Xiang Fei ate the instant noodles in his bowl with fierce determination, but tears still fell uncontrollably, dripping into the bowl and into his stomach.
The encouraging words that had kept him waiting were all lies, and the words just spoken were like countless needles, piercing his body, leaving him bleeding and in agony.
This was the person he trusted and respected the most.
Xiang Fei didn't remember how he finished the bowl of noodles, even drinking the soup clean. He didn't even know how he got back to the rehearsal room, how he opened his phone, and how he found that video.
But when he saw Ren Chao's two-minute long take performance again, he suddenly felt empathy. He felt as if he had become the protagonist, experiencing all of the protagonist's emotions.
Betrayed by the person he trusted and loved the most, the pain and hatred, the sorrow and sadness, repeatedly overlapped between belief and shock, until finally, all emotions transformed into the driving force for retaliation. All emotions were suppressed, leaving only indifference and ruthlessness, unwillingness and desperation.
Xiang Fei stared blankly for a long time. His mind suddenly cleared, and he quickly wiped away his tears and snot, then ran out.
Quan Jiu had just finished her instant noodles and was about to throw away the trash when a shout from behind startled her, nearly causing her to drop the noodle cup.
"Teacher Nine, I understand, I get it."
Xiang Fei's face was flushed with excitement. He rushed to Quan Jiu and, seeing her about to throw away the trash, snatched the cup from her, ran to the trash can, and then ran back.
"I know, Teacher, you did that on purpose. You wanted me to deeply experience the protagonist's emotions. My experience just now was similar to what the protagonist went through. I can understand the protagonist now, I truly empathize."
As he spoke, he couldn't help but cry.
Quan Jiu smiled and patted his shoulder. "What's wrong? Did the words hit too hard? Still haven't recovered?"
Xiang Fei shook his head. "I'm happy. Teacher, do you know how sad I was when you said those things? My heart was broken. You are the person I respect and love the most. I wouldn't care what anyone else said, but your words, I really couldn't bear to hear them a second time. I'm glad you lied to me, otherwise, I would have definitely broken down."
Quan Jiu smiled slightly. "You wouldn't break down. You're not that kind of person. Like the protagonist, you have grit, ambition, and you have nothing to lose. If it were you, you would also fight back desperately, just like the protagonist."
Xiang Fei patted his chest with lingering fear. "I don't want that kind of motivation, it's too painful."
As Quan Jiu walked back towards the rehearsal room, she said, "Your instinctive reaction before was based on your own personality. Although the protagonist shares your resilience, grit, and drive, your upbringing is different.
For the protagonist, the person who betrayed him was his only one. You are different; you still have parents, family, and friends. Therefore, your emotions will be weaker than the protagonist's. To interpret the protagonist's emotions, you need to strengthen them."
Xiang Fei nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Teacher." Then he teased, "Teacher, if your acting just now were in the entertainment industry, it would leave no room for others to survive."
Quan Jiu was amused. "The screenwriter's mind is full of plot, so it's normal to have three parts acting ability."
The two chatted and laughed as they arrived at the rehearsal room.
Xiang Fei performed the scene completely, based on his newfound understanding.
After watching, Quan Jiu was very satisfied and praised him sincerely. "You truly have talent. You get it immediately. You are indeed blessed by heaven."
Xiang Fei's previous depression finally vanished, and he was filled with confidence again.
He didn't continue performing. Taking advantage of the remaining time, he started watching the full version of the movie to better understand the protagonist's character.
While Xiang Fei was watching the movie, Quan Jiu found Zhao Wei and pulled him aside, asking, "Since Wei Tian strongly supports Li Gui, there must be a reason. Do you know what it is?"
Zhao Wei honestly shook his head. "I don't know if there's any inside story, but Wei Tian easily gets infatuated with handsome guys. I guess she finds Li Gui handsome. Among the interviewees, Li Gui has the best appearance."
Quan Jiu nodded in understanding and smiled, about to leave.
Zhao Wei stopped her. "I saw Wei Tian going around to various offices. I suspect she's canvassing for votes. As for Li Gui, the company employees have organized a fan club for him, with dozens of people, all internal employees. These people will definitely vote for Li Gui."
In fact, he even felt that Li Gui was destined to win this time. If it were a judgment by the judges, there would be no need to worry, but with public voting, strength is not as important; popularity is king.
In terms of popularity, Xiang Fei was no match for Li Gui.
"That's also unavoidable," Quan Jiu said with a slight smile. "Do you have Li Gui's phone number?"
Zhao Wei found it strange, wondering why she wanted Li Gui's number, but he didn't ask further, giving Quan Jiu a number.
After getting the number, Quan Jiu said goodbye to Zhao Wei and then, winding her way through corridors, she stopped in a corner and dialed Li Gui's number.
Li Gui, who was reading comments from new fans, received an unknown call. He hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Is this Li Gui? I'm Nine." Quan Jiu's voice was sweet. "There's something I want to tell you in person. Can you come to the pantry? It'll be quick and won't take up too much of your time."
Li Gui was surprised but also pleased to hear it was Nine. He had seen her in the interview hall earlier, and she was incredibly beautiful.
When a beauty invites you, why refuse? So, Li Gui readily agreed and immediately went to the pantry.
Quan Jiu, still in the corridor, did not hang up the phone. Instead, she said in a coaxing tone, "Oh, eating such greasy food at night will make you fat. I want to eat something lighter... Okay, you order first. I like hotels with night views... Alright, you decide."
After saying this, she finally hung up the phone and happily spun around a few times.
Wei Tian's face darkened, her teeth grinding. Only after Quan Jiu had walked far away did she emerge from the shadows and hurry towards the pantry.
Li Gui arrived at the pantry, but instead of the beautiful woman, he saw Wei Tian with a dark expression.
A hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes, but he still greeted her with a smile. "Manager Wei, why are you here?"
Wei Tian's face was full of anger. "Am I disturbing your date with that slut? You ungrateful Li Gui, have you forgotten how you got into 'Laughing All The Way'? The best candidate was Meng Yao. I pulled strings to get you in, and you, you're actually playing around behind my back."
Li Gui felt disgusted, but he comforted her with a smile. "Sister Tian, you've misunderstood. How could I betray you? Where did you hear this?"
"Then why are you here? Aren't you meeting that slut? You've only met once, and your soul has already been snatched away by her. Those vixen-like women are the best at seducing people. Do you really think she values you? Who knows how many people like you she's kissed with that mouth of hers. And you're still so eager."
As Wei Tian spoke, her emotions became agitated, and she roared, "Li Gui, I gave you my first time in over thirty years. If you dare to betray me, I will never let you off."
Li Gui was extremely annoyed. If it weren't for Wei Tian's usefulness, he wouldn't have stayed with this fading woman.
When I become famous, I will trample you under my feet, Li Gui thought to himself. On the surface, his smile grew even wider. "Sister Tian, Tian Tian, don't get excited. You look best when you smile. These are all your fantasies. I'm sincere with you, how could I betray you? I just came to get some water."
Wei Tian, however, harbored hatred. She knew Li Gui was lying, but she also knew that exposing him wouldn't do her any good. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Then you'll come to my place tonight. You're not allowed to go anywhere else."