Translator: _Min
Gu Zhinanâs agent noticed Tang Haiqiuâs frown and paused, offering a reassuring smile, âDirector Tang, if you have any other requirements, please let us know. Zhinan can endure any hardship.â
âWeâll inform you if thereâs anything,â Tang Haiqiu responded formally, not yielding, âNot bad, go back and wait for the news.â
With that, the agent and Gu Zhinan left together.
Gu Zhinan, noticing Tang Haiqiuâs furrowed brow, asked, âWas my performance not up to par?â
âHow could it not be?â her agent reassured her with a smile, âYour portrayal of Sui Yanâs soul being extracted moved me to tears. Youâre an award-winning actress, why doubt yourself?â
âBut Director Tang didnât seem satisfied,â Gu Zhinan sighed, âItâs my first time tackling such a character, and I feel like I canât fully grasp it.â
âDonât worry, among those auditioning for the lead, none are better than you,â her agent assured, âPlus, you agreed to lower your fee for this drama. Youâre the only choice; Director Tang has to pick you.â
Somewhat reassured, Gu Zhinan and her agent left the audition venue, brushing past Si Fuqing.
Si Fuqing, with her natural beauty and flawless skin, caught Gu Zhinanâs attention.
âWhoâs that? Sheâs beautiful,â Gu Zhinan couldnât help but look back.
âProbably a newcomer,â her agent replied indifferently, âLikely auditioning for the second female role. Letâs go.â
At the audition venue, MO Yishan, playing the role of the Celestial Ruler, chuckled, âDirector Tang, are you not satisfied?â
âMhmm,â Tang Haiqiu shook his head, âShe didnât capture the Sui Yan I envisioned. Sui Yan isnât this weak; itâs lacking.â
Yet, he acknowledged that among todayâs auditionees, Gu Zhinan was indeed the best in terms of acting.
âIndeed, itâs lacking,â MO Yishan sighed, âOld Tang, your character design is too complex. Not many can portray it well.â
He and Tang Haiqiu were longtime friends, and he was participating in the film as a gesture of friendship.
Tang Haiqiu snorted, âWho says no one can portray it? The Great Demon King definitely can.â
MO Yishan, taken aback, remarked, âLetâs not talk about her retirement; the auestion is. are vou worthv of her?â
Tang Haiqiu was speechless at first.
Annoyed, Tang Haiqiu snapped, âShut up!â At that moment, the door was knocked.
âCome in,â Tang Haiqiu called out.
The door opened, and a girl walked in.
As she raised her head, her visage illuminated the dreary audition room.
Even MO Yishan, accustomed to the entertainment industryâs beauties, found himself momentarily breathless.
Tang Haiqiu coughed to regain his attention.
âSorry,â MO Yishan apologized quickly.
âYouâre the one recommended by Old Qin.â Tang Haiqiuâs tone softened as he recognized Si Fuqing, âHereâs the script for the second female role. Try this part.â
âSorry, Director Tang,â Si Fuqing, composed and smiling, corrected, âIâm here to audition for the lead role.â
This statement took everyone, including Tang Haiqiu, by surprise.
A popular idol, with no acting credits except for two variety shows, auditioning for the lead role?
âOpportunity always favors the prepared,â Si Fuqing smiled, âYou havenât decided on someone yet. Why not give me a try?â
âAlright,â Tang Haiqiu instructed his assistant director, âGive her these lines.
Let her try.â
The assistant director handed over the script.
Si Fuqing quickly skimmed through it and handed it back.
The assistant director was stunned.
The lines were long, and although they had prepared cue cards, could she memorize them after just one glance?
The first segment was a climax.
Sui Yanâs soul was extracted by the Celestial Ruler, yet she retained some consciousness.
She could only hear his voice, calm and compassionate, âSuisui, youâre a naturally born celestial being, extremely precious, but you refuse to become celestial. Such a waste to use this body.â
âYes, I killed your family, and I brought you to the Ninth Heaven only to find a suitable body for Hanyu. Itâs time you repaid your debt.â
She remained silent, just looking at him.
Her expression was cold and detached, not a single tear shed, no heart-wrenching sobs.
A calmness deep as still waters, so serene it was terrifying.
The assistant director instinctively spoke, âIsnât she too calm? When Gu Zhinan actedâ¦â
Tang Haiqiuâs voice was stern, âSilence.â
The assistant director immediately fell quiet.
As Sui Yanâs fragmented soul fell into the demon abyss, demons attempted to devour her. She walked step by step, her voice hoarse, âI refuse.â
Fire seemed to ignite in her dark eyes, almost capable of burning the heavens and earth..