Chapter 43
The next day at noon, on the way to the audition, Xia Linxia flipped through the script again. Xiang Huaimeng asked her how prepared she was, and she nodded repeatedly, "Very good, very good. I slept with the script last night. All the knowledge points have entered my mind."
"I don't believe you."
"Wait, I need to take a call." Xia Linxia gestured for her to shut up. She glanced at the caller ID and wished she could die on the spot. As soon as she answered, she couldn't help but curse, "You brat, you still remember to call your dad?"
The man on the other end chuckled. His voice was magnetic and deep. If his millions of fans heard it, they would surely explode on the spot. It was a shame that as soon as he opened his mouth, it made one want to shoot.
"You unfilial son, do you miss your dad?" the man said with a smile.
"You ran abroad and had too much fun, huh? And you still dare to call me? Aren't you afraid I'll run you over with a tractor?"
They were about to start arguing within a few sentences. Xiang Huaimeng knew it was Qiu Xingzhou's call and reminded her, "We're almost there."
"Alright, Dad is busy now. You may withdraw." she said.
"Okay, I'm just telling you, your dad is coming back." Qiu Xingzhou said in a good mood.
"What, is the food abroad not good, or is the sea not wavy enough? Why are you running back? I don't think anything will happen if you don't come back, the sun will still spin faster," she snorted.
"Pipi Xia, I'll deal with you when I get back," Qiu Xingzhou gritted his teeth.
"Goodbye... Wait!" Xia Linxia suddenly remembered something. "Did you buy the things I asked you to buy a few days ago?"
"Yes, yes, I almost got beaten up trying to buy this for you."
"You deserve to be beaten until you're bald!" Xia Linxia heard the airport announcement on his end and guessed he was already at the airport.
The car stopped. She didn't waste any more words and hung up after a few sentences. She looked in the mirror to adjust her makeup and clothes.
As soon as the car door opened, she got out arrogantly. Unexpectedly, someone got out of the car next to her, and they made eye contact.
Enemies on a narrow road.
They both looked away at the same time. Xia Linxia snorted, raised her chin higher, and straightened her back with extra flair.
Xiang Huaimeng smiled awkwardly at Xiao Yuran and her agent next to them, then turned to chase after her artist. Xia Linxia was like a butterfly, wanting to fly all over the parking lot.
It was too embarrassing.
Xiang Huaimeng grabbed her arm and whispered, "Director Chen likes actresses who are a bit quieter."
Xia Linxia stopped in her tracks, frowned, and opened her mouth, "What do you mean? You think I'm not quiet enough?"
"Don't you have any self-awareness?" Xiang Huaimeng's forehead was covered in black lines. "Behave yourself later. Just based on appearance and personality, Xiao Yuran has a much better chance than you."
Xia Linxia scoffed, "Tch, she's not as good as our Lao Ji."
"Oh, speaking of which..." While they were talking, the elevator arrived, and the two of them stepped in. Xiang Huaimeng saw that Xiao Yuran and the other person had reached the door and hadn't held it open, which was too much. So, she pressed the button to keep the elevator open.
"Thank you," Xiao Yuran said to her and thanked her. After entering, she stood on opposite sides of Xia Linxia.
Xia Linxia crossed her arms with one hand, elegantly pushed down her sunglasses, and deliberately provoked her, "What did you just say? What about our Lao Ji?"
Xiang Huaimeng muttered, "We'll talk about it later."
"No, why should we talk about it later?" Xia Linxia shook her head. "There's a lot to do later, not only will I have dinner with Lao Ji, but I'll also visit my Wudi."
Xiang Huaimeng felt that if Xia Linxia didn't get this role, she would be letting down her esteemed title of drama queen!
Xia Linxia looked at her unsupportive agent with disappointment. At this moment, she heard a short laugh. She turned her head to look at Xiao Yuran, "What are you laughing at?"
Xiao Yuran smiled gracefully, "Linxia, you don't need to be so loud about your relationship with Fengxue. The more you talk about some things, the more it seems like you're trying to cover something up. Are you deliberately emphasizing how well you and she are doing?"
Xia Linxia choked, "We are doing very well."
"That's right. If you're doing well, you don't need to say it out loud. Otherwise, I'd think you were putting on a solo performance."
With that, the elevator door opened. Xiao Yuran nodded and walked out first.
Xia Linxia's eyes widened. She suddenly took off her sunglasses and looked sharply at Xiang Huaimeng, "What does she mean? She's saying I'm putting on a solo performance?"
"It means... you're definitely going to lose to her in this audition," Xiang Huaimeng said.
Xia Linxia's eyes ignited with fierce anger, which did not subside for a long time. She clenched her fingers and typed furiously.
[Xia Xia]: Call me quickly and say you love me!
Ji Fengxue almost spat out her food onto the screen. Before she could reply, the other party sent more messages.
