Chapter 119: Bridge of Pride
"Pack up!"
The director announced, the actors relaxing visibly.
For half an hour, Aren was surrounded by the crew and other supporting actors, asking for either a photo with him or introducing themselves, intending to curry favor with him.
After he finally became free, Lisa, who had become friends with June Webb—the actress playing the poor girl, Ava Baker, in the drama—approached Aren.
June Webb was 26 years old, and she, like Tyler, had been cast in mostly Lian Parks and Dallas Huang’s projects.
She had already exchanged greetings with Aren in one of the scenes they had shot together just a little while ago.
"Aren, I know a good restaurant nearby. Would you like to come with us?" June inquired with a friendly smile.
"Alright," Aren replied calmly, "It will be better to get to know each other since we’ll be acting alongside each other."
"Hahaha, I think the same." June gave a thumbs up. Then, she spotted Tyler in the distance, who was busy talking with the director. She immediately asked Aren, "I want to invite Tyler as well. Do you mind?"
Aren shook his head.
"Good." She flashed a smile. "Wait here a little. I’ll be back with him."
She left to fetch Tyler, leaving Aren and Lisa alone. It was already evening, and the sky was starting to turn red.
Aren cast a worried gaze at Lisa and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Of course," she replied softly, brushing the strand of hair behind her ear. "Making a few mistakes while acting is normal. It’s you who is abnormal."
Aren smiled at her, patting her head affectionately. "You are right."
She had to give numerous retakes to get her scenes right. Even though the director wore a smile on his face all the time, supporting her, his eyes still betrayed the disappointment in his heart slightly.
Lisa was the female lead of the drama. Her role was more important than any other role.
This drama focused on her as the central character, and if her acting wasn’t on a good level, the story would suffer, unable to convey the emotions to the audience.
Moreover, since Aren’s acting was even better than veteran actors’ at this point, there was a stark contrast between him and the others.
Due to this, even when Tyler acted to the best of his capabilities, the director seemed unimpressed.
Usually, Tyler would receive praises from him; however, today, he got none.
Only when Aren acted did the director appear passionate and excited, praising him incessantly.
This behavior undoubtedly disheartened the other actors.
After all, getting compared to Aren was already bad enough, and now they even had to face the director’s disappointed gaze.
However, among the four lead actors, Lisa was clearly the most inexperienced. Her acting was several levels below the others.
Even the crew murmured about it, and afraid that she might’ve heard the whispers, Aren was worried about her.
If she lost her confidence, her acting would only suffer. It could even get severe enough to force the crew to replace her with a better actress.
Even the current lead role she was playing, she didn’t get this role because of her acting ability; it was only due to her current popularity and the viewers’ desire to see her and Aren in a drama as a couple.
If not for these factors, she would’ve been stuck playing supporting roles unless she improved her acting abilities.
However, actors usually improved with time as they got the hang of it, but in Lisa’s case, she didn’t receive the time to play small roles and hone her acting skills.
She was suddenly cast into the lead role of a high-budget drama and now was expected to deliver a performance worthy of it.
Of course she would struggle with it.
"I’m here. Let’s go," June returned and said with a beaming smile.
Taylor was grumbling behind her, not wanting to be here.
June glared at him, causing his grumbling to stop. She then turned to smile at Aren and Lisa. "The restaurant is at a walking distance from here. Let’s just walk."
Suggesting that, she took the lead, holding Lisa’s hand and pulling her away.
She laughed, conversing with Lisa while Aren walked alongside Tyler, who walked quietly with an arrogant attitude.
Aren understood these types of individuals very well. He could see through his facade.
Tyler was visibly uncomfortable, and that haughty attitude of his was just a cover he was using to protect himself.
Tyler was actually intimidated by Aren and was even apologetic for looking down on him before.
At first, he had thought that Aren had gotten this role thanks to the scandal and some temporary popularity.
He didn’t think Aren would have the acting skills to justify his casting; however, he turned out to be wrong.
He felt very small compared to Aren.
The only source of pride for Tyler was his acting ability that he had honed over the years.
Even though he didn’t get popularity or acclaim for his efforts, he drew strength from his love for the craft.
His fans were few but loyal, and they believed in him. They, like him, believed that he just didn’t get the recognition and chance he deserved. Once he received the right role, he would shoot to popularity.
He was like an undiscovered gem.
However, seeing Aren was like a slap to his face.
What was he even proud of?
This young guy, only 23, was ridiculously handsome, with a face that could capture hearts with a single glance.
On top of that, his acting abilities were equally ridiculous, as if some great actor’s soul had regressed to his younger self.
And if that wasn’t enough, he was ridiculously popular, and even his reputation was overwhelmingly positive.
This guy... he made him feel that life was truly unfair.
Now that he realized the difference between the two of them, he felt that his previous behavior was truly rude, and now, even though he wanted to apologize, he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.
With what face would he apologize to him?
He had acted so arrogantly until now.
However, while he was walking, averting Aren to the best of his capabilities, he heard Aren speak.
"Do you hate me? Have I offended you somehow?"
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(A/N -Thanks for reading. ^..^)