Chapter 126: Want to Compare Grades? We’re Not Afraid in the Least, Okay? (Extended Chapter)

On the red carpet.

Zhang Jianlin, Zhou Yi, and others took the initiative to greet Su Mu. After all, they had collaborated on Zhang Huaimou’s production previously. For a time, Zhang Jianlin had felt somewhat uncomfortable being overshadowed by Su Mu’s acting prowess. However, after more than a year of adjustment, he had gradually let it go. Of course, this was largely because the two of them had little interaction, and it was unlikely they would work together again, so he eventually found peace with it. A momentary high or low meant nothing; there was always someone better. Even if one were to surpass the hurdle of Su Mu, there would always be stronger opponents waiting ahead. This industry never lacked competitors; there was no end to it.

Just like today at the Golden Peng Awards. Even though Su Mu’s popularity and traffic had been at the peak for the entire year, he still had to temporarily defer to the likes of Lin Haoming, Wang Xuan, and others. Until the Lunar New Year season next March, it would likely remain their home turf. Maintaining a steady mindset and knowing one’s place—that was the only way to live comfortably in this industry. This was a lesson Zhang Jianlin had only realized in the last six months.

What he didn't know, however, was that Chen Yang, standing on the other side, had realized this even earlier. Chen Yang walked up beside Su Mu, consciously lagging half a step behind, maintaining a very precise distance. He was still carrying out the experience he had summarized earlier: as long as you aren't Su Mu’s competitor, the world is a wonderful place.

"Chen Yang, here’s a pen." Su Mu signed his name first and then handed the pen to Chen Yang.

Chen Yang was slightly stunned. "You remember me?"

Of course he remembered. It would be hard to forget a face that relied on post-production retouching... Su Mu smiled brightly, looking incredibly amiable. "Of course. I remember that day on set, you were the one who took the initiative to come over and introduce yourself. How could I forget?"

[Expression Proficiency +1]
[Emotional Proficiency +1]
[Skill Point +0.01...]

He hadn't expected Su Mu to actually value him so much. Chen Yang felt a little touched. Truly, the strong were always approachable. After signing and finishing the photos, the group entered the venue.

...

"Is that Su Mu?"

On the red carpet behind them, two handsome men in expensive suits were conversing. On the periphery, fans could be heard clearly shouting their names: Lin Haoming and Wang Xuan.

Wang Xuan nodded. "His heat hasn't been low these past two years. I reckon he’ll be testing the waters in the box office market soon."

Lin Haoming glanced ahead and then smiled. "Traffic stars with heat come and go every few years. Many come to the film market, but how many actually stay? In the end, don't they all just slink back to acting in idol dramas?"

In the circle of pure actors, a distinction is often made between actors and idols. Although both act and do similar work, most who graduated from professional acting academies dislike grouping the two together, as it makes it difficult to reflect the professionalism of the craft. Su Mu was widely known as an outsider who had initially relied on his looks to gain fans while doing little more than standing still in various dramas. Even though he had made great strides in the last two years, he still couldn't erase that first impression held by many peers in the industry. The nature of his career was seen as little different from those in the variety or music circuits who just come over to act to make some quick money.

Wang Xuan remarked, "Actually, Su Mu’s performances in the last two years have been quite good. To have gained Zhang Huaimou’s approval, he must have some real skills. Besides, acting ability doesn't always equate to box office."

Lin Haoming shook his head. "I’m not looking down on anyone; I’m just stating objective facts. Fame is so easy to come by now that all sorts of people are squeezing into the film circle, leading to uneven quality in works. Ultimately, it’s the audience’s confidence that suffers. They say foreign blockbusters are classics—isn't that just because there’s a gap in the quality of our own?"

Wang Xuan looked at Lin Haoming and suddenly smiled. "Oh? Lin Haoming, why does your mood feel a bit off today? Do you have an opinion on Su Mu? But he isn't even nominated this year, so he shouldn't be your competitor, right?"

Lin Haoming gave a faint hum and said nothing. Wang Xuan looked at him, thoughtful. He had known Lin Haoming for a long time and understood him well. To be honest, he was a bit arrogant, but his acting skills were truly impeccable. There were very few people at this stage who could keep pace with him. Logically, even if Su Mu entered the film circle, it shouldn't bother him this much—unless it involved something affecting his own vital interests. Was it because the fans online had been comparing them these past few days? No. Wang Xuan didn't care about such things himself, so Lin Haoming definitely wouldn't.

Suddenly, something clicked. Wang Xuan looked at Lin Haoming in surprise. "Damn, don't tell me there's been some movement regarding that big-budget project?"

