The information contained in Lin Xiao’s words was a bit huge. As soon as they left his mouth, the surrounding air went silent.
Everyone turned to look at him, then glanced at Jing Li’s expression.
Director Li was also observing Jing Li. He and the assistant director were the only ones in the crew who knew Jing Li’s true identity. Naturally, they had heard many rumors about the young master’s bad temper. Worried that Lin Xiao’s words would provoke Jing Li into doing something irreversible, so before Jing Li could erupt, Director Li hurriedly turned to the ignorant young man in front of him and scolded, “Who do you think you are, Pan Jinlian1Pan Jinlian is a fictional character in the 17th-century Chinese novel Jin Ping Mei (The Plum in the Golden Vase), and a minor character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. She is an archetypal femme fatale and one of the most notorious villainesses of classical Chinese culture. She has an affair with a wealthy womanizer and murders her husband, who is the elder brother of a famous hero. She is later killed by her brother-in-law in revenge. Her name has become idiomatic for a charming but dangerous femme fatale or adulteress. ? How dare you be so shameless! Not letting you audition first means you are ‘giving the role away.’ And if you win, it means you are competing and won over Jing Li? If I oppress you so much here, get out of my crew! From now on, I’ll avoid you too, alright?”
His words were just short of calling Lin Xiao a shameless person looking to make trouble. In the end, he directly refused to let Lin Xiao take part in any of his future works, which was probably the first time an actor had been rejected by a director in the industry.
His words were not just humiliating but would also become a huge stain in Lin Xiao’s acting career.
If this got out, not only would he become a joke in the industry, but getting any more roles in the future would likely become wishful thinking.
Lin Xiao never expected that his original intention of using Jing Li’s status to force another chance for himself would backfire like this, offending Director Li thoroughly before achieving his goal.
His face turned red and pale in turns, eventually becoming ghastly white. He knew if this matter could not be resolved well today, his future in the industry would be over.
“Director Li, you misunderstood. I absolutely did not mean to target you,” Lin Xiao hurriedly explained. Seeing that Director Li ignored him completely and thinking of the other party’s admiring attitude toward Jing Li, Lin Xiao quickly turned his sincere gaze to Jing Li. “Jing Shao, you know me. I absolutely did not…”
“I’m sorry, I really don’t know what kind of person you are,” Jing Li coldly interrupted him. Seeing Lin Xiao’s battered and disheveled appearance, a thought crossed Jing Li’s mind, and he suddenly chuckled lightly. “But I do have a good suggestion.”
“The crew still has an open role, right? You can audition for that, I’m sure you’ll act it well.” As he spoke, Jing Li looked Lin Xiao up and down and nodded. “Not bad. It suits you quite well.”
But his words didn’t bring Lin Xiao any gratitude. On the contrary, Lin Xiao’s face turned livid.
The reason was that the open role was a typical green tea2“绿茶” (green tea) is used to describe a person who appears innocent and charming on the outside but is actually manipulative and cunning underneath. The term comes from the idea that green tea is a mild and refreshing drink, but can also have negative effects such as insomnia, anxiety, or addiction. A green tea character usually uses their charm and fake innocence to seduce or deceive others for their own benefit. They may also pretend to be a victim or a friend to gain sympathy or trust while secretly plotting against their enemies or rivals. A green tea character is similar to a “white lotus” character but more subtle and deceptive.. He obviously wanted to keep everything good for himself, but on the surface, he always acted like a pure white lotus3“白莲花” (bái lián huā), or “white lotus,” refers to a character who acts pure, innocent, and virtuous, but is actually hypocritical, selfish, and malicious. The term comes from the idea that a white lotus is a beautiful and sacred flower, but can also grow in muddy and dirty water. A white lotus character usually plays the role of a saint or a martyr, while blaming others for their misfortunes or mistakes. They may also use their beauty and fake kindness to attract or manipulate others for their own benefit. They often seeks revenge or causes trouble for those who offend or reject them, while pretending to be harmless or pitiful. A white lotus character is similar to a “green tea” character, but more obvious and dramatic. flower who is free from competition and desires.
This was the most hated and disgusting character in the entire book. He was the only one criticized from start to finish. Even his miserable death at the end didn’t garner any sympathy but was instead applauded by countless readers.
If he really took this role, he could imagine the scolding and insults he would face when the drama aired.
Not only would it fail to clear his current negative image, but he would also be forever labeled as a green tea slut.
