Chapter Twenty-Three: Character Understanding

"Very well." Director Chen nodded, his expression remaining entirely unchanged.

He flipped through the script for a moment before speaking, "Perform two scenes for us. The first is when the courtesan makes her debut, and the second is the moment she is killed by the male lead."

"You have ten minutes to prepare."

With that, he signaled his assistant to hand the relevant script pages to Liu Shangshang.

"Understood."

Liu Shangshang took the pages from the assistant and said, "Thank you!"

She stepped aside to study the script carefully. Although she had already read it previously, it was common practice for everyone to do so, even if it wasn't something one openly admitted. Regardless, reviewing it again was beneficial, especially since she had just changed her mind and switched roles for the audition.

The ten minutes passed quickly, and soon, it was time for Liu Shangshang’s audition.

She took a deep breath, walked to the center of the room, and bowed to the judges. "Director, everyone, I am ready to begin."

As she spoke, she cast a subtle glance toward the assistant director. Seeing his almost imperceptible nod, her nerves eased significantly.

Her performance began with the debut scene. Her eyes shifted instantly; the innocent, naive look she wore vanished, replaced by a captivating, alluring gaze.

Her eyes danced with infinite charm, and a faint, provocative smile played on her lips. Even dressed in modern clothes, she managed to transport everyone to an ancient pleasure house, making them feel as if the true courtesan stood before them.

With a seductive grace, she curtsied to the panel, her voice turning delicate and sweet. "Greetings, my lords, I am honored to serve you."

This performance immediately brightened the eyes of the judges. They looked at Liu Shangshang with undisguised appreciation. Only Director Chen remained impassive, his thoughts impossible to discern.

"Everyone, that concludes my first scene."

Liu Shangshang’s voice returned to its natural tone, and she instantly reverted to the image of an innocent, naive young girl.

Those present were veterans of the entertainment industry. Even the newly crowned Best Actor, Ke Jingbo, had started as an extra and seen it all. They were well aware that Liu Shangshang was not as innocent as she appeared.

However, that did not stop them from recognizing her talent.

"Next scene," Director Chen said, his voice level. "Do you need a partner?"

Liu Shangshang looked pleasantly surprised. "May I? Thank you, Director Chen."

"You may." Director Chen turned to Ke Jingbo. "Jingbo, go and partner with her."

Ke Jingbo did not object. He stood up, walked out, and gave a slight nod to Liu Shangshang with a smile. "Allow me to assist you. Give it your best."

Hearing Ke Jingbo’s encouragement, Liu Shangshang felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you, Best Actor Ke."

"Begin."

As soon as the director spoke, the warmth vanished from Ke Jingbo. His demeanor underwent a radical transformation; he suddenly resembled a prince of a fallen kingdom, burdened by a vendetta. He radiated a cold, oppressive aura, and his mere presence commanded the room.

Though Liu Shangshang tried her best to remain composed, she couldn't help but feel the weight of his intensity.

"Yang Yingying, was this your doing?" Ke Jingbo was fully immersed in character, his face frozen in cold fury as he looked at her, though a flicker of deep sorrow remained in his eyes. "Why did you hurt Lianxue? She was innocent; you shouldn't have touched her."

Liu Shangshang was drawn in immediately. She adjusted her state, her expression shifting to one of cold, sorrowful detachment. "Innocent? Your Highness, do you truly believe she is innocent?"

"If not for her father, you would still be the high and mighty Crown Prince, not a prince of a ruined nation. Your Highness, she is the daughter of your enemy; you were never meant to be together."

"My affairs are none of your concern."

Ke Jingbo stared at her coldly before making a sudden, sharp movement, miming drawing a sword and thrusting it toward her.

Liu Shangshang closed her eyes and smiled, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek, heavy with endless grief, before she collapsed to the floor.

"Your Highness," she whispered weakly, "my life is now returned to you."

She slowly closed her eyes.

"Clap, clap, clap—"

The assistant director began to applaud. Watching Liu Shangshang on the floor, he praised, "Excellent."

The others joined in.

Liu Shangshang stood up, bowed to the judges, and offered a humble smile. "Thank you, everyone."

Despite her efforts to remain restrained, a glimmer of ambition and excitement shone in her eyes. She had seen the satisfaction in the judges' gaze. Though Director Chen remained unreadable, she felt confident that the role was hers.

Chen Shan looked at Liu Shangshang with calm, steady eyes. "How do you interpret the character of Yang Yingying?"

Liu Shangshang took a deep breath, wore a professional smile, and spoke slowly. "I believe Yang Yingying is a deeply devoted woman. Because the male lead, Shang Yu, once saved her, she became completely devoted to him. This led to her hostility toward the female lead and her repeated schemes against her."

"In the end, dying at the hands of Shang Yu might be a good ending for her. She is a tragic character, but one that evokes pity."

As she spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Chen Shan, hoping to catch a hint of his reaction.

"Very well, you may go," Chen Shan nodded. "We will notify you if there is any news."

Liu Shangshang bowed once more. "Thank you, everyone."

She turned and left the room.

Though she appeared composed, she was incredibly nervous. This was her first audition for such a major film, and the outcome would determine the path of her future.