281: [Bonus chapter]

[Bonus chapter]

It was almost two weeks since Heaven last filmed her scene. The last time she needed to shoot a scene, she canceled and got a scary scolding from Director Guan. Thus, coming to the set today, she brought tons of food to the production as a peace offering. Fortunately, Heaven and Director Guan's relationship had a firm foundation for years.1

"Cut!" Director Guan's loud voice echoed from the microphone. "That's good. Prepare for the next scene!" 

As soon as his next orders rolled out of his tongue, he turned his head in Heaven's direction. "Did you get the scene?"

"Yes." Heaven straightened her back from the monitor screen, facing the director with a smile. "I got it, Director Guan."

"You should rehearse more, Heaven. This is a fight scene."

"It's okay, Director. I already did with the stuntmen earlier." Her lips stretched. "Don't worry. I won't disappoint you, considering we just made up."

"Goodness, girl." Director Guan shook his head, remembering how he felt so angry at her for canceling her scene last week. However, his anger didn't last long when she arrived today. 

How could one get angry at Heaven when she knew her way in words? Also, she even did a big gesture in treating the production to show her sincerity.

"By the way, Director Guan," she called, earning the director's attention once again. "May I ask how come I have more scenes now? I don't recall needing to have my solo fighting scene."

As a side character, Heaven wasn't supposed to have more scenes. In the original script, she even has less dialogue. There were scenes she didn't even need to talk since her character's primary focus was her expressions. But after receiving the last email from the production, she was told that they decided to add more scenes for her.

"Ahh..." Director Guan let out a short laugh. "That's because we decided and the scriptwriters suggested giving you more screen time."

"But why?"

"Because while editing the scenes we took, we figured giving you more screen time is a smart move. Moreover, you have been a perfect addition to the team!"

"Oh..." Heaven rocked her head in understanding but wasn't that pleased.

The only reason she accepted this role was because of how little time she had to put into it. Having to act like herself was just a bonus. But now, because of her "acting" and how well they perceived her character, they decided to add more screen time for her. 

In other words, Heaven had to be on the set a lot more or do more work, but with the same pay. 

'That sounds like I'm being exploited!' An ugly frown turned up behind her smiling face. 'But well, it's not that much. So, I guess that's fine.'

"Also, Miss Shen hasn't been doing well lately," Director Guan suddenly added, frowning. 

"Paula?"

"She kept messing things up, and something, she seemed just detached. Have you checked on her?"

"Well, I went to her suite earlier, but she said she'll take a nap."

Director Guan's frown deepened, clicking his tongue in irritation. "Heaven, can you do me a favor?"

"Don't worry, Director Guan." Heaven smiled reassuringly. "I'll try talking to her."

"I hope you get her back on track. I already tried but to no avail. She's always tired or just too hyper. If she's not the main lead, I would've kicked her out of the production," Director Guan couldn't help but rant, in genuine distress at the work ethic Paula had been displaying. "Damn it. If not for the fact the Zyon Network is behind her back, I wouldn't even accept her."

"I'm sorry, Director Guan, but what did you say?"

"Huh?"

"That Paula got the role because of the Zyon Network?"

Director Guan's mouth fell open in surprise at his slip of the tongue. However, he didn't regret it. Instead, he let out a deep exhale and planted his hand on Heaven's shoulder.

"Heaven, my girl, I know you and Miss Shen had been friends even before entering the industry. However, I don't want to lie to you or to myself. There was actually an artist I want to act in this role, but because the Zyon Network, the biggest investor of the film, backs Miss Shen, I have to take her in."

"Did the Zyon Network ask you to take her in, Director Guan?"

"Well, no. But they don't have to say it. Though her manager did mention it to the producers." Director Guan explained, shrugging. "Anyway, I don't want you to think that I was slandering your friend. I took her in because she wasn't that bad. Although I have my first option, I thought she could pull it off. But now that she was showing how she was in set, I'm starting to regret ever agreeing."

"Ohh..."

"Anyway, I hope you can talk to her." Director Guan patted her shoulders, a little helpless in this situation. "If not, I don't have a choice but to redo all her scenes with another artist. Or maybe I have to quit if the investors don't value my creative aspect."

"I'll try my best, Director."

"Very well. I'll call you once the set is ready. Go and rehearse."

With that being said, Heaven left and headed to Paula's suite. They were back at the private resort once again, but unlike the suite, Paula had the first day, they gave Paula a presidential suite. 

"Excuse me," Heaven stopped Paula's assistant that was coming out of Paula's room. "Is Paula inside?"

"Uhh…" the assistant carefully closed the door behind her. "Yes, but she's sleeping. I'm afraid she'll be angry if you wake her up."

"It's okay." Heaven smiled. "Director Guan told me to say something important to her."

"But —"

"Don't worry. Even if Paula will get angry, she won't do anything to me."

Paula's assistant pressed her lips into a thin line as reluctance swirled in her eyes. Her brows rose when Heaven planted her hand on her shoulder. 

"It's okay. Paula is like a sister to me," reassured Heaven to the assistant. "I won't let you get in trouble too. Excuse me."

Just as Heaven walked past the assistant, the latter suddenly grabbed Heaven's wrist. Looking back, Heaven arched a brow. However, seeing the fear in the assistant's eyes, Heaven's gaze fell on the woman's exposed wrist.

"You…" Heaven breathed out, lifting her eyes to the assistant. "That burn… did she do it?"

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