Chapter 628: Her Body Trembles Uncontrollably

Since Cecilia Vaughn’s background and “Seven Leaves” alias were exposed, her fame at Stellerton University had further increased, attracting a lot of attention, but Cecilia didn’t really care.

However, today, the way everyone looked at her seemed a bit strange.

Just as she was feeling puzzled, Bella Prescott let out an earth-shattering scream.

“Your film ‘There are branches on the mountain’… Oh my God!”

Bella couldn’t believe it, covering her mouth with her hand, her body trembling uncontrollably.

…

Cecilia was filled with bewilderment at this moment, and upon hearing Bella’s scream, she too turned her eyes to the LCD screen in the middle of the Rosewood Pavilion cafeteria.

Typically, it displayed current affairs news, occasionally showing popular dramas, but Cecilia had never paid attention to those.

But at this moment, the LCD screen in the cafeteria was projecting the midday news, presenting a report about a fire and explosion in the film crew of “There are branches on the mountain”.

A female host in light blue attire held a microphone, her voice a blend of compassion and urgency.

“Just ten minutes ago, a major fire accident occurred in the film crew of ‘There are branches on the mountain’, directed by the famous Director Chapman, in the film city. The cause of the accident is still unknown, but it has already resulted in two deaths and one injury. Please stay tuned to our station for further in-depth reports on this accident!”

“…”

Film crew, fire, casualties…

Two dead, one injured…

These words replayed chaotically in Cecilia Vaughn’s mind, leaving not a single moment of peace.

Cecilia felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her identity as the original author of the “There are branches on the mountain” comic had become public knowledge at Stellerton University, due to a recent glamour exchange event, which explained the scrutinizing gazes of her peers after class.

Though the news broadcast about “There are branches on the mountain” had ended, a scrolling ticker continued to rotate, displaying selected online comments regarding the incident.

——Director Chapman’s new movie experienced a fire, the crew suffered severe losses, and it’s uncertain if the film will be temporarily halted by the broadcasting authority.

——An unfortunate start, Director Chapman’s movie has been quite miserable; initially, there was hype over the casting of the female lead, which ended up being a fuss over a pure newcomer with no fame or works. Now it’s even worse with two fatalities.

——Who knows, maybe it’s not only two fatalities! This matter has just been revealed; what if there are yet more casualties to come?!

——Could it be that Director Chapman hired some blundering promoters, using these negative news pieces to generate publicity for the movie?

…

This kind of speculative topic instantly met with rebuttals.

——To hell with publicity, this involves human lives. If the broadcasting authority feels displeased, they might directly halt this project.

——The safety measures are lacking. I wonder if my favorite actor may have been affected; oh no, my family star, why must you be involved with such a male lead role, paired with an entirely new female actor, and now there are fatalities too. I’m really worried about him.

——Hah, I don’t like that girl Claire Sinclair. Even though Director Chapman clarified that Fiona Vaughn was never considered for the female lead, in retrospect, Fiona is rather beautiful. Among the new generation of starlets, she carries the acting crown. This lousy film previously belittled my Fiona, so no wonder there’s retribution now.

——You’re quite vicious up there, aren’t you? Those are two real human lives!

…

Various opinions surged in, and though Cecilia read them quickly, her mind was already in a chaotic mess.

More than worrying about the stoppage of her comic’s film adaptation, Cecilia was more concerned about the safety of the crew members.

Regret crept in for not explaining things clearly to the people in the corridor — now, minutes after the incident, the accident scene was likely already sealed off.

Her friend Bella Prescott also looked at Cecilia with concern.

“Cecilia, are you okay? The film crew had such an accident, and you still feel like eating?”

Cecilia took a deep breath.

“Bella, maybe you should eat first, I’ll just grab some bread and head to the film crew now.”

“Cecilia, but there’s also the end-of-term test for The Iron Nun this afternoon! He clearly stated that there are no make-ups after the deadline, not even in the next semester, it would directly be a fail!”

Unless Cecilia chooses to forfeit her credits for this semester and selects new courses for the missing credits next semester, resolving this satisfactorily would be challenging.

Next semester’s schedule is already fully packed, and if Cecilia has to retake courses for failing this one, it would undoubtedly be a hassle she brought upon herself.

…

Fully aware of the gravity of the situation, Cecilia gave Bella a serious look.

“Bella, please ask The Iron Nun for leave on my behalf this afternoon, explain the situation in detail. If he shows flexibility, that’d be best; if not, I’ll just select a new course and start over.”

“Cecilia, are you crazy——”

Bella couldn’t believe Cecilia’s reckless attitude and felt she was being irrational. Just as she struggled for reasons to persuade her, Cecilia had already picked up the phone and dialed quickly.

It was Claire Sinclair’s private number.

However, all she heard on the other end was a busy tone.

Could something have happened to Claire Sinclair too?

Such a beautiful girl, as reported, filming the protagonist’s assassination explosion scene. If Claire were injured or disfigured, such misfortune would be lamentable!

Cecilia’s heart suddenly quickened with worry, and she switched to dialing Director Chapman’s private number.

——Beep beep beep.

The same busy tone came from the other end.

Cecilia was now extremely anxious, biting her lip, a determined glint flashing in her eyes. Thankfully, the news had revealed the specific location of the accident, and she planned to go there immediately.

Bella saw her determination and could only helplessly run to a small store to buy her two pieces of French lacquer bread.

“Use this to fill your stomach.”

Cecilia nodded quickly, preparing to book a ride when her phone suddenly rang.

“Adrian, did you see the crew news just now at noon? I’m heading over there now… If Wyatt and the others are available, could you arrange for a few people?”

Adrian Law’s magnetic voice came through on the other end.

“Cecilia, don’t act impulsively,”

“The scene is already sealed off, you can’t get in, and Zion coincidentally has no surgery today; since there are casualties on site, as a doctor and movie investor, he’s already there first. You should focus on your exam and don’t create more chaos.”

Learning that Zion Prescott was there, Cecilia was momentarily stunned, inexplicably feeling a sense of trust.

After some hesitation, she finally nodded.

“Then… let me know if there’s any new development.”

“Alright.”

But… why is Doctor Prescott so proactive?

Adrian’s reasoning, for some reason, left Cecilia feeling a bit uneasy.