novellhall Chapter 76: The Invitation to "Go Fighting!"
Chapter 76: The Invitation to "Go Fighting!"
Chapter 82: The Invitation to "Go Fighting!"
In June 2015, an outdoor competitive reality show was about to embark on a "phenomenal" journey.
The first season of "Go Fighting!" has begun with intensive guest invitations and recording preparations.
After finalizing the five core "Men's Gang" members with distinct styles—Huang Lei, Sun Honglei, Huang Bo, Wang Xun, and Luo Zhixiang—the production team decided to include them.
The production team focused on young artists who are currently popular, have a positive image, and possess certain physical and intellectual potential, hoping to create new chemistry in the program and attract a wider audience.
Chen Nianbei, whose popularity soared with his role as Prince Jing in "Nirvana in Fire," and who also possesses "martial arts skills from the Beijing Film Academy" and "composure beyond his years," naturally entered the program team's key evaluation list.
The invitation was officially delivered to Lao Zhao through the studio. Lao Zhao held the proposal, somewhat hesitant: "Nian Bei, this program format is very new, the intensity is probably quite high, and it's filmed throughout the entire process, so there's a lot of uncertainty."
You're currently at a crucial stage of your career, and appearing on variety shows is a double-edged sword. If you perform well, it can greatly improve your public image and exposure, but if any inappropriate behavior is magnified—"
He knew that Chen Nianbei always valued letting her work speak for itself and was wary of overexposure.
Chen Nianbei carefully reviewed the initial concept and the draft for the first episode provided by the production team.
This is a "chase" and "identity puzzle" centered around Shanghai landmarks, requiring physical strength, mental agility, interpersonal cooperation, and even a bit of "acting" to confuse the opponent.
He quickly went through fragments of memories from his past life about how the show eventually became a national variety show. Although the details were blurry, the keywords "challenge," "brotherhood," and "unconventional approach" were very clear.
"Brother Zhao, let me think about it."
He did not refuse immediately. That evening, he called Kong Sheng to ask for his opinion.
Kong Sheng hesitated for a moment on the other end of the phone: "Variety shows—we really need to be careful. However, I heard about this show from a friend who works in the production industry. The production team is quite solid; it's not the kind that's just hype and chasing traffic."
You need appropriate exposure to maintain the buzz generated by "Nirvana in Fire" and to generate hype for "The Disguiser." It would be helpful to showcase another side of yourself off-screen in these kinds of programs.
For example, the energy, wit, and respect for seniors that young people should possess, rather than just putting on airs like an "actor," might not be a bad thing. But remember, you are an actor, and the core is always the performance. Find the right balance.
Chen Nianbei felt more confident.
He also chatted with Zhang Lei and Wang Hao, and the young people were more curious and optimistic about this kind of new program.
Ultimately, he made his decision: "I'll accept. But we've communicated with the production team beforehand. During filming, we can cooperate with any parts that might require acting or deception, but we hope there won't be any scripts that are too deliberate for the sake of effect or could cause misunderstandings. Also, safety comes first."
The production team readily agreed, as they were drawn to Chen Nianbei's "seriousness" and "unexpected charm."
The first episode was recorded in Shanghai. The theme was: "The Battle for Time."
On the morning of the recording, a large number of fans and onlookers had already gathered near a meeting point on the Bund.
As the production crew's vehicles arrived one after another, cheers erupted as the regular MCs got out of the cars.
Huang Bo, Sun Honglei, and others skillfully waved to the fans on the periphery.
When Chen Nianbei's black SUV stopped and he got out of the car wearing simple sportswear provided by the production team, the audience suddenly erupted in extremely loud screams.
"Nianbei!! Prince Jing!!"
"Go, Bei Ge!"
"Chen Nianbei, look here!"
The cheers were noticeably more focused and enthusiastic than when the other MCs appeared alone, directly demonstrating his soaring popularity.
Sun Honglei, wearing sunglasses, looked over at the sound and grinned: "Wow, this is quite a sight, young man."
Huang Bo joked, "Is this like bringing the drama crew's fan meeting here?"
