In the movie, she pushes the male lead away, only to get fatally shot herself.

Unlike most dramas, she doesn’t make a long, dramatic confession before her end. Instead, she simply gives the lead actor a devoted look, smiles, and tears fill her large eyes.

In that close-up shot, the girl’s exquisite face was heartbreakingly beautiful. Her tear-filled eyes were enough to shatter anyone’s heart. Many girls in the cinema cried.

The next morning, countless film reviews appeared, most of them affirming the screenplay.

They believed this film surpassed most spy dramas. It wasn’t just about espionage; it also depicted the beautiful love and goodness often erased by harsh environments, reflecting the cruelty of war from another perspective.

Regarding Vera Wave’s acting, professionals and ordinary viewers alike expressed their approval.

Fans loved her "natural and unaffected" performance, and many male viewers even commented things like, "If I were the male lead, I would definitely choose the second female lead." Typically, the second female lead struggles to gain acceptance from female audiences, but this time was different. Many girls felt it was an injustice to Vera Wave’s character, arguing, "When the two actresses stand together, the main actress actually looks more like the mistress..."

With the current retro trend in full swing, their vintage Vanora styles were incomparably beautiful.

Some, perhaps looking to stir controversy, even posted comparisons between Vera Wave’s and Irene Spencer’s stills from the drama and their candid shots from events.

They opined that Vera Wave’s beauty was ethereal and pure; in comparison, Irene Spencer seemed more like a villainess.

...

Various news items prompted more people to flock to cinemas and witness the on-screen charisma of Ashton’s wife-to-be. By 8:00 p.m. that night, the 24-hour premiere box office earnings for "Flame" had exceeded 350 million, ranking it first among domestic films in the past six months and nearly matching a recently released Hollywood blockbuster.

Given this widespread attention, the publicity at Imperial Vision naturally focused on Vera Wave, as she possessed more selling points.

All sorts of news articles and posters featured Vera Wave and the male lead, while Irene Spencer, the actual lead actress, was relegated to a mere embellishment in the upper-left corner of the posters.

That night, Irene Spencer and several key creators attended an interview at a television station.

However, the host’s questions revolved entirely around Vera Wave. Irene Spencer was awkwardly sidelined for a full twenty minutes before the host finally addressed her, and the first question was, "Everyone says this film is a contest of beauty between the two ’Mengs.’ Miss Spencer, what is your opinion of Miss Vera’s acting?"

A thousand curses screamed through Irene Spencer’s mind, but she forced a smile and replied, "I think Vera is very talented. It’s just a pity she doesn’t plan on developing her career in this field. Actually, what I’d like to emphasize more is that while everyone focuses on us, the leading actors, they often overlook others, like the director and the crew. Their hard work and dedication are what lie behind our glamorous image."

"Indeed," the host smiled. "Well then, let us invite the director to share his thoughts on Miss Vera!"

Irene Spencer had originally intended to divert the topic, but she hadn’t anticipated the host’s persistence.

She sat on the sofa, clenching her fists so tightly it felt as if her fingernails would snap.

She endured until the end of the show, her entire jaw aching from clenching her teeth.

Back in her chauffeured car, she finally couldn’t hold back her anger anymore.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it! Who’s the lead actress here anyway, me or her?! Why?!"

"Miss Spencer," her assistant carefully handed her the phone. "You have a call."

"I’m not answering!"

"The caller is the president of the Barker Group. He said he wants to discuss some potential cooperation with you."

...

...

「Good afternoon.」