Chapter 92: Using a Borrowed Knife
Director Feng and the other two judges looked utterly speechless. Since when did auditions require a scene partner? If everyone asked for this, wouldn’t they be exhausted by the end of the day?
Seeing that no one responded to her request, Lin Yueyue felt awkward but had no choice but to push through and perform on her own.
She hadn't memorized her lines well, and to make up for it, she exaggerated her facial expressions and practically shouted her lines in an attempt to bring the character to life.
"Ten years ago, when the 76 members of the Mu family were slaughtered, uh... Lord Zhang... Zhang, did you ever think this day would come?"
"......"
The three judges were at a loss for words. Not only was her line delivery weak, but her entire presence felt completely off. She gave off the innocent, youthful vibe of a teen idol drama lead, like some high school-style heroine rather than a tragic historical figure.
Director Feng rubbed his forehead, unable to keep watching. He had said she wasn’t a good fit, but they insisted on her auditioning anyway.
"Wait outside for further notice. Next, Shen Xi."
Lin Yueyue had wanted to ask for another chance, but when she heard who was next, she refused to leave.
Director Feng couldn’t be bothered with them anymore, so a staff member went to call Shen Xi in.
When Shen Xi entered and saw Lin Yueyue still lingering inside, she was slightly puzzled but didn’t care.
The moment she stepped in, both Zhong Wei and Director Feng inhaled sharply, surprised. She looked even better in person than in her profile photos.
Her appearance far exceeded the original requirements for the role. She could easily be cast as the female lead instead.
However, the lead actress had already signed the contract, and looks alone weren’t enough to determine suitability.
Producer Wu Liang, staring blankly at Shen Xi, subconsciously blurted out, "Let’s just call the child ‘Wu Suowei’ then."
Director Feng and Zhong Wei simultaneously turned their heads to look at him, their expressions darkening.
Do you even hear yourself right now, Producer Wu?!
Realizing that he had accidentally voiced his thoughts out loud, Wu Liang awkwardly coughed twice.
"Ahem, Director Feng, please continue."
Shen Xi had a delicate appearance, with an almost pitiful charm in her features.
Director Feng had some doubts, but since she was already here, he signaled for the staff to hand her the same audition script that Lin Yueyue had received earlier.
Shen Xi took the script, glanced at it briefly, and already had a clear idea of how she wanted to perform.
After all, she had read the entire script, both the male and female leads’ parts included, so she could fully understand her character’s role in the story.
Taking a deep breath, she quickly immersed herself in the role. Her gaze sharpened, and a fierce determination replaced her usual soft expression.
She reached out with her right hand, gripping an invisible sword as if she were actually holding one.
These subtle movements and expressions weren’t written in the script. Zhong Wei’s eyes widened slightly, just that one moment had already impressed him. She truly had talent.
What he didn’t know was that Shen Xi had trained this skill by constantly playing the roles of Mrs. Gu and acting as a love-struck fool for a scumbag.
At that moment, she stepped forward, her voice carrying restrained anger and deep sorrow.
"Ten years ago, when the 76 members of the Mu family were slaughtered, did you ever think this day would come, Lord Zhang?"
Then, with a sudden sweep of her "sword," she acted out a brief exchange with the pursuing male lead. A cold, mocking smile tugged at her lips.
"For a mere rogue like me, to have a prince personally hunt me down. What an honor."
Unlike Lin Yueyue’s stiff line reading, Shen Xi’s added movements and tone made the character of Mu Xue feel alive.
Shi Jingyan felt his scalp tingle in shock. Only now did he realize, he didn’t really know this woman at all.
Was this really the same Shen Xi who used to spend all her time scheming and fighting over him? The one who would do anything to win his favor?
"That Sister Na’s instincts are spot on. You’d never guess she came from a singing background," Zhong Wei whispered to Director Feng.
The director nodded. Without Lin Yueyue there to highlight the contrast, they might not have fully appreciated Shen Xi’s acting ability and how perfectly she fit the role. His mind was already made up.
A staff member escorted Shen Xi out of the hall.
"Ms. Shen, please wait for further notice."
But Shi Jingyan stubbornly stayed behind, still trying to argue with Director Feng.
"Just let Yueyue try one more time."
"Mr. Shi, I've already given her a chance. If she’s not suitable, then she’s just not suitable."
Lin Yueyue stood frozen on the spot. In the past, as long as she clung to Shi Jingyan, she always got what she wanted in the end.
But lately, whenever Shen Xi was involved, things stopped going her way. Wasn’t this world supposed to revolve around her and Shi Jingyan?
As soon as Shen Xi left the hotel, she received a message from Zekai.
"Sister, I just got word that the European delegation has already gone to Gu Corporation."
"What?! Already?!"
Of all times, why now? That was way too much of a coincidence.
She quickly flagged down a taxi. The moment she got in, she urged the driver, "Get me to this location as fast as possible. I’ll pay triple the fare."
"Got it! Huh? Oh, it's you again, young lady?"
