Chapter 16 Dramatic

• Backstage of J City Film Festival, Noelle sneaked out of her dressing room after the red carpet event. She wanted to speak to the director, Benjamin.
• Film festivals and fashion events were great for one to build up one’s connection in showbiz. One could see many famous directors, top celebrities, and investors here. This could be her lucky break.
• Nicole finally spotted Benjamin in the furthest VIP room where the door was open.
• He was surrounded by a bunch of people who were busy buttering up to him, which included her sister, Estelle Hooper. A polite smile hung on his face.
• “Noelle, you’re here?” Estelle noticed her arrival and walked out to hold her hand in a friendly manner. She pulled Noelle over and introduced her to Benjamin. “Mr. Durward, this is my sister, Noelle Hooper. She is also an artist at Shining Entertainment.”
• As the female lead of two blockbusters last year, Estelle had been on the red carpet twice tonight. Her first dress was an elegant champagne-colored fishtail gown adorned with crystals. Her second dress was a mysterious black dress with feathers decorating her bust. The media clicked on their cameras furiously when she posed prettily on the red carpet.
• Compared to her, Noelle, who walked the red carpet with the staff of Shining Entertainment, kept a low profile. She didn’t have an interview and her photos weren’t taken by the reporters either. Her walk was over in a flash.
• Nevertheless, Sophia had picked out a fairy-like white gown for Noelle for this event. Noelle’s nape was elegant and enchanting. When her hair was tied up in a bun, the backless gown exposed her curvy but gorgeous figure, making her the center of attraction.
• Benjamin was engrossed in a conversation, so he merely shot Noelle a polite nod. However, he was pleasantly surprised by Noelle’s looks.
• Her looks would fit in my film perfectly!
• It took just one glance for Benjamin to fall for Noelle’s enchanting gaze. There were plenty of pretty actresses in showbiz, but only a few of them could look pretty on camera.
• Noelle was a flexible actress who could look cool, innocent, or evil.
• “Hello, Mr. Durward. I’m Noelle Hooper. I’ve acted in “Love at Sea” previously. I heard that you’re casting actors for your new movie, “The Desert.” May I recommend myself? This is my resume. Thank you in advance.” Noelle knew that Estelle was probably up to something, but she couldn’t allow this opportunity to pass, could she? Ignoring the onlookers’ gazes, she handed her resume to Benjamin politely.
• “Noelle Hooper? Who is she? Sounds familiar.”
• “She’s the one who nearly married Mr. Hayes a year ago. Remember how she cheated on him and got exposed in public? I can’t believe that she’s this shameless.”
• “Oh, I see. Did she bring her resume to a red carpet event? She must be dying to get famous, huh?”
• “Look at how slutty her dress is. She must be here to seduce the director!”
• “Don’t underestimate her. I heard that she’s dug her claws into Mr. Pierce.”
• “Mr. Pierce? Seriously? He fell for her?”
• A few actors began to mock Noelle softly, as they were upset at her actions. They sized her up and down rudely. That was exactly what Estelle had wanted to achieve. Ha! Look how everyone despises you!
• “A few years back, I was a judge at an overseas film festival. I remember that “Love at Sea” was nominated for its unique filming method. Did you star in the film?” Benjamin ignored everyone as he flipped through her resume before asking her that question warmly.
• Noelle nodded. “Yes. It racked up a few nominations at the Venice Film Festival last year. The judges had also praised my acting skills.”
• “Oh, I remember that. You made history as the youngest Best Actress winner ever at Venice Film Festival.” Benjamin gazed at her with a pleasant smile.
• Hmm, not bad. She’s calm even when others are mocking her. She fits this role in my new film.
• “Mr. Durward, you are far too kind. I still need to work hard.”
• Benjamin nodded in approval. “Yes, I’m in the midst of casting roles for my new film. Which role are you interested in?”
• Estelle panicked at his words. I want to humiliate Noelle instead of helping her. Besides, Mr. Durward had cast me to be the female lead for “The Desert!” How dare Noelle take that role away from me?
• “My sister is slightly stubborn. I think that she’ll be a right fit for Roxy Swanton’s role.” Estelle spoke at once. He had cast another actress by the name of Felicity Leeroy for this role. The director was pleased with Felicity, but he hadn’t made an official announcement yet.
• At Estelle’s suggestion, Benjamin shook his head in disappointment. “What a pity. I’ve already chosen Felicity Leeroy for this role.”
• Noelle’s heart sank at his answer. Sophia showed her the script in secret earlier, and she had her heart set on playing Roxy. Roxy Swanton was a respectable lady in upper-class society. Her secret identity was the bold and rebellious head of Order of Blades. The two unique identities that she had allowed the actress who would take up this role to express herself differently. It might have been a supporting role, but the actress acting as Roxy Swanton would overshadow the female lead if she were talented enough.
• “Mr. Durward, Estelle’s right. I fell in love with Roxy Swanton’s character and I’d even prepared some notes about her characteristics. It’s right behind my resume. You can read it when you’re free. It’s of no use to me, but I think that it might be of help to Felicity. She’s perfect for this role, Mr. Durward.”
• “Oh, really?” Benjamin flipped through her resume again. Indeed, in the appendix was a stack of notes regarding this character. “Good job. It’s rare for young actors nowadays to do an in-depth analysis of a role. Ms. Hooper, I applaud your sincerity. I’ll read the notes and give them to Felicity later.”
• Benjamin was full of praises for Noelle. On the other hand, Estelle was fuming with anger. Her mind was racing to come up with something to stump Noelle when Benjamin suddenly asked, “Ms. Hooper, you’ve practiced Taekwondo?”
• “I have ten years of experience in Taekwondo. I nearly became a professional athlete, but thanks to Estelle, I became an actress instead.”
• “Ten years? You must be skilled.” Benjamin’s interest was piqued.
• “Yes. She was the champion of a Taekwondo competition in J City,” explained Estelle. She turned to Noelle and shot her a grin. “Noelle, why don’t you show your moves to Mr. Durward?”
• You love showing off, right? Ha! Let’s see how you show your Taekwondo kicks in a dress! It would be terribly amusing.
• As Noelle remained rooted to the spot, Estelle gave her a push. “Hurry! If you do it well, perhaps Mr. Durward will create another character just for you!”