Tang Haiqiu nodded and asked, “Can you tell me why you chose to perform in such a manner? I must tell you that the person who auditioned before you was Gu Zhinan, who won the Starlight Award two years ago. She’s almost on par with several Best Actress winners.”
He gestured for the assistant director to play Gu Zhinan’s audition footage.
Gu Zhinan, at twenty-seven, was significantly older than the character Sui Yan.
Yet, she managed to convincingly portray a young girl’s demeanor.
In the video, she clung to the feet of the Celestial Ruler, begging him not to treat her so harshly, her tears heart-wrenchingly genuine, moving anyone who heard them to tears.
“Although Sui Yan is just an ordinary mortal, she possesses an unyielding spirit,” Si Fuqing began slowly. “Yes, having one’s soul extracted and body seized is excruciatingly painful, but no matter the pain, she would never beg for mercy. Rather than begging, she remembered that she had already resolved to return to the Celestial Palace to seek revenge.”
“Her journey back cost her much. She witnessed ordinary people displaced and starving, while the celestial realm flourished in peace and happiness. Thus, killing the Celestial Ruler and Queen became more than just her personal vendetta. They were too insignificant to disturb her resolve.”
“Well done,” Tang Haiqiu finally smiled. “Your performance was excellent. Regardless of what other investors might offer, the role of Sui Yan is yours.”
This statement surprised the other judges.
Normally, even if an audition went well, the director would simply tell the auditionee to wait for news.
It was extraordinary for Tang Haiqiu to make such a declaration.
Si Fuqing bowed slightly in gratitude, “Thank you, Director Tang.”
After she left, the room fell silent.
The assistant director, a bit taken aback, asked, “Director, what about the remaining auditionees…?”
“Let them audition as planned, but we no longer need to test for the female lead,” Tang Haiqiu waved his hand, indicating for the others to leave, except for Mo Yishan.
He turned to his old friend, a famous actor, and asked, “How did you feel acting opposite her just now?”
“I felt breathless,” Mo Yishan recalled with a residual sense of dread. “At that moment, I truly felt she was about to kill me. Even though she only used gestures, I could feel pain in my chest and abdomen.”
“Yes, her performance was so immersive, even without props, she drew everyone into the scene she created,” Tang Haiqiu exhaled slowly. “A naturally gifted actress. Did you notice the layers in her emotions?”
While sadness is a common emotion, new actors usually only manage to convey superficial sorrow.