5 Noble and Regal
As Chu Lian was walking towards the stage, she was thinking how to present her character. Although she had no real experience in acting, she had this strange feeling that she can pull it off.
She recalled the character description of Ying Fan, the character she was supposed to play. She is the proud eldest miss of a noble family. Thinking about the background of Ying Fan made Chu Lian recall some unpleasant memories; although it was distant, she thought that maybe she could use it as a reference to act like Ying Fan; "No, to wear the face of Ying Fan." Chu Lian was quite surprised with her thoughts, however she just brushed it off and focused on the task at hand.
She quickly scanned the scene on the script once again and decided to stand on the side of the mini stage and wait for her turn to appear.
The beau director glanced at Chu Lian and scoffed to himself, "At least she knows how start the scene, hmph!" Then he loudly shouted in his signature way of starting a play, "Ready! Act 2, scene 4. Showtime!"
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Act 2, Scene 4.
INT. YING RESIDENCE LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON.
The relatives of the Ying family gathered at the living room of the residence. Jiang Yue is standing at the corner with her head down listening to the conversations between Ying Fen and the other relatives. Ying Fen is sitting on a sofa with a cup of tea in her hand. Uncle Rou, Aunt Rou and Uncle Wei sat opposite Ying Fen and Aunt Wei is looking around the room examining the valuables. [1]
AUNT ROU: Fen-er, [2] why don't you let you uncle manage the household first? You are still young and your older sister is not interested in it. We will take good care of it for you. [3]
UNCLE ROU: If your parents were still alive, they definitely won't let you be bothered by these trivial things.
AUNT ROU: Yes, yes. Aiyo, such good children must only do well in school and their hobbies.
UNCLE WEI: And you must also be friends with your sister Yue, she will be transferring to your school soon and you can both learn from each other.
Ying Fen slams the teacup she was holding, startling the other four relatives.
YING FEN: Sister? You call that ugly duckling over there, my sister? She doesn't even have the noble Ying's family blood running in her veins.
UNCLE ROU: How can you say that? We already did a paternity test and she is indeed your—
A maid comes in with hurried steps and dramatically pants.
MAID: Second Miss, Eldest Miss is on her way here!
The people in the room gasp in shock. The relatives have ghastly expressions; Ying Fen has a delighted smile on her face, while Jiang Yue is surprised. Not a moment later, Ying Fan comes inside the room.
YING FAN: This is my own house, why am I treated like a guest?
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Before Chu Lian came in the scene, some crew members were not really expecting anything from her. They were preparing their bags of insult to throw once she messes up. But they were shocked to see the woman when she came in.
She was not like that before the rehearsal began, where did that timid girl go?The Chu Lian they were seeing right now is noble and regal.
"This isn't her," a crewmember mumbled. "No, this is Ying Fan!" another one agitatedly whispered back.
Even the director himself was quite surprised as well. "That aura! She only walked in and said a single line and she already overshadowed everyone on the scene." He thought to himself, "No wonder Miss Red personally recommended her. But still, I cannot easily forgive her for being late." He keeps grudges after all.
Meanwhile on stage, the actors were taken aback when a sudden pressure engulfed them; especially the actors that played as the relatives. They have been performing for quite some time now and they rarely felt this kind of pressure, however they quickly tried to compose their selves and went back into character as much as they can.
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Ying Fan walks towards them and sits beside Ying Fen. She looks at the table with tea and snack on it. She frowns and looks around the room and spotted Jiang Yue.
YING FAN: You, come and bring me a new cup.
The relatives come back from their daze and nervously sip their tea.
AUNT ROU: Fan-er, perhaps you might not know as you rarely come home but she isn't a servant here.
Aunt Rou nervously looks at her husband to talk to Ying Fan. Uncle Rou clears his throat.
UNCLE ROU: Ah, that girl is your sister Yue, Fan-er.
Ying Fan ignores the clowns.
YING FAN: Really, I was only away for a while and the servants' discipline is getting worse.
The maid nearly fainted and Jiang Yue sees this. She takes a step forward and comforted the maid.
JIANG YUE: It's okay Uncle Rou, elder sister only wants a new cup.
Jiang Yue smiles and struts away to the kitchen to get a new cup. Ying Fan frowns at Jiang Yue's address to her. Ying Fen's eyes shine and eagerly talks with her sister as if they were the only ones inside the room.
YING FEN: It is my fault, elder sister. I would ask the housekeeper to discipline the servants properly—especially that new one who doesn't know how to call her own mistress.
Ying Fan satisfactorily smiled and raised her chin domineeringly.
YING FAN: And while you're at it, increase the security as well, some pests were able to enter our manor.
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Chu Lian glanced at the other actors and they shivered. They felt it, that really was Ying Fan!
