"Jiang Li, you're the most talented stage actor I've ever met," the director of the drama troupe walked over, looking at her with admiration. "If you choose to act in stage plays in the future, you're bound to win the Best Stage Play Award."
Although acting in stage plays and in movies both fall under the category of acting, there are significant differences between them. In movie - making, if the emotions are off or a mistake is made, you can reshoot. However, in a stage play, there's no room for pauses. Actors must perform from start to finish with full - fledged emotions, leaving no room for error. Moreover, unexpected situations often occur during a stage play, requiring actors to have strong on - the - spot response abilities.
Receiving such praise from the director indicated that Jiang Li had strong on - the - spot capabilities, which were up to the standard of a professional stage actor. Jiang Li bowed to the director and smiled. "You're overpraising me. I'm just a novice in the field of stage plays."
Even though she was a novice, she was truly interested. Immersing herself in the characters of the script along with the music was a novel and intoxicating experience. It allowed her to briefly forget everything.
The day after tomorrow was Chinese New Year's Eve, and this was the last rehearsal for their crew. Everyone was especially dedicated. Jiang Li could clearly sense that the atmosphere of a stage play rehearsal was completely different from that of a movie shoot. Although the director's words were just a joke, if given the chance, she really wanted to learn more about stage plays.
After the rehearsal, Jiang Li bid farewell to the crew members one by one. When she walked out of the rehearsal hall, she saw Chen Siqi waiting at the bottom of the steps.
Chen Siqi was dressed in a khaki coat and black trousers, and the hem of his coat fluttered in the wind.
"Mr. Chen," Jiang Li greeted.
Chen Siqi raised his eyebrows slightly. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he was extremely polite. "Let me treat you to dinner as a thank - you for participating in this stage play."
Jiang Li didn't decline and readily agreed with a big smile.
Chen Siqi was very considerate. When ordering, he specifically asked about Jiang Li's food intolerances and also introduced several signature dishes, seeking her opinion.
"I almost forgot. You're allergic to milk," Chen Siqi glanced at the waiter. "Please change the dessert. How about..."
At this point, he looked up at Jiang Li.
Jiang Li was flattered. "Iced Americano. Thank you."
After the waiter took the menu and left, Jiang Li praised with a smile, "They say that Mr. Chen pays great attention to details. Now I see it's true."
In social situations, besides polished etiquette and strategies, sincerity is often the most effective weapon and the most touching quality.
"In terms of handling details, Miss Jiang is even better," Chen Siqi picked up his glass and clinked it with hers. "I heard from the director that during the rehearsal, you carefully pondered every micro - expression, afraid that your performance wouldn't be on point."
He said with a smile, "You're not only meticulous but also highly professional."
Jiang Li tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes were gentle, and she looked extremely charming. "A stage play is different from a movie. You only have one chance, so of course, you have to perform to the best of your ability."
Hearing this, Chen Siqi raised his eyebrows slightly. "Miss Jiang, these words don't seem to be something a person who has only been involved in stage plays for a few days would say."
"Really? No wonder the director said I have talent. It seems she wasn't lying to me," Jiang Li tilted her head and gave a charming smile.
This smile almost melted into Chen Siqi's heart. As the boss of a film and entertainment company, he had never been attracted to an artist before. But at that moment, he clearly felt his heart skip a beat. The title of "Goddess of Beicheng" really wasn't an empty one.
The dinner was very pleasant. Chen Siqi gallantly sent her home, and Jiang Li didn't refuse.
When they arrived downstairs, Jiang Li watched as Chen Siqi's car drove out of the community. Then she turned around and was about to walk into the stairwell when a man in black clothes and trousers emerged.
Jiang Li was still for a second.
"You've been sent all the way downstairs. Since you're coming back so late, why didn't you invite Mr. Chen to stay the night?" Xiao Yanzhi looked at her mockingly.
After a whole afternoon of rehearsal, Jiang Li had no intention of arguing with him. "It's so late. Mr. Xiao isn't sleeping and is acting like a stalker downstairs in my place. You really have a lot of free time."
Under the dim streetlights, her eyes were full of tiredness and a hint of disdain. She looked lazy yet charming.
Xiao Yanzhi looked at her, and the emotions in his eyes were gradually consumed.
The moment she was dragged into the stairwell, Jiang Li's vision went completely dark. Her heart trembled, and she instinctively grabbed his collar. She was a bit afraid of the dark.
"Are you that impatient?" After saying this, the man lowered his head and kissed her lips. His big hand pressed hard on her waist, as if he wanted to meld her into his body.
Jiang Li tried to push him away.
The man first kissed her lips and then nibbled on her ear. Jiang Li almost let out a moan.
In the darkness, one's senses were extremely sensitive, especially in front of a man who knew her body well.
Before she completely lost control, Jiang Li regained her senses for a few seconds and bit his tongue hard.
The man winced in pain and instinctively let go of her. The darkness in his eyes was surging, and there was a faint taste of rust on his lips.
"Don't be naughty, Lili," he raised his eyebrows slightly and coaxed her patiently in a hoarse voice. "Go and open the door. Be a good girl."
Jiang Li didn't hesitate to break free and stamped her foot hard on the corridor. At this moment, the sound - activated light came on.
Xiao Yanzhi squinted at her, as if waiting for her next move.
"Didn't you say I should invite Mr. Chen to stay the night?" Jiang Li curled her lips and laughed. "So you're so eager to get into my place. Are you so impatient to be the backup?"
The word "backup" made Xiao Yanzhi's eyebrows sink.
"You're really shameless," Xiao Yanzhi said with his thin lips slightly parted. "Do you really think you're irreplaceable?"
Jiang Li knew that he was alluding to what the host had said at the summary meeting today.
Jiang Li's eyes were lazy, exuding a hint of charm. "Mr. Xiao means that Qin Yaoyao will replace me?"
Xiao Yanzhi's eyes were gloomy, and he didn't comment on her words.
Jiang Li couldn't help but laugh. "I'm really honored to make Mr. Xiao so reluctant to let go that he even bothered to find a substitute for me."
Xiao Yanzhi frowned deeply and looked at her with deep, dark eyes. He had accidentally fallen into her trap.
Jiang Li walked up to him. Her slender and fair fingers gently caressed his thin lips. Seeing the blood oozing from the place she had bitten just now, she curled her lips into a smile, then suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly. Then she quickly pulled away.
It seemed like flirting, but in fact, it was a provocation.
"The genuine product's real kiss. No fakes," Jiang Li said playfully, blinking her eyes.
Before Xiao Yanzhi could chase after her, she slipped away from him like a fish. Just as the elevator door was about to close, she stepped in.
"As for the other things Mr. Xiao wants, find your substitute to make it up for you."
She laughed coquettishly.
"Good night. Sweet dreams."