[Xia Xia]: Your voice must be loud!!!
[Xia Xia]: Your tone must be sweet!!!
[Xia Xia]: Why haven't you called yet? Are you asking for a beating?
[Xia Xia's Darling]:?
As soon as Ji Fengxue sent a question mark, her phone rang. As expected, it was this debt collector. As soon as she answered, the other party said, "Oh~ I told you not to call, why are you still calling? You're so clingy."
Ji Fengxue: "???"
There were quite a few people auditioning. The staff arranged a large lounge for everyone to wait in line. Xia Linxia looked around and sat down next to Xiao Yuran, speaking on the phone in a sickeningly sweet voice.
Xiao Yuran: "..."
Xia Linxia put on an extremely affected act, showering the people next to her with affection, her voice so sweet it was sickening, "Darling, what do you want to eat tonight? I think that Michelin restaurant we went to last time was pretty good, the shrimp was delicious."
Ji Fengxue's spine chilled, "If you've been kidnapped, give me a secret signal."
"What secret signal? Just say you love me directly. I'm listening."
Xiang Huaimeng took a few steps back and stood in the corner, not wanting to have anything to do with this disgusting person.
People around also glanced at Xia Linxia from time to time. Some were watching the show, some felt it was sweet, everyone had their own thoughts. Only Xiao Yuran sat up straight, seemingly undisturbed.
Xia Linxia glanced at her, annoyed, and her tone on the phone became fierce, "Why aren't you talking?"
"I love you."
Xia Linxia was stunned. A gentle and soft voice came from the earpiece, seeming to carry electricity, making her body stiffen. Then she heard the other party softly ask, "Did you hear that?"
"I-I heard it!" Xia Linxia suddenly felt her cheeks heat up. She thought Ji Fengxue wouldn't help at all and was about to hang up, but unexpectedly... she caught her off guard and almost made her lose face.
She touched her face, raised her voice, and pretended to be annoyed with a blush, "So cheesy, so clingy. Ji Fengxue, you really are something, my darling treasure."
"..." Ji Fengxue covered her chest. One moment she wanted to beat this person to death, and the next she wanted to pamper her to death. Conflicting emotions intertwined in her heart. Before she could savor her words, she heard the phone beep twice.
It was hung up.
She let out a long sigh, pointed at her phone, and cursed silently, you heartless little thing.
Every time she was about to hide these inappropriate feelings, Xia Linxia would appear, and with a gentle tease, the strings would break. She held her heart in suspense, leaving her in limbo. If this continued, she couldn't guarantee she would remain calm.
On the other side, after Xia Linxia hung up the phone, she didn't rush to show off to Xiao Yuran that this wasn't her solo performance. Instead, she lowered her head, her lips curling up uncontrollably. She didn't know if it was because she had won this meaningless comparison or because of Ji Fengxue's cooperation, but her mood suddenly became very good.
Who cares about Xiao Yuran or Xiao Maomao.
She couldn't help but raise her chin and smile at Xiao Yuran.
Xiao Yuran frowned slightly. This time, Xia Linxia's eyes no longer held the usual disdain and smugness, but a hint of emotion and regret. What was she regretting? Or was she regretting something for herself?
... Was missing Ji Fengxue something to regret?
Xiao Yuran could only think of this. In fact, she had been thinking about this recently. What kind of existence was Ji Fengxue to her?
"Huaimeng, what were you saying about Lao Ji just now? You didn't finish," Xia Linxia stopped caring about other things and went to the corner to find her agent to discuss business.
"The role of the second female lead in this drama has been decided," Xiang Huaimeng glanced at her. "It's your Lao Ji."
Her voice was not loud, but many people around were paying attention to her and Xiao Yuran's movements, and they all heard the news. Their gazes towards her became meaningful.
Xia Linxia couldn't be bothered to figure out what these people were plotting. She was just curious, "The second female lead? Why would she play the second female lead? The director really doesn't know how to choose people."
"Chen Nian said it was her own request."
Xia Linxia couldn't help but recall the script. Since she was auditioning for the female lead, she only vaguely remembered a few keywords for the second female lead, but... if Ji Fengxue played that role, it would be quite exciting to think about.
"Hee hee hee hee."
"What are you giggling about?" Xiang Huaimeng tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Don't forget, the female lead and the second female lead also have ambiguous scenes."
"Damn it, look at me, I forgot all about that," Xia Linxia patted her head and suddenly made up her mind. She absolutely could not let Xiao Yuran get this role, otherwise, if she seduced her a little, wouldn't Ji Fengxue run away with her again?
To protect Ji Fengxue's purity, she had to win the female lead role this time!
As the audition time grew longer, Xiao Yuran was called into the room and came out after nearly half an hour. A bold artist stepped forward to ask, "Xiao Yuran, which scene did you audition for? Was it difficult? Did they ask any other questions?"
