L forced a smile. "Thanks, but I''ll have to decline."


    It wasn''t about whether she dared or not; it just wasn''t appropriate.


    "Anyway, I''ll go check on the situation over there." She quickly grabbed her bag and rushed toward the crowd, avoiding the conversation.


    Amelia stood behind, deep in thought. Was it inappropriate to eye her boss like that? Good men should be up for grabs, right?


    She silently raged in her mind. "I want to fall in love! Give me a younger man!"


    Citrus Media had provided five training rooms and onerge hall. It was the first day, and the teachers hadn''t yet assigned the actors to their spots, so most people were gathered in the hall.


    Just as L was about to approach the crowd, someone called out to her.


    "Ms. Hart." It was a man''s familiar voice.


    She turned around and saw Fletcher walking out from the corner. He was quite famous, but few people took the time to talk to him.


    L smiled gently at him. "What''s up? You should be assigned to Training Room 3. You can head over there and wait."


    "I just wanted to thank you for giving me this opportunity," he said, his eyes sincere, clearly very grateful.


    He handed her a small box. She nced at it but didn''t take it.


    He hesitated, his eyes shifting slightly. "This isn''t a bribe. You know my situation isn''t great right now, and many good coborations aren''ting my way. But I can''t take on low-tier projects either because it would make my career even harder.


    "Thepany said this coboration with Joyce Group is myst chance. If I miss it, I might have to settle formercial gigs."


    He looked a bit awkward. "This is a token of appreciation. It''s not expensive. I haven''t had many coborations this year, so please don''t mind it."


    L looked at him and then at the logo on the box. It was from a low-end luxury brand, likely worth no more than 20 thousand. She reached out and gently pushed the box back to him.


    "I appreciate the gesture, but you don''t need to give me anything. I gave you this opportunity because you''re capable. No matter how many gifts you offered, I wouldn''t have shortlisted you if you didn''t have the ability."


    Her smile was light, her long hair


    txhe


    and her fair face and starry


    Candied back with a hairband, made her look rxed atle.


    Fletcher fell silent for a moment before quietly taking back the box. "My bad. I won''t take up any more of your time."


    L nodded and said nothing more. She had seen his interviews before and thought he seemed decent. Why did he seem so different now?


    Had he been putting on an act for the camera? Or had the past six months of pressure worn him down, maybe even causing some depression?


    Her gaze lingered on his retreating figure as she decided to pay more attention to himter. However, she didn''t notice that he nced toward someone nearby after turning


    around. He then left shortly after he did.  s?novel


    Jamie and Teddy watched L, their expressions serious.


    "Do you think he''s trying to poach L?"


    Jamie shook her head. "I don''t know, but why suddenly give her a gift?"


    "Michael just left, and now people from otherpanies are showing up. It''s making me feel uneasy."


    She didn''t respond to that, but her expression had darkened.


    "What are you two talking about? Why do you both look like something''s wrong?" L asked as she approached.


    Both of them snapped back to attention and quickly stood up.


    "


    We were daydreaming."


    "We were chatting." They said in unison and were both speechless.


    L gave them both a gentle tap on the head. "You''ve been with the teachers for over ten days now. How do you feel?"