After Kissing the World-Weary Female Supporting Character [Transmigration] - Chapter 15

Startled by Li Yebo’s  utterly unique behavior, Ji Ruyue  finally realized that the male lead had arrived. Why hadn’t her body reacted immediately?

Ji Ruyue helped Song Xingzi stand steady and looked towards the man whose face was dark with fury. The sudden turn of events surprised her, and she did not answer Li Yebo’s question.

In Li Yebo’s eyes, this looked exactly like a red apricot branch leaning over the wall (an idiom for a wife having an affair). His handsome eyes showed three parts disdain, three parts ridicule, and four parts rage. He shouted, “Ji Ruyue, what is the meaning of this? Our engagement hasn’t been broken off yet! Are you going to openly display your infidelity right in front of me?”

Tang Wen, who had followed him, was so terrified he wanted to cover his CEO’s mouth. Could he really just say things like that? Although same-sex marriage had long been legalized in Huaxia (China), the centuries-old traditional mindset still prevailed, and not many people openly came out. Furthermore, Ji Ruyue was notoriously infatuated with Li Yebo, their families had an engagement, and today’s visit was meant to placate the ‘Little CEO Ji,’ who had been so angry that she hadn’t proactively contacted him for half a month.

Damn it, why was this dog CEO pinning all sorts of hats (accusations) on her? Was he afraid of the cold?

The moment Song Xingzi saw the scumbag, she felt a rush of anger. However, mindful of her persona as a delicate xiaobaihe (little lily, a term for a lesbian in Chinese online culture), she had no choice but to timidly peek her head out from Ji Ruyue’s arms. “CEO Li, how can you speak to Little CEO Ji like that? Clearly, I was the one who accidentally stumbled into Little CEO Ji’s arms. How can you scold someone without even knowing the truth? This is… this is just too much!”

Song Xingzi felt her current appearance was utterly ridiculous. She estimated that even a xiaobaihe from the mountains would find it nauseating. She was trembling from trying to hold back her laughter, and her words came out in fits and starts.

Seeing her tremble, Ji Ruyue thought to herself: The female lead has only seen Li Yebo twice, yet why is she this terrified? Is this fate? She frowned and helped the person stand properly. “You go upstairs first. Didn’t you say you’ve already chosen a role?”

Having witnessed the supporting female character spitting blood (in the original plot), Song Xingzi couldn’t leave her alone. She stood behind Ji Ruyue and gently tugged on Ji Ruyue’s sleeve, saying in a wronged voice, “Jiji, he’s very bad. I want to protect you.”

Ji Ruyue: “…”

If the person in front of her wasn’t shaking, if her voice wasn’t trembling, and if her breathing wasn’t so labored, she might have believed in the other party’s capacity to protect her.

“You go up. I don’t want you to see him.” Ji Ruyue insisted on preventing any contact between the female lead and the male lead. She looked down seriously at Song Xingzi.

Ji Ruyue was tall, about 173 cm, and was also wearing high heels. Song Xingzi was already small and delicate, so Ji Ruyue was a full half-head taller than Song Xingzi.

Song Xingzi felt a little shy under her gaze and gently nodded. Jiji doesn’t like me getting close to the scumbag, so I won’t. But what if Jiji is bullied?

Seeing Bodyguard Li standing silently nearby like a mountain, Song Xingzi whispered, “Bodyguard Li, you must protect Jiji and don’t let Li Yebo bully her. I’ll go up and keep watch first.”

Li Biao, whose sense of presence was usually extremely low, was suddenly ‘cued.’ He nodded in affirmation and took two steps forward, his broad body shielding Ji Ruyue.

Only then did Song Xingzi feel relieved enough to enter the building, quickly taking the elevator upstairs to observe the situation from a window.

Li Yebo was utterly infuriated by the impudent, ‘mobile backup heart source’ (a cruel reference to Song Xingzi’s purpose in the novel). Fortunately, Tang Wen’s continuous low-voiced persuasion by his ear prevented him from erupting.

