In the original novel, Kui Ji disguised herself as an orphan to get close to the male protagonist, Chang Yu. After committing a crime, she left a clue and was exposed by Chang Yu. When Chang Yu came to question her, Kui Ji initially pretended to be pitiful. However, after learning that Chang Yu no longer trusted her, her pitiful expression immediately disappeared. While mocking Chang Yu, she revealed the truth that she had killed Chang Yu's master. This forced Chang Yu to have his inner demons flare up in grief and anger, and he was almost killed by her. Fortunately, the female protagonist arrived in time and saved Chang Yu.
And at this moment, Chu Meibo is about to perform this scene.
Not only do you have to master the changes in facial expressions, but you also have to deliver long passages of dialogue, which is extremely difficult.
However, Chu Meibo didn't seem to realize that after she nodded to the assistant actor and confirmed that the show was starting, her expression immediately changed.
She knelt on the ground, her small face tilted back, her brows slightly furrowed, and her eyes seemed to be veiled with mist. She said softly, "That wasn't me, Brother Yu. I never did such a thing..."
The supporting actor said coldly, "You're still trying to deny it. Now that the evidence is conclusive, I won't believe a word you say!"
Chu Meibo raised her eyes. Her eyebrows were still slightly furrowed, but the corners of her lips curved up. The mist in her eyes slowly dissipated, revealing a cruel smile hidden behind them.
"Brother Yu, you have really hurt me so much."
The voice was still the same, but it had suddenly transformed from that of a weak and helpless woman into that of a slippery and terrifying venomous snake.
Director Gao felt goosebumps rise on his skin. He excitedly leaned forward, wanting to see more clearly.
The supporting actor picked up a knife and pointed it at her: "Witch! You've been killing innocent people indiscriminately. Today I'm going to kill you to uphold justice!"
Chu Meibo suddenly laughed. She deftly dodged the blade that was slashing at her, and said with a grin, "You want to kill me, but you have to come up with a reason. You so-called righteous sects are so hypocritical..."
Enraged, Chang Yu charged at her with his sword, but Kui Ji's eyes showed no fear, instead growing brighter. She provoked Chang Yu with each word, like a cat toying with a mouse, but despite using every trick in the book, Chang Yu couldn't even touch the hem of her clothes.
Aoi Hime smiled and said, "Is this all you're capable of? I'm truly disappointed."
Filled with hatred, Chang Yu unleashed his power, his swordsmanship becoming increasingly fierce. He finally managed to wound Kui Ji. When Kui Ji saw blood, her eyes immediately turned cold, not because she was injured, but because she had been wounded by a lowly soldier she looked down upon. This enraged her greatly.
However, Aoi's eyes were cold, but her smile grew even sweeter. She said lightly, "You're terrible. You're just as useless as your good-for-nothing master. You could be killed so easily..."
Her voice was malicious as she watched Chang Yu being tormented by his inner demons, and she raised her sword to stab him.
"Card!"
The casting director called a stop, and Chu Meibo instantly detached herself from the role.
Director Gao's eyes lit up, and he had goosebumps the whole time. The hint of murderous intent she showed because of her injury even made him feel fear. Although her appearance was different from that described in the original work, her acting skills made up for everything.
Director Gao was certain without hesitation that this was the Aoi Ji he wanted.
Seeing Chu Meibo's performance, he had already sketched out the filming of Kui Ji's key scenes in his mind. He hadn't felt this way in a long time, this fighting spirit inspired by encountering a good actor.
Thinking about this, he felt a little regretful. Compared to the character of Kui Ji, the male and female protagonists' character designs were rather bland.
Fortunately, Kui Ji is a villain. The more outstanding her performance, the deeper the audience's hatred for her will be, and the more they will be able to empathize with the protagonist's feelings. Otherwise, if Chu Meibo were to play the second or third female lead, she might steal all the spotlight from the female lead.
The casting director could tell from Director Gao's expression that he had already decided on the actor.
Sure enough, Director Gao clapped his hands: "Kui Ji has been found. Let the rest of the actors go back."
Chu Meibo raised an eyebrow, not surprised by the result.
-
Chu Meibo walked out of the audition room, just as Shen Huai hung up the phone and looked at her.
Although he was confident in Chu Meibo's acting skills, there were too many variables in casting, especially since Chu Meibo was still a newcomer and her co-star was Liu Qingqing.
As Chu Meibo's agent, Shen Huai's job was to ensure that Chu Meibo wouldn't lose her role due to off-screen factors. But now it seems that Chu Meibo's performance is unexpectedly good, so this insurance is obviously unnecessary.
On the other hand, Liu Qingqing never expected that such a role, which she thought she had a sure thing in, would be taken away by an unknown newcomer.
The casting director was in a panic as he explained to her that he had clearly not expected this turn of events to occur.
Liu Qingqing watched Chu Meibo's retreating figure with a mixture of jealousy and resentment, then angrily left with her assistant.
Chu Meibo didn't care at all, but Shen Huai glanced at Liu Qingqing more.
Shen Huai withdrew his gaze and said to Chu Meibo, "Congratulations on your successful first audition."
Chu Meibo raised an eyebrow: "Is there some kind of reward?"
Shen Huai revealed a faint smile: "What do you want?"
"You agreed so readily?" Chu Meibo said deliberately, "Aren't you afraid I'll make some unreasonable demands?"
Shen Huai was very certain: "You won't. You're very sensible on this point."
Chu Meibo had intended to tease him, but Shen Huai's gaze was so sharp that she lost interest.
She said listlessly, "Forget it, there's no point in rewarding someone for something so trivial."
Shen Huai said, "Putting aside the reward, there is something I really want to discuss with you."
Chu Meibo: "?"
Shen Huai: "I have transferred your student registration from Donghai City to Zhongjing City. You will be reporting to the new school in a month."
Chu Meibo's smile froze.
"Go to...school???"
Chapter 43
The decision to send Chu Meibo to school was one that Shen Huai had considered for a long time before making.
He watched all of Chu Meibo's surviving films and chatted with her.