Chapter 34: The Wind Rises from the Tips of the Green Duckweed, Only to Fade Amidst the Wild Grass

"Chen Ping, report to the production crew next week."

Gao Xixi had remained silent until now, wanting to observe Chen Ping's performance. As expected, Chen Ping did not disappoint him. Without asking him to wait for further notice, Gao decided on the spot that Chen Ping would play the role of Han Xin.

"Report next week?" Chen Ping was taken aback. "Director Gao, this is…?"

"You lad, you still don't understand?" Gao Xixi smiled broadly.

Chen Ping finally realized. "Wow, I’ve been cast."

"Thank you, Director Gao. Thank you, Director Sun." Chen Ping was overjoyed. He hadn't expected this. He hadn't even done a screen test; he had merely shared his thoughts on the character, and Gao Xixi had already made his decision.

"What, are you surprised?" Gao Xixi asked, seeing Chen Ping’s incredulous expression.

"I am a bit surprised. I thought I would have to do a screen test in a moment."

"I did intend to have you test, but given your strength and your unique interpretation of Han Xin, a screen test is unnecessary."

Of course, Gao Xixi was not the type to cast roles lightly. Based on his acting prowess, Gao believed Chen Ping was capable of playing Han Xin. What he truly desired was an actor who could bring Han Xin to life in a fresh, brilliant way. He had previously considered Duan Yihong, but felt he hadn't quite reached the level he envisioned. Chen Ping, however, had approached Han Xin from a "cute" perspective, which offered Gao Xixi endless creative inspiration. With both acting skill and original insight, Gao was confident that Chen Ping’s portrayal would be a revelation.

Moreover, as a seasoned director, Gao Xixi knew that once an actor reached a certain level of proficiency, it was difficult to distinguish who was "better." Comparing the acting of Stephen Chow to Chow Yun-fat was pointless. But if one possessed a unique perspective, one could forge an entirely new character.

...

"Chen Ping, let's go. We're heading back to the company."

Having left the directors' room, Wu Yu didn't ask for the results and prepared to return with Chen Ping. In high spirits, Chen Ping teased her, "Sister Wu Yu, aren't you going to ask how the audition went?"

"What's there to ask? The production team will call me."

"Sigh... alright. I didn't get it." Chen Ping said, pretending to be dejected.

"They rejected you on the spot?" Wu Yu sounded surprised.

"Not exactly." Chen Ping shook his head. "But the audition felt mediocre. Neither of the directors seemed very satisfied with me."

"It's fine." Seeing his dejected look, Wu Yu consoled him. "The role of Han Xin is coveted by too many people. Even Duan Yihong was there earlier. If you weren't chosen, it's no big deal. Even first-tier stars face rejection."

"Sister Wu Yu, you really take things in stride."

"What other choice is there?"

"Alright, that's no fun. I'll tell you the truth: Director Gao told me to report to the set next week."

"Ah?" Seeing the corner of Chen Ping’s mouth curl up, Wu Yu finally realized he had been teasing her. "You actually lied to me!"

"I was wondering, you always have such a positive mindset; how could you be so down?"

"Hey, why aren't you surprised that Director Gao cast me on the spot?"

"What's so surprising about that? Forget being cast on the spot; some actors are pre-selected before the auditions even begin." She glared at Chen Ping for his naivety.

Chen Ping felt a bit embarrassed. He had wanted to brag, but it seemed he still had a long way to go. As Wu Yu said, when others are pre-selected while you have to audition, there’s nothing to boast about.

...

A week later, Chen Ping headed to the set of *Legend of Chu and Han*. The main filming took place in Hengcheng and the nearby Xiangshan. Therefore, the opening ceremony was held in Hengcheng. Unlike the previous *Ever Night*, where Chen Ping had attended the ceremony but held an insignificant role, this time he was a key figure. Although the script showed Han Xin had very few scenes in the first 50 episodes, he was the core of the entire story. Without Han Xin, there would be no *Legend of Chu and Han*.

As a key cast member, Chen Ping was placed in the middle of the second row. The first row was occupied by Director Gao Xixi, the producers, and big names like Chen Daoming, Peter Ho, and Qin Lan.

After incense burning and photos, Chen Ping went to the dressing room. As a blockbuster series directed by the renowned Gao Xixi and featuring a constellation of superstars, the show was a magnet for media attention. Today, the production team would officially release the character portraits.

"Teacher Chen Ping, please sit here."

"Teacher Chen Ping, have some water."

The makeup artist was incredibly respectful, not daring to be the least bit negligent as they ushered Chen Ping into a private dressing room. Chen Ping sighed at the difference in treatment for different roles. However, he knew that to earn respect and better treatment, he had to deliver a stellar performance.

As the makeup artist began his work, Chen Ping closed his eyes and entered the system interface.

[System: Host has completed the Han Xin audition task. Received 1 Talent Point.]

He checked his data.

Name: Chen Ping
Primary Occupation: 18th-tier Actor
Secondary Occupation: Lyricist
Line Talent Level 4: Eidetic memory, crisp and clear, soul-stirring, stunning.
Acting Talent Level 5: Mimicry, vivid expression, lifelike, brilliant supporting role, ingenuity.
Appearance Talent Level 0: Unremarkable.
Charisma Talent Level 1: Chivalrous.
Popularity: 40,000.
Distributable Talent Points: 3.
Items: Marrow-Cleansing Pill.
Skills: [Overclocking], [Super Scene-Stealing], [One-Second Tears], [Instrument Mastery].

Chen Ping pondered for a moment. Han Xin was a great general, so the "Chivalrous" charisma didn't quite fit. He decided to use the [Marrow-Cleansing Pill] to reallocate his talents.

[System: Host has used the Marrow-Cleansing Pill on Charisma Talent.]

With the pill used, Chen Ping's distributable points became 3. He opened the Charisma panel. He initially thought about lighting up the [Commander-in-Chief] talent, but hesitated. He would hold off on that for now. The Han Xin of the first 50 episodes was still "farming" in the wilderness; he wasn't a general yet. Applying that talent now would feel out of place.

What kind of charisma should an early-stage Han Xin have? "Cute," perhaps? But "Cute" wasn't an option in the talent list, and it was too broad a concept for him to convey.

*"The wind rises from the green duckweed, and ends in the wild grass..."*

A line from the *Rhapsody on the Wind* came to mind. The original text describes how the wind originates from the ground, swirling amidst the duckweed, eventually becoming a fierce gale, only to subside back into the grass. It implies that great influences and changes often originate from the most subtle, imperceptible places, eventually returning to the subtle.

Han Xin was exactly that—a small soldier born from the duckweed, coming from the wild grass. Yet, it was because of him that the struggle between Chu and Han began.

Without further hesitation, Chen Ping entered the Charisma talent panel and lit up the [Born in the Wild Grass] talent.

The "jungler" hero, Han Xin, was ready to take the stage.