Filling in for someone else is not hard for Jing Li.
Helping other disciples get out of trouble was nothing new for Jing Li during his time at the immortal sect. After all, he had pleaded on behalf of many mischievous juniors in the past.
As the audition began, Jing Li walked steadily toward the hall, his steps smooth but with a hint of urgency. Anyone could feel the anxiety hidden under his calm appearance.
His performance made everyone pause in surprise. Even Director Li couldn’t help but pay full attention.
Yet Jing Li seemed oblivious, already fully immersed in character. His steps faltered at the entrance, waiting for the scolding inside to die down before lazily stepping over the threshold. He lifted his face slightly, a lazy expression on his handsome features as he drawled, “Father, who has angered you this time? Shall I teach them a lesson for you?”
The veteran actor inside was surprised by his naturally suitable voice, but years of experience allowed him to react swiftly. His voice paused before looking towards Jing Li with a frown, reprimanding, “Nonsense! What are you doing here? Leave at once!”
Having some expectations for this new actor, he acted even more forcefully, his tone sharper than before. Even the fleeting gentleness in his eyes seemed less sincere.
“This disciple knows his wrongs for barging into the hall uninvited. I await your punishment, Sect Leader.” Jing Li seemed entirely unaffected, respectfully bowing as if admitting his mistake, as if saying, ‘I know I was wrong. If you want to punish me, then punish me.’ Yet his expression remained lazy, the corner of his lips quirked up stubbornly. The very image of a pampered, fearless young master.
The veteran actor had been frustrated at losing composure earlier. Seeing Jing Li’s response, his disappointment transformed into delight. He quickly adjusted to fully immerse in character, making a wryly amused expression like an exasperated father. Ultimately, he could only wave Jing Li away helplessly, “Forget it, just go.”
“But Yuze…” Jing Li persisted.
“Enough, don’t push your luck!” The veteran shot him an impatient glare before looking at the kneeling youth. “Since the young master has pleaded for you, you may go. But never make this mistake again, or else…”
“Alright, alright. I just saw the Great Elder looking for you everywhere. Father, please go over quickly.” Jing Li switched expressions swiftly, helping the boy up with bright eyes. “Yuze, come with me. I found a treasure. Let me show you.”
Dragging the boy away, leaving behind the Sect Leader sighing with exasperated fondness.
…….
The scene ended.
It went smoothly beyond belief. The onlookers were stunned, still immersed in the performance.
Jing Li dropped the act immediately after finishing, politely distancing himself. “Thank you for your cooperation. Did I hurt you earlier?”
“No.” The young man raised his head, revealing a face with handsome features, and smiled at him, “Your strength is very measured.”
After a pause, he praised again, “The acting skills are also very good.”
It was sincere praise. The scene seemed simple but contained complex, unbroken emotional shifts. Lazy, mischievous, innocent impulsiveness…
It was not so easy to interpret the image of a pampered immortal young master in a natural way, without making people feel any disgust or discomfort, but to attract the audience to fall in love with the other person’s willful character.
This not only required the actor’s solid acting skills to support but also required attention to subtle changes in emotional eyes, not to mention the pressure to withstand when playing against veteran actors.
Many had failed for this reason, including Lin Xiao earlier. Yet Jing Li not only succeeded fully, but he blended those complex emotions seamlessly, as though he had become the sect young master. Such acting skill was admirable even among professionals, much less an amateur with no acting experience at all.
“Thank you.” Jing Li smiled politely and didn’t say much. He didn’t seem to think this was such a great thing.
Seeing his unfazed attitude, the young man couldn’t help but have a better impression of him. Just as he was about to say a few more words to him, he caught a glimpse of Director Li walking hurriedly out of the corner of his eye, so he could only stop temporarily.
“This acting is absolutely amazing!” Director Li slapped Jing Li’s shoulder, smiling almost from ear to ear. “It perfectly matches the young master in my mind. Fu Yan, what do you think?”
“His acting skills are indeed good. If I have the chance, I’m looking forward to acting with him.” Fu Yan, the young man who spoke before, praised with a smile.
“The pauses and delivery were excellent.” The veteran actor who followed behind couldn’t help but laugh and added, “It’s so rare nowadays to meet a newcomer who can make me bring out all my skills yet still act so smoothly. He’s truly remarkable! Director Li, don’t let him slip away easily.”
“Hahaha, I knew you drama lovers wouldn’t let him off!” Director Li laughed heartily before saying to Jing Li, “Let me introduce you – this esteemed elder is Mr. Wang Xiwang, a famous veteran in the industry. He plays the sect leader. This is the male lead, Fu Yan.”
Jing Li greeted them politely.
