Julia took another deep breath as the staff brought her a new costume.
Vivian had just finished her scenes and happened to pass by, noticing the commotion. She was about to walk over when Jacqueline immediately stopped her.
"Vivian, it's obvious that Assistant Director Nick is acting under Bailey's orders. It's best not to get involved. Even if we don't join Artis International, there's no benefit in making enemies with them."
Having followed Vivian for several years, Jacqueline had developed a keen eye for such matters. Although Vivian was an artist under Star Sovereign International, she often had to interact with Artis International. In this industry, an artist needed to be diplomatic and avoid offending anyone.
However, Vivian brushed off Jacqueline's hand and walked straight over.
Assistant Director Nick, who was about to continue shooting, heard a familiar voice call out.
"Assistant Director Nick!"
Everyone turned their attention to the source of the voice.
Vivian walked over with graceful steps.
"Oh, it's you, Vivian!" Assistant Director Nick greeted her with a respectful smile.
"Finished shooting over there?"
"Yes, I thought I'd come by and see how things are going here," Vivian said casually as she sat down next to Assistant Director Nick.
The monitor in front of Assistant Director Nick was replaying Julia's performance.
"Assistant Director Nick, do you need to shoot another take?" Vivian asked.
"Yeah, this Julia Avery is really causing trouble on set. Everyone's got a problem with her!" Assistant Director Nick fumed, his face red with anger.
Vivian gave a faint smile. "Oh, really? If such an emotional and spot-on performance doesn't satisfy Assistant Director Nick, then I must seriously question your professional judgment."
Assistant Director Nick was taken aback, and so was everyone else present.
What? Vivian was openly challenging Assistant Director Nick!
Although Nick was just an assistant director, Vivian's status was high enough that she didn't need to worry about him. Besides, he wasn't exactly a big shot.
"If Assistant Director Nick is not satisfied, why don't we call Director Blithe over to take a look? Let's see if he finds the performance lacking," Vivian continued.
Assistant Director Nick's face turned ashen.
He knew very well that Julia's performance was excellent. If Director Blithe were here, he wouldn't ask for a retake; he'd probably shout, "Perfect!"
"Assistant Director Nick, it's fine to curry favor, but the entertainment industry is the most unpredictable place. Today, you might be a superstar, and tomorrow you might not even get a role. Today, you might be a nobody, and tomorrow you could win an Oscar."
Vivian placed her hand on Assistant Director Nick's shoulder. "Don't you understand this, Nick? There's no need to offend someone just to please another."
Her words were clearly aimed at Bailey!
Bailey's face turned green with anger, but there was nothing she could do. If she spoke up now, it would be like slapping herself in the face!
Assistant Director Nick quickly nodded. "Alright, alright, this scene is approved!"
Vivian nodded in satisfaction and gave Jacqueline a meaningful look. Jacqueline immediately ran over to Julia and helped her back to the hotel.
Assistant Director Nick knew well enough that he couldn't afford to offend Vivian. Even though her popularity had waned, she was still a top-tier actress and someone Mr. Edwards from Artis International had always wanted to recruit. He couldn't afford to offend either side!
Navigating the entertainment industry was proving to be incredibly difficult.
Julia returned to her room, changed her clothes, but her body still felt weak and sore.
After taking a call from Vivian, Jacqueline came to Julia's side. "Miss Avery, Vivian said her schedule won't be here for the next few days. She's already spoken to Director Blithe, so you can go home and rest for a few days."
Julia looked up at Jacqueline. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me. Vivian is kind-hearted. She couldn't stand seeing you being bullied, so she had to offend Bailey."
Jacqueline's words were skillfully chosen, making sure Julia knew she should be grateful to Vivian.
"Please thank Vivian for me."
"Alright, I'll call a car to take you home."
Julia nodded.
Jacqueline saw Julia off in the car before returning to Vivian's room.
"Is she gone?" Vivian asked.
Jacqueline nodded and sighed. "Her period came, and she's in a lot of pain. Her face was as pale as a sheet. She might have a fever from a cold. But, Vivian, you really didn't have to help her."
Vivian smiled gently.
"Now that we've offended Bailey because of her, it's like we've offended Mr. Edwards too. We're in for a rough time ahead," sighed Jacqueline.
Vivian shook her head gently. "Don't you think she reminds you of me? When I first started out, I was just like her."
Jacqueline was momentarily speechless.
Vivian had also climbed her way up from minor roles to her current status. She had faced countless hardships and bullying in the industry. Seeing Julia brought back memories of her own early days.
"Vivian, the past is the past. So what if we've offended Bailey? We have President Butler backing us now, so there's nothing to fear!"
Yes, with Royce's support, what was there to be afraid of? Vivian could help whoever she wanted.
Julia stumbled back to Prism City, feeling utterly drained. Her body was weak and exhausted. After jumping into the river five times, soaking in cold water five times, and dealing with her period, her immune system was already low. Moreover, her previous cold hadn't fully recovered.
She touched her forehead, feeling a slight fever.
Zoey was surprised to see her return. When Julia walked in, Zoey was busy making soup for herself.
"What are you doing back here?" Zoey asked.
Julia, too weak to stand, had no choice but to ask for Zoey's help. "Can you get me some fever medicine?"
Zoey looked her up and down. "No time!"
Julia glanced at her and knew she couldn't rely on her. She had no choice but to go upstairs alone, find some cold medicine in the drawer, and take it before crawling into bed.
Hopefully, the medicine would work, and a good night's sleep would make everything better.
Julia drifted off into a drowsy sleep.
Royce hadn't seen Julia for several days. On this particular day, he happened to drive to the Swan City Film Base. After some inquiries by Dorian, he found out that Julia had taken a break and gone home.
This news delighted Royce. He immediately sent Julia a text message, "I'm coming home tonight."
Of course, he sent it as her husband.
However, Julia didn't reply.
By around ten o'clock that night, Royce hurried home.
Zoey didn't expect Royce to arrive so quickly. Seeing him eagerly heading upstairs, she quickly stopped him.
"Sir, why are you here all of a sudden today?"
"Go away, and stop wasting my time!"
Zoey knew Julia wasn't feeling well and felt a bit guilty. "Maybe you shouldn't go up today? Ma'am just got back and she's really tired."
Royce frowned, "Why are you making such a fuss? Move aside!"
With that, Royce went straight upstairs.