Chapter 226: Pretty Sis
Moments ago...
"Taz, let’s talk, okay?" Director Sarian addressed Lola as soon as they stepped out. He looked at her face, opened and closed his mouth, then felt his head throb slightly.
Right now, Lola looked stranger than usual. It was why he couldn’t blame others because they were not lying.
"I usually don’t complain about the looks you go with," he said, "but this..."
"Director, what about today’s look?" she blinked, touching the small ribbon on her side. "Is it too much?"
"Well... just a bit."
"Was it the ribbon?"
Director Sarian’s breath hitched. "The ribbon?" he repeated, eyes moving to the little accessory in her hair. "You think it’s the ribbon?"
If anything, the ribbon was the only decent part of this entire look.
"Taz," he huffed helplessly, "although I don’t appreciate Manager Kang’s words, he made quite a point. Slater is joining us today, in case you aren’t aware. And from what I heard, it’s not just a rumor that he snaps at anything he deems ugly."
Director Sarian moved closer to her, holding her hand as a quiet plea. "Can you just join us as your normal self?"
"But I am my normal self."
The corners of Director Sarian’s eyes teared up, and he covered his mouth, feeling like crying. This young lady was beautiful, but her fashion taste... that was the problem.
"Director, if you’re worried about what Slater would say..."
"Taz, that guy might be an artist, but he’s really well-connected," Director Sarian cut her off, squeezing her hand tightly. "If he says something to the higher-ups, I don’t think anything I say will matter. My relationship with them isn’t good already because I bought you time to keep Cedrick until today."
He paused, his eyes screaming. "Not just you—but even I might get replaced! This time, I don’t think anyone would have a problem with that."
After all, Director Sarian had a lot of say as the director. He was the best they could hire for this project. However, with all the existing issues, Slater’s complaints might just be the last straw.
"As for you... you’re here because I promised to take this project if you were in it," he continued under his breath. "But in your contract for this adaptation, aside from the upfront pay, you might get kicked out! Just imagine the changes they would make if someone else directed this."
"So please!" he moved his face closer. "Can we just agree that you... tone it down?"
Lola blinked, now seeing just how desperate Director Sarian looked. This was the first. A shallow breath escaped her as she grabbed his hand back.
"Director, don’t worry about Slater," she said reassuringly. "He will not complain at all. Didn’t you see he was siding with Cedrick?"
"He sided with Cedrick, not you."
Her smile stretched. "Director, I haven’t mentioned this, but actually, Slater and I know each other."
"Huh?"
"He already saw this look this morning," she nodded at him. "If you don’t believe me, then you can bet with me. I’ll bet my entire check on this project that he will not complain."
Director Sarian narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Taz, you don’t have to lie—"
"I’m really putting my paycheck on this. Director, have I ever gone back on my word?"
"..." This time, he couldn’t answer. Lola had always kept her promises. Still, she knew Slater? "Are you sure you know him? I mean, does he know you?"
Everyone knew Slater, but that didn’t mean he knew her.
"Heh," Lola smirked and nodded. "Don’t worry about it—or him."
A moment of silence fell as the two looked at each other. After a second, Director Sarian raised a finger and pointed at her.
"Taz, I’m not joking," he warned. "If he makes a complaint about this, I will surely get that check!"
"Okay!" she grinned, letting go of his hand. "Let’s just go back. And by the way, Director, I’m going to reach out to Pixy and Megan."
Director Sarian, who had just reached for the knob, paused. "Why? Didn’t Ida tell you there’s a scheduling conflict?"
"Well, I just want to make sure," she shrugged.
"Taz, Manager Kang might be annoying at times, but he will not purposely make up an excuse so his talent wouldn’t make it to this film," he said. "Moreover, I don’t think he’s bold enough to look down on me or the entire production so openly."
Lola grinned. "That’s why I’m telling you, Director. I don’t think Manager Kang is that bold, but just in case."
"...." He arched a brow, considering it. "Just ask them if there isn’t any chance, but I don’t think Manager Kang will be happy that you reached out personally instead of going through him."
"He’s already unhappy with me for no reason, so I might as well give him a reason."
"Goodness, you." He shook his head and finally twisted the knob, pushing the door open.
As soon as he and Lola walked in, they paused. Shifting their attention to the other side, they saw a few people holding electric fans in the front and even some flashlights behind someone’s figure. In the middle of that setup was... Slater.
With his hair and clothes blowing as lights flashed behind him, he looked like a scene straight out of a film. On screen, this would have been cinematic; in person, it was... strange.
Lola and Director Sarian’s mouths fell open, and in a second, Lola snapped back to reality.
"Director." She grabbed his hand suddenly, pulling him out of his momentary trance. She smiled. "I lied. I actually don’t know him."
"Huh?"
"I’ll send you the check right away!" she panicked. "I’m really sorry for lying. I must have lost my mind. Anyway, I’ll remove this makeup so I don’t distract anyone. Be right back! "
Having said that, Lola quickly turned toward the door they came from to start doing some real work. But just as she turned, she winced upon hearing Slater’s jolly voice:
"Oh! Sis~!"
And those who had been whispering when they saw Lola and Director Sarian enter choked when they heard Slater say:
"Pretty sis~! It’s me~!!"