Chapter Fifty-Four: In the World of Crime, Debts Must Be Paid

Lin Xing laughed, “Brother Kong, weren’t you the one who taught me this? To remain calm and composed in all situations.”

“That’s right, but it’s much easier said than done.” Kong Tian shook his head gently. “I often tell actors who come to learn lines and performance that they must endure loneliness. But me? Truthfully, I’m starting to get restless myself.”

It’s easy to advise others, but not oneself.

Kong Tian was also a graduate of the Film Academy, a classmate of Ren Yi. Over the past twenty years, Ren Yi had become the leading man of television dramas, while Kong Tian had barely any roles to play.

Despite this, Kong Tian still had some influence in the industry. His acting workshops attracted various insiders, and even some production crews invited him to train their actors.

Yet what he truly wanted was to act—a chance that had always eluded him.

For years, Kong Tian could only play minor roles. Otherwise, he taught actors how to deliver lines, waiting for an opportunity.

Compared to actresses, male actors often reach their golden age at forty.

But in the blink of an eye, Kong Tian was almost fifty.

How many twenty-year spans does an actor have to spend?

So, these days, even Kong Tian found it hard to keep steady.

Of course, he didn’t discuss these matters much with Lin Xing, as there was little point.

Returning to business.

That morning, Lin Xing mainly learned the rhythm of delivering lines from Kong Tian. Kong Tian compared him to other actors.

Some actors’ lines are incomprehensible without subtitles; their speeches sound like rote recitations.

They become wooden, lifeless.

When delivering lines, you must immerse yourself in the character, embody their thoughts, reflections, and responses.

This is part of rhythm.

“Exactly, you should pause here when delivering this line, because the character is supposed to be thinking and judging in this moment.”

“Mastering rhythm and inner emotional shifts, Ah Xing, your lines are basically adequate. Next, you need to deepen your understanding—understand the character, the psychology behind every line.”

...

For most of the morning, Lin Xing followed Kong Tian, learning the rhythm of line delivery.

Not only that, Lin Xing occasionally discussed the character Zhou Bo with Kong Tian, especially supplementing the character’s background.

“Your idea is correct. Zhou Bo definitely suffered discrimination as a child, called a mongrel, but what does he do when he succeeds?”

Kong Tian said, “He couldn’t retaliate before, so he acted honest and humble, even timid. But inside, he harbored resentment. When he succeeds, he will certainly seek revenge, as cruelly as possible…”

On this point, Kong Tian found no fault with Lin Xing’s character background.

Since he’s meant to be villainous, a little more evil wouldn’t hurt.

At lunchtime, Lin Xing and Kong Tian ate takeout in the studio.

“If you get a chance, you should consult Ren Yi when you’re on set.”

Kong Tian smiled, “Ren Yi’s line delivery is the best among our classmates. If you really have scenes with him, learn as much as you can. His performance is powerful—his portrayal of a crime boss was so iconic it’s included in acting textbooks.”

At this, Kong Tian suddenly slapped his forehead, “Right, remember to rewatch classic scenes of Ren Yi and Wang Fei, see how they play villains.”

Lin Xing nodded lightly, “I’ve been rewatching classic villain scenes lately and also researching real cases online.”

“That works. The subject matter is based on reality, and reality is often harsher.”

Kong Tian shook his head, “Especially with these crime dramas, watching real cases and documentaries is helpful…”

As they spoke, Kong Tian saw a push notification on his phone and chuckled, “Director Zu is as domineering as ever—he’s speaking up for you.”

“Huh?” Lin Xing was surprised, “What do you mean?”

“See for yourself,” Kong Tian grinned, “Director Zu responded directly.”

Lin Xing quickly checked online.

“A reporter contacted Director Zu Ming about rumors that ‘Sweeping Black Waves’ was influenced by capital, and Zu Ming replied, ‘Would I not know if investors were interfering? Besides, is there any investor who can manipulate me?’”

...

“Ha, Zu Ming really can’t keep his integrity in his old age. Remember Director Liu Feng, who used popular actors, his film flopped, then he admitted he shouldn’t have relied on them.”

“Zu Ming truly can’t keep it together now, his stubbornness is identical to Liu Feng’s.”

“Haha, even if you used Niu Xiang or Bian Pengtao, it’d be fine, but why Lin Xing?”

“Come on, Niu Xiang can barely do anything but a blank stare, and Bian Pengtao can’t even deliver lines properly.”

“Exactly, Niu Xiang and Bian Pengtao, the two top stars, wouldn’t dare go this far. They’re busy feuding with Chu Chen lately.”

“That’s why Lin Xing is getting cocky, thinks he’s better than Chu Chen, believes he can star in a serious drama just because he broke out as Du Fei. What a joke.”

...

This is the current climate of public opinion around popular actors.

The aversion to internet celebrities had reached its peak, with capital constantly silencing critics, so the public is extremely hostile to them crossing into serious drama.

As the saying goes, those who play the game must pay the price.

Not only internet celebrities—take Chen Zhifei, who used to be well liked and won several acting awards, but after directing flop after flop for money, even his latest, best-directed film couldn’t win audiences over.

Same principle.

Building a reputation is hard—it takes constant effort, bit by bit. But its collapse is easy, sometimes instantaneous.

Audiences aren’t fools; you might trick them once, but never three times.

So, even if Zu Ming insists the casting had nothing to do with investors, it’s useless.

Most people still believe it won’t work.

On the way home, Lin Xing received a call from Sister Dao.

“Xing Xing, I’ve already coordinated with the ‘Sweeping Black Waves’ production team. We talked yesterday and strengthened the communication today, so we’ll stick to the plan—on the 15th, we attend the opening ceremony.”

Sister Dao continued, “I didn’t expect Director Zu to speak up himself.”

“He probably thought the online criticism went too far.”

Lin Xing laughed, “Director Feng Gang just told me, he said Zu Ming’s eyes tolerate no sand.”

They chatted briefly about tomorrow’s schedule.

Tomorrow, Lin Xing would shoot for ‘Fashion Men’s Style.’

“Alright, I got it,” Lin Xing said, hanging up.

He didn’t need to worry much about the ‘Fashion Men’s Style’ shoot; Sister Dao and the magazine had already arranged the time, location, and even the interview outline.

In short, Lin Xing only needed to focus on one thing from now on.

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