An abstract trainer who taught Charmander the Incinerate move

Chapter 91 Life is Like a Play (Part 1)

Liuli stood up, walked to the center of the room, and exchanged a glance with the swaying spot on her shoulder, as if making some kind of preparation.

When she turned around, Mo Zhen noticed a subtle change in her eyes.

Her voice was still sweet, her face was filled with an innocent smile, her hands were clasped together in front of her chest, and her eyes were glistening with grateful tears.

"I am truly grateful for everyone's love and support. It is my greatest happiness to have so many people support me."

Very quickly, with a snap, Liuli entered role-playing mode.

Her delicate and charming appearance would make anyone feel affection for her.

The next moment, Liuli paused, then turned to the side, as if she had gone into a corner where the audience could not see her.

Her entire demeanor underwent a dramatic transformation in an instant; her voice suddenly turned cold and sarcastic, and her eyes revealed blatant contempt.

"Hmph, a bunch of shut-ins. Just give them a few smiles and put on a pitiful act, and they'll willingly hand over their money. The easiest people to fool in this world are those men who think they've found true love."

Her fingers lightly traced her lips, her eyes becoming greedy and calculating, like a fox eyeing its prey.

"Hehe, if I can scam a little more money from them, I can buy that limited edition otter bag!"

Her voice carried a childlike excitement, yet it was also mixed with an adult's shrewd calculation; this contrast was chilling.

When Liuli turned around and faced the camera, her expression returned to that of an innocent and pure girl, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, as if the cold and ruthless woman from before had never existed.

"I will continue to work hard to bring more joy to everyone! Please continue to support me!"

She cupped her hands around her heart, making a heart-shaped gesture.

"Love you guys!"

Her transformation was so natural that Mo Zhen couldn't tell for a moment which one was the real Liuli.

Xiaomengzi, standing to the side, was even more dumbfounded.

This smooth, silky acting, this exquisite emotional transition, is on a completely different level compared to its performance in the Dream Theater.

Mo Zhen nodded, like a detective who had found a clue, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the chair, signaling her to continue.

Liuli turned to the next page of the script, took a deep breath, and continued performing.

Her eyes brightened and became innocent again, like a child who had just received a gift.

"I received a gift from a fan today, I'm so happy! It's just a small keychain, but I'll cherish it for a lifetime!"

She cupped her face in her hands, a blissful expression on her face, as if she had received the most precious gift in the world.

However, when she turned around, her expression instantly turned disgusted, and she casually tossed the imagined keychain aside.

"Damn, this is garbage. It's probably only worth a few bucks. And they have the nerve to call it a gift. If it weren't for maintaining my public image, I wouldn't even give it a second glance!"

Immediately afterwards, she picked up her phone, pretended to be scrolling through her feed, and a smug smile appeared on her lips.

"Ah, look at the gifts these sugar daddies are giving me. This is the treatment I deserve. If I just maintain this persona and play the victim a few more times, those scumbags will definitely feel sorry for me and give me even more money."

She turned back, a sweet smile returning to her face, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion.

"Thank you all for your support. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. I will remember everyone who supported me; you are all my most precious treasures!"

Ten minutes later, Liuli's performance ended, and the room fell silent.

Mo Zhen watched her performance and couldn't help but become somewhat mesmerized.

Liuli's transformation was so natural, as if two completely different souls truly resided within her.

Liuli asked nervously.

"How was my performance? Was it alright?"

Mo Zhen seemed to have forgotten his original purpose, as if he was completely impressed by the other party's acting skills, and couldn't help but praise him like a talent scout meeting a thoroughbred horse.

"Liuli, you have real talent, you're a born actress!"

Liuli's eyes lit up instantly, as if they had been ignited by stars.

"Really? Director Mo!"

"That's right, your acting is so convincing it's hard to tell the difference between real and fake. Our production team needs that..."

Mo Zhen was halfway through her sentence when she suddenly realized something was off.

Huh? What am I doing? Is this...right?

Damn it, I came here today to appraise watches, but now they're actually starting auditions.

However, her acting skills are truly superb. It would be a tremendous loss to art if such a talented actress were not brought under my wing...

Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!

