The next day, Fang Tong rose at dawn and spent some time tidying herself up. She knew that Director Song required no makeup for auditions, so she decided against it entirely. Even so, she wasn't quite as youthful as she had been at eighteen or nineteen; the last few years had left her looking haggard, with dark circles under her eyes and a tiny pimple near her nose. Fortunately, they were minor issues.
When she arrived at the audition site for *The Silent* and filled out her form, the staff member kept glancing at her, eyes filled with immense curiosity, only holding back from speaking thanks to professional restraint.
However, the voice behind her was not nearly as pleasant. Xiao Yinwan was also there to audition and, upon seeing Fang Tong, immediately began to sneer. "Look who it is. If it isn't Fang Tong, the big star cultivated by Director Song himself. I never imagined someone so ungrateful would have the nerve to come to an audition. Aren't you afraid Director Song will have you thrown out immediately?"
Fang Tong ignored her, smiling gently at the staff member. "I’m sorry to trouble you."
The staff member, who had been enjoying the gossip, was flattered and stood up. "No trouble at all, no trouble!"
My god, she was just too beautiful, especially when she smiled. She really was a woman chosen by Director Song; she looked just as stunning without a drop of makeup. If he were a man, wouldn't he be absolutely spellbound?
He recalled the smear posts online that used unflattering angles to show Fang Tong’s face distorted by exaggerated expressions, claiming her beauty was all a product of makeup and packaging. *Pfft*, she was clearly a great beauty, a star among stars.
The staff member handed in the completed audition form. Usually, there was a preliminary screening before the forms were sent to the director and screenwriter for selection; those not chosen were returned immediately, while those selected could prepare for their audition.
Yan Song, the assistant director, reviewed a few profiles and froze when he saw Fang Tong’s form. After a moment of hesitation, he handed it to Song Yi'an. "Director Song, this is Fang Tong’s registration form..."
Song Yi'an’s face darkened. "Throw it out!"
Those who had worked with Song Yi'an knew his temperament—he was a perfectionist. Aside from his wife, Lu Feier, no one could endure him for long. Still, as he was a renowned director, the rest of the crew dared not voice their opinions.
Yan Song and the screenwriter, Wen Luoluo, exchanged a disappointed look. Even though Fang Tong’s departure from the industry years ago had caused quite a stir, they were desperate to cast the two lead actresses, as they had been unable to settle on anyone. Now that the most suitable candidate had arrived, how could they not be excited?
Previously, for the female lead role, Fang Tong had spent four months training in basic combat skills and had even hired a retired police officer to teach her the necessary techniques. She likely realized now that the lead was out of her reach, so she had settled for the second female lead instead. In the eyes of Yan Song and Wen Luoluo, the second lead was actually a better fit for Fang Tong’s soft-spoken nature. It was as if someone had handed them a pillow just as they were falling asleep; as for the past grievances, they could always be negotiated.
But when Song Yi'an didn't move, Yan Song stepped forward, only for Song Yi'an to snatch the form from his hand and make a move to tear it up.
"Director Song!"
"Brother Song!"
Yan Song and Wen Luoluo spoke in unison, their hearts in their throats. Just then, Lu Feier moved with lightning speed, pressing her hand down on Song Yi'an’s. "Wait a moment."
Song Yi'an was displeased. "What are you doing? Have you forgotten how she treated us back then? She left without a word, and now that she’s married into a wealthy family, she wants to come back and play around—and I’m supposed to just accept her?"
"You haven't even asked her, yet you assume she just wants to play around?" Lu Feier said. "You don't follow Weibo, so I suppose you didn't see the news trending yesterday? Everyone is saying she’s divorced."
"Whether she is divorced or not has nothing to do with us."
Though he said this, Song Yi'an released his grip, and the form fell onto the table. Lu Feier understood Song Yi'an better than anyone; he was stern with everyone except Fang Tong. He treated Fang Tong with the same gentleness and care he would a daughter of his own. That was precisely why he had been so distressed when she had left without a word. Later, when Xu Yizhi had sent a massive compensation—one hundred million—and Fang Tong never showed her face, he had been profoundly disappointed, eventually refusing to even hear her name mentioned.
Lu Feier softened her voice. "Rumors aren't necessarily true, but I don't believe Fang Tong is an ungrateful person. Yi'an, just humor me. I want to ask her myself what happened back then."
Director Song rose and walked toward the inner room. "Do as you like. I don't care anymore."
He said he didn't care, but there was a large window in the inner room that provided a perfect view of the audition area.
Lu Feier told Yan Song, "Have her go in first. Don't give her a script. Just have... the lighting technician, go in and act with her."
The lighting technician, a chubby middle-aged man, pointed at himself in surprise. "Me? But, Ms. Lu, I don't know how."
Lu Feier waved her hand and said to Wen Luoluo, "Give them a quick rundown of the scene in a moment. Whether she can pull it off depends entirely on her."
Because this was a last-minute audition, everyone who passed was usually given a specific scene to review and feel out before performing with a professional acting partner. A case like Fang Tong’s—being given only a brief explanation and a lighting tech to act with—was unprecedented. Wen Luoluo wasn't sure if Lu Feier was making things difficult for Fang Tong or if she had immense confidence in her.
Yan Song muttered, "Even though Fang Tong read the full script back then, she was studying for the female lead. Now it’s the second lead, and it’s been three years—so many versions have been rewritten. Who could possibly remember those lines?"
The staff went out to distribute the audition numbers to those who had passed the preliminary screening. The other actors were told they didn't need to stay and could leave. Those left behind were naturally overjoyed.
Fang Tong still hadn't heard her name called, and her heart sank bit by bit.
"Xiao Yinwan, you are number nine." The staff member handed the tag to Xiao Yinwan.
"Thank you." Xiao Yinwan was thrilled and shot a provocative glance at Fang Tong. "What’s wrong? No name for you?"
Under normal circumstances, audition forms were processed in the order they were received. Fang Tong had arrived before Xiao Yinwan, so her form should have been at the front. There was no reason for Xiao Yinwan to have a result while she remained in limbo.
So, was Director Song truly that disappointed in her, to the point where he wouldn't even let her audition?
Fang Tong lowered her head, fighting back tears. She couldn't blame Director Song; she could only blame herself. Even if being forced out of the industry wasn't her fault, she had had plenty of time afterward to apologize to her mentor and his wife and explain the truth. But she hadn't. She had been too afraid; she had been like an ostrich, sealing herself off, thinking that if she just buried her head, the problems would disappear.
Xiao Yinwan gloated, her voice filled with contempt. "See? How could someone like you expect Director Song to keep you?"