MQSP - Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Baiye sat in the center, nervously clutching a water bottle. This production crew was truly bizarre. Several people who looked like staff members were standing off to the side, watching her with doting smiles, leaving her at a complete loss.
And then there was Auntie Lin...
Baiye didn't dare to look up. The mere thought of Auntie Lin watching her from the front sent her heart into a panic. Her luck was just too rotten. Of all the production crews in the film studio, how did she manage to run right into Auntie Lin's? How was she supposed to face her after this?
Baiye's mind was a complete mess, a chaotic jumble. She had told herself beforehand to be calm and composed, but all her mental preparations had crumbled the instant she saw Lin Yuqing.
"Why don't you start with an introduction," the assistant, Wang Qiong, said, leading the audition. Su Yu observed slyly from the side.
She had originally kept it a secret, wanting to see the look on Lin Yuqing's face when she saw the girl. After all, Su Yu herself had been thoroughly surprised upon meeting Baiye. But to her disappointment, Lin Yuqing showed no reaction at all, looking as composed as if she were seeing a complete stranger.
Baiye took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice from trembling. "Hello, everyone. My name is Gu Baiye. I'm nineteen years old, and I'm a student at Qin Chuan..." She paused when she got to her school, stealing a glance at Lin Yuqing. She found Auntie Lin staring at her, her face devoid of expression, and her heart immediately skipped a beat.
"At what?" Wang Qiong asked with a frown.
"At..." In her peripheral vision, Baiye saw Xia Xiaozi secretly give her a supportive fist pump. It was like taking a calming pill. Things had already come to this; there was no hiding it now. And even if there was a reckoning to be had, it wouldn't be right this second!
"I'm a first-year student at Qin Chuan Film Academy."
"I'm a newcomer with no experience. If there's anything I don't do well, I ask for your patience, seniors." As she spoke, Baiye stood and gave a deep bow to everyone present.
This gesture greatly improved the onlookers' impression of her. A newcomer this beautiful, with a gentle personality and such good manners, was a rare find!
Xia Xiaozi was smiling and encouraging Baiye when she suddenly felt a chill. A glance out of the corner of her eye revealed Lin Yuqing, seated before her, turning her head to stare right at her. Startled, Xia Xiaozi immediately sat up straight, squared her shoulders, and stared directly ahead, pretending she hadn't seen a thing.
When Lin Yuqing heard Baiye mention her school, she had instinctively turned to glance at Xia Xiaozi, catching her in the act. She understood at once. So, these two have been conspiring behind my back, have they!
"Which role would you like to audition for?" Wang Qiong continued.
"I'd like to try for An..." The name "Liang" got stuck in her throat. Baiye looked up at Lin Yuqing. She was still in costume, dressed as a military general, and the heavy armor exuded an invisible pressure.
Auntie Lin is in this drama, too?
"An... Luocheng?" Baiye had only been guessing silently to herself, not expecting the name to slip out.
Everyone in the room was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. Even Wang Qiong, who had been maintaining a stern and aloof expression, cracked a smile. "You can't play that role. Besides, it's already been cast." Wang Qiong glanced at Lin Yuqing, who was looking on with a cold face, seemingly a little displeased.
"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant. I want to audition for..."
Baiye pressed her lips together. It seemed Auntie Lin was undoubtedly playing An Luocheng. If that was the case, why not fight for an opportunity to get closer to her?
Once the thought took root, it became unstoppable. Without much hesitation, she said, "I'd like to try for the role of An Xi."
"Mm." Wang Qiong said nothing more, lowering her head to flip through Baiye's information. Baiye was left standing in the middle of the room, feeling a little lost as she silently tried to adjust her state of mind.
"You don't seem very confident," Wang Qiong said, suddenly looking up. Her gaze was intimidating, making Baiye's heart flutter as she subconsciously lowered her head.
The moment she lowered her head, Baiye realized she had fallen for the other woman's trick. Before she came, Teacher Lu had warned her repeatedly to remain confident, to act tough even if she had to fake it. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you convince others that you can portray this character well?
Baiye's thoughts raced. With a flash of inspiration, she took a quiet breath, lifted her head to meet Wang Qiong's gaze, and gave a playful smile that revealed a single canine tooth. "In the drama, doesn't An Xi often play the fool to get the upper hand?"
Hearing this, Su Yu's eyes lit up. Alright, this kid's quick on her feet.
Many people in the room nodded silently. Wang Qiong, the lead interviewer, however, was frozen on the spot, staring intently at Baiye.
【Wang Qiong: Holy crap! Is she flirting with me?!】
The moment Su Yu saw Wang Qiong's expression, she knew the woman was having one of her episodes and kicked her under the table.
"Right, right." Wang Qiong nodded, managing to regain her composure.
"Trying to be clever."
Just as Baiye was sighing in relief, Lin Yuqing, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly spoke. The heart that had just settled in Baiye's chest leaped right back into her throat.
Su Yu was also taken aback by the comment. She sensed a trace of hostility in the words, yet Lin Yuqing wore an expression of complete indifference, which struck Su Yu as odd.