I can't let my imagination run wild anymore. This time, I must delve into the depths of her dress and expose its true nature!

Mo Zhen's consciousness returned to the purpose of coming here, and then the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, saying something meaningful.

"But the entertainment industry is very complicated, and success isn't just about talent... Sometimes, you need to put in some extra effort."

Mo Zhen deliberately slowed down her speech, her eyes carrying a probing tone.

Liuli blinked, seemingly not understanding the implication in Mo Zhen's words, and nodded innocently.

“I understand! Acting skills are just the foundation. You also need diligence, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the character. I am willing to start learning from the very basics, even if it's just playing a minor role. As long as I can stand in front of the camera, I will be satisfied.”

Looking into her sincere eyes, Mo Zhen frowned slightly and tightened her grip on the fishing rod.

"Liuli, did you know that some directors and producers in this industry make certain special requests? Are you willing to accept them?"

Liuli's expression turned serious.

"Special requirements? You mean things like filming all night or high-intensity training? As long as it helps with character development, I'm open to it! I can lose or gain weight for a role, and learn any necessary skills!"

Having missed with both rounds of skills, Mo Zhen cleared his throat and decided to be more direct.

"Ahem, Liuli, I mean, some directors will ask actresses to do some work outside of their roles as a reward for the role."

Having said that much, it's practically a direct invitation to the other party to start a game.

Liuli frowned slightly, as if she had finally understood something, and her expression became serious.

"I understand. Do you want me to help out on set by running errands and doing odd jobs? No problem, as long as you give me a chance, I'll do any kind of hard work!"

Having said that, Xiaomengzi could no longer contain her excitement and started celebrating with champagne!

[Wu—A complete reversal! Liuli, my good woman! Director Mo, now you should trust Gongping's judgment, right?]

It's hard to imagine that there is such a pure and ambitious girl in this world. If this is acting, then she should be awarded an Oscar!

Mo Zhen was sweating profusely; he hadn't expected things to develop this way. He had originally come with the intention of exposing the true colors of a streamer who was skirting the edge of decency, but now he was genuinely starting to doubt whether the person in front of him was truly a naive girl with dreams.

Oh no, could it be that I've actually met a wonderful woman?!
The shimmering spot on Liuli's shoulder continued to silently watch Mo Zhen with its swirling, unfathomable eyes...

Looking at the strong girl in front of him, Mo Zhen's doubts gradually dissipated, replaced by an indescribable respect.

But his keen intuition as an artist still draws him in with curiosity, like an invisible thread connecting him to the unknown mysteries.

Without any beating around the bush, this time he asked quite frankly.

"Liuli, if you don't mind, could you tell me why you chose to become a streamer? I think with your qualifications and talent, you should have many more options."

Liuli's eyes flickered, and she looked down at her clasped hands, remaining silent for a moment.

When she looked up again, her eyes were already filled with a thin layer of tears.

"Actually... I didn't want to either, but sometimes life really doesn't give people a choice."

Like a patient audience member waiting for the curtain to slowly rise on the stage, Mo Zhen didn't speak, but simply waited quietly for her to continue.

“Three years ago, my father worked in the factory for more than 20 years and was suddenly laid off. The factory was acquired and the new owner started to use a lot of Pokémon employees, laying off two-thirds of the workers at once, and my father was one of them.”

Liuli's voice was calm as still water, but her clenched knuckles turned white involuntarily.

“My father was already in his forties at that time, and it was very difficult for him to find a job. He would leave home before dawn every day and would not return until late at night, dragging his tired body back.”

She took a deep breath, as if to give herself courage, and continued.

“During those most difficult days, my mother was diagnosed with a serious illness, and the doctor said she needed immediate surgery. Our family savings were simply not enough, and my father even considered taking out a loan at exorbitant interest rates…”

"That must be very difficult."

Mo Zhen said softly.

Without his own awareness, something called "being moved" inexplicably appeared within him.

Liuli nodded, and tears finally streamed down her face uncontrollably.

"What broke my heart the most was my younger brother. He was only ten years old then, an age when he needed his parents' company. But my dad was busy looking for work all day, and my mom was in the hospital, so he had to take care of himself at home alone. One time when I came home, I found that he had saved up all his living expenses, saying he wanted to buy medicine for my mom."

