Chapter 142: I'm Just an Employee

Abigail looked at him in surprise, then quickly shifted her gaze. "Oh, well, it has nothing to do with me," she replied impassively. Even if emotions lingered, they would eventually fade. She calmly accepted that letting go of her three years with Sean wouldn't be immediate.

Anthony wore a satisfied expression. "That's true."

Upon entering the film set, Abigail immediately became busy, measuring everyone from the helpers to the leading and seasoned actors. She meticulously matched the leading actors' costumes to their skin tones, temperaments, appearances, and makeup. After more than a month of hard work, she completed the basic costumes, except for those planned for the very end of production.

After filming began, she mostly stayed in the hotel provided by the film crew.

One morning, while preparing to assist leading actress Laura Martin, she heard Laura's arrogant voice from inside her dressing room. "What kind of costumes are these? They're so gaudy and garish! They look awful!"

Her assistant, Hensey Lockheart, chimed in, "I heard they researched extensively, even consulted professors, and still designed this mess! They're talking about a clothing invasion by foreign cultures. Some male characters will even bare their chests! What a disgusting sight!"

Laura sounded displeased. "I heard my makeup is supposed to look like that of a hostess, and she suggested it to the stylist based on the costumes. It's really ugly! In my last fantasy drama, the costumes and jewelry were gorgeous. But here… this!"

"They say Alana handpicked her, but I heard she's close to Mr. Booker, who got her connected with Director Lewis. I guess the director is unhappy, but he probably doesn't dare say anything," Hensey muttered.

Abigail quietly took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Hensey opened it. Seeing Abigail, he greeted her with feigned enthusiasm. "Miss Quinn, you're here so early."

Abigail nodded and entered the dressing room.

Laura rolled her eyes and stood up. Glaring at Abigail, she warned, "If you don't know how to match costumes, don't do it. Are you inserting your own ideas? If that hostess-like makeup airs on TV, the entire show will be condemned by netizens until it's canceled!"

"You may talk to Director Lewis about it," Abigail replied flatly, walking toward the costume rack.

Lewis's screenplay depicted foreign powers invading the Central Plains, showcasing a stark contrast between traditional southern attire and the northern attire gradually influenced by foreign cultures. Laura's character initially lived in the south; however, scenes featuring traditional attire would be filmed near the end of production.

After the clash between northern and foreign attire, the clothing's colors and styles became extremely mixed. Additionally, peculiar clothing emerged due to the turbulent times. These clothes reflected the plight of people forced to abandon traditional attire to survive the wars and foreign oppression. Only later, as the war subsided, did a new divergence between foreign and traditional attire occur, eventually leading to the unique clothing culture of that period.

Hearing Laura's comments, Abigail realized the actress didn't understand the brutal history of the dynasty during the foreign invasion. The evolution of clothing was a crucial aspect of this history. For example, the chest-baring attire mentioned by Hensey reflected the passive and negative cultural mindset of people pushed to the brink. They wore those clothes to survive.

Laura stared coldly at Abigail. "You talked to Director Lewis about this makeup style. Why does he listen to you so much? What's your relationship with Anthony?"

Abigail brought out a costume and turned to her. "We were university classmates. What's the matter?"

Laura was about to speak, but Hensey quickly stopped her. "Miss Quinn, shouldn't you consider what the audience wants to see? Your costumes are already like this, and now the makeup… Let's just say netizens will criticize it. And besides, look at Laura. Her online image isn't like this at all," Hensey said, attempting to negotiate.

Laura flew into a rage. "Do you think your close relationship with Sean and being classmates with Anthony makes you special? You're just someone who got here through the back door! What history are you talking about? I think you're trying to insert your own ideas!"

Abigail frowned. "Now that I've picked your costume, I'll work on costumes for other actors."

Laura kicked her chair away in anger. Staring at Abigail's back, she said, "You're just an assistant. What are you being so cocky for?!"

"Calm down…" Hensey quickly tried to soothe her.

Meanwhile, Abigail closed the door and took a deep breath.

Laura's stunning appearance in her previous fantasy drama, due to her makeup and clothing, had made her a top actress known for playing beautiful characters. This time, the peculiar makeup and clothing style would affect her online reputation, so her fury was understandable. However, Abigail remained committed to historical accuracy and wouldn't change her stance.