The Heartless Alpha Just Wants to Follow the Plot - Chapter 42

Su Mo sighed helplessly. “Grandfather.”

She leaned closer, sat down beside the old man, and wrapped her arms around his, acting playfully. “I can’t just quit the industry all of a sudden, can I? Even if I was to leave, I’d need to make proper arrangements for the company first, right? You gave me three years, didn’t you? In those three years, I’ll definitely build Feimu Entertainment up properly. But before that, shouldn’t I be allowed to indulge in my little hobbies first?”

The old man knew she was telling the truth, but when he thought about her situation in the industry, he couldn’t help but feel she was just trying to fool him. With her carefree nature, there was nothing in this circle she wouldn’t dare to do.

Still, he didn’t say it aloud. He could see Su Mo’s passion for this world, so he decided to let her enjoy it for a few more years. After all, his health hadn’t completely failed him yet.

He reached out and affectionately patted Su Mo’s head, saying nothing more.

A few days later, after personally watching Su Mo depart, the kindly expression on his face instantly hardened.

“I never wanted to do this, but these people have gone too far lately. I only have one granddaughter, and I treasure her like the apple of my eye. Even when I scold her, I hold back my temper. Yet these people dare to lay hands on her.”

His cane struck the ground heavily, his voice laced with fury. “It seems I really have grown old, old enough for them to think I no longer dare to do things they cannot accept.”

The butler, Ying Zhong, stood behind him, reaching out in concern to steady him, but the old man stubbornly raised his hand to stop him.

“Since they show no mercy, they cannot blame me for being ruthless.”

“Ying Zhong, it’s time to remind them that I, Su Zhentian, have never been a coward to be bullied.”

The butler bowed respectfully. “Yes, sir.”

“You know what to do.”

“I understand.”

The old man waved his hand, and Ying Zhong withdrew with deference. He knew exactly what actions would align with the old master’s intent, and he understood, the old man had truly made up his mind.

In truth, it wasn’t only the old man who felt relieved that Su Mo had finally come to terms with things. Ying Zhong, who had always followed the old master’s will, was equally glad.

He had grown up at the old man’s side, and after reaching adulthood, he had traveled far and wide for the Su family’s business, never once leaving their service.

Seeing Su Mo let go of her stubbornness, he was genuinely happy for her. This way, the old master could finally be at ease.

Now, the old man no longer needed to endure for Su Mo’s sake, he could begin to strike back.

Meanwhile, aboard the aircraft, Su Mo suddenly sneezed. She shook her head, which ached slightly from the force, and muttered to the system: “Someone must be thinking of me.”

“Tongzi, was it you?”

The system rolled its eyes and replied curtly: “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just a system, how could I possibly miss you?”

Su Mu shrugged. “Well, that’s a pity then.”

This trip was mainly to meet the director. For the role she wanted, Su Mo didn’t mind spending however much money it took.

Pu Ying had recommended her for this film not only because the role suited her, but also because she believed that Qiu Fu didn’t have much chance of competing for the female lead. By going, Su Mo could create opportunities for the two of them to spend time together and deepen their relationship.

Earlier, when Su Mo and Si Yu appeared on a variety show, the production team had filmed plenty of behind-the-scenes clips, including some rather ambiguous moments between the two. Once the show aired, their CP fanbase would surely grow, especially since they already had a drama currently broadcasting.

To prevent Qiu Fu from feeling uncomfortable later, Pu Ying reluctantly decided to boost Su Mo and Si Yu’s exposure, ensuring their relationship wouldn’t suffer because of it.

When they arrived at the film crew, Su Mo followed Pu Ying backstage where the casting was taking place. Many beautiful actresses had auditioned for the superstar role, but the director still hadn’t found anyone who could impress him bare-faced.

Makeup could enhance a person’s aura, but true presence came from within. What he needed was someone who, upon entering the role, could instantly command the room, someone whose presence alone could overwhelm everyone else.

Though many had come, and many were beautiful, few possessed that rare quality.

He reluctantly shortlisted two actresses with decent acting skills, but something still felt missing.

At that moment, Pu Ying entered with Su Mo.

One of the director’s assistants spotted Pu Ying, nudged the director’s shoulder, and said, “Director Jiang, there’s another one.”

Frustrated from failing to find the right candidate, Director Jiang snapped irritably: “The auditions are nearly over. Whoever comes now is late. I don’t want to see anyone else.”

“But.”

The assistant tried to say more, but Pu Ying interrupted with a smile, signaling that she would handle it.

The assistant gave an awkward grin and quickly stepped aside.

Pu Ying approached, smiling warmly. “Director Jiang, it’s been a long time.”

