Hotel Conference Room
Since many film crews might gather to discuss matters or hold meetings, this hotel had both large and small conference rooms.
Julia, in a daze, followed a man in a suit into one of the smaller conference rooms.
After listening to the man's explanation for quite some time, Julia finally snapped back to reality.
"Are you saying that Star Sovereign International wants to sign me?" Julia's tone was filled with uncertainty, laced with doubt and a lack of confidence.
The man in the suit smiled gently. "Miss Avery, it seems you still don't quite believe me."
As he spoke, he took out a business card and slid it across the table to Julia.
Mitchell, Manager of the Artist Department, Star Sovereign International.
Then, his assistant handed over a contract, which Mitchell also passed to Julia.
"Star Sovereign International is interested in signing you, Miss Avery. This is the drafted contract. Please, take a look."
Staring at Mitchell's business card and then at the contract, Julia felt like she was dreaming.
She had never imagined that someone would come to sign her so proactively!
This was like a pie falling from the sky!
Mitchell noticed that Julia seemed a bit dazed. "Miss Avery, this is a standard artist contract. The term is five years, and you can review the revenue sharing clauses. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, we can discuss it. Once you sign, a manager from Star Sovereign International will handle your affairs."
Julia didn't hear a word he said.
"Miss Avery, take your time to study the contract at home. If you have any concerns, give me a call, and we can discuss them."
Mitchell was about to stand up when Julia slammed the contract onto the table, her hand firmly pressing it down. "I'll sign it!"
Mitchell was taken aback. "Miss Avery, are you sure you don't want to think it over?"
Julia shook her head immediately. Think it over? What if Star Sovereign International changed their mind?
"Alright then, we can sign the contract today."
The assistant quickly brought over another copy of the contract. Julia swiftly signed her name and exchanged contracts with Mitchell to continue signing.
The entire process took less than five minutes.
Julia let out a deep breath. She was no longer a drifting, unsupported actress. From now on, she had a "home base."
Artists often referred to their management company as their "home base."
"Congratulations, Miss Avery, on becoming a member of Star Sovereign International. I hope you achieve great success!" Mitchell politely shook hands with Julia.
"Manager Mitchell, since we've signed the contract, I have a question for you."
Julia hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Miss Avery, please speak."
"Why did you sign me? I don't have any friends at Star Sovereign International, and I don't have any notable works that would catch their attention, so..."
She was puzzled. Typically, there were only two ways to get signed by a company: either through a friend's introduction or by having a work that drew the company's attention.
Mitchell chuckled. "Miss Avery, think carefully. Is there anyone around you who has connections with Star Sovereign International?"
Julia was even more confused. "Someone around me?"
Mitchell nodded with a smile and gestured to his assistant. The assistant immediately placed a red velvet box on the table.
"Miss Avery, it's a company tradition. Every signed artist receives a welcome gift. This is yours."
Julia carefully took the velvet box. Just by looking at it, she knew that whatever was inside wasn't cheap!
Inside lay a ruby necklace, its teardrop-shaped gem glowing with a fiery red hue.
Although Julia wasn't an expert in jewelry, she could tell that this piece wasn't inexpensive. However, considering her relationship with Star Sovereign International, she assumed it couldn't be too extravagant.
"Thank you." Julia smiled slightly and put the box away.
Mitchell found Julia's reaction quite curious. When she learned about the contract, her eyes had widened in surprise, but now, seeing this priceless ruby, her face only showed a faint smile.
What a peculiar girl.
"Alright, Miss Avery, I won't disturb you any further. Feel free to focus on your filming here. Your agent will be in touch with you soon. If you need anything, you can always call me directly."
"Okay."
After seeing Mitchell off, Julia held the ornate box and the contract in her hands, still feeling somewhat light-headed.
As she stepped out of the meeting room, she received a notification from the hotel that her room had been changed.
Julia hurriedly packed her suitcase and followed the hotel staff to her new room.
It turned out to be—the best suite!
It was identical to the rooms where the director, the lead actress, the lead actor, and Bailey were staying!
Julia gazed at the spacious room, feeling a sense of emptiness.
"Miss Avery, this will be your room from now on. If you need anything, just ring the bell," the staff member said respectfully.
"Thank you."
After the staff left, Julia couldn't contain her excitement and ran into the bedroom. The room had a comfortable king-sized bed, luxurious Tencel sheets, and latex pillows.
She then checked out the bathroom, which had a bathtub big enough for two people!
When she opened the window, fresh air and soft sunlight poured in together!
Everything felt like a dream!
She threw herself onto the big bed, not daring to close her eyes, afraid that she might really be dreaming.
Think carefully, who around you might be connected to Star Sovereign International?
Mitchell's words were indeed thought-provoking!
Julia suddenly sat up, as she thought of someone. Besides this person, there was probably no one else.
She had very few belongings, and living in such a large room felt overly luxurious. The grand European-style wardrobe only needed one small door to accommodate her things.
The afternoon filming proceeded as usual.
Good news always brings good spirits, and despite having a slight cold for the past few days, she felt full of energy.
In just one afternoon, many people learned that Julia had signed with Star Sovereign International, that she had moved into a suite reserved for lead actors, and that her signing gift was an expensive ruby necklace.
When she returned to room 302 to pack her things, Unaiza saw her and casually asked about it. Since it would soon be public knowledge anyway, Julia told her.
Unaiza's loose lips quickly spread the news to many others.
"Does Julia have some special connection? How did she sign with Star Sovereign International so quickly?"
"Did she sleep with some executive?"
"Giving her such an expensive ruby necklace is such a waste!"
"Star Sovereign International is on the brink of bankruptcy. Signing with them is pointless!"
Everyone chimed in with their opinions.
The conclusion was clear: Julia must have used some special means, slept with an executive, and signed with a company that was about to go bankrupt.