Lin Haoming’s eyes flickered, then he whispered, "It’s still early. The pre-production alone will take at least another two years."

Hearing this, Wang Xuan was startled. Seeming to confirm his guess, he raised an eyebrow. "So, is it true that Su Mu might join the competition? Are the investors looking at him? Or did someone recommend him?"

Lin Haoming nudged Wang Xuan. "I don't know."

Wang Xuan: "What do you mean you don't know?"

Lin Haoming: "I don't know means I don't know."

Wang Xuan: "I heard the investment for this project is huge, with top-tier production teams. Landing an important role would make it hard not to become a star. Your company has been operating for you for a long time, right? Getting a part shouldn't be hard, but is there something about the role..."

Lin Haoming: "There's no point in saying anything now. Until the very end, who gets which role is an unknown. With a production of this scale, it’s all about strength. In the next two years, I will fight my way up with results."

Wang Xuan: "666."

...

The red carpet segment concluded. The awards ceremony began shortly after. Su Mu sat in the fourth row with Chen Yang, Zhang Jianlin, and others. He had originally wanted to go over to greet Zhang Huaimou and Chen Anzhi, but it was two rows away and inconvenient, so he didn't bother. The seating arrangement inside was very particular, based on professional seniority from front to back. The front rows were reserved for major directors or influential heavyweights, while those with nominated works sat further back. For instance, Lin Haoming and Wang Xuan sat just behind the group of directors.

At this moment, Zhang Huaimou, Chen Anzhi, and others were chatting enthusiastically around a woman. Chen Yang suddenly looked on with admiration. "Dong Xuefei is still as charming as ever. These big directors are always swarming around her."

Su Mu: "???"

Chen Yang: "But it’s normal. Back in the day, Dong Xuefei was a talented woman who was famous across the country. With a distinguished family background and her later success as a director, she’s produced one classic after another, fully on par with Director Zhang and the others."

Su Mu pondered for a moment, then asked, "I heard Dong Xuefei has a new film for this year's Lunar New Year season?"

Chen Yang nodded. "Exactly. It’s her own romantic novella, 'Love Elegy.' It’s very popular online, so she filmed it this year. With Lin Haoming starring, the box office will surely exceed a hundred million."

Hearing Lin Haoming’s name, Su Mu looked toward the front. Back in Beijing, Zhang Huaimou had specifically mentioned this person to him. According to him, this man had a similar acting style to Su Mu—good looks, solid acting, and capable of action sequences. He was very well-rounded. Therefore, if Su Mu wanted to achieve good results in the Lunar New Year box office next year, Lin Haoming would definitely be one of his competitors.

...

On stage, the host began the awards ceremony process. Awards were presented one after another. Every time a nomination was announced, everyone held their breath. But down below, Zhang Huaimou and the other directors were whispering. Unless it was a major award, they generally didn't pay too much attention.

"Xuefei, your Lunar New Year film is starting production soon, right?"

Dong Xuefei nodded. "As soon as the ceremony ends, we start. We need to wrap up and release it before the Spring Festival."

Zhang Huaimou: "Hmph, those two old boys Gu An and Wu Dongsheng are going to have a headache."

Dong Xuefei smiled. "I’m just giving back to my readers. After all, it’s my book, and adapting it fulfills a wish."

Zhang Huaimou sighed. "I really admire people like you. Being an author yourself and also skilled in film art—a rarity in this world."

Dong Xuefei: "Oh, cut it out. How many times did your box office crush mine in years past?"

Zhang Huaimou laughed awkwardly and changed the subject. "By the way, I’ve met a young man in the last two years who is just as talented as you—not only can he act, but more importantly, he can write."

"You’re talking about Su Mu, aren't you?"

"You know him?"

Dong Xuefei sighed helplessly. "You collaborated so hotly with him last year; the internet was full of your trending topics, how could I not know? He even won a Screenwriting Award at the Peak of China. I took note of him back then. He is indeed a very good actor. I haven't seen his scripts, but those few films of his had a lot of vision."

Zhang Huaimou’s eyes shifted. "So you’ve been paying attention to him? Do you think it’s possible for him to participate in that big production?"

"Are you fishing for information?"

"Ha, just chatting. But if you're casting, you might as well have him try out. He’s really good."

Dong Xuefei didn't nod, but she didn't shake her head either. "It’s too early to say. Several versions of the script haven't been finalized. The production team needed is too large, and the funds from the investors are substantial; it all takes time. As of now, it needs at least two more years of preparation. However, concerning casting, someone on the investor side has indeed mentioned Su Mu. I’ve recently watched a few of his dramas, and he is indeed quite good. If possible, I’m willing to let him come in for an audition."

