Chapter 24: Chen Ping’s Acting Skills Reach a New Level

Chapter 24: Chen Ping’s Acting Breakthrough Again

"Alright, get ready. Your scene with the Tang King is coming up. You’ll need to be serious when acting opposite him."

"Director Yang, I will."

The Tang King here was not just a character in the script. The actor playing him was none other than Li Min, one of the industry's true superstars. With an actor of such stature, even if you just stood next to him, his presence would naturally influence you. This influence was intangible, yet undeniably real.

However, for some reason, Chen Ping felt completely composed as he prepared to face the superstar. This confidence even surprised himself. Why was this? Had he become too arrogant after just a few days of acting? Chen Ping was a man who reflected on himself often, and as he pondered this newfound confidence, he quickly found the answer.

[System: Host’s understanding of acting has deepened. Performance level upgraded to Level 5, with the added talent: "Ingenious Craftsmanship."]

It turned out the system had prompted him about the upgrade while he was performing, but Chen Ping had been so immersed in the scene that he hadn't noticed.

At this moment, Chen Ping’s data had changed:
Name: Chen Ping
Primary Occupation: Featured Actor
Side Occupation: Lyricist
Dialogue Talent Level 4: Photographic memory, clear and resonant, heart-stirring, and astonishing.
Performance Talent Level 5: Imitation, expressive, vivid, a standout supporting role, and ingenious craftsmanship.
Appearance Talent Level 0: (Plain and unremarkable)
Temperament Talent Level 1: Chivalrous spirit
Popularity: 30,000
Skills: [Overclocking], [Instrument Mastery], [Instant Tears], [Super Scene-Stealing]

Chen Ping was thrilled. He hadn't realized that his performance talent could upgrade on its own. Previously, when he was just an extra, he had spent talent points one by one to improve. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret—if he had known, he wouldn't have wasted those points elsewhere. Then again, if he hadn't invested in performance and dialogue skills back then, he likely wouldn't have passed the art school entrance exam. Even with his [Overclocking] skill, he needed a foundation of real ability. It was like a computer CPU; no matter how much you overclock a budget processor, it would never reach the performance of a high-end core.

With his performance talent now at Level 5, Chen Ping finally understood the source of his confidence. Level 5 was a significant threshold. Combined with the "Ingenious Craftsmanship" talent, he felt as though many scenes could be performed in entirely new ways.

It was much like Stephen Chow; even a mundane plot could be brought to life by his portrayal. While Chen Ping hadn't reached that level yet, he was beginning to grasp that sensation.

Over the last few days, Chen Ping had been observing Li Min. He noticed that Li Min’s recent performances hadn't been entirely perfect—at least, not at a "superstar" level. Upon closer inspection, Chen Ping realized it wasn't a lack of acting skill, but rather that Li Min might have been miscast. The Tang King as portrayed by Li Min was refined and elegant, but lacked a certain domineering presence. While that might not be an issue in some stories, in the fantasy setting of *Ever Night*, an emperor who was too gentle appeared weak to the powerful experts of the world.

Yet, this was precisely why the Tang King was who he was. It wasn't that Li Zhongyi was exceptionally powerful. According to the script, he wasn't even the original heir; his younger brother, Li Peiyan, had been. Li Peiyan had more ability and more ambition. However, because the "Sage" had asked Li Zhongyi if he wanted to be king, and he had answered "yes," he became the ruler of the Tang Kingdom. It sounded like a joke, but that was the reality.

As for Chao Xiaoshu, he was stronger than the Tang King in terms of cultivation. Emotionally, he no longer owed the King anything; in fact, the King owed him. Now that Chao Xiaoshu had fulfilled his promises, it was time for him to walk his own path.

With these thoughts, and his upgraded talent, Chen Ping had nothing to fear, even when facing a superstar like Li Min.

After a thirty-minute break, Chen Ping’s third scene began. Ten minutes later, the scene with Li Min was over. Chen Ping delivered the line, "Your Majesty, please take care. Your second brother bids you farewell," and walked out of the Imperial Study.

No retakes. He hadn't been suppressed by the superstar's aura. Chao Xiaoshu remained Chao Xiaoshu, and Chen Ping remained Chen Ping. His performance was as commendable as ever—no, it was better than before. Especially the scene after he left the palace, which left the other actors stunned.

...

Outside the palace gates, Chao Xiaoshu’s four brothers were waiting. Liao Jie, playing Qi Si, congratulated him: "Congratulations, Second Brother. If you ask me, His Majesty should have let you go sooner, or just let you join the Academy."

Chang San added, "Exactly. With the Sage’s ability and your insight, you might have reached the Knowing Destiny realm long ago."

Wang Wu chimed in, "Right, a decade wasted."

Chen Ping shook his head calmly. "Some things are better when they come late."

As he spoke, he looked back at the Vermilion Bird Gate of the palace and flashed a smile as bright as a child’s. "Long trapped in a cage, I have returned to nature. Let’s go."

Taking the sword handed to him by Qi Si, Chen Ping and his four brothers walked forward. The setting sun cast their shadows long across the ground. From that moment on, the Fish-Dragon Gang would no longer have a second-in-command of the Spring Breeze Pavilion.

Director Yang Yang, sitting before the monitor, shouted excitedly, "Lights! Post-production needs to slow down this shot. Right, insert the background music here."

Since the filming of *Ever Night* began, this was the scene Yang Yang found most evocative. After all his years of directing, such moments and shots were rare treasures. He hadn't expected Chen Ping, who didn't have a massive role in the story, to bring him such infinite surprises.

...

"Feiyu, finished for the day?"

"Dad, just wrapped up."

"I watched *Ever Night*. Not bad, you’ve improved. But you’re still not quite there. I watched episode six closely, and you were completely carried by Chen Ping’s performance. I’m actually quite interested in this kid."

"Hahaha, Dad, do you have any roles you could arrange for him?"

"You brat, you’ve only known him a few days and you’re already asking for favors?"

"Dad, didn't you say that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring? I found my rhythm because of him. And his acting is truly excellent. You wouldn't believe it—today he was acting opposite Li Min, and he almost overshadowed him."

"Overshadowed Li Min?"

"Yes! Director Yang was whispering to me earlier that Chen Ping’s acting had another breakthrough today."

"Another breakthrough? You’re making me want to head to the set to talk to this guy."

"Forget it, Dad. Don't come. He’s almost done filming. But seriously, consider the role."

"We’ll see."

After hanging up, Chen Kaige chuckled. "This kid, only been filming for a few days and he’s already networking."

"Who are you talking about, Old Chen?" his wife, Chen Hong, asked.

"Who else? Our precious son. He’s recommending roles for people."

"Who is he recommending?"

"That guy I mentioned yesterday, Chen Ping."

"The one who plays Chao Xiaoshu?"

"Yes, that’s him."

"He’s a talented actor. Don't be so stiff, Old Chen. Didn't you say he helped our son get into character?"

"I know. Do I look like a stingy man? It’s just that there aren't any roles right now. I can't just force one in."

"True."

The two chatted briefly. Although no role was promised, the name Chen Ping had been firmly etched into the mind of the great director Chen Kaige.