She had worked with him twice before when managing veteran actors. Those collaborations had gone smoothly. Later, when that actor retired, Jiang had tried to persuade him to continue acting, and Pu Ying had exchanged a few words with him then.

Now, with her current status, speaking to him directly was no problem.

Director Jiang found her voice oddly familiar, though he couldn’t quite place it. Still, if she thought she could use that to get closer to him, she was mistaken.

Director Jiang lifted his head, ready to throw out a sarcastic remark, only to freeze when he recognized the familiar face before him. Pu Ying? What is she doing here?

The words on the tip of his tongue instantly spun a full one-eighty.

“You’re here with a newcomer?”

He assumed she had come for Qiu Fu. After all, Qiu Fu’s transfer to Feimu Entertainment under Pu Ying’s management had stirred up quite the storm a few months ago. Even Jiang, buried in script work, had been dragged into gossip about it.

“Not at all.”

Pu Ying smiled. Though Qiu Fu’s situation was still a hot topic, it wasn’t enough to warrant her personal intervention. Su Mo, however, was different, she would only step forward for Su Mo.

“I heard you’ve been troubled over casting a certain role. I thought I’d come to ease your worries.”

Her words carried a clear implication, and Jiang quickly realized who she was recommending. Su Mo’s looks were undeniable, otherwise she wouldn’t have conquered so many hearts in the industry. But when he thought of her acting skills, hesitation crept in.

Looks could be flexible; a slight compromise was acceptable. But acting was the backbone of a film. He couldn’t risk lowering the quality of the entire production for one role.

Still, her appearance fit the role perfectly.

After a moment’s pause, he offered a polite refusal. “Well, I actually already have someone in mind.”

Pu Ying gently pressed down the hand he was about to raise to dismiss them, her lips curving in a soft smile. “Come now, Director Jiang. We’ve known each other for years. Do you think I’d come here without doing my homework?”

“Su Mo’s acting may have been lacking before, but she’s recognized her shortcomings. She’s been earnestly studying under a teacher, and now she’s capable of holding her own.”

“Don’t judge her by the past. At least give us a fair chance to compete.”

Her words made Jiang falter. He didn’t want to give up Su Mo’s face so easily, that hesitation earlier had already betrayed him.

He eased his grip and asked cautiously, “What you’re saying, it’s true?”

Pu Ying nodded. “Of course. Why would I lie about something like this?”

Jiang relaxed slightly. “Then let’s give it a try.”

But he added firmly, “If she doesn’t meet the standard, I won’t keep her just because of our friendship or her looks. I’m a man of principle. I won’t allow anyone to tarnish my film.”

His films were his lifeblood, he would never permit flaws.

Pu Ying inclined her head. “Naturally. If her acting truly falls short, I wouldn’t have the face to ask you to keep her.”

Jiang relented. “Fine. Let her audition.”

Pu Ying smiled. “Thank you, Director Jiang.”

He waved dismissively. “It’s just an audition slot. Nothing more.”

Auditions were open and transparent; there was no secrecy. Su Mo’s participation was perfectly reasonable.

Pu Ying went to the corner, where Su Mo sat masked, chatting idly on her light-brain device. She pulled her up and led her backstage. “Come on. The director agreed to let you audition. One of your previous directors told me how suddenly your acting improved, like you’d truly entered the role.”

“This time, you need to give it your all. Whether you win the part depends entirely on you.”

As they neared the director, Pu Ying slowed her pace, offering reassurance. “Don’t be nervous. Just act naturally. Even if you fail, it doesn’t matter.”

Everyone knew Su Mo’s reputation. If she failed, people would simply say Pu Ying had been desperate for her to rise to stardom, which was why she claimed Su Mo had acting talent.

Su Mo looked at Pu Ying, who was running around on her behalf, and a flicker of emotion crossed her eyes. Strangely, she didn’t dislike the feeling. Pu Ying was far better than the agent she’d had back in her Earth days.

“I’ll win this role.”

Pu Ying glanced back at her confident charge, lips tugging into a faint smile before she turned forward again. “Then show me your true strength.”

Together, they approached Director Jiang. He scrutinized Su Mo from head to toe. Pu Ying spoke up: “Director Jiang, we’re here.”

Jiang was instantly satisfied with Su Mo’s appearance, it was exactly what he had envisioned. The moment he saw her, he felt the aura of confidence and sharp, commanding beauty radiating from her. She embodied the role so perfectly that simply standing there, she seemed to bring the character to life.

No wonder Pu Ying had insisted her acting wouldn’t be a problem, this was practically a case of playing herself.

Jiang, thoroughly pleased, handed her a script segment belonging to the superstar character. “Here. This scene. I want you to make a grand, disdainful entrance.”