Chapter 25: The Audition

Late at night, the lights in Fu Boyun’s office blazed brightly.

“What did Jiang Yu discuss with Xu Zhengyang?” Fu Boyun held a glass of red wine, standing by the window, his gaze cold and stern.

Zhuang Luoyan stood beside him with her head bowed.

“We’ve found out. Today she negotiated a collaboration with Xu Zhengyang, who promised her a role.”

Fu Boyun’s brows knitted together; he let out a cold snort.

“As expected, she’s restless. Is she really so eager to find someone to go up against me?”

“President Fu, should we…” Zhuang Luoyan asked tentatively.

“No rush.” Fu Boyun took a sip of wine, his eyes growing darker and deeper. “Let her jump. The higher she climbs, the harder she’ll fall.”

Zhuang Luoyan responded quietly and took her leave.

In the days that followed, Jiang Yu enjoyed a rare leisure at home.

Though there were no work arrangements, not having to interact with Fu Boyun made her mood much lighter.

One afternoon, her phone screen lit up with a call from Xu Zhengyang.

The message had come.

“President Xu.”

“Miss Jiang, congratulations. I’ve secured an audition for you for the third female lead,” Xu Zhengyang’s voice sounded from the other end.

Jiang Yu tightened her grip on the phone.

Finally, an opportunity…

“Thank you for your kindness, President Xu, but I haven’t landed the role yet, so I dare not celebrate.”

A soft laugh came from the other end.

Xu Zhengyang spoke slowly, “Miss Jiang, you’re too modest. With your abilities, the role is almost yours. However…” He paused, his tone shifting, “You know, I didn’t secure this chance for you for nothing.”

Jiang Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly, her tone calm and unhurried. “And what does President Xu mean by that?”

“I want to know the specifics about Fu Boyun’s film project,” Xu Zhengyang said bluntly, without a trace of hesitation.

Jiang Yu’s lips curled faintly.

It was within her expectations. After all, Xu Zhengyang was Fu Boyun’s rival, and businessmen always put profit first.

She was no naïve flower—did he really think he could manipulate her?

A thought flashed through Jiang Yu’s mind; she decided to play coy.

“President Xu, the opportunity is precious, but nothing’s settled yet. How could I dare negotiate terms with you?”

Xu Zhengyang was momentarily stunned, then chuckled, the laughter carrying a hint of inscrutable meaning.

“Miss Jiang, truly worthy of being Fu Boyun’s woman—your mind runs deep.”

The laughter faded, his voice lowering, “Very well. Tomorrow, come to the company for the audition at the time I send you.”

“Thank you, President Xu. I won’t let you down.”

After hanging up, Jiang Yu glanced out at the dark night beyond the window.

Jiang Yu—no one will block your path!

Her lips lifted slightly, yet her eyes held no trace of a smile.

The next morning, the sun shone warmly, and a gentle breeze stirred.

Jiang Yu arrived punctually at Xu Zhengyang’s company.

The receptionist politely led her into the conference room.

Inside, the director, producer, and several assistant directors sat together, the atmosphere tense and oppressive.

Jiang Yu stood at the door, her gaze sweeping the room, her expression composed.

“Miss Jiang, is it?” The director looked up, his tone calm. “Please, have a seat.”

Jiang Yu sat down, her posture upright and poised.

The producer spoke first. “Miss Jiang, you should know we’re not only judging acting for the third female lead, but also overall presence. This character is a woman opposed to Fu Boyun—she’s reserved yet cold, with complex emotional layers. Do you believe you’re suited for the role?”

Jiang Yu nodded, her voice crisp. “I do.”

“Very well, let’s begin the audition now.”

Jiang Yu rose and followed the staff to the set prepared for the audition.

The camera focused on her, the lights shining down. She closed her eyes gently, regulated her breath, and slipped into character.

The director’s voice came from behind the camera: “Begin.”

…

Twenty minutes later, the director called “Stop,” and silence settled over the conference room.

The producer murmured a few words to the director.

“Miss Jiang, your performance was very moving, and your aura fits the role perfectly. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible, but please stay available.”

“Thank you, everyone. I’ll await your reply.”

Jiang Yu’s palms were already slick with cold sweat, though outwardly she remained perfectly composed.