Reborn As Super Heiress-Chapter 1726 - 1629: Stealing the Spotlight
Shangguan Zhuo touched his nose instinctively at Zheng Lixiang’s words: "Am I really that difficult to get along with, as you say?"
Zheng Lixiang nodded: "Don’t argue with me. I grew up with you; if anyone knows your character, it’s me."
Shangguan Zhuo chuckled, but his gaze involuntarily drifted off the set, looking complexly at the petite figure outside.
Zheng Lixiang followed his gaze to Huo Sining and sighed:
"Such a pity, this girl has talent, but she probably won’t choose this path. With her status, playing around once is already an exception. The Gu Family definitely wouldn’t allow her to be in the entertainment industry long-term."
Shangguan Zhuo didn’t say anything, but his mind was already racing.
Although Huo Sining’s impromptu performance was just a few short lines, and may seem unremarkable on TV, her ability to stay composed under his suppression and act without being led by him requires skill and intelligence.
In the crew, catching the attention of the director and predecessors is not easy, but if one has true talent, even a newcomer can earn favor.
After today’s performance, the name Huo Sining finally gained recognition, marking deeply in the hearts of those present, including Zheng Lixiang, Shangguan Zhuo, and others.
"Sister Ling."
Su Lingxue had been staring blankly from not too far away, until her assistant called her back to reality.
Noticing Su Lingxue’s displeased expression, the assistant quietly complained: "This girl named Huo Sining really knows how to scheme. She parachuted in and took your role, Sister Ling, and even dared to change the script. Just a newbie trying to make a name, and Director Zheng didn’t stop her, even praised her. See how that Huo woman is so pleased, she might as well wag her tail up to the sky!"
The assistant didn’t dare to mention Shangguan Zhuo, even though she heard Shangguan Zhuo praise Huo Sining in front of Zheng Lixiang. She knew Su Lingxue’s feelings towards Shangguan Zhuo, so she didn’t want to make things worse by speaking carelessly and possibly angering Su Lingxue.
Su Lingxue was indeed in a foul mood; the scene she just witnessed between Huo Sining and Shangguan Zhuo made her instantly feel pressure and threat, as even she couldn’t necessarily remain calm when acting with Shangguan Zhuo.
Moreover, after the performance, Shangguan Zhuo was chatting and laughing with Zheng Lixiang, praising Huo Sining during the conversation. She, though standing some distance away, caught bits of it.
This deeply unsettled Su Lingxue, as she was already resentful towards Huo Sining for taking away the lead role, and now this woman’s appearance also posed a major threat to her romance, making Su Lingxue somewhat restless.
Various emotions flashed in her eyes, but she couldn’t show them in front of the assistant, opting instead for a light smile:
"You’re overthinking it. Miss Huo is just a newcomer, entering this circle and trying to make an impression to earn recognition, which is entirely normal. Director Zheng isn’t ordinary; he has tolerance, which is necessary to be a director. Don’t say those things again; it wouldn’t be good if someone hears."
The assistant knew she misspoke, quickly nodding to assure she wouldn’t babble further, failing to notice Su Lingxue’s eyes brimming with brooding resentment.
Huo Sining, stepping outside, wasn’t aware that her scene with Shangguan Zhuo had left a lasting impression on someone.
"Action!"
At Zheng Lixiang’s command, Huo Sining, who seemed in deep thought with closed eyes, suddenly opened them, the original clarity replaced with a hint of hesitation and struggle. She bit her lip, looking complexly at Bai Ling ahead, as if finding it difficult to decide.
Everyone was astonished by the scene; from the director’s cue to begin, only a few seconds passed, yet Huo Sining had swiftly immersed herself in the character, effortlessly depicting the girl’s inner turmoil.
At this juncture, the protagonist has discovered Bai Ling’s conspiracy with the antagonist to kidnap the male lead, but since the male lead deeply loves Bai Ling, she struggles and hesitates, attempting to resolve the matter privately to spare him the truth and associated pain.
Huo Sining’s acting prowess was utterly evident at this moment, noticeable by all present, drawing silent admiration.
Bai Ling’s actress, Su Lingxue, of course, saw it too, but she felt something more, an unprecedented pressure from the newcomer before her.
"Damn it, what’s with this Huo woman?!"
Su Lingxue cursed internally but maintained a smile, ensuring no one noticed her being overshadowed by a newcomer.
She bit back with clenched teeth, smiling gracefully, seemingly to turn around and ask, "Why did you stop? Lina, are you tired from traveling?"
Watching Su Lingxue’s performance, Zheng Lixiang subconsciously frowned.
Here, Bai Ling should suspect Lina, not remain artistically calm, yet Su Lingxue delivered her lines like reciting text, acting unnaturally, which didn’t blend well with Bai Ling’s calculating adversary role, causing Zheng Lixiang discomfort.
Moreover, Zheng Lixiang could distinctly perceive how Su Lingxue’s inadequate acting allowed skilled Huo Sining to dominate the scene, which was humiliating for an established actress like Su Lingxue, yet she couldn’t find a way to counteract, letting Huo Sining steal her spotlight.
Zheng Lixiang knew Su Lingxue’s temperament well; criticizing her on set before everyone would surely provoke her, and if it hindered today’s shooting, it might gravely affect subsequent schedules.
After all, Su Lingxue was part of Huan Rui and favored by Huan Rui’s boss. Should Su Lingxue get offended and report to the boss, and the boss retaliates by pulling Su Lingxue and Shangguan Zhuo from the film, it would pause the production.
Zheng Lixiang felt stifled but dared not offend this great guardian.
Yet she couldn’t simply ignore her dissatisfaction with the scene, and when Huo Sining finished the second line, she decisively called ’cut,’ marking the first NG.
