Shortly after, the family doctor arrived.

After checking Nian Nian, the doctor said, “It’s just a mosquito bite. Some kids have very sensitive skin, which can cause swelling. That’s what’s happened to Nian Nian. It’s not serious—just apply some medicine.”

Relieved, Jiang Chen thanked the doctor and watched as Nian Nian, already asleep, lay in his arms.

He laid her on the bed, tucking her in. By the end of the day, Jiang Chen realized how challenging taking care of a child could be. Even minor things could cause a parent great worry. Before, he thought having a lot of people to care for Nian Nian was enough. As long as she lived well, he didn’t have to worry. But these days, he realized Shen Mingyou cared for their daughter personally in every detail, and that was why Nian Nian relied so much on her mother.

Jiang Chen fell into deep thought, wondering how much Shen Mingyou had worried while caring for Nian Nian in the past.

_

Early the next morning, Shen Mingyou received a message from the producer, informing her that the second round of auditions was happening that morning.

After yesterday’s audition, director Qin Song had told her to wait for further notice.

Now, the second audition was scheduled.

Unlike yesterday, when all the candidates were newcomers, today’s audition was different. The actresses here were all well-known. There were only four or five of them, but Qin Song’s invitation indicated that he believed they either matched the heroine’s image for “Asking the Sky” or he was impressed with their acting skills.

In short, today’s audition was the real competition.

Shen Mingyou arrived early at the venue. Three or four actresses were already present—people Shen Mingyou recognized right away, all highly talented.

Among them, she spotted a familiar face. In her last drama, “Hello, President,” Shen Mingyou had taken over the role from her.

Guan Qiang also noticed Shen Mingyou and rolled her eyes, clearly indifferent to her presence.

To Guan Qiang, Shen Mingyou had no acting skills and didn’t belong here. Auditioning for the lead role in “Asking the Sky”? Guan Qiang thought she was overestimating herself.

A recent TV series starring Guan Qiang had been a major hit, earning her several awards. Now, she needed a lead role in an important drama like “Asking the Sky” to secure her place.

Guan Qiang had turned down other work to focus entirely on today’s audition. After seeing the other actresses, she assessed her chances and felt confident.  

Of the group, the most famous was Xu Chan, a movie star known for box office success. She rarely did TV dramas, but had starred in many films recently. Though she had missed out on Best Actress awards, she had fame and status.

Guan Qiang didn’t understand why Xu Chan wanted a TV role now, but she saw her own advantages. “Asking the Sky” starts with the heroine as a fifteen or sixteen-year-old. At twenty-three, Guan Qiang felt she had the upper hand over thirty-six-year-old Xu Chan.

The other two actresses were also famous, but one had a poor reputation and the other’s acting wasn’t as strong. Guan Qiang believed her odds of winning were high.

As for Shen Mingyou, Guan Qiang didn’t take her seriously at all.

Although Shen Mingyou had money, Qin Song’s productions had no shortage of investment. No amount of wealth could land her the lead in his show.

Shen Mingyou was the last to audition today.

As the audition proceeded, soon only Shen Mingyou, Xu Chan, and Guan Qiang remained in the lounge.

Xu Chan wasn’t someone who immediately stood out for her beauty, but she had a unique charm that grew on people.

“Your child is very cute,” Xu Chan suddenly said.

“Thank you.” Shen Mingyou, realizing she was being spoken to, smiled. “My child would be so happy to hear a beautiful aunt like you say that.”

Xu Chan: “Next time we meet, I’ll definitely praise her in person.”

Xu Chan loves children very much. Although she doesn’t have time to watch “Super Mom,” many video clips of children shared by fans online have become very popular, especially those of a little girl named Jiang Nian Nian. Several of her videos have quickly gained tens of millions of views and likes.

Xu Chan also likes the polite and cute Nian Nian.

When she met Nian Nian’s mother today, she couldn’t help but praise her. Although they’re in a competitive situation now, that didn’t stop her from complimenting the child.

“When your Nian Nian was being chased by a dog, I was so worried she’d get bitten,” Xu Chan smiled. “I was bitten by a dog as a child and still have a trauma. I break out in a cold sweat when I see dogs. Luckily, Nian Nian ran fast and wasn’t bitten.”

Shen Mingyou: “Although Nian Nian wasn’t bitten, she’s still scared of dogs when she sees them.”

“Really? You’ll need to be careful then. Trauma from something like this can grow over time…”

The two of them naturally started chatting because of Nian Nian. On the other hand, Guan Qian, who was sitting next to them, felt uncomfortable. When she first greeted Xu Chan, Xu Chan ignored her. But now, she was being so friendly with Shen Mingyou.

It’s because Shen Mingyou’s husband is Jiang Chen from Lingyu Capital. If it weren’t for this connection, Shen Mingyou wouldn’t even be at today’s audition.

Guan Qian isn’t as gullible as the people online. She asked Zhao Qi and learned that Shen Mingyou and Jiang Chen had a business marriage. They have no real feelings for each other and separated soon after marrying. Even on live TV, Guan Qian noticed how distant they were compared to other couples.

Netizens don’t know the truth and are still “eating the candy.” How foolish.

Soon it was Xu Chan’s turn for the audition. Reluctant to leave, she exchanged contact information with Shen Mingyou before going in.

After Xu Chan left, the room became quiet again.

Shen Mingyou closed her eyes to rest.

Guan Qian couldn’t hold back and said: “I can’t guarantee I’ll win the audition, but I’m sure you’ll lose.”

Shen Mingyou pretended not to hear her and continued to rest.

Annoyed, Guan Qian raised her voice: “Did you hear me?”

Shen Mingyou opened her eyes: “Are you a fortune teller?”

“What do you mean?”

“Aren’t you telling fortunes? You even know if I’ll win or lose. With skills like that, you should set up a stall and tell fortunes for others.”

“You!” Guan Qian was speechless and was about to argue back when a staff member came in to call her for the audition.

Guan Qian, at a loss for words, walked out.

The drama “Asking the Sky” has a strong female lead. It tells the story of a woman determined to become an immortal. Her path is full of obstacles: family rejection, betrayal by friends, enemies trying to stop her… As she journeys through different realms, each filled with new challenges, nothing can stop her. Whether facing ghosts or gods, she fights her way up. Each world she enters is filled with thrilling events. The male lead has a very small role, almost like a background character.

This is quite unique compared to other fairy dramas that mainly focus on romance.

Qin Song has been preparing for this drama for years. Everything is ready except for the main female lead. Once she’s confirmed, filming can start immediately.

After Guan Qian’s audition, the assistant director said, “I still prefer Guan Qian. Xu Chan’s acting is better, but she’s older, and I heard she’s in a lawsuit with her agency, which could cause problems. Guan Qian fits the age requirement and has good acting skills. She’s also at the start of her career, with room to grow.”

Qin Song stretched his neck and said, “What’s the rush? There’s one more.”

“You mean, Shen Mingyou?”

Qin Song nodded.

The assistant director was stunned. Shen Mingyou had impressed him in yesterday’s audition, but he still doubted she could handle such a demanding lead role.

Finally, it was Shen Mingyou’s turn.

She was given the same audition scene as yesterday, involving dialogues between men, women, old, and young characters. Shen Mingyou wondered why she was doing the same scene twice.