Chapter 22 - 30: I Understand Now

Rock Bell had indeed seen James Black, and it was only last year that she had seen him. The grown-up James Black, from a distance, looked like an embodiment of coldness that screamed ’keep out.’

Gazing up and down at Jane Sampson, Rock Bell didn’t understand how such a delicate and vibrant flower could be planted on top of James Black’s gilded cow dung.

Last year, when Rock Bell saw James Black, she secretly murmured to herself that with James Black’s demeanor, he would probably remain a bachelor for life. His character was not one many women could tolerate; he was like a moving big icehouse.

"Sister Tin is worried about you," Rock Bell patted Jane Sampson on the shoulder. She was actually very curious about the marital life of Jane Sampson and James Black, but thinking that it related to James Black and Black Family’s affairs, she felt it was better not to pry too much.

"You want to be an actor, does James Black agree?" Rock Bell pinpointed the biggest issue—Jane Sampson’s husband’s family background was too powerful, which had its pros and cons.

If the Black Family was willing to support Jane Sampson, then within this circle, everyone would have to treat her with a level of awe and respect.

But if the Black Family disagreed with Jane Sampson pursuing this path into the entertainment circle, then she would hardly be able to make a move without anyone daring to confront the Black Family.

"He agrees," Jane assumed James Black’s agreement, "But I do not want to rely on the Black Family, which probably won’t help me anyway. So, Sister Tin, I... "

Rock Bell raised her hand to interrupt Jane Sampson’s words and asked first, "Isn’t it good to just be Mrs. Black? Why the sudden whim to become an actor? Let me tell you beforehand, once the arrow is shot, there’s no turning back. To nurture any person, both the company and I personally have to invest a significant amount of energy and resources. With us, there’s no such thing as giving up halfway."

"Being an actor seems glorious, but in reality, it’s hard work. What you see in each shot might have been taken by the actor ten, even a hundred times, regardless of the weather, with no weekends, and no working based on mood allowed. Most people might not dare to ask anything of you because you are James Black’s wife, but I must demand professionalism from every actor under my hand. In my book, there’s no room for throwing tantrums or acting like a diva."

"Sister Tin, this is my wish, and I am willing to give my all to stand at the highest point," Jane Sampson assured Rock Bell confidently, "And I will not use the Black Family name. Sister Tin, if I enter this circle, I will be myself, without any ties to the Black Family."

Jane Sampson was indicating to Rock Bell that she was not likely to flourish just by depending on the Black Family tree and that the Black Family might not be willing to let her rely on them anyway.

The thought of James Black’s grandfather, an old man similar to James in every way, made Jane’s heart soften. She believed that James Black’s nature was mostly because he was raised single-handedly by Old Master Black; their personalities seemed almost carbon-copied.

"I understand," Rock Bell was not the kind of person who was naive or ignorant of worldly affairs; Jane’s explanation made it all clear to her.

Rock Bell had also felt that even if James Black had agreed, the Black Family might not approve of Jane Sampson becoming an actor. In those true wealthy households, actors and singers who sought the limelight were considered just another form of prostitutes in the past; such professions were looked down upon.

In fact, Rock Bell could completely refuse Jane Sampson, as signing her carried risks. If the Black Family disagreed and decided to ban Jane Sampson, then all the effort Rock Bell put into her would be wasted.