Out of respect for Director Sun's face.
The interviewers, with grim expressions, waved their hands, signaling Shen Xubai to just act casually.
No one had high hopes for Shen Xubai.
Shen Xubai stood on stage, not having the time to notice their expressions.
It was as if he instantly returned to his childhood state of immersion, as if he had traveled into the script.
It was no wonder he was called a drama fanatic.
The interviewers' attention was recaptured the moment he uttered "You've waited" in a deep, slow voice.
After that, it was impossible for their attention to wander.
The stage was lit.
Under the lights, Shen Xubai's skin tone inexplicably appeared two shades lighter.
It was perfect for the scene he was currently acting, where Lin Wei was pretending to be a beggar returning to the imperial city.
The audition, which normally only took five minutes.
Five minutes passed, yet no one called cut.
It wasn't until Shen Xubai had finished the third segment that an interviewer clapped their hands and called "Cut."
The five interviewers simultaneously lost their voices.
They couldn't articulate any feedback.
An eerie, quiet, yet harmonious atmosphere filled the interview room...
...
"Shen Xubai is auditioning for Lin Wei!"
Sister Yang returned after gathering information to report.
Lu Ang chuckled upon hearing this, "We should really buy that ugly monster a mirror to look at himself. Does he even know what he looks like? To dare audition for Lin Wei, even if you beat those five stubborn old goats to death, they wouldn't agree to let him play the part."
He had previously worried that Shen Xubai playing a supporting role would ruin a drama.
Now that he knew Shen Xubai was auditioning for the lead, Lu Ang wasn't worried at all, because it was simply an impossible scenario.
Lu Ang's eyes gleamed, and a wicked idea formed.
He snapped his fingers at Sister Yang, "Go, release the news that Shen Xubai is auditioning for Lin Wei. Pair it with some ugly photos, and dig up his past with Jasmine to release as well."
"As a top-tier celebrity, I'll generously grant him a trending topic today."
Lu Ang happily stood up.
He walked to the mirror and admired his handsome face.
It was almost three o'clock.
Three o'clock was when Dragon Shadow Group would announce the main cast for Jiang Xing.
He intended to appear before his fans at that very moment.
To hear their exclamations of awe!
And to witness the envious, jealous, and hateful yet powerless expressions of other fandoms...
...
The internet was abuzz with entertainment again.
A trending topic soared to the top.
"#ShenXubaiRejectedForBeingTooUglyToPlayLinWei#"
Under the hashtag, clicking it revealed a string of dark and yellow photos, all close-ups, with not a single one showing his full body.
These were all photos of his darker skin tone that Lu Ang had painstakingly selected from the internet.
"Whoa, this charcoal-skinned guy dares to try and compete with Lin Wei? Believe it or not, we original fans will draw our swords!"
"Is Director Sun trying to have a career Waterloo by even letting someone like this audition!"
"Didn't they already cast Lu Ang? The makeup test photos are out! This charcoal-skinned guy should at least take a piss and look at himself!"
"This is blatant sexual harassment, using work as an excuse to get close to my beautiful Jasmine!"
"Support the second collaboration between Ang and Li! Ugly freaks, stay away! Lock in the handsome guy and beautiful girl!"
The internet was filled with a one-sided wave of condemnation.
Lu Ang contentedly admired his handiwork.
Meanwhile, the five interviewers in the room were still engaged in a heated debate.
Unbelievable, truly unbelievable.
How could there be such a talented young actor.
Quick to get into character, full of emotion, clean and decisive movements, and even his lines were comparable to a voice actor!
It was clear he had put in a lot of hard work off-screen!
Hu Ying, watching the playback, couldn't help but exclaim, "Twenty years, and a promising sapling has grown into a mighty tree!"
But art was art, and it ultimately had to return to reality.
The five interviewers still had to consider the subsequent scenes.
The chosen actor should at least be competent and not make mistakes.
"He acts well, but with that skin tone, no amount of makeup can cover it. The later scenes can't be filmed. No, it won't work!"
This statement extinguished all the interviewers' wavering.
While they aimed for excellence, they also had to maintain their baseline.
At the very least, they couldn't let the company lose money!
The group sighed repeatedly, their fingers hovering over the candidate list with only Shen Xubai's name, but they hesitated to draw a cross through it.
After Director Sun sent Shen Xubai off.
She returned to the interview room.
Waiting for the interviewers to finish their debate and deliberation, she stepped forward.
Now back to her cold demeanor, Director Sun's imposing presence returned.
Her words were exceptionally resonant.
"Esteemed interviewers, Shen Xubai's skin tone will return to normal within three months. Director Fang himself has guaranteed this. Please rest assured, there's no need to dwell on this reason."
The five of them looked up in unison.
Director Fang's personal guarantee?
This meant that if the drama failed, it would be the boss's responsibility, and they wouldn't be held accountable?!
Then what were they hesitating for!
Art was, after all, the journey of the brave!
Sign him!
...
During Shen Xubai's audition, his skin had briefly darkened for half an hour.
As he left the interview room, Director Sun stopped him again and applied the black hair dye, "Your sister said you look incredibly handsome when you're dark and brooding. Indeed, family ties can blind one's judgment."
Shen Xubai: "..."
He turned to look for Shen Ningxi.
He found her standing in the hallway, holding her mobile phone with both hands, engaged in a battle with someone.
"Speaking ill of others, merit -1"
"Speaking ill of others, merit -11"
"Speaking ill of others, merit -1111111111"
Shen Xubai walked closer, knowing she was defending him, and felt a warmth mixed with heartache.
He patted Shen Ningxi's head and put down her phone, "Ning Xi, don't pay them any mind. I'm done with the audition, we can go now."
Shen Ningxi, frowning, stood up at this point.
Just as she was about to complain, she looked back at Shen Xubai's face, her frown eased, and she smiled, revealing her dimples.
"Third Brother, I see 'three lights' appearing on your face. I predict this drama will be a success!"
"Tch—"
Before Shen Xubai could reply, a mocking laugh was heard.
Then, Lu Ang walked over arrogantly.
Passing by Shen Xubai, he stopped, glanced at his even darker face, and chuckled dismissively.
"People should have some self-awareness. Otherwise, what's the difference between them and animals?"
Shen Xubai frowned and coldly retorted, "And do you know you're incredibly annoying? Barking around for no reason."
"He doesn't."
Shen Ningxi chimed in, crossing her arms, and said sarcastically, "Woof Woof lacks self-awareness."
Lu Ang: "..."
He opened his mouth but couldn't think of a retort.
His face darkened with anger.
He brushed past the siblings.
"Arguing is useless! Wait until the three o'clock announcement comes out, and see if your faces hurt!"
✦✦✦