Chapter 247: Chapter 244: Literal Meaning
"Back when I wanted to audition for Director Young’s film, I was rejected for that reason," Lily Clarke said rather helplessly, as if lamenting that she debuted too early.
Otherwise, she could have joined the cast just like her.
Sure enough, the few people in the car frowned slightly, but did not think too deeply about it.
After all, in recent days, they had also approved of Elliana Lyle’s acting skills; even if she was forcibly promoted by Norman Bennett, she was more than just a pretty vase.
It’s known that Carina Windor dislikes those "vases" in the entertainment industry the most, as years ago, Carina lost a role to a vase with no acting skills whatsoever.
So people in the industry know that Carina despises dealing with those who are only vases, which is somewhat of a taboo.
Yet today Lily Clarke was steering things in that direction, almost shouting: Elliana Lyle was forcibly promoted by Norman Bennett, she’s a vase, you should hate her and ostracize her.
The usually silent Deacon Oak suddenly said, "Luck is also a part of strength. Being an actor takes talent and hard work to be meaningful."
"What Deacon said is true, talent is something that comes by chance," Lily Clarke echoed Deacon’s words.
Then, with a somewhat patronizing attitude, she added, "Miss Lyle, you must cherish this opportunity. Aim to be famous nationwide with just one film. Currently, your online popularity is higher than everyone here. Don’t let down the netizens’ expectations."
Is she trying to set her up for failure? If Elliana doesn’t achieve anything, she’d just become a joke.
Moreover, there were two staff members from the cast in the car, so words might spread, and she might end up being mocked by netizens again.
Was Lily Clarke holding a grudge against her? Could it be that Lily really wanted to marry Norman Bennett? It implied she hadn’t misjudged the emotions in Lily’s eyes.
Another woman coveting her husband.
Then there’s no need to be polite. With a half-smile, she looked at Lily and calmly said, "Some things are beyond control. As long as you work hard, whether you become famous or not is part of the acting journey."
She then mimicked Lily’s approach, leaned against the front seat, and smiled sweetly at Carina, saying, "Sister Carina, this is one of your quotes, right? I’ve always remembered it."
"Whether you’re famous or not is part of the acting journey" was indeed something Carina once said in an interview.
She hadn’t deliberately memorized it; she just recalled it because she had inadvertently watched the interview video yesterday.
A perfect time to use it.
These words resonated with Carina. She inherently liked obedient personalities like Elliana’s, and now hearing her repeat her words, her goodwill increased.
It’s rare for a newly popular actress to be so humble, and her acting wasn’t bad, nor was she afraid of hardship.
"Indeed, it’s all experience. If this doesn’t work, the next one will," Carina said.
Just as Carina finished her sentence, Lily swiftly added, "I remembered your words back then, Sister Carina, so I didn’t get discouraged midway."
Elliana: "..."
She was quick at responding, reminiscent of Ada Lee vying for attention at the Lyle’s old mansion.
Besides Yates Zander, both Carina and Deacon were senior figures in the industry.
Later, she didn’t bother engaging with Lily any further; the best option was to pretend to sleep by the car window.
After all, talking with someone like Lily meant she had to consider if it was meant literally.
Once Lily realized she was asleep, barely any conversation continued in the car, just as Carina remarked, "Let Elliana sleep a bit more. Young people need enough rest."
It seemed she won this "battle."
Online, some people labeled Lily as a schemer, while others said she was just straightforward, saying whatever came to mind.
Elliana believed the former; straightforwardness and blatant hostility should not be confused.
Even though Lily’s words today didn’t sound overly wrong, they were always purposefully driven.
At that moment, a staff member in the car pressed stop on the recording on their phone, contemplating editing the soundbits for a future online buzz.
Upon arriving at their destination, endless yellow sand spread across the horizon, the sun’s heat piercing, making it hard for people to keep their eyes open.
The set already had models and green screens in place, which would later be replaced with the look of a spaceship using special effects.
In fact, only a few scenes needed to be filmed in the desert; the storyline was about exploring whether the planet was habitable.
In the story, this is a planet completely covered in desert, with underground water and oxygen present, but sandstorms occur every three hours globally.
Therefore, it’s not suitable for habitation.
There would be some debates in the scene, and a team member would die; Lily plays the team member who dies.
The scenes were being shot in reverse order, so when they returned to North City, Lily still had three more scenes to shoot with them.
Normally, considering the various bloopers and less-than-perfect performances in desert scenes, the shooting period should not exceed two days.
But the director said it would take at least a week.
"I’ll say this in advance," Director Young’s voice came through.
Everyone looked in unison.
"For authenticity, we will film during a sandstorm."
Upon these words, several people exchanged glances, their faces showing worry.
Shooting amid a sandstorm is inherently dangerous; how can humans fully guarantee their safety against natural disasters?
Seeing the looming panic, Gary Young continued, "This is the outer perimeter, so there won’t be any danger. Rest assured, we have the best vehicles. When the sandstorm comes, there will be enough time to retreat, so let’s seize the opportunity, don’t mess up, and show genuine fear on your faces."
Elliana didn’t hear the rest; she was simply pondering what filming during a sandstorm would be like.
Perhaps they would watch from afar, capturing the escape scenes and later editing them for effect.
Thinking this way, it didn’t seem so dangerous.
The first shot was of Lily falling to the ground, with gusts of yellow sand blown by fans, indistinguishable from reality on camera.
Despite everything, Lily’s acting skills were undeniable; she nailed it in one take.
"Cut," the director called out, "Elliana, get ready."
Now it was her turn; in the story, her and Lily’s characters are best friends, so she needed to portray the reluctance to give up and the pain.
"Zhonghui!" she shouted as she ran, suddenly turning back to see her best friend had fallen.
She quickly ran back, trying to help the sand-covered "Zhonghui."
"Cut! Great, get Carina ready," the director instructed.
Carina quickly got into character, shouting at her, "Lynn! It’s too late, you can’t go back!"
Saying that, she chased after her.
"Let me go!" she struggled fiercely, with reddened eyes trying to push her way to Lily.
Unfortunately, her teammate was too strong; she couldn’t break free at all. Carina yelled, "If you don’t leave, no one can survive!"
"Zhonghui! Zhonghui, get up! Zhonghui..."
Staff were pouring sand over Lily until she was buried beneath it.
Director Young quickly shouted, "Pass."
The staff quickly moved in, digging Lily out of the sand.
The crew hurriedly brought clean water for Lily to wash her face.
With sand blown into her eyes and nose by the fan, it was an unpleasant experience.
Even Elliana felt her eyes stinging; Lily being buried directly must have felt like a near-death experience.