“Bro Li, what did you say to Xiaoyue?” No sooner had Song Xingzi disappeared than Ji Ruyue felt that familiar sense of being controlled, though it wasn’t as intense as before.

Li Yebo exclaimed loudly, “Ji Ruyue!”

“CEO! Calm down!” Tang Wen interceded promptly. Didn’t our damn CEO treat Little CEO Ji quite well in the past? Why has he been losing control so frequently recently? He hasn’t even secured the Ji Group, yet he keeps bossing Little CEO Ji around! Where is the legendary CEO Li—the business prodigy and wolf of the marketplace—from before?

Li Yebo reluctantly calmed down. Today’s main goal wasn’t to argue with this crazy woman, Ji Ruyue, but to invite her to his grandfather’s 70th birthday banquet and to also resolve the issue with that minor celebrity. I cannot lose control.

“Xiaoyue, Grandpa’s birthday is approaching, you—”

Distracted by Song Xingzi, Ji Ruyue had nearly forgotten this part of the plot. This scene was supposed to happen after she found out that Li Yebo had slept with the female lead. She would angrily confront the male lead, only to see him holding the female lead as they stepped out of the car. They would argue and then part on bad terms. Afterward, they would reconcile at the male lead’s grandfather’s birthday banquet, and Li Yebo would seize the opportunity to suggest she allow the female lead to join the cast, which would lead to Song Xingzi taking on the Concubine role and rising to fame.

However, it was strange that the male lead had initiated the meeting this time.

Ji Ruyue had no interest in getting entangled with the male lead. Following the inexplicable force, she cheerfully cut off the male lead’s sentence, “Bro Li, don’t worry, I’ve already prepared a gift for Grandpa’s birthday and will definitely arrive on time tomorrow.”

“Regarding that small celebrity’s matter—” Ji Ruyue’s infatuated look somewhat reassured Li Yebo. He followed up on the momentum.

Ji Ruyue lifted her chin, presenting an arrogant and intractable look. “Is Bro Li discussing another woman with Xiaoyue?”

“Xiaoyue, you—” Li Yebo’s awful temper was about to flare up again.

Ji Ruyue didn’t give him a chance. Since the plot required them to part on bad terms, there was no need for excess words. Ji Ruyue feigned a petulant, jealous manner and angrily said, “Bro Li should go back and consider where he went wrong today first!”

Having completed the plot segment, Ji Ruyue turned and walked away, ignoring Li Yebo’s livid expression. Li Biao followed closely behind like a towering mountain.

Song Xingzi, who had sprinted to the office window to observe the situation, finally breathed a sigh of relief. She then turned to the helpless Lin Shu. “Uncle Lin, I didn’t quite catch what you were saying. Could I trouble you to repeat it?”

Lin Shu: “…” You rushed up here breathing like you were about to die, didn’t even stand still, and immediately looked out the window. Is this a matter of ‘not catching’ what I said? You simply weren’t listening, okay?

As a well-known agent in the industry, Lin Shu was famously resourceful, gentle, and decisive. He didn’t mind Song Xingzi’s inattention and pointed to the young woman next to them, who had an apple-shaped face but a serious demeanor. He said warmly, “This is Li Yu, your future assistant. Xingzi, you should get to know her first.”

With her worries settled, Song Xingzi secretly studied Li Yu. She found it quite amusing that such a serious expression was on such a cute face. She blinked at her and greeted her gently, “Hello, Little Yuer.”

Li Yu was extremely serious: “Hello, Teacher Song!”

Lin Shu inexplicably shuddered and looked doubtfully at Song Xingzi. What is this girl up to now?

He introduced Song Xingzi to Li Yu again, with a tone of mild resignation. “Li Yu, this is Song Xingzi. It will be hard work looking after her by her side in the future.”

