Chapter Twenty-One: Doubt

The audition process began swiftly. People drifted in and out of the room; some sessions lasted a long time, while others were brief. Those who emerged displayed a mix of joy and sorrow, though many seasoned actresses maintained an inscrutable composure, revealing nothing of their inner thoughts.

Li Chuxi watched the constant stream of people with a blank expression. Her gaze was unfocused, as if she were lost in a daydream, her attention entirely elsewhere.

When Yao Ling and Liu Shangshang returned to the waiting room, this was the sight that greeted them.

"It seems this Li Chuxi is just here to go through the motions," Yao Ling remarked, her face twisted in a sneer. "Look at her—does she even look like she’s here for an audition? I’m convinced she only showed up because she knew you were coming. She’s never been particularly friendly toward you."

"How can you say that?" Liu Shangshang shook her head, offering a gentle, persuasive smile. "Sister Ling, you’re overthinking it. Chuxi isn’t that kind of person. Perhaps she just wants to gain some experience here."

"Hmph, if only she had that much foresight." Yao Ling curled her lip in disdain, then took Liu Shangshang’s hand. "Don't concern yourself so much with her. You should focus on your own prospects! The company plans to cultivate you as a priority; don’t let Li Chuxi drag you down."

"Your group will be disbanding soon enough. When that happens, stop associating so closely with her, lest it tarnish your reputation."

A flicker of secret delight passed through Liu Shangshang's eyes, though she feigned reluctance. Finally, under Yao Ling’s steady gaze, she nodded.

Satisfied with Liu Shangshang’s compliance, Yao Ling checked her phone, then said, "Shangshang, you’ll be fine here alone, right? I have some business to attend to and need to step away for a moment."

"It’s fine, Sister Ling," Liu Shangshang replied understandingly. "I’m not a child anymore. Go ahead, don’t worry about me."

"Good, I’ll be back," Yao Ling nodded. "I’ll definitely return before it’s your turn to audition." With that, she hurried away.

Once left alone, Liu Shangshang continued to wait quietly. However, after a short while, her gaze drifted involuntarily toward Li Chuxi. She was curious about which role Li Chuxi was auditioning for. Even though she was certain Li Chuxi wouldn’t be selected, the curiosity gnawed at her.

After a moment of deliberation, Liu Shangshang walked over, sat down next to Li Chuxi, and offered a smile. "Chuxi, I’m so sorry about earlier. I really wanted to stick with you, but Sister Ling—"

She looked at Li Chuxi with a gaze full of apology, watching her carefully to gauge her reaction.

If it were anyone else, they would have certainly insisted they weren't bothered, or at least offered a polite facade of indifference. Unfortunately for her, Li Chuxi was not like most people. She said nothing, simply looking at Liu Shangshang with a quiet, steady gaze.

Under that clear, piercing stare, Liu Shangshang found her words faltering. Eventually, even the smile on her face began to stiffen. Finally, she cut to the chase: "Chuxi, what role are you planning to audition for today?"

Upon hearing the question, Li Chuxi narrowed her eyes, continuing to stare at her in a way that made it impossible to guess her thoughts. Just as Liu Shangshang began to feel a chill creeping up her spine, Li Chuxi suddenly smiled.

"The courtesan."

"Huh?"

For a moment, Liu Shangshang couldn't process the answer, but realization dawned quickly, and her face filled with surprise. "Chuxi, why would you choose that role? It’s a villain."

"I know," Li Chuxi blinked, smiling brightly. "What’s wrong with playing a villain? Countless people have shot to stardom by playing them. Besides, I think if the role of the courtesan is played well, it could be a massive hit."

"And don’t you think there’s an inherent charm to the character? Amidst a sea of naive, sweet, and innocent girls, a beautiful, wicked femme fatale is far more likely to leave a lasting impression on the audience."

Liu Shangshang had clearly never heard such a theory, but after reflecting on it, she found a certain logic to it. A flicker of contemplation crossed her eyes, and a trace of ambition couldn't help but surface on her face.

"Chuxi, do you really think this courtesan role is that good?"

"Of course. That’s the role I’m auditioning for today," Li Chuxi said, arching an eyebrow with a smile. "What? Are you interested, too?"

"No," Liu Shangshang replied with a veiled smile, choosing not to answer directly. "Chuxi, I believe you’ll succeed."

"Mm," Li Chuxi replied, clearly unbothered.

Seeing that Li Chuxi had completely dismissed her and seemed to have no intention of continuing the conversation, Liu Shangshang felt deeply awkward. Eventually, she stood up and moved to another seat.

Once settled, she couldn't help but dwell on what Li Chuxi had said. She was slated to audition for the role of the maid—a role that was indeed likable. But as Li Chuxi had pointed out, such roles were often cookie-cutter; they didn't require much acting range, and it was rarely easy to stand out. Conversely, playing a villain effectively made one much more memorable.

Her resolve began to waver.

"Shangshang, what are you thinking about?"

A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Yao Ling standing before her. Startled, Liu Shangshang quickly regained her composure, stood up, and smiled at her. "Sister Ling, you're back!"

"Yes," Yao Ling said, her brow furrowing. "Shangshang, what are you doing? It’s almost your turn to audition. Why are you just sitting there daydreaming?"

"It’s nothing, Sister Ling, I was just thinking about something," Liu Shangshang shook her head. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke up, "Sister Ling, I want to change the role I'm auditioning for."

"What?"

Yao Ling’s voice rose in volume, and when she noticed the surrounding gazes gathering on them, she lowered her voice, though her expression remained stern. "Liu Shangshang, do you realize what you’re saying? The audition is about to start, and you want to change roles now?"