The atmosphere instantly grew awkward. Because of Lin Yuqing's remark, the mental defenses Baiye had worked so hard to build came crashing down once more.
"Let's begin for real now." Su Yu sat up straight, taking the lead.
"Can you curse?" she asked, smiling at Baiye.
"Wh-what?" Baiye was visibly stunned. "Curse?"
"That's right, curse." Su Yu's smile wasn't the least bit creepy as she pointed at Lin Yuqing. "Curse at her."
!!!
Lin Yuqing's eyes widened as she glared at Su Yu, her astonishment no less than Baiye's. Has Su Yu lost her mind?
"I... I don't know how to curse." Baiye's face flushed red. Although Teacher Lu had told her that Director Su's auditions were completely unconventional, this was just too bizarre...
Su Yu was thoroughly surprised. There are still young people today who don't know how to curse?
"It's simple. Just say, 'An Luocheng, you bastard.'" Su Yu demonstrated.
Baiye had a flash of understanding. She recalled An Xi's character profile from the script; because she had the soul of a modern person, she had a rather carefree personality and would often blurt out less-than-refined words. In that case, Su Yu's test wasn't entirely random after all.
It was just... cursing was something Baiye was truly not good at. And on top of that, she had to curse at Auntie Lin...
"It doesn't matter if you say it without emotion. Just say the words, and I'll consider it a pass." Su Yu shamelessly lowered the bar again and again. Beside her, Lin Yuqing looked ready to swallow her whole.
The offer was far too tempting. Baiye opened her mouth several times. "An... An Luocheng..."
"Look at her and say it boldly," Su Yu said, pointing at Lin Yuqing.
Baiye steeled herself, looked up at Lin Yuqing, and shouted, "An Luocheng!" Lin Yuqing's eyes widened in surprise.
However, after shouting the name, she lost her nerve. "You're not a bas..."
"...tard."
The bizarrely broken sentence sent the entire room into fits of laughter. Xia Xiaozi was trying so hard to hold it in that she nearly got a cramp. The way Baiye mumbled the last part was so adorable that even Lin Yuqing couldn't help but crack a smile.
Su Yu rolled her eyes and put a hand to her forehead in exasperation. This is what she calls cursing?
On the surface, Wang Qiong remained impassive, but inwardly she was howling with laughter. So cute! I really want to... hmm!
"Alright, let's have you act out a scene."
"You've read the script, I assume. Later in the story, An Luocheng falls under suspicion, and the king sets a trap for her, a banquet to lure her back to the capital. We'll do the scene right before her departure. The requirement is this: don't follow the script. You can only say three lines, and you must fully express the sorrow of parting, reluctance to leave, and deep concern. Do you understand?" Su Yu laid out the requirements crisply.
Baiye's mind raced. Fortunately, improvisation was something she had practiced often in class. The three-line limit, however, made things difficult. If her lines lacked expressive power, she would have to rely on her eyes, gestures, and other body language to convey deeper meaning. It was a true test of her acting ability.
"I understand. Could you give me one minute?"
"Of course. For this scene, Lin Yuqing will be your partner. Hey, you know who she is, right?" Su Yu asked casually, causing the expressions of Lin Yuqing, Xia Xiaozi, and Gu Baiye to shift slightly. Baiye, of course, knew that her relationship with Auntie Lin was a secret that couldn't be revealed. She smiled. "I know her. I've seen her on television often."
"Do you like her?"
"I... I do," Baiye said, scratching her head, her face turning a little red.
"Alright, go ahead and prepare."
"Hey, hey, this is an emotional scene. Go easy on her in a bit, don't scare the kid," Su Yu added, cautioning Lin Yuqing.
Lin Yuqing gave a smirk that wasn't quite a smile. Don't scare her? She came to audition behind my back and ran right into my hands, and I'm supposed to not scare her? I'll scare her until she cries!
A minute later, Lin Yuqing rose and walked to the center of the room. She stood before Baiye, glaring down at her. Feeling guilty, Baiye averted her gaze. Auntie Lin was a good eight centimeters taller than her, and in full armor, her presence was overwhelming. Baiye lost the first exchange, not daring to meet her eyes.
"Ahem!" Su Yu coughed loudly, reminding Lin Yuqing to tone it down.
Lin Yuqing shot her a glance before turning, sweeping her cape behind her, and sitting down in the chair.
So cool!
Little Baiye's eyes were practically sparkling with stars.
"Um... could I borrow a comb?" Baiye asked a nearby staff member, collecting herself.
"Of course, of course." Someone immediately handed her a wooden comb.
Baiye took the comb and clutched it in her hand, her mind flashing with an image she had yearned for for a very long time.
Su Yu gestured to a crew member, signaling for the camera to start rolling. The audition was being filmed to see how Baiye performed on camera—whether she was photogenic, if she was camera-shy, and so on.
"Are you ready?" Su Yu asked.
"Yes." Baiye nodded, taking another deep breath to steady herself.
"Alright, action."
