Chapter 49

The makeup artist outside was stunned. Where was that ethereal senior brother she had just finished transforming? If you can’t do makeup, then don’t do it yourself! She was anxious, wishing she could immediately wipe it off and redo it! She couldn’t bear to see beauty tarnished!

Although this look was stunning as well…

Ye Yunshan couldn’t see anything wrong. Anyway, with Xie Fuyi changed into clean clothes and groomed, her camera never stopped clicking. She snapped away at Xie Fuyi incessantly.

The scene chosen by Director Chen Shan was the final scene of Lan Hua, the eldest senior brother. In it, when the male lead exterminates Yun Zong, Lan Hua confronts him to protect the sect and the female lead, ultimately dies in front of her.

Mu Ziming smiled faintly. “If there’s no partner in this scene, it might be difficult for newcomers to get into character. Let me rehearse with them.”

As a popular actor, Mu Ziming’s gentleness and attention to detail instantly endeared him to everyone present. Director Chen Shan naturally agreed.

First up was Yuan Yao. Although his acting skills were criticized by Chen Shan, Mu Ziming subtly guided him during their scene together.

Mu Ziming, being a popular actor, had decent acting skills. With his guidance, Yuan Yao managed to deliver an average performance.

When it was Xie Fuyi’s turn, his previous performance as a playboy was recognized. If he deliberately performed poorly now, it wouldn’t make sense for his character.

He could only follow the script and start the scene. However, during his scene with Mu Ziming, the latter exerted a dominating aura, making Xie Fuyi feel suppressed in every aspect.

Initially, Xie Fuyi intended to just perform adequately. However, as Mu Ziming’s pressure intensified, his reflexive acting skills kicked in, completely stealing the spotlight from the male lead and showcasing Lan Hua’s heroic sacrifice for the female lead.

With his lips now crimson-like bloodstains, and the slight redness of eyeshadow accentuating his eyes, conveying both grief for the sect’s destruction and anger towards the culprit, it was as if his eyes were ablaze with fury…

In this way, his makeup ironically suited the role.

The battle-worn senior brother! So handsome!

Ye Yunshan’s shutter never stopped. She didn’t even need to compose her shots; every photo she took casually seemed like it had been meticulously edited.

After watching, the onlookers abandoned their previous stereotypes and exclaimed:

“It’s so lifelike! Noble as jade, fragrant as orchids! He’s just like the Lan Hua senior brother from the books!”

“So this makeup was designed according to the character! Amazing!”

The spectators didn’t notice, but Chen Shan discreetly furrowed his brow. Mu Ziming was clearly using his acting to outshine others. He intended for the male lead to seize everyone’s attention, making them overlook Xie Fuyi’s role. But while the latter’s performance started unremarkably, it became increasingly stunning.

Perhaps it was Xie Fuyi’s remarkable talent that allowed him to shine even under pressure. This might also be attributed to the courage of a rookie who fears no challenge.

All of this was not lost on Xiao Yuanyan. The cigarette between his fingers had long gone out, the ash burning his fingers and snapping him back to reality.

After finishing his performance, Xie Fuyi realized he might have overdone it unintentionally. He was a bit dazed; he hadn’t expected such an effect from casually applying makeup…

Well, it wasn’t a big deal. Both the playboy and the senior brother were portraying the same character in this play. He just needed to trip up the protagonist, get caught, and make sure to provide enough material to tarnish the protagonist’s reputation, thus ruining his own!

Director Chen Shan approached slowly, patting Xie Fuyi on the shoulder and nodding approvingly. “You’re truly deserving of this role.”

Facing Chen Shan’s praise, Xie Fuyi modestly responded, “I’m still a beginner. I have to thank Teacher Mu for guiding me through the scene.”

The smile on Mu Ziming’s face faded for a moment but quickly returned. “Looking forward to future cooperation.”

Xie Fuyi’s gentle demeanor contrasted with Yuan Yao’s frustrated expression, further highlighting his serene and refined aura.

Although Yuan Yao was unwilling, with Xiao Yuanyan present, he dared not cause trouble and could only leave in embarrassment.

Chen Shan had other groups to audition, so after arranging for Xie Fuyi to come back tomorrow, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Luo Hong had completely lost interest in Mu Ziming. He didn’t even notice when Mu Ziming left. At this moment, his eyes were fixed on Xie Fuyi, who was feeling increasingly restless. He couldn’t touch the former young master of the Xie family before, but now that the Xie family is gone,?

Just as he was about to approach, a tall figure stood in front of Xie Fuyi. “Xie Fuyi.”

With a deep and sexy voice, Xie Fuyi looked up at Xiao Yuanyan. He was momentarily stunned, seemingly surprised that the other party would initiate a conversation. After regaining his senses, he smiled slightly. “Thank you for your help just now. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to audition for this role.”

“It’s because you have the ability.” Xiao Yuanyan said casually, then lazily curled his lips. “But since you want to thank me, how about treating me to a meal?”

Xie Fuyi was taken aback. Wasn’t it supposed to be the protagonist who’s attracted to you, and then you find a way to ask him out for a meal?

Glancing around, he noticed the protagonist was nowhere to be found.

Seeing Xie Fuyi’s hesitation, Xiao Yuanyan raised an eyebrow. “What? Don’t want to?”

Xie Fuyi snapped out of his daze, withdrawing his surprised expression and apologizing with a gentle smile. “Of course not. It’s only right to treat you. You helped me, so I should be the one inviting you. When would you be free, Xiao Shao?”

Xie Fuyi’s slightly bewildered and apologetic expression made Xiao Yuanyan’s mood soar. He raised his eyebrows deeply. “Tomorrow. I’m free.”

Xie Fuyi looked at him with a gentle smile and nodded. “See you tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Luo Hong was somewhat stunned. When did Xiao Yuanyan become so good at flirting?

And seeing his cooked duck fly away, made him feel a bit resentful. But he could only endure it. After all, he didn’t dare to compete with someone Xiao Yuanyan had set his sights on.

…

On the other side, Bai Wuluo watched the latest video footage of Xie Fuyi’s audition on his phone.

Looking at the person in the video, seemed to have underestimated his brother. Turns out, he was quite capable.

He narrowed his eyes, thinking that through the video, it seemed like their eyes had met. His heart skipped a beat—there was indeed a charm, a beauty that couldn’t be hidden under the white robes. He was indeed handsome.

His useless brother had been protected to such an extent that he was extremely naive. He had never experienced any hardships. Who would’ve thought he could hold on for so long after the Xie family’s downfall?

It seemed like he had never really taken the time to understand the other person.

Bai Wuluo was curious. He casually sent a message to Xie Fuyi — “Xie ge, I’m coming home tonight.”

…

After sending Xiao Yuanyan away, Xie Fuyi’s phone vibrated. He took it out and glanced at the WeChat message, then read the content.

It was from Bai Wuluo?

Thinking about it, he and Bai Wuluo had no connection whatsoever. His father had just brought him back without going through the adoption procedures. Whether it was by blood or by name, they had no relationship.

But after the Xie family went bankrupt, this “little brother” came to him for money every now and then. And then he disappeared without a trace. And it seemed like every time he came back to ask for money, it was just when Xie Fuyi had received a meager salary.

Xie Fuyi guessed that tonight was probably another request for money.

“Just, shouldn’t the other party have noticed Mu Ziming?

His expression looked somewhat aggrieved. How come after just one scene, both the main and secondary characters from the original novel are targeting him?”