Chapter 158: A Wave of Unprecedented Humiliation
Although Olivia hadn't altered the lines, she transformed Penelope from the vengeful figure in the script into a pitiable soul crushed by life's hardships. What was originally a pure villain suddenly became far less detestable.
After Amelia’s comments, even the staff familiar with the script began to think she had a point.
Amelia continued, adding, “Olivia, I understand you’re new to the field, so it’s normal to struggle with interpretation.”
Olivia crossed her arms and watched Amelia with amused indifference. What a master at shifting blame.
“Have you read the original novel?” Olivia asked suddenly.
Amelia, unsure why Olivia would ask this, answered naturally, “Of course, I have.”
At Amelia’s response, a subtle smile flickered across Olivia’s face, leaving Amelia puzzled. In truth, Amelia hadn’t bothered to read the original novel, deeming it unnecessary.
For some reason, Jos’s expression shifted slightly as he looked at Amelia, and she couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Did I say something wrong?
Just as Amelia wrestled with her doubts, a voice broke through the tension. “I don’t see any issue with her delivery of the lines.”
Everyone turned instinctively and saw an elegant, poised middle-aged woman walking toward Jos. With just one glance, Amelia recognized her. “Ms. Harmah?”
The speaker was none other than Hannah Gosling, the original author of the story and one of the most renowned novelists of the era. Many of the most popular dramas in recent years were adaptations of her works.
As Hannah approached, Jos sighed. “I’d invited you to see the story brought to life, but instead, you’ve been watching us stumble through mistakes all afternoon.”
Hannah smiled warmly. Amelia hadn’t expected her first string of mistakes to unfold in front of the celebrated author herself.
“Ms. Hannah, I’m a huge fan of your work. I’m sorry I haven’t been performing my best today,” Amelia said with a feigned tone of humility.
Hannah glanced at Amelia. “You haven’t read the original novel, have you?”
Amelia froze momentarily but quickly responded, “Ms. Hannah, ever since I was cast, I’ve read your novel multiple times, at least ten!”
Hannah’s gaze shifted to Olivia. “Your name is Olivia?”
Olivia nodded politely. No wonder Jos had hinted repeatedly that they should give their best today; it was because the original author was visiting.
“You’re doing a wonderful job. You’ve captured Penelope just as I envisioned her,” Hannah said, her tone full of genuine admiration.
Hearing this, jealousy flickered across Amelia’s eyes.
“When the script was adapted,” Hannah continued, “I felt the screenwriter didn’t fully grasp Penelope’s character. Yes, she’s malicious, but her cruelty isn’t innate. She shares the same humble beginnings as the protagonist. In the beginning, she was just as pure but diverged due to different circumstances.”
Hannah paused, her thoughtful gaze settling on Amelia. “In the drama, much of Penelope’s complexity has been stripped away, reducing her to a one-dimensional antagonist. But if you’ve truly read the novel, you’d know she’s far more nuanced than that. Ms. Olivia’s portrayal is flawless, better than I ever imagined. So, Ms. Amelia, I must ask again, have you actually read the original novel?”
Hannah’s words were like a slap in Amelia’s face. Moments ago, Amelia had confidently claimed to have read the novel ten times. Yet, she had no idea what kind of person Penelope truly was, and here she was, criticizing Olivia’s interpretation with certainty.
Amelia felt a wave of unprecedented humiliation wash over her.