Chapter 25- The National Goddess Raised by the Best Actor(4)

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Chapter 25

The agent looked at him suspiciously. “Ruier?”

“Since when have you two been so close? Is she really your girlfriend now?”

Ji Yang had never mistreated Xu Ruier—no hitting or yelling—but their relationship had always been ambiguous, with no clear progress. Occasionally, Ji Yang would even subject her to cold indifference.

“I just decided she should be my girlfriend, that’s all,” Ji Yang replied, expressionless, his tone light as he continued eating his toast.

“So… who’s getting the supporting role in Xu Yuan’s project?” the agent asked again. “The auditions are today, and you didn’t tell me anything about it.”

In the past, such opportunities had always gone to Xu Wan, and Ji Yang would inform him in advance. This time, Ji Yang hadn’t mentioned it, leaving the agent unsure of the situation—especially since Xu Wan’s demands only seemed to grow.

“I’ve already spoken to Xu Yuan,” Ji Yang said. “Ruier will audition. If she gets the role, the studio will sign her.”

The agent, who had initially been skeptical, was now convinced. He chuckled. “You arranged the opportunity, and you’re on the panel. Plus, the studio is yours. This path is basically paved for her, isn’t it?”

Xu Ruier had a master’s degree in acting. With some effort and the right conditions, getting the part shouldn’t be an issue.

“That’s the current plan,” Ji Yang replied, sipping his milk. “She’s new to the industry, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving her in another company or studio. Her personality would leave her vulnerable.”

“True. She’s like a little bunny. But she seems to endure a lot—probably the type to swallow her grievances and move on,” the agent said thoughtfully.

“Exactly.” Ji Yang stood. “Let’s go.”

The audition was set for 10 a.m., and he had no intention of being late. His sense of punctuality wouldn’t allow it.

The agent grabbed his keys and quickly followed.

17th Floor, Haicheng Entertainment.

With an hour left until the auditions, the corridor was already crowded, buzzing with activity.

Xu Yuan was notoriously demanding, requiring all roles—big and small—to undergo auditions. This dedication had made his films consistent award-winners. As a renowned and respected domestic director, Xu Yuan’s projects attracted both seasoned actors and fresh talents eager to test their luck.

With Ji Yang as the lead, a box-office success seemed inevitable, and many had fought tooth and nail for a chance to audition.

“Excuse me.”

“It’s okay,” Xu Ruier said softly, smiling as she adjusted her bag and pulled out her phone.

There was an unsigned text message, sent two and a half hours earlier. The content left her stunned:

“Want to head back together?”

Her heart raced, her breathing quickened, and a cold sweat broke out on her back.

They had never gone anywhere together before, and she knew why. Being seen with him could harm his career, and she wouldn’t allow herself to be a liability.

She found a seat and opened her script. Though she had memorized it thoroughly, she refused to relax her focus.

All she wanted was to stay a little closer to him.

“Hey, Xu Wan is here for the audition?”

“And Ji Yang is right behind her? Oh my god, what’s going on?”

“Wasn’t there a photo of them together the other day? Could there really be something between them? Which role is she auditioning for? I hope it’s not mine, or I’m screwed.”

…

The murmurs from nearby reached Xu Ruier’s ears. She looked up, her gaze locking onto the man who stood out effortlessly in the crowd. Every movement exuded a cold yet noble charisma. Her eyes were fixed on him, unable to look away.

“Mr. Ji…” Xu Wan stopped, turning with a soft smile. “What a coincidence.”

“Mm,” Ji Yang nodded slightly.

Xu Wan glanced at the crowd, feeling a surge of pride. She lowered her voice, feigning casual closeness.

Her questions were trivial, mere filler, and Ji Yang’s furrowed brow deepened as he quickened his pace.

Sensing his discomfort, Xu Wan stopped talking but maintained her poised demeanor. As he walked ahead, she wore a gentle smile, giving onlookers the impression of a close relationship.

Those watching couldn’t help but envy her.

This was Ji Yang—the true “national male god.” Talented, charismatic, and fiercely protected by his fans. Xu Wan, the elegant and educated heiress of the Xu family, was seen as a refreshing presence in the entertainment industry. Many viewed her acting career as a passion project fueled by love, making her a fan favorite.

Xu Ruier lowered her head, gripping her script tightly. Her lips pressed together, and she stayed silent.

