Chapter 22: PK Against the Little Zhang Ziyi

"Prepare in all aspects."

"One, two, three... Action."

Early the next morning, Chen Ping’s scene began. He stood alone on the stone arch bridge.

Director Yang Yang stared at the monitor, wondering how Chen Ping would handle this moment of breakthrough—the "Fish-Watching Enlightenment" as it was titled in the script.

The scene seemed simple, but it was far from it. After the battle at Chunfeng Pavilion, Chao Xiaoshu’s secret identity was revealed, and the world learned that the Fish-Dragon Gang had been established by the Tang King himself. However, Chao Xiaoshu had no interest in power or status; having settled the various factions for the King, he prepared to take his leave. On his way to the palace, he stopped to gaze quietly at the fish in the pond.

Chen Ping remained motionless. From a distance, he looked like a passerby lost in thought. But upon closer inspection, it was clear he wasn't just daydreaming. He was pondering—and it was a genuine, internal reflection.

As he watched the fish in the pond, Chen Ping instinctively projected himself into the role of Chao Xiaoshu. Was Chao Xiaoshu not like the fish in the pond? Despite appearing free, he was still confined within the water. No matter how vast the pond, even if it were as expansive as an ocean, it remained a container. For ten years, out of a sense of duty, he had served as the leader of the Fish-Dragon Gang for the Tang King. This was not the life he had desired. Now that his mission was complete, it was time to say goodbye.

Closing his eyes, Chen Ping savored the artistic conception of the scene. It reminded him of his own years as an extra. Though an extra might seem free—taking roles or turning them down at will—he was ultimately just like Chao Xiaoshu, still swimming within the confines of a pond.

"Long shot... cut to a close-up of Chao Xiaoshu’s face."

"Okay... Perfect. Cut."

Yang Yang was delighted. Chen Ping had surprised her again. She initially thought it was due to the advice she had given him the night before, but upon closer observation, she realized she was wrong. Chen Ping’s performance today was different from her interpretation—and it was even more brilliant.

"Teacher Chen Ping, take a break."

"Tong Yao, you're up next."

With this scene finished, it was time for the interaction between Tong Yao and Chen Ping. Unlike Chen Feiyu, Tong Yao had debuted long ago and was already well-known in the industry. Because of her resemblance to Zhang Ziyi, she was often dubbed "Little Zhang Ziyi."

"Tong Yao, this is your scene with Chen Ping. Good luck," Director Yang said, calling her over.

Tong Yao was undoubtedly a talented actress, as evidenced by her performance as a maid in the first episode. She played Li Yu, the daughter of the Tang King, a character who was cunning, intelligent, and decisive. Li Yu was a princess who had been married off to the Jinzhang Khanate. After the Khan’s death, she was expected to be buried with him, but she refused to accept such a fate, escaping the Khanate by disguising herself as a maid while bathing. Ambitious and resentful of her status as a woman, she returned to the Tang Kingdom to fight for her brother's right to the throne. It was a controversial role that demanded great acting range.

Tong Yao played the part well, yet until now, she hadn't attracted much attention. Almost everyone’s eyes were fixed on Chen Ping. Tong Yao was no naive girl; she had been in the industry for over a decade and knew exactly what she needed to compete for.

Director Yang knew Tong Yao well. Before this "Fish-Watching Enlightenment" scene, Yang would have said Tong Yao was by no means inferior to Chen Ping. But after seeing Chen Ping’s performance, she felt he had changed. She couldn't quite articulate how, but deep down, she had a hunch that Chen Ping, like Chao Xiaoshu, had achieved his own breakthrough today.

"Director Yang, don't worry, I will do my best," Tong Yao said. She walked over to Chen Ping. "Teacher Chen Ping, please offer me some guidance later."

"You are too kind, Teacher Tong Yao. You are my senior; I am not qualified to be your teacher, let alone offer guidance."

"The one who masters the craft is the teacher. Your acting has been plain for all to see, so how can you say you aren't qualified?"

"You flatter me, Teacher Tong Yao. It is merely that the character is well-written, and I am simply basking in its light."

Chen Ping knew the scene ahead would not be simple. He understood Tong Yao; she was a dedicated and fiercely competitive actress. He had been stealing the spotlight throughout the production, and it was only natural that other actors would want to test their mettle against him.

"If it's unavoidable, then let it come," Chen Ping thought, his heart calm. He felt as if he had attained a new level of clarity.

After a short break, the second scene began.

Standing at a distance, Li Yu, played by Tong Yao, watched Chao Xiaoshu finish his breakthrough and walked over slowly. "What a tremendous honor, to witness a breakthrough to the Dongxuan realm with my own eyes. Congratulations, Uncle Chao. Having watched the fish and entered the Zhiming realm, our Tang Kingdom has gained another Great Sword Master."

Tong Yao’s performance as Li Yu was imposing. Her hands were clasped, her gait steady, elegant, and solemn. But the Chao Xiaoshu who had just broken through was no longer the same man. He did not look down on mortals as mere ants like Wang Jinglue did. Instead, he projected a sense of detachment, composure, and clarity.

"Princess, you flatter me," Chao Xiaoshu replied calmly. "It was merely a small realization. Please, just address me by my name. I am not worthy of the title 'Uncle'."

Li Yu was not easily deterred. "I visited your manor when I was young, Uncle Chao. You even held me in your arms back then."

Chao Xiaoshu smiled self-deprecatingly. "What merit do I have to presume to be the Princess’s elder? Your words fill me with trepidation."

The dialogue seemed calm, but it was a fierce clash—Li Yu and Chao Xiaoshu in the script, and Tong Yao and Chen Ping in reality. Tong Yao cleverly used her status as a princess to exert pressure, but Chen Ping, embodying the newfound detachment of his character, dissolved her influence with effortless ease.

At that moment, the system signaled:

[System: The host’s understanding of acting has deepened. Performance level increased to Level 5. Talent "Ingenuity" unlocked.]