so-called earth-shattering dramatic change. With this mindset, she promptly responded the moment Ethan posed the question. Luckily, her performance seemed to please Ethan Smith. After hearing her explanation, his expression obviously relaxed a lot, nodding as a slight smile appeared on the corner of his lips. "Hmm, very good, you should go for the makeup test now." He finished speaking, pointing towards the backstage direction, "The second female lead is already waiting there, you better go early to familiarize yourself with the process." Clara Bennett nodded slightly to show agreement, having long been fully prepared for this situation in her heart. According to previous whispers, the role of the second female lead was basically decided to be Nell Sue, which was an indisputable fact. This makeup test process was not only a test of her personal styling but also the first encounter between the two of them. Clara Bennett was well aware that this moment would come inevitably. After all, in the coming days, she and Nell Sue would have countless opportunities for direct confrontation. It was an unavoidable situation, and it was also her first true opponent and challenge since stepping into the entertainment business. Well then, let’s just wait and see how this Nell Sue would interact with her and what kind of sparks would fly. According to the needs of plot development, as the female lead, Clara Bennett should have her own exclusive dressing room, enjoying exclusive treatment. However, unfortunately, Clara Bennett had just debuted and was a complete newcomer, her qualifications were far from reaching the level to enjoy an independent space. As such, the crew did not specifically arrange a separate dressing room for her but placed her in a shared large dressing room with the second and third female leads. Such an arrangement, although it seemed ordinary, was considered a necessary "training" for newcomers who had just entered the industry. However, to show some differences and prevent Clara Bennett from being completely overlooked, her area was still marked by a symbolic partition. This partition was not high enough to completely block the view, seemingly existing solely for formality. And after glancing around the entire room, Clara Bennett actually came up with a thought. If there wasn’t this partition, perhaps the atmosphere between everyone would be more natural and harmonious. After all, this was not a completely independent private space, but a shared dressing room, deliberately creating a partition might actually make the atmosphere more distant. Despite having various thoughts, Clara Bennett said nothing. She maintained a calm demeanor, standing quietly aside, patiently waiting for the makeup test process to begin. She wasn’t emotionally affected by any of it too much. The new wealthy investor had invested a billion dollars, which would significantly enhance the resources and treatment arrangements for the crew. She anticipated that soon staff would inform her that the independent dressing room specifically prepared for the lead had been set up and officially put into use. Thinking of this, Clara Bennett’s lips curled into a slight smile, her mood lightening somewhat. Just as she was thinking, time quietly passed by. When the moment came to step into the dressing room officially, Clara Bennett first adjusted her own state. She politely bowed her head, her hands gently clasped in front of her, then stepped into the center of the room, bowing slightly to everyone present, and greeted in a warm and gentle tone, "Good morning, seniors." Her voice, sweet yet respectful, demonstrated the appropriate humility of a junior while maintaining her own elegant demeanor. It is worth mentioning that as another important female role in the film, The second female lead had not yet arrived. It was said that this actress already had a small reputation in the industry, often playing the role of a golden supporting character, earning many fans with her superb acting skills. But today, the entire dressing room was occupied solely by Nell Sue at the moment. Obviously, she was one of the early arrivals, taking the opportunity while others were absent to chat warmly with the makeup artists and assistants around, trying to build rapport and establish good relationships.