Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Shining at the Audition
“Let go of me,” I’ve told you so many times, I simply don’t love you.”
“But I love you, for you, I’m willing to do anything, just say the word, and I’m all in!”
“Click, click, click!”
Director Li Jiahua tossed the script on the table in exasperation. “Stop acting, what the hell is this? I asked you to act like a little puppy, not a mongrel. Do any of your movements carry the grace of a wealthy young master? Get lost, get lost!”
Director Li Jiahua was famously strict; he never spared actors’ feelings while training. The newcomer actors, never having seen such a scene, were so scared that they scrambled to their feet and ran away.
The producer picked up the script, “Director Li, don’t be angry, let’s take a look at the next one.”
“We’ve been watching all morning, and every single one of them is either too greasy or too exaggerated. Not one fits the character profile or has on-point acting skills! What kind of people are you finding?”
With television ratings declining day by day, Li Jiahua had been particularly hot-tempered lately. Now unable to find a suitable candidate for the new role, he was completely infuriated.
“How many are left for the audition?”
The assistant, chewed out thoroughly, looked at the list of actors’ information in hand, “Just the last one left.”
Well, there’s probably no hope then.
Li Jiahua lay back in his seat, completely devoid of any expectation.
“Hello, everyone, I’m auditionee number 12.”
A pure, clear voice floated down from the stage, like the babbling of a spring stream, its very sound bringing tranquility to the listener’s heart.
Li Jiahua looked up, curious.
On the stage stood a youth in a loose striped shirt and casual jeans, with features so delicate he seemed to have stepped right out of a comic book, the corners of his mouth gently curved in a captivating smile, easily grabbing everyone’s attention.
If Li Jiahua didn’t know better, he would have suspected a trending celebrity had walked in.
That face, that demeanor, he didn’t seem like an unknown at all. Was he really here to audition for the supporting role of Gu Chen?
Before he knew it, Li Jiahua’s expression had softened considerably. The producers and screenwriters seated nearby began to exchange whispers and nods.
“This boy is quite impressive~”
“His temperament really matches that of the ‘little puppy’ character!”
“His looks are even better than our male lead…”
“You’re here to audition for Gu Chen?”
Li Jiahua asked him, and Ye Xian nodded, “Yes.”
Indeed, while he looked outstanding, Li Jiahua was a director who valued acting skills. He wouldn’t easily show approval before seeing his performance.
“Then begin your performance. I’ll give you a scenario: Ning Xiner is waiting for a car to take her home under the company building when Gu Chen appears and confesses to her. Center your act around this, and feel free to improvise.”
“Female actor, take your position!”
Li Jiahua yelled ‘action’, and the woman temporarily playing Ning Xiner stood onstage with a bag, looking around as if waiting for a car.
As the spotlight slowly moved back, Li Jiahua saw Ye Xian approach Ning Xiner silently from behind.
What is this kid up to?
Ye Xian patted Ning Xiner on the left shoulder. Instinctively, Ning Xiner turned to look left, seeing nothing.
As she turned back around, she found Ye Xian already standing in front of her with a pleasant smile.
“What are you doing?” Ning Xiner said, somewhat annoyed, “It’s so boring…”
Before she could finish, Ye Xian produced a rose from behind and presented it to her, “Sis, do you like it?”
With that endearing address of ‘Sis’ and the sudden appearance of a beautiful rose, Ning Xiner’s cheeks flushed unexpectedly, blooming with the delicate beauty of a rose.