Beneath Li Yu’s serious expression, her mind, comparable to a computer, was running at high speed. Before successfully applying for the job, she had memorized all of Song Xingzi’s public information. Before coming, Lin Shu had also updated her on Song Xingzi’s latest status.

Song Xingzi was a textbook example of an entertainment industry worker climbing the ranks. To save her father, she entered the notorious ‘dye vat’ of the entertainment world alone. Unexpectedly, her luck turned, and she transformed into a heavily promoted rising star at Starlight. There must be a story to dig up by following her!

On her apple-shaped face, Li Yu was both earnest and solemn. “You overstate it. This is my duty.”

After the brief introduction, the topic naturally shifted back to casting. Lin Shu listened to Song Xingzi’s decision, and his forehead was covered with dark lines. “Xingzi, are you sure you want to play the female lead? Silly-sweet characters  are very difficult to get the audience’s favor, and the female lead’s personality is too flighty and very different from your usual self.”

Song Xingzi had always been well-behaved and sensible. Although she had no particular talent for acting, since taking her on, she had been very obedient regarding her work, diligently completing her diet, exercise, and studies. Her Weibo account was also managed by the team.

Why, as soon as she starts acting, does she want to take a ‘Great Leap Forward’ and choose a thankless female lead role?

Lin Shu was utterly confused, feeling like an old father whose heart was broken with worry.

Song Xingzi did not understand what was wrong with her choice. She nodded earnestly and explained her reasons one by one. “Fang Miao’s  personality is very much like mine when I was little, and I can cook, so I can definitely play this role well!”

Lin Shu didn’t believe Song Xingzi’s self-assessment but wanted to know what level of acting ability the artist whom Little CEO Ji blindly trusted could achieve. This also related to the planning of Song Xingzi’s future path. Therefore, he said gently, “That works, too. Xingzi has only played gentle and fragile characters before. Switching styles can also prevent her from being typecast.”

“Mhm, mhm!” Song Xingzi nodded innocently. “Uncle Lin, I wanted to persuade Jiji to play the Imperial Concubine, but she didn’t reply to me.”

Lin Shu: “Cough, cough, cough. I would say, Xingzi, don’t call Little CEO Ji that in public. As for the role, it’s good that Little CEO Ji has her own ideas. You should prepare for the female lead audition first. Zhao Yu’s main roles resist ‘air-dropping’ (being given to someone without an audition); you’ll need to rely on your own effort.”

“Why can’t I call her Jiji?” Song Xingzi had already been forced to recite The Basic Qualities of an Actor twice by her teacher, so she had no objection to fighting for a good role herself. Anyway, in all walks of life, you have to be fair to get ahead. This is the same whether you’re opening a fried snack shop or being an actor.

But she was confused about the way she addressed Ji Ruyue. Unworldly as she was, her thought process was very simple and linear: Ji Ruyue is a good person, so I must protect her; we are friends, and we are close.

Song Xingzi’s innocent question made Lin Shu feel like he might have become a father ahead of time, without having to beg his wife to have a baby.

He rubbed his forehead in exasperation. She is 24 and has been in the industry for three years, yet she is still so clueless. No wonder she hasn’t become popular after all this time. It seems like a course on how to conduct oneself in society also needs to be scheduled. “It won’t be good for Little CEO Ji’s image. Xingzi, just do as I say for now.”

It’s not good for Jiji? Why not? Song Xingzi, whose mind was still focused on the ‘talented scholar and beautiful lady’ type of romantic pairing, found it difficult to understand Lin Shu’s concerns, but she still obediently replied, “Then I won’t call her that when we are outside.”

“Zhao Yu happens to be holding auditions for the female lead these two days. I’ll mention it, and you can go and audition.”

Song Xingzi was eager to try. “Uncle Lin, I can go to the audition now.” After the audition, I can leave work with Jiji in the afternoon and then cook dinner for her. Kids’ three meals a day must be strictly on time, or she’ll fall back into the bad habit of eating snacks late at night.

