novellhall Chapter 75 Soaring Commercial Value
Chapter 75 Soaring Commercial Value
Chapter 81 Soaring Commercial Value
With the popularity of "Nirvana in Fire" still lingering, Chen Nianbei's commercial value has experienced its first substantial surge.
As the image of "Prince Jing" has become deeply rooted in people's hearts, Chen Nianbei's face, which combines classical heroism with modern handsomeness, his steady and solid acting skills that constantly bring surprises, and his popularity that is still rising rapidly, have made him a darling of brands.
His personal studio recently recruited an executive agent, Lao Zhao, who was introduced by Kong Sheng's old friend. Lao Zhao is an experienced veteran in the industry who was over forty years old but had previously had bad luck. He and his assistant, Xiao Wu, began to tirelessly screen, negotiate, and arrange schedules.
The first person confirmed was a brand ambassador for a leading domestic menswear brand.
The photoshoot for GG took place on a coastal cliff in Qingdao. Chen Nianbei, dressed in a well-tailored spring/summer collection, stood quietly gazing into the distance or walked with ease in the sea breeze and morning light.
The photographer, a renowned expert in the industry, initially approached the suddenly rising young actor with some skepticism. However, after a few shots, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Nianbei, your eyes are spot-on, your body language is relaxed yet powerful, very good! Keep it up!"
Chen Nianbei's experience in taking photos accumulated in his previous life, combined with his superior bone structure and temperament in this life, made him very comfortable and efficient in front of the camera, completing the originally planned day of outdoor shooting in half a day.
The brand's on-site representative was all smiles and finalized attendance at subsequent offline events that very evening.
Following that, a watch brand that emphasizes a "refined and wise" image extended an olive branch, with the title of "Brand Friend." Although not as prestigious as a spokesperson, the level of cooperation is not low, and the video will be released during prime time.
Inside the studio, at the director's request, Chen Nianbei portrayed the passage of time from a young student to a workplace elite. His watch gleamed in close-up shots, perfectly complementing his calm and focused expression.
GG's lyrics consist of only one line, which he personally voiced: "Time will tell, and the truth will prevail."
The deep voice carried just the right amount of storytelling, which greatly pleased the brand.
In addition, I have been invited to serve as an "experience officer" for a popular beverage and an emerging technological digital product, as well as for cover and inside page shoots for several high-end magazines.
Old Zhao was very strict in his selection process, filtering out all fast-moving consumer goods and micro-business endorsements that did not fit Chen Nianbei's current positioning, or that were too popular or of questionable quality, striving to take a steady and solid approach to improve the quality of the business image.
The media has the keenest sense of smell. Several major entertainment weekly magazines and portal websites, when reviewing the fastest-rising artists in the first half of 2015, unanimously placed Chen Nianbei in a prominent position.
"After playing Prince Jing in 'Nirvana in Fire,' Chen Nianbei's commercial value skyrocketed, with endorsement activities coming one after another. His team is careful in its selection and has a clear positioning."
From "Xiaoman" to "Prince Jing," the journey of talented young actor Chen Nianbei: He doesn't rely on manufactured romantic pairings or fabricated personas, but instead earns market and brand recognition through his work.
Industry assessment: Chen Nianbei has now firmly established herself as a top-tier second-tier artist, possessing both popularity and acting skills, and her fans' purchasing power and loyalty have been initially verified to be good.
If he can solidify his position with another hit TV series of similar caliber, or gain the boost of a blockbuster movie, his rise to the ranks of top-tier actors will be just around the corner.
"Second-tier top star"—this label, imbued with the realism and scheming characteristic of the entertainment industry, was clearly applied to Chen Nianbei.
It means that he has completely broken free from the category of newcomers and has considerable market appeal and bargaining power, but he is still missing that crucial "one last step" to get to the very top group of people. This usually comes from another phenomenal work or recognition from a prestigious award.
The scale of the event has also increased accordingly.
When attending brand launch events, he used to have to take a taxi there himself and wait in a slightly crowded backstage lounge, but now he has a private car to pick him up and drop him off.
He has his own dressing room and rest area, his name appears at the top of press releases and backdrops, and hosts even start to specifically ask him to give his opinions.
The seating arrangements at the fashionable dinner party have also quietly changed.
He was no longer a "representative of the new generation of artists" on the periphery, but was arranged in a position closer to the main guest area, next to popular artists such as Yang Mi.
The people who exchanged pleasantries and business cards with him expanded from his former colleagues and junior producers to brand executives, fashion editors, and even some influential directors and producers.
During a break at the banquet, Yang Mi, holding a champagne glass, whispered to him with a smile, "See? This is reality. Your position has changed, and the world around you has changed. But keep your current clarity of mind, and don't let these bubbles blind you."
Airports are the places where the change in popularity is most directly felt.
In the past, when Chen Nianbei went out, there were at most a few regular fans and a few scattered fans, and the atmosphere was relaxed.
