The atmosphere on set became especially warm and festive thanks to today's trending buzz. Even the assistant director, known for losing his temper daily while blocking scenes with the actors, seemed much more amiable.

  After all, this trending spike was completely unexpected—pure organic buzz that hit the charts without spending a single cent or ounce of effort. Yet it brought immense publicity to the production.

  After wrapping up the afternoon's set of shots, Chloe didn't return to her dressing room since the next sequence was about to start. She waited on the sidelines with Taylor.

  The assistant director personally brought over a box of chilled watermelon. "Chloe, have some watermelon to cool down. Great work today—you're in all six of this afternoon's scenes."

  Ever since Chloe joined the production and delivered her first few performances, the assistant director had grown fond of this sweet-natured, talented young actress. Whenever he spoke to her, his voice instinctively softened, which was quite endearing.

  Taylor couldn't help but smirk every time she saw him yelling one moment, then instantly switching to a gentle tone with Chloe.

  Chloe quickly took the box with both hands, thanked him, then quietly asked, "Director Lee, I thought there were three scenes without me. Why did I suddenly get new pages?"

  Not just new pages—dense dialogue, too.

  The assistant director gave her a meaningful smile and leaned in. "The director and screenwriter really like you. They've expanded your role. Just do your best—by the time we wrap, your part might even match the second female lead's screen time."

  "Huh? That doesn't seem right..." Chloe looked unsettled.

  The assistant director patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. Every new scene they've added has been carefully thought out—keeps things logical and flows smoothly with the plot. Nothing feels forced."

  "Besides, audiences love watching you, and they love your couple dynamic with Bryan. Stretching out your romantic arc will make the eventual heartbreak hit even harder!"

  Even harder...

  So this was how you milk the angst?

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  Chloe gave a wry smile and nodded, deciding not to overthink it.

  After the assistant director left, Bryan suddenly approached.

  Taylor instinctively stepped forward, her expression wary. She now felt that anything involving Bryan put Chloe at risk.

  Bryan looked somewhat uncomfortable. He was naturally introverted, but he felt he needed to apologize to Chloe face-to-face.

  Chloe could tell he had something to say, so she waited patiently, eyes fixed on him.

  Bryan's lips moved slightly. Finally, he murmured, "I'm really sorry about today."

  "It's okay. It was an accident—not something you could control," Chloe replied.

  Bryan felt deeply guilty. If he hadn't blocked that thermos, the consequences could have been severe.

  "Are you hurt anywhere?" Genuine concern showed in his eyes.

  Chloe gave him a reassuring smile and shook her head. "No, don't worry."

  That eased Bryan's mind slightly.

  But then, unbeknownst to him, last night's dream flashed through his mind. His cheeks burned hot, and he guiltily lowered his head like a thief.

  "Second scene in ten minutes! Actors, come block it!"

  The stage manager's sudden call made both Chloe and Bryan look up.

  "Time to shoot. Don't dwell on today—I'm really fine." Chloe reassured him again, not wanting him to waste energy on guilt.

  She turned to leave when Bryan hastily called out, "Chloe..."

  She looked back, a puzzled expression on her face.

  Bryan hesitated, then asked, "Can I add you on LetsChat?"

  Chloe blinked, instinctively glancing at Taylor, who was equally caught off guard by the sudden request.

  "Oh, sure." Chloe nodded, took Taylor's phone, and exchanged contacts with Bryan.

  Marcus, watching from nearby, caught the whole scene.

  His expression froze, mind blank—a thunderbolt striking his brain.

  He muttered under his breath, "No way, man... This is bad... If you're serious, that's a real problem!"

  The next day, Grace woke up to a message from Richard. He told her the whole team was back in Aethelburg—today was the last day of the holiday, perfect for gathering.

  Grace immediately agreed and booked a mid-range restaurant, sharing the location in the group chat.

  "Everyone, 6 p.m. at the 'Hot Flamingo's private room. Dinner's on me—let's get to know each other."

  The group quickly filled with enthusiastic responses.

  Grace chose a mid-range spot intentionally—to minimize any discomfort caused by differing spending habits. A single dish costing a year's living expenses would only make them feel awkward and pressure them unnecessarily.

  Fancy restaurants could wait until the project turned a profit.

  Besides the meal, Grace had prepared thoughtful, practical gifts for the entire team.

  At 6 p.m., everyone arrived promptly. Grace messaged Richard to come downstairs with Harry to help carry things.

  The two hurried down to find Grace standing by the curb, surrounded by stacks nearly waist-high.

  "Help me out—gifts for everyone."

  Grace was dressed casually today: a white top, light jeans, and flats—the picture of a pure college girl.

  "No way! Laptops!"

  Harry immediately recognized what Grace had brought—eight brand-new laptops.

  "Grace, these are... for us?" Harry could hardly believe it. If these were top-tier models, they'd cost over ten dollars each!

  Grace smiled and nodded. "Let's take them up together. Don't keep everyone waiting."

  Richard was equally stunned. Coming to his senses, he quickly said, "We all have computers. You didn't need to spend this much."

  His ingrained frugality kicked in—ten-plus dollars that could have gone into the project budget.

  Grace understood his mindset. She smiled. "A great team deserves great equipment. Efficiency is everything. Remember what I said—time cost is the biggest hidden cost. Can't ignore it."

  "I think Grace is right," Harry chimed in. " Kevin and Amelia's computers have been struggling. Kevin's keeps blue-screening—he has to save constantly or risk losing data."

  That was indeed an embarrassing reality. Richard couldn't deny it.

  Grace's gift was both thoughtful and practical.

  Richard finally nodded. "Thanks..."

  Grace smiled warmly. "Don't thank me yet. Let's get these upstairs—I'll wait for everyone to thank me together!"