Chapter 215
"Is this really changing the plot?" Emily Johnson's fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the script.
The set lights were blinding. She stared at the newly revised script—Scene 37 was densely circled in red ink.
"Miss Johnson, the director wants to reshoot this scene," a production assistant said, jogging over with a new storyboard.
The makeup artist dabbed cool powder on her cheeks, but Emily felt feverish all over.
She distinctly remembered that in the original novel, the female lead was supposed to accept the second male lead's confession here. But in the revised script, the female lead turned and walked away.
"Why the change?" She stopped an assistant director passing by.
The assistant director smiled mysteriously. "The investors requested it. Said it needed more dramatic tension."
Emily's heart skipped a beat. This alteration would completely alter the trajectory of the entire story.
She pulled out her phone, her finger hovering over a familiar contact.
Should she inform the original author?
"Five minutes to filming!" The clapperboard operator's shout snapped her out of her thoughts.
In the distance, the male lead was deep in discussion with the director. Suddenly, he looked up and locked eyes with Emily.
His gaze held an indescribable complexity.
Emily took a deep breath. After this scene, the story would veer toward an entirely different ending.
And she stood at the crossroads of fate.
"This flour is incredibly fine," remarked Mary Stone as she kneaded the dough. Emily Johnson smiled faintly while wrapping dumplings. She had exchanged this premium flour from her PennyDeals system—far superior to the standard flour of this era.
The cozy kitchen was filled with the mingling aromas of two different dough dishes. John Stone Sr. followed the scent and brightened at the sight of the table laden with steamed buns and dumplings.
"Take whichever you like," Emily offered warmly.
Late into the night, Mary finally finished tidying the kitchen and left. Emily gently washed the children's faces and feet, her movements tender. Margaret Johnson hovered nearby, hesitating.
"Mom, is something wrong?" Emily looked up.
Margaret opened her mouth but only sighed. "Get some rest early."
In the darkness, David suddenly clutched Emily's sleeve. "Mom, can I go with you to town tomorrow?"
Emily's heart clenched. Was her son afraid she wouldn't return if she left with Grandma?
"Me too!" Tommy immediately chimed in.
"David can come. Next time for you, Tommy." Emily ruffled her younger son's hair. "I'll bring you something tasty."
Tommy's eyes welled up, but he stubbornly bit his lip to hold back tears.
"I promise I'll take you to town next time," Emily assured him.
At dawn, Mary arrived with pancakes and eggs. Her gaze flickered when she noticed Emily packing.
"Mom, could you watch Tommy for me?" Emily said. "I'm taking David to see Grandma off."
Mary relaxed slightly—bringing David meant she intended to return.
"Grandma, Mom said she'll take me next time!" Tommy declared, tilting his small face upward.
Emily tucked a wrapped piece of cured meat into the luggage. "One for Anthony."
Just as they were leaving, Tommy suddenly broke free from Mary and rushed over. "Come back soon, Mom!"
Emily bent down to kiss his cheek. "I will."
Hand in hand with David, she stepped out of the yard, her pulse quickening. Would this farewell become the turning point that altered everything?