Now, almost every time a public event is leaked, the airport is packed with fans and paparazzi who rush to the scene.
Screams, camera shutters, and a constant stream of letters and gifts created a noisy and intense energy field.
"Nianbei! Prince Jing! Look here!"
"Take good care of yourself, Brother Bei!"
"Aaaaaah—!"
Wearing a mask and a baseball cap, Chen Nianbei walked briskly with his head down, supported by his assistants Xiao Wu and Lao Zhao, one in front and one behind.
He no longer completely ignored them as he had at first, but would occasionally raise his head, nod slightly in the direction of the crowd, or wave.
This restrained interaction often sparks an even louder wave of excitement. His hearing is excellent; he can hear fans excitedly confirming with each other: "Did he just nod?" "He waved! It was worth it!"
Once in the car, shut out of the outside noise, Old Zhao wiped his sweat, offering both a sigh and a reminder: "Nianbei, this kind of enthusiasm—in the future, unless absolutely necessary, keep your itinerary as confidential as possible. Safety first. However, the fans' enthusiasm is a real reflection of the market."
Chen Nianbei took off his mask, looked out the window at the crowd still gathered and unwilling to disperse, and nodded: "Yes, Brother Zhao, please pay more attention to this in the future. The necessary order and safe distance must still be maintained."
He had seen even more frenzied scenes, and he had also seen the desolation that followed the fading of enthusiasm.
The noise of this moment is the accompaniment to success, but it could also be a burden in the future. He must get used to it and learn to maintain his own rhythm within it.
Photoshoots, endorsements, events, occasional trips back to school for academic matters, brief reunions with Nazha under various "covers," replying to Dilraba's occasional greetings, and regular get-togethers with Zhang Lei and Wang Hao —
Chen Nianbei's schedule is packed full, like a precise spinning top, spinning rapidly under the spotlight.
He stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of his newly rented, more spacious and private studio apartment, holding a latest media briefing in his hand, on which the words "second-tier top star" were specially circled.
Outside the window is the dazzling night view of the CBD, symbolizing the prosperity of the world of fame and fortune.
He picked up his teacup, took a sip of the slightly cooled tea, and his eyes remained calm.
The front line? That's the goal, but not the finish line. The lessons of the past are etched in my memory:
Superficial popularity is like a sandcastle; only solid works and constantly improving acting skills are the foundation for standing at the forefront of the times.
With "The Disguiser" about to air, "Mingtai" will be his next test.
The period drama that director Kong Sheng mentioned as "thought-provoking" is the next acting peak that he truly yearns to reach deep down.
Business and events are respite and scenery along this journey, but they are by no means the main road.
He knew very well where the road beneath his feet led.
Popularity needs to be managed, not consumed by it. This clarity is one of the most precious gifts that his rebirth has given him.
He put down the briefing and went to his study, where the script and character biographies for "The Disguiser" were laid out. He needed to make more in-depth preparations for the upcoming new round of publicity and for the complex character of "Mingtai".
The night is still long, and so is the road.
Online discussions about Chen Nianbei have quietly shifted from simply praising the show's popularity and her looks to deeper industry observations and acting analyses.
On Weibo, some influential film and television critics and veteran drama critics have begun to write articles analyzing the "Chen Nianbei phenomenon".
A long article titled "From 'Xiaoman' to 'Prince Jing': On the Right Way to Unlock the Potential of an 'Atypical' Popular Male Star" has been widely circulated.
The article details Chen Nianbei's roles since her debut:
In "Battle of Changsha", she went from doing odd jobs to playing "Xiaoman". Although her role was small, her performance was extremely well done, and she established herself in the serious drama.
Jin Yichuan in "Brotherhood of Blades" displayed a melancholy and action skills beyond his years in the film;
His role as "Ling Yue" in "Gu Jian Qi Tan" brought him widespread popularity, but he did not stop at the comfort zone of Xianxia (fantasy martial arts) games.
It wasn't until his portrayal of "Prince Jing" in "Nirvana in Fire" that he truly captured the complex inner world and pure heart of the character, solidifying his reputation.
The article sharply points out:
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"Chen Nianbei's path is completely different from that of many traffic stars who rely on trending topics, hype up their on-screen couples, and quickly consume their popularity to gain resources."
He seems to have been clear from the beginning that he was on the path of being an "actor" rather than a "star".
When selecting scripts, they prioritize the depth of the team and the characters, as seen in works like "Brotherhood of Blades," "Nirvana in Fire," and even leading the production of "Take My Brother Away."
Such a dark horse film proves that he possesses a commercial and creative vision that goes beyond acting.
His "traffic" is the "traffic of acting skills" and "traffic of character charm" that are naturally attracted after the broadcast of his works, which has a more stable foundation and a lower risk of backlash.
This is truly unusual among actors of the same age, and it's something worth pondering.
