Chapter 141: Volume 1, Chapter 141 – The Movie Emperor Who Turned Into a Cat (8)

Xu Qian sincerely felt happy for her; for people like them who could only be background extras and stand‑ins behind the screen, this was undoubtedly a windfall.

"You must act well! When this drama airs, I'll make all my relatives come watch it."

When it was time to film, Jiang Zhi left Heitan with her and asked her to take care of him.

Xu Qian agreed without hesitation; only when she received Heitan did she realize she had taken on an "ancestor".

——

In the makeup room.

Tan Xuan, who could have played the female lead, had her role taken by a newcomer; now she only plays female number three, a concubine in the script who vies for the lead's favor—she is wicked and vicious.

Her complexion has been poor since yesterday.

"I inquired—this Jiang Xiao Zhi has never played a proper role before; she's either been an extra or a stunt double. Yet on her debut day she actually managed to snag such a big advantage!"

"Director Wang has been looking out for her since day one—who knows what's going on behind the scenes, hehe."

Upon hearing the words behind her, Tan Xuan frowned slightly, stood up, and said, "I watched her audition; Director Wang showed no partiality at all."

If such talk got out, Director Wang's lifelong reputation could be ruined in an instant.

The two speakers fell silent, staring at each other, never expecting Tan Xuan to speak up for a newcomer.

As Jiang Zhi arrived at the makeup room and finished hearing their words, her impression of Tan Xuan deepened a bit.

She pretended not to hear, walked straight in, and took her seat.

A few were internet celebrities shoved in by investors to play palace maids; they swayed up behind her, eyes full of jealousy they couldn't hide.

"Little Zhi sis, tell us—how did you win Director Wang's favor and become the female lead?"

"Yeah, lots of famous actors auditioned, but only Little Zhi caught Director Wang's eye—we're so envious. We want to know some audition secrets so we can also land a lead role and skyrocket in our careers."

Jiang Zhi suddenly laughed.

The two internet celebrities who were speaking frowned and asked her what she was laughing at.

Jiang Zhi spoke smoothly and unhurriedly: "I thought we were already filming—this drama is just palace intrigue, right? You did pretty well just now; I'm sure we'll get through the day."

Anyone could hear the sarcasm in her words; the few internet celebrities' faces turned green and purple, they glared at her fiercely and left.

Jiang Zhi sat upright, and through the reflection in the mirror before her she caught a glance—it was Tan Xuan, who had spoken up for her earlier.

Tan Xuan is obsessed with acting; that day she stood in the audience and watched the female candidates' auditions.

Whether in performance or emotional handling, the female candidates' talent surpassed hers.

Director Wang could choose her, and Tan Xuan felt no resentment.

Only dissatisfaction with herself.

Tan Xuan felt her gaze, subtly shifted her eyes away, and remained expressionless.

Jiang Zhi shrugged.

Soon the makeup artist entered to do her makeup; upon seeing her appearance, they were utterly astonished.

Even Sun Yi, who had quit and left, couldn't compare—her face and features were exquisite to perfection.

Such a face is the makeup artist's favorite; no need for heavy alteration, otherwise it would be overdoing it.

The scene she was about to shoot was her just entering the palace, about to be pushed into the lake.

Director Wang had said she'd already filmed five takes of jumping into the lake, so they could skip it and move on with the plot.

After the lake jump, her condition hadn't improved, so she was sent to the cold palace to look after the sickly Thirteenth Prince.

First meeting with the Thirteenth Prince.

This scene is important and places high demands on the actor's ability.

Jiang Zhi applied sickly makeup, changed into a thin palace‑maid outfit, and step by step walked into the somewhat deserted palace.

Meanwhile, the Thirteenth Prince half‑sat on the bed, wrapped in a thick cloak, intently reading the ancient book in his hands.

Upon hearing the knock, he had the eunuch who'd grown up with him open the door.

A palace maid stepped into the palace interior, walked unsteadily to his front and knelt, her complexion pallid, voice soft and weak: "Greetings, Your Highness the Thirteenth Prince."

The Thirteenth Prince set down his book, looked at the kneeling, frail palace maid, gave a light cough, and said gently, "Please rise."

The palace maid rose.

"Lift your head."

She slightly raised her forehead, meeting the eyes of the Thirteenth Prince, who lay gravely ill and had long dwelled deep in the palace.

Those eyes held no contempt or arrogance, only a gentle smile.

"What is your name?"

She lightly pressed her dry lips, her gaze darting, unwilling to meet his eyes directly.

"An… Xian."

——

"Cut!"

Director Wang shouted satisfied, looking at the footage on screen, his face full of smiles.

Indeed, letting the female lead audition was the right decision.

She was perfect for the role.

Chen Shuo, who had been lying on the bed, got up, greatly surprised, and told her, "You got into character so quickly—I was drawn in by you."

Sometimes immersing oneself in a role takes a long time, but she needed none—it was as if she were born for this part.

"Senior Chen, you're the same," Jiang Zhi said, not at all arrogant.

She's passed through too many worlds; playing a persona is just basic operation for her.

This scene wrapped up early, and today's work ends here.

Jiang Zhi glanced at the back of his hand, where concealer foundation had been applied, and the marks were no longer visible.

Chen Shuo noticed her gaze, shook the back of his hand, and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine now."

Jiang Zhi rubbed her nose sheepishly and asked, "Senior Chen, how much is the medical fee? I'll transfer it to you via my phone."

Chen Shuo raised his brows, somewhat displeased: "We can consider ourselves acquainted, so why are you being so distant with me?"

Jiang Zhi: "……"

It's gotten way too familiar, huh! The things they've said can be counted on one's fingers!

Chen Shuo saw her looking troubled, laughed, and said, "I was joking; I really don't need the medical fee. If you feel embarrassed, just treat me to dinner tonight."

Jiang Zhi felt a chill in her heart.

Treating him to a meal would definitely cost tens of thousands per sitting.

Chen Shuo added, "You pick the place."

Jiang Zhi beamed, "All right! See you tonight."

The agreed time is seven o'clock.

Jiang Zhi went to find her good friend to pick up Heitan.

Xu Qian wore a worried expression; upon seeing her, her eyes were brimming with tears.

"Xiao Zhi, where did you buy this ancestor from? Hurry up and take it away, or I'll go crazy."

Jiang Zhi hurriedly asked her what was wrong.

Xu Qian refused to say, merely waving her hand at her.

Jiang Zhi knew Heitan's temperament well; although she had promised not to hurt others, magical attacks sometimes injure people more than physical ones.

Xu Qian probably never wants to buy a cat again in her life.

"Heitan! Why are you so disobedient!" Jiang Zhi patted its butt.

In front of everyone, Heitan's butt was slapped; as if suffering utter humiliation, its eyes turned red and it became a lifeless dead fish.

Jiang Zhi, seeing its state, could foresee the ensuing cold war.

She wearily rested her forehead in her hand.