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This was a four-person audition, so naturally, it wasn’t just about Su Ling and Shan Die’s interaction.
The amount of food Su Ling took from Shan Die wasn’t significant. Shan Die believed that Feng Lifei, the thief, had stolen her food but dared not confront him.
Su Ling patted her shoulder: “Right now, Feng Lifei has the most food, but it won’t last him a week. If we run out of food and water, he’ll turn on us like the murderer.”
Shan Die asked anxiously: “What should we do?”
Su Ling appeared calm: “Aside from the elderly woman and the secretary, we’re currently the two weakest people here. If we want to survive, we need to work together from now on. At least try to get some food from others while figuring out how to call for help.”
The sealed space was eerily silent. After a long pause, Shan Die gritted her teeth and whispered: “Sister Le Yi, I’ll follow your lead.”
In a place where Shan Die couldn’t see, Su Ling slowly revealed a faint smile.
She had obtained food from Shan Die and temporarily gained an ally.
However, in such a situation, no ally could be fully trusted. The only person she could rely on was herself.
Su Ling asked: “Can you try to get food from the thief or the lawyer?”
Shan Die instinctively shook her head.
But then she remembered that this was an acting scene. Shocked, she realized she had been so immersed in the role that she almost believed she was the weakest character, too scared to fight for food.
Thinking of Dong Xu silently observing nearby, she knew that if she gave up now, she’d lose her chance to shine.
Quickly adjusting her expression, she said after a moment: “But I want to give it a try.”
Su Ling asked: “Between the thief and the lawyer, who will you approach first?”
Shan Die hesitated: “The lawyer.”
After all, the thief represented lawlessness—an evil figure in the eyes of a student—while the lawyer symbolized righteousness. Though the lawyer might also be cunning and intelligent, at least he wouldn’t pose as much danger.
“Alright, I’ll try to convince the thief to share his food,” Su Ling said.
This marked the official start of the four-way improvisation.
Feng Lifei, the thief, crouched in a corner, guarding his food tightly with a wary and hostile glare directed at everyone.
Su Ling let out a cold laugh before softening her expression into one of vulnerability.
As she approached Feng Lifei, he barked: “Stop! Don’t come any closer!”
Su Ling halted and crouched down.
“They just executed the murderer,” she said mournfully. “Because he stole food from the elderly woman.”
Feng Lifei eyed her suspiciously, unsure why she was telling him this.
“I’m a doctor. From the moment I started studying medicine, I felt proud because I could save lives. But…” She looked down at her hands. “I just… I just joined you all in causing his death.”
Feng Lifei’s emotions shifted between shock and fear as he processed her words.
He finally spoke: “It wasn’t our fault. In this situation, it was his own greed for food that killed him.”
“No,” Su Ling shook her head. “He didn’t die because of stealing food; he died because of who he was. Everyone knew he was a murderer and feared for their safety, which is why they targeted him.”
Her dark eyes locked onto his steadily.
Feng Lifei began trembling: “I’m not like him! I only… I only stole once, and I haven’t done it since… I…”
He understood what Su Ling was implying.
When they woke up and saw the identity tags on their clothes, those labels became the key to survival.
With “thief” written on his tag, he would be treated like the murderer—the next target for elimination.
“I don’t want to see anyone else die,” Su Ling said. “That’s why I came to warn you. I believe you’ve reformed, but the others won’t.”
“What can I do to make them believe me?” The thief’s character was selfish and cowardly.
“Having too much food makes you a target. The person with the most food might become the next…” She paused, glancing toward the corner where the murderer’s body lay.
Feng Lifei’s legs went weak.
“Cut.” Dong Xu tapped the table in front of him, and the lights suddenly brightened.
The dimness disappeared, but his casual “cut” left everyone tense. In truth, each actor had performed well during the improvisation, making it a commendable effort overall.
This proved the rumors about Dong Xu favoring talent were true.
