Chapter 61: The Next Drama, Male Lead Number Two

"Chen Ping, you've really become an overnight sensation."

As he was resting, a voice came from behind.

Chen Ping knew this was the actor Kang Kai.

Ever since the scene where Chen Ping portrayed Han Xin receiving his military commission, his acting prowess had won the admiration of a group of veteran and skilled actors.

Kang Kai sported a full, bushy beard and spoke with a straightforward, blunt manner. He and Chen Ping got along quite well.

Seeing Chen Ping surrounded by a crowd of extras just moments ago, Kang Kai said with a trace of envy, "I wish I could have a scene like that someday. How wonderful would that be."

"Brother Kai, that's entirely possible. Why don't you just shave off that beard of yours?"

"No way. This beard is more important to my life."

At the mention of his beard, Kang Kai shook his head vigorously.

Kang Kai's beard was practically his trademark. Without it, he would look utterly ordinary.

After some idle chatter, Gao Xixi specifically sought out Chen Ping that afternoon before filming commenced.

Gao Xixi looked Chen Ping up and down intently, then remarked, "Chen Ping, did the makeup artist deliberately make you look ugly?"

"Uh, Director Gao... what do you mean by that?"

"Oh, nothing. I just didn't expect you, kid, to cause such a massive sensation. I was thinking that once *The Legend of Chu and Han* wraps up, we could use you to draw a significant amount of traffic and buzz."

And that was indeed the case.

*The Legend of Chu and Han* was a serious, traditional historical drama.

Generally speaking, serious dramas didn't attract a massive wave of internet traffic or sensationalist hype.

At most, viewers tuned in for seasoned veteran actors like Mr. Chen Daoming.

As for actors like Peter Ho and Yang Lixin, while they possessed some popularity, their fan followings weren't particularly overwhelming.

Even in the case of Mr. Chen Daoming, his traffic wasn't the kind of terrifying, frenzy-inducing sort.

Mr. Chen Daoming's popularity remained steady and consistent.

With Mr. Chen Daoming on board, the project's viewership wouldn't plummet, but it was never going to reach the dizzying heights commanded by trendy, traffic-driven young idols.

However.

Chen Ping was different.

Given Chen Ping's current level of buzz, if they played their cards right with some strategic publicity, it could genuinely inject a substantial boost of visibility into *The Legend of Chu and Han*.

Yet Chen Ping kept a very clear head about the situation. "Director Gao, please don't tease me. Whatever little bit of traffic I have will likely only last a few days. Who knows if anyone will even remember me after a short while?"

"That's not necessarily true."

If it were anyone else, Gao Xixi might not have entertained such thoughts.

But this was Chen Ping.

Ever since Chen Ping joined the cast of *The Legend of Chu and Han*, he had delivered surprise after surprise to Gao Xixi time and time again.

Perhaps Chen Ping's sudden explosion in popularity right now was a stroke of fortunate coincidence, but who was to say that after some time, Chen Ping wouldn't pull another surprise out of his hat?

"Alright, Chen Ping, you won't need to shoot your scenes for this afternoon."

"Huh?"

"I'll have Old Yan rethink the plot and write a few more scenes specifically for you."

"Add more scenes?"

"What, you unwilling?"

"No, no, no. Willing! Director Gao, I am more than willing!"

Which actor in their right mind would ever turn down such an opportunity?

Though Chen Ping desperately wanted to clarify that his looks weren't actually so earth-shattering as to cause a tragedy, he held his tongue.

As for why he suddenly blew up in popularity, it was closely tied to the stark contrast of his previous appearances.

For instance, in the second episode, Chen Ping still looked thoroughly ordinary.

Then, turning to the third episode, his presence exploded instantly.

Such a dramatic unmasking and reveal naturally possessed immense viewing value.

And that was what ultimately forged Chen Ping's current level of popularity.

Still, who could predict whether their fame would endure into the future?

Since Gao Xixi insisted on expanding his role, Chen Ping saw no need to argue further.

He understood the reality of his situation well enough; as for what others thought, that was entirely their business.

Of course, Gao Xixi probably saw through it as well, but no doubt the director had his own calculations.