Chen Nianbei nodded somewhat shyly toward the fans, then quickly walked up to the seniors, bowed slightly, and politely greeted them in turn: "Hello, Brother Honglei, Brother Bo, Teacher Huang, Brother Xun, Brother Xiaozhu." His tone was sincere.
Huang Lei patted him on the shoulder with a smile: "Nianbei, right? My wife and kids are watching 'Nirvana in Fire,' and Prince Jing's acting is excellent." One sentence shortened the distance between them.
Sun Honglei took off his sunglasses, looked him up and down, and deliberately put on a stern face: "You look quite energetic, but I wonder if you can keep up with the pace? We're really going to have to chase you."
Chen Nianbei replied with a smile, "Brother Honglei, I'll try my best not to fall behind. I practiced a bit in school and I'm used to running around when filming action scenes."
Huang Bo chimed in, "Did you hear that? They came prepared. Hong Lei, you'd better watch out, don't let the young guys wipe you out."
In a simple opening interaction, Chen Nianbei's humble yet respectful attitude towards his seniors left a good first impression on the "old foxes".
Recording has officially begun.
Pursuit, decryption, alliances, betrayals—the program's segments are tightly designed and full of surprises.
Chen Nianbei was initially a little reserved, after all, it was his first time participating in such a high-intensity, highly interactive reality show, but he quickly adjusted and demonstrated keen observation and learning abilities.
In segments requiring physical exertion, he demonstrated impressive stamina, coordinated movements, and the ability to keep pace.
He even cleverly used the terrain to escape the "pursuit," prompting Sun Honglei to roar from across the street: "Chen Nianbei! You've got some nerve! Just you wait!"
When it came to solving the mystery, he calmed down and carefully analyzed the clues, without blindly following the crowd. He put forward key ideas several times, and even Huang Lei, who was known as a "master strategist," nodded in approval: "Nianbei has a clear mind and is not running around blindly."
When he needs to "act" a little to confuse his opponents or gain their trust, he does it with ease.
In one instance, he formed a temporary alliance with Wang Xun, and with a "sincere" anxiety on his face, he presented fabricated "enemy intelligence," which fooled Wang Xun. It wasn't until later that Wang Xun realized he had been "deceived" that he pointed at him, laughing and crying at the same time: "Nianbei! I thought you, Prince Jing, were so upright, but I didn't expect you to be so 'wicked'!" This scene became a highlight of the later editing.
The most interesting interaction occurred during a "supplementary struggle" when Chen Nianbei and Sun Honglei met by chance.
Sun Honglei adopted a senior's demeanor, attempting to "intimidate" Chen Nianbei into handing over the props.
Chen Nianbei initially displayed appropriate "nervousness" and respect, but secretly hid the prop in his hand, saying, "Brother Honglei, I really didn't have it. You don't believe me? Look!"
His eyes, however, revealed a hint of youthful cunning.
Sun Honglei was not about to be fooled. He laughed and scolded as he stepped forward to "search" Chen Nianbei. After a friendly "entanglement," Chen Nianbei finally "reluctantly" handed over some of the items, but the key items were saved.
Sun Honglei put his arm around his neck and said to the camera, "This kid looks honest, but he's got his own ideas, just like me when I was young!"
Although it was a joke, the intimacy and approval were obvious.
During a break in filming, Huang Bo sat down next to Chen Nianbei with a water bottle and casually asked about the action scenes in "Brotherhood of Blades" and "Nirvana in Fire."
The filming.
Chen Nianbei answered earnestly and humbly, expressing her gratitude when mentioning the guidance and support from director Kong Sheng and other senior colleagues.
Huang Bo nodded: "Director Kong has a sharp eye; any young person he takes a liking to can't be bad. Just act well; in the end, it all comes down to talent in this industry."
Although Chen Nianbei was tired after a full day of recording, she was in high spirits.
He experienced a rhythm and pressure completely different from filming, and also appreciated the genuine personalities and wisdom that the senior MCs displayed within the framework of the program.
He neither overshadowed others because of his popularity, nor did he shrink back or become invisible because of his lack of experience. He put in his effort when he needed to, used his brain when he needed to, and showed absolute respect when he deserved it. Occasionally, he revealed a cunning and competitiveness that was appropriate for his age, and he handled the situation perfectly.
