I Rely on My Versatility to Reach the Top of the Entertainment Industry [Ancient Times to Modern] - Chapter 23

These words clearly indicated that Ji Lin already knew he had failed the audition.

Lu Yuzhi glanced at Jing Yi sitting by the wall, whose posture exuded an obedient aura, and the corners of his lips curved up.

He turned his gaze back to Ji Lin, his eyes shifting from gentle to stern: “Your analysis of the character only scratches the surface; you haven’t yet found the character’s true soul within the work. This is both your shortcoming and the gap between you and Jing Yi.”

Ji Lin had originally thought Lu Yuzhi would say he didn’t know martial arts routines and couldn’t handle the action scenes. He never expected Lu Yuzhi would only comment on his acting skills!

He lowered his eyes in thought, then after a long while, looked at Gu Guochang: “Director Gu, may I watch the playback of Jing Yi’s audition just now?”

The older Gu Guochang got, the more he enjoyed fresh and exciting things.

He chuckled cheerfully and tossed the question back to Jing Yi, who was sitting in the chair: “Xiao Yi, Ji Lin wants to watch your audition playback. Do you want to show it to him?”

Hearing his name called, Jing Yi stopped replaying the audition scene in his mind, looked up, and said: “Huh? Oh, sure, sure.”

Ji Lin frowned, walked over to Gu Guochang, and watched the playback.

After watching it once, Ji Lin went straight to Jing Yi and asked: “Why do you think Xie Qiyun would feel lost about the tomb he built with his own hands?”

Jing Yi looked at the expressionless peer before him, stood up, and replied seriously: “Because Xie Qiyun’s story ends here.”

Ji Lin found this answer baffling.

The original novel did indeed end here, and to this day, some readers still suspect the ending was rushed. But what does that have to do with Xie Qiyun’s confusion?

Seeing Ji Lin fall silent, Jing Yi smiled and continued: “Xie Qiyun really liked Yan Zihuan. The original novel repeatedly described him expressing his fondness for Yan Zihuan. There was even a scene where a female confidante teased Xie Qiyun, asking him to choose between her and Yan Zihuan, and Xie Qiyun unhesitatingly chose the latter.”

“Yan Zihuan appeared from the very first scene of Volume One, but after his death in Volume Four, the novel had no further installments.”

“Was the author unable to continue writing? No, he just didn’t want to write a story without Yan Zihuan. Or perhaps it’s better to say he didn’t know how to proceed. Like Xie Qiyun, he couldn’t accept a world without Yan Zihuan.”

Ji Lin shuddered and froze.

A thousand readers have a thousand Hamlets in their minds. Different readers interpret the same book differently. There’s no right or wrong, only who convinces whom.

Ji Lin felt he was convinced by Jing Yi at this moment.

Xie Qiyun actually couldn’t accept Yan Zihuan’s death and might never come to terms with it. So, even though the tomb was built by his own hands, Xie Qiyun would still feel lost—lost about his future without Yan Zihuan.

“I lost,” Ji Lin said. “I look forward to your portrayal of Xie Qiyun.”

He extended his hand.

Jing Yi hesitated for a moment, then raised his hand to shake it.

As their hands clasped, Ji Lin froze again.

During Jing Yi’s spar with Lu Yuzhi, every move and stance was so fluid, even perfectly executing the “Returning Clouds Flowing Light” technique. Yet Jing Yi’s hands were surprisingly smooth and delicate, without a single callus?

Ji Lin couldn’t help but gently rub his thumb.

Feeling Ji Lin’s movement, a flicker of confusion passed through Jing Yi’s clear eyes.

Seeing this, Ji Lin quickly let go and murmured: “Sorry for the trouble.”

Then he turned and left.

Lu Yuzhi, who had been observing their interaction from the side, slightly furrowed his brows.

Had he seen wrong? Why did Ji Ling’s face seem a bit flushed?

Lu Yuzhi lowered his gaze to glance at Jing Yi’s hand, his thin lips pressed tightly together.

At that moment, Gu Guochang stepped forward to welcome Jing Yi into the crew, and the surrounding staff also came over to introduce themselves to Jing Yi.

“Xiao Yi, take a copy of the script back later and study it. If your schedule is flexible, I’d like you to start work tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Jing Yi agreed.

Gu Guochang then turned to Lu Yuzhi and said, “Xiao Lu, make some preparations tonight as well.”

Lu Yuzhi asked, “Director Gu, you still haven’t told me what role I’ll be playing, have you?”

Gu Guochang laughed. “Oh, right, I forgot to mention. You’ll be playing Hua Xiangrong.”

Hua Xiangrong?

Lu Yuzhi froze.

Jing Yi’s eyes widened in surprise.

Hua Xiangrong—the main antagonist of the first volume of The Dashing Swordsman Xie Qiyun, the chief eunuch of the imperial palace, second only to the emperor in authority.

Most importantly, this character was a eunuch. And he had a fondness for handsome men.

Coincidentally, Xie Qiyun was exactly that kind of handsome man.

On the way back to the hotel, Jing Yi sensed a somewhat gloomy atmosphere around Lu Yuzhi.

He kept glancing at Lu Yuzhi and, when they reached the hotel room door, couldn’t help but speak up. “I’m sorry, Mr. Lu, for making you take on a role you don’t like.”

Lu Yuzhi turned slightly and looked down. “I don’t dislike the role.”

“Then why do you seem unhappy, Mr. Lu?” Jing Yi asked, puzzled.

Lu Yuzhi replied, “No, I’m not unhappy.”

Jing Yi felt even more confused.

If he wasn’t unhappy, why was his face so stern?

