Chapter 21: What Should Xiao Shu Do Next?

Chapter 21: What Should Zhao Xiaoshu Do Next?

“What? One hundred million views in just four hours?”

“Mr. Cheng, you’re not kidding me, are you?”

“Is it true?”

Receiving a call from Cheng Liang, head of Penguin Video, Yang Yang was overwhelmed with excitement.

She had initially predicted thirty million views.

Even her bet with Cheng Liang was for fifty million views.

To her, fifty million was already an extraordinary number.

Yet, to her astonishment, *Ever Night* went even further—breaking the one hundred million views mark within four hours, shattering all records.

“Mr. Cheng, thank you, thank you so much. This meal is on me.”

“Eating is no big deal, but if anyone should be thanked, it’s me. Because of *Ever Night*, our platform attracted tens of millions of IP visits.”

“Without your promotion, *Ever Night* couldn’t have garnered such attention.”

“If Director Yang hadn’t ensured the quality of the production, no amount of promotion would have helped.”

“No, no, no...”

“Alright, enough flattery between us. But really, Director Yang, you’ve worked hard. Oh, and I must also thank the actor who plays Zhao Xiaoshu. His acting impressed me deeply. It’s precisely because of his performance that the audience was fully drawn into the story...”

“Hehe, that actor has surprised me greatly too.”

“If there’s a chance in the future, I’ll definitely work with him again.”

“I’m sure there will be.”

After hanging up, Yang Yang walked out of the director’s room, beaming with joy as she addressed the cast and crew: “I have some great news to share.”

“Last night, *Ever Night* broke one hundred million views on Penguin Video within just four hours, setting a new record for all dramas on the platform.”

The announcement sent the entire crew into an uproar.

“One hundred million views? Damn, that’s blazing hot.”

“I watched *Ever Night* last night too. I knew it was popular, but not this popular.”

“Guys, let’s get serious about our acting—we’re on fire, we’re on fire...”

A hit drama doesn’t just glorify the lead actors; it brings honor to all performers and everyone involved in the production.

Especially with the current practice of filming and broadcasting simultaneously.

Before, the success of a show was only known after filming wrapped up. Even if it became a hit, the work was already done.

Now, it’s different.

The drama is still being filmed, yet everyone knows it’s already a sensation.

This is a powerful motivator for all involved.

“So, I’ve decided to have an extra feast tonight.”

Yang Yang was in an exceptionally good mood.

She had been rather somber recently, barely smiling.

Thankfully, Chen Ping’s portrayal of Zhao Xiaoshu had been a breath of fresh air for her.

And now, Chen Ping’s acting was finally being rewarded.

At the celebratory dinner that evening, Yang Yang specially seated Chen Ping at the head table—the one reserved for the director’s team.

The entertainment industry has strict etiquette.

Generally, your status determines your seat.

The head table naturally belongs to the director and producers.

Next comes the lead actors’ table.

Then the supporting actors.

Followed by the minor roles.

After that, the crew members’ table.

As for extras... well, no table at all.

Chen Ping was a newcomer, so by rights, he should have been at the supporting actors’ table.

Even then, he would have been seated toward the back.

But tonight, Director Yang Yang brought Chen Ping to the head table.

Though she claimed it was to discuss the script, everyone knew it was a reward for his outstanding contribution.

*Ever Night*’s success wasn’t just due to top-notch production or the strong performances of the cast—it was largely thanks to Chen Ping’s portrayal of Zhao Xiaoshu.

This was evident from the barrage of praise from viewers in the comments section.

Episode six of *Ever Night* was almost unanimously praised, with audiences captivated by Chen Ping’s acting.

His success sparked envy among the cast.

But everyone could see his talent clearly; there was no dispute.

On the contrary,

Chen Ping’s stellar performance inspired some of the less well-known actors to push themselves harder.

At least, they thought:

If Chen Ping as Zhao Xiaoshu can shine so brightly, why can’t I?

As a result,

*Ever Night* continued to craft one unforgettable character after another in the later filming stages, impressing viewers again and again.

“To the great achievement of *Ever Night*, let’s have a toast!”

Yang Yang smiled broadly and raised her glass first.

Everyone stood and echoed, “Cheers!”

“Alright, after this toast, feel free to relax and enjoy yourselves. But remember to drink moderately. Even though this is an extra meal, we still have filming tomorrow.”

Yang Yang, as a female director, was not one to push drinking.

She also didn’t want the actors to be drunk and affect tomorrow’s shoot.

Setting down her glass, Yang Yang turned to Chen Ping and asked, “Chen Ping, how do you think Zhao Xiaoshu should play the next scene?”

“Director Yang, which scene do you mean?”

“The one where Zhao Xiaoshu breaks through the realm after observing the fish.”

Although Zhao Xiaoshu wasn’t the main character in *Ever Night*, he was crucial during the early stages.

Especially given the feedback from Penguin Video, Yang Yang placed enormous importance on the role.

“Please, Director Yang, guide me.”

After a moment of thought, Chen Ping, though having some understanding, humbly sought Yang Yang’s advice.

“From your performances these past few days, I believe you’ve read the original novel. *Ever Night* is a fantasy novel, and this genre places great emphasis on breakthroughs in realms. It’s somewhat different from martial arts novels, where the boundaries between realms aren’t so distinct. In *Ever Night*, the ‘Knowing Destiny’ realm is very significant. Once you step into it, it’s like the difference between heaven and earth.”

As the director, Yang Yang had watched *Ever Night* many times over.

And because she was the director, her perspective was different from that of ordinary readers or actors.

Naturally,

Her interpretation of the script made everyone pause their meal.

Though she was speaking directly to Chen Ping, the insight was beneficial to all the actors.

“Remember Wang Jinglue?”

At this, Yang Yang glanced at a slightly stout actor sitting at the back.

The actor playing Wang Jinglue stood and nodded to Director Yang.

“In the battle at Spring Breeze Pavilion, Wang Jinglue said to Ning Que and Zhao Xiaoshu: ‘You mortals...’”

“‘You mortals...’ Think about that line. At the time, Wang Jinglue’s realm was just below the Knowing Destiny realm—often called the foremost below Knowing Destiny. He hadn’t even reached Knowing Destiny yet, and he regarded everyone else as insignificant ants. Now, imagine what it’s like when someone truly attains the Knowing Destiny realm... what kind of realm is that?”

Yang Yang’s deep understanding of *Ever Night* was undeniable.

That evening’s celebratory dinner proved highly enlightening for the cast.

The feast didn’t last long, for filming awaited the next day.

Chen Ping bid farewell to his fellow actors and returned to his hotel.

After freshening up, he once again carefully studied the *Ever Night* script.

He also took out the original novel.

He felt that while Director Yang’s grasp of the Knowing Destiny realm was profound, each character’s experience of it was unique.

Zhao Xiaoshu’s entry into Knowing Destiny differed from Ning Que’s.

The senior apprentice’s Knowing Destiny realm was different from the second apprentice’s.

Though the realm might be the same on paper, internally and in demeanor, each was distinct.

Perhaps Wang Jinglue saw all mortals as ants, a condescending mindset—but that didn’t mean the Knowing Destiny realm had to be so cold.

Taking notes, Chen Ping pondered deeply.

By midnight, a faint smile appeared on his face—he finally knew how to portray tomorrow’s scene.

(End of Chapter)