The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 205: Mr. Rowe Made an Additional Investment

"Director Huang, I’ve always held you in high regard. But this time, I really can’t agree with your decision. Why choose Maya Monroe?! She clearly has no advantage whatsoever. Not to mention her talent or dedication, she’s just here to stir up trouble!"

"Why should we choose an artist who doesn’t even have the right attitude? And her appearance doesn’t match the character ’Jane Jennings’ at all, or rather, it’s too different! She doesn’t have a single advantage to speak of!!"

An excited judge spoke, "In my opinion, there are two people most suited for the female lead role. One is veteran actress Jennifer Page, who has won numerous awards; her acting skills need no further discussion. The other is newcomer actress Kiki Monroe. Although she’s been in the industry for a short time, we’ve all witnessed her performance. It’s hard to find such a diligent and hardworking artist!"

"Apart from these two, the currently popular Alisa Shelby is also a good choice. She could bring sufficient buzz to our ’Mirror’. Maybe we could also communicate with Serena Sawyer, perhaps she might agree to take part if approached properly."

"There’s clearly so many options to choose from. Why insist on someone like Maya Monroe, who treats acting like child’s play? From her eyes, I don’t see an ounce of love for acting."

The fierce arguing was almost enough to rip off the office ceiling.

Yvonne Hall sat at the head, but her thoughts were still on the news she had heard a day earlier.

She really didn’t expect Ian Rowe to do so much for Maya Monroe. Her inner conviction grew ever stronger.

Faced with the other judges’ mistrust and skepticism, Yvonne Hall didn’t express anything in particular. She remained steadily seated, quietly watching judge after judge stand and sit down in excitement.

She was waiting for them to vent their anger.

When the noise had diminished considerably, Yvonne Hall slowly spoke, "Jennifer Page’s acting is stable, but she lacks some explosiveness for the female protagonist role, it’s just too conventional. Kiki Monroe’s attitude is indeed commendable, and I do appreciate her, but her acting always feels forced to me, lacking spirit, and failing to captivate me."

"And as for Alisa Shelby, leveraging her popularity?" Her lips curved without showing a smile, "Our aim is to win awards, not to seek sensation for mere attention."

Seeing other judges’ expressions turn colder inch by inch, Yvonne Hall continued, "Regarding Serena Sawyer, her schedule isn’t suitable, and as far as I know, she isn’t interested in the female lead role. Her agreement to a special appearance was already an unexpected delight, beyond that... we can’t ask for too much."

The judges’ expressions were unpleasant, "Director Huang’s analysis makes sense, but there’s no such thing as a perfect choice, they are already quite suitable, at least compared to Maya Monroe."

"How do you know she can’t compare?" Yvonne Hall asked calmly, her expression serious, "I believe you’re all well aware of the previously wildly successful ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon.’ I don’t need to explain Maya Monroe’s performance further. Isn’t her performance sufficient proof of her acting skills?"

"Besides, in ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon,’ the character Luna had significant variances between the early and later stages, yet Maya Monroe’s portrayal was quite impressive, giving me reason to believe she can certainly play the dual-personality role of ’Jane Jennings’ well!"

The judges’ expressions varied, naturally aware of Maya Monroe’s capabilities demonstrated in ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon.’ The issue, however, was Maya Monroe’s current performance fell far short of their expectations.

"But Director Huang, Maya Monroe’s attitude is problematic. We can’t allow a lazy, irresponsible actor to ruin our entire production!"

The issue circled back to the beginning.

Yvonne Hall wasn’t irritated at all, "I’m well aware of everyone’s concerns, but surface-level attitudes don’t prove anything. If Maya Monroe truly portrayed herself poorly this time, then I believe there’s no way she could have become so popular with ’Wandering Beyond the Horizon’..."

Several judges remained silent, unable to deny Maya Monroe’s recent rise to prominence.

"There’s another point I haven’t mentioned yet. Just yesterday, Mr. Rowe added an investment." A hint of a smile appeared in Yvonne Hall’s eyes, stretching her tone, "A very large sum."

This statement unsettled all the judges.

Everyone knows the importance of investment — wardrobe, props, marketing, production — all rely on funding. Though Yvonne Hall’s fame has already attracted considerable investments, no one can refuse more funding, especially a substantial sum that would enhance the production...

"Mr. Rowe? Which Mr. Rowe?"

Someone tentatively asked.

Mentioning the surname "Rowe," everyone implicitly thought of a significant figure, but quickly dismissed such a thought. Despite the Rowe family’s vast enterprise in the entertainment industry holding a substantial share, anyone with slight knowledge knows Ian Rowe himself isn’t interested in the entertainment sector.

"Ian Rowe, Mr. Rowe."

A judge swallowed nervously, incredulous, "Ian Rowe? Is it Ian Rowe himself or Valerius Entertainment?"

The previously heated discussion on casting seemed ignored by everyone, given that Ian Rowe’s investment was all the more unfathomable.

Yvonne Hall wore a faint smile, with a striking pearl necklace still at her neck, exuding an air of opulence.

"This matter was discussed with Mr. Rowe personally. He had one condition only."

All judges widened their eyes, although hearing about additional conditions made their hearts sink somewhat, curiosity prevailed. What could someone of Ian Rowe’s stature possibly lack that they needed to negotiate with the film crew?

"Mr. Rowe’s only requirement is that..."

"The choice for the role of ’Mirror’s’ female lead... must be Maya Monroe."

The conversation circled back to Maya Monroe, leaving all judges with complex expressions, pondering the connection between Maya Monroe and Ian Rowe. However, no thoughts were voiced aloud, everything was normal within their circle.

With Maya Monroe having Ian Rowe as a backing, she certainly couldn’t be easily offended...

Seeing their complete silence, no longer showing any signs of anger or defiance, Yvonne Hall took a sip of coffee, exposing a graceful white neck.

Actually, there was another point she hadn’t disclosed — besides the enormous investment, Ian Rowe agreed to reconsider a collaboration she had been pursuing unsuccessfully for quite some time. Although it’s just a reconsideration, for Yvonne Hall, this was already the best outcome.