When they wrapped up, Sun Honglei came over and shook his hand firmly: "Kid, you did a great job today, didn't let me down. Next time we film, let's have some more 'fun'."
Huang Lei also said with a smile, "Nianbei is quite suitable for this program. He can be uninhibited but also knows how to restrain himself. Come to my house for dinner next time, and we can have a good chat about the show."
On the way back, executive agent Lao Zhao couldn't hide his excitement: "Nianbei, I talked to the director who accompanied the program, and they were very satisfied with your performance today!"
They said it completely exceeded their expectations for young actors, as they were both entertaining and didn't steal the show, and their interactions with the teachers were natural and sparked great chemistry!
"That's great! Once the show airs, your public recognition and popularity will definitely rise to another level!"
Chen Nianbei leaned back in her chair, watching the Shanghai night view flash by outside the window, a slight smile playing on her lips.
This attempt seems to have been more effective than expected.
It's not just a platform for exposure, but also a special testing ground, allowing him to win the recognition of these veterans who have been working in the entertainment industry for many years in a more relaxed yet more authentic way.
The journey of "Go Fighting!" has just begun, and Chen Nianbei's path to "breaking out of the circle" has added another significant chapter.
He closed his eyes to rest, his mind already reviewing today's performance and thinking about how to better integrate into this unique "men's group" atmosphere for the next recording.
At the same time, I always remind myself that the essence of being an actor still lies within the small space in front of the camera.
The popularity of variety shows should be used as an asset, not a hindrance.
While Chen Nianbei was recording "Go Fighting!", the public had already turned their attention to Daylight Entertainment's next major production, "The Disguiser".
With a cast of talented actors including Jin Dong, Wang Kai, Liu Mintao, and Liu Yijun, and the immense popularity brought by "Nirvana in Fire," "The Disguiser" has already generated considerable buzz even before its release date has been set, whetting the appetites of audiences and industry professionals alike.
Among them, Chen Nianbei's portrayal of "Mingtai" is undoubtedly one of the focal points of discussion and the biggest source of suspense.
Online discussions about "The Disguiser" and Chen Nianbei have rapidly gained popularity.
The first thing that set the stage was the release of the official trailer and a set of character posters.
The trailer is fast-paced, with gunfights, infiltration, disguise, and emotional conflicts intertwined, creating suspense.
Chen Nianbei's portrayal of Mingtai features a variety of looks:
He looked like a rich young master, wearing a bomber jacket and sporting a bright, arrogant smile.
There are moments of special agents in crisp military uniforms with eyes as sharp as eagles;
There are also imposters who are dressed in suits and ties, strolling around the ballroom and dance floor, yet their expressions are inscrutable and profound.
In just a few scenes, his interactions with Jin Dong, Wang Kai, and others sparked a lot of chemistry. In particular, his relationship with Liu Mintao, who played the eldest sister Mingjing, was both warm and affectionate, as well as tense due to their differing positions and secrets, leaving a deep impression.
On the poster, Chen Nianbei occupies a prominent position, forming a three-way standoff with Wang Kai and Jin Dong as the "Ming Family Three Brothers".
He stood with a gun in his hand, his temperament complex and difficult to decipher, forming a stark contrast to the pure sincerity of "Prince Jing" Xiao Jingdan.
On Weibo's trending topics list, hashtags such as #TheDisguiserReleaseDate#, #TheMingFamilyThreeBrothers#, and #ChenNianBeiMingTai# quickly rose to the top.
The discussion forum was buzzing: "It's here! Daylight Entertainment's second bombshell! This lineup is amazing!"
"Mingtai! He looks completely different from the trailer! Chen Nianbei's appearance and eyes are so striking, I almost didn't recognize him as Prince Jing! His versatility is amazing!"
"From the innocent Prince Jing to the mysterious agent Mingtai, what a leap! Can Chen Nianbei handle it? The action scenes and eye acting in the trailer look promising; looking forward to the full film!"
"Jin Dong + Wang Kai + Chen Nianbei — what an amazing brotherhood combination! I'd be willing to watch just based on their looks and acting skills!"
