"No representative works? She's not an actress!" Shi Xinxin heard the surprise in their tone and became curious about what they were saying about her, so she decided to sit down.
"She's the director's woman, isn't she?"
Although it was a question, it was stated as a definitive fact in the woman's tone.
Shi Xinxin's lips curved slightly. Everyone who came here had worked so hard, enduring so much struggle to get here. Compared to them, it felt somewhat unfair that Shi Xinxin, a newcomer, could achieve this so easily.
"Maybe, a new actress who hasn't even acted in a play before, what else could she be if not the director's woman? Regardless, it's not through the proper channels."
Her eyes filled with jealousy. Seeing that she couldn't waste any more time on them, she stood up and quickly changed her clothes, putting on a skirt that was easy to move in. She packed her dirty clothes and belongings into her bag and walked out of the fitting room.
Shi Xinxin picked up her script and began to familiarize herself with the character's image. She repeatedly contemplated the character's personality and details, and all the lines played out in her mind as if she were already acting.
Shi Xinxin didn't have many lines, but even a supporting role in Hollywood was a coveted position. Moreover, her part wasn't insignificant. Shi Xinxin diligently memorized her lines.
The lead actors were all big stars in America, and Shi Xinxin was very nervous. All she could do was to perform her role well. She repeatedly recited her lines, diligently studying her script in the lounge area.
Just as Shi Xinxin was about to pick up a cup of hot water in front of her, the cup suddenly lost its balance and tipped over. The water spilled out, soaking the scripts placed on the table.
Shi Xinxin quickly grabbed the items on the table, trying her best to prevent the water from spreading further, but it was too late. Shi Xinxin's script, as well as the scripts of several lead actors on the table, were all wet. Shi Xinxin stood up and quickly looked for tissues, ignoring the Black actress standing by the table.
"Can't even drink water without being clumsy."
Shi Xinxin looked up to see the Black actress with her arms crossed, a look of "you deserve it" on her face, and a sense of unfulfilled anticipation in her eyes. She stared intently at Shi Xinxin, hoping to catch her making another mistake.
Shi Xinxin knew that what the other actress wanted was for her to scream and then frantically knock over everything on the table, making a bigger mess. However, Shi Xinxin's attention was focused on her script. If she were to react that way, she would be the most foolish.
She had been through so much before; she wasn't the naive Shi Xinxin she used to be.
After tidying everything up, she saw that the lead actors' scripts were half-wet, while hers was completely soaked. She even felt a sliver of relief that hers was the one completely ruined. She carefully wiped the other actors' scripts.
"What happened?" The lead actor's assistant came to get the script and, seeing Shi Xinxin wiping it, became annoyed.
"I'm sorry, I accidentally knocked it over." Shi Xinxin stood up and looked at the assistant, whose expression was very sour. She still felt a little guilty, as the scripts were no longer as flat as they used to be after being wet, and the text was no longer as clear.
"Hmph." The assistant glared fiercely at Shi Xinxin, picked up her things, and left. Shi Xinxin watched her leave and, seeing the lead actors diligently studying their scripts without any blame, sat back down.
Shi Xinxin picked up her own script. Her annotations had been washed away by the water, and she could barely make them out.
Shi Xinxin recalled what she had written. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she sighed. She got up and went to the printing room to reprint her part and rewrote the parts she could remember.
Shi Xinxin sighed softly. This was the price she had to pay for her good fortune.
But it was okay; none of this mattered to her. She had experienced far worse. In fact, what she had gained the most since becoming an actress wasn't her acting skills, but her patience.
The image of Sheng Chenjin appeared in Shi Xinxin's mind. She hadn't heard from Sheng Chenjin in a long time, yet he never left her thoughts. Shi Xinxin poured herself another cup of water and drank it in one gulp.
She believed that as long as she kept working hard, she would eventually earn their recognition, as long as she continued to persevere.
Shi Xinxin's slender figure moved into the crowd. Although she wasn't particularly tall, she was strong enough. Shi Xinxin confidently acted her role and embodied her character in the play.
Her efforts paid off, and Shi Xinxin passed. She was overjoyed.
Los Angeles continued to shine with the passing of days and nights. Shi Xinxin, meanwhile, filmed until the early hours of the morning before finishing her work. The director seemed very satisfied with Shi Xinxin's performance on camera.
Shi Xinxin was very dedicated on set. Although her lines were few, she constantly pondered them. In fact, with her understanding of the East and her cooking skills alone, she could have played the role well.
However, she held herself to a very high standard. She practiced and reflected over and over again, finally merging the character's psychology and image with her own, as if that person were her, and she were that person.
Shi Xinxin came down from the set to the lounge area, her eyes intently watching the lead actors' brilliant performances. Suddenly, she felt a sense of imbalance.
"Ah!" Shi Xinxin couldn't help but scream. Her body lost its balance instantly, and she felt herself about to make intimate contact with the ground. The Black actress standing beside her quickly helped her up.
Shi Xinxin's right ankle was sprained, and her heel had broken.
"Are you okay?"
Shi Xinxin looked at the actress who had always looked down on her, and who had rushed to her aid. If this had happened before, this group of people would likely have burst into laughter. Shi Xinxin looked at them, and a warmth spread through her heart.
"I'm fine." Shi Xinxin stood up straight. Her right ankle felt twisted, and a sharp pain suddenly struck. She couldn't stand steadily on one foot. She leaned on the Black actress's shoulder, trying to put weight on her right foot, but the pain made her expression stiffen.
"Are you injured?" The director walked over, looking at Shi Xinxin's foot with concern. Shi Xinxin's scenes weren't finished yet. If she were injured now, it would be a big problem.
"It hurts a little." Shi Xinxin dared not conceal her injury. If her injury delayed the progress of the crew, it would be bad.
Supported by two people, Shi Xinxin sat down, feeling immense guilt. She had scenes scheduled for this morning. Shi Xinxin still unyieldingly moved her ankle.