Rebirth: Spoiling the Obsessive Film Emperor Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Going to the Audition  

Yin Chengjue fell into deep thought.  

If things developed this way, whether he did it or not, Feng Chengda would definitely suspect him.  

No—it would be outright framing.  

In that case, there was no guarantee Feng Chengda wouldn’t hold a grudge and do something else to harm him.  

"I’ll have to be on guard." Yin Chengjue rubbed his temples.  

A week passed in the blink of an eye. Qin Linlin’s novel began preparations for a web series adaptation, and auditions were in full swing. Meanwhile, Hey Brother, Let's Debut! had already announced the rankings for the new song performances, which also determined the class placements.  

Rong Yu’s group, "Heartbeat," was undoubtedly first place, while the second spot went to Fei Zhengqi’s group with "Boundless."  

Ming Qian, being in Fei Zhengqi’s group, naturally advanced two ranks, jumping from Class E straight to Class C and successfully avoiding elimination.  

Yin Chengjue wasn’t surprised by this. Recently, Ming Qian had practically become Fei Zhengqi’s shadow—every episode aired showed Ming Qian right beside Fei Zhengqi, as if they were inseparable twins.  

The production team, perhaps capitalizing on the online buzz, added a pink bubble filter every time Fei Zhengqi and Ming Qian appeared on screen, sending their "FeiQian" shippers into a frenzy, praising the show for feeding them official content.  

With this filter effect, their screen time was noticeably extended whenever their group performed, making their teammates seem like mere background characters.  

This obvious favoritism naturally upset the fans of the other members, sparking online backlash—only to be drowned out by the combined forces of Fei Zhengqi’s fans, Ming Qian’s fans, and the shippers.  

The more they argued, the more attention the show gained, making it impossible not to blow up in popularity.  

During preparations for the second performance round, the show granted the trainees a two-day break. Taking advantage of this, Sally arranged for Rong Yu to audition for Qin Linlin’s project.  

As an investor, Yin Chengjue technically didn’t need to attend. But the thought of Rong Yu rushing to an audition during his rare time off—exhausting himself regardless of whether he got the role—made Yin Chengjue want to treat him to a good meal afterward.  

Consider it payback for that hotpot last time!  

Yin Chengjue silently justified to himself.  

When Qin Linlin saw Yin Chengjue arrive, she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Brother Yin, you’re not planning to go back on our agreement, are you?"  

Yin Chengjue flicked her forehead. "I keep my word. The choice is entirely yours—not even the director can influence you."  

Director Chen: "…" Uh, is it really okay to say that right in front of me?  

Qin Linlin glanced at Director Chen.  

Director Chen: "…" Fine, fine. Young masters and ladies—can’t afford to offend them. Just take the money and do the job. He forced a smile. "Of course, this is Xiao Lin’s novel. Naturally, she should have the final say in casting."  

Deputy Director Liu handed Qin Linlin a booklet. "Here’s the list of today’s auditionees. Take a look first."  

Qin Linlin waved it off. "I’ll judge them in person."  

Yin Chengjue’s eyes casually skimmed the list—until a familiar name caught his attention. He immediately snatched the booklet for a closer look.  

"Uh…" Deputy Director Liu glanced uncertainly at Qin Linlin.  

Qin Linlin tilted her head. "Brother Yin, do you recognize someone here?"  

Deputy Director Liu suddenly remembered. "Ah! Right, Huansheng Entertainment did send an artist… Rong Yu, I think?"  

"Xiao Yu? Hmm… He is ridiculously good-looking…" Qin Linlin mused before quickly straightening up. "But even if it’s Xiao Yu, I won’t go easy! I’m here to judge acting skills!"  

Yet Yin Chengjue wasn’t looking at Rong Yu’s name—his gaze was locked on two other characters: Ming Qian.  

Donghua Entertainment—Ming Qian.  

Ming Qian was auditioning too?  

Qin Linlin had sold the adaptation rights for her BL novel "Blood Mist" to Huansheng. A crime thriller with episodic cases, it followed a protagonist with dissociative identity disorder—who not only coexisted peacefully with his alternate personality but also fell in love with it.  

They solved twisted, unjust cases together, their bond deepening through each ordeal. They were the most trusted partners, the most devoted lovers—destined to grow old and die together, yet forever unable to embrace.  

"Blood Mist" had a large ensemble cast, but only one true lead—a role demanding exceptional range, as the actor needed to fluidly switch between two distinct personalities.  

Sure, modern makeup could differentiate the characters, but Qin Linlin wanted an actor who could portray both identities without relying on cosmetics.  

