Upon hearing this, Gu Qingtong froze for a moment. She looked up towards the direction of Yan Chi through the glass window. There, she saw Yan Chi’s gaze fixed on her kneeling posture.
It was true that Gu Qingtong had a penchant for wearing dresses, regardless of the season. Right now, she was wearing a knee-length dress that covered her legs, revealing only slightly reddened knees from the fall. In this moment, with teary eyes and a disoriented expression, her kneeling form resembled that of a distressed princess from a fallen kingdom, evoking a delicate vulnerability that could easily elicit sympathy.
The others couldn’t help but find Yan Chi’s words a bit strange. When did Teacher Yan become so considerate and caring? Gu Qingtong shook her head, raised her sleeve to wipe away the tear stains from her face, and used her hands to push herself up from the floor. She didn’t even have time to pat the dirt off her knees and skirt before hastily bowing to the people outside. Then, she hurriedly ran out, seeming to want to avoid Yan Chi in front of others. After all, the situation now was completely different from their interactions on variety shows.
Amidst this audition competition, Gu Qingtong didn’t want to display any familiarity with Yan Chi. Yan Chi lifted her eyes, following the swaying of Gu Qingtong’s skirt. Seeing her run so quickly, her knees should be….okay, right?
Gu Qingtong returned to her seat, unsure of how well she had performed.
After all, she had been so immersed in her performance that she hadn’t paid any attention to what was happening outside. Once she finished her performance, apart from Yan Chi who seemed disinterested in her acting, both Yuan Jingyu and the other directors and producers remained silent. Their reactions somewhat startled Gu Qingtong, making her wonder if she had misunderstood something in her interpretation.
What she didn’t know was that, due to the need for comprehensive considerations, the final casting decisions were uncertain until the moment of the contract notification.
So the more outstanding the participants’ performances were, the more the directors and producers had to maintain their poker faces, not revealing any information through subtle expressions.
Seeing Gu Qingtong return, Tan Siying nodded at her and said: “You did a great job. It seems like we have a similar understanding. You should be my strong competitor.”
This was the first time she received feedback, and finally, she felt relieved that she hadn’t embarrassed herself in front of Yan Chi. However, Tan Siying didn’t have much time to say more and promptly got up to proceed with her own audition.
The exchanged glances and affirmative nods between them didn’t escape Yan Chi’s notice, intensifying the sense of jealousy she was feeling.
Wanting to know if her performance was good or not, why didn’t she ask her after the audition, but instead went to ask this outsider?
Just the thought of Gu Qingtong’s urgency to escape her sight a moment ago deepened Yan Chi’s gaze. Even though Gu Qingtong had finished performing by now, she was also quite eager to see what kind of interpretation Tan Siying would bring. So she patiently sat in her chair, waiting.
During this wait, Gu Qingtong finally let go of the burden she had been carrying for a week. She took out her phone to relax a bit.
Realizing that she hadn’t checked any information or fan content related to Yan Chi for a week, and with recent news about “Bai Mei Sheng” being announced, Yan Chi’s fan community should be quite active. Gu Qingtong headed straight to a certain social media platform, ready to catch up on the posts from the past few days.
However, as soon as she opened the search bar, her attention was immediately drawn to a highly prominent trending topic: #Fu Keqi’s Parents are Deadbeats#.
Fu Keqi’s established image had always been that of a wealthy second-generation heiress who spent money without hesitation. But now, there were allegations that her parents were debtors who owed a lot of money to workers and had fled with the funds.
This trending topic seemed to have just started, but it was rapidly gaining momentum and climbing in popularity. The whistleblower was the relative of a worker who hadn’t been paid their wages. Their posts were filled with anger and bitterness, almost overflowing from the screen, each word striking to the heart.
They represented hundreds of fellow workers who had been fighting for their wages online for nearly a year, only to be consistently suppressed and ignored. At this moment, while it appeared that there might be some promotion behind this trend, its exceptionally relatable nature quickly captured the attention of a wide audience of netizens and bystanders.
Even though there was no response yet from Fu Keqi’s studio, everyone was pressuring her to come forward and address the situation. Glancing at the seemingly clueless Fu Keqi beside her, Gu Qingtong couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between Fu Keqi and Tang Yun: “When Gu Qingtong was performing just now, did you notice? For the first time, Yuan Jingyu didn’t continue watching; she looked down at the script halfway through. After all the fancy tricks, it’s still not in line with the director’s intentions. It really feels pitiable, tsk tsk.”
