Chapter 17: Aired Ahead of Schedule

Chapter 17: Early Broadcast

“Dad, have you had breakfast?”

“Just finished, how about you?”

“Me too, just ate.”

“Oh, by the way, didn’t you shoot all night yesterday? Haven’t you slept yet?”

“Dad, you’re so concerned about me?”

“Concerned my foot, you little rascal. After breakfast, get some rest. Don’t think you’re young and strong so you don’t need to take care of yourself.”

“Dad, I know.”

After breakfast, Chen Feiyu called his father, Chen Kaige.

“There’s something I want to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“A few days ago, I told you I hadn’t really gotten into character on set.”

“The role of Ning Que definitely requires a certain spark. You need to study it more and ask Director Yang for advice. If you still can’t get into it, talk to the author of Nightfall; maybe that will inspire you.”

“No, Dad. Last night, I really got into character.”

“Got into character?”

“You wouldn’t believe it. Last night’s shoot was incredibly satisfying—something I’ve never experienced before. I felt like I was Ning Que himself. Even now, I’m still a bit stunned.”

“That’s good, that’s good. Looks like you’ve found the feeling. You should thank those veteran actors—Master Jin Shijie, Master Ni Dahong...”

“Master Jin Shijie and Master Ni Dahong have been very supportive, but it was actually someone else who helped me get into character last night.”

“Who?”

Chen Kaige was momentarily surprised. “Teacher Zheng Shaoqiu?”

“No.”

“Then who?”

“Chen Ping.”

“Who is Chen Ping?”

“He’s an actor a few years older than me. He plays Chaoxiaoshu. When I acted alongside him last night, it felt very magical. I don’t know why, but after he appeared, I felt very calm and peaceful. Talking to him was comfortable... and naturally, I got into character.”

“I see...”

Listening to Chen Feiyu’s description, Chen Kaige immediately understood the situation.

Chen Feiyu had encountered an exceptionally skilled actor who, through his craft and presence, brought his scene partners into the role.

That’s why most viewers feel a sense of ease watching young actors perform with seasoned veterans.

It’s not that the young actors suddenly became outstanding, but under the guidance of these seasoned actors, they naturally found their footing.

“How old did you say this actor is?”

“About twenty-three or twenty-four.”

“So young?”

“Yes… Although he’s so young, he plays the leader of the Yulong Gang, who’s in his thirties, and it’s completely convincing. From the start of filming until now, I think he’s the best performer in Nightfall. Last night, I even felt like a supporting actor, and he was the real lead.”

“This actor is remarkable. You should get closer to him from now on.”

Although Chen Kaige still didn’t know who Chen Ping was, he had decades of experience in film and a discerning eye.

Young actors with such strong skills are extremely rare.

If such a talent grows, he could become a big name in the entertainment industry.

“Dad, I understand.”

Chen Feiyu inherited high emotional intelligence from his parents.

Without being told, he already knew what to do.

In fact, he was very grateful to Chen Ping. Without him, how could he have gotten into character?

“All right, get some rest soon...”

“Okay.”

...

“Good morning, Chen Ping.”

“Ping, just got up?”

“Teacher Chen Ping, you worked hard last night. Let’s have dinner together.”

When Chen Ping woke up, it was already 5 p.m.

After freshening up, he was greeted by several actors along the way.

Some were acquaintances, others barely known to him.

There were also a few who previously acted aloof and avoided him.

But after last night, everything had changed.

Just as Jin Shijie said, no one dared to say no anymore.

Chen Ping didn’t mind; he smiled and replied,

“I slept so deeply I just got up now.”

“Perfect timing, I’m hungry too. Let’s go together.”

...

“How’s the editing coming along?”

“Director Yang, it’s almost done. Please have a look.”

Compared to the actors, Director Yang Yang was working much harder.

Although she stayed up all night too, she dared not sleep till afternoon.

There was still daytime shooting, though she had assigned those scenes to her assistant Zhang Jiu.

More importantly, she had a crucial task awaiting her during the day.

That was editing.

Normally,

films are edited after principal photography wraps.

Of course, even if editing starts early, there’s usually no rush.

But Nightfall is a web series, and this time, it’s going to be broadcast in a brand-new way—filming and airing simultaneously.

According to the demands of Penguin Pictures, the Nightfall crew must finish six episodes in advance and submit them to Penguin.

These six episodes had already been completed and needed to be edited into final cuts for delivery.

At the same time,

Penguin Pictures is also an investor in Nightfall.

They had already launched extensive promotions before the series even aired.

Penguin Pictures was eagerly awaiting the footage from the Nightfall crew.

“Hmm, this looks good.”

Having watched the six edited episodes, Yang Yang nodded.

Though the earlier episodes weren’t particularly outstanding, after Chen Ping’s appearance as Chaoxiaoshu in episode six, Nightfall reached its first climax.

Yang Yang then took out her phone and called the head of Penguin Pictures.

“Manager Cheng.”

“Director Yang, is there good news?”

“Manager Cheng, you keep pestering me every two or three days.”

“Can’t help it. You know how long we’ve been promoting this series. Nightfall is a big IP, and many readers are waiting for it.”

“All right, check your inbox in a moment.”

“Director Yang, is filming complete?”

“Of course not, but the first six episodes have been edited. You can review them.”

“What’s there to review? We trust your judgment. I’m just waiting for the footage.”

After hanging up, Cheng Liang, head of Penguin Pictures, opened his inbox.

However, the footage hadn’t arrived yet due to its large size.

He wasn’t anxious and patiently waited.

Though he said he wasn’t worried, deep down he felt slightly uneasy.

Nightfall is a major IP, and Yang Yang is a renowned director, but whether the series would be well received was still uncertain.

Several previous web adaptations of male-oriented novels had flopped.

Of course, female-oriented web novels tend to do better.

Shows like Dou Qi Hua Ma and Tian Dou Dalu had failed miserably.

Even those productions hired popular young idols, but it didn’t help.

Whether Nightfall would succeed remained somewhat uncertain.

(End of chapter)