The Audition Showdown

The day of the audition arrived. Zi Yan stood in front of the Celestial Film Studios, the largest production company in the country. Inside, top directors, producers, and investors had gathered to select the lead actress for the upcoming action thriller.

She adjusted her posture, her expression calm and confident. But deep inside, she knew this was one of the most important moments of her career. If she won this role, it would prove to everyone—Wang Qian, Guo Bao's supporters, the doubters—that she was truly back.

As she stepped into the waiting room, she immediately spotted Wang Qian sitting with her assistant. Dressed in a sleek black outfit, Wang Qian smirked when she saw her.

"You actually came," Wang Qian said, crossing her legs. "I thought you might back out."

Zi Yan smiled. "And let you take this role? I wouldn't dream of it."

Wang Qian's eyes narrowed. "This isn't like modeling or singing, Zi Yan. This is acting. Real acting. Not everyone can handle it."

Zi Yan tilted her head. "Then let's see who can."

Inside the audition hall, the judges sat behind a long table, reviewing the list of candidates. The director, Zhang Tian, was a well-respected filmmaker known for his strict standards. Beside him sat the producer, a well-dressed man with sharp eyes. Several assistants whispered as they sorted through audition files.

Zi Yan scanned the room. Some of the most famous actresses in the industry were here. Even without Wang Qian, the competition was fierce.

The assistants began calling names. One by one, actresses stepped forward to perform. Some stumbled over their lines. Others delivered flawless performances but lacked emotion.

Then, Wang Qian's name was called.

She rose gracefully and walked onto the stage, confidence radiating from her. The scene she performed was an intense moment from the script—a desperate woman fighting for her life in the middle of an assassination attempt.

Wang Qian's movements were smooth, her expressions fierce. She handled the fake weapon well, her voice sharp and commanding. When she finished, a few people in the room nodded in approval.

Zi Yan narrowed her eyes. She was good.

As Wang Qian returned to her seat, she shot Zi Yan a smug glance. "Still think you can beat me?"

Zi Yan simply smiled. "We'll see."

Then the assistant called, "Zi Yan, your turn."

Zi Yan stepped onto the stage. The assistant handed her a fake gun and a script. But Zi Yan didn't need to read it—she had already memorized every word.

The scene began.

She crouched low, hiding behind an invisible wall. Her breathing was heavy, her eyes darting around as if enemies surrounded her.

Then, suddenly—she moved.

She rolled to the side, dodging an imaginary bullet. Her hands gripped the gun tightly, her expression shifting between fear and determination.

Her voice shook as she delivered her lines, perfectly capturing the desperation of a woman fighting against impossible odds.

When she fired the gun, her stance was steady, her gaze sharp.

The judges leaned forward. They had seen many performances today, but Zi Yan's presence was different. Her emotions felt real.

Then came the final moment of the scene—a painful betrayal. Zi Yan's character realized that the person she had trusted the most had turned against her.

Tears welled up in her eyes, her lips trembling. But instead of crying out in anger, she let the pain show through silence—her eyes filled with heartbreak.

The room was dead silent.

When she finished, there was a pause. Then, Director Zhang Tian nodded slowly.

"That… was excellent."

A murmur spread through the room. Some of the assistants scribbled notes furiously. The producer whispered something to Zhang Tian.

Zi Yan walked back to her seat, her expression unreadable.

Wang Qian's face was dark. She had expected Zi Yan to struggle—to be awkward or emotionless. But instead, Zi Yan had stolen the room's attention.

The judges took a few minutes to discuss before Zhang Tian finally spoke.

"We have seen many talented actresses today," he began. "Some of you showed strong physical ability. Others gave great emotional depth."

The room held its breath.

"For the lead role, we are selecting—"

Wang Qian straightened her posture, already preparing to stand up.

"—Zi Yan."

The room erupted into whispers.

Wang Qian's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"

Zhang Tian continued, "Zi Yan's performance captured exactly what we needed. Her emotional depth, her movement, her control—she became the character."

Zi Yan remained calm, though her heart pounded. She had won.

Wang Qian clenched her fists. "This must be a mistake."

The producer looked at her. "Miss Wang, you were excellent, but your performance felt… rehearsed. Zi Yan's felt real."

Wang Qian gritted her teeth. She wanted to argue, but she knew there was nothing she could say. The decision had been made.

As the meeting ended, Wang Qian stormed out of the room, her face twisted with anger.

Zi Yan, however, walked out with quiet confidence. She had secured the role, but she knew this was only the beginning. Winning the audition was one thing. Surviving in the industry was another.

That evening, Zi Yan sat in a private lounge, sipping tea. She had done it. She had proven herself.

But as she looked out the window, she sensed something else—danger.

A waiter approached and placed an envelope on her table. "Someone left this for you, Miss Zi."

She picked it up and opened it.

Inside was a single note.

"Enjoy your victory while it lasts. It won't be long before you fall again."

Zi Yan's eyes darkened. She had made an enemy today.