Chapter Twenty-Four: This Is Yang Yingying

Inside the room—

After Liu Shangshang left, the assistant director spoke up, "Director Chen, what did you think of Liu Shangshang’s performance just now?"

Chen Chan replied directly, "What do you all think?"

Ke Jingbo pondered for a moment before answering, "I can only say it was commendable. It wasn't particularly outstanding, but it wasn't bad either. It could be considered above average."

"I actually thought it was quite good," the assistant director said with a smile. "Among those who have auditioned for the role of Yang Yingying so far, Liu Shangshang has performed the best. As for the others, they all seemed too forced."

"However, I still feel like she’s missing something."

The one who spoke was the screenwriter for this production, Ling Dou’er. This was originally her novel, now adapted into a script.

Director Chen was a rigorous man by nature. Fearing that the script might be altered beyond recognition, he had insisted on hiring the original author as the screenwriter. With the author in charge of the adaptation, the core of the story would remain intact. He had also invited the screenwriter to the auditions, believing she could best identify the candidate who fit her vision.

"Actually, this is already quite good," the assistant director countered. "Before this, Liu Shangshang had always played those sweet, virtuous roles. To step into the shoes of a villain now—her performance is already quite impressive. Besides, the character of Yang Yingying isn't very popular; most established, talented actresses aren't willing to take the role."

Hearing this, Ling Dou’er sighed. "The role of Yang Yingying is indeed unlikable. Regardless of how well or poorly it's performed, it’s highly likely to draw criticism."

"Exactly!" A flicker of darkness passed through the assistant director’s eyes. He looked up at Director Chen and said, "Director, I suggest we just lock in Liu Shangshang now!"

"No rush." Chen Chan shook his head. "There might be someone even better coming up. There’s no need to hurry; we have two days of auditions, and today has only just begun."

"But I’m worried that if Liu Shangshang goes home and thinks it over, she might change her mind," the assistant director pressed. "It’s rare to find someone suitable."

"If she changes her mind, then it simply means she wasn't right for the role," Chen Chan replied, unperturbed. "If it isn't her, there will surely be someone else."

The assistant director wanted to say more, but he was interrupted by Ke Jingbo. "Assistant Director, you seem very keen on Liu Shangshang. Could it be that you have some sort of connection?"

"Best Actor Ke, please don't make baseless accusations," the assistant director said, a jolt of alarm beneath his calm exterior. "If that gets out, it will ruin the young lady's reputation. You know better than anyone how vicious the gossip in this industry can be."

He didn't need to panic; it was impossible for anyone to know he had taken gifts from Yao Ling.

"I was only joking." Ke Jingbo looked at the assistant director with a knowing glint in his eyes. "Assistant Director, there's no need to react so strongly, is there?"

The assistant director fell silent, fearing that continuing would make his bias too obvious. Regardless, he had done his part, and he felt no guilt over the bribes he had accepted. Furthermore, Liu Shangshang did possess some acting talent, and there was still a high probability she would be cast in the end.

The auditions continued. Many actresses came, but few chose the role of Yang Yingying. And among those who did, none matched the acting skill Liu Shangshang had displayed.

As the session neared its end, the assistant director let out a sigh of relief and sent a text to Yao Ling, telling her that the chances of Liu Shangshang being cast were high.

By this time, Yao Ling and Liu Shangshang had already left and returned to their company. Yao Ling took a deep breath, finally feeling her heart settle.

"Sister Ling, what’s wrong?" Liu Shangshang asked nervously. She had caught a glimpse of the message earlier and knew it was from the assistant director.

Although her ambition was what had prompted her to switch roles, she had been on pins and needles. She feared she might have made the wrong choice.

"It's nothing, Shangshang. It’s a message from my senior," Yao Ling said with a satisfied smile. "He said you have a very high chance of being selected."

"That’s wonderful!" Liu Shangshang exhaled, looking at Yao Ling with deep gratitude. "Sister Ling, if it weren't for your help, I never would have stood a chance. You truly are my talent scout!"

Though not officially cast, since the assistant director had said as much, the matter was essentially settled. Half the battle was won. Now, she just needed to figure out how to play the role to perfection.

On the other side, inside the audition room—

The assistant director had just set his phone down when he heard the woman who had just walked in say, "I am here to audition for the role of Yang Yingying."

He instinctively looked up at her, and at that first glance, he froze.

It wasn't just the assistant director; everyone else looked up as well. Even Director Chen, who had remained expressionless and inscrutable throughout the day, straightened his posture, a flicker of satisfaction passing through his eyes as he studied the newcomer.

The most excited of them all was undoubtedly Ling Dou’er. She covered her mouth and let out a soft exclamation, "Yang Yingying."

The reason for their shock was simple: the woman standing before them possessed a face so breathtakingly beautiful that she was the living embodiment of a legendary courtesan.

Her brows were like frost, her eyes shimmering with depth. Her delicate features combined to create an ethereal beauty. Her gaze held endless allure, yet it lacked any hint of worldliness; instead, it carried a spark of vibrant, spirited life.

"This is Yang Yingying," Ling Dou’er said, standing up in her excitement. "This is the true courtesan whose beauty could topple cities and bring the powerful men of the capital to their knees!"

The person who had arrived was none other than Li Chuxi.

She stood there, the corner of her mouth curled in a faint, enigmatic smile. She carried an air of icy detachment, yet it only made her more intoxicating.

When faced with Ling Dou’er’s exclamation, her expression remained unchanged, as if it were a matter of no consequence. Or perhaps, it seemed that nothing in the world could truly enter her sight or touch her heart.

Director Chen looked down at the file in his hands, then back at Li Chuxi, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable light.