She considered herself a fan of Jennifer.

  While she wasn't a professional fan who spent every day defending Jennifer's reputation or boosting her rankings online, she had watched all her dramas and secretly hoped to become an actress like her one day.

  Surrounded by staff and on-site security, Jennifer, wearing sunglasses, walked with brisk steps. Chloe, from the periphery, only caught a glimpse before Jennifer disappeared into her private dressing room.

  However, the thought that she would soon share the stage with Jennifer at the press conference stirred excitement in Chloe's heart.

  "Chloe!"

  Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder.

  Chloe turned in surprise, seeing the person behind her, her initial shock turning into delight. "Oh? Lily!"

  Lily, carrying a makeup bag, smiled and asked, "Watching Jennifer?"

  Chloe nodded sheepishly.

  Seemingly triggered by a professional habit, Lily suddenly began scrutinizing Chloe's makeup for the day with a serious eye, making Chloe somewhat self-conscious.

  She awkwardly touched her face. "I did it myself. Is there a problem, teacher?"

  Lily raised an eyebrow. "No major issues. You have a good base to start with. Just a few details are a bit... maybe I'm being too critical as a makeup artist. It's actually quite good."

  But after saying that, she felt it wasn't enough. "Why don't you come with me? I'll redo it for you in a bit."

  Chloe was more than willing and nodded happily.

  Following Teacher Lily inside, Lily instructed as they walked, "When we get in, sit to the side first. I need to do Veronica's makeup first, then I'll do yours."

  "Veronica?" Chloe was slightly surprised. "She's a lead too?"

  Lily nodded. Since the press conference was about to start, she told Chloe directly. "She's the female lead number two."

  Chloe showed understanding. The female lead number two was the antagonist, the heroine's arch-rival. Veronica had debuted playing villain roles and, it seemed, hadn't played many good characters over the years.

  However, her acting skills were good, and she had won awards. So, in this niche, she had virtually no competition and was quite popular.

  Chloe couldn't help but recall what her sister had said: if she played the role of the evil maid too well, she risked being typecast. Veronica was a living example.

  Entering the dressing room, Chloe immediately saw Veronica surrounded by her team, seemingly going over the script with a group helping her memorize answers to questions she would be asked later.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  "Veronica, sorry I'm late," Lily greeted naturally.

  Upon seeing this, Veronica put down the script, glanced unintentionally at Chloe, who had taken a seat by the door, then smiled at Lily. "No problem, no rush."

  At the makeup table, the makeup lights instantly revealed the less-than-ideal condition of Veronica's skin. She didn't want to look at herself and sighed irritably. "It's just awful. My forehead keeps breaking out with closed comedones lately, and the sides of my nose too. So annoying."

  This wasn't Lily's first time doing Veronica's makeup; she knew her skin condition had never been great. While she hadn't asked directly, she had heard whispers that Veronica indulged in both smoking and drinking privately and had a sweet tooth, especially for dairy products—all things that could trigger breakouts.

  "Minor issue. Leave it to me. I guarantee it won't show at all on camera," Lily promised confidently.

  Hearing this, Veronica immediately smiled. "I knew I could count on you. Make sure you make me look good, please."

  Chloe sat in the back, and through the makeup mirror, she could see Veronica perfectly. Veronica couldn't ignore her even if she wanted to.

  Superior looks, flawless skin, thick, dark, beautiful hair—it was a beauty one had to acknowledge, however reluctantly.

  Veronica watched her subtly for a while, then inquired tentatively, "Who's that girl? Your assistant?"

  Lily was taken aback, instinctively glanced back at Chloe, then laughed. "No, she's an actress in your drama, playing 'Daisy'!"

  Hearing this, Veronica's expression changed instantly.

  Daisy?

  Wasn't that the fourth female lead? Wasn't Linda playing the fourth female lead?

  How was it replaced by an unfamiliar newcomer?

  Her mind whirled, and she gave a light, cold laugh. "The competition in this industry is really fierce. I heard Linda got stuck haggling over salary with the investors and got replaced directly. What a pity."

  Lily just smiled and said, "This girl is quite good. A freshman from the film academy. I hear the photography crew has been praising her."

  "Oh?" Veronica raised an eyebrow. "Specifically praising a newcomer? That's novel."

  As she spoke, she looked at Chloe through the mirror, her eyes darkening, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on her lips.

  About half an hour later, Lily finished Veronica's makeup, leaving the rest to the hairstylist.

  She picked up her makeup bag and sat in the chair next to Chloe. "Make do with this. I'll just touch up your makeup here."

  Chloe nodded. "Thank you, teacher."

  It only took a few minutes. Lily adjusted Chloe's makeup to a state that better suited her and accentuated her lovely features.

  Finally satisfied, she nodded. "Much better. Your bright, sparkling eyes are your best feature, very captivating."

  Chloe's cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled. Lily stood up and said, "The press conference should be starting soon. I'll head out now."

  Chloe politely saw Lily out. As soon as Chloe left, Veronica said to her assistant beside her, "Alice , go call Jeff."

  "Now?" Alice glanced at the time. "It's about to start. Jeff is probably swamped right now."

  "Just go call him. Hurry up," Veronica urged impatiently.

  Alice had no choice but to nod and quickly leave.

  Not long after, a man in a suit, wearing headphones and holding a walkie-talkie, hurriedly followed Alice.

  "What is it, Veronica? I'm sweating buckets here. What's so important you had to call me?" Jeff asked, frowning.

  Veronica smiled, turned, and beckoned him closer with a finger.

  Jeff looked somewhat annoyed but leaned in. Veronica whispered a few sentences in his ear.

  Jeff showed a look of surprise, then said, "You... is this necessary? She's a newcomer. How much screen time will she get, even on stage? The script doesn't have a single question related to her. She'll just be part of the background, standing there."

  "I don't care. I'm asking you as a favor. Can you do it or not?" Veronica pouted, putting on a pitiful look.

  With her makeup and hair done, Veronica looked quite charming at that moment.

  Jeff wore an expression of helpless resignation and nodded. "Alright, alright, I'll handle it. Just this once!"

  "Look at you, so fierce. I'll still come to you next time I need something," Veronica said smugly.

  Jeff smiled wryly. His walkie-talkie crackled with urgent calls again. He picked it up and adapted to the trend, "The stage area for entrances might be insufficient. A few actors might not be able to go on stage. Bring me the actor list, let me take a look."