"I really only contacted Director Ning for an audition opportunity because I happened to hear that Director Ning's script had been re-released. Originally, I planned to go back to my hometown for the Spring Festival in the next few days."
Shu Han was afraid that Xiao He would suspect that he had come to steal the role, so he explained very sincerely.
"I was unaware that you were also vying for this audition opportunity, and I am truly sorry."
Shu Han returned to China completely clueless and had been searching for an agent. He happened to hear about the auditions here, so he thought he would come and give it a try. Unexpectedly, he ended up playing the same role as Xiao He.
"I'm sorry, Sister Liu, I should have informed you in advance."
Shu Han apologized again.
Liu Rulan shook her head: "This matter was originally a fair competition. You got this role back then based on your own strength, and you are indeed qualified to try again. I am no longer your agent, so there is no need to inform me of this."
To put it bluntly, from the moment Shu Han returned to China and decided to develop his career there, Xiao He and Shu Han were already competitors. Even though Liu Rulan had been Shu Han's manager and the two had a good relationship, she couldn't possibly tell Shu Han everything. For example, regarding the audition for "No Bait," she naturally wouldn't proactively tell Shu Han, allowing the person most suitable for the role back then to become their rival.
Therefore, everyone has their own selfish motives, and the roles are in fair competition, so there is no right or wrong.
Relieved by Liu Rulan's words, Shu Han looked at Xiao He with a serious expression and said, "This opportunity is very important to me, so I will not give it up, nor will I show any mercy."
Xiao He would not back down at this time. He raised his chin slightly towards Shu Han, nodded, and said in a serious tone, "I will not back down either, and I will not give face to you, senior. Please do your best."
Is he a movie star? Or a returning superstar?
So what? What can be done about it?
Do you think I, Xiao He, am afraid of you?
Shu Han was taken aback by Xiao He's sharp and provocative response. He paused for a moment, then smiled and relaxed a bit: "As expected of Sister Liu's current choice, I'd like to see what true talent is."
Talent?
Along the way, Shu Han has seen many talented people with outstanding acting skills and quick wit.
But so what? He was still defeated by Shu Han and became a stepping stone on his road to fame.
Shu Han never believed in talent; he only believed in his own hard work and sweat.
Xiao He raised an eyebrow.
Oh, so you're saying he relies purely on talent? What about all the sweat he shed during his countless practice sessions in the studio?
"Sister Liu often mentions Teacher Shu to me, and also wants me to see what Teacher Shu has learned abroad over the years."
Xiao He immediately retorted with a forced smile.
Shu Han chuckled: "This kid has quite a temper."
Liu Rulan coughed a few times: "Alright, alright, it's just an audition, right? Stop acting like little kids, fighting each other. Instead of spouting threats, you should take a closer look at the script. If you both get rejected later, you'll really lose face."
Shu Han: ...
Xiao He: ...
The two remained silent, only staring at each other across the distance, their eyes flashing with a fierce, unyielding battle spirit.
"Then I'll be going now. I look forward to seeing you there."
Shu Han said, then smiled and greeted Liu Rulan before turning and walking toward the temporary audition area at the back.
Xiao He also looked away, crossed his arms, and gave a light sneer.
"Alright, don't overthink it." Liu Rulan patted Xiao He's shoulder. "He doesn't mean you any harm. He's just always very serious about work and is extremely competitive. He'll give his all in everything he does."
This was also one of the reasons why Liu Rulan liked Shu Han so much back then.
Now that they've become competitors, we need to be wary.
Xiao He naturally understood Liu Rulan's meaning.
Competition at work is common, especially in the cutthroat entertainment industry. Men and women can compete with each other. For example, he and Liu Zehang competed for the same role. They were fiercely competitive at work, but afterwards they became good friends and brothers.
Therefore, Xiao He had no ill intentions towards Shu Han. On the contrary, he was eager to see just how strong the other party really was.
“I know, Sister Liu.” Xiao He clenched his fist. “I also quite like Teacher Shu’s approach.”
If Shu Han were to offer to give him the role right away, he would feel as uncomfortable as if he had eaten shit.
It's really great as it is now.
"Great, I like your attitude."
Liu Rulan breathed a sigh of relief, then reminded Xiao He with a serious expression: "In that case, I also need to remind you that Shu Han was indeed Director Ning Jiaqi's first choice back then. His portrayal of Shu Yuxiu was excellent in every aspect, and his appearance was also very suitable. The only pity was that Shu Han didn't even have a driver's license at the time. Director Ning had some criticisms about this, but still insisted on choosing him. Now he has obtained a driver's license and other certificates in the United States. No matter how much we deny it, he does have an advantage over us."
“But I still believe in you, Xiao He, that you can surpass him and get this role.”
“Besides him, everyone here is an award-winning and impressive person, but I know you can do it.”
"You, Xiao He, are second to none, now and in the future, and you will only surpass more people in the future."
Xiao He paused for a moment, stared at Liu Rulan for a long while, and then smiled helplessly: "Is this another one of the mental victory techniques that Teacher Gao taught you?"
Liu Rulan relaxed her brows and chuckled, "Yes, Teacher Gao said that students like you need to be praised more so that you can perform at your best."
"No, just don't let me get carried away."
Xiao He quickly waved his hand.
Liu Rulan rolled her eyes: "I think so too. Give them a little encouragement and they'll take it all. Go line up and do your best."
Xiao He patted his chest and exaggeratedly breathed a sigh of relief: "That's more like it."
Liu Rulan: ...
Xiao He quickly ran away before Liu Rulan could speak, waving at her before grinning as he walked toward the specially designated audition area.
“...that brat.”
Liu Rulan watched Xiao He enter the audition area, her smile fading slightly and replaced by worry.
"Xiao He has really met his match."
Liu Rulan murmured.
"I hope he's okay..."
Xiao He arrived at the audition area, first confirmed his identity with the temporary front desk staff, and then received a number tag from the staff to indicate his audition order.
Xiao He followed the staff to the waiting area, where a few people were already sitting. Looking around, Xiao He saw that almost all of them were familiar faces he had seen on the big screen before.
In contrast, everyone else was momentarily bewildered when they saw Xiao He, and then a few acquaintances nearby began to whisper among themselves.
There was no way around it; among this group, Xiao Heguang was the one who looked the youngest.
Xiao He glanced around, then met Shu Han's gaze from afar. They both nodded slightly in acknowledgment before looking away from each other.
Next, the auditioning actors entered the adjacent room one after another to conduct their auditions.
More than forty minutes later, Shu Han stood up and strode towards the small house inside.
Xiao He, who was standing behind Shu Han, started shaking his leg nervously.
Stop shaking your leg!
A mere audition? I'll give it my all!
