Two minutes later, Director Li finally nodded. "Cut, let’s stop here for now."
Mu Ziwei rose to her feet and gave a slight bow towards the audition panel to take her leave.
Director Li pinched the script and pondered for a moment, then flipped his right hand over the original page and tapped on the table.
"Try the segment where Lu Xiangtong, after the Crown Prince is scolded by the Emperor, meets with the Empress to inquire about the situation."
It was the second segment now—this was an addition to the performance.
Obviously, her screen test had caught the other party’s eye; the role was practically within her grasp.
Mu Ziwei’s eyes sparkled, her confidence much stronger than before.
Director Li turned to his side. "Xiao Tang, you’re also an actress. Partner with her for a bit as the Empress."
Tang Shu was startled upon hearing this, then nodded her head and stood up to face Mu Ziwei.
The other four judges on the panel all showed curious expressions, looking at Tang Shu with interest.
Though the group within the drama team had only interacted once, during the meeting Tang Shu’s understanding of etiquette and props impressed everyone, and now no one underestimated her.
And now this junior was about to act opposite someone else; naturally, they were curious.
How good were the young girl’s acting skills? The person she was about to act with was a top-tier actress, and the recent buzz about Mu Ziwei’s return from abroad was making waves—such a role was not easy to Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform.
Dare to act with her?
Well, that depended on the person. She was well aware of Tang Shu’s acting abilities, having worked together on an idol drama before.
With this thought, she bowed respectfully as if facing the Empress, and Lu Xiangtong’s lines flowed from her mouth without hesitation.
"Your Majesty, your son bows before you, wishing you good health."
Tang Shu, standing opposite her, slowly extended her right hand with a gentle sweep.
"Rise, I know why you’ve come."
Mu Ziwei promptly stood up, raised her head to look towards the other side, and suddenly realized that somehow Tang Shu emitted an aura of dominance. Despite the mere steps between them, it gave her the sensation of an overwhelming sense of superiority.
And miraculously, Tang Shu, even clad in distinctly modern professional attire, the subtle lift of her hands held in front of her chest and the gaze she presented, all made her feel the clear distinction in their status.
Like a towering mountain, pressing down upon her, any resistance seemed futile against it.
It was the inequity of status under different strata.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is currently confined to the Eastern Palace..."
As the two exchanged lines back and forth, the participants might not have felt it, but the five people on the audition panel saw everything clearly.
What’s going on? Lu Xiangtong had seemed very cultured before, so why did it feel like she’s changed now?
In comparison, Tang Shu’s every move was more soothing, grand in manner, embodying the natural essence of a nation’s mother.
The judges exchanged glances with one another, each perceiving the astonishment in the others’ eyes.
According to Director Li’s signal to pause, the interaction between the two actors came to a full conclusion.
As for the recent audition, Director Li didn’t say much; his expression was neither sad nor happy, making it unclear what his final decision was.
"That’s it for today’s screen test. You can go and wait for the notification."
"Understood, Director Li."
Mu Ziwei looked up again at Tang Shu, only to see she had reverted to her previous indifferent manner, which instantly filled her with a sense of frustration.
As she left the room and the final screentest candidate followed, Tang Shu returned to her original seat and wrote down several lines on the script.