Lu Xiaoxiao's hand froze in midair as she pushed open the restroom door.
What came from inside was not just muffled crying, but a shrill female voice coming through a phone's speaker, ruthlessly piercing the silence.
The voice was slightly distorted with agitation, but its vicious accusations were perfectly clear:
"Tang Ruoning, listen to me! The company finally managed to get you this chance to audition for the female lead! Do you know how much effort I put into it?! I was counting on you to make us proud, and what did you do?! You blew it again! Are you ever going to amount to anything?!"
...Was that Tang Ruoning's manager?
Lu Xiaoxiao's heart jolted. She stood frozen in the doorway, unsure whether to go in or leave.
Her first instinct was to back out, but since this involved Tang Ruoning, the competitor who had left such a strong impression on her, she could not quite suppress her curiosity.
Soon, Tang Ruoning's faint, tearful attempt to explain came from a stall. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Sister Wang... I really... I really did my best! I... I thought my performance was good... I don't know why they didn't choose me in the end..."
"You thought? What good does it do if you think it was good?!" Her manager's voice abruptly rose, dripping with sarcasm. "Are you saying the professional judges got it wrong?! Stop thinking so highly of yourself! Take a good look at your own failings! Why do you always fall apart when it matters?!"
"I..." Tang Ruoning choked on a sob, utterly helpless and aggrieved.
"Cry, cry, cry! That's all you ever do! Will crying get you a role?!" Her manager's voice was cold and cruel. "Enough! Since you couldn't land the lead, get your ass back here! I've