Chapter 53: Give Him a Surprise

These words extinguished the flame of hope in Nell Sue’s heart like cold water, making her feel an unprecedented sense of defeat. Nell hurriedly started to defend herself, "Director, to compete for the leading role, I have already spent a lot of time and effort practicing. Please give me a chance to showcase my skills! If necessary, I am willing to participate in this play without any compensation!" Her words were full of pleading and expectation. After hearing this speech, Ethan Smith surveyed Nell with a rather peculiar look, as if he did not quite approve of her attitude. At the same time, those present also noticed that it suddenly became much quieter around Nell, making the atmosphere slightly awkward. Nell looked at everyone, puzzled, and found the director responsible for selecting actors was watching her. The latter smiled softly and then broke the silence, "It’s quite a coincidence, several actors today have said they don’t want pay. But do you know? For us, the most important thing is the fit between the actor and the role, as well as the acting skills. It’s not about saving money to make certain decisions." Then, Ethan frowned slightly and continued, "Miss Sue, in the entertainment industry, the most important thing is personal ability. I personally do not approve of using salary reduction as a means to get performance opportunities. It’s precisely because there are practitioners like you that many people who are not qualified have the opportunity to win roles unsuitable for them, which ultimately only drags down the quality of the work." Faced with such criticism, Nell’s expression changed immediately. She never expected things to develop to this point. Even after trying so hard, instead of getting the recognition she deserved, she received unexpected criticism. This was really hard for her to accept! Everything strayed from the originally imagined direction! Finally, feeling extremely dissatisfied, Nell reluctantly completed the attempt for the role of the third female lead and was assigned to play it. When everything was settled, before leaving the door, her dissatisfaction still couldn’t help but ask: "Who ultimately won the opportunity to play the heroine? Is it a well-recognized talented artist in the industry?" She couldn’t wrap her head around it; she wouldn’t accept this result no matter what, and she guessed the reason. The casting director said: "No, you are already the third female lead, and it doesn’t matter telling you. The Clara White you just met is a total newcomer, but her acting is really great and very promising." Nell was shocked, looking at the casting director in disbelief: "Her? She’s the one performing so outstandingly?" The casting director nodded with a smile, seeming a bit amused by this question, "Yes, it’s really a coincidence; you two are quite destined indeed. And you know what? She also said she doesn’t want any remuneration and really doesn’t care about the reward." Nell’s heart sank, holding back her anger, she barely smiled and spoke with a hint of bitterness in her voice: "Oh, no wonder Director Smith was not pleased when he heard zero pay. Did he mistake me for mimicking Miss White by deliberately putting forth this request?" The casting director hurriedly explained: "It shouldn’t be like that. Miss White’s reason for not wanting payment is quite special. She said this is her first play and she’s never acted before, so she has no worth, and she’s well-off, not lacking money at all. She hopes to take this opportunity as an experiment, if she performs well in the drama, she hopes to get more resources and support so she can continue participating in Director Smith’s works in the future. Director Smith was delighted to hear it, reputedly having quite a temper. I have to say, I’m really impressed by her." Listening to this, Nell felt like she was drenched in cold water, or fuel added to the fire, feeling so uncomfortable she could barely speak. To secure this role without wanting any money, she had put in enormous effort and dedication. However, the reason the other party gave up compensation was simply because—she wasn’t short of money at all. This made Nell’s pain and helplessness even harder to express. At this moment, she felt all her careful calculations, arrangements, and efforts were in vain. Sincerely craving something she worked desperately for, while the other party could effortlessly obtain it. This sense of injustice made the flames of jealousy in Nell’s heart burn fiercely. Clara White! In her heart, she secretly gnashed teeth and repeated this name, vowing to fight with her to the end, no matter how difficult it would be to win this competition ultimately. Nell had an intense dislike for Clara Bennett, almost causing her internal frustration. But Clara Bennett didn’t care at all; she even found Nell’s petty appearance somewhat laughable. She wanted Nell to have opinions about her. Already having some leverage against Nell, if Nell acted impulsively out of resentment towards her, no matter how she tried to entice Samuel, they would certainly never be together. Clara Bennett had absolute confidence in her relationship with her brother, believing it wasn’t something that could be swayed easily by external forces. Thinking back to the unpleasantness that ensued within her family because of Samuel Grant, she felt that she was really stupid at that time. "I now silently rebuke myself for being so ignorant at that time every day." Clara Bennett said self-mockingly, then stepped into the car and went directly to Charlotte Harper. Charlotte Harper’s face was full of smiles with a clear meaning of congratulations, "Congratulations, the position of the leading actress is totally secured. The casting director was so excited while talking to me on the phone that he trembled a little, continuously praising you." "It’s nothing, don’t rush to tell Samuel, I want to give him a surprise." Clara Bennett answered. "Sure, no problem. He probably wouldn’t expect you to land this role so smoothly so quickly." Charlotte Harper agreed with a smile. "That’s exactly my purpose." Clara Bennett’s mouth curved slightly, her tone revealing confidence. Looking at the firm yet confident expression on Clara’s face, Charlotte Harper became more satisfied with everything she saw. "Honestly, I’m quite curious about how you managed to make Ethan Smith, who always wears a poker face, open up and smile, what secret lies in that?" "Maybe I naturally inherited good rhetoric, who doesn’t like an actor who is charmingly eloquent and always cheerful?" Clara Bennett laughed and responded. Hearing this, Charlotte Harper couldn’t help but laugh loudly. "You are really so suitable to blend into this circle. Others may still struggle hard to try to fit in, but look at you, you’re simply like a fish returning to its own water." Clara Bennett nodded in agreement. In fact, since stepping into the entertainment industry, she indeed felt an unprecedented sense of adaptation.