Chapter 95

After a while, the executives and award-winning actors at the banquet gradually took their seats, and the atmosphere became serious once more. Winnie readied herself to face new challenges. Fiona sat beside Winnie and smiled as she asked, "I remember you worked with Aaron on a project, didn't you?" Aaron, a film emperor in his forties, carried an air of refined melancholy in his features. Once a top figure in the film industry, he had collaborated with Winnie a few years prior on a drama. That production became the year's second-highest box-office hit, earning Aaron his second Best Actor title. While Winnie didn't win any awards, her performance garnered multiple nominations, and fans considered her an "overlooked gem" in the awards circuit. Winnie responded with a gentle smile, "Indeed, it's been quite a while since I last saw Aaron." Aaron chuckled, "Oh, but Winnie, I see him every day." With a faint smile, Winnie turned to Fiona and said, "Yes, we did work together. I remember that year at the Starry Diamond Golden September event, Aaron and I shared the stage." Fiona nodded, "Ah, yes. The Starry Diamond project—we were just one step away back then." A thought stirred in Winnie's mind as she remarked, "I was lucky to bask in Aaron's glow." The conversation shifted, and the atmosphere grew more subdued as the group continued chatting. The formalities at the table began to fade into the background. As the banquet drew to a close, the final highlight was a group photo. The stage was packed with people, with Winnie and Fiona standing side by side—unquestionably in the most prominent positions. To outsiders, Winnie's position seemed well-deserved. Social media was flooded with praise, declaring her presence as fitting and indisputable. What no one knew, however, was that just days earlier, she had been frantic over not being able to borrow a suitable gown and had faced subtle exclusion from the fashion industry's unspoken cliques. She had endured an unseen battle and emerged victorious in a quiet triumph. After the banquet, Winnie made only a brief appearance at the after-party, citing feeling unwell as an excuse to leave early. She returned home alone and fell into a deep sleep. The next afternoon, she arrived at director Antony's company for an audition. Antony, a legendary figure in the industry, was still actively working in his seventies. Known for discovering new talent and his sharp directorial skills, landing a lead role in one of his movies was every actor's ultimate dream. The role for this audition was that of a revolutionary—a character Winnie had been preparing for diligently. In the realm of recent blockbuster historical movies, this movie was undoubtedly a strong contender for the year's box-office champion. The atmosphere at the audition site was tense. The hallway was packed with people, from seasoned veterans to fresh graduates, representing a wide spectrum of talent. Everyone present had made it through rigorous selection rounds to get here. Regardless of their fame, they were all starting from the same point now. Winnie quietly walked down the corridor, and whispers trailed behind her. "She's auditioning too?" "Judging by her current form, she's almost guaranteed to nail it." Her assistant skillfully redirected fans trying to approach her, maintaining order in the scene. After a short wait in her designated area, the audition director's assistant came to notify her, "Winnie, it's your turn." She entered the audition room, which resembled a small theater. Antony, casting director Jack, several representatives from the production team, and a young assistant director—likely one of Antony's trusted aides—were seated in a row. Winnie removed her mask, bowed politely, introduced herself per protocol, and began her performance. For the scene involving a letter-writing sequence, her portrayal was precise and deeply moving. Her low voice conveyed a blend of despair and hope, with tears stubbornly clinging to her eyes. They didn't fall until she finished the last character on the envelope, at which point they slipped down naturally. She gently put down the pen, folded the letter carefully with slow, deliberate motions, her actions both tender and heavy. Finally, she let out a long exhale, as if locking all her emotions into the envelope. The audition room fell into absolute silence, so still that even the faintest sound of breathing couldn't be heard. After a long silence, casting director Jack softly cleared his throat and glanced at Antony. Antony stood up and, in his deep voice, said, "Could everyone please step out for five minutes?" The casting team promptly rose to their feet. Some picked up their teacups, others lit cigarettes, and they left in small groups, chatting as they went. Winnie exhaled softly, brushing aside the slightly damp strands of hair from her forehead. She addressed him politely, "Nice to meet you, Antony." "Nice to meet you,"Antony nodded, his expression calm. "You've been in the industry for quite some time. Why is it that we've never worked together before?" Winnie was momentarily taken aback, her reply hesitant. "Perhaps... scheduling conflicts?" "Maybe." Antony gave a faint smile. "Your acting skills are good, but the ratio of quality films in your portfolio isn't particularly high. I'm sure you know why." She lowered her gaze, choosing not to respond. After a brief pause, Antony's tone softened. "However, this time, I'm preparing a personal project. It's my second romance film in thirty years. I think you'd be a great fit and would like you to audition for it." Winnie froze, her expression conflicted. "Really?" "Of course. This is my personal project, so it won't be entangled in the usual complexities of capital." Antony's tone was steady. "The specifics will be communicated to you by my company." She nodded, gratitude evident in her voice. "Thank you." As she walked out of the audition room, her expression had returned to its usual calm, but a swirl of emotions churned within her. At the end of the hallway, she caught sight of Mia—a face both familiar and distant. Mia looked somewhat uneasy, as though waiting for her own turn to audition. The two brushed past each other without speaking. Winnie was a bit stunned to see Mia here—so that's why Mia had said "See you on set" the other day. David, his tone calm, explained, "This was the company's arrangement." Winnie let out a mocking laugh. So, everything had been planned from the start. David gently patted her shoulder and continued calmly, "You're not losing out. The movie Antony chose you for was practically made for you. It's bound to bring you recognition. Despite the lack of investor confidence and the low pay, you are still seen as the perfect candidate for the role." Winnie retorted dismissively, "If Mia weren't part of the deal, would Antony still have picked me? Or was it the company that wouldn't clear my schedule without her?" "Antony's pay for this project is the lowest among all your offers," David paused before continuing, "I know exactly how much your three months are worth—even more than you do." Winnie gave a faint smile, turning to David and saying softly, "Go help her, please." When Van called her on a video chat, Winnie forced a smile, but she still looked burdened. "What's wrong?" Van asked quietly. He was always this perceptive, never giving others a chance to hide their feelings. Winnie kept her eyes on the screen. "Nothing. Why haven't you contacted me lately? Tired of me already?" The weight of her words hit hard, and Van's heart sank. "I've been busy. I was planning to return home soon, but things got delayed," he replied, putting down his phone and suppressing a cough in his throat. Winnie could hear the weakness in his cough. "Your cold hasn't cleared up—it's gotten worse," she said, her brow furrowing as she set aside the capsule toy in her hand. She studied his expression through the camera. He looked utterly exhausted, his eyes shadowed with deep hollows as though he hadn't had a proper night's sleep in ages. His white shirt hung loosely on him, dampened by heat and humidity, giving him a disheveled and weary appearance. Yet, somehow, there was an inexplicable charm about him. Winnie found herself lost in thought, unable to look away from the screen, her heart filled with longing for him.