Chapter 97 Getting Paid to Fall in Love?
After lunch, Sophia drove Michael back to Cloud Group. Seeing she still had time to spare, she decided to visit James on his film set.
His latest project was a short series called "Back to Campus: A New Beginning," about a female protagonist who was manipulated and financially ruined by a scumbag in her previous life, only to be reborn and return to her college days for a second chance.
The series was being filmed at a local university that looked like something out of a movie—the main academic building resembled the White House, while the dormitories were built like medieval castles.
The campus pathways were lined with blooming magnolia trees, their vibrant pink and white petals creating a stunning canopy overhead. It was peak flowering season, making for a picture-perfect backdrop.
Today's scenes were being shot along these scenic walkways.
James played the gentle, devoted male lead who had been quietly pining for the female protagonist. His character was all tenderness and consideration, gazing at the heroine with soulful, love-struck eyes.
"Sugar overload warning! James's expression is so on point—it's making me want to fall in love too!"
"That's young love for you—pure and sweet! You, on the other hand? Even if you wanted romance, who'd have you?"
Sophia had just arrived at the filming location when she overheard two crew members bantering while watching the leads perform their clichéd romantic scene.
The sweetness was indeed palpable, capturing that perfect college romance atmosphere. Even the director behind the monitor was beaming with satisfaction.
James had those eyes that could make even looking at a dog seem romantic!
He was definitely well-suited for these sugary romantic dramas. No heavy acting required—those naturally expressive, love-filled eyes did all the work.
"So sweet! Are James and Alice basically getting paid to fall in love?"
"Shh, don't say that out loud! Alice is still in school—even if they were dating, they couldn't go public. Don't let anyone overhear."
"Hehe, right, totally not dating."
Two girls with crew badges were whispering nearby.
Sophia watched the pair acting out their scene. The female lead wore a school uniform, her brown hair pulled back in a high ponytail. Despite supposedly playing a college student, the styling made her look more like she was in high school.
She had delicate features and an appealing presence. When she looked into James's eyes, her gaze held genuine affection—those doe eyes sparkling, her cheeks flushed pink with an intimacy and sweetness that seemed far too real to be just acting.
"Cut! Excellent work. Let's prepare for the next scene in the classroom," the director called out, sending everyone into motion.
James immediately dropped his arm from around his co-star's waist, stepping back to maintain proper distance.
Scanning the area, he spotted Sophia, who had apparently been standing there for some time. His gentle features lit up with a warm smile as he quickly walked over. "Sophia, when did you get here?"
He was asking when she'd returned to Emerald City. Sophia handed him an iced lemon coffee she'd picked up from the campus café on her way over. "Got back this morning. Had lunch with a friend, and since I didn't have anything planned for the afternoon, I thought I'd come find you."
James accepted the coffee gratefully and took a sip.
When their hands touched during the exchange, she noticed how cold his were. Seeing he was only wearing a thin dress shirt, Sophia pulled a hand warmer from her bag. "How many more scenes do you have left? Why aren't you wearing a jacket?"
Spring temperatures hadn't fully warmed up yet. Emerald City had gotten rain yesterday, making today particularly chilly. It would be easy to catch cold without proper layers.
"It's fine, this was the only outdoor scene. We have two more to shoot in the classroom," James said, clutching the hand warmer. Having Sophia's concern warmed his heart more than the heating pack.
The director had been about to call James over to discuss the next scene when he spotted Sophia standing there.
He immediately hurried over with quick, nervous steps. "Oh my, Ms. Johnson! What brings you here? Are you conducting an inspection, or is this a set visit?"
It was the same director from before.
Ever since witnessing Sophia's capabilities firsthand, he treated her with the utmost respect.
Someone who could bankrupt the McCall family with just a few words could just as easily cost him his job. He couldn't afford to cross her.
Sophia had moved past their previous conflicts, maintaining a gracious demeanor with a polite smile. "Just visiting the set. Please, carry on—I'll just be a fly on the wall."
The director smiled obsequiously and gestured for her to follow.
Alice Gonzalez had been planning to walk with James when she noticed him gazing tenderly at another woman, their interaction clearly intimate.
Hearing the director address her respectfully as "Ms. Johnson," Alice's brow furrowed slightly.
"Who's that woman? She's quite pretty. Judging by her clothes and style, probably some trust fund baby, right?"
"What's so special about being rich? She's probably just chasing after James because he's handsome. How much genuine feeling could there be? Alice, you should warn James not to let himself get played."
Her two assistants chimed in with their commentary.
Feeling eyes on her, Sophia glanced in their direction as she followed the director, catching Alice's somewhat hostile gaze.
Just then, a crew member who'd overheard their gossip quickly hushed them, "You two better watch your tongues! That's James's sister, and our boss's boss!"
"What? She looks barely twenty!"
"Don't judge by appearances—she's a major shareholder in Stellar Cinematics!" The crew member shot them a warning look before walking away.
The assistants' eyes immediately lit up, one tugging at Alice's sleeve. "Alice, if that woman's a rich kid, that means James is from money too. You'd better seize this opportunity!"
The hostility in Alice's eyes instantly evaporated, her lips pursing with a bashful expression. "Don't be ridiculous. I like James for who he is, not for his money."
The filming location moved to a classroom.
Not wanting to disturb James's work, Sophia had planned to find a corner to sit in, but the director brought over a folding chair and offered her his comfortable canvas director's chair.
She accepted graciously and sat beside him behind the monitor.
Watching the two leads perform their various sweet romantic scenes, Sophia suddenly asked, "What's the female lead's background?"
The director looked startled for a moment before realizing she was asking about the actress's credentials. He quickly responded, "No particular background. Her name's Alice—she's a student at this university. We cast her because she's attractive and fits the character profile."
Sophia nodded in understanding.
After a pause, she asked again, "Are she and James dating?"
The director was caught off guard, turning to study Sophia's expression. Seeing no obvious emotional reaction, he carefully considered his response, "I honestly wouldn't know. I only see them during filming—who knows if they're in contact privately? Besides, our company signs performers to service contracts, not talent management deals. We don't get involved in actors' personal relationships."
After speaking, he watched Sophia for several seconds, and seeing no emotional change, he quietly breathed a sigh of relief and returned his attention to the monitor.
What was going on? Why was Sophia asking so many questions today?