When Jing Li said this, the group of people in the room were stunned for a moment. Then they reacted, their faces instantly turning pale. It was quite a spectacle.
But before they could respond, Jing Li suddenly chuckled lightly and said mockingly, “I think what that person said earlier made a lot of sense.”
He paused, sweeping his gaze over each face in the room. Then, under their anxious stares, he enunciated word for word, “If you have the ability, then snatch the role for yourself.”
“Rather than gossiping behind people’s backs, you’d be better off working on your own acting skills.”
“Oh, but I guess you don’t really need any acting skills,” Jing Li said, feigning sudden realization. “You’ve been struggling around on set for so long without making any waves. I guess you don’t have many chances to catch the public’s eye?”
Although blunt, his words were undeniably true.
Due to scheduling, the two vacant roles had been open for audition to all cast members, both newcomers and veterans. Anyone interested could try out for the production team.
It was a big IP adaptation with a famous director, and the leading actor was very popular. Any ambitious person would seize this rare opportunity.
However, this role had been vacant for nearly half a month and had not been finalized. This means that none of the people who came to audition before were able to satisfy the director.
But it was this harsh truth that made it harder to accept. Like beasts guarding a treasure but unable to open the safe without the key, they could only watch helplessly as the chest was taken away. Their indignation and frustration simmered just below the surface.
His unabashed words made the group’s faces pale further, still reeling from fear and now boiling with rage. But mindful of his background, even if they gritted their teeth and turned purple with hatred, they could only endure it silently. They were definitely feeling aggrieved.
Jing Li did not care about them. After shutting them down, he shifted his gaze and smiled amiably at the staff member beside him. “Do we wait here?”
Seeing his sudden friendly smile, the group was taken aback again, only now realizing there were others outside, maybe more crew members. If word of what was just said reached the director’s ears, their faces paled a shade further.
The staff member, who had been enjoying their quarrel, quickly composed himself and said, “Yes, here. But if you’re uncomfortable, I can take you to a private side room…”
“No need, this is fine,” Jing Li rejected instantly. He cast an amused glance at the people and said, “I’m not gossiping behind anyone’s back. Why would I feel uncomfortable?”
At his words, their faces grew even more colorful.
The staff smiled politely, seeming totally unbothered, and was, in fact, delighted to see these arrogant old fritters taken down a notch. Usually only able to bully junior staff to feel important, watching them eat humble pie was satisfying. So, he simply said, “Please rest here. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” Jing Li replied politely. He then entered the lounge, looked around, and sat on the nearest sofa, directly facing the group inside. They shrank back into the corner, all previous bravado gone.
The staff’s lips twitched as he suppressed a laugh and gave the young master’s assistant some reminders before hurrying off. Once out of sight, he let out a gleeful laugh in a corner.
The lounge was eerily silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The previously chattering group didn’t dare make a peep now, huddled together like quails. Anyone unaware of the situation would have thought they were the bullied ones.
In contrast, Jing Li’s group sat nonchalantly resting in their seats. Jing Li casually flipped through the script, memorizing his lines for the upcoming audition, seeming to have already forgotten or not cared about the earlier unpleasantness.
After about half an hour of this stalemate, the staff returned to take them for the audition. Jing Li closed his script and handed it to his assistant before following him out.
Once they were gone, the cornered group collectively breathed a sigh of relief, finally freed from their torment. Their contempt for the spoiled young master multiplied, but they tacitly didn’t dare say another word, having learned their lesson.
*
When they arrived at the set, the staff first led them to meet Director Li. After some brief pleasantries, Director Li had someone take Jing Li to change into costume, as preparations for the previous scene were still wrapping up, just enough time for him to get ready.
Jing Li politely accepted the arrangements without objection. After a modest goodbye, he followed the staff to the dressing room.
Once they were some distance away, the assistant director beside Director Li couldn’t help softly remarking, “I was worried before about how to handle this young master, but he’s been acting so gentlemanly, completely unlike the rumors.”
“You’re old enough to know better than to believe every rumor in the industry,” Director Li replied.
“You’re right, of course,” the assistant director conceded with deep realization, then continued, “But it’s just his acting skills that are probably quite awkward, and he will definitely have to struggle for a while. These spoiled young masters, living the good life but insisting on meddling here with us!”