Her audition method was simple: she selected pivotal scenes where the protagonist’s personality shifted and had the actors perform them.  

The main personality, Wu Xiaoqing, was a gentle, kind man who wore round gold-rimmed glasses and often dressed in blue overalls with a paint-splattered apron—an artist who retreated to his studio whenever he wasn’t working on cases.  

So the actor’s looks and physique had to be flawless. Otherwise, no amount of paint-stained aprons or blue workwear would look compelling on screen.  

Sitting beside Qin Linlin, Yin Chengjue watched the first few auditions. None impressed her—her initial excitement dulled into boredom.  

Director Chen and Deputy Director Liu kept stealing glances at Qin Linlin’s expression, inwardly groaning.  

Ah, accompanying a young mistress on casting calls—what a thankless job!  

A few fresh-faced actors nailed the main personality’s warmth, but when switching to the alternate persona, their delivery either went wildly over-the-top or stiffly restrained, as if afraid to shed their idol image.  

"Next." Qin Linlin propped her chin on one hand, twirling a pen with the other.  

Unlike previous auditionees who left promptly, this actor stayed. "What exactly was lacking in my performance? I’ve studied the novel thoroughly—especially Wu Xiaoye’s alternate persona. I thought I portrayed it accurately."  

Qin Linlin studied him, struck by a vague sense of familiarity, though she couldn’t place his name—likely a minor actor from some drama.  

Director Chen actually agreed this was the best performance so far. Had Qin Linlin not been present, he’d have already added the actor to the shortlist.  

Qin Linlin clasped her hands under her chin. "I can tell you did your homework. But Wu Xiaoye’s coldness is nothing like your typical domineering CEO trope. The previous actors, while exaggerated, at least captured a hint of his essence. Your version? You’d need smokey eye makeup to sell it."  

She shrugged. "Let me be blunt—if I can’t find someone who doesn’t rely on makeup to distinguish the roles, I’d probably pick you. You’re handsome enough that audiences would watch even if you just stood there stone-faced. But I’ve dabbled in psychology, and I can tell—you’re not the type to wait patiently while we screen everyone else before ‘settling’ for you."  

The actor’s face darkened.  

Qin Linlin gestured toward the door. "So let’s not waste each other’s time."  

Director Chen silently applauded her nerve. Only after Deputy Director Liu’s whispered reminder did he recall—this actor was backed by a powerful patron, hence the audacity.  

But the Qin family’s influence was nothing to scoff at. Even if Qin Linlin offended him, his sugar daddy wouldn’t risk conflict over a fling.  

The thought eased Director Chen’s tension. Maybe being a tool wasn’t so bad.  

The actor clearly took Qin Linlin’s words as an insult. "Fine. I’ll wait and see who you end up choosing then."  

His tone carried an unspoken threat—whoever got the role would face his retaliation.  

Yin Chengjue frowned: What's this guy’s problem?  

Director Chen hurriedly explained the actor’s connection to the Qi family’s second son.  

"The Qi family’s second son? Hah." Yin Chengjue’s laugh was icy. When the Yin Group collapsed in his past life, the Qi family had been among those kicking them while they were down.  

"Who cares who’s keeping him? Would they really pick a fight with me over some actor?" Qin Linlin waved dismissively. "Next!"  

Deputy Director Liu announced, "Next up—Rong Yu."  

Yin Chengjue instantly perked up.  

Qin Linlin also straightened with a grin. "Xiao Yu’s turn! Come in and let big sister properly evaluate you~"  

She shot Yin Chengjue a playful look. "Don’t worry, even if he bombs, I won’t laugh. This is his first audition ever, after all~ Heehee~ Just a heads-up—if he overacts the alternate persona, it’ll look straight-up psychotic~ High-intensity cringe incoming!"  

Director Chen wiped sweat. Damn, not even giving face to someone she knows? At this rate, they’d be auditioning for a month with no results.  

He glanced at Yin Chengjue, curious how the investor would react to such blunt criticism of his company’s artist—only to find Yin Chengjue already holding up his phone, recording.  

Miss Qin just said the role risks looking insane, and Young Master Yin immediately starts filming. Are you two demons?!  

"Ghk—!" Qin Linlin suddenly gasped.  

Director Chen, noticing her odd expression, followed her gaze—  

And saw a man in a white dress shirt enter.  

The man’s slender neck was adorned with a black bowtie, which he casually loosened as he walked, undoing the top buttons to reveal jade-like skin.  

His lips were red as blood, his dark eyes shifting beneath lowered lids as he glanced their way, the corner of his mouth quirking up.  

Author’s Note:  

Rong Yu internally: Husband, look at me, look at me, look at me now!!!