Chapter 38: Spotlight

When they arrived at the hotel, the reporters were swarming the hotel waiting for them. The corridor was even filled as they were waiting to get the first shot. Their fists of the reporters were clenched together, and their palms were all sweaty as if they were about ready to fight. Being a news anchor, they are always being put in a high-pressure situation. So this was something they had to prepare themselves for.

There were even reporters who weren't invited waiting outside the hotel. There was a lot of pushing and shoving because every reporter wanted a picture of the stars stepping out of their car and entering the hotel. The -White-Love-Song was going to be a smashing hit. It had already attracted a lot of attention from the public. Mainly because of the directors and the investment of three hundred million dollars. Not to mention, the public was excited about America cooperating with Korea.

The most famous star in America right now was Queenie Fox. She was playing the heroine in the movie. Then there was Charles Sims, who is a renowned actor from Korea. This was bound to attract a numerous amount of fans.

The press conference started at two o'clock sharp. The directors, actresses, and actors were all being interviewed. Queenie Fox was playing the role of a poor girl, and she actually dressed like her. She had on a long white robe, and her hair was in ringlets.

She actually looked like the character in the movie. There was talk amongst the crowd about how even though she dressed like the character, she still looked absolutely stunning. "Queenie, look over here. Charles, would you mind holding her waist," shouted one of the reporters.

Charles and Queenie have worked together in several movies, so they worked well together. They were nominated for the 'Best Couple of the Year Award.' They were selected for this particular movie for that reason. It would definitely meet the box office expectations. Everyone was sure it would be a box office hit and one of the top films of the year.

She was hearing what the reporter's suggested. Queenie still kept smiling, allowing the reporters from all directions to take pictures. She looked quite elegant, regardless of how she was dressed. She wasn't the type of actress who got nervous.

"Queenie, you were seen in a restaurant with Charles last week. Are you two dating?" Hearing this, Queenie just smiled and laughed. "I came here to the hotel with Charles. Do you think I am dating him?"

"But you have worked together multiple times. You must feel something for each other?"

"I have devoted myself to the movie. When I act, I become the character."

"Queenie, you have been in the movie industry for five years, but you haven't fallen into love? Do you think your standards are too high? Or would you like to tell us the type of man that could win your heart?"

Eventually, it was to the point where they were asking questions that were not related to the movie. Walking towards the camera, Charles pretended to be bitter, "Oh, apparently, I lost all my fans. I am standing right here, and no one wants to ask me any questions?"

It was obvious that he was trying to help Queenie. Charles, who was very easy to get along with, swayed the reporters in his direction.

"Charles, when will you be getting married? Tell us you have some big news?"

"Alright, I will tell you immediately whenever I find the right person."

As the director, Wilfred Lane, was talking to one of the reporters, he overheard someone asking, "What happened to Zoe Anna?"

Hearing this, director Lane looked towards him, and Zoe Anna was walking in. She looked somewhat different than usual. She always had a domineering personality, but today she appeared not to be herself. Her clothes and her makeup was different.

This wasn't the usual Zoe Anna. She was wearing a white dress and very little makeup. In fact, her makeup was so light that it didn't even cover the black rim around her eyes. She looked absolutely exhausted. "Are you ill?" a reporter asked her.

Smiling weakly, Zoe said, "I am all right. I think I may be under too much pressure. After all, there has been a lot invested in this movie, and that means I have to work even harder."

"Would you please tell us about your role in the movie?"

"Yes, I heard your role is quite different than what you have played in the past? Why did you choose it?"

Finally, they asked the right question. Pleased with the question, Zoe pretended to have a painful look on her face. Her eyes dimmed all of a sudden, showing a bitter smile, "You are mistaken. I am not playing the part of Susan Wilson. I am playing now playing the part of Lynn Joan."

Apparently, the reporters had seen the previous pictures from before and asked, "but, in the group picture, you are Susan Wilson."

"I don't know how to explain this either," Zoe pretended to be sympathetic, sighing, "I only do as they tell me."

Seeing her facial expression, they all knew she was hiding something. With their keen sense, all the reporters knew there was a story here. This was going to be big news.

"Why did they make this change so suddenly?"

"Who is, are going to play Susan Wilson then? Where is she?"

She raised her head as though she was looking for a familiar face in the crowd and then let out a loud sigh. She bribed a reporter and was pretending to be casual while looking around for him. Suddenly a reporter shouts out, "I heard that someone new made an investment and wanted to choose someone else for the part."

After hearing this, all the reporters were talking amongst themselves, and it appeared to be a heated discussion. There were always things happening in the entertainment world, and they had gotten used to it, but if anything was exposed to the production of The White-Love-Song, it would be horrible. It would have a negative impact on the popularity of the movie.

After hearing the conversation, director Lane became very anxious. With him being the director, there was nothing he could do. He couldn't help himself and shouted, "Anne, what are you talking about?"

Zoe stepped back nervously, with tears in her eyes, "Sorry, director Lane, I shouldn't have said that. Everyone has treated me quite well. I should just follow your agreement." Her performance may have been one of the best performances of her life. She looked just like the bitter heroin, which was bullied.

Her role was taken. She was angry, but she didn't dare to say anything else in front of the cameras. She wanted nothing more than to express her anguish. The director yelled at her.

Seeing this, the reporters started yelling at the director.

"Director Lane, is it true? Aren't you worried about the movie? What will happen if you use a new actress? How much was the investment? Do you mind telling us?"

Hearing the reporters ask all these questions, the director was getting confused. He became so nervous that he started sweating.

"No, it's not like that. The new actress is quite amazing. Everyone will love her."

But the reporters never stopped, "Then why isn't she here?"

"Yes, why? Does she feel guilty? That's why she didn't show?"

Moving his eyes among the crowd, he was looking for help. Suddenly, his eyes were shining, "She's here, See."