It was already very late. By the time she arrived at the station, the last bus to Eastern City had left two hours ago.
Even though she knew this would be the result, she still walked out of that house without hesitation.
Without any extra money on her, even if she did have some, she had no intention of resting at a hotel. She spent the night curled up on a small bench at the station.
Early Saturday morning, Eva Miller opened the door and was startled to see the weary Sophie Smith.
"Didn't you go home yesterday? Why are you back today?"
"I, ..." truly could not think of a good excuse, and she didn't plan to say more.
"Oh, right!" Eva Miller slapped her forehead. "You came back just in time, you know what? The City of Desire crew is coming to Eastern Film Academy today to cast the female lead, you can go with me."
Sophie Smith was clearly shocked too. City of Desire is currently a hot topic in the entertainment industry. It's said to be a three-billion-dollar production with top-notch actors and directors. Shooting had already started, and the selected female lead was the international film star Hazel Quinn. But for unknown reasons, the crew decided to replace Hazel Quinn. It's unbelievable since Hazel Quinn is a leading star with great acting skills and stunning looks; there seemed to be no reason to swap her out from the perspective of an average audience like Sophie Smith.
Regardless of the reason, now City of Desire is highly talked about. Whoever plays the role is likely to attract significant attention.
"Are you serious?" Isabella Yates and Amy, who had been lying on the bed, jumped up and grabbed Eva Miller's shoulders to verify.
"It's true, absolutely no lie! I heard it's the investors' decision to replace Hazel Quinn!" Eva Miller pledged earnestly, "It's known to the entire school, only you lazy ones in the dorm-tents had no idea."
"Then hurry, no matter what, we must try our luck, there might still be a chance." Isabella Yates and Amy immediately showed interest.
Everyone started getting busy. Time was a bit tight, but well, their dormitory's news was just that out of touch!
"Hey, Sophie, why aren't you getting ready? Hurry up with your makeup and change your clothes; we only have two hours!" Eva Miller urged Sophie Smith, who was still standing there in a daze.
"Forget it, Eva, she doesn't care about this role—oh no, I should say, is she even qualified for this role?" Isabella Yates's tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
Sophie Smith glanced at Isabella Yates, who was shaping her eyebrows, and said nothing. She changed into an outfit she thought was decent, but Eva Miller wasn't satisfied.
"You can't go dressed like that! Here, let me lend you an outfit." Eva Miller took out a cherished little black Channel dress from her closet and handed it to Sophie Smith.
Sophie Smith felt somewhat touched, as Eva Miller always considered her a good friend. This dress, in fact, was rarely worn by Eva herself.
"Wearing the best clothes, not that it matters!" Isabella Yates scoffed in disdain.
"Enough, Isabella, can you just spare a few words?" Eva Miller intervened.
Everyone knew there was some discord between Sophie Smith and Isabella Yates, yet they saw each other every day, sharing the same class and dormitory. When the atmosphere between them got tense, Eva Miller and Amy felt awkward, though they didn't know the reason for the conflict.
When they finally arrived at the audition venue, even though they had been prepared mentally, they were still shocked by the scene in front of them—the place was bustling, with almost every girl from school showing up. The venue was overcrowded, with hundreds of security guards maintaining order, creating a seemingly uncontrollable situation.
Sophie Smith and Eva Miller's group stood under the sun for a full three hours before it was finally their turn.
"Next!" a voice called from inside. Isabella Yates tidied up her makeup and confidently, gracefully walked in.
But within three minutes, she came out looking utterly dejected.
"Isabella, how did it go?" Eva Miller quickly asked. Isabella Yates didn't respond, bypassing them and walking ahead.