Director Li didn’t reply this time. They just watched their retreating backs with narrowed eyes, lost in thought. After a long while, he waved a hand and said, “What’s the use of talking about it now? Let’s wait and see. Don’t just stand there. Tell the crew inside to hurry up. See if we can squeeze in another scene after they’re done.”
The assistant director quickly acknowledged and rushed into the set to direct the staff. Director Li remained where he was, sighing softly.
The staff member led Jing Li to the dressing room. The makeup artist was busy organizing tools. Hearing their purpose, he barely glanced at Jing Li before instructing his assistant, “Take him to change first, the moon-white outfit.”
His attitude was neither cold nor warm. He immediately returned to his work after speaking.
Jing Li didn’t mind, just nodded politely, and followed the assistant inside.
Since the audition was for the young sect master role, the costume naturally had to be more ornate. The makeup artist picked out a moon-white, wide-sleeved robe for Jing Li, with a light mesh overlay embroidered with gold threads that would refract tiny specks of light. The ankle-length style further accentuated his tall, slender figure. Even without makeup, he exuded an ethereal, otherworldly air.
The moment he stepped out, he instantly captured the attention of the people around him, like an immortal noble stepped out of a novel, making people unable to take their eyes away from him.
“That’s it!” The makeup artist’s eyes lit up instantly, his previous attitude gone as he enthusiastically motioned Jing Li to the seat before him. “In all my years in this industry, this is the first time seeing someone wear traditional costume so perfectly. It’s like this was tailored just for you!”
As if the words were not enough, he circled Jing Li several times, the admiration in his eyes barely concealed.
“You flatter me,” Jing Li smiled politely.
“I’m not exaggerating,” the makeup artist glanced at him in the mirror, selecting bottles and jars on the table to apply makeup on him as he excitedly said, “No makeup artist doesn’t love your kind – easy to work with and a treat for the eyes. It’s always extra satisfying to do your makeup, not to mention your skin is heavenly!”
The more he spoke, the more excited he got, though his movements remained gentle, as if fearing he might hurt Jing Li. His assistant watched curiously, never seeing his mentor so happy before.
Truthfully, the actor was truly good-looking. He couldn’t help sneaking glances again and again, missing several steps of the process.
Thanks to his good base, the makeup process was simple, just sharpening his features slightly.
“Done,” the makeup artist clapped his hands. “Stand up and walk around.”
Jing Li stood up from his seat and took a few steps forward without hesitation. After some time without hearing a response, he looked back curiously, only to see everyone staring dumbfounded at him.
“What’s wrong?” He smiled. “Does something not look right?”
At his smile, the room instantly filled with the sound of gasps. Then the makeup artist exclaimed excitedly, “Simply perfect!! This is probably my most perfect work in all these years!”
He made a gesture like taking out his phone and eagerly asked, “Can I take a picture with you? Don’t worry, it’s just for my own enjoyment, I definitely won’t spread it!”
Jing Li was thoroughly amused by his lively reaction. With a laugh, he agreed. The makeup artist instantly handed his phone to the assistant and snapped several shots before the staff came to fetch them, reluctantly letting Jing Li leave.
After he was gone, the makeup artist eagerly grabbed his phone again, flipping through the photos with satisfaction. Finally, he marveled, “With these looks, just standing there would make fangirls fight to screenshot him! Whatever, I’m a fan now!”
And he wasn’t the only one reacting this way. Along the way, anyone who saw Jing Li couldn’t help but pause to stare, eyes full of amazement barely contained. If not for the rule against unauthorized photos, they would have snapped away madly.
Arriving on set, Director Li was also stunned by his appearance, eyes lighting up as a voice screamed inside: This is him! The perfect image of the immortal sect young lord!
He even had the shameless thought that if Jing Li’s acting was passable, he could consider giving him a chance.
However, no matter how excited he was in his heart, he still showed a calm expression on his face, only gesturing the assistant director over a bit impatiently. “Have the crew prepare. Bring Jing Li over to audition immediately.”
The assistant director hurriedly snapped out of his daze and called for the staff to bring Jing Li over. Just as they were about to go, a voice suddenly called out from behind, “Director Li, sorry I’m late!”
Everyone turned to look.
Jing Li also followed the sound and looked over. When he saw clearly who it was, he couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows in surprise.
What a small world!
He wouldn’t have expected to run into him here.
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