Xiao Yuran shook her head and smiled, "There was no acting, just a chat with the director."
"What did you talk about?"
"Next!" the staff member called. The person who was asking hurried in.
Xiao Yuran said goodbye to everyone. Her gaze passed over Xia Linxia, and she smiled. Xia Linxia snorted.
The audition venue was not large. The narrow space was a bit stuffy. The interviewers were a famous director and a golden screenwriter, along with the assistant director and other staff members, who stared at each auditionee with stern expressions, creating immense pressure.
Xia Linxia pushed open the door and was startled by the cold air. Then, standing in front of the long table, she bowed respectfully to the interviewers, "Director Chen, hello. I am Xia Linxia, and I'm here to audition for the female lead."
"Sit," Chen Lianjie pointed to the chair in front of him. "We'll just have a casual chat today, no auditions. Xia Linxia, right? You haven't acted in many movies before. Why did you decide to audition for this role?"
Xia Linxia scanned the room. She actually felt a good impression of the cold people. It was very much like when her older brother checked her homework. So, she honestly replied, "If there's an opportunity, I must seize it. Auditioning is my opportunity. Whether you use me or not is your opportunity."
"You have quite a bold tone," Chen Lianjie chuckled. "Then tell me, how do you understand this role?"
"Pure and good," Xia Linxia blurted out.
"Do you think you have any similarities with her?"
Xia Linxia shook her head.
Chen Lianjie looked at her with some surprise. She had been interviewing for most of the day, and almost everyone had praised this role and tried to mold themselves into it. It was rare to get a different answer, so he asked curiously, "Where are you different?"
"Those who bully me, I will retaliate. Those who love me, I will cherish them well."
"Then who do you think she loves?"
"I... I don't know." Xia Linxia suddenly felt that she was going to fail this audition. How could she answer questions like this? She had prepared a whole set of acting skills but had nowhere to use them. It was really troublesome, so she decided to go all out. "I think she doesn't even know who she loves. If I had to say, I think she loves herself, loves the self who has always maintained a pure heart."
The screenwriter's eyes lit up, and he asked, "What do you think of this ending?"
"It's very good, very good," Xia Linxia knew to flatter at the crucial moment. "It was only after reading such a brilliant and outstanding script that I decided to try. What if I am the destined person for this script!"
The screenwriter was amused by her. Even though he knew it was flattery, he couldn't help but laugh. He asked again, "There are so many people auditioning today. Compared to them, what do you think your advantages are?"
Xia Linxia scratched her head and replied, "Singers don't act as much as I do, and actors don't sing and dance as well as I do. I'm proficient in all kinds of music, singing, playing, and dancing, and I'm also good at speaking, singing, acting, and comedy! My major is music. Besides singing, I also do voice acting. Ten or eight people are no problem, which will save you a lot of post-production voice acting costs. Um... I can also break stones with my chest and stew myself in an iron pot, which will save you the cost of a stunt double..."
She painstakingly listed her reasons. The screenwriter burst into laughter, and his cool persona was shattered.
Director Chen also curved his lips, "It seems Ji Fengxue was right. You are indeed a very interesting person."
"Ji Fengxue?" Xia Linxia's eyes widened slightly, and she asked curiously, "Did she mention me to you?"
"Yes, just last night," Director Chen smiled slowly. "We were having dinner last night, and she was eager to watch your performance. She said you were particularly interesting and cute, and she hoped I would cooperate with you in the future, guaranteeing that I wouldn't regret it. Did she recommend you for this audition?"
"No, my agent told me to come. She didn't even mention it. But I'm indeed not worthy of you yet," Xia Linxia said with self-awareness, but she didn't expect Ji Fengxue to be helping her pave the way for the future... Moreover, when she got home last night, Xiang Huaimeng mentioned that Ji Fengxue arrived at the program group drenched in sweat.
So, she ran away from Director Chen's dinner party? Just to watch her four-minute live performance?
For a moment, Xia Linxia felt something blocking her chest, indescribable. She just wanted to see Ji Fengxue quickly and take her to eat a bowl of excellent Enshima.
"Do you have anything else to say?" the screenwriter asked with a smile.
This question sounded like a farewell. Thinking of Ji Fengxue, Xia Linxia's fighting spirit immediately surged, and she said with determination, "Please give me a chance. I must play this role because... I am Ji Fengxue's girlfriend. Our first movie collaboration will definitely bring box office success and buzz. I'll take the blame, and she'll carry the quality!"
Director Chen raised an eyebrow and teased, "That's a good idea."
Seeing that there was hope, Xia Linxia pressed on, "Moreover, I can have Ji Fengxue teach me acting, and it won't waste the crew's financial and human resources!"
As for whether Ji Fengxue would teach her or not... she wouldn't worry about that for now. At worst, she would act cute, pout, and cry—giving her the full treatment until she wore her down.
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