Director Li smiled. “This is Jing Li, my preferred choice for the young sect master role. Since you all approve, let’s exchange contacts later. You veterans can guide him more. It’ll be more convenient for rehearsal and communication.”
“Sure, feel free to come to me if you have any questions,” Mr. Wang, who is always generous in mentoring promising juniors, readily agreed.
Fu Yan also smiled and nodded.
After they got acquainted, Director Li hurriedly said to Jing Li, “Now that this is settled, would it be convenient to sign the contract now if you’re available?”
It wasn’t surprising he was anxious. He had heard much about this young master’s willful personality and worried he might suddenly lose interest, walk away, and refuse to do it.
Though even with a signed contract, it probably wouldn’t constrain the young master much.
But at least it gave some peace of mind.
Fu Yan, on the side, raised his eyebrows when he heard this and glanced at Director Li, who was always picky, in surprise. This was the first time he saw this person being so proactive.
But recalling the rumors he’d vaguely heard about the young man’s identity and background, he understood.
The veteran actor didn’t think too much about it. Speaking from his heart, he quite approved of the director’s efficiency. The sooner this was settled, the sooner he could act opposite this youth, so he urged Jing Li to quickly agree.
“I’m fine with it.” Jing Li didn’t have such complicated thoughts. Settling this matter would let him breathe easier.
Seeing this, Director Li was overjoyed and about to gesture for his assistant director to prepare the contract. But then Lin Xiao, who had gone to “get in character,” suddenly came over with a humble smile. “Director Li, I’m ready now. When can I start?”
Director Li’s smile froze as he waved a hand dismissively without even looking back. “No need. I’ve made my choice. You can go.” Earlier, he had been willing to give Lin Xiao another chance out of consideration for Jing Li, but after witnessing Jing Li’s performance, he wouldn’t even glance at others now.
Furthermore, Jing Li’s looks and acting were already perfect. He had no need to waste more time.
Lin Xiao’s smile stiffened briefly, but he still forced one out. “Director Li, I’m really ready this time. Why don’t you give me ten minutes, and you can make a decision after I finish the audition?”
But Director Li had no intention of humoring him and was even worried he might upset the young master again. He kept waving his hand. “No need. Though I regret we won’t work together, there will be plenty of chances in the future.”
With that said, he raised his hand and called his assistant to send him away.
Hearing the dismissive tone, Lin Xiao grew anxious. He had been observing Jing Li’s audition to mock him, so naturally saw how outstanding the performance was. He was shocked but even more panicked.
However, all the emotions could not outweigh the worry after hearing that the director made the decision on the spot, so he shamelessly begged for the opportunity.
He absolutely could not let Jing Li snatch this role!
Whether to get back at Jing Li for framing him or to justify his use of blackmail for fame, he would not allow it!
Moreover, this was his only chance to turn over a new leaf, obtained with great difficulty after begging Zhong Liangchen.
Thinking this, Lin Xiao fiercely gritted his teeth and went all in. “Director Li, didn’t you say you’d give me one more chance? Isn’t it unfair to decide so directly?”
He knew this would offend the director, but he didn’t care anymore. Also, if he could outperform or even crush Jing Li later, Director Li’s appreciation for talent could probably smooth things over.
Bolstered by this thought, he stood taller. “It’s true I didn’t do well before, but that could count as testing the waters. With sincerity, I should be able to avoid my previous mistakes and perform to your satisfaction, right?”
“What do you mean by that?” Director Li whipped around, barely holding back angry laughter. “So, you’re questioning my capabilities and insinuating I conspired with others?”
“I didn’t mean that.” Seeing his anger flare, Lin Xiao quickly backed down. “I only want to fight for a chance to audition. If I really am inferior, it would let me admit defeat willingly.”
Let you admit defeat willingly? Does he think this is child’s play?
“Wang Wen, get this irrelevant person out of here!” Director Li was too lazy to humor him further. He yelled for his assistant, then smiled at Jing Li. “Let’s go to the lounge to talk. And by the way…”
Seeing him about to leave, Lin Xiao grew even more anxious. His eyes flicked to Jing Li’s calm expression, and he suddenly called out, “Is Jing Shao afraid of losing to me?”
Fixing Jing Li with an intense stare, he watched for the slightest change in expression. Seeing Jing Li look over, Lin Xiao was elated inwardly but outwardly made a mocking face. “Of course, a pampered young master like you would be worried.”
“But I’m a bit confused. Since Jing Shao is willing to fight me for this, how come you don’t even have the courage to compare our skills?”
He knew Jing Li had a short temper. Usually, if he provoked him slightly, Jing Li would immediately explode.
Let’s see if he could hold back this time.
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