CHAPTER 12
The air in the room tightened the moment the producer slid a red-stamped folder across the table toward Shi Yunxi. Every director's gaze followed the document as though handing it to her was the most natural decision they had made all morning.
"Miss Shi," the producer began slowly, his tone carrying a weight of finality, "after reviewing your performance thoroughly, we have unanimously decided to cast you as Sheng Ruyin, the Second Female Lead of Scarlet Moon Pavilion."
The words settled like quiet thunder.
Shi Yunxi remained composed, her fingers resting lightly on the folder. No excitement escaped her expression, but inside, her heart curved subtly—calm, steady, certain.
The lead director leaned forward, studying her face with clear approval.
"Your performance from the moment you walked into the room… we knew. Sheng Ruyin's temperament, elegance, and depth—everything is already in you."
Another director nodded.
"You don't perform with force. You perform with presence. That is a rare gift."
The casting manager pushed his glasses higher.
"Even your physical presence suits the role. Cold, restrained, quietly bright. We haven't seen anyone fit the character better."
Yunxi bowed her head slightly.
"Thank you for the opportunity."
"You earned it," the producer said. "And because of that, you'll be signing under Starlight Entertainment. They've already agreed to take you in. For someone with your natural screen appeal, it's the best place to grow."
Starlight Entertainment.
Reputable. Influential.
Not a place that opened its doors easily—yet they were opening them for her.
The casting manager smiled.
"They have assigned a personal assistant for you. Her name is Lin Meixi. She will contact you later today to begin arrangements."
Yunxi signed the contract with calm precision, each stroke elegant and sure.
The black envelope containing the official script was handed to her with careful respect.
"This is your beginning," the director said warmly. "Welcome to Scarlet Moon Pavilion."
When Yunxi stepped into the hallway, all chatter fell silent.
Her lilac silk dress shifted gently with each step, soft and graceful, the golden seal of the envelope glinting faintly in her hand. It didn't take a genius to understand what that envelope meant.
The actresses watched her with stunned faces.
"That's… a Starlight contract…"
"She got one of the main roles…"
"She really passed…?"
Shi Roulan shot to her feet.
Her eyes locked onto the envelope, disbelief twisting her features.
That black envelope—she knew what level of cast received it.
"You…" Roulan's voice trembled. "T-That envelope… it's for the important roles. Why do you have it?"
Shi Yunxi didn't respond.
She simply walked past her sister with that same calm, unreachable aura that had stunned the directors the day before.
The lead director pushed open the door behind her and spoke clearly for the entire hallway to hear:
"Congratulations, Miss Shi Yunxi—our new Sheng Ruyin of Scarlet Moon Pavilion!"
Gasps broke out.
Roulan's face drained completely.
Yunxi pressed the elevator button, her expression gentle, untouched by the chaos behind her.
As the doors slid open, only one thought warmed her heart:
Her children.
Shi Yichen.
Shi Qing'er.
They were waiting for her to return home.
And she finally had good news worthy of their bright little smiles.