As Su Yu's voice faded, neither of the two in the center of the room moved. Lin Yuqing kept her eyes lowered, silent, while Baiye stood quietly a short distance behind her, gazing at her back.
Su Yu signaled to the camera operator, pointing at Baiye's hands. The camera immediately pushed in for a close-up. Baiye's fingers were long and slender with distinct knuckles, fair and clean—her hands were beautifully shaped. As it happened, the camera operator had a thing for hands and couldn't tear the lens away.
Clutching the comb tightly, Baiye slowly stepped forward until she stood behind Lin Yuqing. She cupped Lin Yuqing's ink-black hair in one hand and, with the wooden comb in the other, began to brush it through, strand by careful strand. She was exceptionally focused, and a smile of pure satisfaction unconsciously graced her lips.
When she was little, she had seen historical dramas where women would arrange their husbands' hair. Their hands were always beautiful, their movements gentle, and the occasional glances they shared in a bronze mirror were filled with deep affection. Because of this, the young Baiye came to believe that combing someone's hair was something only intimate lovers did. A seed had been planted in her heart without her even realizing it—she wanted to comb her Auntie Lin's hair, to comb it for a lifetime.
The moment Baiye's hand touched her hair, Lin Yuqing's eyes opened, and for a second, she seemed lost in thought.
Baiye's movements were light, slow, and meticulous. She was completely focused and showed no sign of speaking. Su Yu shot Lin Yuqing a look, signaling for her to lead Baiye into the scene.
"I depart for the capital tomorrow. In my absence, all matters in the camp and of the An family are left to you." Lin Yuqing's tone was level, without much emotion. It was enough to give Baiye a cue and pull her into the scene.
Baiye's hand paused mid-stroke. Her fingers traced the teeth of the comb, and the camera immediately pushed in for another close-up. She silently withdrew her hand, clutching the comb with both of hers now, fidgeting uneasily.
"Do you have to go?" Her tone was plaintive, a little petulant, and held a hint of a plea. Her eyelids were lowered; she didn't look at Lin Yuqing, but stared at the comb in her hands.
Lin Yuqing stiffened. Is she wheedling? She never uses that tone of voice with me at home! I'm angry!
"No," she refused flatly.
Su Yu's eyes widened. Why did that refusal sound almost... sulky?
Baiye was silent for a moment. She set the comb aside, walked slowly to Lin Yuqing's side, and sank into a half-kneel before her. She lifted her head to gaze up at her, her brow furrowed with sorrow.
Lin Yuqing instinctively turned her head to meet her gaze, and the camera operator immediately captured the shot.
Su Yu rested her chin in her hand as she watched them. The image of Baiye kneeling before Lin Yuqing, gazing up at her, was so perfectly harmonious it made even Su Yu's heart beat faster.
Baiye opened her mouth as if to speak, but then swallowed her words and lowered her head. After a moment's hesitation, she slowly raised a hand and placed it over Lin Yuqing's, which rested on her knee. Once again, she looked up, meeting her gaze.
Lin Yuqing froze. Baiye's fingers were cool, but her palm was warm and slightly damp with sweat. Her hand had been held countless times while filming, but it had never felt like this. The soft, warm touch was like a feather brushing against her heart, stirring a strange, ticklish sensation within her.
"The An family can't be without you."
Lin Yuqing remained still. Baiye gazed at her, her eyes brimming with affection. She took Lin Yuqing's hand and pressed it to her own cheek. "And I..." Baiye paused, a distinct catch in her voice. "I can't be without you, either." With that, she pressed her lips together and forced a smile.
Lin Yuqing's heart jolted as if it had been struck by a heavy fist. An inexplicable weight settled over her. Looking into Baiye's glistening eyes, Lin Yuqing was involuntarily reminded of when she was a child, asking with tears in her eyes if she could please have a hug...
A sharp pain lanced through Lin Yuqing's heart. She jerked her head to the side, avoiding Baiye's searing gaze.
Su Yu was visibly surprised. Well, I'll be damned. There's actually a scene Lin Yuqing can't handle!
"Alright, cut! Excellent, excellent." Su Yu led the applause, studying Baiye with the proud smile of a doting mother. Not bad at all. Kids these days are really something else. My eye for talent is impeccable.
Baiye stood up, wiped away the tears welling in her eyes, and gave a slight bow to everyone present.
"Baiye, that was fantastic. I've decided. The second female lead for this drama is..."
"I disagree."
Before Su Yu could even get the word "you" out, Lin Yuqing cut her off with the objection. Everyone was visibly stunned, and the smile on Baiye's face froze.
Su Yu was dumbfounded as well. She had never expected Lin Yuqing to be the one to throw a wrench in the works. Seeing the room full of gawking onlookers, she quickly waved her hands to dismiss them. "Baiye, you can head back and wait for our notice. You did an excellent job. You have a boundless future!" Su Yu gave Baiye a thumbs-up. Baiye, looking apprehensive, kept glancing toward Lin Yuqing, but the older woman had her back turned and wouldn't even look at her. The rejection was a heavy blow. "I'll be going, then." She bowed to the two of them and turned to leave.
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