She knew about Ji Yang and Xu Wan’s connection. The night he went to shower, she had seen Xu Wan’s messages pop up on his phone. She had also overheard him arranging resources for Xu Wan over the phone.

“Let’s sit over there…” Xu Wan began, her peripheral vision catching sight of Xu Ruier. She froze momentarily, surprised to see her. Redirecting her words, she continued, “Let’s sit in that spot.”

“But Chen Jie arranged for us to sit here—”

“I want to sit over there,” Xu Wan interrupted, smiling as she cut off her assistant and walked decisively toward a corner.

Xu Ruier looked up as her sister approached, her heart tightening. She opened her mouth hesitantly. “Sister.”

“You’re here to audition too? What role are you trying out for?” Xu Wan asked with a smile, reaching for Xu Ruier’s script.

Startled, Xu Ruier instinctively hid it in her bag. “It’s nothing, just a small role. I’m just giving it a try.”

Xu Wan’s hand hovered awkwardly in midair before she withdrew it gracefully, maintaining her smile. “You should’ve told me you were auditioning. You’ve been graduated for a while now—it’s time to find a proper job and stop worrying Mom and Dad.”

“I will,” Xu Ruier replied, her heart racing, her face turning pale.

Her parents weren’t actually worried about her. In their eyes, Xu Wan was the only Xu family heiress, the pride of their family. Xu Ruier was nothing in comparison.

“Xu Wan, your turn.”

A voice interrupted whatever Xu Wan had planned to say next. She stood up, maintaining her polite smile, and offered some words of encouragement to Xu Ruier. “Do your best and don’t waste this opportunity.”

As soon as she turned away, however, her face darkened.

Xu Ruier wasn’t signed to any company or studio. So why was she here?

An answer crept into her mind, but she refused to acknowledge it. Her hands clenched slightly, and her eyes grew colder.

Xu Ruier’s palms were slick with sweat, but her resolve solidified. Facing Xu Wan made her want to shrink back. Xu Wan enjoyed basking in the limelight, being the Xu family’s only star, and soaking up all the attention. Xu Ruier, since childhood, had only ever hidden in her shadow, forbidden to outshine her.

But this time, Xu Ruier didn’t want to give up.

Inside the audition room.

Xu Wan walked in gracefully, smiling warmly. “Good day, esteemed judges. I am Xu Wan, here to audition for the role of…”

She introduced herself with poise, her eyes lingering on Ji Yang. She still harbored hope. No matter how upset she felt, she needed to show ambition and independence without seeming too ambitious—qualities she believed men admired.

Ji Yang leaned back slightly, his hands clasped in front of him. His gaze swept over her, his expression unreadable.

“Begin,” Director Xu Yuan said, glancing at his stopwatch.

Xu Wan nodded and adjusted her expression, instantly adopting a sorrowful demeanor. She launched into her performance, shouting hysterically, “Ah Sheng, don’t leave! Please don’t go! Look at me, look at our child…”

“Ah…”

She pretended to be pushed, stumbling backward before lunging forward again. “You can’t keep doing these terrible things. You can’t…”

…

She portrayed the tragic wife of a villain, a role destined for a miserable death. After finishing her scene, she even managed to squeeze out two tears.

“My performance is complete. Thank you, esteemed judges.” Xu Wan composed herself and bowed respectfully.

“Not bad. You captured the character’s emotions well, and your control was impressive,” Xu Yuan said, checking his watch before glancing at the other judges.

“I thought it was good too,” another judge agreed.

On the surface, Xu Wan maintained her smile, but inwardly, she was far from pleased. She kept glancing at Ji Yang, hoping he would say something. She had prepared for the supporting role as well and wanted him to grant her an audition opportunity, which would also confirm that the role wasn’t going to Xu Ruier.

Ji Yang nodded slightly. “I think it’s fine.”

“Alright then, the role is yours,” Xu Yuan said, marking a check on his paper.

Although Xu Wan had anticipated this outcome, anger still surged within her. Her chest felt tight, and she was on the verge of grinding her teeth.

“Any other questions?” Xu Yuan asked, looking at her.

“No, thank you, Director. I’ll do my best,” Xu Wan replied, bowing her head before quickly leaving the room. Her steps were shaky, and she nearly tripped on her way out.