Lin Shu: “…” Why does my artist have absolutely no self-awareness about her own ability? This is too difficult for me. I’m done. I’m going home.

“Alright then. I’ll contact the person in charge. You and Li Yu go to the studio to wait for the audition.”

“Thank you, Uncle Lin.”

Li Yu, silently observing: “…” What kind of scene is this—an old father bringing his daughter to work?

Li Yu led the person to wait outside the film studio in Juqiao District. There were a few other actresses ahead of them, all third- and fourth-tier, none of them considered hugely popular.

Although The Imperial Chef Queen was a Starlight self-produced drama, the director and screenwriter were not from Starlight. Starlight merely provided funding and people. Zhao Yu had a notoriously bad temper and disliked having ‘vases’ (pretty but untalented actors) in his drama, so even with Starlight providing the cast, he organized a small internal audition.

Lin Shu’s greeting just meant that Song Xingzi would skip the initial screening and be given a number.

Song Xingzi sat obediently on a bench in the studio, while Li Yu stood next to her, holding Song Xingzi’s down jacket. The heating indoors was strong, and this was Song Xingzi’s first time seeing such a scene. Her eyes, filled with curiosity and excitement, were unrestrained, and she looked around the inside of the studio with a flushed face.

Li Yu thought she was curious about the competition’s strength, so she leaned in and whispered, “Teacher Song, these are all people who passed the preliminary audition, and I know them all. The one right in front is Jiang Hanyan, 32 this year, a rising star who became popular last year. She has played many innocent female leads, but her acting is mediocre, and she is older, so she is not a concern. The second one is Ma Yixuan, a third-tier actress. She used to play ‘white lotus’ supporting female characters, is 27, and her acting is acceptable, but she is notoriously awful at cooking, so Teacher Song doesn’t need to worry about her either. And this one who just came out is Gu Zhu, the cousin of your idol, Gu Yu. She’s also signed to Starlight and doesn’t have any representative works yet. I don’t know the specifics of her situation, but judging by her troubled expression, she shouldn’t be a concern. All in all, those with experience aren’t as young as you, and those who are young don’t have your advantages. There is no more suitable candidate than Teacher Song here, so you don’t need to worry.”

Li Yu’s voice was as clear as her apple-shaped face, like a little girl’s. Yet, she was analyzing the situation for Song Xingzi with extreme seriousness, chattering in a low voice near Song Xingzi’s ear and ultimately concluding that Song Xingzi was the strongest candidate, even though Song Xingzi wasn’t worried about any of this.

Song Xingzi found it amusing and couldn’t help but ‘pfft’ a laugh, which drew the eyes of the other actresses—all looking nervous or expectant—towards her. Song Xingzi, embarrassed, gave them her unique, soothing smile.

Jiang Hanyan and Ma Yixuan had little reaction, but Gu Zhu, who had just come out of the room and was dissatisfied with her own performance, felt that this suddenly appearing newcomer, who was likely using connections, was mocking her. She coldly rolled her eyes at Song Xingzi.

Song Xingzi, who received the unfriendly signal, didn’t care at all and returned an even more radiant smile. Gu Zhu was blocked by her simple, silly look, gave a cold snort, and sat down opposite to await the result.

Song Xingzi’s fiery temper was completely unoffended; she even thought the other girl was a little funny, so she leaned her ear towards her little assistant and said, “That little sister’s eyes are so big! I was scared she would roll her eyes right out of her head! She’s so cute!”

Li Yu: “…” Oh dear, this skill for feigning ignorance and being provocative!

“Teacher Song, don’t say these things in public. If you must, say them a little quieter.”

“Oh,” Song Xingzi said, looking wronged. “Then I won’t say it. I need to do some preparation!”

So Li Yu watched her artist open the browser, go to the Baidu search page, and type in, word by word: “What should an actor do during an audition?”