Jiang Ling knew her reputation was in the gutter.
The bearded director was afraid she would revert to her old ways and ruin his production, hence the preemptive warning.
Jiang Ling offered a wry smile, "Alright, if there's even a hint of dissatisfaction with my performance, you won't have to say anything – I'll leave on my own!"
"Very good!"
The bearded director nodded in satisfaction and turned to his assistant, "Prepare the contract!"
"Yes!"
As the assistant went to prepare the contract, the director made a phone call to notify the actor playing Xuzhu to come in tomorrow for a scene.
Seeing the director leave, Jiang Yu Xue glared at Jiang Ling with a cold sneer, "I can't believe you managed to land such a good opportunity after being dumped by Young Master Shen. Such impressive skills."
Jiang Ling shrugged, smiling brightly, "What can I do? When luck strikes, no one can stop it. Heaven itself is pushing opportunities my way, what choice do I have?"
"You—" Jiang Yu Xue's nose twitched with anger, and she resentfully declared, "We'll see. I don't believe you can be so smug forever."
With that, she turned and stormed away.
Jiang Ling merely smiled at Jiang Yu Xue's words, unbothered.
A moment later, the young assistant had the contract ready.
Just as Jiang Ling was about to sign, someone she never expected arrived on set.
"You... why are you here..."
Jiang Ling was surprised to see the fair-complexioned woman with a hint of paleness in front of her, accompanied by the bearded director.
This woman was none other than the original novel's protagonist, An Qiuyan.
Just as the novel described, her features were delicate. While not stunningly beautiful, she was quite captivating, growing more appealing the longer one looked. kuAiδugg
Anyone who met her wouldn't forget her face.
An Qiuyan smiled faintly at Jiang Ling, "Miss Jiang, we meet again!"
Having read the original novel, Jiang Ling was well aware of An Qiuyan's character. She forced a smile, "I'm very happy to see you too!"
Trying to stab her with veiled words?
Hmph, not a chance!
This grand dame is the most skilled film empress at putting on fake smiles!
Seeing this, a hint of surprise flickered across An Qiuyan's face.
Jiang Ling was notoriously hot-tempered in the industry, prone to exploding at the slightest provocation.
She had expected that after being dumped by Shen Mingjue, Jiang Ling would either pounce on her in a furious rage or spew venomous insults about her being a homewrecker.
This way, the micro-camera hidden in her hair could capture the footage and release it, further ruining Jiang Ling's reputation and making her comeback impossible, while also causing Shen Mingjue to completely reject her.
She hadn't expected Jiang Ling to be so composed, refraining from escalating into a public spat!
"Miss Jiang, I'm interested in playing the role of Tianshan Tonglao. Director Zhang mentioned it's already been decided you'll play it, but your acting skills..."
An Qiuyan smiled, "So, let's compete fairly. Whoever wins gets the role."
Jiang Ling glanced at An Qiuyan, then at the bearded director.
Seeing the director's grim expression, she could guess he was under pressure from the investors to give An Qiuyan another chance.
Jiang Ling saw through it but didn't expose it, immediately offering a slight smile, "Alright, then let's see who's better!"
An Qiuyan sneered inwardly and said calmly, "Very well, I'll go do my makeup first. See you later!"
Jiang Ling also smiled meaningfully, "I'm also looking forward to your bitchy performance!"
Not all romance novels are created equal; not every heroine is a morally upright, angelic figure.