Regardless of the reasons...

Chen Ping's sudden surge in popularity following his appearance on *Actors, Please Take Your Place* had undeniably brought him immense benefits.

His follower count had multiplied.

His professional standing had risen.

He was even getting extra scenes written for him.

And that wasn't all...

That very evening, Wu Yu personally made a trip to the set of *The Legend of Chu and Han*.

"Sister Wu, what brings you here?"

"I'm your manager. Why on earth shouldn't I be here?"

"Hehe, don't you have a bunch of other actors to manage? How could you possibly have the time to visit me?"

"Well, what if I told you that from now on, I'm only going to manage you?"

"Only manage me?"

Chen Ping looked slightly surprised. "Sister Wu, I'm honestly flattered."

"What's there to be flattered about? It's not like you don't know—you've blown up over the past couple of days."

"It's just a tiny flash in the pan. I figure it's probably just a gust of wind that will blow over quickly enough."

"You've certainly got a level head on your shoulders, but wind or no wind, let me tell you some good news: the higher-ups have noticed you."

After Wu Yu explained the situation at length, Chen Ping finally understood the purpose of her visit.

"Sister Wu, are the higher-ups planning to tilt resources in my direction?"

"You could put it that way."

"What about the contract?"

Chen Ping remained rather cautious regarding this point.

If they expected him to trade resource allocation for an extended contract period, he would have to think very carefully.

Chen Ping had no desire to tie himself down too tightly.

Otherwise, he would have signed a long-term contract in the first place.

"Knowing you wouldn't agree to swap for a long-term contract, the company is accommodating you this time. We'll keep your original contract terms intact."

"Still the original contract?"

Chen Ping looked a bit perplexed. "What does that mean?"

"Don't you get it?"

Wu Yu chuckled. "You're getting a massive bargain here. Even though the contract remains unchanged, the resources allocated to you will be completely different from before."

"Good grief, seriously?"

This was an incredible windfall; Chen Ping found it somewhat hard to believe. "Are the higher-ups really being this generous?"

"So... since the company is treating you with such high regard, they naturally hope you'll maintain your partnership withhengteng in the future, even if the contracts you sign down the road aren't long-term ones."

"That won't be a problem."

Chen Ping could genuinely feel Shengteng's sincerity in this gesture.

In truth, ever since he joined Shengteng, while he hadn't received an overwhelming abundance of resources, things had been decent overall.

At the very least, the company hadn't put him in deep freeze, and resources hadn't been entirely absent—even if quite a few of them had come through his own connections.

Given such a relaxed contract framework, receiving this level of treatment was already more than satisfactory.

Now that Shengteng had taken notice of him and was shifting more resources toward him, it naturally earned a great deal of goodwill from Chen Ping.

If they could continue cooperating under this kind of model, Chen Ping wouldn't rule out signing with Shengteng again in the future.

"Alright, I'll pass your words along to the company. By the way, how much longer until your scenes as Han Xin wrap up?"

"I have no idea. Originally it was supposed to be these past few days, but Director Gao mentioned this afternoon that he wants to rewrite the script for Han Xin. As for how long that will take, who knows?"

"That's a good thing; it means they're expanding your role. No worries. Once *The Legend of Chu and Han* wraps up, head straight back to the company. We've already lined up a role for you."

"What kind of role?"

Chen Ping brimmed with anticipation.

Shengteng was really pulling through.

They promised resources and actually delivered.

This elevated Chen Ping's favorable impression of Shengteng even further.

Though he knew this upgrade was happening primarily because his own influence and market value had risen, the fact that Shengteng acted on it made them a respectable company to work with.

"It's a secret for now."

"Oh, come on..."

Chen Ping felt a mild wave of frustration.

Fortunately, Wu Yu immediately added, "Although it's a secret, I can drop a tiny hint. You're the second male lead..."

"The two-hundredth male lead?"

"Pfft—"

Wu Yu laughed so hard her stomach hurt, deciding to drop the subject altogether. "Yes, yes, yes, you're the two-hundredth male lead. Head back to the company and get ready."

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Author's Note: Everyone, take a guess at which television drama our protagonist will be starring in next, and which role he will play.