Chapter 117: Honestly, you're really not suited for acting.

In truth, Shi Heng was also worried that Jiang Sui might not be able to carry the weight of the leading female role, but if she could secure it through her own audition, it would be a remarkable turnaround. So, since there was an opportunity to strive for something better, why not take it?

Jiang Sui was flipping through the script, a faint smile curling at her lips. “I want to audition for the third female role.”

Shi Heng, who had been gazing out the car window, drew his attention back.

“The third female role? The malicious noble consort who grew up as the emperor’s childhood companion?”

Seeing Jiang Sui’s tacit acknowledgment, Shi Heng couldn’t help but add, “I’ve heard this character might get cut.”

Jiang Sui asked, “Why?”

“Not only is she a villain, but she’s also a master of martial arts, a hidden expert with many fight scenes. And although you’d be playing her alone, you might have to play several personas, because she’s a consummate actress within the palace. The character is too complex, and since she’s only a supporting role, there’s already talk of removing her.”

Shi Heng didn’t understand why Jiang Sui was interested in this part.

Jiang Sui raised her brows. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

This role was practically tailor-made for her.

If the third female hadn't been so obsessed with love and had not given up everything for the emperor, she could have easily dethroned him and seized power herself.

Shi Heng agreed, “If you can really pull off this role, it would be quite striking. In the original novel, she was quite popular. But…my advice is to let it go.”

Frankly, Shi Heng simply felt Jiang Sui wasn’t up to it. Besides, the role might be scrapped anyway.

Jiang Sui merely smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

The audition was held at the film studio.

By the time Jiang Sui and her group arrived, someone was already auditioning.

The ancient-style architecture lent a more immersive atmosphere, though it still paled in comparison to true historical buildings. The sense of history and gravitas could never be replicated by any film set.

Surprisingly, the person auditioning was also vying for the third female role.

“Your Majesty…how could you treat me like this! My feelings for you are sincere!” the woman cried, tears streaming down her face.

The director frowned, sighing, “Forget it, let’s just cut this character.”

No matter who auditioned, none had delivered what he wanted.

It was an unimportant role anyway—better to remove it than let it become a blemish.

“Jiang Sui, you’re here to audition too.”

A familiar voice, tinged with mockery, rang out.

Jiang Sui and her companions turned to see the newcomer.

Tina approached, accompanied by a female actor.

Tina smiled, “Jiang Sui, I heard you’re quite popular these days. Why not stick to variety shows instead of acting? Honestly, since we’ve all worked together, I’ll tell you: acting really isn’t your thing.”

She sounded as if she meant well, but her words were clearly barbed.

The actress beside her greeted Jiang Sui with feigned politeness. “Hello.”

Shi Heng whispered to Jiang Sui, “Tina signed with a company and is now mentoring their actors. This is Han Shuang, their latest up-and-coming star.”

After explaining to Jiang Sui, Shi Heng didn’t wait for her response before retorting directly.

“She wasn’t suited for acting before because her agent was incompetent,” he said with a smile. “But things are different now—Jiang Sui is perfect for acting.”

Jiang Sui thought, …There’s a reason why few newcomers dare offend Shi Heng in this circle.

Kitten, holding Jiang Sui’s bag and makeup case, looked around curiously.

Tina’s cheeks flushed at Shi Heng’s words, but she merely smiled instead of getting angry. “You certainly have a broad heart, Mr. Shi, to have signed her.”