novellhall Chapter 78 A Busy Schedule
Chapter 78 A Busy Schedule
Chapter 84 A Busy Schedule
The script for "Like a Flowing River" was like a heavy magnet, firmly attracting most of Chen Nianbei's thoughts and energy.
In the apartment's study, books, documentaries, and old photos about the socio-economic changes of the 1980s, the history of individual businesses, and the early market landscape of Northeast China and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region were piled up on the desk and floor.
He used different colored labels to mark the key moments and personality changes in Yang Xun's life.
The notebook was filled with character biographies, analyses of character motivations, and even attempts to read some lines full of local flavor in slightly accented Mandarin.
"These steamed buns are homemade; they're clean and filling!"
He looked in the mirror, trying to find the image of the young Yang Xun who rode a bicycle, selling steamed buns from street to street, his eyes revealing a mix of cleverness and timidity.
This is completely different from Mingtai's aristocratic upbringing and the temperament of a stoic agent. He must completely wash away the existing role imprint on him and reshape himself from his gait and demeanor to his eyes and aura.
However, an actor's work is not just about closed-off preparation.
The filming of "Go Fighting!", which has already started, still needs to proceed as planned, as it serves as an important platform for exposure and maintaining public interest.
Just as Chen Nianbei was immersed in the world of "Yang Xun", the first episode of the first season of "Go Fighting!" aired as scheduled.
The program's success far exceeded expectations.
The masterful editing by director Yan Min's team, the seamless chemistry between the six regular MCs, and the novel and interesting game settings led to the show's explosive popularity and viewership upon its premiere.
As a regular guest, Chen Nianbei's performance was remarkable, quickly becoming one of the highlights of the discussion among the audience.
The program faithfully presented his journey from initial awkwardness to quickly settling in.
His interactions with Sun Honglei—a game of "intimidation and counter-intimidation," a dynamic of "senior and cunning junior"—are full of laughs; his calm analysis of clues...
The excerpt that presented the key ideas was widely circulated under the title "Prince Jing's IQ is Online";
His honest confession when facing Huang Lei and his ambiguous behavior when facing Wang Xun during the "scramble for supplies" were turned into memes by netizens, namely "Chen Nianbei's sincere face" and "Chen Nianbei's wicked smile," accompanied by captions such as "I believed your lies" and "You didn't expect that, did you?", which quickly went viral.
The audience's reaction was exceptionally enthusiastic: "Hahaha, Chen Nianbei is actually like this! He's so witty on the show, completely different from Prince Jing and Mingtai!"
"The part where Hong Lei hugged her neck was hilarious; she looked weak and helpless but could still run, but she was actually perfectly aware of what was going on!"
"As expected, good actors react quickly; his thinking was so clear during that puzzle-solving segment! I'm a fan now!"
"I was originally a fan of the drama, but after watching the variety show, I became a fan of her personality! She's serious yet a little mischievous, respectful to her seniors yet not shy on stage. My liking for her has gone up!"
"The production team is so good at casting! Chen Nianbei's addition feels completely natural, and her interactions with the teachers are both natural and entertaining. Looking forward to more!"
"So this is the next 'chameleon face' after 'chameleon face for every drama'? Bringing a fresh feel to every field, amazing!"
"After watching this, I'm even more excited for the rest of 'The Disguiser'! Young Master Mingtai is so adorable in private!"
The successful broadcast of the first episode made Chen Nianbei's public image more three-dimensional and vivid.
He is no longer just the actor "Chen Nianbei" who portrays joys and sorrows in the drama, but has also become "Young Chen" in variety shows who is quick-witted, physically strong, tactful, and can bring laughter.
This unexpected charm greatly enhanced his public image and popularity, leading to a significant increase in his Weibo followers. His personal supertopic was filled with screenshots, GIFs, and laughter from the show.
The production team and several regular MCs of the show "Go Fighting!" also praised his performance.
