Chapter
The stage manager barely glanced at the squabble between the young girls, handing Merry a numbered ticket and instructing her to wait outside until her number was called
The first girl to audition emerged quickly, not even gracing the piano with her touch. After all, they were all daughters of high society. With a nonchalant grace, she announced, âThe assistant director I wasnât the right fit, so ne need to test me out. But guess what? I saw Bland!â
At the mention of the name, everyone gasped with envy. âWow, the tea, girl!â
The girl couldnât suppress her smile as she shared, âBland looks even more dashing in person! Tall and slender, with such a refined, chiseled face, though I have no clue why heâs sporting a bruise on his forehead.â
âOh no, what happened to him? He didnât get into a fight, did he?â
Who would dare hit Bland? Are they tired of living?â
Merry, the culprit, felt a twinge of guilt and coughed awkwardly, her eyes darting nervously towards Cordelia, âMy idol wonât recognize me now, will he?â
Cordelia, eyeing her makeupâfree face, assured her confidently, âNo chance!â
Merry exhaled in relief.
Cordelia then turned back to Merry, offering, âNeed my help?â
In the world of acting, it wasnât uncommon to pull strings. Since Bland knew her, a word from her might just do the trick, right?
Just as this thought crossed her mind, Merry shook her head, âThis role is significant. Itâs Blandâs first love. It should go to someone truly talented.â
For Merry, it was about the experience. Auditioning was just an excuse to see her idol once more.
Cordelia, ever the emotionally detached one, didnât press further.
As one audition followed another, it was finally Julianaâs turn. Piano music could be heard from outside. When Juliana came out, there was a hint of pride in her demeanor
Hayley couldnât resist asking, âNailed it, huh?â
Juliana lifted her chin with a smirk, âThe assistant director told me to wait for the news outside, but he did say that so far, Iâm the best.â
Hayley nodded in agreement.
Soon, only Leila and Merry remained.
Leila, ahead of Merry, was called in for her audition.
Inside the room, the assistant director and Bland, along with two other staff members, were seated. Exuding casual allure, Bland lounged in his chair with his shirt collar undone, revealing his seductive collarbone.
However, his forehead was marred by a bruise, and his eyes betrayed his impatience, âWhatâs with these people? No acting chops at all!â
The assistant director sighed, âOf all the candidates, the last girl had the best camera presence, but somethingâs lacking in her figure.â
The role of the pianist was meant for someone more delicate, and Julianaâs face was a tad too full for the character. But as she was one of the last candidates, they might have had to settle for her, which is why they told her to wait outside.
Just then, the door opened, and a graceful figure wandered in.
Leila and Merry, twin sisters, were identical in both appearance and stature.
At the sight of Leila, the assistant director lit up his eyes.
Having cast many actors, he could instantly tell whether a face was for the screen or not. Excited, he asked, âCan you play the piano?â
Leila nodded obediently. âYes.â
Many students played the piano, and this role didnât require exceptional skill. After all, the soundtrack would be professionally recorded. She just needed to look the part.
Leila sat at the piano and played a piece.
The assistant director was still not entirely convinced. The look was right, but the aura didnât completely match the character. Nevertheless, she was the best th
had seen that day. Resigned, he nodded, âAlright, youâll do.â
Leila was taken aback by his immediate decision, her eyes widening with joy. But before she could speak, a lazy and charming voice filled the room, âWhy the rush to decide? Isnât there one more?â
The speaker was Bland, who glanced at Leila before shifting his languid gaze, a hint of authority in his tone, âAt the very least, the auditions deserve proper respect, donât they?â
Remembering that auditionees today were all heiresses from prestigious families of Greenmeadow International School, the assistant director turned to Leila and said, âStep outside for now. We need to go through the motions with one last audition, but barring any surprises, the role is yours.â
Leila nodded, confident in her victory.
The role of the Blandâs first love suited her perfectly! And Merry? She never considered her a threat. Merry had always been the defiant one, with an aura far too robust for the delicate character.
As the door opened for a staff member to enter, the assistant directorâs words drifted outside.
Those waiting for news outside lost hope but stayed, clinging to the slim chance of glimpsing Bland again.
Leila stepped out to find Juliana glaring at her, her face a storm of discontent.
Leila flickered her eyes as she spoke, âJuliana, the assistant director mentioned the role needed someone more subdued. Youâre too radiant, which makes my less striking look the better fit.â
Leila admitted on the spot that she couldnât match her, providing Juliana the acknowledgment she deserved as she nonchalantly remarked, âHonestly, it doesnât matter much to me whether I get the role or not.â
Leila smiled, then approached Merry and said, âBland just complimented me, said I fit the role perfectly.â
Merry clenched her fists, feeling as if her heart was being squeezed, a dull ache spreading within.
Her idol, her light, had praised Leila?
Leila knew her too well and where to strike. She smiled, âI know youâre a big fan of Bland. Want me to get his autograph for you while weâre filming?â
Merry, usually quickâwitted, was speechless when it came to her idol, afraid to tarnish his reputation. Just then, a detached voice interjected, âNo need, sheâll get it herselfâ
Leila was startled, meeting Cordeliaâs penetrating dark gaze. She nodded and said, âThatâs true. Since you look the part, Merry, just learn to mimic me a bit. After all, this role should be gentle, and youâre just too assertive.â
Merry turned deathly pale. To land the role, sheâd have to imitate the very person sheâd loathed childhood. How could she bear it?
Leila was too cunning, her barbs hitting their mark with lethal precision.
The stage manager was getting impatient, âAre we auditioning or what? Letâs get a move on!â
Leila chuckled, âAsh, sweetheart, if you donât wanna do an impression of me, why not just throw in the towel?â
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Chapter 73
Surrender⦠The thought actually crossed Merryâs mind. She couldnât bear the thought of letting her idol down, but at the same time, she couldnât bring herself to mimic Leilaâs nauseating mannerisms.
As she wavered, her arm was suddenly gripped by Cordelia, and she heard Cordelia speak in an indifferent tone, âDonât copy her.â
Her words were unhurried, yet there was a resolve in her voice, âImitate me.â