Chapter 47: "I Am Just an Extra"

Chapter 47: "I Am an Extra"

In the afternoon, the second episode of "Actors, Please Take Your Positions" officially began filming.

Unlike variety shows on television stations, which usually record an episode and then air it, this show involved many actors whose schedules were difficult to coordinate. Therefore, the entire program consisted of five episodes: the first four were recorded entirely at Penguin Headquarters, and the final competition would be broadcast live.

Compared to the first episode, the rules for the second episode had undergone subtle changes.

After the first round of real talent showdowns among 40 actors, their rankings were reassessed. For example, Chen Ping was upgraded from a B-level to an S-level actor.

According to the rules, S-level actors could choose any roles from non-S-level actors’ projects—in other words, they could snatch roles. If an A-level actor had chosen a project, but an S-level actor felt it suited them better, the S-level actor could take it away. This was even more ruthless than the order-based selection in the first episode.

This mirrored reality closely. Often, you think you have succeeded in an audition, only to be edged out by an actor who was preselected.

Despite its cruelty, these were the rules of the game. If you wanted to play, you had to abide by them.

“Hello everyone. After re-ranking the 40 actors, we will move into the next elimination round. Among these 40 actors, we will eliminate 16 this round and keep 24. Those 24 who advance can choose their corresponding directors. Of course, if one of the four directors finds an actor better suited for their project, they may also snatch them,” announced the host Dapeng, explaining the rules for the second episode.

This was similar to certain music competition shows—directors first select actors, then the directors compete to snatch actors.

However, since this was an elimination round, it was harsher than the previous ranking competition. If eliminated without a chance to return, it was effectively goodbye to this stage.

Next, the 40 actors took their seats again.

Chen Ping sat on the sofa designated for S-level actors, while Yuan Bingyan, who was ranked A-level, took a chair at the side.

“According to the rules, actors will now choose the projects that suit them. A-level actors will select in order from highest to lowest score, while S-level actors have the right to snatch any project chosen by non-S actors,” the host explained.

The large screen displayed a variety of projects.

When Chen Ping saw the project titled "I Am an Extra," he suddenly understood what the system’s previous task prompt meant.

[Task: Er Dongshen’s Regret]

Previously, Chen Ping had wondered what regret Director Er had. Even if he knew, he was just a minor actor—how could he help Er Dongshen resolve such a regret?

But upon seeing "I Am an Extra," Chen Ping instinctively recalled the conflict between Er Dongshen and Liu Ming the day before. Although the conflict arose because of Chen Ping, Er Dongshen had also said it wasn’t entirely his fault.

This reminded Chen Ping that when "I Am an Extra" was released, it coincided with Liu Ming’s "Young Couple."

Despite widespread criticism, Liu Ming’s "Young Couple" earned over 300 million at the box office, a huge success.

Er Dongshen’s "I Am an Extra," despite receiving positive reviews from the media and featuring many star actors, ultimately flopped.

Its total box office was around 60 million.

To be exact, 57.69 million.

This wasn’t just a flop—it was a disastrous failure.

Moreover, since Er Dongshen had invested tens of millions in the film, not only did it flop, but Er Dongshen was also left financially drained.

When Liu Ming mentioned Chen Ping’s appearance, Er Dongshen couldn’t help but think of the simultaneous release of "I Am an Extra" and "Young Couple."

In terms of box office, Er Dongshen had indeed lost.

“No wonder,” Chen Ping thought, suddenly understanding.

If Er Dongshen had lost to someone else, perhaps he wouldn’t have reacted like this.

But he lost to a director whose style he disliked and disagreed with, which made it especially painful.

“I must act in ‘I Am an Extra,’” Chen Ping decided after glancing at Er Dongshen.

Of course, although he had made up his mind, Chen Ping wasn’t in a hurry.

Being S-level, even if someone snatched "I Am an Extra," he could snatch it back.

As for whether this was too ruthless—shouldn’t he show some respect and leave others some face? Was it necessary to snatch the role?

Chen Ping wasn’t foolish enough to think that way.

This was a competition, and everyone wanted exposure. Why should he hold back?

Although Chen Ping was prepared to snatch the project, it seemed few actors were interested in "I Am an Extra."

Several actors had initially considered it, but hesitated and ultimately abandoned it.

This made Er Dongshen somewhat embarrassed. He looked at Chen Kaige and said, “Haha, no one is choosing my project.”

“Director Er, don’t worry. Someone will pick it,” Chen Kaige replied confidently.

“So confident?” Er Dongshen asked.

Chen Kaige nodded but didn’t elaborate.

When it was Yuan Bingyan’s turn, she surprised everyone by choosing "I Am an Extra," opting to play the character Lin Chen.

“Yuan Bingyan actually chose this project?” Chen Ping was surprised. He had expected her to pick something else.

After all, there were reasons why no one wanted to choose "I Am an Extra."

That film’s box office was a disaster; even Director Er couldn’t salvage it. How could she perform in such a project?

Chen Ping instinctively fixed his gaze on Yuan Bingyan.

She gave a playful smile and returned to her seat.

“This girl is such a trickster...” Chen Ping thought.

Yuan Bingyan’s smile was always warm; no matter how wounded a heart was, seeing that smile would heal it.

Just now, her smile had quickened Chen Ping’s heartbeat.

But that was fine.

Though Yuan Bingyan chose "I Am an Extra," she was a female role, so it didn’t conflict with Chen Ping’s choice.

Since he was going to act in "I Am an Extra," partnering with Yuan Bingyan was a decent option.

“Heh, I didn’t expect Yuan Bingyan to pick your ‘I Am an Extra,’” Chen Kaige said to Er Dongshen. “You criticized her a lot before.”

“Is that my fault?” Er Dongshen didn’t think his words were wrong. “Her performance in ‘Three Lives, Three Worlds’ was terrible. If it weren’t for Chen Youwei being even worse, I would have demoted her to B-level.”

Clearly, Er Dongshen was unhappy that Yuan Bingyan chose his project.

He had hoped for a more capable actor to challenge his film.

However, when Chen Ping finally chose "I Am an Extra," Er Dongshen, who had been stern-faced, showed a faint smile.

Though he wasn’t pleased with Yuan Bingyan’s choice, Chen Ping was a different matter altogether.

(End of chapter)