Because of her background, she could be so tough even without anything, and others couldn’t do anything to her. This was the only reason Huang Yinyin could think of, but based on her interactions with Lin Xiaoman, she felt the other wasn’t that type of person, so she apologized: “I’m just talking nonsense, please don’t be angry…”
“It’s normal to think that way, but it’s not the correct answer.” Lin Xiaoman was speaking when her phone rang. It was Qian Yuan, who wanted to check on her situation.
Lin Xiaoman knew he was concerned about her, thanked him, and said she was ready, telling him not to worry. After hanging up, she heard someone calling her for the interview.
“Watch my performance carefully, and you’ll find the answer.” Lin Xiaoman left these words and walked towards the interview hall.
Huang Yinyin followed her and stood outside the hall, but could see the situation inside through the window.
There were three people interviewing: Director Qian Yuan, producer Fang Yan, and assistant director Yuan Feiming.
Lin Xiaoman walked up to them, greeted them, and confidently introduced herself: “Hello, teachers. I’m actor Lin Xiaoman from Starry Sky Entertainment. This is my first TV drama interview, but I love acting and hope to collaborate with all of you.”
“Young people these days, just saying they love acting as if loving it means they can do it well.”
“Fang Yan curled one corner of his mouth, speaking with disdain, ‘Which role are you auditioning for?’
Lin Xiaoman, having seen him talking with Jiani before the interview, guessed he might be intentionally causing her trouble, but still answered calmly: ‘The female lead.’
Fang Yan raised his eyebrows: ‘Wanting to play the female lead in your first drama, you’re quite bold.’
‘Is there a rule that people who haven’t acted before can’t play the female lead?’ Lin Xiaoman laughed softly, her voice gentle, looking like a sweet, soft girl, but her words were anything but soft, ‘I thought directors only looked at acting skills.’
‘What acting skills can a first-time actor have? Are you underestimating acting?’ Fang Yan, feeling uncomfortable with her smile, raised his voice.
‘Commenting on someone’s acting without seeing their performance, aren’t you underestimating this interview?’ Lin Xiaoman countered.
‘I’ve seen more people than you’ve eaten meals. Can’t I tell what level you’re at?’
‘Do you still want to audition?’
‘Enough.’ Qian Yuan, who had seen Lin Xiaoman argue before, knew that if she said one more word, Fang Yan might flip the table and start cursing.”
“The interview results still depend on performance. Now, Lin Xiaoman, please convince us through acting why we should choose you as the lead.”
“Indeed, actors must convince the audience with their acting skills.” Fang Yan laughed with ill intent. “Why don’t you perform the sixteenth segment of the second scene.”
Qian Yuan immediately understood he was deliberately making things difficult. That was the scene where the female lead, after developing a second personality, learns that the male lead actually loves another version of herself. At that moment, she was both heartbroken and angry, knowing the male lead was only kind to her to make her disappear, yet she still loved the person before her – a complex mix of emotions.
“The audition’s performance segment is the scene where the male and female leads meet, which makes selection easier,” Qian Yuan said. “Just perform that segment.”
“A good actor can touch people’s hearts performing anything,” Fang Yan said again in his sarcastic tone, “and isn’t this scene exactly showcasing Lin Xiaoman’s so-called acting skills?”
“Every time—”
Qian Yuan was about to argue when he saw Lin Xiaoman give him a slight smile, the same smile he’d seen when she said she could shoot an advertisement well.
A smile with persuasive power.
He changed the subject: “If Lin Xiaoman has no objections, then perform that scene.”
“Since Director Fang is considering for me, I definitely have no objections.”
Then, her expression turned angry: “No, I’m not her! I am me! I absolutely won’t hand over my body!
Her eyebrows moved slightly, her eyes that seemed angry yet affectionate subtly holding back tears, perfectly portraying the pride and restraint of a woman who knows the truth.
As soon as her words fell, she took a step forward, creating an invisible wall with her presence, her gaze resolute: “Let me tell you, Su Yuanzhi, you are my man, and I will not let you go to another woman. You must be with me.”
Her youthful voice was forceful and decisive but with a slight tremor at the end, revealing her hidden vulnerability and unease.
In just a few seconds of performance, Qian Yuan involuntarily developed goosebumps.
Lin Xiaoman had acted out the female lead in his mind, or rather, she was the character he had created.
“Fantastic!” He couldn’t help but stand up and applaud.
Huang Yinyin, standing by the window, was also stunned. Lin Xiaoman’s performance was completely different from usual, exactly like the second personality of the female lead in the script.
She stood frozen, wondering what answer Lin Xiaoman meant when she said watching her performance would reveal the answer about not being bullied.
“Huang Yinyin, come here!” Jiani’s voice came from nearby.
Huang Yinyin came to her senses, glanced around the hall, and hesitated.
“Come here right now!” Jiani raised her voice.
Huang Yinyin was startled and quickly ran over.
Lin Xiaoman had just emerged from her emotional state. She bowed to the three people in front of her, and when she stood up, she gently wiped away the tears from the corner of her eye.
Her eyes were reddened, giving her a delicate appearance.
Qian Yuan was moved. The blurry figure in his mind gradually became clear – it was the girl before him. The female lead who had tormented and brought him joy was right in front of him!
He slammed the table and declared, “You are the female lead. I’m certain.”
“No.” Fang Yan immediately objected, “There are still other people who haven’t auditioned.”
“But I’ve already found my female lead.”
“There might be someone more suitable,” Fang Yan admitted that Lin Xiaoman’s acting had indeed surprised him, but being the female lead wasn’t just about acting skills. The higher-ups had already decided Jiani would be the lead. “Let’s wait until others have auditioned.”
“We’ve already seen the work of others, so why pretend?
” Qian Yuan sneered, “Besides, I’m the director. I know best what kind of female lead I need.”
“Although you’re the director, this project involves many parties. How can you be the only decision-maker?” Fang Yan was somewhat flustered. “Good acting doesn’t mean audience appeal. We need to consider multiple aspects. Remember, this TV series has multiple investors, largely thanks to Boss Ye.”
“Investors can be replaced, but my female lead will only be Lin Xiaoman,” Qian Yuan stated firmly.
“You—” Fang Yan slapped the table and stood up. “How can you be like this? Do you even want to make this film?”
As the situation was about to become tense, Yuan Feiming, who had been silent, smiled and said, “What’s there to argue about? If Lin Xiaoman truly suits the female lead role, the investors will be satisfied. But if she doesn’t suit the role, we’ll choose someone else.”
“I think she’s suitable,” Qian Yuan said stubbornly.
“What do you mean?” Fang Yan looked at Yuan Feiming. “Are you going to oppose me too?”
“Whether Lin Xiaoman is suitable for the female lead depends on her understanding of the character. What she just showed was only the second personality,” Yuan Feiming smiled kindly. “The female lead has other personalities, including a mute who can’t speak.”
