The Ex-Wife-to-Be Is Acting Weird After Losing Her Memory - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Sonata Five

Lu Jiayin hesitated at Madam Lu’s request. She tentatively said, “But given my current condition, I don’t know if I can handle an audition…”

This response caused Madam Lu to frown with displeasure: “Jiayin, you truly disappoint me.”

She looked sharply at her daughter: “You never listened to me since you were little. I told you to learn piano, and you skipped lessons every other day. Then you insisted on becoming an actress. Now you’re almost thirty, and I haven’t seen you achieve anything notable… When I was your age, I had already won the Stevenson International Master Sculptor Award…”

“I didn’t mean that…” Facing her mother’s interrogation, Lu Jiayin defensively retorted, “I will consider the things you mentioned.”

She wasn’t confident about work matters right now and didn’t dare to promise her mother outright, so she could only be evasive for the time being.

Madam Lu looked at her suspiciously: “Don’t take this lightly. Focus more on your career. Also, be more attentive to Xiao Zhen. Why did I hear rumors about discord between you two recently? Everyone I meet asks me about it, and I don’t know how to respond. Girls should value their reputation. I don’t want to be constantly gossiped about, do I?”

Lu Jiayin kept her eyes lowered and replied solemnly, “I was thoughtless.”

After finally enduring the reprimand, Madam Lu was satisfied. She nodded toward her assistant. The young assistant immediately and respectfully took a bottle of mineral water from his bag, carefully uncapped it, and handed it over. Madam Lu took a couple of sips of water and slowly ordered: “It’s about time. Let’s go inside.”

Lu Jiayin nodded repeatedly.

Fortunately, once they returned to the Zhen family residence, Madam Lu ignored her. Lu Jiayin watched her mother glide gracefully into the crowd of guests like a proud white peacock, engaging in elegant small talk.

Zhen Zhen walked over to Lu Jiayin, handing her the teacup she was holding: “Done chatting with Mom?”

“I was lectured for half the day,” Lu Jiayin said with a strained face, sipping the tea slowly and softly sighing, “Although I don’t remember the past, I can feel that she doesn’t like me very much.”

Their interaction felt less like a mother and daughter and more like a superior and subordinate. After talking for so long, her mother hadn’t asked a single question about her health, instead issuing many demands.

Zhen Zhen avoided the topic and comforted her: “Mom is someone who holds herself to very strict standards. It’s probably the same with her children.”

A life so meticulous, measured out by a ruler, where not a single mistake is allowed… Lu Jiayin sighed internally, suddenly curious about how her former self used to cope.

“But don’t worry too much,” Zhen Zhen whispered in her ear. “She rarely stays in the country. Most of the time, she’s abroad doing exhibitions. We just need to get through these few days.”

Lu Jiayin hadn’t expected the usually composed Zhen Zhen to be slightly afraid of her own mother. At that moment, a moist puff of air reached her ear, making her sensitive earlobe slightly tickle. She tilted her head slightly, smiling as if being teased.

To onlookers, their demeanor clearly suggested a couple intimately sharing a secret. Zhen Zhen leaned close to her wife, who then smiled, making the atmosphere appear very harmonious.

“I always say the media just writes nonsense all day. Judging by their interaction, there’s no way they’re having any problems…” a relative flattered Madam Lu with a smile. “Rest assured, there might even be good news about the children next year…”

Madam Lu also looked towards the small couple. Her gaze settled on her daughter’s smiling face, seemingly deep in thought.

After the banquet ended and the last wave of guests was sent off, Lu Jiayin sat alone in the car, waiting for a while before Zhen Zhen finally rushed back with quick steps.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Zhen Zhen sat down in the car, smiled apologetically, and then instructed the driver to start the car.

Lu Jiayin shook her head and asked curiously, “Was that… Mom looking for you just now?”

She had seen Madam Lu’s assistant call out to Zhen Zhen as she got in the car, and then the two disappeared together. It wasn’t hard to guess where they went.

Zhen Zhen didn’t try to hide it and nodded: “Yes, Mom asked me to help persuade you.”

Fearing that her daughter wouldn’t take her words seriously, Madam Lu specifically spoke to Zhen Zhen, emphasizing the principle that “one’s career cannot be neglected for a single day,” and asked Zhen Zhen to urge Lu Jiayin to audition.

Lu Jiayin had an “I knew it” expression. She relaxed her supple body, leaning back deep into the car seat. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she seemed hesitant: “How can I audition in my current state?”

According to Fu Ruyi, she was once a brilliant actress, whose interpretation of roles resonated deeply—as if she were born for the camera. But those accolades now sounded like a heavy door, and she stood outside it with a blank mind.

Could she really perform with her original skill level now?

Zhen Zhen noticed the low tone in her voice and looked up at her. Her eyes met Lu Jiayin’s, which were reflected by the subtle light in the car, as if covered in a mist—lost and timid like a frightened little white rabbit, watching her anxiously.

The Lu Jiayin in her memory was always radiant and determined, as if all the thorns ahead were merely decorations before she ascended her throne. But now she showed a vulnerability Zhen Zhen had never seen before.