“Exactly, newbies shouldn’t try to be innovative. Just follow the script obediently, or else it’ll truly be awkward. But we’ve been saying all along that someone like her who got in through connections won’t be able to land a role under Director Yuan. No matter how she acts, it doesn’t matter.”
Clearly, the two of them were pretending to discuss Gu Qingtong on purpose, probably feeling that they hadn’t impacted her performance just now. It seemed like they were trying to undermine her confidence, as if they would feel satisfied after suppressing her in this way.
“Some people should focus more on themselves. If you have the time to sympathize with me here, why not extend that sympathy to the workers who’ve been deprived of their hard-earned wages?” Gu Qingtong calmly remarked in a voice audible to the few of them.
The moment she heard this, Fu Keqi’s expression changed slightly. This was a secret she had been keeping hidden. How could Gu Qingtong possibly know about it?
Directly confronting her, she questioned: “You investigated my affairs?! Stop spreading rumors!”
“Why bother investigating? It’s already ranked fifth on the trending topics, visible to the entire nation. Even if it’s a rumor, it’s none of my concern. You can go sue the whistleblower yourself and see if you can win the lawsuit,” Gu Qingtong shrugged, her gaze showing indifference.
Fu Keqi’s complexion turned quite interesting, and she frantically opened her phone, seeming utterly panicked. Only with Gu Qingtong’s reminder did Fu Keqi notice the string of messages and calls her manager had sent her.
But even her manager couldn’t figure out who was targeting Fu Keqi. In short, it seemed that four days ago, the wage-earning workers’ Weibo posts suddenly got boosted on trending topics, sparking a wave of exposés. It was evidently a premeditated move.
Thinking about Gu Qingtong in front of her, Fu Keqi stared at her again, her gaze piercing: “…Did you buy the trending topic exposing my negative information?!!”
Gu Qingtong found her utterly ridiculous and disdainfully replied: “Don’t try to frame me! I just met you today, and I have better things to do than digging up dirt on you for no reason. If you don’t want others to know your secrets, pay your debts as soon as possible, or it won’t end well for you.”
In reality, Gu Qingtong had no idea about any of this; it was all orchestrated by Yan Chi.
As early as the time when Gu Qingtong was being targeted by marketing accounts on a daily basis, Yan Chi had instructed Hua Yan’s public relations team to dig up some dirt on them, just in case. Today, when both sides purchased negative trending topics, they had directly crossed Yan Chi’s bottom line. Consequently, she had reserved the trending topic spot for the exposé, leaving no room for any further action from the other side.
It wasn’t just about retaliation; it was also about helping the workers reclaim their debts, a form of retribution and promoting the good. Tang Yun, seeing this situation unfold, feigned sympathy and concern on the surface, while secretly delighting in her heart. She wished for her “plastic sister” to fall even harder, preferably never to rise again, and to be thoroughly suppressed by her in every aspect.
However, she clearly hadn’t realized that the dirt on her own record of mistreating her pets was also in preparation and would come to light soon after to continue the assault.
Gu Qingtong couldn’t be bothered with them anymore, her attention focused intently on Tan Siying’s performance.
Tan Siying, as expected from a popular young actress with rich acting experience, showcased remarkably mature acting skills. As soon as she started, there was a noticeable gap between her performance and that of the other four actors, including Gu Qingtong.
Her understanding of the character Xuan Yao was similar to that of Gu Qingtong, grounded in the tragedy of the role. Her interpretation was already well-rounded, and after being influenced by Gu Qingtong’s emotionally impactful performance, Tan Siying’s portrayal exceeded even her own expectations.
It can be said that apart from Yan Chi, who was currently feeling jealous and harboring biases, the other judges felt that she had truly brought the character to its utmost depth.
Although Gu Qingtong’s performance was also impressive just now, compared to Tan Siying, who is accustomed to being in front of the camera and taking on lead roles year-round, Gu Qingtong’s approach leaned more towards empathetic improvisation, relying heavily on the current emotional state and bursts of sentiment. It seemed she lacked the ease and maturity that comes with experience.
After watching Tan Siying’s performance, Gu Qingtong felt a sense of relief and acknowledged her talents wholeheartedly. She realized that even if she didn’t get the role, she wouldn’t have any regrets. However….she still felt a bit lonely because she couldn’t act in a movie alongside Yan Chi.
After the auditions were over, Fu Keqi seemed eager to deal with her own scandal, leaving without even boasting at the end. Tang Yun and Ren Zhi followed suit. However, Tan Siying suddenly approached Gu Qingtong and invited her to have a meal and chat.
