---
Director Gu Yanchuan glanced up from the investors, his gaze shifting toward Liang Qianyu as she adjusted her coat slightly and stood with impeccable posture.
"Miss Liang," he began, his tone calm. "Have you gone through the script, or should we give you some time to familiarise yourself, considering you just signed on today?"
She offered a light laugh and shook her head. "No need, Director Gu. I'm ready."
He raised an eyebrow at her, skepticism clear in his gaze. It wasn't the first time someone walked in with confidence only to fumble the moment the camera rolled.
Still, he made no comment. "Alright then... Which scene do you want to try?"
Liang Qianyu hesitated for a beat.
A thousand lines flew through her mind. She hadn't memorized much, just skimmed through it earlier.
But she wasn't about to let them think she wasn't prepared.
Lifting her head confidently, she said, "The scene where the female lead leaves her home."
There was a beat of silence before muffled chuckles escaped from one of the investors seated to Gu Yanchuan's right.
Another man covered his mouth, trying hard not to laugh.
Even the director's lips twitched, though he quickly looked down to avoid showing it.
Liang Qianyu's brows furrowed ever so slightly.
It wasn't loud or obvious, but enough to make Liang Qianyu's chest tighten with unease.
Her smile faltered slightly.
'Why were they laughing?' she wondered, 'Was it a bad choice? Did they think she wasn't capable? Did they even know who she was?
She maintained her composure, even though a storm brewed beneath the surface.
So what if I haven't gone to acting school? I know I can act. I've studied enough dramas and watched every award-winning actress in Laetania. I can do this.'
Director Gu cleared his throat. "Alright. You may begin."
His voice was casual, but internally, he was sighing.
If not for Lao Xu's call—saying Young Miss Liang had insisted on acting and was dead set on it in order to sign in their company—he wouldn't have even considered it.
Offending the Liang family wasn't something he cared much about, but the industry was already buzzing with scandals about him—especially after Yan Qingsi's death and that idiot Xu Jiaqi.
One wrong move and he'd lose the last bit of credibility he had left.
His eyes swept over her.
However he felt scandals or not, he still held some weight in this industry…
Still, he prepared himself for the worst.
—
Liang Qianyu took a deep breath and stepped into position. She closed her eyes for a moment, picturing the scene.
The female lead—Song Qingwan—was walking away from everything she had ever known.
Betrayed, heartbroken, forced to leave with nothing but her pride.
Her eyes opened again, now clouded with a forced sadness.
"I never thought I'd leave like this," she whispered. Her voice trembled slightly. "But maybe... maybe I should've known. Maybe love was never meant for someone like me. You told me once, didn't you? That the world wasn't fair. But I didn't think it'd be this cruel."
Her tone was shaky, and her movements a little stiff.
But there was a rawness in her eyes, a stubborn fire that burned past her beginner's awkwardness.
She wasn't flawless, but she wasn't awful either.
She turned her back to the invisible 'door', hesitated, then looked back again as if committing it to memory.
A breathy laugh left her lips. "Goodbye."
Silence.
—
When she finished, she looked up at the judges' table, face blank but heart thudding.
She hadn't gone to acting school. She hadn't even taken a single acting course. But she believed—no, knew—she had talent.
There was no way she'd accept anything less.
The room was quiet, but not with awkwardness. There was something else—something she couldn't quite name.
Director Gu was the first to speak. "Not bad."
One of the investors leaned forward, clearly intrigued. "Miss Liang, have you studied acting formally?"
"No," she replied smoothly. "But I've always loved the screen. I watch a lot of films and try to understand the emotions."
The investor nodded, skeptical but impressed.
Director Gu, meanwhile, tapped his fingers on the table. "You have raw talent," he said at last. "You're good. Better than I expected. But there's still a lack of emotional depth and natural reaction. You're holding back. Acting isn't just performance—it's surrender."
She stiffened slightly at his words but nodded, feigning humility. "Thank you, Director Gu. I'll work hard."
He gave a curt nod. "You'll play the second female lead."
Just like that. A decision.
Liang Qianyu's lips curved into a smile. "Thank you."
But inside, her heart was burning.
