Jones was momentarily surprised, then nodded with a smile: "Yes. Originally, the role of 'Ada' that Cynthia is playing was chosen for Chloe. Later, it was bought over by Cynthia's father with a 500 dollars investment."
Jones had already explained the inside story of this matter to Grace once before. The production was short on funds at the time, so the move was understandable.
Remembering his conversation with Cynthia's dad just now, Jones's smile grew wider. He looked at Grace and said, "It's also quite amusing. Initially, they were willing to pay to snatch the role. Just now, her dad actually suggested changing Cynthia's role, saying he couldn't bear to see her playing a maidservant and felt heartache watching."
"Of course, I couldn't agree to change the role. Isn't that a joke? I just promised him that Cynthia would have fewer kneeling shots in the subsequent filming. After all, it's just the scenes for a maidservant; it doesn't affect the overall story much."
As he spoke, Jones chuckled and shook his head with a somewhat speechless expression.
Grace's expression remained unchanged. After taking a sip of juice, she said extremely casually: "You're mistaken, Jones. Maidservants also differ in importance. The role of 'Ada' can be considered one of the most significant among maidservants. Granting her special treatment would only make her stand out awkwardly."
Jones was an exceptionally smart person. Grace's comment, while seemingly offering an opinion, actually contained an underlying critique. Jones caught onto it instantly.
"So, what does Miss Dorothy think should be done?" Jones asked tentatively.
After all, between a 500 dollars investor and a 10,000 dollars investor, which one was more important was a no-brainer.
Grace looked at Jones. There was no need for roundabout talk with intelligent people. She stated expressionlessly and frankly: "If her knees are so precious, then just delete her from all the group shots that require her to kneel!"
She uttered this sentence calmly, yet it wiped out nearly half of 'Ada's' screen time at once.
Grace had read the original novel. 'Ada' in the story was someone outwardly insecure but inwardly dark. Timid and seemingly obedient in the early stages, she later betrayed her master for personal gain and broke her promises.
Therefore, the concept of 'kneeling' was integral to 'Ada's' character throughout the entire drama. She kneels in the early part and also kneels later on. As a maidservant, group shots were inevitably more numerous than solo shots.
With the group shots removed, how much screen time would she have left?
Dare to bully her sister?
If Chloe wouldn't retaliate, her older sister would step in!
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Jones saw things clearly. He knew Grace wouldn't make things difficult for Cynthia over the previous role-snatching incident because Miss Dorothy had said she wouldn't have let Chloe play 'Ada' anyway.
Therefore, today's actions must be due to grievances after joining the production.
Of all people to provoke, why did Cynthia have to run into the line of fire?
Even if Grace were to demand Cynthia be replaced now, he probably wouldn't dare to refuse. Fortunately, Miss Dorothy wasn't that domineering, leaving some leeway for him and the production.
Jones immediately called his assistant over, whispered a few words in his ear, and gave him a look to go immediately.
The assistant understood, nodded, and quickly left the room for the set.
At that moment on set, preparations for the second scene were just beginning. The assistant director was blocking the scene with the actors.
All servants in the scene lower their heads, kneel, and remain silent. Madam and Concubine deliver their lines. The camera will pull out for a wide shot. All actors and actresses in the frame are not allowed to slack off. Got it!'
While the assistant director was speaking energetically, the director received the message from Jones's assistant.
He listened, frowning slightly, then finally nodded to show he understood. He then called out to the associate director.
Associate director turned around upon hearing his name, his previously stern expression instantly replaced by a smile: "What is it, director?"
The director gestured with his chin towards Cynthia and said, "For this scene, 'Ada' doesn't need to be in the shot. Have her step down."
Cynthia, who had been silently rehearsing her lines, was taken aback upon hearing this. She looked bewilderedly at the director, then at the associate director.
The associate director was also confused, but he knew the director's temperament—he hated people asking why. So, he turned to Cynthia and said, "Alright, Cynthia, you go rest for now. Wait for the afternoon scenes."
Cynthia exclaimed in shock: "But... why? I have lines in this scene, associate director!"
"Huh? You have lines?" The associate director quickly glanced at the script for this scene and realized Cynthia indeed had lines.
Afraid the director might have made a mistake, the associate director called out to him loudly: "Director, 'Ada' has lines in this scene. She probably shouldn't step down..."
The director said with a serious face: "Give 'Ada's' lines to 'Abbie'. Insignificant lines, anyone can say them."
'Abbie' was another maidservant of Daisy. The actress playing 'Abbie' didn't expect this unexpected gain and smiled happily.
Cynthia was not willing to accept this. She wanted to argue, but saw the director shaking his head at her.
Once the director has spoken, getting upset is useless. It will only make him unhappy.
Having had her part cut for no apparent reason, Cynthia left the set in a huff, also beginning to wonder if she had inadvertently upset the director.
However, as one leaves the stage, another enters!
No sooner had they dealt with Cynthia than Grace and Jones hadn't even managed to exchange a few more sentences before Veronica showed up.
"Jones!"
Upon meeting, no matter how popular or willful she was, Veronica wouldn't dare directly question Jones. So, she greeted him with a full smile, hiding all her inner anger.
Seeing Veronica, Jones instinctively frowned.
Since the press conference incident, he hadn't seen Veronica again, but following Miss Dorothy's wishes, he had instructed the promotions department accordingly.
Seeing her suddenly today, and thinking about what she did to Chloe, a wave of disgust rose in Jones's heart.
He knew the entertainment industry was fiercely competitive, especially among actresses, where scheming was the norm. But the level of tactics used spoke volumes about one's character.
Veronica's use of such underhanded methods to suppress a newcomer who hadn't even made a name for herself left Jones extremely dissatisfied.
And now, the older sister of the Chloe, whom she tried to suppress, was sitting right beside him!
Grace's looks were even more striking than Chloe's, posing a greater threat. Veronica naturally noticed Grace at first glance. Being alone with Jones in a room, Veronica's guard instinctively went up.
So many pretty girls, enough to make her angry!
She twitched the corner of her mouth almost imperceptibly. Her smile was stiff, but she pretended to ask casually: "Jones, are you busy? This young lady is really beautiful. Is she a newcomer at our company?"
Jones let out an almost inaudible sigh, cautiously observing Grace's expression for any change. Seeing her remain expressionless actually made Jones feel more apprehensive.
What was going on today? Everyone seems to be lining up to ask for trouble.
"I'm busy right now. If you have nothing important, return to your own dressing room first," Jones said.
After all, she was an artist from his own company. Losing half a year of promotion was already quite devastating for a female star. He didn't want Veronica to come and draw attention to herself in front of Miss Dorothy at this time.
If Miss Dorothy decided to take further steps to suppress her, would he, as the boss, agree or not?
He is in a difficult position!
