Chapter Nineteen: It Is Decided

"Host, oh, Host! This role of the third female lead is so likable, isn't it?" Zero-Zero-Yao's voice echoed once more, laced with a hint of persuasion. "You have to trust the system's judgment. Whatever the system selects is bound to be the best."

"No." Li Chuxi parted her vermilion lips slightly, shaking her head with a faint, amused smile. "Actually, I find the role of the courtesan in the story quite interesting."

*Bzzt—* A crackle of static erupted, and Zero-Zero-Yao instantly glitched.

"Wait, no, Host! Why would you choose a role like that? She's not a good person! She’s obsessively in love with the male lead, plots to kill the female lead, and ends up being murdered by the male lead herself."

Whether played well or poorly, a character like that would only end up being reviled.

"Is that so?" Li Chuxi arched an eyebrow, holding a different perspective. "I don't think this role is poor at all. I've already read the script; this courtesan is a woman who dares to love and hates with equal intensity."

"Host, I think you need to reconsider," Zero-Zero-Yao continued to urge. "Your reputation isn't exactly great right now. If you take on this role, you might just attract even more anti-fans. Think of your popularity score, think of your special abilities—you surely want to regain those as soon as possible, don't you?"

"I have already decided," Li Chuxi said, her tone indifferent. "I’ll take the role of the courtesan. The audition is next Wednesday, right?"

"Host, please think it over!" Zero-Zero-Yao remained persistent. "Think about your current negative popularity score; you can't afford to provoke any more haters. If... if..."

Finally, its tone carried a hint of compromise. "If you think these roles aren't good, it's fine to just be an extra."

It felt that even being an extra was better than playing such a role. Because of the meddling of that otherworldly soul, the host’s public image was already in tatters. If she played an infamous villainess hated by everyone, it would only get worse.

Rather than further destroying her reputation and inviting more abuse, she might as well be an extra—at least that was neither a success nor a failure.

*Sigh*, it really was a system that had to worry about everything. It felt like its heart would break from all the stress it endured for its host.

"I have already decided," Li Chuxi said, clearly unmoved. "So, Zero-Zero-Yao, just keep quiet."

Before Zero-Zero-Yao could get another word in, Li Chuxi cut it off.

"If you say another word, I will mute you permanently."

"Understood." Zero-Zero-Yao’s tone was filled with grievance, but it dared not continue.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of Director Chen's new film audition arrived. Li Chuxi arrived at the venue according to the announced schedule.

The audition was held at Director Chen's studio. Upon entering, she was met with a bustling crowd. The male lead had already been cast: Ke Jingbo, a rising film star with tens of millions of followers and currently at the height of his popularity. However, beyond his fame, his acting skills were also well-regarded by Director Chen.

With Director Chen's new production and Ke Jingbo as the lead, it was undoubtedly a guaranteed blockbuster. This had attracted a host of actresses eager to audition; as long as one could secure any role in the film, it was a sure ticket to stardom.

Observing the throngs of people, Li Chuxi remained unhurried. She simply found a corner and sat down.

Her arrival drew no attention. After all, her reputation on the outside was poor. Lacking acting skills, popularity, and resources, she wasn't worth anyone's notice. Li Chuxi cared little for their neglect.

Over the past few days, she had been at home, monitoring her stocks. Through several days of buying and selling, her capital had increased more than tenfold. While she was focused on making money, she hadn't forgotten to spend time delving into the psychology of the character. She was determined to win the role she had set her heart on.

Zero-Zero-Yao was still thinking of ways to persuade Li Chuxi to abandon her original plan, but she simply ignored it, leaving the system helpless.

"Chuxi? Is that you?"

Just as Li Chuxi was sitting quietly, playing with her phone, a woman's voice rang out. She looked up, and a hint of interest flashed in her eyes when she saw who it was.

An acquaintance, how interesting.

Liu Shangshang walked up to Li Chuxi, a brilliant smile on her youthful, pretty face. "Chuxi, so you’re here for the audition too! If I had known, we could have come together; it would have been nice to have company."

She seemed genuinely happy to run into Li Chuxi.

However, Yao Ling, who stood beside her, did not share this sentiment. She glared at Li Chuxi, her tone sharp and unpleasant. "Li Chuxi, what are you doing here? Do you even know what kind of place this is? Is this somewhere you should be?"

"Of course I know what kind of place this is." Li Chuxi didn't even bother to stand up. She shrugged, offering a languid smile. "Unless you didn't know where this was and just wandered in by mistake?"

"You—" Yao Ling hadn't expected Li Chuxi to talk back. She glared daggers at her before saying, "Leave immediately. This is a casting call for Director Chen's new movie. You know what your acting skills are like; don't embarrass the company here."

Li Chuxi raised an eyebrow, remaining as immovable as a mountain, clearly showing no intention of leaving.

"Li Chuxi," Yao Ling’s voice rose a notch, though she quickly lowered it when she noticed the eyes of others turning toward them. "If you don't leave, don't blame me for being rude."

"Oh? And how exactly do you plan on being rude?" Li Chuxi blinked, a smirk playing on her lips. "I'm just so terrified!"

Seeing Li Chuxi's expression, Yao Ling's anger flared even higher.

"Sister Ling, don't be angry," Liu Shangshang whispered, pulling on Yao Ling's arm. "There are so many people here; if we cause a scene, it won't look good. Besides, I think Chuxi just wants to try; that's a good thing! Maybe she'll catch Director Chen's eye!"

"She? Caught by Director Chen?"

As if hearing a joke, Yao Ling's face was filled with mocking laughter. "With her acting, which consists of nothing but wide eyes and pouting? How could Director Chen possibly take a fancy to her? Only some low-budget, trashy web dramas would ever consider her."