“Don’t overthink it, alright?” Lu Yuzhi initially wanted to ruffle Jing Yi’s newly grown short hair but reconsidered and settled for patting his shoulder instead. “Go back to your room and take a nap first. I’ll take you to see some of Ningcheng’s attractions this afternoon?”

Seeing that Jing Yi didn’t seem very interested, Lu Yuzhi added, “Ningcheng’s Ganlan Temple is very popular for prayers.”

Jing Yi’s eyes instantly lit up, and he nodded. “Alright, Mr. Lu. Let’s meet at 2:30.”

……

Ningcheng’s Ganlan Temple had been renovated, but every brick and tile inside retained their original style and appearance.

Its popularity stemmed from a matchmaking tree located within the temple grounds.

Jing Yi curiously observed every plant and tree in Ganlan Temple, respectfully bowing to every monk he encountered.

His steps were even livelier than usual, buoyed by his happiness.

Lu Yuzhi followed alongside him. While Jing Yi admired the flowers, trees, and temple architecture, Lu Yuzhi watched Jing Yi. The more he looked, the more he wondered if Jing Yi was scouting the place for a future monastic life.

Otherwise, how could he explain Jing Yi consulting the monks and even making a special trip to visit the monks’ dormitory?

Perhaps he shouldn’t have suggested visiting a temple.

But if he hadn’t, Jing Yi might not have agreed to go out at all.

Lu Yuzhi sighed softly.

Jing Yi turned around and frowned. “Mr. Lu, are you still unhappy? If you don’t want to tell me, how about confiding in the Buddha?”

Lu Yuzhi wanted to refuse, but his hand was grasped by Jing Yi. The words of refusal died in his throat as he glanced at Jing Yi’s hand.

No wonder Ji Ling had blushed from just a handshake.

Jing Yi’s skin… was excessively smooth.

Remembering that Ji Ling had held this entire hand, Lu Yuzhi frowned, suddenly feeling extremely displeased.

He tentatively returned the grip on Jing Yi’s hand.

Jing Yi, however, was lost in other thoughts.

The decor of Ganlan Temple was truly imbued with an ancient charm, making him involuntarily recall how he used to drag lazy fellow disciples to the prayer hall for repentance.

Suddenly, he felt a longing for those vivid faces.

Stopping before the shrine, Jing Yi released Lu Yuzhi’s hand and devoutly offered incense.

Perhaps his fellow disciples were doing the same thing at this very moment.

With that thought, the sorrow in his heart dissipated considerably.

“Mr. Lu, if you share your worries with the Buddha, your heart will surely feel much lighter.” Jing Yi turned his head and smiled at Lu Yuzhi.

Lu Yuzhi countered, “Does Jing Yi have any worries?”

“Of course, I’ve already told the Buddha.” Jing Yi replied cheerfully.

“Did the Buddha resolve them for you?”

“He did.” Jing Yi said resolutely. His longing must have already reached another time and space.

Lu Yuzhi smiled and imitated Jing Yi’s gesture to offer incense.

[I hope the Buddha won’t compete with me for this person.]

Lu Yuzhi cast a deep glance at the Buddha statue.

…

The selection for the public service advertisement video concluded, and the official website announced the results. Cao Yang’s work won the competition by a margin of 3 votes. The title “He and It” topped the Weibo hot search list under the official promotion. Excited, Cao Yang called Jing Yi to share the good news and also congratulate him on landing the role of Xie Qiyun.

Cao Yang learned about Jing Yi securing the role when the “Xie Qiyun” production team publicly announced the audition results, riding on the dual popularity of the public service advertisement and ” Seduce the Monk.”

This was standard practice in the industry.

The official account’s post was reshared by Fang Zexuan, the original actor for Xie Qiyun, along with the comment: “I trust the boss’s vision and capability. Welcome to the newcomer. I hope Galaxy continues to thrive.”

At first glance, the statement seemed harmless. However, what made it intriguing was that after resharing, Fang Zexuan posted a photo on his own Weibo showing his foot suspended in a hospital bed.

Fans quickly comforted Fang Zexuan in the comments, urging him not to be disheartened and assuring him that good opportunities would still be available once his foot healed.

Fang Zexuan directly replied to a fan: “Thank you. The doctor said my recovery will take at least three months. I hope to work happily with Jing Yi by then.”

Work happily.

What did that mean?

Fang Zexuan’s fans felt a surge of heartache and slight anger.

Indeed, three months could change many things.

If Jing Yi joined Galaxy, given Lu Yuzhi’s tendency to support newcomers, the company’s resources for male actors would likely lean toward Jing Yi. By the time Fang Zexuan returned, would there still be a place for him at Galaxy?

Their idol was worried!

Understanding Fang Zexuan’s implication, his fans quickly gathered all available information on Jing Yi.

Information from Dream Entertainment was no longer reliable, as Jing Yi had been given a negative persona there. To understand him better, they had to look into his life before entering the entertainment industry.

Coincidentally, a search revealed some details from Jing Yi’s school days.

During high school, he was frequently involved in fights, smoking, and drinking. Found classmate photos showed him with earrings and exaggerated, thug-like attire.

Fang Zexuan’s fans compiled all this information and politely sent it to Lu Yuzhi’s assistant’s email.

It was necessary for the film emperor to better understand what kind of person Jing Yi truly was!

After sending the email, the fans noticed Fang Zexuan had posted another selfie.

Though clearly a 23-year-old young actor, the photo showed him with gauze wrapped around his head, pale lips, and lifeless eyes. Those unmistakably dark circles—evidence of excessive worry and sleepless nights—made Fang Zexuan appear utterly pitiful!

Fans clutched their chests, feeling that merely forwarding the post to mailing lists wasn’t enough.

They pushed up the Weibo post exposing Jing Yi’s high school incidents, with the most upvoted content being a stack of exam papers scored zero, all signed with Jing Yi’s name.