Chapter 29 Hard Work Pays Off
The next day, the rain had stopped, and the weather was quite pleasant. Jessica woke up early and arrived on set just after eight o'clock.
Other people still needed to arrive, and only a few crew members were scattered about arranging the set's props.
Jessica walked over, picked up a wooden sword meant for training, and found a quiet corner to practice the moves she had learned the day before.
As it neared nine o'clock and greetings became more frequent outside, Jessica got into the groove, spinning, thrusting her sword, turning again, thrusting again, and then performing an elegant and impressive leg sweep followed by a reverse thrust.
Suddenly, a smattering of applause erupted from a side door not too far away.
Jessica halted mid-move and turned to see a stranger, a middle-aged man with thinning hair meticulously gathered into a small ponytail at the back, with stubble roughening his cheeks, presenting an image both rugged and well-groomed.
"Not bad at all. The whole routine was seamless," he praised sincerely, clapping a few more times. Then he glanced at his watch. "You're here early. You're playing Katarina, right? Your name's... Jessica?"
Seeing that he was carrying a script under his arm, presumably part of the crew, Jessica nodded, "Yes, that's me. Hello, and you are?"
He smiled, "The name's Murdock."
Mackenzie had mentioned some prominent figures associated with the play, and, indeed, the producer of "Charles the Second" was the highly respected Sebastian Murdock from within the industry circles. Every play he touched had won awards and became an instant hit.
As the main producer, his role is similar to deciding how to spend the billions invested by the financiers. Outlining where the money should be allocated, whether it's on a lead actor, the costumes for the show, or post-production special effects, is all within his jurisdiction.
Middle-aged and balding Mr. Murdock cherished the few strands of hair atop his head, opting for a different hairstyle for those precious few every day.
"So this person is?!" Jessica quickly realized. " It's Good to see you, Mr. Murdock!"
Sebastian Murdock wasn't startled or uncomfortable when recognized; he admired the wooden sword in her hand, "Impressive moves. How long have you been practicing?"
"I just started yesterday. I've remembered the whole routine, but it's still a bit rough," Jessica replied with a clear gaze and a humble attitude.
Murdock nodded, his eyes still displaying a hint of admiration. "You have a natural talent for acting, and you're dedicated and hardworking. Show your best when filming begins—hard work pays off."
He didn't go deeper into the conversation, but he observed that this young woman was beautiful in an unordinary way, distinct from what he usually saw in the entertainment industry. She exuded an indescribable aura, and her words reflected sincerity and modesty. Polite yet confident, she retained her composure in front of someone of his stature, close to that of a director. Other actors might have eagerly met him with flattering smiles, expressing their honor to meet him, yet she was neither humble nor pompous.
Moreover, her physical presence and classic features seemed tailor-made for dramatic and historical roles, yet his extensive experience in the industry convinced him that her ascent to fame was simply lacking an opportunity .
Although Katrina wasn't in the spotlight with a lead role, her character's development was captivating and required a substantial display of talent. If she could make the most of this role, it might well be her gateway to stardom.
On the topic of chances, Murdock had a film in development that called for an actress capable of executing fight sequences with elegance. If she continued to deliver such stellar performances, he'd consider going against his usual practice and cast a relative newcomer in his upcoming project.