These relatively rational and professional analyses not only attracted more viewers who value the quality of the drama to become fans of Chen Nianbei's acting skills, but also drew the attention of traditional media and senior professionals in the industry.
Soon, in interviews with some veteran actors and directors, the name "Chen Nianbei" began to be mentioned frequently, as a form of affirmation and expectation for the younger generation.
In an interview with a film magazine, a veteran artist known for portraying emperors and generals paused for a moment when asked about his views on young actors today before saying, "There are indeed many who are impetuous and want to take shortcuts. But there are also some promising talents who are grounded and reliable."
I recently watched "Nirvana in Fire," and the young man who played Prince Jing is named Chen Nianbei, right?
He acted well, with integrity and backbone, not just putting on airs. I heard he's still a student? That's rare.
When asked by reporters whether he would consider using young actors in casting for his new drama, a director known for directing historical dramas jokingly replied, "It depends on what kind of young actors they are. If they are all as studious and perceptive as Chen Nianbei from 'Nirvana in Fire,' I would love to use as many as possible."
Young people have their advantages; the key is to immerse yourself in the role.
Even Liu Yijun, who worked with Chen Nianbei in "The Disguiser," jokingly pointed out when asked about his experience working with young actors at an event: "Nianbei, he's no ordinary young actor. We all called him 'Little Veteran Actor' on set; the way he studies his roles is even more dedicated than some veteran actors. Prince Jing, you saw that, didn't you? That's what he deserves."
These public praises from industry leaders or respected senior figures carry significant weight.
These are not just polite words, but also an invisible "certification" that distinguishes Chen Nianbei from other young artists who only have popularity, and labels him as a "talented new generation recognized by the industry".
This has been of immeasurable help to him in securing higher-level scripts and accessing more core creative circles.
Meanwhile, Chen Nianbei's Weibo super topic is currently immersed in a great sense of pride and excitement.
Administrator Wang Churan pinned a long Weibo post that compiled comments from several influential film critics and veteran actors, adding the comment: "Every effort he makes is being seen and recognized! This isn't luck, it's the inevitable result of his talent and choices! I'm honored to be a part of it, and I'll continue to support him!"
In the comments section, fans lined up to say "I'm proud to be a part of this" and "I believe in Nianbei."
Liu Haochun meticulously edited a video, montaging together the highlights of Chen Nianbei's eye acting and subtle changes in expression from "Xiaoman" to "Prince Jing," accompanied by rhythmic music, which visually showcased her "layered" acting skills, and the video quickly garnered over 10,000 reposts and likes.
When she reposted it, she wrote: "I will always remember Nianbei's dedication to acting and his encouragement to me on the set of 'Brother Kuai'. He deserves all the praise! Looking forward to his next role!" Her words were full of gratitude and admiration.
As a veteran fan and "data worker," Tian Xiwei's enthusiasm remains undiminished.
She organized her fans to "check in politely" and "discuss rationally" under those positive analysis articles and interviews with veteran actors on Weibo, recommending Chen Nianbei's works to passersby, and creating a large number of exquisite character promotion pictures and plot interpretation long pictures.
She posted in the fan forum: "Our support isn't blind! Nianbei lets his work speak for itself, and we'll respond with rational support! Let more people see a good actor!"
The three core administrators, in their own ways, transformed and amplified the overwhelming professional praise from the outside world into a stronger sense of cohesion within the fan group and the confidence to promote the product to others.
The super topic is filled with the joy of "my child was praised" and the pride of "we have such good taste", and this positive emotion further promotes the activity and loyalty of fans.
As Chen Nianbei scrolled through the comments and trending topics compiled by Lao Zhao on his phone, a warm feeling welled up inside him.
The audience's recognition, the industry's affirmation, and the unwavering support of his core fans who have accompanied him all the way are all precious driving forces on his journey forward.
But he didn't get caught up in it. He knew perfectly well that these accolades were based on the roles he had already played.
They are impressive achievements, but they have also raised the bar for expectations surrounding his next role.
The character "Mingtai" in "The Disguiser" is more outgoing, complex, and has a steeper growth arc, which is completely different from the introverted "Prince Jing". Whether he can win over the audience and the industry again remains to be seen.
He logged onto Weibo, but instead of reposting any articles praising him, he posted a still of himself on the set of "The Disguiser," wearing a school uniform, with a bright smile but a complex expression in his eyes. The caption was simple: "The past is gone, the future is yet to come. Next stop, 'Mingtai'."
This Weibo post instantly went viral. Fans were excited about the "first reveal" of the new character's stills, while industry insiders and media perceived a sense of calm and focus in them.
Instead of resting on his laurels as "Prince Jing," he quickly set his sights on the next challenge.
Despite the overwhelming praise, he remained steadfast at the forefront, his gaze already fixed on the distant seas.
This composure and clarity beyond his years is perhaps the most important reason why he has won the favor of those veteran actors.