Chapter 2: This Is Simply a Monster

Chapter 2: This Is Simply Unbelievable

“*Ahem… Let’s move on to the next part of the exam.*”

Chen Ping’s talents on display were almost too incredible to believe.

But the chief examiner understood that some candidates truly possessed a natural gift for memory.

The second test was a vocal examination—a trial singing.

“Chen Ping, you may choose a song you are comfortable with to perform…”

Chief examiner Li Bo told Chen Ping.

As soon as Li Bo finished speaking, Chen Ping asked, “Teacher, are there any specific requirements for the singing style?”

Although this was an acting exam, the four fundamental skills for actors—voice, stage presence, movement, and expression—were all tested. Voice did not only mean recitation but also vocal music.

“No, you may use bel canto, folk singing, or even pop singing styles.”

“If I use all three styles, can I get extra points?”

“You know all three?”

“A little bit.”

Chen Ping took this exam very seriously.

Though he had the system to rely on, it was not omnipotent. Whether in his previous life or this world, if you wanted to succeed in a certain circle, you had to abide by its rules.

For example, the Hengcheng Art Exam Qualification Certificate.

For someone like him, not from an arts college, passing the Hengcheng Art Exam was the best shortcut to debut.

“Of course, if you can integrate all three singing styles seamlessly, you’ll naturally earn bonus points.”

“Thank you, teacher.”

Chen Ping nodded, then chose a song to sing a cappella.

First, he sang using the bel canto technique.

The second time, he switched to folk singing.

The third time, he sang in a pop style.

His mastery of the three styles was not just superficial; as Li Bo said, Chen Ping had truly integrated them and reached a high level.

After the three performances, Li Bo asked in astonishment, “Did you graduate from a music conservatory?”

It was important to note that the Hengcheng Actor Guild's art test was not a music exam. They trained actors.

While vocal skills were assessed, professional musical background was not required.

But…

“Teacher, I’m just a background actor.”

“Uh…”

“Then how do you know these three singing styles?”

“I taught myself.”

He could never admit to having a system; that was out of the question.

Seeing Li Bo’s expression of disbelief, Chen Ping added, “Teacher, I not only taught myself three vocal techniques, but I also learned to play a few instruments.”

“You play instruments too?”

“Yes, a little bit.”

“What instruments?”

“Piano, guitar, guzheng, erhu… that’s about it.”

During the system’s overclocking period, Chen Ping was essentially an all-around actor.

If he weren’t afraid of sounding boastful, he could say he could play any respectable instrument.

But he kept it modest, naming only a few common ones.

Even so, Li Bo was stunned again. “That many?”

“Well, as background actors, sometimes we don’t get roles and have a lot of free time, so I used that time to teach myself.”

“There’s a piano here. You can play something.”

“All right, teacher.”

Chen Ping nodded and approached the piano.

He stretched out his slender fingers, touching the black and white keys.

Then, a beautiful melody flowed from his fingertips.

When he finished, Li Bo and the other four examiners sighed in amazement.

One of the examiners, who had studied piano for decades, could not believe his ears.

Though not a master, he considered himself proficient.

Yet Chen Ping’s self-taught playing surpassed his own.

He wondered what he had been learning all those years.

“Very good, that was excellent.”

“Teacher, do you want me to play…”

Chen Ping glanced at the guzheng nearby.

“Um, due to time constraints, let’s skip that for now,” Li Bo said awkwardly.

It was an intensely awkward moment.

Play another instrument?

Did they have no pride?

After three incredible singing styles and now piano mastery at such a high level, if he started playing the guzheng too…

Damn, was this an exam or a wrecking mission?

But seeing Chen Ping’s innocent expression, Li Bo realized he had encountered a genius.

“Next, we move on to the third test: physical expression.”

Li Bo stared at Chen Ping, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

But the exam must go on. Clearing his throat, Li Bo announced the assignment: “Chen Ping, in a moment, we will play a five-minute piece of music. Please express yourself through movement according to the music.”

Generally, the physical test measures reaction speed, control, coordination, and simulation ability.

That’s why music accompaniment is essential.

Without music, some movements would be hard to show naturally.

Also, the examiners would be unable to assess rhythm through the combination of music and movement.

“Understood.”

Chen Ping nodded.

Soon, an instrumental piece began softly in the exam hall.

The sounds tinkled gently, like animal calls.

Then, Chen Ping’s movements transformed as if he were a young deer, walking lightly as if foraging.

As the music grew more lively, the animals seemed to find their companions.

Joy lit Chen Ping’s face as he began to dance.

First, an improvised folk dance, followed by classical dance.

When the music’s tempo rose, Chen Ping even performed ballet.

Yes.

Men can dance ballet too, though few excel.

But with Chen Ping, one saw an elegant prince freely dancing on stage.

Next came a lively Latin dance with dynamic rhythms that immediately captivated the five examiners.

The five-minute physical test concluded swiftly.

When the examiners regained their composure from Chen Ping’s performance, they clapped spontaneously.

“Okay, very impressive.”

Li Bo said excitedly.

Perhaps Chen Ping’s dancing was not the most extraordinary Li Bo had ever seen.

But undoubtedly, Chen Ping’s combination of physical expression and vocal skill was the most perfect.

This was a truly outstanding actor.

Otherwise, he would simply have been an excellent dancer.

“Now, on to the fourth test…”

With the physical test complete, only the final assessment remained.

As one examiner prepared to announce the next assignment, Li Bo cleared his throat.

“Chen Ping, why don’t you rest here for a few minutes? We’ll continue with the exam shortly.”

With that, Li Bo left the exam room, visibly excited.

“Professor Jiang, Professor Jiang, this is unbelievable…”

Hurriedly, Li Bo rushed into the office of Professor Jiang Tianxing.

“Li Bo, what’s going on? At your age, you’re acting like a young man, all excited.”

Jiang Tianxing was the president of the Hengcheng Actor Guild and a towering figure in Huaguo’s performing arts world.

The Hengcheng Guild Art Exam was successfully organized under the support of Jiang and other masters of the industry.

“Professor Jiang, I’m just too excited.”

“Excited? Aren’t you in charge of the exam? Is it over?”

“No, not yet.”

“If it’s not over, why are you running here?”

“I have something important to report.”

“What is it?”

“Professor Jiang, we’ve found a genius.”

“A genius?”

Jiang Tianxing was momentarily stunned, then brightened. “A promising talent?”

“More than just promising. I don’t even know how to describe this guy.”

“Take your time.”

“Professor Jiang…”

Li Bo was so excited he struggled to find the words. “Honestly, you just have to see it for yourself.”

He opened his laptop and played the footage of Chen Ping’s exam.

“Professor Jiang, this candidate is Chen Ping.”

“Chen Ping? This kid looks very ordinary—plain face, nothing special.”

“Keep watching…”

After more than ten minutes…

Jiang Tianxing was as dumbfounded as Li Bo had been.

“This…”

“This isn’t genius. It’s a monster.”

As the foremost authority in the nation’s performing arts, this was the first time Jiang had encountered such a prodigious phenomenon.

“Li Bo, which arts school did this kid graduate from?”

“None. He studied computer science, just a college diploma, and works as a background actor in Hengcheng.”

“A college diploma and a background actor?”

Jiang Tianxing couldn’t believe it. “That’s impossible.”

“I checked his records. It’s true.”

“Impossible, impossible.”

Jiang Tianxing shook his head repeatedly. “Li Bo, is the last test finished?”

“No, the final performance test is still pending. That’s why I came to report to you.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

Suppressing his excitement, Jiang Tianxing and Li Bo returned to the exam hall.

(End of Chapter)