Mu Xueqing’s expression shifted slightly after hearing this, her lips twitching involuntarily as a flash of jealousy and anger crossed her eyes. She had not expected Xu Luoning to respond so bluntly, nor had she expected the director to favor this seemingly ordinary high school student.
However, she quickly regained her composure. A cold sneer tugged at the corner of her mouth as she spoke with a mocking tone: "Hmph, what kind of role do you think you can actually play? Just make sure you don't drag the whole production down and embarrass us all."
Xu Luoning ignored her provocation, merely casting a faint, dismissive glance at her, her eyes revealing a touch of indifference and poise. She turned and walked toward the dressing room with steady, determined steps, her silhouette radiating confidence and grace. She knew deep down that talent was the best proof; petty verbal disputes were meaningless. She would use her performance to answer every doubt.
Inside the dressing room, Xu Luoning changed into her costume—a delicate and ornate piece of period attire. The gold and silver threads shimmered under the lights, and as she wore it, the garment fit her so perfectly that she seemed to belong to that bygone era. She peered into the mirror, meticulously adjusting her makeup. Not a single detail escaped her notice; her gaze was focused and earnest, as if she were crafting a work of art. She gently arranged her hair, her fingertips weaving through the strands with practiced, elegant motions. A slight curve at the corners of her mouth betrayed her confidence and anticipation; she could hardly wait to display her presence before the camera.
During the audition, Xu Luoning won unanimous acclaim from the director and screenwriter, thanks to her exceptional acting skills and profound understanding of the character. Every gesture and every glance she cast brought the figure to life before the audience, making them feel as if they had been transported into that ancient dynasty, witnessing the changing tides of that storied age.Every frown and every smile, every gesture and movement, revealed the soul of the character; it was as if she were the very person from the story, vivid and real.
The director’s eyes shimmered with admiration, and the screenwriter nodded repeatedly, a satisfied smile spreading across their face.
Standing to the side, Mu Xueqing watched Xu Luoning’s performance before the camera, her expression darkening. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, though she was entirely unaware of the pain. She had not expected this seemingly insignificant "younger sister" to possess such exceptional acting skills, nor had she imagined that she would so easily steal the spotlight.
After the audition concluded, the director announced that Xu Luoning would officially take on the lead role and handed her the script. Xu Luoning accepted it, a faint smile gracing her lips. In truth, the moment she had first looked at the script, she realized the character she was to play was exactly who she had been in her previous life; there was no need to force a performance—she simply had to be herself.
Mu Xueqing could only stand by, watching Xu Luoning’s retreating figure. Her eyes burned with resentment and fury, as if she wished to pierce through the woman walking away. Yet, she knew well that venting her emotions here would be futile. What she needed was an opportunity—a chance to seize back control.
Director Lu Zhensheng walked over and patted Mu Xueqing gently on the shoulder, attempting to console her:
"Xueqing, don't be discouraged. Everyone recognizes your acting ability. It’s just that this particular role wasn’t the right fit for you. There will be other opportunities."
Mu Xueqing forced a smile, her voice strained:
"Thank you, Director. I understand. I will continue to work hard and strive for a better performance next time."