Translator: _Min
The other actors were momentarily taken aback, then, almost instinctively, they joined the assistant director in applause, though still somewhat bewildered.
Meng Xueâs smile had barely had time to fade before it froze on her face, utterly unable to comprehend the turn of events.
She watched as MO Yishan greeted Si Fuqing with warmth, even going so far as to take her luggage with a respectful demeanor.
MO Yishan was a special guest star; otherwise, as an award-winning actor, he certainly wouldnât normally partake in a television series.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Before she joined the cast, Brother Zhou had repeatedly emphasized how beneficial befriending MO Yishan would be.
There was a clear divide between the movie and television industries, with TV actors often striving to break into film.
After all, breaking into the international scene typically required film roles.
Yet now, MO Yishan was actively welcoming Si Fuqing!
Meng Xue, of course, heard the assistant directorâs comment and felt numb all over.
Si Fuqing was the female lead of âCrossing the Demon Realmâ?
So, the time she and Feng Peizhi encountered Si Fuqing at the audition site, Si Fuqing was actually auditioning for a major role and even secured the lead?
But how could this be?!
Gu Zhinan was an award- winning actress; how could she lose the lead role to Si Fuqing?
Meng Xueâs mind buzzed, halting all thoughts.
Over two years ago, when the Starry Star Girls debuted abroad with her as the leader, the other four members merely served as her backdrop.
She never considered Si Fuqing a rival, even when Si Fuqing removed her makeup in front of the whole internet to reveal her true face, Meng Xue saw her as nothing more than a pretty face.
Meng Xue could console herself that Si Fuqingâs endorsement by RM was due to luck and a heroic act that caught RMâs attention.
She had used every connection and effort to secure a role in a drama directed by Tang Haiqiu, but Si Fuqing was the female lead in a drama that focused on the female lead.
Faced with such a stark disparity, Meng Xue could no longer console herself.
Lin Wansu was in no better state.
The last time she encountered Si Fuqing in Sijiu Cityâs film base, when the director had Si Fuqing demonstrate acting for her, Lin Wansu didnât take it seriously.
After all, it was just a small laughable scene.
But âCrossing the Demon Realmâ was different.
The female leadâs journey from a mortal to the celestial realm, then being torn and tormented in the demon realm, and her trials back in the mortal world before returning to the celestial realm, represented a tremendous growth.
Growth narratives are notoriously difficult to execute, even veteran actors canâ t guarantee success.
Si Fuqing, only 18 and new to acting, how could she land such a significant lead role?!
Lin Wansuâs eyes reddened.
Had there not been so many people around, she might have already rushed forward with questions.
But she wasnât the only one harboring such thoughts.
Many in the industry still viewed Si Fuqing merely for her beauty, often overlooking her other qualities.
Aside from Meng Xue and Lin Wansu, everyone else was applauding.
âTeacher Si, weâve finally awaited your arrival,â MO Yishan said with a smile.
âWe have many scenes together, please go easy on me.â
Si Fuqing raised an eyebrow, âYou werenât so merciful at the start, Teacher
MO Yishan, recalling the script, felt silent.
He regretted agreeing to play the role of the Celestial Ruler, a character he now realized was deeply flawed as a playboy.
To the point where now the moment he looked at her, his had a fear of being metaphorically skewered by Si Fuqingâs sword.
Sang Yanqing also shook hands with MO Yishan, âTeacher MO, youâre too modest. Our Qingqing is still a newcomer and will benefit much from your guidance.â
MO Yishan, caught off guard, hastily responded, âNot at all, itâs I who should seek advice from Teacher Si.â Sang Yanqing gave Si Fuqing a meaningful look, clearly askingWhat have you done?
âI had a friendly exchange with Teacher MO during the auditions,â Si Fuqing replied calmly. âI learned a lot from him.â
Hearing this, MO Yishan broke into a cold sweat.
Tang Haiqiu, in order to save his old friendâs face, hadnât released the footage of their confrontation scene, which was tense even for just a few seconds.
MO Yishan had to admit, some people were simply born to act.
âYou want to learn from Teacher MO,â Sang Yanqing remarked, oblivious to the tension. âIn terms of role importance, the Celestial Ruler is indeed a leading male character.â
But Tang Haiqiuâs dramas never focused on romance.
He valued the themes of national integrity and the growth of the underdog more.
MO Yishan didnât speak.
Is she mocking him?
âAlright, everyone, letâs get ready,â the assistant director clapped, signaling the beginning of the ritual. âWeâre about to start the ceremony and pay our respects to the gods..â