Chapter 33: Wait, Why Do They Get to Have That Expression?

Su Mu’s first scene with Zhang Jianlin was a pivotal moment in the whole script. This particular confrontation was essential for the emotional foundation of the story; only with this scene could the subsequent developments and Gao Qiqiang’s choices win the audience’s sympathy.

The background was as follows: Gao Qiqiang had been bullied by Tang Xiaohu and Tang Xiaolong, forced into a corner and compelled to defend himself by fighting back, which ultimately landed him in the police station. That day happened to be New Year’s Eve. The interrogation room was cold and deserted, and Gao Qiqiang, battered and bruised, was still worried about making New Year’s dinner for his younger brother, begging the protagonist to let him go home. But the police regulations were strict; he wasn’t released.

Still, the soft-hearted An Xin allowed Gao Qiqiang’s brother Gao Qisheng and sister Gao Qilan to bring a box of dumplings to the station. When Gao Qiqiang took a bite, he suddenly realized these were from his brother. In that moment, his emotions erupted—tears of grievance and weakness streamed down his face.

The emotional complexity of this confrontation was intense and layered. Whether it was the protagonist An Xin’s constant struggle over whether to show leniency, or Gao Qiqiang’s pitiful, timid, and helpless tears, this scene laid the groundwork for the entire narrative. If this scene failed, the subsequent twists in the characters’ personalities would lose their impact.

So, the actors who came to watch knew how crucial this was. Naturally, Ning Yuyan and Zhang Huaimo were worried as well. If, as in the audition, Su Mu were simply expressing emotion alone before the camera, he might manage. But the difficulty with such a confrontation lies in having another actor to spar with, which could disrupt his rhythm or even drag him along with their performance. If only one actor’s aura dominated, the whole scene might collapse. It’s not uncommon for young actors to be overwhelmed by a powerful presence, losing track of their lines.

If Su Mu performed as such, it would be a slap in Zhang Huaimo’s face. After all, Director Zhang had never chosen the wrong actor all these years.

Half an hour later, the crew was ready. Su Mu, made up and dressed in dirty clothes, arrived on set. Zhang Jianlin had already been waiting inside, dressed in police uniform, his deep gaze fixed on the floor, radiating an undeniable presence. As people said, Zhang Jianlin was already in character, as if he truly was An Xin—a straightforward yet soft-hearted policeman.

“Hello, Su Mu.” Zhang Jianlin greeted him as soon as he arrived.

Su Mu smiled and waved, “Hello, hello. Please guide me well.”

Zhang Jianlin replied, “You’re being modest. I was there at the audition. If you could make Director Zhang pound the table in praise, you’ll do just fine.”

A polite exchange before the real contest. If it had been the old Su Mu, he would have found it hard to respond under such pressure. Once the scene started, he might have been led around by Zhang Jianlin’s nose. But now, with improved proficiency, his acting had leveled up.

This scene relied heavily on emotion and expression. Gao Qiqiang, at this point, hadn’t turned to crime yet; he was still a timid fish vendor with no ties to the underworld. He needed to show helplessness and grievance when arrested, and when tasting his brother’s dumplings, he had to cry with the despair of the downtrodden. These were the hardest moments, easily disrupted by Zhang Jianlin’s performance.

Having run through lines with Zhang Jianlin and Zhang Huaimo, the camera was ready.

“‘Under the Storm,’ scene six, action!” The director called out.

The scene began. All eyes fixed on the set.

“You say…!” In the interrogation room, Zhang Jianlin slipped instantly into character, his aura filling the space, dragging everyone into the scene. His lines burst forth with incredible force.

Seeing Zhang Jianlin at full power, many murmured to themselves.

“Zhang Jianlin’s acting keeps getting better.”

“Indeed, he’s nailed the character, and his emotional expression is spot-on.”

“This is Zhang Jianlin’s rhythm. Su Mu might not keep up.”

“Let’s hope he doesn’t get scared off, haha.”

Meanwhile, Ning Yuyan, holding Sun Danfei’s arm, watched the director’s monitor. If Ning Yuyan was the pure and steady type, Sun Danfei was the voluptuous, glamorous queen. If not for her attributes, Zhang Huaimo wouldn’t have cast her as the crime boss’s wife.

Sun Danfei remarked, “Zhang Jianlin is going to set the pace again. I’ve worked with him before—his presence is hard to match. Su Mu will probably have to retake the scene.”

Ning Yuyan nodded lightly. “Let’s hope he doesn’t get overwhelmed too badly.”

Sun Danfei teased, “Oh, you know him?”

Ning Yuyan shook her head. “Not really. I only met him because I was helping that star-chasing heiress.”

Sun Danfei laughed. “Then if her idol gets totally outperformed by Zhang Jianlin, she might be heartbroken. And since my character ends up marrying Gao Qiqiang, if I kiss her brother, maybe she’ll resent me.”

Ning Yuyan threw a glance at Sun Danfei, knowing she was joking and said nothing.

But in the next moment, her eyes were instantly drawn to the monitor.

And at the same time, the whole room fell silent.

“Please, please, officer, let me go home. I want to make dumplings for my brother and sister…” Su Mu’s voice rang out.

The camera shifted. The cameraman switched to a close-up of Su Mu.

“!!!”

“!!!”

Everyone stared in astonishment.

No retakes?

He hadn’t been thrown off by Zhang Jianlin’s presence, nor was he flustered.

That face, as if it had struggled in the lowest depths, appeared before everyone’s eyes.

“Damn! That expression is incredible!”

Someone couldn’t help but mutter in awe.

Yes, at this moment Su Mu’s expression before the camera was nothing short of masterful. Many wondered how such an expression could convey so many layered emotions—pleading, helplessness, fear, grievance—all blended into his features.

Zhang Jianlin: “???”

Even Zhang Jianlin was stunned. A moment ago, he thought Su Mu, head bowed, would call for a retake. Instead, not only was he unaffected by Zhang Jianlin’s aura, he deftly redirected the energy to himself.

Of course, Su Mu’s ability to guide the scene stemmed mainly from his complex expression, instantly drawing the audience in and sparking empathy. Just a single expression did all that.

Zhang Jianlin steadied himself, continuing his lines. He tried to intensify his performance to pressure Su Mu, hoping to regain control of the emotional flow. But when Su Mu took the lunchbox, ate a dumpling, and tears burst forth in a torrent of complexity, Zhang Jianlin realized he had lost his chance in this scene.

Damn! This guy is rich, handsome, and surrounded by female fans, living so comfortably—how could he portray such pitiful helplessness? Could it be he’s actually abused by his manager in private? Without such experience, such precise expression would be impossible!

At that moment, some began to suspect Su Mu had truly suffered abuse.

[Expression proficiency +1]
[Emotion proficiency +1+1…]
[Line delivery proficiency +1]
[Skill points +0.01…+0.01…]
[Congratulations! Behavior mimicry proficiency unlocked!]
[Behavior mimicry proficiency LV0: 1/10 (novice)]

These stats flashed through his mind. Su Mu maintained composure and kept acting.

…

“Cut!” After a few minutes, Zhang Huaimo loudly called cut, then stood and applauded, “Excellent! That’s a wrap!”

Huh? One take?

Everyone was dumbfounded.

Zhou Yi: “!!!”
Ning Yuyan: “!!!”
Sun Danfei: “!!!”
The crowd: “!!!”

This Su Mu…really has something special!