Chapter 18: Chapter 18: A Budding Crush
Ju Jueliang couldn't help but nod in approval.
Qiu Qing's performance was good.
But Du Sheng's performance? It was right.
Every expression, every tone of voice—everything about it fit the role perfectly.
It wasn't just impressive; it was transformative, making Ju Jueliang see Du Sheng in a new light.
---
"Cousin—"
Liu Yifei stumbled backward, her legs giving out as she fell to the ground. Tears (imaginary) streamed down her face.
"Are you truly this heartless?"
Du Sheng instinctively extended a hand to help her up but froze mid-action.
He hesitated for a split second before clenching his jaw, steeling himself. Then, with resolute determination, he turned away and strode off.
That fleeting moment of hesitation, followed by his firm resolve, caught Zhou Yaowen's attention.
Suddenly, he understood why Ju Jueliang had been so adamant about recommending Du Sheng.
The young man's interpretation of Murong Fu displayed a unique depth and complexity.
It was as though Du Sheng had been born for this role—a natural fit.
The subtle conflict between ambition and emotion, between ruthlessness and regret, was on full display in that one moment.
---
"Okay, that's enough," Zhou Yaowen said, clapping his hands.
"Excellent!" Zhao Jian grinned, openly expressing his approval.
Sitting nearby, Yu Min shook his head, realizing there was no point in arguing further.
It was evident to anyone with eyes that, whether in martial arts sequences or dramatic acting, Du Sheng had the edge over Qiu Qing.
It wasn't even close.
Yu Min felt a pang of guilt as he glanced at Qiu Qing, who stood off to the side with a stoic expression.
Even if Yu Min wanted to advocate for him, the reality of the situation left him powerless.
On top of that, Qiu Qing was already 35 years old. Pairing him with a 15-year-old female lead seemed increasingly mismatched.
Faced with such circumstances, Yu Min couldn't think of a single reason to push back.
Qiu Qing seemed to sense Yu Min's hesitation. After a brief pause, he spoke up:
"Director Yu, I actually received another offer for a project in Hong Kong. I came here more as a backup plan."
Whether or not this was true didn't matter—it was a graceful exit for both parties.
Yu Min seized the opportunity, nodding.
"That's unfortunate. I hope we'll have the chance to collaborate in the future."
Qiu Qing thanked the directors and gave Liu Yifei a polite nod before turning to leave the audition room.
---
With Qiu Qing gone, Yu Min's inner conflict dissipated.
He had done his part and made enough of an effort to appease Zhang Zhizong.
On the other hand, Ju Jueliang couldn't hide his growing admiration for Du Sheng.
"Zhong always had a sharp eye for talent," he thought. "With the right guidance, Du Sheng could become one of Zhongyao Entertainment's strongest assets."
Although Zhou Yaowen was clearly satisfied with Du Sheng's performance, he didn't give a final verdict just yet.
Instead, he smiled and said to Du Sheng and Liu Yifei:
"You'll be hearing from us soon. We'll notify you of the results."
While the decision was essentially made, Zhou wanted to follow protocol and inform Zhang Zhizong before finalizing anything.
Du Sheng nodded respectfully, stepping forward to help Liu Yifei to her feet.
"Apologies if I was too forceful earlier," he said earnestly.
Liu Yifei, still feeling a bit overwhelmed, shook her head with a shy smile.
"It's fine. I should've been more careful myself."
The two exited the audition room together. Just as the door closed behind them, Zhou Yaowen's voice could be faintly heard:
"Murong Fu's role is decided. Move on to casting You Tanzhi."
---
Outside, Liu Yifei turned to Du Sheng with a curious expression.
"Congratulations," she said, tilting her head slightly.
"It's not confirmed yet," Du Sheng replied modestly. "But congratulations are in order for you—you've secured the lead role."
Although Du Sheng felt a tinge of joy, he kept his emotions in check.
In his mind, nothing was certain until contracts were signed.
Even then, he recalled how Shao Bin, the lead in Laughing in the Wind, had been abruptly replaced after being accused of arrogance by Zhang Zhizong.
Until everything was set in stone, there was no room for complacency.
Liu Yifei hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I actually auditioned for Azhu originally. I don't know how I ended up cast as Wang Yuyan."
Du Sheng raised an eyebrow.
"She really is a bit naïve," he thought.
Casting decisions like this were usually tied to either business interests, personal connections, or specific directives from investors.
Still, it wasn't the kind of thing one would openly discuss.
"Maybe Zhang Zhizong saw potential in you," Du Sheng replied with a polite smile.
In recent weeks, there had been endless gossip surrounding the casting of Wang Yuyan.
Numerous actresses had vied for the role, resorting to both overt competition and underhanded tactics.
When news broke that Liu Yifei had been chosen, rumors swirled about her background.
Some media outlets speculated that her first major opportunity wasn't in acting but in representing a real estate project funded by investor Chen Jinfei.
One tabloid even claimed that Zhang Zhizong and Chen Jinfei co-founded Hongwu Entertainment, where Liu Yifei was the sole signed artist.
Such rumors implied preferential treatment, though Du Sheng knew better than to take such stories at face value.
For all its flaws, the entertainment industry thrived on scandal and speculation.
Still, since they were likely to work together for the next two to three months, Du Sheng decided it wouldn't hurt to establish a friendly rapport.
"Xixi, let's go."
A graceful woman holding a folder walked over, her eyes briefly flicking to Du Sheng.
She seemed surprised to see her daughter chatting so comfortably with a stranger.
She knew Liu Yifei's personality well.
Having spent her formative years abroad, often isolated due to language barriers and cultural differences, Liu Yifei was naturally shy and reserved.
Even after returning to China, her social skills remained limited.
Yet here she was, openly conversing with a young man, her demeanor relaxed and curious.
"I'll see you at the script reading, Brother Sheng," Liu Yifei said with a radiant smile before turning to leave with her mother.
Du Sheng nodded in return, offering a small wave.
"See you. Let me know if you'd like help practicing next time."
As they walked away, Liu Xiaoli couldn't help but ask:
"What were you talking about? Do you know him?"
"That's Brother Sheng! He's probably going to play my cousin," Liu Yifei replied with a hint of excitement. "His martial arts and acting are amazing. I even got into character because of him!"
Liu Xiaoli raised an eyebrow at her daughter's enthusiasm.
Unbeknownst to Du Sheng, Liu Yifei had been watching his earlier audition from backstage.
His sharp movements and commandi
ng presence had left a deep impression on her.
For the first time, the reserved young actress found herself intrigued by someone, her budding curiosity tinged with admiration.