Chapter 1: Out of the wolf’s den, into the tiger’s mouth
As soon as Sophie Smith walked into the private room, she felt something strange in the atmosphere.
She hesitated at the doorway, using the dim light to take about three seconds to digest the situation before her.
There were around ten or so people in the room, men and women, very lively. From time to time, the sound of clinking glasses or unabashed moaning echoed in the spacious compartment, making Sophie's ears tingle with discomfort.
"Cough, cough..." Sophie seemed to have been choked by a cigar smoke, uncontrollably coughing a couple of times.
"You're Sophie Smith?" A middle-aged man with a beer belly sauntered over to her, leeringly sizing her up even in the dim light, making Sophie perceive his lewd expression.
"Yes, I'm Sophie Smith. Hello, Director Chapman." She answered respectfully and politely, feeling very uneasy inside for reasons unknown; the noisy environment was uncomfortable for someone accustomed to quiet.
Currently, she was a third-year student at Eastern Film Academy, performing actively in class and her acting skills garnering attention from the department chair. As such, the chair recommended her to a renowned domestic director, offering her a chance at her first significant role if the director was satisfied.
"Come and sit!" The man, whom Sophie referred to as Director Chapman, disregarded her struggle and resistance, dragging her toward the sofa. This made Sophie feel deeply repelled. Upon sitting down, a cup of crimson alcohol was shoved before her.
"Drink."
Sophie's tolerance was poor. Though she purposely trained herself to drink more, the effect wasn't significant. She took the drink, forced herself to down it in one go.
The alcohol was high proof, burning her throat intensely upon consumption.