Episodes from past.

Berielle’s POV:

I had to visit the company to prepare myself for the audition. Thus, after my shift from the cafe, I hurried to the company. Although I am their artist, I still come here rarely. Yeah, I am someone unknown. They do not need to pay attention to me. In fact, it is a huge deal that they decided to give me a chance for a lead role this time. Even though there are many A list celebrities that are more fitted for this role than me.

It’s not that I am complaining, I just can’t believe it.

I nervously went to see Fu to her office and after knocking on the door, I walked in. My eyes widened when I saw Duan Yan there. As far as my knowledge, he is not a part of my company. Then, what is he doing here?

“Hi, there.” He waved his hand as he smiled at me. He was dressed in casual black trousers, a white t-shirt and a black jacket on top. His hair was also falling roughly on his forehead. Still, he is beautiful. I get why he is a heart throb of many.

“Hi.” His warm welcome caused the nervousness to fade away and I greeted him back.

“What are you doing here? I don’t think we are in the same company.” I asked as I settled next to him on the seat.

“Yeah, we aren’t but Fu called me here too.” He answered and at his response my eyes immediately darted towards my manager.

“Don’t be so surprised.” Fu relaxed in her seat, “The purpose of calling Yan here is to help you with the audition.”

I am sure she saw confusion on my face, therefore, she continued, “As you know, because of the scandal, the filming had to be stopped midway. There has been so much buzz about this series that we cannot do anything half-heartedly. That’s why the directors are mainly looking for the actress who has the most chemistry with Yan. Even though I am pulling a little cheat here, I want you to prepare with him. So, you would be able to perform better in the audition.”

I nodded as I understood the intention behind her gesture and deep down I was filled with gratitude for her. If she is going to such lengths to help me, which means she really wants me to succeed. Her intent was quite clear in her actions.

“Thank you.” I whispered.

“Do not thank me yet.” She smiled brightly, “By the way, Yan agreed to help you because he is also looking forward to working with you. I am not trying to put you under pressure but we have done everything on our part, now it all lies in your hands.”

“Of course. I will do my best.” I was suddenly filled with enthusiasm. This is why it is important to have support.

“Now you two can go and plan what you have to do. I am not going to interfere with it.” Fu left the decision in our hands. Meanwhile, I nervously glanced at Duan Yan. He is one of the best actors in China and considering how big the Chinese entertainment industry is, he is no joke. Therefore, I was overwhelmed.

However, I have also never come across a celebrity who is as down to earth as Duan Yan. He gave me a nod of assurance and smiled brightly. It worked wonders as it helped me in calming my nerves.

Duan Yan and I left Fu's office. I glanced at him as I started, "I am sure there are many talented actresses out there and they must be willing to work with you. Then why did you choose me?" I was curious about the reason behind him in helping me get a role.

He tucked his hands inside the pockets of his pants and looked ahead like he was in deep thought and just when he came across a conclusion, he gazed at me, "I just felt like working with you."

What the hell was he saying? The reason is so simple. I mean it was too simple for me to believe, "You shouldn't take risks. I know this is a huge project and there is so much money involved. If I do not do well, it will affect your reputation too and I do not want a bad stain on your work."

"Hey, are you seriously worried about me?" He stopped and turned to face me. His eyes were sparkling with something incomprehensible.

"You do not need to be so serious about this nor have you to be worried about me. I can take care of myself just fine." He assured me, "Moreover, instead of letting yourself get worried about the consequences first, why you don’t be a little more confident and try to do better so no one would have the audacity to nitpick on your or your talent?"

He was right. I haven't gotten the role yet. I have to fight for it first and then, all the things will come later.

"And I am not helping you. I am just here to see if we are really compatible to work together and if we aren't, we do not need to waste our time later... you know by working together in a series where we have zero chemistry together."

I nodded as I understood what he meant by it.

“There are a lot of scenes where you would have to dance. I heard you have been a ballerina before.” He suddenly inquired as we arrived at the practice room. Meanwhile, within seconds my hands turned sweaty and I could not help but feel nervous. Well, this is the thing that has been bothering me the most. I should have told Fu that I can no longer dance and there is no way I can nail this role but the thought of letting go of an opportunity slip away is scarier.

“I was not a professional ballerina. I only used to do that as a hobby.” I could not bring myself to tell him that I had an accident and ever since that happened, I managed to barely walk let alone dance.

The pain in my knee suddenly got sharp. It was piercing, causing my entire body to take a toll. This time, it wasn’t just my hands that were sweaty but I was drenched. I started to have difficulty breathing normally. Thus, in order to not collapse in front of Duan Yan, I tightly held on to the barre.

‘I do not want to collapse. Do not collapse, Elle. Not now.’ I was practically hypnotizing myself.

“Hey, are you okay?” Duan Yan held my shoulder. I managed to look up to meet his eyes, just to find concern for myself.

“Can I practice at home instead?” I asked him. My voice came out all hoarse like I have been crying for hours.

"Yea, sure." He was panicking for me, "But you do not look well to me. How about I drop you home?" He offered me.

However, right now I want to be alone. I do not like anyone seeing me so vulnerable and in pain. Furthermore, I do not want Duan Yan to find that I had a traumatic experience in the past. Dancing again is something that I have never intended to do. But when this opportunity landed in my lap, I got greedy. Right now, I need to go home and pull myself together. That's the only way out of it.

"Thank you, but I can manage." At this point, my hands were shaking from pain while my back was covered in sweat. I grabbed my bag and tried my best to ignore the questionable look on the face of Duan Yan as I rushed myself to get out of there. However, what I failed to do was to hide the limp in my leg and I hate myself for that.

This is so messed up. This is fucked up.

I really want to hide in some corner and cry my eyes out. With each step, the pain was getting sharper. I know it would be impossible for me to go home. Thus, I decided to go to the bathroom and stay there until I felt better.

'Why didn't I buy my medicine?' I cursed myself in the head. I used to feel the very same pain after the accident, however, after I received rehab, I thought I was fine and I stopped doing whatever I have been asked to do. But my mind is changing at the moment.

I staggered on my way to the bathroom and just when I thought I was about to make a fool of myself and fall in the hallway of the company, some firm hands grabbed me. When I looked up to see who it was, I was met with the same intense blue eyes I am familiar with.

Meanwhile, he is at the very bottom of the list of the people I want to see now.