"I really only approached Director Ning for this audition opportunity because I happened to hear his script was available again. I was originally planning to return to my hometown for Spring Festival in the coming days."
Shu Han was genuinely concerned that Xiao He might suspect him of deliberately trying to steal the role, so he explained with utmost sincerity.
"I had no idea you were also pursuing this audition opportunity before this. I'm truly sorry."
Having just returned to China, Shu Han had been completely in the dark, running around looking for an agent everywhere. When he happened to hear about this audition, he thought he'd give it a try, never expecting he'd end up competing with Xiao He for the same role.
"Sorry, Sister Liu, I should have informed you in advance."
Shu Han apologized once more.
Liu Rulan shook her head. "This matter is fundamentally about fair competition. You earned this role through your own abilities back in the day, so you absolutely have the right to pursue it again. Besides, I'm no longer your agent, so there's no need to notify me about such things."
To put it bluntly, from the moment Shu Han returned to China and decided to develop his career domestically, he and Xiao He had become competitors. Even though Liu Rulan had once been Shu Han's agent and they maintained a good relationship, she couldn't possibly share everything with him. For instance, she naturally wouldn't proactively inform Shu Han about this No Bait audition, letting the person who was once the most suitable for this role become their opponent.
So everyone had their own private considerations - the role would be competed for fairly, with no right or wrong distinctions.
Hearing Liu Rulan's words, Shu Han breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to look at Xiao He with a serious and solemn expression. "This opportunity is extremely important to me, so I won't give it up, and I certainly won't go easy on you."
Xiao He wouldn't back down at this moment either. He raised his chin slightly toward Shu Han and nodded, his tone equally filled with determination. "I won't retreat either, and I won't spare any face for my senior. Please give it your all, Senior."
An Award-Winning Actor? A superstar returning from abroad?
So what? What does that matter?
Would I, Xiao He, be afraid of you?
Shu Han hadn't expected Xiao He to respond with such confrontational words. He was momentarily stunned, then a smile appeared on his face, his expression actually relaxing somewhat. "As expected of Sister Liu's current choice. Then I'll have to witness what true talent looks like."
Talent?
Throughout his journey, Shu Han had encountered plenty of monstrously talented performers with outstanding acting skills who grasped concepts instantly.
But so what? They all ended up defeated by Shu Han, becoming stepping stones on his path to fame.
Shu Han never believed in talent - he only believed in his own effort and sweat.
Xiao He raised an eyebrow.
Oh? Saying he purely relies on talent? Then what did all that sweat from repeated practice sessions in the training room count for—
"Sister Liu has often mentioned Mr Shu to me as well. Let me see what Mr Shu has learned during his years abroad."
Xiao He immediately countered with a fake smile.
Shu Han chuckled. "This kid certainly has quite the temper."
Liu Rulan lightly coughed a few times. "Alright, alright, it's just an audition, isn't it? Don't act like Elementary School Kids here, bickering back and forth. If you have time to exchange threats here, you'd be better off reviewing the script a few more times. If both of you get eliminated later, that would truly be embarrassing."
Shu Han: "..."
Xiao He: "..."
Neither spoke further, only locking eyes across the distance, sparks and lightning crackling between them - both burning with competitive fire.
"I'll take my leave then, looking forward to seeing you at the venue."
With these words, Shu Han smiled and bid farewell to Liu Rulan, then turned and walked toward the temporary audition area behind them.
Xiao He also withdrew his gaze, crossing his arms with a light snort.
"Alright, don't overthink it." Liu Rulan patted Xiao He's shoulder. "He means you no ill will. It's just that when it comes to work matters, he's always been very serious and particularly competitive, giving his all in everything he does."
This was actually something Liu Rulan had appreciated about Shu Han back in the day.
But now that they'd become competitors, they needed to be wary of each other.
Xiao He naturally understood Liu Rulan's meaning.
Workplace competition was commonplace, especially in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry where men and women alike could easily become rivals. Just like when he and Liu Zehang had competed for the same role before - they were relentless competitors during work, yet remained good friends and brothers afterward.
So Xiao He bore no ill will toward Shu Han either. Instead, he felt somewhat eager to test himself against the other's abilities.
"I understand, Sister Liu." Xiao He clenched his fist. "I actually quite like Teacher Shu's approach."
If Shu Han had immediately offered to give him the role, he would have felt as uncomfortable as if he'd eaten something disgusting.
This current situation was actually quite good.
"Excellent, I appreciate this attitude from both of you."
Liu Rulan breathed a sigh of relief, then reminded Xiao He with a serious expression: "That being said, I must warn you - Shu Han was indeed Director Ning Jiaqi's first choice back then. His portrayal of Shu Yuxiu was truly outstanding in every aspect, and his appearance was very fitting. The only pity was that Shu Han didn't even have a driver's license at the time. Director Ning had some criticisms about this, but still insisted on choosing him. Now that he's obtained his driver's license and other certificates in the US, no matter how much we deny it, he does have more advantages than we do."
"But I still believe in you, Xiao He. You can surpass him and secure this role."
"Aside from him, everyone here today has won awards - they're all formidable players. But I know you can do it."
"You, Xiao He, are inferior to no one. Not now, not in the future. And you will only surpass more and more people from here on."
Xiao He was momentarily stunned, staring at Liu Rulan for a long moment before responding with a helpless smile. "Is this another one of those psychological victory techniques Teacher Gao taught you?"
Liu Rulan also relaxed her expression and chuckled lightly. "Yes, Teacher Gao said that with students like you, we need to praise you more so you can perform at your best."
"Please don't, I might get too carried away."
Xiao He quickly waved his hands.
Liu Rulan rolled her eyes. "I thought so too - you blossom with just a little sunshine. Now go get in line and perform well."
Xiao He patted his chest and exaggeratedly sighed with relief. "Now that's more like it."
Liu Rulan: "..."
Xiao He quickly made his escape before Liu Rulan could say anything more, waving to her with a grin as he headed toward the specially designated audition area.
"...That brat."
Liu Rulan watched as Xiao He entered the audition area, her originally smiling expression gradually fading and being replaced by concern.
"That kid Xiao He has truly met his match this time."
Liu Rulan murmured to herself.
"I hope he'll be alright..."
Xiao He arrived at the audition area, first confirming his identity with the staff at the temporarily set-up front desk, then receiving a number tag from the staff member to determine his audition sequence.
Following the staff member to the waiting area, Xiao He found it already sparsely occupied by some people. Scanning the room, he recognized almost all the faces - ones he'd seen before on the big screen.
In contrast, when the others saw Xiao He, they showed momentary confusion, then several acquaintances nearby began whispering among themselves.
It couldn't be helped - among this group, Xiao He clearly appeared to be the youngest.
Xiao He scanned his surroundings, then made eye contact with Shu Han from across the room. Both nodded slightly in acknowledgment before looking away.
Soon, auditioning actors began entering the side room one after another for their auditions.
It wasn't until over forty minutes later that Shu Han stood up and strode confidently toward the inner room.
Xiao He, who was scheduled after Shu Han, began nervously shaking his leg.
Damn leg, stop shaking!
It's just an audition - let's give it our all!