Chapter 216

"Interesting." Asher York stroked his chin, eyes gleaming with amusement.

He slung an arm around Julian Chase's neck. "Hey, Jules, how about inviting Lucy to play tactical simulation with us this weekend?"

Julian shoved him away with a look of disgust. "Have you lost your mind?"

"That game's fine for us guys, but would a girl even be interested?"

Their group did frequently organize tactical simulation matches.

They'd brought female companions before, only to find them either exhausted after two steps or becoming walking targets the entire time. Eventually, they stopped inviting women altogether.

Asher lowered his voice mysteriously. "Don't ask questions. I just want to see if she can handle it."

"If she can, then I'll tell you why," he added.

Julian rolled his eyes. "You're being cryptic."

Still, curiosity prickled at him—what was this guy plotting?

The next day, Julian returned to the film set.

The moment Lucy White finished shooting, he approached her with a bright smile.

"Lulu, free tonight?"

She raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

Julian cleared his throat. "Some friends want to meet you."

"They've seen what your talismans can do. They're all begging for protection charms."

Aside from Asher, the others had been pestering him nonstop to arrange this meeting—all for those coveted talismans.

Hearing they were potential clients, Lucy didn't object.

"Fine. Send me the location," she agreed readily.

Julian's eyes lit up. "Want me to pick you up?"

"No." Her refusal was firm.

This guy was notoriously flashy and a well-known playboy. The last thing she needed was to end up in gossip headlines.

Julian didn't push it. Getting her to agree was victory enough.

After discussing with the group, he sent Lucy the address of their usual private dining spot.

Lucy's acting was impeccable—she nailed every scene in one take.

By mid-afternoon, her scenes were done.

After bidding Director Jude farewell, she left the set directly.

Director Jude couldn't be more pleased with Lucy.

With her and Ryan Choi's solid performances, this drama was guaranteed not to flop.

As for the female lead, Lily Green—he'd long given up hope.

It wouldn't be the first time a drama's supporting actress outshone the lead.

Lily watched Lucy and Julian leave together, laughing, and felt her teeth ache with envy.

"How come she gets to leave early?" she muttered.

Director Jude shot her a cold look. "She finishes every scene perfectly in one take. Problem?"

"You, on the other hand—if you keep messing up like yesterday, you're fired."

Lily's eyes reddened, but she dared not retort.

This drama was her last chance at redemption.

"I wasn't feeling well yesterday. It won't happen again," she said meekly.

Yesterday, her nerves had gotten the better of her with her crush on set.

Director Jude waved her off impatiently. "Go get ready."

Lily slunk away to hair and makeup.

In the dressing room, Ryan Choi was getting prepped.

Lily tried striking up a conversation, but Ryan barely acknowledged her before hurrying off, clearly avoiding her.

Fuming, Lily stamped her foot.

Why did men always flock to Lucy?

Especially Julian—he should've been her type.

Now she was down to just Oliver Knight as a backup—far from enough.

If she could snag Julian, she'd dominate the entertainment industry.

As she schemed ways to catch his attention, Julian walked right past her without a glance.

Lily gritted her teeth.

Were these men blind? How could they ignore someone as stunning as her?

Julian was deliberately avoiding her.

The memory of Lily's tear-streaked makeup still haunted him.

Better to steer clear.

His avoidance weakened Lily's luck even further.

The original storyline had long since derailed.