Gu Qingtong was about to say something when she noticed Yan Chi standing in the distance. Yan Chi’s light-colored eyes were calm, and her gaze was fixed on Gu Qingtong without any apparent movement. It seemed as if she was silently waiting for something, without uttering a word.
As a result, the words that were on the tip of Gu Qingtong’s tongue changed to:
“Hey hey, let me introduce you to Teacher Yan. Just earlier on the variety show, I told her about how I saved you. I didn’t expect that she had also witnessed that incident back then. Fate is truly quite remarkable.”
Hearing her words, Tan Siying fell silent. It seemed she could sense not only Yan Chi’s indifference towards her but also some other underlying emotions.
However, Gu Qingtong clearly didn’t catch on and went straight to Yan Chi, excitedly saying: “Teacher Yan! Take a look at who she is!”
Yan Chi had never personally witnessed Gu Qingtong saving someone, so how could she know that Tan Siying was the person she had rescued? As a result, her response was naturally quite cold, and she simply said: “I don’t know.”
“This is Tan Siying, but what I want to say is that I only found out today that she’s the extra I saved before. You’ve also met her. Take another look, maybe you’ll remember!”
Gu Qingtong blinked at Yan Chi, attempting to jog her memory about the conversation they had that day.
When the words “the extra I saved” reached Yan Chi’s ears, she paused. So….it was just this kind of unfamiliar connection? With her possessiveness and jealousy, she finally understood that their relationship was nothing more than a casual acquaintance. Her gaze toward Tan Siying also gradually became calmer. After all, the statement about seeing Gu Qingtong perform a brave act was fabricated earlier. Afraid that Gu Qingtong might inquire further about the details, Yan Chi directly addressed her, saying: “I don’t seem to remember very clearly.”
While initially Gu Qingtong hadn’t recognized Tan Siying at all, when her identity was publicly revealed, Gu Qingtong suddenly saw a glimpse of the past in her. Despite the similarity between their battle-damaged appearances and Yan Chi’s deep impression of herself, which she carried to the present day, there seemed to be no trace of recognition of Tan Siying….this shouldn’t be the case, right?
Gu Qingtong couldn’t help but mutter to herself inwardly. Unless Yan Chi had only noticed her. But apart from the act of bravery, what else about her would be worth Yan Chi’s attention and remembrance until now?
But before she could continue pondering, Yan Chi suddenly said: “If you have time, you can go find Director Yuan. She seems to have something to discuss with you.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingtong visibly froze. Why would Yuan Jingyu want to talk to her? The role of Xuan Yao clearly had no connection to her anymore. What could the matter be?
However, since there was another opportunity, Gu Qingtong was certainly interested and politely declined Tan Siying’s invitation to have a meal and chat. She explained that she needed to meet with Yuan Jingyu. They exchanged contact information and agreed to connect online to arrange another meeting time.
Yet, during the process of exchanging contact information, Gu Qingtong could clearly sense subtle glances coming from nearby.
Huh? What’s up with Yan Chi again?
Gu Qingtong muttered to herself, but then had a thought: Could it be that she’s upset about me adding other women on WeChat?!
After seeing Tan Siying off, Gu Qingtong looked around to make sure no one was around, then discreetly tugged on Yan Chi’s sleeve and whispered: “Um… Do you maybe not want me to add other people’s contact information?”
Yan Chi was almost amused by her question: “You’re asking me after you’ve already added them? Does my answer hold any reference value now?”
“Well, if you mind…Uh, from now on, I’ll make sure to ask you beforehand…”
Gu Qingtong gazed up at Yan Chi’s eyes, her round eyes looking even more adorable in their bashful state.
While saying that, she tugged at Yan Chi’s sleeve again and playfully shook it, her voice turning tender and soft: “I just met Tan Siying today, she simply sees me as a lifesaver. Don’t overthink it~ Okay?”
Gu Qingtong couldn’t quite explain why she felt the need to clarify. Perhaps it was because she saw Yan Chi getting jealous and not saying anything. She wanted to take the initiative to let her know.
Though she might be slow on the uptake, she had already experienced Yan Chi’s possessiveness early on.
Thinking about this, Gu Qingtong’s ears tingled again.
Yan Chi realized that Gu Qingtong seemed to have figured her out completely. She knew that whenever Gu Qingtong wanted something, she’d use her coquettish charm and the moment she started acting cute, Yan Chi found it hard to refuse her requests.
She didn’t say anything, but withdrew her wrinkled sleeve from Gu Qingtong’s palm. Seeing Gu Qingtong still attempting to grab it, she extended her slender index finger.
Caught off guard, Gu Qingtong felt the familiar icy touch of Yan Chi’s finger and was momentarily stunned.