Dong Xu spoke: “Shan Die, you’re playing a student, not someone unintelligent. In this scenario, would you really trust someone so easily? Even if you decided to play dumb, your character shouldn’t break so quickly. You portrayed someone on the verge of collapse, yet moments later, you tried to seduce a forty-year-old lawyer. Does that seem logical?”
Shan Die’s face flushed red. She finally understood why people described Dong Xu as having a sharp tongue.
Dong Xu continued: “Hong Zheng, you’re playing a lawyer. Your vigilance and reactions were decent, but you forgot that lawyers are eloquent and detail-oriented. In this situation, why didn’t you take charge or use your persuasion skills to rally others? Did you accidentally swap roles with Su Ling?”
Hong Zheng looked thoughtful.
Su Ling raised her eyes to meet Dong Xu’s gaze.
Dong Xu met her eyes: “Su Ling.” He addressed her directly.
Her expression was respectful, listening attentively—not treating him like an insignificant person as she had before.
Dong Xu said calmly: “You’re a doctor, someone striving to climb higher, but you’re not a genius. You’re just an ordinary doctor. Your sudden shift in behavior and attempt to control the situation felt forced and fake—laughably so.”
Su Ling knew Dong Xu was right and nodded.
Just when everyone thought he was done critiquing, he added: “You’re a doctor—a mature woman of twenty-five. Even Shan Die thought of seduction. Why did you reject that idea immediately? Your resistance was too obvious, followed by a clumsy attempt to persuade others. When you act, you’re merely pretending—it’s fake.”
Using the word “fake” twice to describe her, Su Ling’s face turned completely red.
Dong Xu was correct. She had instinctively rejected the idea of seduction, and being called out made her feel flustered.
Turning to the last person, Dong Xu evaluated: “Feng Lifei, you did well.”
Feng Lifei had been bracing himself for criticism but unexpectedly received praise. His eyes widened slightly, followed by a wave of joy.
Dong Xu continued coolly: “However, during the scene, you stared at Su Ling, your co-star, for far too long.”
“…”
Shan Die, who had been feeling disheartened, nearly laughed out loud.
Director Dong was truly ruthless.
He practically outright called Feng Lifei lecherous.
Su Ling’s embarrassment deepened, her face turning even redder.
Dong Xu glanced at her again. The familiar feeling from their first meeting had faded. He still didn’t remember encountering Su Ling dressed as a “female ghost” in a private room, but she certainly stood out.
Though shy and reserved, she poured her heart into understanding her character and gave her all to deliver a polished performance.
She had immense potential—just lacked refinement.
Dong Xu was straightforward: “Su Ling and Feng Lifei passed. The remaining candidates don’t need to audition.” He had no habit of delaying decisions or leaving room for backdoor deals. Once he decided on someone, he announced it immediately.
After enduring his critique, Su Ling had mentally prepared herself for rejection. To her surprise, Dong Xu chose her. Feng Lifei emerged from his embarrassment with a smile.
Shan Die congratulated her graciously: “Congratulations.”
Hong Zheng also offered his congratulations.
As they exited, their agents and assistants greeted them, and their chauffeur-driven cars waited outside.
Su Ling had come alone and headed to the nearby bus stop.
As Dong Xu drove past, he rolled down his window: “Where’s your assistant?”
The young woman froze. Her clear, innocent eyes radiated the joy of being selected. Flustered, she replied: “I’m not signed to anyone yet.”
He couldn’t help but smile. She was so young—her emotions simple and unfiltered.
“Get in the car. I’ll drive you back,” Dong Xu said, surprising even himself. Then he added, “It’s just along the way. Since we’ll be working together, Miss Su, no need to stand on ceremony.”
With that, Su Ling couldn’t refuse. She thanked him softly.
They sat in silence throughout the ride. As Su Ling got out at her school, Dong Xu suddenly spoke: “Would you like to join Star Entertainment?”
She stared at him, her wide eyes resembling those of a startled rabbit.
Dong Xu paused, realizing he had overstepped.
