On stage, the old Taoist coughed a few times, standing somewhat unsteadily!

The young Taoist nun supported her master, her face flashing with concern, "Master, how are you feeling, are you still unwell?"

This fleeting yet profound expression, deeply moved the onlookers.

You see, such "micro-expressions," even veteran actors might not be able to achieve, yet this girl had captured it just right!

The old Taoist coughed twice, "My body is getting weaker by the day, and it seems the task of demon-slaying may soon fall to you... When I first took Changle to the mountains to learn the way, do you remember what I told you?"

The young Taoist nun’s eyes reddened, "Master said, all people must die, but the duty of demon-slaying is the responsibility of the Daoist path, and it must never be abandoned... Rest assured, Master, even if Changle goes down the mountain alone, she will not be afraid and will certainly fulfill your wish!"

The old Taoist nodded in satisfaction, coughed up a speck of dark blood, and his whole body slid down.

The young Taoist nun panicked, her delicate arms firmly supporting the old Taoist’s waist, "Master—"

The lights dimmed, and the background music also faded away slowly.

A shout of "Cut," and the audition performance was over.

The audience seemed still immersed in the young Taoist nun’s compelling performance, without a stir.

Only after a few more seconds did everyone start to come to their senses.

People exchanged looks and let out genuine exclamations of amazement.

If it were true that this rookie had never acted before, she was undoubtedly a raw jade that could be painstakingly sculpted!

Once polished, she would have limitless prospects in the film industry! 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Director Ye’s discernment is indeed excellent!

Jiayi wiped the tears from her face, feeling that the focus of the crowd on her had changed. It had become admiration, astonishment, respect.

This was her first performance in front of everyone, and she was very nervous.

Especially when saying the first line, her tongue almost tied itself in knots.

But then, somehow, she began to flow smoothly, as if she had freed herself from the confines of the script.

Even, she felt that she truly became one with the character—

She was the young Taoist nun Changle, the naive yet passionate girl, determined to inherit her master’s wish to vanquish all the demons and ghosts in the world.

Ye Yongning turned his head to look at Huo Zhenyang beside him, smiled, and softly said, "Mr. Huo, I told you I wouldn’t make a mistake. Miss Jiayi is definitely very suitable for the film circle, isn’t she?"

Huo Zhenyang crossed his hands, forming a bridge, his gaze calm and composed, never leaving Jiayi.

Indeed, as Ye Yongning had said, the young girl performed with an aura, seemingly breaking free from the script, merging with her film character.

—*—

After the audition, Jiayi became the undisputed choice for the role of young Taoist nun Changle with unanimous approval from the directorial team.

Although Jiayi was the Taoist nun character recommended by Ye Yongning, her performance had already conquered hearts.

There were even rumors within the crew that Jiayi could play the lead role of Hua Yao as well, perhaps even better than Jian Meiyi could have interpreted the character.

When Jian Meiyi heard this, she was upset for quite some time.

After the audition wrapped up, "Demon Slayer Chronicles" was about to start filming.

The shooting location was at Starlight Film and Television City near G City.

Of course, Jiayi couldn’t possibly live with the crew and had to commute back and forth between Huo Garden and the set every day.

Firstly, because a certain man was adamantly against it, the fact that she could participate in "Demon Slayer Chronicles" was already a feat, so how could it be possible for her to live outside?

Secondly, Huo Zhenyang had agreed to let her find a university in G City to continue her studies, and after selecting from those school materials, she picked G University and had simply applied to start attending classes.

If she were in the film crew, of course, she would miss her classes.

On the day of enrollment, George drove Jiayi to G University.

After getting out of the car, they walked into the campus, and Jiayi took a whiff of the clear air in the campus, feeling very good that day.

Compared to the elegant and ancient atmosphere of the century-old Jinhua University, G University was more modernized and individualistic, gathering elite students from all over the world.

Jiayi also chose the same major in design she had studied at Jin University, and upon reaching the registration area, she went to the back of the line, ready to queue when a figure approached from the front.

The man was tall and slender, with long legs and broad shoulders, well-maintained. Although he was middle-aged, the years had not left a single mark on his face, and his silver hair added to his charm.

As he walked by, he drew the eyes and even gasps of admiration from many teachers and students.

"My God, the internationally renowned director Ye Yongning?"

"Awoo, I’m his super fan! Why has he come to G City, and to our university?"

"I love his movies; I’ve seen every one of them in the cinema. He’s just as charming in person! Wow, he’s totally a handsome mature man too~~"

...

It had to be said, although Ye Yongning was not young anymore, his charm had not diminished, and there were many young people these days who liked mature men.

It wasn’t long before they surrounded Ye Yongning.

Wei Lun, who came with Director Ye to G University, helped keep away the enthusiastic students.

Ye Yongning clearly saw the graceful figure in the queue, surprised, he turned and walked straight towards Jiayi.

Jiayi, excited, went to meet him: "Director Ye, what brings you here?"

Ye Yongning hadn’t expected to run into her at G University and said with a smile, "The drama department invited me to give a lecture to the students, which I have just finished."

With that, he looked up again at the registration office, "Are you preparing to enroll at G University? What major?"

Jiayi nodded, "Design department. That’s what I studied before."

Ye Yongning pondered, "Jiayi, could I talk with you for a moment?"

Jiayi replied, "Of course."

The two walked slowly down a tree-lined path nearby.

Wei Lun and several other bodyguards and assistants of Ye Yongning followed before and after, preventing some overly enthusiastic student fans from approaching and bothering them.

Even with such strict protection, there were still many female students infatuatedly squealing from not too far away:

"Director Ye, I love you——"

"Director Ye, I’m your super fan, can I take a picture with you..."

...

Jiayi joked, "Director Ye, your charm is extraordinary. Walking with you makes me a bit nervous; I’m afraid of being envied."

Ye Yongning lightly smiled, "In a few days, you’ll be able to enjoy such attention too. This is also why I called you over, to tell you that I hope you can study in the drama department. You have a great deal of talent in acting; that’s where you belong."

Jiayi was taken aback, "But I studied design before, and I’m quite interested in it; moreover... Huo hasn’t been informed about studying drama, I’m afraid he will object."

Ye Yongning looked into her eyes, "You might also have a knack for design, which only proves that you’re a girl with an artistic cell, having an understanding of art in general. But what I want to tell you now is that acting suits you best. Years ago, I missed out on that actress, but now, I won’t let you slip away. Believe me, Jiayi, you were born to act."