The subway incident had been trending on social media for a day, with both positive and negative comments. As the person involved, Ji Nian didn't care at all and had been relaxing at home for several days.
As her agent, He Yi was worried that her artist would be photographed taking the subway again. She decisively applied to the company for a car and driver to pick up and drop off Ji Nian.
Not every artist has their own business car. When He Yi went to apply, she was also worried that the company wouldn't approve it. But to her surprise, it was approved right away.
Ji Nian went from taking public transit to having her own car. She was overjoyed. As expected, following the female lead brought her luck beyond imagination.
Today was also an extraordinary day. The fantasy drama Shen Shuyao was starring in had just started filming two days ago.
But the female lead was suddenly replaced. She was cast only because her rich father pushed for it, and her acting skills weren't great either. Then yesterday, a scandal about her being a mistress broke out. The Director was furious and immediately promoted Shen Shuyao from the second female lead to the first female lead.
And Ji Nian was recommended to play the villainess who was Shen Shuyao's original role.
"He Yi, isn't this role too big for me?" Ji Nian asked as she looked at the script with confusion.
He Yi nodded in agreement and said, "You know the supporting female roles I got for you before were your peak. I guess the Director was so angry that he agreed to Shen Shuyao's suggestion about letting you join. "
"I think Shen Shuyao overestimates my acting skills," Ji Nian said. Forget about the original body, even she herself doesn't know how to act. Wouldn't going make the Director curse at her?
"Didn't you say you wanted me to get you into Shen Shuyao's crew?" He Yi said impatiently, "Now there's a chance, shouldn't you cheer up and get ready for the costume fitting?"
Ji Nian looked at the storyline on the script. The female lead was born in the mortal realm. The male lead is the most famous immortal in the Six Realms. As the only disciple of Liushan Gate with the highest attainment and most promising future, he was deeply revered.
During Liushan Gate's annual recruitment of disciples, the female lead's perseverance allowed her to pass all the tests and become a female disciple of Liushan Gate.
When her spiritual roots were tested, she was found to have weak spiritual roots, making her unsuitable for cultivation. No one in Liushan Gate wanted to accept her as a disciple.
At this time, the male lead saw her dejected appearance and took pity on her. Breaking the rules, he accepted the first disciple in his life.
Over time, feelings grew between them during their interactions. But this affection was doomed to not be peaceful.
Because there was another female role who had secretly loved the male lead all along. From the moment the male lead accepted a female disciple, her jealousy had never ceased.
The villainess' ending was also extremely miserable. At the big finale, all her clansmen died because of her, and she herself went crazy too. And Ji Nian was going to play this villainess.
"Who's the male lead?" Ji Nian asked.
He Yi was stunned, then after thinking for a while, she answered: "I heard from Shen Shuyao that when filming started, the male lead had something urgent come up and couldn't make it. Also, the crew has a confidentiality agreement, so she didn't know either."
"Alright," Ji Nian didn't think too much of it. What she was worrying about was the acting itself. She didn't expect this day to come so fast that she didn't even have time to react before having to start acting. Shouldn't she at least get some training first?
To be honest, He Yi was also nervous, afraid that Ji Nian's acting would be scolded badly by the Director at the audition.
"Sis, I read the script and it's not impressive. If the Director's side... let's just forget it, okay?" He Yi had already started preparing herself mentally.
Ji Nian obviously knew what she meant but still rolled her eyes and said, "No need to comfort me. Since Shen Shuyao recommended me, let's just go try it out. I'm not expecting much anyway."
The problem wasn't with the script but with her. This wasn't a variety show where she could freely improvise. This was acting. How could she act?
Upon arriving at the studio, the first thing Ji Nian noticed was that there weren't many staff members. Probably because of the sudden change in cast causing filming to be halted temporarily.
When the Director saw her arrive on time, he sized her up and down with his eyes.
Ji Nian felt a little awkward and smiled politely, "Hello."
The Director nodded and immediately called people over, "Hurry up and take the actress to costume and makeup first."
And so, Ji Nian was hurriedly pulled into the makeup room. As soon as she sat down, she saw Shen Shuyao looking at her happily.
"Ji Nian! You're here!"
Seeing a familiar face, Ji Nian relaxed and smiled, "Shen Shuyao, you're getting makeup done too?"
"Yes, because of the role change, I have to reshoot the makeup test photos," Shen Shuyao explained with a smile.
Ji Nian moved her chair closer to her and asked softly, "Why did you recommend me? My skills..."
Shen Shuyao gave her a reassuring look and said with a smile: "Although it's the villainess role, the moment I saw the script, your face appeared in my mind. The role suits you very well—bewitching beauty with remarkable charm."
Ji Nian was stunned by the sudden praise, then raised an eyebrow at her flirtatiously, "In my eyes, you're the most beautiful."
Shen Shuyao glanced coquettishly, "I'm done with my makeup. I'll wait for you outside."
Ji Nian smiled and nodded. Then she went back to carefully examining herself in the mirror.
The makeup artist wasn't very talkative. Seeing the good relationship between the two, she was surprised. To be honest, she also watched variety shows and knew about the Ji Nian-Shen Shuyao CP online. But the entertainment industry had murky waters. As a crew makeup artist she had seen a lot. She didn't expect the two to actually have such a good relationship privately.
After changing into costume, Ji Nian almost couldn't recognize herself in the mirror. The exquisite makeup and gorgeous ancient costume added a hint of aloofness and nobility to her originally cold temperament. Her petite lips were as vibrant as rose petals.
"So beautiful," even the makeup artist couldn't help praising her. She had nice skin so the makeup suited her very well. Combined with the costume, her look was stunning.
When He Yi came to hurry her, she saw Ji Nian still dumbstruck while looking in the mirror. Only when called did she hurriedly drag Ji Nian out.
"I really didn't expect clothes to make such a difference," He Yi kept sighing as they walked.
The Director had already been irritated these past two days. Then the sudden role change and prolonged inability to find a replacement for the second female lead made things worse. Letting Ji Nian audition today was really because he couldn't find anyone suitable.
But unexpectedly, the sight of the approaching woman made him momentarily lose himself. She wore a striking red ancient costume, brimming with charm and allure. Her eyes held a hint of aloofness and noble temperament. Her petite lips were vibrant like rose petals.
"Director," Ji Nian walked up to the man, feeling a little awkward as she called out.
"Great, great, great!" Saying "great" three times in a row, the Director's eyes lit up as he let out a cheerful laugh, breaking the silence around them. "It's you!"
"Uh..." Ji Nian was still confused.
Shen Shuyao smiled and said, "Like I said before, this role really suits Ji Nian."
The Director was very satisfied as he looked at her, but he had heard her acting skills were...
"Ji Nian, you also know Shen Shuyao recommended you. Although your image matches very well, as for the acting tryout..."
Ji Nian knew what he meant. Wasn't he worried about her acting skills? What was there to worry about? When did she ever have any acting skills?
