Chapter 501 Leaked News
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CHAPTER 501
The world of entertainment, like a voracious beast, devoured Andromeda as soon as she stepped into its spotlight.
The news of her transition from the fashion realm to the silver screen spread like wildfire across social media.
Her name, once synonymous with haute couture and elegance, now lit up screens and headlines with the eager anticipation of fans and the relentless scrutiny of critics.
Furthermore, Andromeda's association with Liu Xueyi, the reigning Emperor of the Entertainment World, was a double-edged sword.
As much as it cast her into the limelight, it also painted a target on her back with the internet becoming a battleground of opinions.
For every admirer excited to see her on the big screen, there was an anti-fan ready to pounce on her.
Many of which accused her of riding on Liu Xueyi's coattails and dismissing her acting prospects as mere influence.
Although he had his hand in it, but Director Qi wanting her to act was based on his ideas and insight. How she pulled it off was strictly her talent. And that was what people shouldn't take from her.
In the midst of this tumult, Andromeda retreated to her office after a grueling day of shooting scene after scene in the theatre.
Her footsteps echoed in the quiet space, but her mind was far from tranquil.
The relentless barrage of criticism had found chinks in her armor of self-confidence. Now she was beginning to question everything and anything.
To Andromeda, it wasn't late to back out now. She had only been invested in this for two weeks now and could easily call it a fax and have the comments taken down.
Somehow, she wondered why the news hadn't been taken down or was the Director simply using the leak to gain traction for the movie?
Not that she could call herself famous, really, compared to Liu Xueyi and Fang Qian Qian, Andromeda knew she was only rising.
She sank into her chair, her thoughts a storm of insecurity. A heavy sigh fell off her lips as she leaned back against her chair, throwing her head back.
Doubt had seeped in, despite her best efforts to maintain her composure. She glanced at her phone, tempting herself to read the comments that had plagued her throughout the day, but she resisted.
Instead, she allowed her thoughts to drift back to an earlier moment that had offered a glimmer of reassurance.
~Flashback~
Having shot a particular scene that should have been quite easy, over and over again, Director knew something was amiss with Andromeda.
He checked, but did not find Liu Xueyi. Apparently he wasn't shooting any of the scenes that day and needed to be at work.
Calling a short break, Director Qi called her aside and took her to the corner of the theatre. His concern had been evident in the furrow of his brow as he looked into her eyes and asked, "Andromeda, what's troubling you?"
The last thing Andromeda want was to be seen as weak. Furthermore, she did not want her inexperience to limit the film's production or have people second guess her any more than she was already second-guessing herself.
She had hesitated, wary of revealing her vulnerability to a stranger. But the weariness in her body and the relentless scrutiny had left her defences worn thin.
And when she opened up, she felt free somewhat, sharing it. "I'm just tired," she had confessed, her voice tinged with helplessness. "And I've got a bit of a headache," she added.
Director Qi nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "It's a challenging role," he had acknowledged. "But I believe in your talent."
"Thanks, but, I am not sure I am the right person to take on this role. I mean you have many skilled actresses that can fill up even with one call away, why me?"
His eyes glimmered as he watched her sell herself short. "Was this how you belittled yourself when you worked in your ex's company as a fashion designer?"
Shock was eveident in Androemda's eyes. She did not expect him of all people to make reference to her past.
"I followed your story at court and saw how much you suffered under the wong man. And knowing Liu Xueyi, he won't do something like that. He may be protective of you, overly if I might add but he wants you to shine."
"Huh, what's your point, Director Qi?" she asked, folding her arms in front of her chest while trying to decipher what this man was after.
"I am simply saying, he believes in you as do I. Stop selling yourself short."
"I know Xueyi does."
"That's all you need then. Just know you're the right person for this. And don't let the critics get to you."
She took a step back, stammering a little. "Ms. Kai, I have been in this business way longer than you think. I know when an actress is under pressure from the fans out there."
"I see," she said lowering her head.
"Trust me when I say this, whatever you do, stay away from the fan comments. Some of them can be brutal. Not until you have built a certain resistance to their harsh words, stay away for your sanity. Okay?"
She nodded in understanding. Gratitude welled up in Andromeda for their little pep talk.
She thanked him for his empathy and wisdom, understanding now that her worth extended beyond the harsh judgments of strangers.
With his encouragement, she had taken a much-needed break, fortifying herself for the challenges that lay ahead.
That scene had been tasking, but she had powered through, drawing strength from Director Qi's unwavering belief in her.
~Flashback Ends~
The memory brought a small, reassuring smile to Andromeda's lips.
Andromeda's phone rang, pulling her from her reverie. It was Liu Xueyi. She answered with a sigh, grateful for his calming presence on the other end.
"Hey, how's my shining star doing?" Liu Xueyi's warm voice flowed through the phone, bringing with it a sense of calm to her heart.
She missed him so much and his call reminded her she wasn't alone.
Andromeda couldn't help but smile, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "Hey yourself," she replied. "I've had a long day at the theater."
Worried about how she was when Xu Fang informed him of the latest after their meeting, he reached out to her.
His concern was evident in his voice as he spoke, "I wish I could've been there with you," he confessed. "But you know how these meetings go. I promise I'll make it up to you, Andy."
"You don't have to," she said softly. "But I could use some good company tonight. What say you to sleepover at my place?"
A hint of mischief crept into Liu Xueyi's voice. "In that case, I've got a surprise for you," he revealed. "There's a fancy restaurant I've been dying to take you to. How about dinner there tonight? My treat."
Andromeda's heart fluttered with delight. "You always know how to make me feel better," she admitted. "I'd love to, Xueyi."
"Good."
"How was the meeting? Are you back in the company?"
"No. There's still some clients I need to meet up with over lunch."
"Hmm, more like dinner," she corrected, lifting her left hand up to check the time. "4:45 PM, hon."
"My bad. Do not worry. I won't get myself stuffed before my date with you."
"You better not," Andromeda teased. "Else, I have you purge everything out and go for our date for a refill."
Their shared laughter echoed through the phone, relieving them both of the stress that engulfed them.
"Now I know how hard it usually is fior you to mix normal work with acting life, especially when you had to hide."
"Meh," he dissed. "t was hard but not as hard as it became when I had to hide it from my girlfriend. That was the real trouble. I always wanted to tell you, Andy. I was just scared… of this to be honest. Hateful fans."
"It's okay. I am a big girl and I can handle my own problems. I am glad we do not have any hidden thing between us."
"Me too. Anyways, if anyone on set wants to give you a hard time, call my name," Liu Xueyi boasted. "I will make them regret crossing you."
"Hold it right tehre big boy. Easy on the threat," she giggled. "If you read the comments, you will know I wouldn't wnat you doing that lest it proves to them I am riding on your cocktails or hugging your thighs."
"But you are riding on my cock... just not the tails and you hug the whole me, not just my thighs."
Andromeda coughed loudly, almost choking on her saliva from his unsanctioned comments.
"You're naughty."
"And I can't wait for tonight."
As they continued to talk, his words of encouragement and his plans for the evening wrapped around her like a warm embrace.
"Great then, I would love to see you in something sexy from one of the dresses I bought for you in Dubai."
"Oh sure. There was one I worked on a few days ago. You can say I gave it a slight touch of remodeling lol." She giggled at her own joke, feeling the tension leave her.
"Perfect. I can't wait."
"Alright honey. See you for dinner."
"Okay. I'll be picking you up at 7:30 pm."
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