Filed to story: The Return Novel (Natalie & Bryce) PDF Read Online Free
Tony said, “I’m not giving up on myself. Let’s continue, please. Let me try again one more time.” Tears rolled down his face.
After years of suffering and despair, he could only respond with patience to all the mockery and doubts. There had been many times when he had even forgotten how to battle against adversity, but now he was determined to seize this precious opportunity.
Natalie’s expression was gentler now, but she maintained her stern tone as she said, “Do as you wish. If you want to act, then let’s do it. If you can’t, then let’s wrap this up.” She gave the photographer a curt signal. The photographer said, “Everyone, get in position. Focus.”
Tony Bavel closed his eyes and let out a breath. Then he performed the lines that he had once memorized. His voice took on a strange passion, and he played his part terrifically. He imbued his performance with his hatred for Mark Ellington.
The sudden richness and conviction of Tony’s performance amazed all the people in the studio. After the scene ended, the room was silent.
Tony remained immersed in the trance of the scene he just acted. It seemed like enacting the scene had brought his confidence back.
Natalie was the first to stir. She walked up to Tony and lightly patted his face, hiding the joy in her heart as she said, “Hey, wake up. You finished your performance.” Tony seemed to wake up from his dream.
When he looked up, everyone burst into applause. The applause echoed in the studio for a long time. He couldn’t remember how long it had been since he heard someone praise him like this.
Natalie exchanged glances with him. Finally, a smile blossomed on her face. She nodded thoughtfully and said, “That was a soul-deep performance. I definitely picked the right guy. Now, can we continue with the shoot?”
Tony smiled and looked at the photographer with confidence. Natalie said to the photographer, “When you bring the photos after editing, remember to show me the video of this performance as well.” She returned to her seat, eyes filled with hope.
Tony’s level of concentration meant that the shoot progressed quickly. It only took half of the usual time to finish the work. Afterward, Natalie led him back to her office. Seeing his tired expression, she offered him a glass of water.
Natalie said seriously, “Today was very successful, but there’s been nothing announced about you yet publicity-wise. But don’t worry, I’ll think of something in terms of endorsements.” Tony smiled. Although he had found his old self again, he didn’t expect that the rest of his journey would be easy.
Natalie once again encouraged him in a serious tone, “Remember, while I’m paving the way for you, you can’t slack off. I’ll draw up a plan for you as soon as possible. You’ll have to do 10 hours of practice every day without the slightest bit of relaxation.”
She waited for Tony’s response. She now firmly believed that if he was willing to work hard, he would definitely become famous in the future.
But Tony had a troubled expression on his face. It seemed that there was something he wanted to say but found hard to express.
“What’s up?” asked Natalie. “Don’t tell me you can’t do that. All artists practice off stage for 10 years just to perform on stage for 10 minutes. I’ve already been very patient with you,” she couldn’t help but frown. She had to make Tony go all out.
Tony hesitated, then said, “No, I’m not trying to back off. But in addition to rehearsals, I still have to do odd jobs every day. I’m worried that I won’t have enough time for it all.”
Natalie spread her arms with a look of disappointment and said, “You only have one chance. Why aren’t you making full use of it? Rather than going to odd jobs, the things that other people dream about are within easy reach for you. Don’t you know you have to seize your opportunities?”
Natalie couldn’t help but get annoyed as she spoke. She wanted Tony to understand one thing: that he couldn’t afford to lose any time because this charm of his youth wasn’t going to stay forever. Hearing Natalie’s scolding, Tony’s expression became dejected. He curled his lips and smiled bitterly.
Just as Natalie was about to try to persuade him again, she saw Tony looking at her helplessly. He said, “I’m sorry. I understand the importance of the opportunity I have, but I need money right now. My sister has a congenital heart disease, and she’s been holding on for many years. Her treatment can’t be delayed any longer. An operation needs to be performed, and I need to help fund it.”
Tony’s eyes darkened. Natalie was stunned. She didn’t know that he had been carrying such a heavy burden. Although the choice between family and career was difficult for Tony, he would not go against his conscience. He couldn’t ignore his own sister’s desperate need.
Natalie said, “Well, I can understand your difficulties. Why not take me to the hospital later to see your sister?” She smiled gently and patted Tony’s shoulder to comfort him. A gentle light flashed in Tony’s worried eyes.
He said excitedly, “Okay, that’s a great idea. My sister Gina has a very cheerful personality, but there’s no one with her in the hospital, so it’s tough for her. She’ll be very happy to see you.”
After that, Natalie let Tony rest while she went in search of opportunities for him. She was trying to think of a way to balance Tony’s conflicting needs. But no matter how she thought about it, she always came back to Gina Babel’s illness.
That evening, she went with Tony to the hospital to visit Gina. As soon as she entered the ward, she saw the girl lying on the big hospital bed. Gina called out happily, “Tony, you’re finally here!” Had it not been for her weakened body, she would have jumped out of bed and into his arms.
Tony, seeing that his sister was so happy, took out the gift he had bought for her. But the little girl looked past the gift. Her gentle eyes glanced at Natalie, who was standing behind Tony.
Gina asked mischievously, “Should I call that beautiful lady behind you my sister-in-law?” Tony looked embarrassed and said, “Don’t speak so carelessly, Gina. I haven’t introduced you yet. This is my new agent, Natalie.”
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