"Did you have someone else in mind before?"

"It’s all still in the intent stage; nothing is that fast. After all, no one can control the future. Xu Jiang is a cautionary tale—everything about the script was fine, but before filming even started, the lead actor was gone."

Zhang Huaimou laughed heartily. "Xuefei, don't mock Xu Jiang. His accident was a blessing in disguise."

Dong Xuefei: "What do you mean?"

Zhang Huaimou: "Recently, Su Mu took over the lead role in that film. Just watch, that genre is going to be a hit next year."

The two in the front were chatting heatedly, while Lin Haoming and Wang Xuan in the back heard everything clearly.

...

Wang Xuan looked at Lin Haoming’s unnatural expression, basically confirming his previous guesses. Lin Haoming’s company had been working hard these past few years to get him on this big-budget cruise ship. In previous years, some film works didn't matter much; whether the box office was high or low didn't affect much. But this time was different—it was very likely that this work would reach international audiences. If it could have an impact abroad, Lin Haoming would have a solid chance to take a firm step onto the international stage. Opportunities were limited; if you grabbed one, you got it; if you missed it, you might never have another.

Therefore, Lin Haoming’s view of Su Mu was tinged with vigilance. And right now, that hostility had grown a little more. If these words had come from someone else, it would be one thing, but Dong Xuefei was the director of that major production. If she said Su Mu had a chance, it wasn't just idle talk.

"Alright, everyone! Next is the highlight for individual acting awards!" On stage, the host began the next process. "Let’s invite Zhang Huaimou, Dong Xuefei, Chen Anzhi, and Professor Zhuang Yan to the stage to present the Annual Best Character Award!"

Thunderous applause erupted. After they took the stage and gave brief speeches, the big screen began to announce the nominees. There were four nominees for Best Character, including Lin Haoming and Wang Xuan. Ultimately, without any surprises, Lin Haoming won the Best Character Award. Amidst the congratulations, he stood up to receive the award, and after a brief acceptance speech, the host asked him to stay for an interview.

Host: "Haoming is truly the standout among young actors. It seems you won this award last time as well, right? Two years in a row—what are your thoughts?"

Lin Haoming thought for a moment. "Nothing much. As long as I work hard, I believe it will always be mine."

Host: "Confident as always when you have the strength. We all know you might be working with Director Dong Xuefei on a film later, which I’m sure will be a great piece. As an actor who has already achieved success on this path, what do you have to say to the new filmmakers coming up?"

Lin Haoming took the microphone. "I know many people are about to enter the film market, but there are high walls built by our predecessors here. If you want to climb them, start with me first. I look forward to competing with them head-on, and I look forward to their performance."

Lin Haoming finished confidently, and a wave of cheers erupted from the fans below.

"Wow, Lin Haoming is so imposing!"
"Haha, those newcomers better tremble now; Lin Haoming hasn't met an opponent in his acting for years!"
"Forgot to mention, someone said earlier that Su Mu could compare to Lin Haoming. I think that’s a bit of a stretch!"
"Now one is on stage and the other is off—that’s the best response!"
"Hmph, Su Mu hasn't even started filming yet. When he competes at the box office, he’ll definitely crush Lin Haoming!"
"Haha, you’re dreaming, little sister. Let your Su Mu first reach a level where he can stand steady alongside someone like Lin Haoming before you speak!"

The fans on-site and online began to clash again. However, Lin Haoming standing on stage was indeed more persuasive. At that moment, the high-altitude camera on the big screen swept across the seating area and finally landed on Su Mu!

Whoosh!

The whole venue let out a collective "Wow."

The host seized the opportunity and said, "Haha, the director really knows how to stir the pot. That’s perfect. We all know Su Mu has been incredibly popular lately, and I’ve heard he’s going to try cinema films next year. I wonder if Su Mu has a response to Lin Haoming’s words?"

When the host finished speaking, many were stunned. Those in the know understood this was definitely the organizers trying to stir up trouble for traffic. It was obvious that the fans of the two had been at each other's throats for the past two days. Everyone turned their eyes toward Su Mu. In truth, Lin Haoming’s words were quite difficult to respond to.

However, at this moment, Su Mu took the microphone, showing no signs of nervousness. Instead, he smiled with a calm and detached air. He looked at the camera as if looking at everyone, and specifically at Lin Haoming, giving his response:

"Six years since my debut, never defeated. I have high expectations."

"!!!"
"!!!"
"!!!"

PS: Thank you all for your support!