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The room buzzed with excitement and subtle whispers as the heavy doors to the audition hall swung open.
Liang Qianyu entered with quiet grace, flanked by her manager and the three assistants.
She was dressed in an understated yet striking beige wool coat over a sleek black turtleneck, her long wavy hair cascading in gentle waves past her shoulders.
Every single eye in the room shifted to her, as though an invisible force had pulled the air itself toward her.
Gasps.
"Is that Liang Qianyu?"
"Wow... she's so elegant in real life."
"She's even more beautiful in person..."
"She doesn't even need to try..."
Some junior actresses fidgeted nervously, brushing invisible creases off their skirts.
Liang Qianyu's eyes flicked toward them, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint smile.
Ah, the usual effect. Envy and awe dressed in whispering voices.
She walked like she owned the place—not because she needed to, but because she always had.
High society had trained her well.
But of course, she was humble about it. She told herself that. And what was wrong with walking in confidence when you were born to lead?
Lin Xingyan glanced at the soft rustle of admiration swept across the room.
Her eyes settled on Liang Qianyu's graceful figure and froze.
There she was.
Graceful. Serene. Untouchable.
The same Liang Qianyu.
A flicker of cold jealousy twisted in Xingyan's chest.
Not because she hated her.
But because Liang Qianyu had that kind of presence. The kind that made others forget how hard you'd worked just to breathe in the same room.
Lin Xingyan composed herself, lifting her water bottle with an elegant calm.
No. She wouldn't let it show. She never did.
She had fought tooth and nail to stand here—while Qianyu, the sheltered heiress of the Liang family, had simply walked into the same spotlight.
—
Instead, she smiled softly to herself and uncapped her water bottle calmly.
She knew better than anyone: appearances meant everything here. But what really mattered was talent.
Did she think just because she was a Liang she could become an actress?
Can she act?
—
Liang Qianyu paused at the center of the room, offering everyone a small, composed smile.
She then turned to Gu Yanchuan.
"Thank you for having me," she said softly.
Gu Yanchuan nodded in appreciation, "It's okay."
This Young Miss of the Liang family was not arrogant like some socialites. And she was beautiful too.
Beautiful. Talented? Well, that was still up for debate.
But she had grace. And that counted.
Liang Qianyu's smile never wavered, though inwardly, she noted the faint hesitation in his eyes.
'Ah. They're wondering if I'm just here to play pretend. If I'm just another pretty doll.'
Let them wonder.
Then Gu Yanchuan turned to address the crowd.
"Everyone, let's begin. Liang Qianyu will audition for the female lead." His voice was calm but authoritative.
A wave of murmurs swept the room.
Lin Xingyan's hand tightened slightly around her bottle. Her stomach fluttered uneasily.
The same role?
Whispers broke out again.
Lin Xingyan's stomach twisted slightly.
However, luckily it was already settled it was her.
—
Just then, Liang Qianyu broke from her team and walked toward her.
Lin Xingyan set her script aside and looked at her.
"Xingyan," Qianyu said softly, "you'll take care of me today, right?"
Lin Xingyan raised an eyebrow. "Since when did Liang Qianyu need someone to take care of her?"
Qianyu chuckled. "Since I walked into a room full of strangers. You're the only familiar face."
Her words were light, casual—but they turned heads.
People looked their way again, openly curious.
Director Gu, standing a few feet away, glanced over. "You two know each other?"
Liang Qianyu smiled and nodded. "We went to high school together."
Gu Yanchuan visibly relaxed. He had been worried there might be friction, with both women auditioning for the same role. But if they were friends, that helped.
After all, one was a rising star and the other was the Liang's princess.
He couldn't offend either.
He clapped his hands once to gather attention. "Alright, everyone. Let's get ready. We'll start with the leads and work our way down."
—
Liang Qianyu took the seat beside Lin Xingyan as motioned her.
"Do you remember our maid back then?" Liang Qianyu asked casually, her eyes scanning the script her manager had just handed over. "Yue something... what was her name again?"
Lin Xingyan's lips froze against the rim of her bottle.
Lin Yue.
She kept her tone neutral. "She was useless. Not worth remembering."
But her heart thudded.
Because how could she explain that Lin Yue was no longer a maid… but now a close friend of Mo Yuwei, CEO of GlowVine Cosmetics?
"Those days were fun," Liang Qianyu said with a soft laugh, not noticing Xingyan's tight expression.
—
Before Lin Xingyan could reply, someone gasped.
"He's here!! He's here!!"
"He looks even better than on screen!"
"Zeyan-ge!!!"
"I can't breathe…"
"Oh my god, it's him...!"
Zhang Zeyan entered the room.
His tall figure cast a shadow over the floor. Dressed in a dark gray suit, shirt unbuttoned at the collar, he moved like a prince lost in time.
His jawline, sharp as winter glass, caught the light.
