Chapter 206 - Audition 2

While waiting for tea to be served, Laila smiled as she scrutinized Shu Qi. "Miss Shu, Mr. Wen spoke highly of you yesterday, but after looking into your records, I found that you haven't played roles similar to this before. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

Upon hearing "records," a hint of sadness flickered in Shu Qi's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She needed to seize the opportunity Wen Jun had given her. Even if not for herself, she had to prove herself for the sake of the elder who had gone out of their way to support her.

"Just call me Shu Qi." She paused for a moment, pondered, and then continued, "I believe no one is born knowing how to act. Even the most talented actors have a first time portraying a certain role."

"You're right," Laila shrugged. "But how can I believe you? This is an important role, a highlight of the movie. If she isn't cast properly, the overall quality of the entire film might suffer."

Shu Qi held Laila's gaze firmly and said, "That's why I'm here for an audition, isn't it?"

Laila laughed. She liked this kind of attitude. "You're right. I find myself appreciating you more and more. Now, let me introduce the character to you. First of all, she's a woman—a skilled martial artist. Secondly, she commands a group of loyal subordinates who are willing to live and die for her. She possesses wealth and influence."

Shu Qi knew this was a test for her, so after quietly listening to her words, she didn't speak. Instead, she took off her shoes and sat on the sofa, kneeling with her legs, her lips tightly sealed. The gentle eyes that had once resembled water now emanated a fierce determination.

Even just sitting there, the air of the leader of a Japanese gang emitted from her, far from the gentle and beautiful images she had portrayed in previous movies.

Laila's eyes lit up. She knew that Shu Qi had immersed herself in the role. She had considered using Shu Qi to replace Michelle Yeoh, but she worried that the present Shu Qi might not possess the same level of skill as her future self.

But seeing her performance, she felt reassured. This was the role she wanted! A formidable and elegant antagonist, a woman whose presence alone commanded the submission of her subordinates.

"Years ago, you killed my beloved. Now, I will kill you!" Laila suddenly locked Shu Qi with an icy gaze.

Shu Qi's naturally icy blue eyes were now even more frigid, making it difficult to meet her gaze.

Shu Qi, however, wasn't fazed by her stare. Instead, she curled her lips into a faint, cold smile and said, "You're not the first person to say that to me. And yet, here I am, still alive."

Laila was testing her adaptability, wanting to see if she could bring out the character's traits in other ways as well. Shu Qi proved herself, surpassing Laila's expectations.

She then picked up a magazine, folded it into a makeshift blade, and held it to her neck. "Do you have anything else to say? You're going to die, die by my hands. Do you hate me? Just as you killed my beloved back then, have you felt my pain?"

Shu Qi's lips curled into a wry smile. "Might make right. If I truly had any hatred, it would be for not having killed you sooner."

Laila was delighted and clapped her hands. "Shu Qi, you've exceeded my expectations. Without a script or a plot, just by giving you a few character details, you've delivered exactly what I wanted."

Amidst the applause, Shu Qi snapped back to reality and sheepishly put her shoes back on. "Thank you."

Wen Jun, unable to contain himself, asked eagerly, "So, what's the verdict?"

Laila extended her hand. "Is there even another possibility? You've got the role! I believe we're going to have a very successful collaboration."

"That's fantastic! I'm confident we'll work well together!" Wen Jun shook her hand, unable to hide his joy.

For an East Asian to break into Hollywood was exceptionally challenging, even stars as famous as Jackie Chan faced repeated setbacks. But now, Shu Qi had secured a crucial role. This marked a significant step toward becoming an international star.

Once this news spread, would anyone in the East still view her with skepticism? Unlikely! She was poised to become a source of pride.

Wen Jun wasn't the only one excited. Shu Qi was also overwhelmed. After their conversation yesterday, she understood the significance of landing this role.

And she had truly gotten it!

Seeing their conversation end, Demi brought over the tea. She had intended to come in earlier but saw they were busy, so she waited patiently.

"Demi, please have Louise bring the contract and a copy of the script. Also, tell her to come in."

"Of course." Daisy nodded and left the room.

Laila turned to Shu Qi. "This movie will have extensive fight scenes. While I'll use stunt doubles and special effects, I'd still like you to learn some basic techniques during the upcoming months."

"I'll start training as soon as I return!" Shu Qi readily agreed. She was willing to learn not only fight choreography but even the impossible.

Laila smiled and nodded. "I plan to start filming in early September. We still have a few months, and I believe you'll be able to grasp the basics. But please don't overexert yourself. I don't want to hear that you're injured and unable to shoot when production starts."

"Rest assured." Wen Jun nodded solemnly. "I'll keep an eye on her and prevent any reckless behavior." He knew what Shu Qi was like when she threw herself into something, so when Laila mentioned it, he immediately recognized the potential problem. If she was left to learn on her own, the situation she described could happen.

Laila was about to say something when her phone rang. She checked it and saw Zeni's number. However, she didn't answer and instead declined the call. Dealing with Shu Qi was more important than accommodating Zeni, at least for the moment.

Before she could set the phone down, it rang again.

Frowning, Laila excused herself to Wen Jun and Shu Qi, then stepped aside to answer, "Zeni, I'm busy right now. If it's not urgent, call me back later!"

"What do you mean it's not urgent? I'm right outside your company building! Hurry up and come down to pick me up, or they won't let me in."

Well done! Laila silently praised the receptionist responsible for handling Zeni.

"Got it. I'll have someone come up to get you. Just wait there for a bit."

Just as she hung up, the phone rang once more.