Next time?

  Would there even be a next time?

  After Doctor Thomas left the room, Eric slumped despondently against the bed. His mind began replaying the times he'd spent with Grace. Her every smile and frown seemed etched into his brain; he remembered every detail with exceptional clarity.

  He tried to find his own faults within those memories, but no matter how hard he thought, he still couldn't understand what unforgivable mistake he had made that would make Grace so resolutely break up with him.

  The more he thought, the sadder he became, and the injured area seemed to throb in sympathy. Eric sighed irritably, lay down, and went back to sleep.

  After a grueling week, the freshmen military training finally ended. Grace invited her sister to bring a few of her roommates out for a treat—her treat for a big meal.

  The place chosen was Phoenix Pavilion, picked by Scarlett. It was said to be a century-old establishment in Aethelburg, known for its exceptionally authentic Chinese cuisine, with dedicated head chefs for all major culinary styles.

  Inside the private room, it was predictably lively with six girls. Except for Chloe, who was somewhat introverted, everyone else had very outgoing personalities. They would burst into collective laughter from time to time, creating a boisterous atmosphere.

  "Sis, you have no idea. At first, after Chloe's role was taken by that actress with backing, Cynthia, the other party was unbearably arrogant. She deliberately flaunted and provoked Chloe several times. If you didn't know better, you'd think she was playing the female lead," Vivian said, the topic shifting to Chloe. She was still indignant on Chloe's behalf about the events of the previous days.

  Bianca and Mina also nodded in agreement. Mina said, "I heard her family spent five hundred Dollars. Five hundred Dollars to buy the role of a maid? I don't know what she's so proud of. Just thinking about it makes me feel it was a waste for her."

  Bianca looked at Chloe and said, "Cynthia sees you as a rival. She looks down on you, but ironically, you're the most promising one."

  Chloe, however, seemed somewhat distracted at the moment. She was slow to react, then finally curved her lips into a smile.

  "Chloe, what's wrong?" Grace also noticed her sister's off state today; she kept zoning out. "Is something on your mind?"

  Scarlett, who had been focused on devouring the food, looked up at Chloe in surprise upon hearing this. She put down her chopsticks and asked, "I heard filming is starting soon. Are you feeling nervous?"

  Seeing everyone looking at her, Chloe gently shook her head. Then, looking at Grace, she said, "Sis, a talent agent wants to sign me. I've been thinking about it for days and can't make a decision. Tomorrow is the press conference; I'm sure I'll see her again. I don't know how to answer her then."

  Before Grace could react, Vivian reacted with extreme surprise, exclaiming, "What? Haven't given them an answer yet? I thought you had already settled it with them!"

  Bianca was also surprised. "Why even hesitate? It's Bryan's talent agent! Look how popular Bryan is now, and the resources he gets!"

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  Mina, however, analyzed calmly, "Having a talent agency and an agent is definitely more beneficial than not for students like us still in school. It could lead to many more opportunities."

  "Talent agencies definitely have a wealth of resources. Where would we find those? At most, we wait at school for production crews to come and pick us. We'd be lucky to land a walk-on part with lines."

  Scarlett looked at Chloe curiously and asked, "So, do you personally want to sign or not?"

  "I kind of want to, but I'm also a bit scared," Chloe admitted honestly. "I want to sign because, as Mina said, I might get some other resources. What I'm scared of is that after signing, I'll lose autonomy. I know in this industry you can't always have things your way, let alone as a newcomer. But I just feel... I'm not completely ready to be managed by others yet."

  "Ah, it's a case of 'some are dying of thirst, others are drowning in floodwaters'!" Vivian said enviously, pursing her lips. "If a talent agency wanted to sign me now, I'd sign immediately without a second thought. I wouldn't overthink it at all."

  Grace looked at her sister. She actually understood her sister's anxiety. Many people inexplicably develop many thoughts when facing major life choices; it's normal.

  Last time, she couldn't help her sister, but this time, she could back her sister up anytime, anywhere, regardless of the consequences.

  She smiled slightly and said, "Don't overthink it. You can have it if you want it, and don't if you don't. Ask yourself what your truest desire is."

  "But... what if I make the wrong choice?" Chloe asked.

  Grace's smile widened. "So you make the wrong choice. Who hasn't made a wrong choice before? Don't drain yourself mentally over things that haven't happened yet. It's meaningless."

  "Your sister is right. You're at this stage, so consider this stage. Don't think about the future yet," Scarlett agreed with Grace.

  Chloe nodded gently. "Then I'll sign. I'll have to sign sooner or later anyway."

  She seemed to have made up her mind. Her roommates all voiced their support. After all, for an actor, signing with an agency is an inevitable step. Whether it turns out good or bad in the future, you can only do your best and leave the rest to fate.

  The press conference for "Destined to be Queen" was held the next day on the top floor of the Aethelburg International Hotel. The event gathered major media from across the country. The popularity and buzz surrounding this IP had remained high since news of its adaptation was announced. Book fans had been eagerly awaiting it, so much so that within less than five minutes of the press conference livestream going live, over a million viewers flooded in.

  "On-site sound, microphones, and lighting are undergoing final checks."

  "Why isn't Jennifer here yet? Contact her team immediately. It's almost time. Is this the right moment to throw diva tantrums?"

  "Have the host double-check the scripted questions again. They absolutely cannot mispronounce any actor's names. Everyone's sensitive about that nowadays."

  "The stage manager must arrange everyone strictly according to billing order, from the center outwards. Don't mess it up, or we'll get roasted by fans!"

  The person in charge of the press conference was running off their feet. The walkie-talkie in their hand never stopped. The entire venue, from the front to backstage, was in full swing. Everyone seemed to have endless tasks.

  Chloe, small and helpless, sat in a corner backstage. To avoid being late, she had arrived two hours early. Little did she expect to spend those two hours just watching the hectic scene.

  Besides that, she also saw quite a few celebrities: Bunnie, Alan, and Whitney. They all had their teams and assistants with them. She had watched dramas featuring these people, and seeing them in real life felt somewhat surreal.

  Chloe couldn't help but wonder to herself: if she signed with an agency in the future, would she also have a team of her own?

  Just then, the already chaotic backstage atmosphere stirred with another noticeable commotion. She faintly heard staff members shouting, "Jennifer is here! Jennifer is here!"

  Hearing the name Jennifer, Chloe's eyes lit up. She quickly got up and hurried towards the source of the noise.

  Jennifer was one of the most popular young actresses in the entertainment industry today, nicknamed the "Professional Strong Female Lead." All the dramas she starred in featured powerful female characters. Her fanbase was massive and highly devoted.