Reborn as the Sweetheart of a Paranoid Boss-Chapter 543: Grading Exam 3

Even her footsteps were much lighter than usual.

*

Once Selena Kensington returned to the judges’ table, this year’s acting department ranking exams began.

For each year’s ranking exam, students randomly draw a segment from a play to perform live.

Typically, while one student performs on stage, the next student draws their exam piece.

After the performance ends and the judges give their critiques and scores, the next student steps on stage.

There’s only a five-minute interval in between.

So, it really tests the students’ skills and adaptability.

Sloane Hawthorne’s exam number was right after Tiana Cheney’s.

The two of them watched the performances of a few people ahead backstage.

Finally, when it was the turn of the student before Tiana Cheney to go on stage, the acting department teacher brought the box for Tiana Cheney to draw her piece for later.

Feeling a bit nervous, Tiana Cheney drew a slip of paper from the box.

She unfolded it and froze for a second.

"The segment where Faith Fuller falls into madness in ’Immortal Path’?"

The acting department teacher was also taken aback; she hadn’t expected Tiana Cheney to draw one of the hardest segments in it.

She comfortingly patted Tiana Cheney on the shoulder, "No worries, you have the expert right next to you, consult with Sloane."

After saying this, the acting department teacher left.

Tiana Cheney took a deep breath, then looked towards Sloane Hawthorne.

"Sloane, you’ve played Faith Fuller, could you tell me some details and essence about this segment?"

She looked expectantly at Sloane Hawthorne.

Actually, Tiana Cheney was extremely frustrated inside; she didn’t want to seek help from Sloane Hawthorne.

Because she felt that Sloane Hawthorne completely looked down on her.

But thinking about the importance of this ranking exam, Tiana Cheney forced herself to swallow the bitterness.

Sloane Hawthorne also hadn’t expected Tiana Cheney to draw this.

However...

Sloane Hawthorne pressed her lips slightly, "Tiana, you need to feel this segment with your heart. Only by immersing yourself in Faith Fuller’s situation can you express genuine emotions."

The character of Faith Fuller is more about feeling wholeheartedly and putting oneself in the shoes.

Sloane Hawthorne really couldn’t give Tiana Cheney specific details or essence.

Back when Sloane Hawthorne filmed this scene, she was retaken several times by Director Kensington, needing constant emotional adjustments before passing.

It’s only through personal experience that one can understand that feeling.

Upon hearing Sloane Hawthorne’s words, a trace of malice flashed in Tiana Cheney’s eyes.

After saying so much, isn’t it just that she doesn’t want to tell her! 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Acting all profound—who is she trying to scare!

"Thank you, Sloane, I’ll go practice now."

But keeping up appearances was necessary, Tiana Cheney gave her a smile and then went aside to concentrate on practicing.

*

Sitting at the judges’ table outside, Selena Kensington looked at the list of exam candidate order, and upon seeing Tiana Cheney’s name followed by Sloane Hawthorne, she raised an eyebrow slightly.

After giving critiques and scores to the previous student, Tiana Cheney took the stage.

On the large screen beside her, the segment she was about to perform played.

Seeing the familiar segment, Selena Kensington raised an eyebrow slightly.

Asa Carter laughed lightly on the side, "Looks like content Director Kensington is familiar with."

Selena Kensington also smiled, not speaking.

After the segment finished playing, Tiana Cheney’s performance began.

This segment lasted only two or three minutes.

But for Tiana Cheney, it felt like a century.

She kept subtly observing the expressions of Selena Kensington and Asa Carter.

But both of their expressions remained calm, which left Tiana Cheney even more unsure.

Moreover, she kept giving herself psychological cues that she must surpass Sloane Hawthorne.

This mindset seemed to become her obsession.

But in doing so, her state declined significantly.

After finishing her performance, Tiana Cheney stood in the center, waiting for the judges’ critiques and scores.

The first three acting department teachers gave Tiana Cheney relatively fair critiques.

When it was Selena Kensington’s turn, Tiana Cheney instinctively held her breath.

Many in the audience also looked at Selena Kensington.

After all, it was Selena Kensington’s first work, and many knew how demanding she had been about this piece.

Under the gaze of everyone, Selena Kensington smiled.

"Don’t be nervous."

She said to Tiana Cheney.

Seeing Selena Kensington smile at her, a hint of delight flashed in Tiana Cheney’s eyes, and her body slightly relaxed.

"Compared to the previous students, your acting is indeed considered excellent among them."

Seeing Selena Kensington say this, Tiana Cheney was nearly excited enough to thank her.

She seemed to have anticipated Selena Kensington affirming her performance, even possibly thinking she was better than Sloane Hawthorne.

But what Selena Kensington said next sent her plunging from heaven to hell.

"However, for this segment, the character Faith Fuller requires more than just good acting."

"Sorry, you didn’t grasp the meaning of this character."

The character Faith Fuller is not about being sad for the sake of sadness.

She has her own significance, and only by understanding this significance can Faith Fuller be portrayed.

Tiana Cheney’s recent performance, in Selena Kensington’s view, was just an empty frame.

Flashy but insubstantial, with no nourishment within.

Such performances might be fine for ordinary viewers.

But if faced with professional critiques, mistakes and deficiencies would be pointed out in seconds.

Asa Carter nodded in agreement beside her, "Student, although you’ve worked hard on your acting, never forget the core of being an actor."

"Good acting alone does not make a good actor."

"A good actor must have enough understanding of the role they portray."

Upon hearing the critiques from Selena Kensington and Asa Carter, Tiana Cheney’s face turned pale.

How could it be like this?!

She looked up pitifully, wanting to gain some sympathy.

Yet found Selena Kensington and others already bowed, discussing scores.

"I...thank you, esteemed teachers."

Though unwilling, Tiana Cheney could only step down backstage.

Afterwards, she could only watch as Sloane Hawthorne took the stage.

Sloane Hawthorne drew a segment from Asa Carter’s acclaimed show "Calamity."

Seeing a piece from the screen beside, Selena Kensington glanced at Asa Carter.

Asa Carter hadn’t expected it to be from his own show, and he was quite looking forward to what surprise Sloane Hawthorne could bring him.

The most famous segment from "Calamity" is when the female protagonist stands alone by the window, expressing deep yet restrained love.

This scene tests an actor’s subtle expressions and body movements.

After the segment played, Sloane Hawthorne began her performance.

She slightly lowered her head, eyes softly closed.

Her eyebrows seemed to hold boundless affection.