Revenge Begins: Reincarnated as a Hated Idol!-Chapter 64: The Approaching Storm
In the Phoenix Studio, the set for Symphony of Shadows was quite generous, with multiple locations designed and replicated as sets, ready for the shoot.
Since Phoenix was the platform and producer of the drama, shooting in the Phoenix studio was cheaper and more convenient.
Currently, the shooting required Aren, Lisa, and Gisha all to be present on the set. All three had scenes to shoot, either separately or together.
Aren and Lisa arrived together at this moment, inviting curious and teasing gazes from the crew.
Last night, Aren had somehow controlled himself, not doing anything inappropriate to Lisa; thus, there was no awkwardness between them right now.
Yesterday, he had waited for her to fall asleep before making some distance between them. Only then did he fall asleep.
Meanwhile, at present, Fin Jacobs, the director, and Kace Wean, the screenwriter, both approached Aren, taking him to an isolated corner.
"What is it?" Aren was confused.
"Are you dating, Lisa?" Fin asked seriously. "It’s all over the internet, so don’t try to deny it."
By now, Aren had also seen the ongoing drama on social media regarding him and Lisa. Some even called it a love triangle with Gisha in the mix. There were even snips and memes circulating like wild fire about the same topic.
Aren let out a tired sigh, shaking his head, about to speak to clarify the misunderstanding; however, Kace Wean was faster.
With a teasing grin on his face, he praised: "Good job. Your dating rumors are attracting free publicity to the drama. Many are curious to watch your chemistry with Lisa and Gisha in the drama because of these rumors."
The director nodded in agreement with a delightful expression: "Yes, this free publicity is the best thing I could’ve hoped for. Hundreds of dramas are released every year, and only five or six make an impact or get remembered by the audience as a hit. Most even don’t get a chance despite being good. The most important thing is that viewers have multiple dramas to choose from, and if a drama doesn’t even come to their attention, they won’t bother giving it a try. To stand out from the rest, we need these kinds of publicity. Your dating rumors are a boon for us. Keep it up."
Aren stared at them with a dumbfounded expression. He didn’t know whether he should clarify the misunderstanding or just let them stay in their ecstasy.
However, before he could make a decision, Kace Wean added with a greedy expression: "There are reporters waiting for you and Lisa outside, demanding an interview. If you want, I can allow them inside, and you can make it official news."
"No, it’s nothing like that. Lisa and I are just friends. Those rumors are false." Aren decided not to let the lie linger anymore.
However, both the screenwriter and director were unconvinced.
They each put a hand on his shoulder and nodded with an understanding expression: "Take your time. No need to make it official right away," Kace said.
"Yeah." The director chipped in with a greedy smile. "You should make it official around the release date of the drama."
"Good idea." Kace praised. "That way, the viewers will stay curious about your relationship status, keeping them hooked to the drama as well."
Aren sighed helplessly, knowing that his words weren’t enough to convince anyone.
He could only wait for the truth to come out tonight.
Instead, he focused on the more important task.
He asked the director: "Fin, if someone wanted to have a conversation in private, which room would you send them to?"
The director was surprised by the sudden question; however, he still answered, without needing to think on the matter: "Of course, the meeting room. This studio has it for that purpose, after all."
Aren laughed awkwardly: "Ha.ha.ha, you are right. Sorry for asking the obvious." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
Shortly after, Aren went to the meeting room with his bag, and after taking out a few spy cameras and recording mics from it, he placed them in inconspicuous places.
He placed the mics below the huge wooden table and one in the vase of flowers standing on the table.
Then, he placed the cameras in the vat-sized floor plant pots in the corner of the room to capture the room from all sides.
From his previous life’s experience, he knew Neil would want to negotiate with Lisa, and recording the meeting was a must at this point.
Eventually, he returned to the set after his makeup and costume change, and the shooting began; however, before they could shoot more than a single scene, the secretary of Iris Valcourt arrived in the studio.
The bodyguards weren’t allowed inside, only the secretary.
Since the studio belonged to the Phoenix group, the bodyguards couldn’t use any force here.
Phoenix Group was one of the powerhouses of the country with their roots in various fields. The entertainment industry was just one of the many.
The only one who could rival the Phoenix group in status and power was the Sun Group, boasting a similar level of influence as the Phoenix group.
In front of these giants, Titan Crest Entertainment wasn’t even worthy of comparison.
They couldn’t afford to offend the Phoenix group by letting the bodyguards barge into the studio.
Therefore, the secretary was the only one to enter as the assistant director guided her to the director, Fin Jacobs.
Since the director held the power on the set, only he could help in arranging a meeting between Lisa and Iris.
"Sir, she is the secretary of the president of Titan Crest Entertainment." The assistant director introduced her.
"Oh." Fin Jacobs rose from his seat and greeted her politely.
Titan Crest Entertainment was a giant in the entertainment industry, with many top actors and movie stars signed with them.
A director like Fin Jacobs didn’t dare not show them respect.
"How may I help you?" He asked politely.
"Our president would like to have a meeting with Ms. Lisa Vern. She is signed with our agency, and if you can help arrange a private room for them to talk, we will be very grateful. It won’t take long."
The secretary acted professional and spoke in a formal tone.
Aren’s gaze was dark when he looked at her.
Of course, he recognized her. She had been his secretary after all, not too long ago.
She was in her late twenties, joining as his secretary only two years ago, and that too, on Neil’s recommendation.
After Aren died, it didn’t take long for him to understand that it was his secretary who helped Neil keep an eye on him.
She was the one who would share his schedule so that Neil could meet Amelia behind his back.
On the day of the anniversary, he hadn’t informed his secretary about planning to give Amelia a surprise, and it was then that he caught Neil.
It couldn’t be more obvious that she was one of the many people responsible for his miserable end.
Now, however, it seemed she was working as Iris’s secretary.
"Lisa!" The director called after the secretary left with the assistant director.
Lisa, who was standing beside Aren, ready to shoot the scene, walked up to the director.
Aren could guess why Iris’s secretary was here and why they asked for Lisa.
As Lisa listened to the director’s words, Aren saw her eyes widen as she turned to glance at him, her gaze expecting help and guidance.
He understood that she wanted him to approach and help her decide.
He nodded at her with an assuring smile, walking to her side.
"What is it?" He asked.
The director looked at him and waved his hand dismissively: "It’s nothing concerning you. The president of Titan Crest Entertainment wants to have a conversation with Lisa. I have arranged the meeting room for them, and I was just asking Lisa to head there."
Aren gave a nod of understanding before turning to Lisa: "Would you like me to accompany you?"
Lisa’s gaze, which was nervous and anxious until then, suddenly lit up as she nodded.
The director, who heard Aren’s words, protested: "Wait. Aren, I need you for the shooting."
"Just shoot Gisha’s scenes until we return." Aren requested with an apologetic smile.
The director, thinking that it won’t take long, sighed as he agreed: "Alright."
"Good." Aren said.
He then turned to Lisa with a smile: "Then, let’s go."
-----------------------------------
(A/N - Thanks for reading. ^..^)