They weren’t close, and he had just harshly criticized her moments ago.
Su Ling knew of Star Entertainment—a company rivaling Qing Yu Entertainment. It nurtured many artists, including Zheng Xiaoya, a top-tier actress they had promoted.
Qin Xiao didn’t care much about Qing Yu. He owned numerous companies, and Qing Yu wasn’t his most profitable venture, so he paid it little attention.
However, Star Entertainment belonged to Dong Xu’s aunt and was exceptionally well-managed, capable of competing with Qing Yu.
Su Ling asked: “Am I qualified?”
“Yes.”
She smiled shyly: “Alright, I’d like to join.” Rarely using words like “I want,” she summoned the courage to express herself.
Dong Xu found her somewhat childlike.
Like a fledgling bird exploring the world, stumbling in flight but gradually gathering courage in her eyes.
Dong Xu curved his lips slightly: “Good. I’ll have them contact you for signing soon.”
She stood straight, her black hair cascading over her shoulders, her lips rosy, vibrant as a summer flower. She bowed deeply to him: “Thank you, Director Dong.”
This was gratitude for recognizing her talent.
Dong Xu tapped the steering wheel lightly.
Pleased, he thought he finally understood the lingering sense of familiarity.
He hoped the girl under the late cherry blossom tree would clear some of the mist from her eyes and look at him with a unique gaze—not as a stranger.
Yun Bu would be ecstatic!
One moment, she thought Ling Ling would remain unrecognized for decades like ancient talents, and the next, Ling Ling signed with Star Entertainment and secured a role in Dong Xu’s movie!
Oh my goodness, it was incredible.
Su Ling treated Yun Bu and Tan Qing to dinner.
Tan Qing remarked: “No need to thank me. It’s your own ability.”
Su Ling smiled: “Still, it’s thanks to your recommendation.”
Though Tan Qing didn’t say anything, it was clear she was delighted. She said: “Even without my mention, productions would have approached you eventually.”
Su Ling’s smile dimmed slightly. That wasn’t necessarily true. Few production teams dared to oppose Qin Xiao.
In fact, agreeing to sign made her nervous. She feared bringing trouble to Star Entertainment. However, upon reflection, she realized Qin Xiao, aside from being obsessed with her, was otherwise extremely calculating and terrifying.
First and foremost, he was half the boss of the Qin Group.
His wealth and influence didn’t fall from the sky.
Star Entertainment acted swiftly. Upon hearing that Dong Xu recommended Su Ling, they sent someone the very next day to finalize her contract.
The terms of the agreement were excellent. Star Entertainment signed her as an A-list artist, providing a free single apartment and assigning her a competent agent.
The contract had strict clauses, but it was evident that with effort, her future prospects would be promising.
Signing her name, Su Ling still felt a bit surreal.
This life, without “parachuting” or “sugar daddies,” she had walked the most “normal” path through hard work.
By the time Qin Xiao finished handling the East City land deal, Su Ling had already signed with Star Entertainment.
He previously knew Su Ling was preparing for her midterm exams.
She was a diligent student, unlike him—a dropout who never studied. She valued grades as though they were her lifeline.
He planned to wait until her exams ended.
After all, there was still an unresolved matter between them.
That night at Cloudy Starry Sky, Su Ling, under the influence of alcohol, had spoken words that weren’t exactly pleasant.
During this period, Qin Xiao investigated her background from kindergarten to university but found no man matching the description of someone who “forced her to eat sweet and sour pork ribs” or “always deceived her.”
However, Qin Xiao didn’t believe she had simply mumbled nonsense while drunk.
If he were that gullible, the Qin Group would have long been renamed after his mother’s maiden name.
He massaged his temples and called He Qin in: “Tell me, what do women in their twenties generally like?” Why did nothing he give her ever please her?
He Qin looked at him with pity, a mix of fear and mischievous foresight. Clearing her throat, she said: “Mr. Qin, let me first give you some bad news.”
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