Chapter 36: Keep Watch Outside While I Try Out the Performance (Please Keep Reading!)
No NG, another take completed.
Su Mu’s performance, raw and authentic, captivated many on set. Zhang Jianlin, though unwilling to concede, had to admit that Su Mu had fully embodied Gao Qiqiang from the moment he started gutting the fish. Particularly, the way he dipped his hand into the aquarium to rinse it was so meticulously handled—it was a detail he himself would never have thought to include. If he were in Su Mu’s place, such gestures would likely never occur to him.
Thud, thud, thud!
The sound of chopping fish echoed from afar.
“!!!”
“???”
Everyone paused, stunned. They turned to look and were left speechless.
Director Zhang Huaimou had already called “cut,” but Su Mu was still there, butchering fish on the chopping board.
“What… why is he still killing fish?”
At that moment, Su Mu had not left the set; he stood at the fish stall, fully absorbed in his task. It wasn’t that he was pretending to be invested—it was simply that he hadn’t expected the scene to be completed in one take yet again.
Initially, he was pleased with the lack of NGs, but as time passed, he realized that passing in one take was actually less efficient. During his performance, he could have gained much more proficiency, but one take meant only one chance to act, and thus fewer skill points to earn.
Seeing a few fish left untouched, Su Mu decided to finish them off quickly—every bit of experience counted.
“What’s up with Su Mu? Is he addicted to killing fish?”
“Hmph, just putting on a show. Didn’t hear the director call ‘cut’?”
Someone in the crew scoffed.
But to their surprise, the veteran actors immediately rebuked them. Especially Ma Baoguo, who seemed to understand everything at that moment: “Hmph! What do you know? If you can’t appreciate the craft, don’t judge an exceptional actor! Do you understand Su Mu? This is not an act—none of you know anything!”
“That’s right, Su Mu’s situation reminds me of our own experiences back in the day. He’s clearly ‘too deep in character’—he can’t snap out of it!”
“And this also proves, indirectly, that Su Mu is a fine actor. We were wrong about him before.”
“Indeed, the best way to portray a character is to truly become them. I believe Su Mu has already become Gao Qiqiang while killing fish.”
“This kid is really impressive—I’m tempted to recommend him to Feng Dagang.”
Zhang Jianlin: “!!!”
Zhou Yi: “!!!”
…
Fish Gutting Proficiency +1
Skill Points +0.01…
Su Mu was unaware that, at that moment, the veteran actors had concluded he was deeply immersed in his role and unable to break free, earning him universal praise. In reality, he just wanted to earn some skill points from gutting fish. Either way, the remaining fish would die eventually, so he might as well get it over with quickly.
(Fish: Thanks a lot.)
Naturally, he was never “too deep in character.” Although he now sought better acting skills, his ultimate goal was to lay the foundation for future high-paying roles. Just like Gao Qiqiang—selling fish with one hand, strategizing with the other. Making money always came first.
…
The day’s shoot ended.
Su Mu returned to the hotel with his assistant, Xiao Ju. After dinner, Qian Jida began packing his luggage, preparing to catch a flight to Mango City the next day.
He could have stayed with Su Mu for a few more days, but to ensure Su Mu’s work would continue in the second half of the year, he decided to leave early to “find business.” Even if it was a bit late, he would do his utmost.
While packing, Qian Jida fussed like a mother hen:
“Su Mu, let me tell you, in the crew you should network more, talk to the veteran actors—they’re valuable connections. Also, it’s fine to interact with Ning Yuyan and Sun Danfei, but don’t get too close. It’s okay to play around during the day, but absolutely not at night. In this industry, you really must keep your guard up, you understand. I’ll visit several TV stations in other cities to see if there are any suitable variety shows for you. As long as the appearance fee is good, we should take it. Xiao Ju will take care of you, so pay attention and call me if anything urgent comes up. And if Zhang Jianlin or Zhou Yi pull any tricks, don’t act impulsively—tell me immediately, I’ll back you up. Don’t worry, I have a thousand ways to mess them up! We have decent traffic, and when it comes to fan cohesion, we’ve never lost to anyone…”
Su Mu watched Qian Jida bustling about.
He simply listened quietly, never interrupting. It had always been like this; every time Qian Jida went on a business trip, he’d give a thorough briefing.
Their situation at the company was, in truth, mutually understood. Not only was Su Mu facing challenges, but as his agent, Qian Jida bore even greater pressure.
Su Mu knew he was holding in his frustration, and had been for a long time. Before their partnership, Qian Jida had managed an outstanding artist, once considered a potential superstar, but due to certain company decisions, that artist never reached their peak.
Su Mu didn’t know the exact details and had never asked, but he was certain this was Qian Jida’s greatest regret.
Su Mu said, “President Qian, you don’t have to worry so much. Once I finish filming with Director Zhang, I think there’ll be no shortage of offers.”
Qian Jida nodded, “I know. With Director Zhang and the veteran actors praising you, your career won’t be limited. But you still need to get through the second half of the year. Once your reputation is established, we can talk about other things. Even if you land new roles, you can still appear in a few variety shows between shoots.”
Su Mu said, “Pick the ones with the highest appearance fees.”
Qian Jida replied, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Just focus on your acting.”
Su Mu mused, “Almost forgot—tomorrow I have a kissing scene with Sun Danfei. I should find someone to practice with beforehand.”
Qian Jida was speechless.
There were only three people in the room. Who was he going to practice with?
After speaking, Su Mu turned to Fan Xiaoju and gave her a look, “Xiao Ju.”
Fan Xiaoju froze, eyes wide and cheeks flushed, “What… what are you planning to do?”
Su Mu said, “Xiao Ju, go stand guard outside the door.”
Xiao Ju: “Huh?”
Qian Jida: “!!!”
…
Congratulations! Skill unlocked: Kiss Technique Proficiency!
Kiss Technique Proficiency LV0: 0/10 (No proficiency gained yet)
[Note: Male artist proficiency can only have eight options active simultaneously. To enhance the latest proficiency, one must hide an existing option to free up a slot. Hiding and unlocking options can be switched at will; once hidden, proficiency will not increase even if practiced.]
Current proficiency options:
Speech, High Notes, Script Understanding, Emotion, Expression, Lines, Behavioral Mimicry, Fish Gutting.
Kiss Technique (Hidden/Inactive)
Among these eight, one may be hidden to activate Kiss Technique proficiency.
Su Mu: “Hide High Notes proficiency.”