Episode8 Nervous interview
1367 Words
The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains and into the room.
Emilia woke up early, determined to give it her all after a night of restless tossing and turning. She put on her only dress, fixed her hair, and tried to make herself look as confident and beautiful as possible.
When she arrived at the Philia Building, she felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. She took a deep breath and walked in.
To her surprise, the entire building belonged to one corporation, and even the security guards and janitors were dressed in clothes much more expensive than hers. Emilia regretted not borrowing a better outfit.
In the lobby of the 11th-floor office, a row of interviewees, about ten or so, sat in their seats. Each of them looked dazzling and eye-catching, making Emilia feel a wave of nervousness.
Her palms began to sweat. She found a corner seat and sat down. The noisy environment around her made it hard to relax and feel at ease.
The interviewees were either talking softly with friends or silently reviewing their performance pieces. Emilia had neither any preparation nor anyone she knew. She just sat there, staring blankly, not knowing what to think.
Maybe she was spacing out when she suddenly heard the voices of two people talking quietly beside her.
“Hey, Kathy, look at that girl. She's dressed so plainly. Is she here to be a joke? This is an audition for actors, not for a burger joint waitress.”
“That is indeed quite interesting. But who knows? The audition notice didn’t specify a dress code.”
“Maybe she's trying to catch attention with a surprise effect.” The woman laughed softly.
Emilia felt a wave of embarrassment and didn’t dare look at the two. She knew they were talking about her since no one else looked more out of place.
Just then, a blonde man came out of the room and announced loudly, “Ladies, I’m glad you could all be here on time. The audition will officially begin now. Please come in when I call your name. Those who haven't been called yet, please continue to prepare.”
The room fell silent, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.
“Henna!” the blonde man called out.
The woman next to Emilia, the one who had mocked her earlier, stood up. She walked confidently through the crowd.
“Hey, handsome!” she greeted the blonde man with a nod.
“Hi, Henna. I'm glad you could make it. Please follow me.” The blonde man made a gesture for her to follow, and the two walked into the audition room.
Many people were curious about the audition process, but they couldn’t see anything inside the room and could only discuss it in private.
"She's already been in several films and TV shows. Although only in supporting roles, her skills shouldn’t be underestimated."
The woman named Kathy suddenly leaned over to Emilia and said, “Right?”
“Is... is that so?” Emilia responded awkwardly.
“I’m Kathy. Are you here for the audition too?”
“Yes... yes.” Emilia remembered that Henna, who had mocked her, was Kathy's friend and gave an uncomfortable smile.
Kathy seemed to see through her thoughts. “Don’t mind Henna. She's my friend, but we’re not the same kind of person.”
Emilia felt a little relieved, sensing that Kathy was indeed different from Henna.
“But you don’t look like an actress.” Kathy’s words made Emilia blush instantly.
“You’re right. I’m not an actress. A... a friend recommended me to come here.” She said this with little confidence, as she wasn’t sure if Lorenzo was really her friend.
“A friend?” Kathy blinked, “Is your friend a director?”
“A director?” Emilia pictured Lorenzo’s face. “Hmm... I don’t think so.”
“Is he an actor then? Like me and Henna, someone you met on set.”
“An actor?” Emilia’s mind flashed with Lorenzo’s handsome image, and her heart skipped a beat.
“Maybe... maybe he is. You could be right.”
“Is that so? But I only see you here. Why didn’t he come today?”
“Maybe because they’re only recruiting female actors today. He’s a man.”
That made sense. Emilia laughed at herself inwardly.
“Really?” Kathy looked at Emilia with a meaningful glance. “That’s nice. Maybe you two can perform together someday.”
“Perform together?” Emilia forced a smile. “Maybe.”
As they were chatting, Henna suddenly rushed out of the room, surprising everyone. She had only been in there for a few minutes.
“What a fuckin’ audition! I’ve never seen such motherfucking idiocy judges!” Henna shouted angrily.
“motherfucking idiocy judges?”
“What do you mean?” someone asked.
“Alright, I’m telling you all to leave. No one can pass such a difficult audition. I mean it, no one!” Henna threw her hands up as if she wanted to erase the memory of what had just happened.
People exchanged glances, and an invisible tension spread in the air.
“What happened?” Kathy stopped Henna.
“Kathy, sorry, but I’m leaving. I don’t want to stay here a second longer. Out of friendship, I think you should leave with me. Let this fuckin’ audition go to hell!”
Kathy looked embarrassed and didn’t respond.
Henna’s eyes glanced at Emilia. “And you! Just a novice with no experience! If a professional like me couldn’t do it, you’d better go home and find a stable waitress job. Stop dreaming of becoming a swan.”
Henna vented all her anger on Emilia. She seemed to feel a sense of relief after saying that, revealing a disgusting smile.
At this moment, another voice interrupted them. A middle-aged woman in a fancy outfit walked over.
She glanced at Henna disdainfully. “I’m not surprised you got eliminated. After all, auditions for big productions are different from those small-time groups you were in.”
“Florenc, what did you say?”
“Stop acting like a clown. If you want to leave, just go. Don’t ruin my mood.” Florenc sneered.
“Florenc, I bet you won’t pass this audition either!”
“Save it. I was acting when you were still a baby.”
Henna gritted her teeth in anger. “Florenc, don’t be so cocky. One day you’ll take a fall!”
She then stormed out of the office.
“I’m not targeting anyone in particular, but I suggest you all go home early. I’m getting this role today!” Florenc declared to everyone in the lobby, as if making an announcement.
The people there didn’t dare to speak out. They recognized her as an experienced actress who had appeared in many TV shows and films, practically a senior in their field.
“Hmph, these people are really funny. I wonder where their confidence comes from.” On the other side of the lobby, a quiet young woman was staring at her phone, seemingly indifferent to everything around her.
...
A few more people were called in one by one, but the result was the same. Each person came out of the room shortly, looking dejected.
Emilia felt a bit hesitant and thought about leaving. If these seemingly experienced people couldn’t do it, how could she, a greenhorn? But the thought quickly passed.
She thought of her brother in the hospital. She had to seize this opportunity and couldn’t give up so easily. She had to do her best, not to let Lorenzo down, who had helped her so much.
Emilia took a deep breath and silently cheered herself on.
“Kathy, Florenc, Judy!”
The blonde man’s voice called out again, this time for three people at once.
Kathy stood up from her seat. “Let me see what’s going on in there,” she said to Emilia.
“Good luck!” Emilia encouraged her.
Florenc didn’t seem to want to go in with others. She walked into the room without looking back. Kathy and Judy followed behind.
- Writer