Also, once he took this role, his acting opportunities would be limited to villains in the future. How was that any different from ending his entertainment career?
Jing Li actually dared to say he was suitable for this role. Wasn’t that clearly labeling him as a hypocritical green tea bitch?
Feeling the mocking faces around him, Lin Xiao’s chest heaved up and down in anger as he glared at Jing Li with the desire to tear him apart.
But in just a moment, he quickly collected himself and lowered his head quietly. “Jing Shao, there’s no need to humiliate me like this.”
“I know my affair with Liang-ge hurt you deeply, but we truly didn’t mean to deceive you. As you know, feelings can’t be forced. It’s like when you fell for Liang-ge despite knowing he had a boyfriend already. Isn’t that right?”
Lin Xiao gave a pitiful laugh, his whole demeanor radiating a crumbling sense of weakness. His pale face looked at Jing Li and said, “Of course, I’m not saying this to blame you for anything since it’s already happened… And as you can see, we’re also paying a very painful price.”
“But, believe it or not, I truly did not intend to hurt you.”
As soon as these words came out, there was silence again, and everyone around them stared at the two people in front of them in shock.
The scandal of Lin Xiao meddling in other people’s relationships and acting as a mistress had been spreading wildly online these past few days. Netizens not only dug up all of Lin Xiao’s information but also peeled the cheating scumbag down to his underwear. As a result, everyone spoke of the despicable couple with contempt and disgust.
As people who scraped by in the entertainment industry, those present were especially familiar with the man before them.
But hearing his implication, could the mysterious rich second generation in the scandal actually be Jing Li???
Although they had vaguely heard that a rich second generation with a powerful background was coming to audition, no one had made the connection. Besides, with Jing Li’s looks and status, even a pig would know who to choose, right?
Everyone looked between Lin Xiao and Jing Li, faces full of disbelief, clearly not fully buying Lin Xiao’s story.
Director Li was just as shocked as anyone else. He had only heard a little about Jing Li’s background from his friend but never imagined there was actually this layer of complexity!
If he had known earlier about the entanglement between these two, he would not have been able to get them together, even if he risked his life!
Director Li was so anxious that the veins on his forehead were throbbing. The things he had to deal with these days! When he thought that all these troubles were caused by Lin Xiao, he almost swallowed the other person’s heart alive.
But not only did he not dare to show off his anger at the moment, he also had to pay attention to Jing Li’s mood at all times, for fear that the other party would get angry and tear up his crew.
“So, this is the new scene you’re rehearsing?” Jing Li looked as unruffled as ever. Even after Lin Xiao’s nonsensical rambling, he remained expressionless.
He raised an eyebrow at Lin Xiao’s feigned weakness that clearly showed a “since you insist on making this ugly, let’s just both be shameless” smugness and said calmly, “It’s quite outstanding, just as I thought.
“But I’ve suddenly changed my mind.
“Acting with a shameless third party like you makes me sick. I think it’s better for you to keep out of my sight.”
Seeing Lin Xiao’s hypocritical expression instantly shatter, Jing Li smiled cruelly and took a few steps forward, leaning down to whisper in his ear, “Also, believe it or not, with one word from me, you won’t be able to take on any more roles in the future, and I can even make it so you have no place left in Beijing?”
Lin Xiao paled at the obvious threat in his words but had to admit Jing Li did have that power.
Compared with this, what made him panic even more was Jing Li’s reaction. Not only did the other party not become angry because of his words, but he responded calmly and doubled down on the threat.
This was nothing like what he expected.
It was as if he was suddenly completely out of their control. No matter what he did, the other party looked on coldly like a bystander. Not only was he not affected at all, but he could still hold his sore spot and threaten him without changing his expression.
This realization left Lin Xiao confused and deeply afraid. He knew that once they could no longer affect Jing Li’s emotions, what awaited them was a vast abyss of darkness.
Thinking of this, Lin Xiao finally and belatedly felt fear. The look on his face shifted from smug victory to panic.
But before he could react, he saw Jing Li tilt his head to his assistant and say, “Get him out of here. I don’t want to see his face again.”
The assistant immediately acknowledged and called over security to haul Lin Xiao out.
He had wanted to do this for a long time!
This shameless green tea bitch had disgusted him for a while with his pretentious act in front of the second young master. He still wouldn’t back down even after getting exposed and dared to prance in front of the young master. This time he would teach him a good lesson!
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