Chapter 38: Fan Interaction

"Crush those pretty-boy idols."

Watching Gao Xixi leave with a smile, Chen Ping chuckled. He hadn't expected such a renowned director to harbor such an amusing thought. Then again, it made sense; in Gao Xixi's productions, he rarely cast those types of trendy, inexperienced actors.

"Oh? You two are back?"

Although he was set to participate in *Actors, Please Take Your Place*, Chen Ping had stopped by the company office first. He was surprised to see Lin Guansen and Aliya in the apartment. "Weren't you both out filming?"

"Yes, we leave tomorrow."

"You're that busy?"

"It's not bad. We've mostly just landed a few decent roles recently." Aliya looked genuinely excited as she spoke. "Come to think of it, we have you to thank for this."

"Thank me? Why?" Chen Ping was baffled. "I don't have the power to help you secure roles."

And that was true. Even though Chen Ping had been landing roles and appearing on variety shows, he was well aware that he was still just a minor actor. He didn't even know what the company’s plans were for him, let alone have the influence to help others.

"Even if you didn't help directly, you helped indirectly," Lin Guansen explained.

"How so?" Chen Ping asked, still confused.

"It's because of you. The company realized that while those of us who started as extras might not have extraordinary talent, we are hardworking and can endure hardship. Because of that, the company has decided to allocate more resources to us."

"That’s great to hear! I'm happy for you both." Chen Ping was genuinely pleased they were getting better opportunities. It seemed the company had shifted its policy.

"So, Little Lin and I have been working like crazy lately, trying to see if we can catch up to you and snag a standout role."

"Don't worry, you'll get there soon."

"By the way, Chen Ping, have you checked your Douyin account lately?" Aliya asked.

"Uh, I've been busy filming, so I haven't logged in much."

"You should check it more often. I feel like new media platforms like Douyin are huge for building our popularity. Especially with the group chats; having fans there is great for building a loyal following."

"Right, I'll log in and take a look in a bit."

The two went back to their own business, leaving Chen Ping to his thoughts. Remembering what Aliya said, he logged into his Douyin account. He hadn't checked it in a while, and for good reason.

Back when he was taking his arts entrance exams, he had accidentally wiped out all his fans. It was a side effect of using the system's "Overclocking" feature. It hadn't just drained his popularity points; it had literally erased his real-world followers. Thinking back on it, he really couldn't afford to use that "Overclocking" skill recklessly. If he tried to show off and lost all the fans he had worked so hard to gain, it would be a total waste.

However, some time had passed since the exams, and when he checked his account, he saw he had already accumulated over 40,000—nearly 50,000—followers. It matched his fan count in the system.

"Hello everyone, I'm the hilarious Han Xin..."

"Uh, I mean, I'm Chen Ping."

A slip of the tongue. He had been so immersed in playing Han Xin lately that he had almost convinced himself he was the general.

He posted a quick message in his Douyin group, and his fans immediately flooded him with replies.

"Holy crap, who is this?"

"Chen Ping, you jerk, you finally appeared!"

"Master Chen Ping, I absolutely loved your performance as Chao Xiaoshu!"

Everyone was ecstatic.

"Brother Ping, are you filming *Legend of Chu and Han* lately?"

"Yes."

"Playing Han Xin?"

"That's right."

"Is it the jungler Han Xin?"

"Uh... I suppose I am 'jungling' at the moment."

"How's your leveling going?"

"Almost there. About to be appointed Grand General."

"Holy cow... that's badass."

Even though *Legend of Chu and Han* hadn't aired yet, the fans had already seen his character stills, so they were well aware of the role.

"Brother Ping, when does the show air? I can't wait!"

"That... I'm not sure. Production cycles for dramas are quite long. But I’ll be on a variety show soon, so you'll get to see me there."

"Wow, Brother Ping, which variety show?"

"*Actors, Please Take Your Place*."

"Wow, wow, wow! Brother Ping, that show is huge! I heard Chen Kaige, Er Dongsheng, and Zhao Wei are all on it!"

"Seems so."

"Brother Ping, go for it! Crush those pretty-boy idols for us!"

"..."

Chen Ping felt helpless. What was wrong with these people? Gao Xixi wanted to crush the pretty boys, and now his fans wanted him to crush the pretty boys too. Why did everyone have such a twisted hobby?

Regardless, Chen Ping wasn't participating in *Actors, Please Take Your Place* to crush anyone. He had only one goal: to be named Best Actor.

***

"Chen Ping, how is the filming for *Legend of Chu and Han* going?"

"Han Xin doesn't have many scenes in the early stages, so Director Gao was happy and we finished them quickly. The later scenes can't be filmed yet, so Director Gao gave me some time off."

"I heard a lot of people on set really enjoy acting with you."

"It's mostly because my parts are dramatic, and it's a story about a character's growth, so there's no pressure. Everyone finds it easy to work with me."

"Well, your performance this time is another step up from *Ever Night*."

Before he headed off to *Actors, Please Take Your Place*, Wu Yu sought him out. Although she hadn't been to the *Legend of Chu and Han* set in person, she had been keeping a close eye on his progress. But that wasn't why she had called him. "Chen Ping, you're still a newcomer. Before you head to Shenzhen, there are some things I need to tell you."

"Go ahead, Sister Wu."

"While *Actors, Please Take Your Place* seems like a genuine variety show, Tencent Video has partnered with major talent agencies. Many actors go on these shows specifically to gain followers."

"I understand," Chen Ping nodded. Even as a newcomer, he had considered that possibility.

"That's not the important part. What I want to tell you is that this show isn't necessarily about acting skill."

"Does that mean the 'Best Actor' title is rigged?"

"Not necessarily." Wu Yu shook her head. "Tencent works with multiple agencies, and they've all arranged for their own actors to be there. They can guarantee protection for a few of them, but rigging the Best Actor award is unlikely."

"As long as it's not rigged, I'm relieved." Chen Ping had been worried the show would be corrupt to the core. Now, it seemed he still had a chance.

"You have quite the ambition, don't you?"

"A person has to have dreams. What if they actually come true?"

"A person has to have dreams. What if they actually come true?" Wu Yu laughed at his remark, but she had to admit, there was real wisdom in those words.

"You're an interesting guy, but I have to warn you: it's not just pretty boys on that show. There are seasoned actors, and even people who have won Best Actor and Best Actress awards. Don't underestimate the competition."

"Best Actors and Actresses are joining too?" Chen Ping was stunned. "They've already won those awards, why go there?"

"That," Wu Yu said meaningfully, "is just how cruel the entertainment industry is."