Chapter 19: Song Request

Chapter 19: Song Appointment

“How comfortable.”

After finishing his meal, Chen Ping went alone to the city wall of Xiangyang.

Having stayed up all night yesterday, and with no filming scheduled today, Chen Ping was glad to have some leisure time, sitting atop the city wall, enjoying the breeze.

A gentle evening wind blew softly, bringing Chen Ping great comfort.

At that moment, someone behind him spoke up, “Yeah, this breeze makes me not even want to film.”

“Our leading lady, from now on your scenes will be the most important. If you don’t want to film, there will be a crowd eager to take your place.”

“Fine, you go ahead and play my role.”

“I’m not a woman; how could I play your part?”

“That’s not necessarily true. With your acting skills, maybe you could try cross-dressing. Besides, I’m not the leading lady.”

The speaker was Yuan Bingyan, who portrayed Mo Shanshan in The Nightfall.

However, in the earlier episodes, Mo Shanshan had only a few scattered scenes.

“I think Mo Shanshan’s role, even if not the leading lady, is as important as one.”

“How so?”

“From the original Nightfall novel, it’s clear that although the protagonist Ning Que ultimately chooses Sang Sang—who is indeed very popular—among many fans, Mo Shanshan’s popularity is comparable. Moreover, Sang Sang’s character later transforms into Haotian and becomes somewhat darker, while Mo Shanshan remains serene and elegant throughout, endearing to the audience. I feel that even if Mo Shanshan isn’t the lead, her role is equally remarkable.”

“You analyze the character very thoroughly. No wonder you played Chao Xiaoshu so well.”

Listening to Chen Ping’s analysis of Mo Shanshan, Yuan Bingyan gave him a sweet smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Yuan Bingyan’s smile had the power to warm everything.

Chen Ping was momentarily stunned watching her.

But he quickly regained his composure and said, “Ah, it’s nothing really. For us bit players, if we don’t study the script carefully, we won’t get any roles.”

“Bit player? You’re not a bit player anymore.”

“Actually, it’s almost the same. After playing Chao Xiaoshu, I don’t know what role I’ll get next.”

That was true.

Although he had signed with Shengteng, Chen Ping’s contract was very loose, with no strict obligations on either side.

Chen Ping knew that with such an agreement, the agency wouldn’t push him too hard.

He sighed, “If only I could find a wealthy woman to support me, then I wouldn’t have to worry about acting anymore.”

Of course, he was joking.

“Want to live off a woman’s wealth?”

“My teeth aren’t good; I prefer soft food. Isn’t that allowed?”

This made Yuan Bingyan laugh until she bent over. “With your looks, I bet it’s hard to find such a rich woman in the entertainment industry.”

“Uh…”

Three black lines appeared on Chen Ping’s forehead.

He suddenly regretted not investing his talent points in his appearance earlier.

If he had focused on looks, why bother acting? He could just live off a wealthy woman from now on.

Why bother with acting at all?

Just then, assistant director Zhang Jiu excitedly approached. “Chen Ping, so you’re here! We’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“Director Zhang, what’s going on?”

“Someone is looking for you.”

“Looking for me?”

Chen Ping was puzzled.

He was just a minor actor; he didn’t even have an agent with him during filming. Who could be looking for him?

“Who is it?”

“Guess.”

“I have no idea.”

“Of course you don’t. Roman.”

The moment the name Roman was mentioned, both Chen Ping and Yuan Bingyan were very surprised.

Though Chen Ping hadn’t heard the name in his previous life,

Roman was one of the most famous actresses in this world.

She had won countless Best Actress awards.

In terms of status, she was on par with Lin Qingxia, Zhang Manyu, and Anita Mui.

What could someone of her stature want with him?

“Chen Ping, Roman is looking for you?”

Yuan Bingyan could hardly believe it.

“If Director Zhang says so, then probably.”

“What does she want?”

“Well…”

Chen Ping was about to answer but didn’t know.

Remembering Yuan Bingyan’s teasing words earlier, Chen Ping laughed, “I think, with my looks, I still might find a rich woman to support me.”

Before Yuan Bingyan could reply, Chen Ping loudly called down from the city wall, “Director Zhang, okay, I’m coming down!”

...

“What’s going on, Director Zhang?”

“What do you mean?”

“Roman.”

“You said she was going to support you?”

“Uh…”

On the way back, Chen Ping almost choked on Zhang Jiu’s teasing.

“Director Zhang, I want to be supported too, but that’s impossible.”

“Alright, no more jokes. Roman wants to see you about a song.”

“A song appointment... what song with me?”

“You rewrote the lyrics for ‘Clear Stream,’ right? I saw that video too, didn’t expect it was you.”

“Oh…”

Now Chen Ping understood.

‘Clear Stream’ was originally sung by Roman.

Unfortunately, it hadn’t become popular.

But Chen Ping’s rewritten lyrics had unexpectedly gained some attention.

“Chen Ping, when you meet Roman later, be polite. She’s a Best Actress. Though she won’t support you, just a few words from her can be a huge help.”

“Thanks, Director Zhang, I understand.”

They returned to the crew hotel together.

Zhang Jiu took Chen Ping to the 19th floor, then left.

“Sorry, I called Shengteng for you earlier, but your agent said you were filming in Xiangyang, so I came straight here.”

Though Roman was a Best Actress, she was very polite to Chen Ping.

“I really like your rewritten lyrics for ‘Clear Stream.’ Could you sell me those lyrics?”

“Of course, no problem.”

Chen Ping nodded without hesitation.

He didn’t want to be a singer, and lyrics were meant to be sung by others.

Earning a little money was good.

Moreover, Roman had come personally to buy his lyrics—that was sincere enough.

“Straightforward.”

Seeing Chen Ping agree immediately, Roman laughed, “Name your price.”

“Well, I don’t really know how to price this. Anyway, I don’t rely on writing lyrics to make a living, so you can decide.”

“You’re honest... alright, here’s my WeChat. I’ll transfer the money later.”

“Okay.”

Chen Ping naturally wouldn’t refuse to add Roman’s WeChat.

“By the way, Roman, my rewritten lyrics are no longer called ‘Clear Stream.’”

“Oh? What’s the new title?”

“‘The Mortal World.’”

“‘The Mortal World’... nice name.”

Repeating the phrase softly, Roman nodded, “This name is better than ‘Clear Stream.’”

‘Clear Stream’ was nice, but a bit too artsy.

Many people didn’t understand its meaning.

But ‘The Mortal World’ was different.

Combined with the lyrics, this title was perfect.

“By the way, have you studied lyric writing?”

“No.”

“But how did you write such good lyrics for ‘The Mortal World’?”

“Well…”

Chen Ping felt embarrassed.

Could he say he had copied it?

“Maybe it’s inspiration. Sometimes I think some song lyrics aren’t very good, so I rewrite some for fun. I don’t know if they’re good; I just do it to entertain myself. Unexpectedly, the media exposed it recently.”

“Seems like a talent... I have a song here; why don’t you help me write lyrics for it?”

“Roman, I can’t. What if I mess it up?”

“Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be your lyrics.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

Taking the sheet music Roman handed over, Chen Ping noticed he had heard this tune before in his previous life.

Well then...

He might as well copy another set of lyrics.

(The End of This Chapter)