At this point, Liuli's voice choked with emotion.

She wiped away the tears that kept flowing with the back of her hand, trying to calm herself down, like a flower struggling in the wind and rain but still standing tall.

“I had just started university then, majoring in performing arts. To support my family, I took a break from school to look for work, but the wages from ordinary jobs were simply not enough to cover my mother’s medical expenses…”

An unemployed father, a sick mother, a young brother, and a sensible daughter.

Mo Zhen gently wiped away some of the moisture from the corners of her eyes, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up within her.

"I understand, and then you start becoming a live streamer?"

Liuli nodded, her tone revealing helplessness and bitterness.

“A friend recommended it to me. At first, I just sang and chatted on the platform, and I didn’t earn much. Later, someone messaged me and said that if I dressed ‘good,’ I would receive more tips…”

As she said this, a shy blush rose on her cheeks.

“I…I did wear some revealing clothes, but I never did anything more outrageous. I know what some girls will do for money, but I…I can’t do that.”

Mo Zhen gazed at her, his eyes filled with understanding and respect.

"You don't need to explain, I completely understand!"

His voice was warm yet firm, like a ray of sunshine in winter.

Liuli wiped away her tears and forced a smile. Though the smile was strained, it was like a candlelight in the darkness, warm and bright.

“The most difficult time is over. Mom’s surgery was successful and she is now recuperating at home. She is much better than before. Dad has also found a job delivering food. Although it is hard work, at least he has a stable income.”

Mo Zhen leaned forward slightly and asked with concern.

"And what about you? What are your plans for the future?"

Liuli's eyes suddenly lit up, like stars lit up in the dark night, sparkling with the light of dreams.

“I want to become a real actor. Not for fame or to make a lot of money, but because I really love acting. Every time I stand on stage or in front of the camera, I feel whole and real. In those moments, I can forget all my worries and pain and be completely immersed in the role.”

She paused for a moment, then her voice became even more firm.

"I know this path is difficult, and I may never succeed. But if I don't try, I will regret it for the rest of my life. So even if there is only a one in ten thousand chance, I will do my best to fight for it."

Looking at the strong and determined girl in front of him, Mo Zhen felt a surge of respect.

Her story isn't dramatic, but the courage to persevere in pursuing her dreams in ordinary life is more moving than any glamorous legend.

"Liuli, I can't guarantee you'll succeed, but I can guarantee you a fair chance. Not out of pity, but because your talent and hard work deserve to be seen."

Liuli's eyes welled up with tears again, but this time it was from emotion and hope.

"Thank you, Director Mo. This is the best gift I could receive!"

The room quieted down, and the night outside the window deepened, with the city lights shining like countless stars, illuminating the people walking in the darkness.

You were touched by her story, weren't you?

Xiao Mengzi asked softly in Mo Zhen's mind.

Mo Zhen did not deny it; he responded softly.

"Yes, it's a wonderful story. Life is never a fairy tale, but some people can keep their inner light shining even in the mud."

Mo Zhen seemed to have already reached a conclusion on this matter, and he nodded to Liuli.

“Miss Liuli, I now fully understand your situation. You will have a place in my film crew. Now, please do one last thing… Look in my eyes!”

At Mo Zhen's sudden command, Liu Li's heart skipped a beat, and she abruptly raised her lowered head to meet his resolute gaze.

At that moment, the surrounding scenery suddenly changed.

On the vast Hulunbuir Grassland, an alpaca radiating a sacred light stretches its limbs and leaps over the fence with unparalleled elegance.

Immediately afterward, another alpaca appeared behind it, repeating the same actions in the exact same posture.

One alpaca, two alpacas, three alpacas...

As the silvery-white figure leaped back and forth, Liuli's eyelids began to tremble, and she drifted off to sleep.

Seeing its master fall into a deep sleep, the swaying spot on Liuli's shoulder panicked and was about to shout loudly.

"Oee! Oee!"

Suddenly, Mo Zhen sprang up and shouted orders at the two generals beside him who had been AFK.

"What are you two standing there for! Take it down right now!"

(End of this chapter)