From Abandoned Stand - in to Triumphant Star

After wrapping up the day's shoot, Ellen Lincon, strutting like a proud peacock, sashayed up to her.

"Anna Bruce, so what if you won first place in this new - actor competition? In this industry, without any connections or a powerful backer, you'll always be stuck in minor supporting roles!"

Ellen Lincon pulled a script out of her bag and waved it in front of Anna Bruce's face.

"Take a look! This is the script for the next movie. Jealous, aren't you? With just a word from me, I can easily get the role. As for a nobody like you, I suggest you give up now and stop daydreaming!"

Anna Bruce clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, and the veins on the back of her hands bulged.

She shouted angrily, "Don't be so arrogant! You only got your roles by sleeping with the director. If it were based on real talent, the lead role in this drama would be mine."

"Hahaha!" Ellen Lincon let out a shrill laugh.

"In this industry, you actually believe that talent alone can get you good roles? You're such a naive rube who doesn't understand the rules! Looks like I won't be seeing you around in this circle much longer. Well, I'll be generous and give you one last piece of advice." She took a step forward and slapped Anna Bruce's swollen cheek, which was as puffy as a steamed bun, one hard slap after another.

"In the entertainment industry, connections and dirty tricks are always the most important. Talent? That's bullshit!"

With a contemptuous sneer, she turned and walked away.

Late at night, back in her small, dimly - lit rental apartment, Anna Bruce slid down to the floor and stared up at the ceiling.

She could no longer hold back her emotions, and tears poured out like a flood.

No matter how hard she worked or how good her acting skills were, the result was always the same.

The roles she dreamed of were always snatched away by those who had connections and were pre - selected.

Was it really that hard for her to make it big?

Just as she was wallowing in despair, feeling that there was no hope in life, her phone suddenly rang.

She grabbed it like a drowning person clutching at a life - preserver and quickly swiped to answer.

On the other end of the line, she heard her agent's familiar and urgent voice.

"Tomorrow night at 8 o'clock, I've arranged a dinner with the director for you. This time, even though you lost the lead role, you should at least try to get the second or third female lead. Otherwise, do you want the company to go broke because of you?"

Suddenly, the image of the director she had met today flashed through her mind.

That man was just like Ellen Lincon, a total scumbag.

Just thinking about his disgusting words and actions made her feel sick.

She didn't have the slightest bit of liking for him.

She was about to open her mouth and refuse.

"Mathew, I don't want to go..."

Her agent's roar immediately hurt her eardrums.

"What right do you have to refuse? Get your head straight. The company has invested a lot of money in you. If you make the company lose money, you'll never get a chance to make it in this business again."

After this harsh threat, her agent "slammed" the phone down.