Even the proud Lu Jiayin is capable of fear.

“You once told me that acting isn’t about winning awards; it’s because the feeling of experiencing other people’s lives is wonderful,” Zhen Zhen said after thinking for a moment. “So, I believe you must truly love this profession.”

Lu Jiayin looked up at Zhen Zhen.

From her angle, she could see Zhen Zhen’s cool, beautiful profile. Her expression was serious, as if she were trying hard to recall something.

“I’ve heard of Director Long. She’s a remarkable female director, and you’ve always admired her,” Zhen Zhen continued. “I know you’re confused right now and unsure whether to listen to Mom. How about we don’t consider that aspect?”

She turned to face Lu Jiayin: “I can go with you. Let’s try to make contact and understand this film first. Judge it based on your own feelings. If, after talking, you still don’t want to take the role, I will talk to Mom for you. You don’t have to worry.”

Lu Jiayin’s almond-shaped eyes quietly gazed at Zhen Zhen. This conversation was entirely from Lu Jiayin’s perspective, not wanting her to miss out on her dreams, yet thoughtfully considering the future challenges. Her eyes sparkled, and she pounced on the person in front of her: “Wife—”

Seeing her suddenly lunge, Zhen Zhen instinctively caught the soft figure, her palm touching her slender waist.

Lu Jiayin wore her own perfume; her breath was filled with a familiar, light floral scent, blending with Zhen Zhen’s own fragrance.

Zhen Zhen lightly coughed. Lu Jiayin had already settled herself in her embrace, skillfully sitting sideways on her lap, and, like a koala, wrapped her right arm around Zhen Zhen’s neck, quickly kissing her on the cheek.

“I’ll listen to you and give it serious consideration,” she said happily, burying her head in Zhen Zhen’s neck and rubbing against her lingeringly.

One week later in the afternoon, Lu Jiayin, dressed appropriately, arrived at the audition site for the film Dark Light, accompanied by her competent agent, Fu Ruyi.

Zhen Zhen had offered to come with her for the audition but was declined by Lu Jiayin.

Lu Jiayin felt that since this was her job, she should complete it independently.

After communicating with her agent, especially after learning the story outline of Dark Light, Lu Jiayin’s interest in the film was immediately piqued, leading her to formally decide to strive for a chance to participate.

The film, Dark Light, is a biographical drama that famous director Long Jing had been preparing for nearly five years. It has attracted wide attention since the start of pre-production. To perfectly recreate the scenes in her mind, Director Long traveled all over the country to find the shooting locations that best fit the story’s background and spent a large amount of time refining the script. It is truly a labor of love.

Dark Light tells the story of the famous Chinese dancer, Mu Shuanghe. Starting from a remote border town, she gradually exhibited extraordinary talent, constantly pushing herself on the path of art. Even after being diagnosed with a terminal illness and facing her final countdown, she never gave up her dream, ultimately leaving behind a masterpiece that astonished the world.

The film spans twenty years, from Mu Shuanghe’s youth until her death at the age of thirty-six. This period was also the golden age that produced many legends in the art world. The film features many characters who are now national treasures, making it a literary star biography of the late last century.

According to the plan drafted by Fu Ruyi, the competition for the lead actress, Mu Shuanghe, was primarily about participation. After all, there were rumors of several veteran actresses having auditioned previously. Driven by respect for the artist, the competition for this role was fierce. Considering Lu Jiayin’s current physical condition, their focus was still on the third female lead, Gu Wanyue.

Gu Wanyue is a famous dancer, referred to as one of the “Twin Jades of Enxi” alongside Mu Shuanghe. If Mu Shuanghe was the blazing, dazzling sun, Gu Wanyue was the gentle, clear moonlight. Her presence, performing in a white dress on stage, captivated countless people, stirring their first love for classical dance.

After Fu Ruyi and Lu Jiayin arrived, they were met by an assistant to the casting director in the reception room. Due to the high visibility of the film, security and confidentiality were paramount. All audition participants were communicated with separately to prevent information leaks.

The female assistant was quick-spoken and efficient, ushering them into the waiting room and pushing over a rack of neat costume props in the corner. She instructed: “The initial audition exercise is the same for everyone. Please select a costume from the rack and then enter the audition room to perform for five minutes. A camera will record your performance, and the director will make the final selection.”

There was no script, no explanation. This was purely a selection based on the director’s visual impression of the actor.

This completely autonomous audition method was not unheard of. Since this film was Director Long’s passion project of many years, the casting process was extremely careful. It had lasted for a long time, from open auditions for newcomers to discussions with famous actors. The use of recorded performance made it easier to assess the actor’s innate personality, style, and compatibility with the role.

Lu Jiayin felt a sense of relief. Although she had intensely studied acting knowledge over the past few days, the thought of performing in front of a crowd made her uneasy. Now that she only needed to perform in front of a camera, the pressure was instantly reduced.

With her mind slightly settled, she turned her gaze to the rack of various costume props.

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