Sun Honglei posted a screenshot of the two "confronting" each other on the show on Weibo, tagging Chen Nianbei and captioning it: "This kid, see how I deal with you next time we're filming! (Cool)"
When Huang Bo shared the positive feedback, he jokingly commented, "Nianbei is a good comrade, but sometimes his ideas are a bit too rigid."
This affirmation from within the program further solidified his position as an important guest in subsequent recordings.
Meanwhile, Chen Nianbei's life alternates between the quiet contemplation of "Yang Xun" and the hustle and bustle of "Mingtai/Variety Show Chen".
I just finished filming an episode of "Go Fighting!" and flew back to Beijing from a southern city.
The airport was still packed with people arriving, with cheers from fans mixed with shouts of "Brother Mingtai" and "Go Fighting!"
Chen Nianbei passed through quickly under the escort of staff, her face showing some fatigue from the recording, but her eyes were clear.
Back in his apartment, he took a shower to wash away the weariness of his journey and the excitement from filming the variety show.
After changing into comfortable loungewear, he went into his study. Instead of immediately checking the massive amount of online comments about the program's broadcast, he habitually sat down at his desk, which was piled high with documents.
On the table lay the script for "Like a Flowing River," flipped to the part about Yang Xun's first attempt at sales, staking out the gate of a state-owned factory...
The page about offering cigarettes with a smile but being harassed by the security guard.
On the notebook next to him was a detail that he had thought of over the past two days:
Yang Xun's smoking posture in his early days was probably not skillful, and it was somewhat stiff, deliberately imitating adults and businessmen. The way he held the cigarette between his fingers and the way he exhaled smoke were probably completely different from when he later became "Boss Yang".
He picked up a pen, looked in the mirror, and tried to adjust the strength and angle of his fingers. He tried to shed the clarity and composure that belonged to Chen Nianbei in his eyes, replacing it with the flickering and ingratiating look of a street youth who was eager to be recognized but had no choice but to bow his head.
My phone vibrated beside me. It was a summary message from Lao Zhao, containing data from various sources about the first season of "Go Fighting!", a selection of media reports, and several new business inquiries from people who were interested in strengthening their relationships due to the show's success.
Chen Nianbei glanced at it and replied with only two words: "Received".
He then turned his attention back to "Yang Xun" in the mirror.
Outside the window, the dazzling night view of Beijing represents the hustle and bustle and opportunities of the world of fame and fortune.
Inside the window, there is a sense of tranquility and focus, immersed in another era and another life.
Chen Nianbei was well aware that the popularity brought by "Go Fighting!" was a timely tailwind that could help him fly higher and more steadily.
But what truly determines how far he can fly and where he can land is always the next solid role he takes.
Yang Xun represents that unfamiliar yet solid land that he needs to conquer with all his might.
He put down his pen, picked up the script, and, by the warm light of the lamp, continued to delve into that turbulent era filled with sweat, dust, opportunities, and sighs.
A few days later, he will be recording another episode of "Go Fighting!" and will once again switch gears and throw himself into that battlefield that requires physical strength, mental strength, and a sense of humor.
Two completely different rhythms coexist harmoniously within him. This is the path he has chosen, and the balance he must master.
An actor's vitality lies in portraying different lives, while a star's career requires facing the diverse expectations of the public.
Chen Nianbei is learning how to better become both of them.
All of this effort was so that when filming began for "Like a Flowing River," I could deliver a "Yang Xun" that would satisfy Kong Sheng, the audience, and myself.
In the late autumn of 2015, with the final episode filmed under the sunset on the Qingdao beach, the first season of "Go Fighting!" officially wrapped up.
The theme of the final episode was "Sentiment and Farewell". The content was less intense and more focused on the interaction, memories and sincere dialogue between the brothers.
On the seaside pier, the six regular MCs faced the slightly salty sea breeze and held a simple yet touching closing ceremony.
The camera captured them hugging, high-fiving, and saying things that were either joking or heartfelt.
