After Rebirth, the Cold and Aloof Film Queen Always Wants to Cuddle with Me - Chapter 18

Chapter 18

“Director Liu, this actress is from our company, so I’m not in a position to comment,” Ye Ruihuan said calmly.

“Oh, I see. Well, her acting is quite good,” Director Liu nodded, turning to the producers beside him.

The others also nodded in agreement.

“Alright, give us another performance,” Director Liu said, handing over another script page.

This new scene was for a character drastically different from the first—someone with a lot of screen time as well, but timid and cowardly. Thanks to strong backing, she managed to survive the palace intrigue for a long time.

In just a few short minutes, Lin Ruijiao reviewed the character’s background in her mind. Her expression shifted accordingly—drooping brows, tightly pressed lips, and eyes filled with a subtle hint of worry.

After the short performance, applause broke out among the panel.

Even Ye Ruihuan clapped lightly, a faint smile on her face, though her eyes remained cold. She hadn’t expected Lin Ruijiao to be full of so many surprises.

Clearly, a lot had happened in the time they hadn’t seen each other. Ye Ruihuan narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

“Not bad. Xiao Ye, she’s quite a promising talent,” Director Liu said, clearly pleased and not holding back on his praise. Known for his strict standards, Director Liu had launched the careers of many newcomers through his big productions. Getting such high praise from him was no small feat.

The two roles in Phoenix had been troubling him for a while—unlikable characters with complex personalities that required skilled actors to portray properly. Until now, they hadn’t found the right fit. This newcomer Lin Ruijiao had quite a solid foundation.

“Alright, Lin Ruijiao, right? Go home and wait to hear back,” Director Liu said, satisfied, waving her off.

“Okay. Thank you, teachers,” Lin Ruijiao bowed politely.

She didn’t look particularly happy, though—her expression remained calm. The audition had gone well, but whether she got the role wasn’t up to her. Especially with Ye Ruihuan in the mix. If she managed to displease her, the role might be gone in an instant.

“Ruijiao, how did it go?” Liu Qingqing rushed up to her.

“It was okay,” Lin Ruijiao replied with a gentle smile. “Don’t be nervous—you’ll do great too.”

“Miss Lin!” a voice called out. It was Assistant Li, appearing from who knows where.

“Assistant Li?” Lin Ruijiao looked puzzled.

“Miss Lin, don’t rush off. You can ride back with us later,” he said, glancing briefly at the person next to her but deliberately not mentioning Ye Ruihuan’s name.

“…Alright,” Lin Ruijiao nodded. The production site was quite far from Yu Wan Villa, and with no assistant or private car of her own, getting a ride was definitely convenient. Plus, this would be a good chance to test the waters with Ye Ruihuan.

For the sake of her career, she could act a little—she was an actress after all. Lin Ruijiao consoled herself inwardly.

“What was that about?” Liu Qingqing asked curiously.

“That’s Assistant Li from the company. We just happen to be heading back the same way,” she replied vaguely, not giving too much away.

“I see.” Liu Qingqing didn’t think much of it and turned her attention to the audition room, looking a bit anxious.

“It’s fine. Don’t stress.”

A moment later, Liu Qingqing was called in. She came out shortly after with a look of joy—seemed like her audition had gone well.

After the audition, Lin Ruijiao quietly followed Assistant Li and got into Ye Ruihuan’s sleek black luxury car.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw Ye Ruihuan already seated inside, massaging the bridge of her nose, looking a bit tired.

“You’re here?” Ye Ruihuan glanced at her lazily.

“Yeah, Ruihuan,” Lin Ruijiao responded with her usual polite smile—the kind she always used around her, innocent and sweet but clearly fake.

Ye Ruihuan saw through it instantly. That expression no longer amused her like it once had. She stared at Lin Ruijiao with an unreadable face.

In return, Lin Ruijiao smiled again and sat down calmly beside her.

“Your acting’s improved a lot lately…” Ye Ruihuan said thoughtfully.

“Thank you! It’s all thanks to your acting lessons,” Lin Ruijiao said with a sweet grin, buttering her up as usual.

“Heh…” Despite herself, the corners of Ye Ruihuan’s lips lifted into a smile.

“Still hanging out with Zhou Yanyan these days?” The smile faded from Ye Ruihuan’s face, replaced by a dangerous glint in her eyes.

“No, Sister Zhou’s busy. She hasn’t had any variety shows or events where she could bring me along,” Lin Ruijiao replied honestly. Nothing to hide here—and she didn’t want to risk dragging Zhou Yanyan into any mess.

“Hm… then why didn’t you come to me?” Hearing her honest explanation, Ye Ruihuan’s expression softened, like ice melting into spring. Her mood visibly improved.

“…My acting wasn’t good. I didn’t feel right coming to you for help. Doing some interviews and variety shows with Sister Zhou felt more appropriate for now,” Lin Ruijiao stammered, scrambling for an excuse. Complimenting Ye Ruihuan never hurt, after all.

“That’s true.” Ye Ruihuan now looked like a lioness being stroked the right way, visibly pleased. Her gaze toward Lin Ruijiao grew even more satisfied.

This little bunny finally knew how to cling to her and flatter her properly. Not too dumb, after all.

Assistant Li, sitting in the front seat, felt like giving Lin Ruijiao a thumbs-up. Finally! Someone who knows how to talk to Miss Ye. Keep it up—save us all.

“How did the audition feel today?” Ye Ruihuan asked, testing the waters.

“It was pretty tough… I just went with my instincts,” Lin Ruijiao replied with a bright smile. “But I think the panel seemed to like it.” Her tone was half-truth, half-lie. After all, the performances she’d shown in front of Ye Ruihuan before were deliberately held back—no way she’d claim her improvement was real in such a short time. She wasn’t stupid enough to say something that arrogant.

“Mhm… yes. Director Liu couldn’t stop praising you,” Ye Ruihuan said, going along with it.

“Really? Then… do I have a chance of getting a role in this drama?” Lin Ruijiao’s wide eyes sparkled with hope, her face full of delight.

“Very likely,” Ye Ruihuan’s lips curved slightly. Being flattered like this naturally pleased her. Although she could tell the expression was partly fake, it still showed how much Lin Ruijiao wanted this role.

Ye Ruihuan was well aware of all this but still couldn’t resist teasing her.

“Ah… is that so…” Lin Ruijiao visibly deflated, like a little bird caught in the rain. She looked pitiful, but her eyes were calm. She had confidence in her acting. Judging from Ye Ruihuan’s reaction, she was pretty much guaranteed a role in Phoenix. The only question was—which one?

“What are you afraid of? I’m here. You think you won’t get a part?” Ye Ruihuan reached over and gently stroked her hair, the gesture intimate and tender.

“I’m just afraid I’ll mess it up…” Lin Ruijiao replied breezily, brushing her off. She thought to herself: the only reason she might not get the role is if Ye Ruihuan got in the way. She was the biggest obstacle in her acting career.

“Don’t worry. With my guidance, your acting’s already presentable. Be confident.”

Lin Ruijiao nodded, her lifted gaze containing a glimmer of amusement.

Ye Ruihuan stared absentmindedly at her flawless, porcelain-like neck. The image of her beneath her in that vivid dream suddenly resurfaced. Her cheeks flushed red, and a faint heat climbed up her ears. She couldn’t help but lick her lips.

Was the car suddenly feeling a little too warm? Ye Ruihuan’s heart began to race.

Lin Ruijiao, catching her dazed expression, asked in confusion, “What’s wrong, Ruihuan?”