Chapter 37: The Art of Intercepting

Rather than saying that Li Shuangmu suddenly felt Zhu Liu and her companion fit the roles better than Chu Luoxi, it would be more accurate to say he approved of the Imperial Shadow brand. Even if they were just students, they were still more useful than typical newcomers. And as Chu Luoxi had pointed out, their price was certainly cheap.

Clearly, Chu Luoxi was well aware of this, so her introduction was confident and assertive. She was not doing a favor for anyone; if Zhu Liu and her companion performed well, it would be Li Shuangmu who owed her. Li Shuangmu's reluctance to select people directly from the academy was simply his unwillingness to deal with the exhausting complexities of campus relationships. This streamlined process was much more convenient for him.

Back at the dormitory, Chu Luoxi naturally reported the good news at once, never expecting the sudden bombshell would leave her two roommates utterly stunned.

Amused by the sight of two human statues, Chu Luoxi extended her delicate, jade-like finger and poked each of them in turn. “Hey, at least give me a reaction! Are you both dumbstruck?”

It took them some effort to shake off their shock. Zhu Xueshuang’s heart, which had been boiling with excitement, cooled somewhat, and she frowned, saying, “Xiao Xi, April Fool’s Day has long passed. Are you sure you’re not just teasing us?”

Chu Luoxi rolled her eyes and tossed the two scripts on the table toward them. “Here are the scripts. You have two days to study your characters. Sunday is the audition. So, am I still just playing a joke?”

The two grabbed the scripts, clutching them tightly to their chests as if safeguarding some priceless treasure.

Liu Yujia was full of excitement, exclaiming, “No way, is the opportunity really so easily placed right in front of me? I can hardly believe it! Xiao Xi, you truly are my goddess—my goddess!”

On hearing this, Chu Luoxi couldn’t help but laugh. Liu Yujia’s reaction was always so frank and entertaining, and most importantly, worry-free.

In contrast, Zhu Xueshuang’s hands trembled as she flipped through the script, overcome with emotion but also hesitant. “Xiao Xi, how can this be? Didn’t Director Li want you for the lead female role? How can you give it to me…”

Seeing she was about to launch into a lengthy speech, Chu Luoxi quickly waved her hand to interrupt, her patience wearing thin. “I’ve told you everything you need to know. Don’t go on about it. I don’t like idol dramas, so I fought for this opportunity for you. Make sure you perform well and don’t embarrass me.”

Liu Yujia nodded fiercely, so much that one worried for her neck. “Yes, Xiao Xi is right. Xiao Xue, this isn’t easy for us. If we don’t act well, Xiao Xi won’t be able to explain to Director Li!”

Zhu Xueshuang exhaled deeply to steady herself. “Of course. I just find it unreal. We’ve struggled so long just to land a bit part, and suddenly the lead role is offered to me. The female lead! I’m afraid I’ll wake up and it’ll all be a dream.”

Chu Luoxi reached out and pinched the anxious Zhu Xueshuang, smiling as her friend cried out in pain. “It hurts, doesn’t it? So it’s not a dream! We don’t have time for dreaming. Instead of wasting your thoughts, study the script well. If you fail the audition, the lead role is gone, and I won’t have the face to recommend you again.”

“Heh heh!” Liu Yujia covered her mouth, giggling. It was rare for Zhu Xueshuang to be so thoroughly silly. “Xiao Xue, I understand. Happiness came so quickly you didn’t have time to adjust. Your mental toughness needs work.”

The three laughed together, and Zhu Xueshuang finally adjusted her mindset, focusing on the task at hand. Any further brooding would be overly dramatic.

As for Chu Luoxi’s great kindness, the two took it to heart. Some things need not be spoken aloud; repayment of favors requires sincerity at the right time.

For the sake of saving face and ensuring nothing went wrong at the audition, Chu Luoxi spent the next two days in the dorm, helping the pair discuss and analyze the script, occasionally mentioning Li Shuangmu’s directorial habits and his nitpicking tendencies. She did everything she could, hoping their debut would not be marred by stage fright and that they’d pass the audition smoothly with confidence.

Chu Luoxi felt like a parent sending a child into an exam, wanting to cover every angle, terrified that any mistake could affect the outcome.

So, on Sunday, she even planned to “accompany them to the exam.”

But plans never keep pace with changes. Early that morning, as she was getting ready to leave, Chu Luoxi’s phone rang—it seemed someone had come to her for business.

With Zhu Liu and her companion assuring her with chest-thumping promises and ambiguous glances, Chu Luoxi floated out the door ahead of them, secretly admiring Xiao’s skill at intercepting opportunities. Such a talent was truly worth learning! If a newcomer mastered this art and practiced it to perfection, snatching chances from directors and producers, breaking out would no longer be a mere dream.

“Junior Chu, over here, over here!”

Not far from the school gate, Chu Luoxi spotted a head hanging out of a car window, accompanied by a bizarrely waving hand and Cold Lu’s characteristic chatter, which made her mouth twitch uncontrollably.

She quickly slipped into the car, relieved that the outside world couldn’t see in. Cold Lu had embarrassed himself all the way to Imperial Shadow. “Where’s Senior Xiao?” She’d received a call from Xiao Jingxuan, but only Cold Lu was here—wasn’t this a bit of a split situation?

Cold Lu started the car, grinning. “I’ll take you there now!” His expression was so buoyant, an outsider might think he was about to do something wonderful.

Chu Luoxi was speechless.

Thanks to Cold Lu’s nonstop chatter, Chu Luoxi soon understood Xiao Jingxuan’s recent movements and current work.

Apparently, after “Dragon Roars Across the World” wrapped in April, Xiao Jingxuan had plunged straight into producing his second solo album. All the songs were ready, the accompaniment prepared; only the master himself was missing.

Now, at the end of May, Xiao had spent a month recording the tracks while alternating between work and rest, and was now busily arranging for music video shoots.

Chu Luoxi couldn’t help but reflect. With everyone so busy, was she too idle? If Zhu Xueshuang and Liu Yujia passed their auditions today, they’d be filming for half a year, leaving the dormitory empty except for her.

She mused to herself, realizing her mindset had changed so much. In her past life, she would have felt out of place, striving to fit in and forcing herself to follow the crowd, as if only that could bring her security.

Now, she merely thought about it, not taking it to heart. She did what she wanted, and if you wanted to put it nicely, she had her own opinions and ideas. Less charitably, she was a stubborn pig not afraid of boiling water, acting on a whim.