Chapter 16: The Path of an Actor

Chapter 16: The Road of an Actor

“What the—did you throw it onto the beam?”

Staring at the sword lodged in the ceiling beam, Martial Arts Director Ma Shaolong was dumbfounded.

He turned to Chen Ping. “Chen Ping, did you throw this?”

“Probably,” Chen Ping replied.

“That throw was way too far.”

“Director Ma, didn’t you say the farther the better?”

“Uh…”

Ma Shaolong was torn between laughter and disbelief.

Sure, he had said that, but he never imagined Chen Ping could actually throw the sword onto the beam.

Fifty meters didn’t sound far, but this was a film shoot, not an actual throw.

Moreover, Chen Ping had thrown a prop sword, not a real one.

Although it looked like a real sword, the prop was quite light and not easy to throw well.

Throwing it fifty meters looked easy, but throwing it that far and having it stick firmly to the beam was beyond most people’s capability.

“Mr. Chen, here’s your sword.”

A crew member brought a ladder to retrieve the sword.

“Give me the sword, Chen Ping. Let me have a try.”

Ma Shaolong had trained in martial arts when he was younger, and seeing Chen Ping lodge the sword in the beam made his fingers itch.

He mimicked Chen Ping’s throwing motion and gave it a swing.

The sword flew about thirty meters…

Not to mention sticking firmly, the distance was only about half of Chen Ping’s throw.

“Getting old… getting old…”

Ma Shaolong coughed a few times to hide his embarrassment. “Chen Ping, maybe you should try javelin someday. Who knows? You might even win an Olympic gold.”

“I don’t have that skill.”

“That’s not certain. What if you do?”

“All right, I’ll sign up and try someday.”

“Good kid, you’re serious. Let’s get back to filming…”

That was just a small interruption; the main task was still filming.

Next up was the action scene.

Chen Ping’s character, Zhao Xiaoshu, was about to face off against another master swordsman.

A duel between swordsmen was naturally no problem.

But this duel wasn’t just about fighting techniques—it was also about the wirework.

After all, this was a fantasy story. If the duel was just simple sword clashes, there wouldn’t be much to watch.

In this duel, the two swordsmen even competed with their wills.

During this telepathic contest, they clashed countless times midair.

Therefore, the wirework requirements were heavy.

Though wirework might seem simple, it was anything but.

Several steel cables were fastened to the actor’s body, and they had to perform complex moves high above the ground.

The danger aside, the difficulty was immense.

Besides, the cables were painfully tight against the skin. After several repetitions, it was almost inhumane.

Luckily, Chen Ping had a natural talent for movement, so the wirework was no trouble at all for him.

The stunt performer dueling Chen Ping, however, was struggling after so many takes.

In the end, the scene was filmed perfectly.

Chen Ping’s character, Zhao Xiaoshu, triumphed through his mental powers.

“Mr. Chen, just a bit longer. Only a few shots left.”

“I’m fine.”

“Good… wrap it up. Everyone’s worked hard. We’ll add more to breakfast.”

After filming all through the night, the crew finally wrapped up at six in the morning.

Ma Shaolong was the first to approach Chen Ping, clapping him on the shoulder. “Chen Ping, you nailed it.”

Other stunt crew members expressed their admiration. “Mr. Chen, I think you’re cut out for action films. Last night, you were just too impressive.”

Chen Ping smiled. “Great! Brothers, please recommend more action roles to me. Otherwise, I’m just a minor character. Which director would cast me in action scenes?”

“You’re too modest. With your talent, you won’t lack roles. We’re worried you’ll become a superstar and ignore us.”

Amid the friendly banter, Chen Ping had gained much from the overnight shoot.

Not only did he earn the respect of the crew, but the other actors also admired him more deeply.

Especially Jin Shijie.

Jin had been present all night.

Not only because he wanted to watch Chen Ping’s performance, but also because he had a role.

Though his part was minor — just a few appearances and some spellcasting gestures — he had watched Chen Ping carefully and appreciated his skill.

After wrap, Jin Shijie approached Chen Ping and invited him to breakfast.

“Mr. Jin, you sure have a big appetite.”

“Haha, after staying up all night, my stomach’s been growling nonstop.”

“Thanks for your hard work, Mr. Jin. You stayed up just like us.”

“That’s nothing. Not having any acting jobs—that’s the real hardship.”

Jin ate a steamed bun and sipped porridge. Despite the all-nighter, he looked energetic.

“Chen Ping, I heard you used to be an extra in Heng City?”

“Yes.”

“Not bad. You just signed with an agency and already landed such an important role. Seems your agency values you highly.”

“Cough…” Chen Ping choked a little. “Mr. Jin, actually this role was recommended by Chairman Jiang.”

“Jiang Tianxing… I see now.”

Jin nodded knowingly. “I was wondering why a young actor like you got the role of Zhao Xiaoshu so quickly.”

“No wonder. I did have some connections.”

“You have a good attitude.”

Jin liked Chen Ping’s mindset but shook his head. “But your thinking is flawed. What does ‘connections’ mean? In showbiz, who doesn’t have connections? Even in our crew, who doesn’t have connections? Why do we sign with agencies? To get into the industry, to gain resources and connections. If they were so amazing, they wouldn’t need an agency to get roles.”

“Take the lead actor in ‘Ever Night,’ Chen Feiyu. To land that lead, he needs resources, connections, background, and financial support—none can be missing. By your logic, even if Chen Feiyu got the lead, he’d be extremely frustrated.”

“But some people still don’t accept it.”

“After today, they will.”

Jin sincerely advised Chen Ping. “People’s complaints aren’t about whether you have connections or resources, but about having them and then ruining the role. Like some pretty boys who have looks but no skills—that’s what invites criticism. But if you prove your talent, no one will dare say a word.”

“I understand.”

Chen Ping felt enlightened by Jin’s words.

If there’s a chance, you seize it.

If you have resources, you use them well.

That’s the right way to navigate the entertainment world.

“Thank you, Mr. Jin.”

“No need to thank me. I just wish it had been more exciting today.”

“Huh? After filming all night, it’s not enough?”

“You filmed all night, I only had a few scenes. I really wanted to act opposite you, but no chance…”

Jin sighed regretfully.

“There will be.”

Chen Ping said earnestly, “As long as I keep acting, and as long as you don’t retire, there will be chances.”

“Well said. I look forward to that day.”

“When that time comes, I’ll need your guidance.”

“Guidance? I won’t give you any. Your acting’s so good, I’m afraid you’ll steal my scenes.”

“No way. My skills are nothing. Compared to you, Mr. Jin, I’m miles behind.”

“You little flatterer. All right, eat up. I have to rest. You were the most exhausted last night, so get some rest too.”

“All right.”

Chen Ping felt great. Though physically tired after all-night filming, his heart was filled with excitement.

He sensed that his path as an actor had truly begun.

(End of Chapter)