When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 162: The Meeting to Resume the Shoot

Chapter 162: The Meeting to Resume the Shoot

The sun streamed through the large windows of Zinnia’s office as the production crew gathered around the table. The mood was tense yet determined. They had lost precious time due to the recent false alarm bomb threat, but everyone agreed it was time to move forward.

Zinnia stood at the head of the table, her notepad in hand. She glanced at each person before speaking. "Thank you all for coming. We need to finalize the plans to resume shooting tomorrow. I want everything sorted today so there are no more delays."

Marcos, the director, adjusted his glasses and leaned forward. "The port is still our best location for the next scenes. The lighting there during the mornings is perfect, and it matches the aesthetic we’ve been working on. But we need to double-check security this time."

Katherine Lee, the casting director, nodded. "Agreed. The actors were shaken last time. We can’t afford another incident like that. It’s important they feel safe and confident on set."

Michael Zhen, the stunt coordinator, tapped his pen against his notebook. "I’ll talk to the crew again about the action sequences. We’re running tight on time, but safety comes first. I’ll also make sure all equipment is double-checked."

Sophie Tran, the producer, added, "I’ve already reached out to a private security firm. They’ll send a team to monitor the location. We’ll have them coordinate with the local authorities to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Zinnia jotted down notes, her brow furrowed in concentration. "That’s good to hear. Sophie, can you confirm the team will be at the port by tonight for a final walkthrough?"

"Consider it done," Sophie replied, her tone firm.

Zinnia turned to Marcos. "What about the actors? Have they been informed about the revised schedule?"

Marcos shook his head. "Not yet. I wanted to finalize everything here before reaching out."

"Let’s call them now," Zinnia said. She gestured to Marcos, who passed her a list of contact numbers.

The first call went to Ryan Kim, who played Daniel, the seasoned agent.

"Ryan," Marcos said, leaning back in his chair. "We’re resuming the shoot tomorrow at the port near Lily Oceanic Industries. Are you ready?"

Ryan’s voice was steady. "I’ve been waiting for this. I’ll be there, prepared as always. What time do you need me?"

"Eight a.m. sharp. Bring your A-game."

"Always," Ryan replied before hanging up.

Next, Katherine called Trish Watson, who answered almost immediately.

"Hi, Katherine!" Trish’s voice was bright, almost eager.

"Trish, we’re back on for tomorrow. 8 a.m. at the port," Katherine informed her.

"Finally," Trish said, her excitement clear. "I’ve been itching to get back to work. I’ve been practicing my lines and that climbing sequence. I want to make it perfect."

"Your dedication shows," Katherine said, smiling. "Keep it up."

After the call, Katherine turned to Zinnia. "Trish is ready. She’s really motivated."

"That’s good to hear," Zinnia said.

Marcos chimed in. "We’ll need that energy tomorrow."

Zinnia crossed her arms, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Let’s make this count. We’ve overcome setbacks before. This is just another challenge."

Sophie nodded, her voice steady. "We’ll inform the rest of the crew. Everyone needs to be sharp tomorrow."

Marcos looked at the team, his expression resolute. "We’ll make it work. Let’s wrap this up and focus on tomorrow."

By the time the calls were finished, the team had agreed on all details.

"Let’s review one last time," Zinnia said. "The main cast is confirmed. Security is arranged. The port is ready. Does anyone see any gaps?"

Michael raised a hand. "I’d like an extra hour tomorrow morning to run through the stunt rehearsals before we start filming. It’ll give everyone more confidence."

"Approved," Zinnia said without hesitation.

Katherine added, "I’ll personally check in with the actors when they arrive to make sure they’re in the right mindset. Especially Julian—he has some intense scenes tomorrow as Victor."

"Good idea," Marcos said. "And Sophie, let’s double-check that all equipment is delivered to the site by tonight."

"It’s already arranged," Sophie replied.

Zinnia stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Thank you, everyone. Let’s make tomorrow a success."

---

At her home, Trish sat with her script, her focus unwavering. She’d grown to admire Zinnia’s leadership, her professionalism leaving a lasting impression.

"She’s the real deal," Trish muttered to herself, flipping through her lines.

Ryan Kim, on the other hand, sat in his dimly lit study, reviewing his character notes. His gaze lingered on a line of dialogue.

"Daniel needs to bring more grit to this scene," he murmured. "Tomorrow, no holding back."

Tom Ellis, who played Captain Harding, spent the evening ironing his uniform costume. The authoritative yet calm demeanor of his character reflected in his every move.

"Attention to detail," Tom whispered to himself. "That’s what makes or breaks a performance."

Leo Taylor, who played Ethan, the young hacker, sat in his room surrounded by computer screens. He practiced typing sequences, mimicking a hacker’s swift and precise movements.

"Timing is everything," he said under his breath.

Julian Perez, cast as Victor, the charming but menacing antagonist, paced in his living room. He rehearsed his lines, his tone switching from suave to sinister.

"They won’t see it coming," he said with a smirk, perfecting his delivery.

By the evening, all the actors had confirmed their availability. Their minds were set on delivering their best performances.

Meanwhile, Zinnia stepped out of the building, tugging her coat tighter against the cool night air. She froze when she saw Samuel leaning casually against her car.

"Samuel?" she asked, surprised.

He turned to her, his expression calm but his eyes sharp with concern. "It’s late, Zinnia. I thought we could drive home together."

She frowned slightly. "What are you doing here? You didn’t have to come."

Samuel pushed off the car and walked toward her. "When you texted that you’d be late, I was already home. I even cooked dinner. But when the clock struck nine and you were still here, I decided to come and get you."

Zinnia smiled. "You didn’t have to worry, you know. I’m fine."

"I know," he said, opening the passenger door for her. "But it’s better this way."

She slid into the seat, feeling a warmth she hadn’t expected. Samuel walked around to the driver’s side and got in, his movements steady and deliberate.

"Let’s go home, Sam," she said softly.

He started the car, the engine humming to life.

The drive was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. Zinnia leaned her head against the window, watching the city lights blur as they passed.

Samuel glanced at her briefly. "You work too much."

She smirked. "Says the man who’s constantly glued to his laptop."

He chuckled lightly. "Fair."

The silence returned, but it felt less heavy now.

As they approached their house, Samuel spoke again. "Dinner’s probably cold by now."

Zinnia turned to him, her smile soft. "It’s the thought that counts."