Chapter 163 Didn't Feel How Ambiguous the Action Was at All
When Thalia headed back to the film studio in the afternoon, she gave Gregory a ride.
"Didn't you see the trending topic?"
"Nope, Gregory, you're really well-connected."
Thalia joked, "You're so capable, can you look out for me from now on?"
"You need me to look out for you? Weren't you the one protecting me last night?"
"That's different," Thalia continued. "When I protect you, it's only in small situations like this. You're different."
"Considering I got revenge for you right away last night, shouldn't you think about my suggestion?"
Gregory looked at Thalia. Her delicate face was bare of makeup. Up close, with sunlight from the car window falling on her face, he could clearly see even the fine hair on her skin.
Her eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes seemed to speak.
Seeing Gregory silent, Thalia leaned in slightly and raised her voice, "So, what do you think?"
Gregory snapped back to reality, leaned back against the car door, his fingertips touching the cup, "Did they give you trouble?"
"Who?"
"That girl from last night."
Thalia smiled, completely unaware how suggestive her earlier move of leaning close to Gregory had been. "Does she have a death wish? Daring to give me trouble."
Gregory had heard about Thalia's reputation in Emerald City. The princess of Emerald City, the wholesome actress in the entertainment industry, from a prominent and capable family with plenty of money to throw at resources for her. He'd heard all sorts of gossip about her, good and bad, the most dramatic being about her ex-boyfriend's affair.
Someone in the entertainment industry had been spreading rumors about her, and anyone who hadn't worked with her before would be nervous the first time they collaborated.
"I heard you sent Emma to jail last time because of Andrew. Isn't this a perfect opportunity for her to strike?"
Thalia ran her hand through her hair, thinking to herself, whatever, she had William.
William was the devil of the legal world. If Emma really had what it takes, bring it on.
"She'd have to be capable of it first."
Both Thalia and Gregory had major night scenes. They entered the set, got their makeup done, and Thalia downed a large cup of coffee.
Tonight's scenes were all emotionally charged scenes between them. Aaron required one take, no editing.
On a summer night, Thalia knelt at the doorway in heavy clothing, shielding Gregory who was about to be beaten.
Thalia defended him with passionate words.
Her scene partner sitting in the chair was a veteran actor with an imposing presence.
Thalia clutched the hem of her palace gown, suddenly straightened her kneeling posture, and glared at her opponent with wide eyes as she argued. Even the veteran actor was shocked by her explosive performance.
Thalia's voice rose, and everyone around was stunned. She acted incredibly well.
"Excellent, excellent."
Aaron's voice rang out, and Thalia immediately pulled back her emotions.
She reached out to Isla, who handed her a water cup.
"Gregory, were you really shocked by Thalia, or were you acting according to the script?"
Gregory smiled faintly, "I was genuinely shocked by Thalia. I really didn't expect her to deliver such a long, difficult dialogue so powerfully."
Aaron looked at Thalia with admiration, "Thalia is really talented. Don't be fooled by all those rumors out there. I've already made arrangements with her for my next production."
Gregory rarely took the initiative to humble himself, "What show? Can I be in it?"
Everyone present was surprised. Gregory used to only do big screen work and never filmed TV dramas. This time, Aaron had pulled strings and asked him to help out as a favor.
Aaron was stunned for a moment when he heard Gregory's words, then nodded repeatedly, as if afraid Gregory would change his mind. He quickly went up and grabbed his hand, "You said it yourself, everyone here heard it. Don't go back on your word."
"If you come for my next show, I'll pair you with Thalia again."
Before Thalia could say anything, Isla came over with a phone, "Thalia, phone call."
It was William.
Thalia rolled her eyes at Isla, clearly meaning she didn't want to take it.
Just as Isla walked away with the phone, her own phone rang. Looking at the vaguely familiar number on the screen, she answered.
"It's me," William's low voice came through the receiver, startling Isla so much her legs shook.
"Mr. Brown."
"Where's Thalia?" William looked at the empty apartment, his expression darkening.
"Thalia is filming. It's a night shoot tonight, won't finish until very late."
.......
"What's Gregory's deal?"
"Didn't he say this was his first and last TV drama? How come he's asking Aaron for future collaboration?"
"Feels like it's for Thalia," someone said.
"But Thalia's acting is really good, just her reputation is terrible."
"So what if it's bad? She doesn't care. A rich family's daughter entering the entertainment industry is just here to experience life. Do you see her taking those rumor-mongers seriously?"
"Exactly," during the break, everyone chatted casually, completely unaware that Thalia was already behind them.
Thalia's angry voice came from behind, nearly making everyone fall off their chairs.
Behind Thalia was Isla, carrying a bucket filled with chilled peaches, apples, and other small fruits.
As she distributed them, Isla deliberately said, "Thalia never pays attention to people who bad-mouth her. She can't be bothered with them. Thalia's motto is: don't get tangled up with terrible people and terrible things."
After distributing the fruit, Gregory called her over to rehearse.
Thalia had just sat down when she started yawning.
"Tired?"
"Aren't you?"
"I'm okay. Last scene, hang in there."
By the time Thalia finished filming and got home, it was nearly 4 AM. She barely managed to remove her makeup at the set before heading back. When she opened the door, she got a shock.