Chapter 43: Controlling the Actor's Rhythm

Chapter 43: Controlling the Actor’s Rhythm

“Indeed, Li Wenhan and Chen Ping are on entirely different levels.”

Liu Ming, who had always favored handsome men, found himself impressed by Chen Ping’s acting this time.

But Zhao Wei furrowed her brow. “Director Er, Director Kaige, I feel like something’s off.”

“What do you mean?”

“It seems like Chen Ping could perform even better, but it feels like he’s holding himself back.”

“That’s exactly right,” Er Dongshen said. “Chen Ping is holding back. If he didn’t, Li Wenhan probably wouldn’t be able to keep up.”

Although Er Dongshen hadn’t known Chen Ping before, he, like Chen Kaige, was thrilled to see such a powerhouse actor.

These words struck a chord with Chen Kaige.

In the drama Ever Night, Chen Ping’s character, Chao Xiaoshu, initially overshadowed everyone else—even the male lead, his own son.

But later, Chen Ping toned down his intensity, gradually allowing Feiyu to take the spotlight.

That level of restraint was beyond the reach of most actors.

However...

Though Chen Ping was holding back, Li Wenhan was still struggling.

Holding two memorials in hand, Chen Ping slightly intensified his delivery: “White Dragon Envoy of the Shenlong Sect, Fragrant Master of the Qingmu Hall of the Tiandihui, Xiao Guizi, how many titles do you possess that I don’t know about?”

This was Chen Ping’s portrayal of Emperor Kangxi revealing Wei Xiaobao’s true identity.

According to the script, Wei Xiaobao was supposed to be shocked and fall to his knees.

But when Li Wenhan, playing Wei Xiaobao, knelt, he couldn’t get back up.

Not only could he not rise, he couldn’t even deliver the next line.

“Xiao Guizi?”

Chen Ping was bewildered.

What was going on here?

Had he stopped acting?

“There’s a problem.”

The four directors in the audience, along with the actors seated behind, sensed trouble.

Normally, the director could call “cut” and scold the actor, demanding a retake.

But under the rules of “Actors, Please Take Your Place,” the actors were required to perform the scene in one continuous take.

“What’s going on?”

“Looks like Li Wenhan forgot his lines.”

“Oh my god, what do we do now?”

Everyone watching worried for the two on stage, including Yuan Bingyan.

Though it was Li Wenhan who forgot his lines, the performance was a duet.

“Forgot his lines?” Liu Ming instinctively asked from the director’s side.

Zhao Wei nodded but shook her head again. “It seems so, but it doesn’t look like it.”

“It’s not forgetting lines,” Chen Kaige said sharply. “He’s completely overwhelmed by Chen Ping’s presence.”

“Director Kaige, what dramas has Chen Ping done before?” Er Dongshen was growing more curious.

“Ever Night.”

“Anything else?”

“He’s currently filming a drama about Gao Xixi, The Legend of Chu and Han, playing Han Xin.”

“Hey... how do you know so much about him?”

“I recommended him to Gao Xixi,” Chen Kaige said frankly.

“Haha.” Er Dongshen gave Chen Kaige a thumbs-up. “I’m really looking forward to Chen Ping’s portrayal of Han Xin.”

But Zhao Wei was anxious: “What do we do now?”

The host, Teacher Da Peng, was also flustered. He had never encountered such a situation before.

“Director, should I go on stage?” Da Peng whispered to the backstage control room.

The control room director was also at a loss.

All the celebrities present, though not all were great actors, were at least capable of completing a scene.

Why would Li Wenhan forget his lines at such a critical moment?

Just as the control room prepared to send Da Peng to save the scene, Chen Ping smiled.

His expression softened from anger to infinite gentleness.

They couldn’t follow the original script anymore.

“Wait...” the director called out, stopping Da Peng.

The four directors immediately noticed the change on stage.

“Xiao Guizi, you said we were brothers. It’s normal to have multiple identities when roaming the martial world. Xiao Xuzi doesn’t blame you.”

There was no other way.

Though Chen Ping had been holding back his intensity, his portrayal of the emperor was still overwhelming.

Perhaps some veteran actors could handle Chen Ping’s energy, but Li Wenhan was completely unprepared.

No need to say more.

Level 17 versus level 3.

Any movement, expression, or line would utterly crush the weaker party.

In a game, a level 3 novice wouldn’t even be able to break the defense of a boss at that level.

But if this scene failed, even if Chen Ping advanced, he would be dragged down.

If the four directors rated both as B-level, it would be truly embarrassing.

And to fail to finish a single scene might become the biggest joke in the entire show.

To salvage the scene, Chen Ping decided to take control, guiding Li Wenhan to follow his rhythm.

[Modulation and Intonation]

This was a talent unlocked when Chen Ping’s line delivery skill reached level 5.

Speaking as he helped Li Wenhan up, Chen Ping improvised: “My anger stems from you not treating Xiao Xuzi as a brother. Actually, Xiao Xuzi’s lifelong dream was to roam the martial world. Here’s what we’ll do: you invite some of your friends to the palace. Your friends are my friends. Your brothers are my brothers. I will hold a grand banquet for them. How does that sound?”

“Your Majesty...”

Finally, under Chen Ping’s gentle coaxing, Li Wenhan came to.

He hadn’t forgotten his lines; he had been intimidated by Chen Ping’s presence.

Now fully aware, he knew he had to finish the scene.

Following Chen Ping’s lead, Li Wenhan said, “Your Majesty, my loyalty to you is as clear as the sun and moon. As for my brothers, they’re rough men, uneducated and simple. It’s best not to anger the dragon’s face.”

“Hahaha, Xiao Guizi, your flattery skills are truly mastered. But if you don’t invite them, I will.”

“Your Majesty, do you really intend to exterminate them?”

“Do you expect to wait for them to rebel?”

“Your Majesty, you know I could never harm my brothers. If I did, I wouldn’t be the Xiao Guizi you know.”

“Then you’re saying you don’t consider me your brother?”

Surprisingly, Li Wenhan, now fully engaged, was drawn deeper into the role by Chen Ping.

“Impressive.”

“I have to learn from him.”

“To save a scene like that, and make it even better than previous performances by well-known actors—respect.”

The actors watching silently admired.

Though they hadn’t known Chen Ping well before, today, they could never fail to recognize him.

When the scene ended, the entire venue erupted in warm applause.

What had just happened was so perilous—the scene nearly fell apart.

But in a twist, not only did the scene continue, it was performed brilliantly, surpassing previous performances by famous artists.

(End of Chapter)