Failed Audition

"Hehe, I know you're good to me. Honestly, I owe you so many favors that I can't possibly repay them all!" Shen Tong looked at Liang Xiaoyuan with gratitude. Indeed, whether openly or behind the scenes, Liang Xiaoyuan had helped Shen Tong countless times.

Despite the chaos around them, Liang Xiaoyuan continued to chat and joke with Shen Tong. "As long as you know. I don't expect you to thank me, just don't charge me a performance fee!"

"Look at you, still holding onto that. Alright, I admit I was being unreasonable back then, causing Director Liang some trouble!" Shen Tong said openly.

"See how good I am to you? And look at how you…" Liang Xiaoyuan stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Shen Tong's expression change.

"Weren't you acting all high and mighty just now? Why aren't you saying anything now?" Shen Tong asked with a sweet smile.

"No, no, I dare not, I dare not, Shen Tong, you're the best to me!" Liang Xiaoyuan had no choice but to swallow his pride and say it.

Shen Tong gave Liang Xiaoyuan a disdainful look. "Alright, I'll let it slide. I'll treat you to dinner sometime. Don't call me stingy anymore. You pick the time and place."

"Really?" Liang Xiaoyuan was startled.

"Yes, Director Liang, we'll have plenty of opportunities to help each other in the future, haha!" Shen Tong laughed, enjoying Liang Xiaoyuan's twitching expression.

"You're welcome…" Liang Xiaoyuan replied.

"But I'll be very busy these days. Chen Xiaoyong's schedule is packed. I'll contact you when I have time," Shen Tong said.

"Knowing you is my good fortune. You should go now, I can see that Chen Xiaoyong doesn't look too happy!" Liang Xiaoyuan kindly reminded her.

Sure enough, Shen Tong turned to see Chen Xiaoyong's face darkening. This lady was really a master of facial expressions, able to change them in an instant.

"Miss Chen, I just spoke with Director Liang to arrange a hairstylist and makeup artist for you!" Shen Tong eagerly ran over to Chen Xiaoyong. Since she was Chen Xiaoyong's assistant, any mishap with Chen Xiaoyong would be her responsibility.

"Are you kidding me? You went to him without telling me! Do you think getting rejected is fun? Don't drag me down with you!" Chen Xiaoyong's beautiful face could no longer contain her anger.

Shen Tong remained calm as always. "Director Liang agreed."

"He agreed?" Chen Xiaoyong looked at Shen Tong suspiciously. "How did you convince him?"

"I just asked Director Liang for help. Once Xie Sangyan is done, you'll get your makeup and outfit done!" Shen Tong said.

"Not bad, it seems you might be useful after all." Chen Xiaoyong, seeing the situation, didn't pursue it further. As long as the result was good, that was what mattered.

Throughout the day, the stars and their assistants were busy in the dressing room. Chen Xiaoyong was auditioning for the lead role, a beautiful and elegant young lady from a prominent family in ancient times. Though it was a historical drama, even with the makeover, Chen Xiaoyong didn't quite fit the fresh, pure look required for the role.

In contrast, Xie Sangyan, with her delicate skin, graceful demeanor, gentle speech, and soft personality, embodied the qualities needed for the lead role. However, since Chen Xiaoyong was auditioning, there was nothing to be done.

After much fuss, Chen Xiaoyong's look and makeup became very refined. Despite her heavy makeup, she was quite pleased. The mirror reflected a beautiful woman, earning Shen Tong's approval, but only in terms of appearance.

At the audition room entrance, Xie Sangyan walked out in her ancient costume. Next up was Chen Xiaoyong, with Shen Tong waiting outside to hold her bag and clothes.

Xie Sangyan emerged and saw Chen Xiaoyong glaring at her. However, she didn't mind and casually avoided her gaze.

"Hey, Shen Tong? Is that you?" Xie Sangyan, sipping water, was surprised to see Shen Tong waiting at the door.

Shen Tong awkwardly nodded. "It's me. Long time no see."

"Yes, I didn't recognize you with Chen Xiaoyong earlier. It was only when Liang Xiaoyuan spoke to you that I realized it was you! Are you Chen Xiaoyong's assistant now?" Xie Sangyan asked, her expression slightly odd.

Shen Tong quickly explained, "The company assigned me as Chen Xiaoyong's assistant. Honestly, I didn't expect this coincidence."

"I see." Xie Sangyan believed Shen Tong had no reason to lie.

"You should go change now; it must be uncomfortable in that outfit!" Shen Tong urged.

Indeed, wearing a heavy costume was uncomfortable. Xie Sangyan nodded and bid Shen Tong goodbye. When Chen Xiaoyong came out, Shen Tong immediately handed her water.

Chen Xiaoyong accepted it, but her face didn't look good. Shen Tong focused on doing her job, not paying attention to Chen Xiaoyong's mood. After a busy day, they could finally go home.

The driver took Chen Xiaoyong home, while Shen Tong waited at the film company's entrance for Fang Xiaoxi. But instead, she saw Liang Xiaoyuan first.

"Are you alone? Need a ride?" Liang Xiaoyuan saw Shen Tong standing alone and figured Chen Xiaoyong had left already.

"No, it's fine. I'm waiting for Xiaoxi. You should take Miss Xie home!" Shen Tong felt a strange discomfort mentioning Xie Sangyan.

"Alright, I'll go ahead then." Liang Xiaoyuan headed to the parking lot. He knew Shen Tong had a lot to discuss with Fang Xiaoxi.

Hiding aside, Shen Tong finally saw Fang Xiaoxi come out alone.

"Xiaoxi!" Shen Tong called happily.

Fang Xiaoxi beamed and walked over. "I knew you'd be waiting for me! Let's go, I have so much to tell you!"

"Me too, so many questions." Shen Tong nodded in agreement.

As they walked away, Fang Xiaoxi asked, "Chen Xiaoyong didn't give you too much trouble, did she?"

"What do you think? You've been with her longer, you should know better. But don't worry, I can handle it!" Shen Tong laughed it off. If she couldn't handle this, how could she survive in the future?

"True. She's just difficult to please. At least she doesn't hit people. Did you know some stars in our company actually hit people?" Fang Xiaoxi shared.

"Enough about that. What's the deal with today's audition? So many people!" Shen Tong was most curious about this.

"This TV series is the largest costume drama and the biggest investment of Hongye Films this year. It's rumored the actors are pre-selected, but many stars are still auditioning. We're just there to make up the numbers and aim for a possible cameos." Fang Xiaoxi explained, having been in the industry long enough to know the ropes.

"I see. But Chen Xiaoyong auditioned for the lead role—she's really confident!" Shen Tong chuckled.

Fang Xiaoxi showed disdain. "She definitely won't get it. The lead roles are already decided. She's just going through the motions, probably to get some media coverage. My Sangyan is new, otherwise she'd definitely get a lead role!"

"Xie Sangyan didn't get chosen either?" Shen Tong was puzzled.

Fang Xiaoxi nodded. "Sangyan didn't put much effort into it. But the crew thought her temperament was good and gave her a small role. It suits her well."

...

The two women chatted about the entertainment industry all the way home, their conversation filled with laughter.