"Director Liu, since she's from our company, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment," Ye Ruihuan said diplomatically.
"I see. Well, her acting is quite impressive." The director turned to look at the producers seated nearby.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Alright, let's try another scene." The director handed her another script page.
This time, the character was completely different—a supporting role with substantial screen time. The character was weak-willed but well-connected, managing to survive the palace intrigue for a long time through her backing.
In just a few minutes, Lin Ruijiao quickly absorbed the character's personality and background. Her expression shifted accordingly: drooping eyebrows, tightly pressed lips, and eyes filled with barely perceptible worry. When she finished the scene, everyone in the room burst into applause.
Even Ye Ruihuan clapped her hands, wearing a faint smile, though her eyes remained ice-cold. Who would have thought Lin Ruijiao had so many surprises up her sleeve?
It seemed a great deal had happened during their time apart. Ye Ruihuan narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
"Excellent work, Xiao Ye. You've found quite the gem here," Director Liu beamed, lavishing praise without reservation. Director Liu was famously strict, known for his big-budget productions and for launching many newcomers to stardom. Earning his praise was no small feat.
The two roles in "Phoenix" had been giving him headaches for ages. The characters were unlikable and complex, requiring real skill to portray convincingly, but he'd been unable to find suitable actors. This newcomer Lin Ruijiao showed real potential.
"Very well, Lin Ruijiao, isn't it? Go home and wait for our call." Director Liu waved at her with satisfaction.
"Thank you, everyone."
Lin Ruijiao didn't look particularly pleased; instead, her expression remained composed. While the audition had gone well, whether she'd ultimately get the role wasn't up to her—especially with Ye Ruihuan present. If she displeased President Ye, the role would likely vanish.
"Ruijiao, how did it go?" Liu Qingqing immediately approached her.
"It went well enough." Lin Ruijiao smiled gracefully. "Don't be nervous—you've got this."
"Miss Lin!" Assistant Li appeared from nowhere, calling out to her.
"Assistant Li?" Lin Ruijiao looked puzzled.
"Miss Lin, don't rush off. Come back with us later." Assistant Li glanced at the people around her, choosing not to mention Ye Ruihuan's presence.
"...Alright." Lin Ruijiao nodded in agreement. The distance to Yuwan Villa was considerable, and without an assistant or company car, transportation was inconvenient. She might as well catch a ride. Besides, it would give her a chance to gauge Ye Ruihuan's mood.
For the sake of her career, she could continue the act a little longer—think of it as just another performance. Lin Ruijiao consoled herself with this thought.
"What's this about, Ruijiao?" Liu Qingqing asked curiously.
"That's Assistant Li from the company. We're heading back together." She deflected with a vague answer.
"I see." Liu Qingqing nodded carelessly, casting worried glances toward the audition room door.
"It'll be fine. Don't worry."
Soon after, Liu Qingqing was called in, emerging with a joyful expression—clearly, things had gone well for her too.
When the auditions ended, Lin Ruijiao quietly followed Assistant Li to Ye Ruihuan's exclusive black luxury car.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw Ye Ruihuan already seated inside, pinching the bridge of her nose with a somewhat weary expression.
"You're here?" Ye Ruihuan gave her a fleeting glance.
"Yes, Ruihuan." Lin Ruijiao's face immediately arranged itself into the familiar shallow smile she reserved for her—pure and innocent, yet utterly false.
Ye Ruihuan saw through it instantly. Seeing that expression again no longer brought her the joy it once had. She stared at Lin Ruijiao expressionlessly.
Lin Ruijiao smiled back and settled beside her calmly.
"Your acting has improved tremendously lately..." Ye Ruihuan mused thoughtfully.
"Thank you for the compliment. It's all thanks to the acting lessons you've been giving me." Lin Ruijiao replied flatteringly, her face bright with smiles.
"Hmm..." Despite herself, Ye Ruihuan couldn't suppress the upward curve of her lips.
"Have you been spending time with Zhou Yanyan recently?" The smile faded from Ye Ruihuan's face, her eyes taking on a dangerous gleam.
"No, Sister Zhou has been busy, and there haven't been any shows she could invite me to join." Lin Ruijiao answered without reservation. There was nothing to hide about this—it would be worse if she tried to conceal it and accidentally implicated Sister Zhou.
"Mm... why didn't you come to me?" Hearing the honest explanation, Ye Ruihuan's expression softened considerably, like an iceberg melting, warming with pleasant temperature.
"...My acting wasn't good enough. I was too embarrassed to bring it up with you. Joining Sister Zhou for interviews and variety shows was more appropriate for my level." Lin Ruijiao's mind went momentarily blank as she scrambled for an excuse, finding a roundabout way to flatter her—always a safe strategy.
"That's true." At this moment, Ye Ruihuan was like a lion having her fur stroked, displaying a pleased expression. Her gaze toward Lin Ruijiao grew increasingly satisfied.
This little rabbit had finally learned to cozy up to the right person and flatter her. Not entirely hopeless after all.
In the passenger seat, Assistant Li wanted to give a thumbs up. Miss Lin really knew how to say the right things—more of this, please! Come rescue Sister Ye from her bad mood—everyone wins!
"How did you feel about today's audition?" Ye Ruihuan asked probingly.
"It was quite challenging... I mostly relied on instinct," Lin Ruijiao smiled brilliantly. "But everyone seemed to like it well enough." Her response was half-truth, half-fiction. After all, her previous performances for Ye Ruihuan had been deliberately restrained—how could her acting have improved so dramatically in such a short time? She wasn't naive enough to reveal the truth.
"Yes... Director Liu couldn't stop praising you." Ye Ruihuan continued the praise.
"Really? Do you think I might have a chance to be in this production?" Lin Ruijiao's round eyes sparkled with anticipation, her face lighting up with hope.
"The chances are good." Ye Ruihuan's lips curved upward—when the other party flattered her, she naturally felt pleased. Though she could see the performance for what it was, Lin Ruijiao clearly wanted this role very much.
Ye Ruihuan understood it all, but couldn't resist the urge to tease her a little.
"Ah, I see..." Lin Ruijiao visibly deflated like a bird caught in the rain, looking pitiful and forlorn. But her eyes remained completely calm. She was confident in her acting abilities, and Ye Ruihuan's current reaction confirmed that her role in "Phoenix" was practically guaranteed—she just didn't know which character yet.
"What's there to worry about? With me here, are you afraid you won't have roles to play?" Ye Ruihuan reached out to stroke her long hair affectionately.
"I'm afraid I won't perform well..." Lin Ruijiao's words came effortlessly now, going through the motions of appeasing her. It was precisely because Ye Ruihuan was there that she feared having no roles—Ye Ruihuan was the greatest obstacle to her acting career.
"What's to fear? Under my guidance, your acting has become presentable. Have some confidence."
Lin Ruijiao nodded, lifting her eyes with a hint of a smile.
Ye Ruihuan found herself staring at Lin Ruijiao's pristine white neck, lost in thought. The dream image of the other woman beneath her, alluring and captivating, surfaced clearly in her mind. A blush gradually crept up her ears, and she unconsciously licked her lips.
Was it getting stuffy in the car? Ye Ruihuan suddenly felt her face flush and her heart race.
Lin Ruijiao looked up to see this dazed expression and asked in confusion, "What's wrong, Ruihuan?"