“In the future, don’t treat others so well when you’re ignoring me,” Yan Chi said, lowering her head to gaze intently into Gu Qingtong’s eyes. A clear sense of possessiveness appeared in her eyes. “And also, your performance was better than hers. It’s the only one that has truly moved me.”
“Ah?…” Gu Qingtong finally realized that Yan Chi had been jealous from that moment onwards, and she had held onto that feeling until now!
She used to think she was quite good at holding grudges, but it seemed Yan Chi was even more so.
But did Yan Chi really think she acted better than Tan Siying?! With just that affirmation, Gu Qingtong felt that all her efforts and preparations had been worthwhile.
In her impulsiveness, Gu Qingtong blurted out her ambitious goal: “Even if I don’t get the role of Xuan Yao this time, I will definitely, definitely work hard so that one day, I can act in the same movie as you!”
As the words left her mouth, Gu Qingtong suddenly realized what she had said. She froze for a moment, fearing that Yan Chi might inquire further about why she wanted to act in a movie with her. With a hasty “I’m going to find Director Yuan,” Gu Qingtong turned and hurriedly left.
Yan Chi watched her rabbit-like figure, feeling as if the warmth of the other’s palm still lingered on her fingertips. If she was going to treat this as a goal, it seemed that it would be achieved very soon.
❖❖❖❖❖
When Gu Qingtong went to find Yuan Jingyu, she unabashedly selected the actress for the role of the third female lead, Xuan Yao, right in front of Gu Qingtong. As expected, the person who secured the role was Tan Siying.
“Although you missed out on this opportunity, I think you have great potential for versatility. Are you interested in trying out for other roles?” Yuan Jingyu looked at Gu Qingtong’s expression, but didn’t sense disappointment or reluctance. Instead, there was a hint of surprise.
Little did she know, in Gu Qingtong’s heart, she had already received the most precious affirmation from Yan Chi. How could she be discontented with these outcomes?
“What role? I’m willing to give it a try.” Without hesitation, Gu Qingtong agreed readily, her eyes fixed on Yuan Jingyu with great anticipation.
Yuan Jingyu smiled: “The key to this role isn’t in the script, so I haven’t arranged an audition. If you want to try, I’ll take you to the set right now.”
Caught a bit off guard, Gu Qingtong nodded like a pecking chicken and let the director take control. Yuan Jingyu nearly burst into laughter at her reaction – how could she need to be coaxed as much as Yan Chi had suggested? It seemed like she could be led away with minimal effort.
Following behind the director, Gu Qingtong soon realized that Yuan Jingyu’s studio was well-equipped.
There were even sets designed as indoor scenes, a grand room decorated with an antique flair, so complete that it could easily be used for filming right then and there. As they reached what looked like a palace chamber set, Yuan Jingyu stopped and said: “Go in by yourself. From the moment you step into the chamber, you’re already acting. I’ll watch the recording on the monitor and see how you perform.”
Staring at the elaborately adorned chamber with its crimson silk curtains, Gu Qingtong couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. After some mental preparation, she finally took a step forward and crossed the threshold of the ornate wooden door.
The chamber was quite spacious. At the junction of the silk curtains, Gu Qingtong indeed spotted a camera. Upon seeing the equipment, her spirits lifted, and she entered the state of acting and reacting to the environment, just as Yuan Jingyu had advised.
However, it was still quite strange. Not having a script was one thing, but not even knowing what role she was playing? Just as these thoughts were crossing her mind, Gu Qingtong was preparing to lift the curtain in front of her and move further inside when suddenly, a hand wrapped around her neck from behind, holding her chin.
The suddenness of it all, the icy touch against the warmth of her neck, startled Gu Qingtong, making her shiver.
But whether it was the cool sensation or the breath, they were all familiar to her. Before Gu Qingtong could turn her head to look, a ribbon covered her eyes, and all she could see was a crimson red. Her vision was restricted, yet she could feel the strands of dark hair brushing against her neck from behind.
The ribbon that now blocked her eyes….it seemed to be the same one that Yan Chi had used to tie her hair earlier. Before she could contemplate further, she felt the warm and moist breath of a woman hitting the teardrop mole at the corner of her eye.
The woman’s chilling voice, void of any desire, was like that of a venomous snake hissing:
“Some things, if seen, must be gouged from the eyes. I wouldn’t bear to see our Mei’er turn into a little blind girl. Otherwise, you won’t be able to witness the humiliation, the anger, and the tears in Mei’er’s eyes as she shreds me to pieces in the future. How disappointing it would be.”
