Chapter 7: Which academy did you graduate from? New Oriental.

Chapter 7: Which Academy Did You Graduate From? New Oriental

"Chao Xiaoshu."

Chen Ping’s heart skipped a beat. Back in his previous life, when the TV series *Nightfall* aired, the character Chao Xiaoshu had won immense praise from the audience. Although the character didn't have a massive amount of screen time, he managed to instantly captivate viewers in the opening episodes. If played well, even a role with limited screen time could make a lasting impression.

"Chen Ping, what do you think? Do you want to go for the audition?"

"A role this good? Of course I’m going." There was no room for hesitation.

"All right, get yourself ready. I’ll notify you when the time comes."

"Understood." He felt both surprised and delighted.

After Wu Yu left, Lin Guansen and Aliya couldn't help but feel envious. Chen Ping encouraged them, saying, "Like I said before, since the company signed us, they expect us to create value. Everyone will have their opportunities in the future."

That evening, Chen Ping carefully reread the original *Nightfall* novel. It was an adaptation of a web novel, yet the quality was exceptionally high. The book not only crafted a protagonist like Ning Que but also featured remarkably brilliant supporting characters. Sang Sang, the Master, Mo Shanshan, Li Manman, Jun Mo, Yu Lian, Chen Mou, Ye Su, Ye Hongyu—every one of them was breathtakingly well-written. Even the role of "Chao Xiaoshu" that Chen Ping had been offered, though small, was incredibly compelling. For Chen Ping, who had never landed such an important role before, it was a massive opportunity.

As he read, Chen Ping drafted a character biography for Chao Xiaoshu. Chao lived at Spring Breeze Pavilion and was the leader of the Fish-Dragon Gang, sworn brothers with the King of Tang. He acted as the King’s secret operative. After the battle at Spring Breeze Pavilion, he solidified the King's power, yet he chose not to pursue wealth or status, instead leaving the gang and distancing himself from the imperial court. The Sword Saint, Liu Bai, once remarked on Chao Xiaoshu: "This man possesses an extraordinary temperament; he is fearless in the face of death, has no regrets in the face of loss, lives his life with freedom, and remains true to his heart."

A character like this, let alone being a named figure in *Nightfall*, would leave a lasting memory even if he only appeared for a few moments.

...

"How is it going? How are you preparing?"

"Not bad. I’ve been reading the original novel for the past few days, and I feel there’s huge potential to explore with this character."

"That’s true. That is why you have ten rivals today."

"My god, that many?"

"If you could see how important this role is, then others surely could, too."

"Does that mean my chances aren't very high?"

"That will depend on your skills."

Three days later, Wu Yu took Chen Ping to the audition site. Most of the major roles in *Nightfall* had already been cast; they were only filling a few secondary, yet significant, roles. Chao Xiaoshu was one of them.

"Why didn't you mention that you knew President Jiang earlier?"

"Ah... in Hengcheng, who doesn't know President Jiang?"

"Don't play coy with me... If you had told me you knew him when we were signing the contract, your compensation terms would have been much better. Never mind, I won't press you. Just make sure to seize this audition."

Chen Ping understood. The audition opportunity he’d received had been arranged by President Jiang. Remembering how the President had promised him a role, he hadn't expected it to actually be true. It left Chen Ping feeling moved. He had only met President Jiang once and couldn't claim any real friendship. Perhaps for the President, giving Chen Ping an audition was nothing, but for Chen Ping, it was everything.

"Sister Wu, help me find a barbershop."

"Why?"

"Chao Xiaoshu in *Nightfall* is between thirty and forty. There’s a gap between my age and his. If I audition with my current look, it will count against me."

"It seems you really have been preparing... Let’s go, I’ll take you to a salon the company partners with."

Chen Ping was twenty-four. While it wasn't impossible for a twenty-four-year-old to play someone in their thirties, appearing without any makeup or styling would definitely feel jarring. Chen Ping wasn't a big star, nor was he an industry-acclaimed method actor. He needed to ensure that from the very first glance, the director couldn't find any fault. He also knew that the show's director, Yang Yang, despite being a woman, was a top-tier director in the country, a winner of the Feitian and Golden Eagle Awards for best director and screenplay. Her standards were always incredibly strict.

"Sister Wu, congratulations on signing another big star."

"My friend, I’m not a big star, just a small actor."

"No, no, in my eyes, you’re all big stars."

Wu Yu brought Chen Ping to a large image salon. Because of their partnership, everyone was familiar with each other. As soon as they entered, the manager, Guo Wei, cracked a joke.

"Xiao Guo, this is an actor I recently signed, Chen Ping. Give him a look that is a bit more mature."

"You got it." Guo Wei nodded, preparing to start.

Chen Ping interjected, "Manager Guo, I need it mature, but with a touch of world-weariness. Make my face a bit more bronze... and also, for this and this, do you have any wigs? Glue them on for me."

"This..." Guo Wei turned to look at Wu Yu.

Finding Chen Ping quite interesting, Wu Yu nodded and said, "Do as he says."

"You got it."

Two hours later, Chen Ping’s new look was complete. Standing before them was no longer a youth in his twenties, but a middle-aged man who had seen the trials of the world. With some messy long hair, he seemed to carry stories beyond words.

"By the way, do you have costumes?"

"What kind?"

"A long gown, the kind a swordsman in the martial arts world would wear."

"How about this one?"

"OK."

Although it was a salon, their partnership with the talent agency meant they had a variety of costumes on hand. Before long, Guo Wei had picked one out for Chen Ping. Once he changed into the long gown, Chen Ping’s presence shifted again.

Wu Yu looked him over repeatedly. "Chen Ping, I finally understand why you passed the arts entrance exam. Impressive." She gave him a thumbs-up, feeling a hint of admiration.

Beside them, Guo Wei heard about the exam. "Wow, Chen Ping, you passed the arts exam? Which academy did you graduate from?"

"New Oriental."

"Pfft..." Wu Yu burst out laughing. "Don't listen to him. He didn't graduate from New Oriental, nor any arts conservatory. He was a background extra in Hengcheng before this."

"A background extra... that’s amazing. Chen Ping, you are incredible. You know, I was an extra too. Damn, that life was brutal. I couldn't cut it, so I had to change careers." Compared to Wu Yu, Guo Wei was even more impressed. "I believe you’ll definitely land the role this time."

"I hope so. But I have a feeling this audition won't be easy."

Though he was prepared, Chen Ping didn't underestimate the challenge. Regardless of the outcome, he would give it his all. And if his best effort wasn't enough? Well... he’d just have to rely on the system. What else could he do? Chen Ping spread his hands. Wasn't that what the system was for—the critical moments?