Chapter 22: Do You Deserve Fans Like This?

Life is like a stage play, and everything relies on acting; if you want to show off, you need some real talent. Su Mu understood the deeper meaning of this saying for the first time.

Relying on good looks and wealth to show off is merely superficial. The true highest realm is when elegance and vulgarity are both appreciated—the knowledgeable recognize your skill, and those who don’t pretend to understand, still declaring you extraordinary. That is the summit.

At this moment, Su Mu’s audition was already brushing against the threshold of this highest level. Zhang Huaimou was among those who truly understood, so he praised him openly. As for the others who hadn’t fully grasped the script, seeing Zhang Huaimou’s admiration, they naturally couldn’t remain indifferent. They couldn’t let it show that they had no idea what Su Mu had just performed; that would seem utterly unprofessional.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the crew grew quiet. No one had expected that the internet’s most questioned celebrity would genuinely pass Director Zhang’s audition.

[Emotion Control Proficiency +1]
[Skill Point +0.01]
[Facial Expression Control Proficiency Lv0: 1/10 (Novice)]

After the performance, parameters appeared in Su Mu’s mind, awarding him some skill points. Meanwhile, a new proficiency was unlocked: facial expression control.

A quick glance suggested it too belonged to the realm of acting skills. Emotional proficiency combined with facial expression proficiency—these two complemented each other. Mastering micro-expressions was essentially the sublimation and incremental growth of inner drama and emotion.

Having both would elevate acting to a higher level.

Just now, when Su Mu performed Gao Qiqiang, before shedding tears, he made one side of his face twitch, but it wasn’t done well. From the camera’s perspective, his facial muscles seemed too deliberate, lacking the natural ease that Zhang Songwen had shown in his previous life.

Fortunately, this didn’t affect Zhang Huaimou’s recognition of his performance. But if Su Mu could raise his facial expression proficiency to a higher level, then this scene could reach a whole new dimension.

Of course, Su Mu wasn’t in a hurry. After all, this was just the audition; once he joined the crew, there would be plenty of opportunities.

...

Director Zhang’s audition concluded smoothly.

Most actors who had come now knew whether they would be cast in the show.

“Wow, Director Zhang’s audition was intense. My last film was with another big director, but it wasn’t nearly this nerve-wracking.”

“Yeah, but at least our results are decent—we get to join the crew.”

“By the way, Su Mu was really unexpected this time. He actually has something to offer.”

“Well, he’s a popular artist. No matter the ridicule online, anyone who survives in this business must have some hidden talent. I think we were blinded by his looks before and assumed he had no acting skills. But really, this domineering CEO role in idol dramas is all about keeping a stern face.”

“Haha, you sure know how to flatter, what a unique angle. When filming starts, don’t go serving him tea and water.”

“Oh, come on, I’m just expressing amazement.”

At this point, the actors were leaving the studio, chatting as they prepared to head home.

Behind them, Ning Yuyan, about to get into her car, overheard these conversations clearly.

Truth be told, Su Mu’s performance had also left her surprised and impressed. Zhang Huaimou was not the kind of director who impulsively cast actors; anyone who stayed had to be someone he believed had real potential.

Clearly, Su Mu had truly earned Director Zhang’s approval.

But based on her previous knowledge of Su Mu, he had never displayed the kind of skill he showed in front of the camera—shedding tears on cue. Was he really a natural-born actor?

Thinking this, Ning Yuyan got in the car and dialed a voice call.

Woman: “Hello? How did it go?”

Ning Yuyan: “It’s basically settled, but Director Zhang kept him at the end, probably to discuss the contract and theme song copyright.”

Woman: “Wow! Really? See, I told you Su Mu would make it.”

Ning Yuyan: “Come on, Miss, aren’t you overreacting? If you really like him that much, why not invest and have him shoot a dozen films for you, then you could watch him every day.”

Woman: “Ah... No way! I can’t interfere with his efforts. Besides, if I did that, it would change the nature of things. A true fan is a silent guardian, not someone with possessive urges, you understand?

Anyway, investing in movies is nothing compared to buying his company and becoming his boss. I’ve checked—Giant Elephant Media isn’t even listed, and their total assets with all artists and projects are just a couple billion, but that would be too obvious. Hmph, I’m not doing it.”

Ning Yuyan: “……”

How to put it—she suddenly felt like dying on the spot.

Sometimes, having a best friend who is rich and madly lovesick is actually exhausting.

On the other hand, Ning Yuyan suddenly felt a pang of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Why couldn’t she have such an excellent fan, one who could force her way in with money but chose instead to silently protect and restrain herself?

What had Su Mu ever done to deserve this?

Did he really?

...

In the studio, Zhang Huaimou kept Su Mu and Qian Jida behind.

Anyone who understood knew this was to discuss joining the crew.

Qian Jida was now so happy he was practically shaking. Ever since the awards ceremony, he’d felt like a stone was pressing on his chest, but now his worries had eased.

Although the company still held a pessimistic attitude about Su Mu’s declining popularity, at least now Qian Jida saw hope. If Su Mu successfully graduated from Zhang Huaimou’s hands, film offers would follow.

There were still more than two years—let’s say three years. The remaining six hundred million wasn’t out of reach. If Su Mu could break into the big screen, a single blockbuster might generate huge profits, not to mention other projects.

Albums, variety shows, livestreams, endorsements, and so on.

A star’s value should never be underestimated.

If the company swapped Su Mu’s resources with Li Xinjie’s, they would regret it.

Su Mu: “Mr. Qian, what are you thinking about?”

Qian Jida: “Oh, nothing. You did exceptionally well today.”

Su Mu: “Basic operation, don’t overrate it.”

While the two chatted, Zhang Huaimou approached with the crew’s assistant.

He patted Su Mu’s shoulder, nodding without reservation. “You have real ideas, young man. From entering the crew to now, I’ve been very satisfied with your performance.

It seems you have a profound understanding of Gao Qiqiang.”

Su Mu: “Thank you for your recognition, Director Zhang.”

Zhang Huaimou: “Since you are so dedicated, I’m willing to give you the chance. Signing on is no problem, but you know Gao Qiqiang is the soul of the script—he’s practically the protagonist.

So, if I really give you this role, you must seize the opportunity, don’t disappoint me.”

Su Mu’s eyes lit up.

“Thank you, Director Zhang. Rest assured, I’ll give this role my all.”

Zhang Huaimou smiled. “As for your salary, let your agent negotiate with our production team. The pay will definitely be less than your usual rate, I hope you understand. Also, I want to discuss the copyright of your previously released single…”