Chapter Twenty-Two: The Decision

Liu Shangshang hurriedly repeated the reasons she had just heard from Li Chuxi. Of course, she did not attribute them to Li Chuxi, claiming instead that they were her own ideas.

After listening to Liu Shangshang, Yao Ling looked entirely unconvinced. "You are about to audition. Changing roles now is not a good choice."

"Why not?" Liu Shangshang whispered, so only Yao Ling could hear. "Sister Ling, we should choose a more obscure villain; that way, there won't be as many actresses fighting for it!"

"Besides, with your senior's help, getting the role won't be difficult."

Yao Ling remained unpersuaded. "You’ve already done so much homework for the maid role. Changing parts now is like jumping into the dark." Even with a senior's help, there were limits to how much they could manipulate things.

"Don't worry, Sister Ling, just trust me!" Liu Shangshang continued in a low voice. "I’ve already set my sights on a role—the courtesan."

"The courtesan?" Yao Ling’s brow furrowed even deeper. "That character is a purely vicious villain with very little screen time. How is that better than being the heroine’s maid?" She wanted to know what on earth Liu Shangshang had been thinking about in the short half-hour she had been away to come to such a decision.

"Sister Ling, I know this is sudden." Liu Shangshang looked at Yao Ling with determination. "But trust my judgment; the role of the courtesan is more suitable for me right now."

"I have always played sweet, innocent, and kind characters. Playing a vicious role this time will be refreshing. Didn't you say this is the best time for my career to develop? If I can take this opportunity to broaden my range, it will be better for my future, right? Plus, I have a way to make this courtesan role stand out. I can definitely make a lasting impression."

For a moment, Yao Ling was almost persuaded. Yet, she still felt it was too risky and remained deeply hesitant.

Liu Shangshang noticed Yao Ling’s hesitation and immediately added more fuel to the fire. "Sister Ling, just trust me this once! If this gamble pays off, I’ll become a star."

"Fine." Yao Ling gritted her teeth. She looked at Liu Shangshang with a solemn expression. "Liu Shangshang, since you’ve decided, I’ll let you do it. But you must know the consequences. If you fail to get the role or if your performance is a disaster, it will be a major blow to your future. The company won't go easy on you either."

"Don't worry, Sister Ling." A look of confidence and hidden ambition crossed Liu Shangshang’s face. "I will get the part, and I will use this role to climb to the top."

Since she had made her decision, she refused to allow herself to lose. In fact, she had noticed the courtesan role the moment she saw the script. However, since Sister Ling had chosen the maid role—which fit her established image—she hadn't objected then.

After speaking with Li Chuxi, she changed her mind. She wanted fame; she wanted to be a big star. While playing the maid might lead to a gradual rise in status, nailing the courtesan role would bring her much more recognition.

She could not pass up this opportunity, especially now that she had a back door. Otherwise, her chances of being cast in Director Chen's production were slim to none.

"Alright, while there's still time, hurry and study the character’s psychology," Yao Ling said helplessly. "Although you have my senior's help, you still have to rely on your own ability in the end."

She didn't know if this decision was right or wrong, but watching Liu Shangshang’s confident demeanor, she couldn't help but waver. Let Liu Shangshang take this gamble. If things went smoothly, it would indeed be a significant step forward. However, for some reason, after agreeing, she felt a sense of unease, as if something was about to spiral out of control.

Elsewhere, the system Zero-Zero-Yao reported the entire conversation between Yao Ling and Liu Shangshang to Li Chuxi. As a system, it could monitor everything as long as there was a network or a digital carrier nearby. Of course, it would never do so unless requested by its host, as it was a well-mannered system.

After finishing its report, Zero-Zero-Yao continued to urge her earnestly, "Host, look, since Liu Shangshang has already set her heart on that role, let's be magnanimous and not compete with her."

"The role of the third female lead we picked earlier is great; let's just audition for that one. Host, don't you think that’s a good arrangement?"

"No," Li Chuxi replied coldly. "So what if Liu Shangshang has her eye on that role? Do you really think I’m inferior to her?"

Her voice was laced with danger. Even a system without biological sensations couldn't help but shiver at the coldness in her tone.

Zero-Zero-Yao quickly prioritized its survival. "No, Host, how could Liu Shangshang ever compare to you! You are the best. It's just—" It changed its tone. "I just think the third female lead role is more suitable for you."

"Zero-Zero-Yao, don't try to persuade me again." Li Chuxi cut it off. "You know very well that once I’ve made a decision, I never change it."

A static "bzzzt" sound followed. Zero-Zero-Yao seemed to want to say more but ultimately fell silent.

"Liu Shangshang, is Liu Shangshang here?"

"I'm here!"

Liu Shangshang stood up quickly and headed toward the audition room. Watching her depart, Yao Ling still felt uneasy. She took out her phone and sent another message to her senior. Even though she had already spoken to him once after Liu Shangshang’s change of heart, she still couldn't shake her anxiety.

Unlike Yao Ling’s worry, Liu Shangshang was brimming with confidence. She walked into the room and bowed to the judges sitting behind the table. "Hello everyone, I am Liu Shangshang."

Director Chen Chan glanced at her, his expression unchanging. "Which role are you auditioning for?"

"Honorable judges, I am auditioning for the role of the courtesan, Yang Yingying."