Chapter 5 Getting The Play

The phone rang for a long time before Ashley fumbled to answer it. "Hello..."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a roar. "Ashley, are you still sleeping? You forgot what day it is, didn't you? Get a taxi right away and hurry over here!"

Ashley, still groggy, was jolted awake.

She sat up suddenly, and the moment she saw the time clearly, she couldn't help but shout, "Oops!"

What was going on?

She had clearly set the alarm-why didn't it go off?

But now wasn't the time to figure that out. Director Zedd was holding auditions for his new play today, and she had to rush to the set, just like Alice had told her.

After quickly washing her face and getting dressed, Ashley dashed out.

Downstairs in the dining room, Bobby Sanchez and the others were having breakfast.

"Grandma, Dad, Auntie-good morning!"

No matter how tight her schedule was, Ashley never forgot her manners. Of course, her eyes weren't idle either. She scanned the room. The whole family was there-except for Mia.

Where she went at this hour was self-evident.

"Ashley, come have breakfast!" Sally greeted her with unprecedented enthusiasm.

Oh, she's really working hard-for her daughter's sake.

"Auntie, I'm rushing to the studio, I don't have time! I won't eat-please enjoy," Ashley said as she cleverly dodged Sally's outstretched hand, then waved to Old Lady Sanchez and Bobby.

...

Ashley rushed to the set but was still five minutes late.

The audition area on the second floor was already packed.

Because she was late and hadn't picked up her registration form yet, she became anxious at the sight of the crowded hallway.

"Hey... Excuse me, excuse me!"

Although Ashley tried her best to squeeze through, there were just too many people. She couldn't get through and suddenly felt at a loss.

Suddenly, someone patted her firmly on the back and pulled her aside.

"Hey, you-"

"Girl, you're finally here!" Alice shoved the registration form into her hand. "You've got such a big heart-what time is it and you're still sleeping? Your half-sister's already here!"

Ashley frowned and said thoughtfully, "I knew it!"

"What? Did the mother and daughter pull something again?" Alice asked.

"It's hard to say. I'll tell you later," Ashley replied, quickly filling out the form.

"How is it? Did you memorize all the lines?" Alice asked.

Ashley nodded confidently. "Don't worry, I've already memorized them all."

Alice looked around, then leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "This time, except for the hero and heroine, all other roles are being cast through open auditions. You must seize this chance!"

Ashley was momentarily stunned. "Didn't you say they were auditioning for the heroine too?"

Alice gave her a knowing look. "Come on, it's not your first day in this industry. That so-called 'heroine audition' is just a gimmick. We'd better focus on the second female lead. If you land that role, it'll be your turning point."

Ashley rolled her eyes but smiled lightly. "I understand."

...

The audition involved two rounds of selection. The first was based purely on appearance. If your looks didn't meet the mark, you'd be eliminated immediately.

According to Director Zedd's famously high standards, fewer than 20% of participants made it to the next round.

Sure enough, after the first interviews, the crowded second floor emptied out. Only a few dozen girls remained in the waiting area.

Ashley glanced at them. Whether pure and sweet or glamorous and sultry, they were all genuine beauties.

However, in a Director Zedd production, being pretty wasn't enough. Without solid acting skills, even a beauty was just a decorative vase.

As she scanned the room, her eyes met an unkind stare-it was as if someone was questioning why she was even there.

Ashley smiled pleasantly, which only made Mia grind her teeth even more.

Clearly, Mia was furious to see her.

But that's exactly what Ashley wanted. The angrier Mia got, the more satisfied she felt.

In her past life, they had stolen everything from her through underhanded means. This time, Ashley was determined to take everything Mia wanted-and make her feel the sting of loss.

After all, it was hers to begin with.

"Mia Sanchez, Ashley Sanchez... Hey, are they sisters?" someone whispered.

Soon it was their turn to audition. Seeing the disheartened faces of the girls who had gone before them, Ashley knew-her opportunity had arrived.

As fate would have it, Mia was grouped with her, meaning the two would perform together.

Maybe... it was destiny.

When Ashley entered the audition room, several people sat behind a long table facing her.

She glanced over briefly and immediately recognized them. The man in the center was Director Zedd, one of the most influential directors in Colorado. Flanking him were his trusted producer, assistant director, and members of the creative team.

In her previous life, Mia had won the role of the second female lead in this very production. Though her acting wasn't stellar, the character was compelling and had won her a lot of praise.

Alice had dug up some info: the female lead was already preselected. That meant the real competition was for the second female lead.

Ashley knew that most people in the room were unaware of that fact.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Mia and asked sweetly, "Hi, Director Zedd, may I ask-will the audition roles be assigned by lottery or by self-recommendation?"

"Of course, it'll be a lottery," the assistant director replied.

Ashley smiled sweetly. "If possible, could we recommend ourselves instead?"

Director Zedd looked up. "Why do you want to recommend yourself?"

"As actors, we should know ourselves. The role we draw might not suit our strengths. Wouldn't it be more efficient if we chose based on our understanding?"

Director Zedd pondered for a moment. "If I let you choose, which role would you pick?"

"I..." Ashley paused, glanced subtly at Mia, and began, "I want the-"

"Director Zedd!" Mia interrupted. "I've studied the heroine's role many times and memorized all the lines. I'd like to recommend myself for the lead!"

Director Zedd raised a brow. "Then tell me-what's your interpretation?"

Mia, beaming, cast a triumphant look at Ashley before replying. "The heroine is beautiful, gentle, and kind. She's tolerant of friends and lovers. Even when her sister hurts her, she chooses to forgive. Every time I reach the end of the script, I tear up. She's the most relatable heroine I've ever read. I'm the same way-so I think I'm the best fit."

"Oh? You're sure you suit the heroine?" Director Zedd asked.

"Absolutely! It'll be like acting as myself!" Mia smiled earnestly.

"Have you studied any other characters?"

"No, no!" Mia shook her head quickly. "I believe the heroine is the only role for me."

Director Zedd's gaze shifted slightly.

Ashley, ever sharp, saw her chance. She jumped in. "Director, I was going to choose the second female lead. Let's perform the scene where Lily commits suicide."

Director Zedd's eyes lit up slightly.

Ashley knew this scene well-it was pivotal. In her past life, the drama had been a massive hit. Even the supporting roles skyrocketed in popularity. The impact was so strong, the series maintained its buzz a full year after airing.

It was no wonder Mia had fought so hard to be in it.

Ashley had chosen this specific scene because it showcased the second female lead's acting range brilliantly.

It depicted Lily betraying Rose. After their final falling-out, Lily realized the male lead still loved Rose. Even so, she sacrificed herself for him, was poisoned, and ultimately took her life in front of Rose.

Although Rose was the lead, Lily's arc was arguably more dramatic and poignant.

Upon hearing that, Mia immediately protested. "The director should decide the scene, shouldn't he?"

Mia wasn't stupid. She knew Ashley wouldn't have picked that part without a reason-it must favor her.

Ashley said nothing, simply looking at Director Zedd with a serene smile.

Director Zedd studied the two. "Since you're both confident, let's go with that scene. Show me your strength."