Chapter 4

Before that happens...

The moment Xu Yichen's consciousness synchronized with the male lead's body, he felt the sudden rush of foreign memories flood his mind. Decades of privilege, calculated ruthlessness, and polished charm were etched into this man's life.

The male lead, Ji Xuan, was a billionaire CEO of a powerful conglomerate that had its hands in entertainment, finance, and technology. He was the embodiment of cold authority, with an intimidating presence that made others cower in his shadow.

Xu Yichen took a moment to adjust to his new surroundings. His sharp gaze swept over the lavish office he found himself in. It was everything he expected from a billionaire. High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a sprawling cityscape, and furniture so luxurious it screamed wealth.

The system's cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts. "Host! You've successfully taken over the male lead's body! Isn't he amazing? So rich, so handsome, so powerful!"

Xu Yichen arched an eyebrow, his voice calm but laced with sarcasm. "Amazing? More like another overpowered protagonist in a third-rate romance plot."

The system pouted audibly. "Hmph! You're just jealous. Anyway, you know your mission, right? Make sure the plot goes smoothly so the female lead and male lead fall in love!"

Xu Yichen smirked, leaning back in the leather chair. "Yes, yes. Ensure the plot progresses. But remind me, what kind of absurdity am I supposed to participate in?"

The system eagerly recounted the story. "Okay, so the female lead is an unlucky but hardworking girl who's been struggling to make it as an actress. She's going to audition for a role in your company's new drama. You, as Ji Xuan, are supposed to oversee the auditions secretly because you want to expand your business empire into entertainment. But here's the twist, you and the female lead already met! Remember? In a nightclub where you got drunk and accidentally spent the night together!"

Xu Yichen pinched the bridge of his nose. "A billionaire CEO getting drunk in a nightclub frequented by middle-class patrons and accidentally sleeping with a stranger? Sounds entirely plausible."

The system hesitated. "Well, um… it's romantic, isn't it? Destiny and all that!"

"Destiny, or lazy writing?" Xu Yichen said dryly. "And let me guess. This supposed one-night stand will conveniently result in me 'taking responsibility' for her later?"

The system gasped. "You're so smart, Host!"

"Or perhaps the plot is just that predictable." Xu Yichen stood, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit. "So, where am I supposed to be now? A nightclub again, making another poorly thought-out decision?"

"Nope! You're supposed to be incognito at the auditions," the system replied cheerfully. "You need to watch the female lead shine despite all odds!"

"Shine, hmm?" Xu Yichen's lips curved into a sardonic smile. "Let's see how dazzling that heroine truly is."

"In the plotline, which part of the story am I?" He asked as he continued to walk.

"At the very start"

Xu Yichen, now Ji Xuan, walked down the bustling hallway of the audition venue. Dressed in a simple yet elegant ensemble, black slacks, and a crisp white shirt, he looked nothing like the cold, aloof CEO the world knew. His unassuming attire allowed him to blend in with the crowd, though his naturally commanding aura still turned heads.

He entered the observation room where he could watch the auditions through a one-way glass. Several staff members, including the director and casting assistants, greeted him nervously.

"Mr. Ji, it's an honor to have you here," the director said, bowing slightly.

Xu Yichen waved a hand dismissively. "I'm just here to observe. Pretend I'm not even here."

The staff nodded vigorously, though their tension was palpable.

Settling into a seat, Xu Yichen scanned the waiting area on the other side of the glass. His eyes quickly found the latecomer, the female lead. She sat awkwardly at the edge of a group, clutching her script like a lifeline. Her disheveled hair and nervous glances perfectly matched the image of a struggling underdog.

"That's her!" the system whispered excitedly. "The female lead! Look how hardworking and determined she is!"

Xu Yichen tilted his head, watching her fumble with her bag and drop her pen. She scrambled to pick it up, only for the script to fall out of her lap.

"Clumsy," he muttered, his tone unimpressed.

"It's part of her charm!" the system insisted.

"Is it?" Xu Yichen replied flatly.

Just then, a familiar figure entered the hallway. Shen Liang strode past the cluster of hopefuls, his every movement oozing confidence. The air around him seemed to shift as he walked, drawing gazes like moths to a flame.

Xu Yichen's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Shen Liang. Unlike the female lead, who seemed burdened by the weight of her dreams, Shen Liang carried himself with the assurance of someone who had already succeeded.

The system noticed his attention. "Host, don't get distracted! Shen Liang is just the male lead's rival. He's not part of your mission!"

Xu Yichen's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Not part of my mission, but certainly part of the fun."

The system whined in protest, but Xu Yichen ignored it, focusing on the scene unfolding before him.

"Lin Yuqing!" When the female lead's name was called, she stood up so quickly that she nearly tripped over her chair. The other auditionees snickered, and her face turned red, but she held her head high and marched into the audition room.

Xu Yichen leaned forward slightly, curious to see how this supposedly "fated" heroine would perform.

"It's listed in your file that your going to act out the scene in 'The Lost Heiress of Jainshen'?" The assisstant director asked confuse.

Xu Yichen's lips tilted up slightly. Everybody in this world know that Director Chen's project child is the re-make of 'The Lost Heiress'. He dedicated it to his mother who played the female lead in that drama that skyrocketed her to fame.

"Yes, sir. Emily have always inspired me to percever and never give up no matter how many times I fall" She replied honestly. Her expression conveying her extreme fondness of the character.

"Oh?" Director Chen asked in disinterest. Many have tried to do so already in order to gain his favor. Of course, there are those who sang, dance,acted.

She began her lines, stumbling at first but gradually finding her rhythm. "I- i can't do this" Her lips quivered as big eyes began watering pitifully" Her emotions were raw and heartfelt, and while her technique was unpolished, there was a sincerity to her performance that couldn't be ignored. "I won't let them take my birthright from me!" She clutched the air falling to her knees, clutching the imaginary item to her chest yet she looked at at the sky with grievance, lost, anger but also determination.

Everybody held their breath before clapping. The director murmured something to his assistant, nodding approvingly. Xu Yichen didn't miss the subtle shift in their expressions.

"See?" the system said proudly. "She's amazing!"

"Passable," Xu Yichen corrected. "She's passable."

The system huffed. "You're so mean, Host!"

As the audition progressed, Xu Yichen's attention kept drifting back to Shen Liang who was boredly waiting in line. The man was a puzzle, a charismatic enigma surrounded by whispered rumors of arrogance and scandal. Xu Yichen couldn't help but wonder how this so-called cannon fodder would fit into the story he was tasked to maintain.

They don't seem to realize that the moment they stepped into the room, the assessment has began despite being given the chance to perform one by one. It is to see how they will react to a 'rival'. Would they assess them? Practice? Be intimidated? Antagonistic? The other three looks nervous while the young man looks like his just going through the motion.

"Let's see where this goes," Xu Yichen murmured to himself, a sly smile playing on his lips.