Chapter Twenty: Fanning the Flames

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Li Chuxi had no acting skills—this was well known throughout the entertainment industry.

In fact, at first, Yao Ling had seen potential in Li Chuxi and believed she had the potential to become a big star. However, as time went on, it became clear that aside from her looks, Li Chuxi had no real strengths. She didn’t even leverage her one advantage; she refused to attend social gatherings or drinking parties.

Moreover, Liu Shangshang constantly showered Yao Ling with attention and was far more generous in her gestures than Li Chuxi ever was. As a result, Yao Ling gradually shifted all the resources toward Liu Shangshang.

It turned out that her choice was correct. With Yao Ling’s support, Liu Shangshang quickly established herself in the entertainment world and developed her own fanbase.

However, being in the duo limited Liu Shangshang’s growth. If she wanted to become a major star, the group would have to disband.

Yao Ling had recently been pondering ways to make that happen.

Faced with Yao Ling’s disparagement, Li Chuxi’s expression remained unchanged. “Ling Jie, it seems you’re very well aware that those web dramas you assigned me in the past were all poorly made! Tell me, what was your real intention in giving me so many terrible scripts?”

“Li Chuxi, don’t spout nonsense here,” Yao Ling’s gaze flickered nervously, though she lacked both justification and courage. “You know exactly what you’re like. With your awful acting, it’s already a favor that I managed to get you any roles at all. If you can’t even be grateful, now you’re trying to slander me?”

“Slander you? Where did I do that?” Li Chuxi feigned innocence. “Ling Jie, are you feeling guilty?”

“You—”

Yao Ling was itching to slap Li Chuxi but, surrounded by so many people, could only swallow her fury. “Li Chuxi, I’m ordering you to leave immediately. If you affect Shangshang’s audition, I won’t go easy on you.”

Liu Shangshang looked conflicted on the sidelines, seemingly wanting to speak but unsure of what to say.

“I won’t,” Li Chuxi shook her head firmly, then fixed her gaze on Liu Shangshang. “Also, Director Chen’s new drama is holding auditions today. If my presence here affects Liu Shangshang’s performance, it only means she’s too weak. It would be perfectly normal if she gets rejected.”

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“Besides, I don’t recall any clause in the company contract that says I can’t audition on my own. Ling Jie, if you’re unwilling to give me opportunities, does that mean I’m not allowed to find my own?”

Yao Ling was rendered speechless by Li Chuxi’s bold words. She had never imagined Li Chuxi would dare to speak to her like that. She wanted to reprimand her but was mindful of the setting—if a scene was caused, the company wouldn’t let her off either.

“Ling Jie, since Chuxi wants to try, shouldn’t we support her?” Liu Shangshang stepped forward, taking Yao Ling’s hand and trying to persuade her. “Whether she gets chosen or not, this is a valuable experience for her, isn’t it?”

After hearing Liu Shangshang’s words, a shadow flickered in Yao Ling’s eyes before she cast a disdainful glance at Li Chuxi. “Li Chuxi, since you insist on embarrassing yourself, suit yourself. I’m curious to see what you can accomplish with your terrible acting.”

“Shangshang, let’s go.”

After shooting Li Chuxi an apologetic glance, Liu Shangshang quickly followed Yao Ling.

The arrival of Yao Ling and Liu Shangshang had no impact on Li Chuxi. Even after they left, she remained calm, quietly playing with her phone and waiting.

The onlookers had witnessed the entire scene but paid it no mind.

Still, they had come to realize that Li Chuxi’s current bad reputation was undoubtedly tied to her manager. As for Liu Shangshang, she was far from the obedient image she projected; in the entertainment world, that was merely her mask.

Meanwhile, Yao Ling led Liu Shangshang away from the audition venue.

“Ling Jie, where exactly are we going now—”

Liu Shangshang suppressed her excitement, but the slight curve of her lips betrayed her feelings.

Earlier, Ling Jie had told her that a role had already been earmarked for her in Director Chen’s new drama. Now that Ling Jie was bringing her to the audition, she was overwhelmed with joy. She believed that simply by showing up today, she was sure to secure the role. After all, she had invested heavily—Ling Jie wouldn’t disappoint her, right?

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As Ling Jie led her away, her heart couldn’t help but race with excitement.

“I’m taking you to meet the assistant director,” Yao Ling turned to Liu Shangshang and instructed. “He was my senior in university. I’ve already recommended you to him. He’s seen your past performances and believes your acting is more than enough for the role.”

“He’s one of the judges for today’s auditions. Although the final decision rests with Director Chen, the assistant director can strongly endorse you. Unless something unexpected happens, the role of the heroine’s loyal maid is definitely yours.”

“Really?” Liu Shangshang’s face lit up with surprise. When she looked at Yao Ling, her eyes shone with gratitude. “Ling Jie, you’ve truly been so good to me.”

“Why would I lie about something like this?” Yao Ling continued. “Shangshang, don’t underestimate the role. The maid is devoted to the heroine and eventually dies saving her. Although the role exits early, it’s well-liked and not very difficult.”

“If you perform well, it will greatly benefit you. Plus, making a good impression on Director Chen could lead to future collaborations.”

“Ling Jie, I understand. I’ll work hard,” Liu Shangshang promised with a smile.

She wasn’t a fool; she knew the significance of all this. Moreover, even minor roles in Director Chen’s dramas were fiercely competed for. The actresses auditioning from outside were testament to that.

Securing a role through connections was already a great achievement. Yao Ling’s push, along with that Tiffany bracelet, had certainly paid off.

Yao Ling was pleased with Liu Shangshang’s understanding. “Shangshang, keep up the effort. After this drama airs, you’ll definitely rise in status.”