"Uh..."
While she was still on the road, she received another message. The production team had officially confirmed her role.
She had to give some credit to Shi Jingyan and Lin Yueyue for making a scene back there. Their endless pestering forced Director Feng to lock in his decision early, just to avoid dealing with them any longer.
In this industry, experience and connections always came first. Shen Xi had no prior work, no established fan base, and wasn’t being paid much for this role.
But being in a high-profile drama, alongside stars like Zhong Wei, was an opportunity many second- and third-tier actors would gladly take even for free.
Online buzz never lasted long. It would eventually fade into nothing.
To truly establish herself in this cutthroat industry, she needed to build a solid portfolio. Only by accumulating more projects could she turn quantity into quality and secure her place.
Then, whether she wanted to transition into directing, continue acting, or pursue her music career, she’d have the confidence and options to choose her own path.
……………………………………
At Gu Corporation Headquarters.
On one end of the long conference table sat William and the rest of the European royal delegation. They were in the final stage of negotiating the partnership.
On the other end, Gu Hanling narrowed his eyes slightly. This was an important meeting regarding Gu Corporation’s overseas expansion.
Yet, the man remained silent the entire time, as if he didn’t care at all. Assistant Liu handled everything on his behalf.
At that moment, someone from the European delegation, who had also stayed silent until now, suddenly raised his hand.
It was an older man with silver hair and deep green eyes. His gaze landed directly on Gu Hanling.
Seeing this, William immediately stopped talking and showed great respect toward the older man.
The man spoke in a calm tone, carrying an aura no weaker than Gu Hanling’s.
"Mr. Gu, we’d like to meet Miss Susie first."
Gu Hanling lifted his gaze slightly, looking a bit more interested now. He gave a small nod.
Not long after, Susie entered the room, accompanied by Wu Hao, a senior executive at Gu Corporation.
She wore a confident smile as she walked up to the European representatives and politely extended her hand.
"Hello, I’m Susie, Chief Jewelry Designer at Gu Corporation."
The older man frowned slightly. He glanced at her once, then shook his head.
"I’m sorry, Miss, but you’re not the one."
The entire room fell into an awkward silence. Susie’s smile froze, and she instinctively turned to look at Wu Hao.
His face had turned pale. Clearly, he hadn’t expected this.
This was impossible. The Wu family had investigated everything thoroughly. There was no way the European delegation would recognize Susie.
Gu Hanling’s lips curled into a cold smirk, as if he had expected this outcome. He slowly stood up, his icy gaze sweeping over Wu Hao.
"Was this all arranged by Wu Xiaoman?"
A chill ran down Wu Hao’s spine as he hurriedly defended himself.
"Mr. Gu, this must be a misunderstanding! It has nothing to do with my sister!"
Gu Hanling chuckled, then casually pulled a stack of documents from the drawer and tossed them in Wu Hao’s face.
Wu Hao took one look at the first page and knew it was over. His legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor.
The fake Susie, realizing the situation, immediately dropped to her knees, her voice trembling.
"Mr. Gu... It was all the Wu family’s doing..."
Before she could finish speaking, both she and Wu Hao were swiftly taken away by Gu Corporation's security. They were immediately handed over to the police, who had been waiting on the first floor. The two were under criminal investigation for their involvement in an 800-million-yuan fraud case.
Gu Hanling smirked slightly and turned to Assistant Liu.
"Call for an emergency board meeting immediately."
He wasn’t going to give the Wu family any time to recover. He planned to use this opportunity to remove every single one of their senior members from Gu Corporation, no exceptions.
Assistant Liu nodded and quickly went to make the arrangements.
The European representatives, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, looked confused. Only the older man furrowed his brows in displeasure. His voice was cold as he said,
"Mr. Gu, isn’t this what they call ‘killing with a borrowed knife’? But if you’re going to play games with us like this, it seems you’ve already given up on the European market."
"Where is the real Susie?"
Gu Hanling remained relaxed, as if some things mattered more than business. He looked at the older man calmly and replied indifferently.
"Sorry, I haven’t found her."
Just as the older man was about to speak again, the doors to the meeting room were suddenly pushed open.
Shen Xi stood there, panting, with several security guards chasing behind her.
"I... I..."
Everyone in the room turned their eyes toward her.
Gu Hanling's expression darkened slightly. Before she could say anything, he strode forward, blocking her from the European delegation’s view.
"Madam, did you need something from me? Let’s talk outside."
Without waiting for her response, he grabbed her wrist and started pulling her out of the room.
But in that instant, the silver-haired, blue-eyed older man’s gaze locked onto Shen Xi’s face. He abruptly stood up, rushed forward, and grabbed her hand.
Gu Hanling seemed to know some truth, but he didn't stop him, yet his face turned darker.
Shen Xi, completely caught off guard, just stood there, looking between the two men in confusion.
And then, she heard a very familiar line from Star Wars.
"I am your father!"
"Huh!?"