The set of “Samsara” was unusually lively today, especially with all the men on set brimming with excitement. Word had spread that two stunning beauties would be joining them for filming, and everyone was eager to impress, hoping to capture the ladies’ hearts.
Today, Jiang Rou was dressed in a light blue dress with a sheer, gauzy shawl that hinted at her fair, jade-like skin beneath. Her breathtaking beauty exuded a captivating charm.
Knowing she’d landed a role in the production, Jiang Rou was thrilled—it was a golden opportunity. Of course, she was well aware that this chance had been carefully arranged by that man.
In the past, she might have hesitated to accept such an arrangement, but now she relished the feeling. At the very least, that man was the one she wished to spend the rest of her life with.
“Big Sis Xiyan, that rookie girl is actually going to play the second female lead, and she has a lot of scenes with you. It’s worrying just thinking about it. How can her acting possibly compare to yours?”
On the other side, a woman with light makeup had a certain charm about her. Though not as purely enchanting as Jiang Rou, she carried her own unique allure. Beside her, a stylist was chattering away.
“Just another ambitious little duckling trying to climb the ladder. I don’t understand why Samsara would sign someone like her…”
Perhaps out of jealousy, Zuo Xiyan didn’t have a good impression of Jiang Rou. In her eyes, it was obvious that Jiang must have used underhanded means to get into the cast, landing the second female lead role. Zuo was well aware that the role had more screen time than the lead female character.
This annoyed her greatly. Despite sleeping with the director multiple times, she still couldn’t get Jiang replaced, which frustrated her endlessly.
In Zuo’s opinion, getting ahead in the entertainment industry was as simple as spreading your legs. Yet Jiang remained so innocent. That innocence didn’t seem feigned, but Zuo would rather believe the woman was just pretending.
“Yeah, yeah. I think she’s even worse than a duckling—at least ducks know how to quack a little…”
Eager to curry favor, the stylist didn’t hold back his words. As long as he flattered this woman well enough, he might not only get some free perks but also boost his career.
“During today’s scenes, I’ll show everyone just how unqualified this little girl is to act opposite me. After all, I am the top female star in the industry!”
Frowning slightly, the woman’s mindset had already twisted. She refused to let a newcomer overshadow her; otherwise, how could she maintain her status in Samsara?
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Rou slowly stood up, gently brushing her long, flowing hair back with her delicate hand. A faint smile graced her lips—she was confident she could perform every role well, no matter when.
A man with a large belly approached; it was Lin Mou, the director of the production. He glanced at Jiang Rou and gave a satisfied nod.
Yet in his eyes lingered a hint of caution. A woman personally recommended by Lin Jiayao—anyone could guess the backing she had. He was just a humble director; he knew exactly whom he could offend and whom he couldn’t.
“I hope you don’t provoke her. If you do, I won’t be able to protect you!”
Then, the man shifted his gaze toward Zuo Xiyan. He had slept with her countless times and was quite infatuated with her body. However, when it came to his own interests, he wouldn’t hesitate to discard her.
Actually, Jiang Rou could sense Zuo Xiyan’s hostility, but she could only shrug helplessly. She had once deeply respected this woman, but now she just hoped to keep her distance. Still, the scenes they shared were unavoidable, and she didn’t dwell too much on it.
“Are you ready?”
Liu Mou glanced at the crew before speaking slowly, though his eyes never left Jiang Rou and Zuo Xiyan. Clearly, his question was primarily directed at these two women.
“I’m ready, but I’m a bit worried about whether the rookie is prepared. After all, this is her first time acting in such a big production…”
Zuo Xiyan smiled, her beautiful face carrying a hint of disdain. The expressions of the people on set subtly shifted. Everyone knew this woman harbored resentment toward Jiang Rou, but even so, they hadn’t expected her to provoke her so openly right from the start.
“Director, I’m ready!”
Ignoring Zuo Xiyan entirely, Jiang Rou smiled at Liu Mou. She had no intention of getting involved with this woman or competing with her. Her expression remained calm and unchanged.
In contrast, Zuo Xiyan’s face darkened as she watched Jiang ignore her. Usually, people flattered her while secretly resenting her, but she had never endured such treatment. For now, she could only huff coldly, her mind already plotting how to humiliate the woman later.
Liu Mou furrowed his brows. He hadn’t expected the very situation he feared most to unfold. If any trouble arose, he would make sure this woman paid dearly.
As for Jiang Rou, she remained unfazed by the cold stares, calm and serene like a snow lotus blooming on a mountain peak. In contrast, everyone on set now seemed to favor this quiet woman, while Zuo Xiyan only inspired annoyance.
This woman had always strutted around the set with an air of superiority, oppressing newcomers at every turn. Many had long felt resentment toward her, though none dared to voice it. After all, they were in the entertainment industry—everyone had to consider their future prospects.
“Since everyone’s ready, let’s begin…”
Liu Mou turned and walked away, his mind preoccupied with the hope that these two “precious ladies” wouldn’t cause any trouble. Zuo Xiyan huffed again but quickly got into character.
Still, everyone could sense Zuo’s constant attempts to undermine Jiang Rou. Jiang, on the other hand, merely smiled politely, never showing any sign of anger. Unless her boundaries were crossed, she was willing to tolerate it.
“Your expression is so stiff—how can you move the audience?”
During the scene, Zuo Xiyan glanced at Jiang Rou with an air of arrogance. Whenever she wanted to find fault, she could always spot something. Jiang had shown a slight imperfection in her expression, and Zuo seized the opportunity.
“I’ll try to be more careful!”
Jiang nodded, appearing very humble. She remained open to feedback, always striving to correct her mistakes. As long as this woman didn’t provoke her unnecessarily, she preferred to maintain a polite demeanor—it was the bare minimum of courtesy. But Zuo Xiyan didn’t see it that way…
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