Wei Yumeng considered the situation, feeling that letting it continue would only make them a laughingstock.
She had to find a way to resolve the current predicament.
"I have an idea, and I hope you can all hear me out."
Zhan Mohan raised an eyebrow. "Tell us."
"Since this argument is merely about the role of the female lead, why don't we have a competition? The one who performs better will earn the part. That way, it'll be fairer."
"I have no objections," Zhan Mohan said, naturally siding with Wei Yumeng's suggestion.
His doting gaze was in no way concealed.
"That's not enough," Yang Liyun interjected. "The winner gets to stay as the female lead, but the loser must immediately leave the crew and is forbidden from participating in any further filming.
She wore a satisfied expression as she spoke. She was quite pleased with this condition, especially since the director had nearly fired her earlier. For an actress, being dismissed from a production was no glorious affair.
However, she overlooked one crucial point: Wei Yumeng was not an actress to begin with. Such terms held no consequence for her.
"Alright, if you say so, then I have no objections," Wei Yumeng replied, turning to the director. "Then, I'll trouble the director to select a scene for us to compete."
The director nodded and addressed a staff member nearby. "Bring me the script."
Zhan Mohan found a spot to sit nearby, completely unconcerned about Wei Yumeng losing. Wei Yumeng had participated in performances and filmed movies before. Although they were never released, her talent was undeniable.
The director, while searching for the script, glanced at Zhan Mohan. This competition was equally important to him. Zhan Mohan was not someone he could afford to offend, so if the script he chose displeased Zhan Mohan, he would be in serious trouble.
Finally, he found a scene he believed would allow Wei Yumeng to vent her frustrations.
"This scene it is," the director announced, handing copies of the script to Wei Yumeng and Yang Liyun. "Mrs. Zhan will play the protagonist, and Liyun, you will play her rival."
After reviewing the script, Wei Yumeng and Yang Liyun discovered the core of the scene: they were direct antagonists. In the story, both women fought fiercely over the male lead. The protagonist, as the male lead's wife, slapped the other woman—the mistress—unhesitatingly to defend her marriage.
It was clear that Wei Yumeng was to be the one delivering the slap, and Yang Liyun the one receiving it.
"Director, what do you mean by this? Are you deliberately letting her hit me?" Yang Liyun immediately voiced her protest.
Wei Yumeng took a deep breath. She could guess the director's intentions were to appease Zhan Mohan. However, this favoritism was indeed too obvious.
"How about this," Wei Yumeng proposed. "Let's draw lots to decide our roles. This is to ensure fairness in the competition."
This put the director in a difficult position. His intention was precisely to let Wei Yumeng vent, but Wei Yumeng's suggestion now pushed him into a precarious spot. What if Yang Liyun drew the protagonist's role? Wouldn't that mean Wei Yumeng would be the one getting slapped? Even though it was just acting, Zhan Mohan might not be able to tolerate such a scene.
Wei Yumeng noticed the director's hesitation and turned to Zhan Mohan. "Mohan, this competition is purely acting. So, I hope you can also be more impartial about this matter."
"Alright, you decide," Zhan Mohan replied, his expression conveying that her word was final. Observing their interaction, everyone present felt a pang of envy.
"Then it's settled," Wei Yumeng declared and asked the staff to prepare slips of paper for them. Whoever drew what would be purely a matter of luck.
When Wei Yumeng saw what she had drawn, she felt a sense of helplessness. However, these were her own suggestions, and she couldn't go back on her word now.
Yang Liyun's triumphant smile emerged. "Mrs. Zhan, let me say this in advance. I'm very dedicated to my acting, so I might genuinely do something that offends you. I hope you won't mind."
As soon as she said this, everyone knew she intended to cause trouble. But Wei Yumeng still wanted to try, believing she could simply be more careful.
Ten minutes later, the competition officially began. For the sake of fairness, they had even invited directors from other film crews to act as judges. Initially, Wei Yumeng felt a bit nervous, but she quickly immersed herself in the performance.
"Li Fang, do you really think I don't know what you've been doing with my husband?"
As expected of a renowned actress, Yang Liyun's performance was already fully immersed in the character.
"Madam, since you already know, I won't beat around the bush. Mr. Sun has always loved me. You are the one who interfered in our relationship."
Wei Yumeng was trying her best to embody the villainous supporting role, but honestly, she couldn't grasp the character's mindset, let alone portray it.
"I interfered in your relationship? How dare you say such a thing! If it weren't for you, my husband would never have abandoned me. If it weren't for you, our relationship wouldn't be facing such a crisis. I won't let you continue. I must protect our love."
The directors watching from the audience exchanged glances. In terms of acting skill, there seemed to be no significant difference between the two. However, there was a strange incongruity in their character portrayals. Compared to the villainous supporting role, Wei Yumeng's appearance and voice were less fitting; she seemed more suited for the protagonist's role. Conversely, Yang Liyun, playing the protagonist, looked more like a spoiled rich girl trying to break up a loving couple.
"Li Fang, I won't give you another chance. It's precisely because I've always been lenient with you that you've had the opportunity to meddle in our marriage."
Yang Liyun said this as she raised her hand, preparing to deliver the long-awaited slap from the protagonist to the villainous supporting character. A slight smirk played on her lips, her intentions all too evident.
Wei Yumeng also felt a twinge of anxiety. She knew Yang Liyun's temperament, and it wouldn't be surprising if she sought personal revenge. She decided she would have to endure this slight today. After the performance, they likely wouldn't meet again, so there was no need to escalate the matter. Wei Yumeng instinctively closed her eyes, awaiting the slap.
The directors below had not yet grasped what was about to happen. They were engrossed in the performance and discussing the actresses' skills. However, none of them noticed that Zhan Mohan, who had been sitting by the side, had already disappeared. No one knew where he had gone.