"Zeyan-ge is here... he's so handsome I might die."
"He's even cooler in person."
"Do you think he'll play the male lead?"
"Yes. I heard director Gu decided him as the male lead. Otherwise, do you see any other actor for the male lead?"
"True... Wow!! He's so handsome and talented."
His team trailed behind him, silent and professional.
He didn't say a word as he crossed the space, but his presence pulled every eye toward him then took a seat not far from the girls.
Lin Xingyan tried not to stare—but her heart wasn't listening.
Lin Xingyan's pulse raced.
He's here…
Her eyes drank in every step he took.
He didn't glance her way.
Was he ignoring her?
They were CP partners. They had scenes together. Chemistry.
But in real life, he was cold. Reserved. Distant.
—
Liang Qianyu looked at her flushed face and leaned toward her with a teasing smile, trying to hide a smirk. "Someone's in love."
"Stop," Lin Xingyan whispered, cheeks flushed.
"Then tell him. You never know."
"I can't. I'm not even sure he feels anything. He's always... so unreadable."
"Actors like him hide everything," Liang Qianyu said, eyes still twinkling. "It's either just a role… or the real thing."
Then, she added, "But don't worry. I'll help you figure it out."
Lin Xingyan blushed harder.
"You really haven't changed."
Liang Qianyu raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Before Lin Xingyan could reply, a staff member approached.
"Zhang Zeyan, please."
He nodded once and stood up, disappearing behind the audition room door.
—
Inside, Director Gu Yanchuan, a few major investors, and two casting agents sat at a long table.
Zhang Zeyan entered.
He greeted them calmly. "Good afternoon."
"Good to see you again, Zeyan," said Director Gu. "Let's begin."
He was handed a scene.
Scene 12. The trench goodbye.
He read it once. Closed the script.
Then he began.
—
His voice, low and rough, broke the silence. "If we meet again... let me pretend I never left."
The emotion hit like a slow explosion. His eyes glistened, yet he didn't blink. He took two steps forward, trembling slightly. Hands clenched.
This man is in love. And about to die.
He didn't overdo it. He didn't cry. But every movement, every line, felt like a real man trying to hold on to a ghost.
When he finished, no one spoke for a full ten seconds.
—
Then Director Gu clapped breaking the silence.
"You understood him perfectly. We'll talk with your manager about terms. Welcome aboard."
Zhang Zeyan bowed again and exited.
Outside, Lin Xingyan tried not to look too eager.
"He's good, isn't he?" Liang Qianyu whispered.
Lin Xingyan nodded. "Too good."
"Your turn," her manager said, nudging her. "Go and get it."
She stood.
Her legs felt a little weak, but her heart surged.
She had to get this role.
—
Inside, the investors looked up as she entered.
She bowed. "Good afternoon. I'm Lin Xingyan."
They handed her Scene 19.
She scanned it. Betrayal. The moment everything shattered.
Then she began.
—
"You lied to me…"
Her voice trembled, softly.
"You said you'd die before betraying me."
She stepped forward. Broken. Her eyes filled with rage and heartbreak.
Her voice cracked as she whispered, "I burned my name for you."
Raw. Bitter. Beautiful.
When she finished, the power of silence reigned again.
—
However, Director Gu suddenly said calmly, "Very good."
The others nodded.
"She's the one," an investor said.
But director Gu Yanchuan raised a hand. "Liang Qianyu is also auditioning for the role. We'll have to see both."
She nodded.
However, she felt like director Gu was boring. It was already decided she was the FL.
Was there a need to embarrass princess Liang Qianyu?
Does she have any acting skills?
She nodded anyway, feeling a ripple of confidence.
Liang Qianyu hadn't attended any acting academies.
She might be passionate, but she didn't have the training. Not like Lin Xingyan did.
Still, she said nothing.
"Okay," she replied with a polite smile, "Let's see how she does."
—
Liang Qianyu stood.
Her manager, Zhao, leaned in. "Show them what you've got."
Her assistant handed her water. She took a sip and walked toward the room.
Manager Gubao—Lin Xingyan's side—gave Zhao a look of barely-concealed irritation.
The two had always been rivals and with Zhao managing Young Miss Liang, he could barely contain his jealousy.
—
As Liang Qianyu entered, the room fell quiet again.
She stood before the director and investors with practiced poise.
They looked her over—visibly impressed.
"Thank you for this opportunity," she said softly, bowing.
She looked every inch a leading lady.
But the question hung in the air.
Can she act?
If she couldn't… this would be a disaster.
But no one wanted to offend the Liang family.
Director Gu exchanged glances with the others.
"If she fails… what then?" someone murmured.
Another whispered, "Such a pity… she's perfect physically. Let's hope…"
And they waited.
For the Liang heiress to begin.
For a performance…
Or a disappointment.
Otherwise, it would be a tragedy if she couldn't act...
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