"The character of Mingtai is so compelling! A rich young man forced into the world of espionage, a developing agent, and a mystery surrounding his identity—if he plays the role well, he'll definitely shine! Chen Nianbei is under a lot of pressure, but also has a great opportunity."
"I just became a fan of Prince Jing after watching 'Nirvana in Fire,' and now you're going to show me Mingtai? Chen Nianbei, are you going to take over my watchlist for the rest of the year?"
Am I the only one who noticed the scenes between Mingtai and his eldest sister (Liu Mintao) in the trailer?
That hug and that eye contact...it feels like there's a deep story behind it! Looking forward to it!
"After watching the preview of 'Go Fighting!', I thought Chen Nianbei had a great sense of variety show performance, but I didn't expect such a big contrast in the drama! Actors are truly amazing!"
'
Media outlets and independent media also followed suit, publishing various forward-looking and teasing articles.
Can Chen Nianbei create another classic role by taking on the challenge of playing "Mingtai" after "Prince Jing"?
From Historical Drama to Spy Thriller: Chen Nianbei's Transformation
'
"The Ming Family Chronicles: Chen Nianbei Joins Forces with Veteran Actors to Portray a Legendary Undercover War"
Interview
Director: I chose Chen Nianbei to play Mingtai because of his "multifaceted" and versatility.
These articles not only analyze the plot and cast, but also devote a significant amount of attention to predicting and focusing on Chen Nianbei's performance. The success of "Prince Jing" has raised high expectations from the industry and audiences for his next major role, while also bringing with it a degree of scrutiny and skepticism.
Can he shed the "Prince Jing" aura and create another classic character that is both believable and completely different?
Chen Nianbei's Weibo super topic has entered a tense "pre-battle mobilization" state.
Administrator Wang Churan posted a long message: "We believe in Nianbei's ability to create a character, and we respect the entire creative team. Our task is to promote the work, support it, and wait for it to blossom."
Liu Haochun, on the other hand, used his video editing skills to cleverly edit together clips of Prince Jing from "Nirvana in Fire" and trailer shots of Mingtai from "The Disguiser", accompanied by the caption "Yesterday's innocent child, today's disguiser".
The title "Actress Chen Nianbei, Infinite Possibilities" vividly showcases her versatility in roles and acting potential, and the video quickly went viral, garnering an astonishing number of shares.
Tian Xiwei organized a data team to systematically promote and control public opinion on relevant topics, and produced exquisite character promotion images and plot speculation images.
Chen Nianbei herself also joined in the promotional campaign, posting the official poster for "The Disguiser" on Weibo and writing: "Take off your armor, put on your disguise. Mingtai's story is about to begin. September 19th, Hunan TV, see you there."
He also retweeted related Weibo posts from Jin Dong and other lead actors, interacting politely and warmly.
The comments under this Weibo post quickly exceeded 10,000, with fans excitedly saying, "I've already got my little stool ready," "Looking forward to Master Mingtai," and "Go, actress Chen Nianbei!"
Many passersby and drama fans also left comments saying, "I'm really looking forward to it after watching the trailer," and "I trust Daylight Entertainment and the cast."
Industry insiders, actors and directors who have worked with him have also sent messages or publicly expressed their support.
Yang Mi reposted the Weibo post and commented: "Junior brother is going to dominate the screen again, looking forward to Mingtai~"
Several of the older brothers from "Go Fighting!", especially Sun Honglei and Huang Bo, also joined in the fun by reposting and jokingly commenting: "Mingtai? Is that the little liar from the show?" (doge) Looking forward to it!
"Young man, you have a wide range as an actor! Tag me when it airs, it'll boost your ratings!"
The heated discussions online, the media's focus, the industry's attention, and the fans' eager anticipation are like accumulating energy surrounding "The Disguiser" and Chen Nianbei.
Everyone knows that the airing of this drama is not only another test of Daylight Entertainment's production capabilities, but also a major test of whether Chen Nianbei can truly move from a "second-tier top-tier" powerhouse to a higher and more stable position with the key role of "Mingtai".
A storm was brewing, and the wind was howling. Chen Nianbei turned off the constant stream of message notifications on her phone and walked to the window.
The city lights in the distance resembled stars, or an unseen battlefield.