Second female lead? That's all she was worth? Even after that performance?
Her gaze darkened momentarily.
'Wasn't she good enough? Just because she hadn't attended some elite academy? She had watched movies for years, studied expressions, read monologues in her bedroom.'
Her fists tightened beneath the hem of her blouse.
This Gu Yanchuan… Surrounded in scandal, yet still so proud. Who gave him the right to judge her like this?
Still, she didn't let the dissatisfaction show.
Her gaze lowered modestly. "It's a great opportunity. I'm grateful."
Gu Yanchuan nodded again. "We'll discuss details with your manager."
—
Liang Qianyu stepped out of the audition room, her assistant rushing over with a bottle of water.
Just ahead, Lin Xingyan was also preparing to leave. She turned when she saw Qianyu.
"How did it go?" Lin Xingyan asked, voice casual.
She felt it was irrelevant to ask since she was the decided FL but still asked out of their friendship and politeness.
"I'll be playing the second female lead," Liang Qianyu replied with a light tone. "So we'll be working together."
Lin Xingyan's lips twitched.
Second female lead, huh? For someone like Qianyu—who always aimed to be the center—it must sting.
Lin Xingyan's lashes lowered slightly as she fought the smug curl threatening her lips.
She wasn't proud, not exactly.
But there was a quiet satisfaction in watching Liang Qianyu fall just a step short of what she wanted most.
She felt smug and proud.
She didn't have a prestigious family.
But right now, she had the lead role. Against a socialite.
"Congratulations," she said softly. "That's still a great role."
Liang Qianyu took a sip of her water looking at Lin Xingyan's team by the door.
"You're leaving already?"
"Yeah. I have a meeting. Let's talk later?"
"Sure."
—
Liang Qianyu watched her leave, her eyes narrowing just slightly.
Then she saw someone a few steps behind, leaving too.
Her gaze trailed to the figure walking toward the exit.
Zhang Zeyan.
Handsome, cool, distant.
Liang Qianyu's lips curled into a cold, knowing smirk.
You'll regret it, Lin Xingyan.
—
Back in high school, Liang Qianyu had liked someone. A boy from a well-known family—like her—he was the son of an official.
He was bright, charming, and kind in a quiet way.
She had adored him for months, quietly kept him in her heart.
Lin Xingyan had known. Liang Qianyu had even confided in her.
But the very next week, Lin Xingyan had smiled sweetly and confessed to him.
He had rejected her.
And then he transferred shortly after.
Liang Qianyu had said it was okay.
She had even smiled and said she wasn't mad.
But that moment had stayed with her.
Rent free.
She never forgot.
—
So now? Watching Lin Xingyan fall into a CP pairing with Zhang Zeyan?
She had investigated earlier that morning on her way to the company.
Ah… how interesting.
Zhang Zeyan, the handsome star with cold eyes and a deep voice—was married.
And his wife? Pregnant. Loved. Protected. But hidden from the public eye.
No one knew. Not even Lin Xingyan.
And when this news broke out—when Lin Xingyan will be framed as a mistress in the public eye? The internet would explode.
Sweet, sweet karma.
Who told you to steal my crush back then, Lin Xingyan?
—
Liang Qianyu turned away and walked toward the exit, her heels clicking crisply on the polished floor.
Her manager Zhao caught up beside her. "Not bad, Miss Liang. The second female lead is still an important role. And Director Gu said he'll help you with publicity."
Liang Qianyu gave a soft smile. "It's okay. "It's good. I just entered the industry. Being offered the second lead on my first try... I'm lucky."
Zhao glanced at her in mild surprise. "You're really easy to work with. Honestly, we were warned that you might be a bit... demanding."
Liang Qianyu laughed softly. "Why would I be? Everyone starts somewhere. Besides, Director Gu is very talented. I'm honoured."
Zhao nodded slowly.
He looked at her again, this time with fresh eyes.
This Young Miss Liang might actually be fun to manage. She's sweet, polite, and surprisingly professional.
Looks like the job won't be as difficult as I thought.
He gave her a thumbs up. "You'll go far, Qianyu . I can feel it."
---