Sun Honglei patted Chen Nianbei hard on the back: "Kid, you've screwed me over quite a bit this season," but I really like you. Act well, and I'll be waiting for you next time we film."
Huang Bo put his arm around Nian Bei's shoulder and laughed at the camera, "See? Our show not only torments people, but also 'cultivates' them." Nian Bei's thick skin—no, I mean his adaptability—has clearly improved this season.
"If I need to play a cunning little devil in a movie, I won't need to look for anyone else."
This caused everyone to burst into laughter.
Huang Lei handed Chen Nianbei a small wooden plaque made by the production team, engraved with "Go Fighting! Season 1" and his name: "Nianbei, take this as a memento. You gave us many surprises this season. You're young, energetic, and know how to behave appropriately. Keep in touch. If you need any help from Teacher Huang, just let me know."
The words are simple, but they carry great weight.
Wang Xun and Luo Zhixiang also sent their blessings and souvenirs, creating a warm and reluctant atmosphere.
Holding the small wooden plaque that still carried the fresh scent of wood, Chen Nianbei was filled with many emotions.
The recording of this season was far more intense than expected, but it was also very rewarding.
He not only presented a different image from his film and television roles on the show, gaining immense popularity and generating a lot of buzz, but more importantly, he truly earned the recognition and friendship of these established and distinctive "brothers" in the entertainment industry.
This relationship transcended a simple program collaboration, becoming a valuable network and support for him in this complex industry.
The atmosphere at the wrap party was lively and relaxed.
After months of intense recording, everyone was finally able to relax and unwind.
During the meal, toasts were exchanged, and people reminisced about the fun and embarrassing moments during filming. As the youngest member and a guest, Chen Nianbei naturally received special attention from her older brothers.
Sun Honglei was a little tipsy and started rambling on to Chen Nianbei about the hardships he faced when he first entered the industry. He patted his chest and said that if anyone bullied him in the future, he would say "Brother Honglei," which made everyone burst into laughter, but Chen Nianbei felt warm inside.
Huang Bo sat down next to him with a wine glass in his hand, his tone more serious than usual: "Nianbei, you've pretty much got the hang of variety shows, and you're doing a pretty good job at it. But remember what I'm saying, this industry is exciting, and it can help you quickly gain fame, but ultimately it's just a side job."
Your roots still need to be planted in acting. I've seen you as Prince Jing and you as Mingtai; you're a promising talent. I've heard rumors about Director Kong's new drama; it's a tough nut to crack. Solving it will be more beneficial than playing ten seasons of variety shows."
Chen Nianbei nodded solemnly: "Brother Bo, I understand. Thank you for reminding me. Variety shows are for experience and accumulation, but acting is the foundation. I will definitely give my all in Director Kong's acting."
Huang Bo smiled with satisfaction and clinked glasses with him: "It's good that you know what's going on. If anything comes up in the future, just let me know."
Even after the recording of the show ended, the related publicity and follow-up effects continue to unfold.
The production team released a lot of behind-the-scenes footage and unaired clips, including scenes of Chen Nianbei interacting privately with other MCs, seriously discussing game strategies, or taking a short break in a corner because he was tired, which further enriched his public image as "hardworking, smart, polite and funny".
Speculation and calls from viewers about whether Chen Nianbei will become a regular cast member in the second season of "Go Fighting!" have begun to emerge online.
His Weibo post was flooded with comments from fans of the show and the characters, as well as a large influx of fans of "Go Fighting!", with various jokes, memes, and caring greetings related to the show.
In the individual supertopics, the administrators Wang Churan, Liu Haochun, and Tian Xiwei have skillfully categorized the relevant content of "actor Chen Nianbei" and "variety show Xiao Chen," guiding new and old fans to coexist harmoniously and support each other.
In terms of business, due to the excellent audience appeal, healthy and sunny image, and impressive physical and intellectual attributes displayed by "Go Fighting!", more consumer brands with high national recognition, sports brands, and endorsements that require approachability have come knocking on their door.
While delighted, Lao Zhao became even more rigorous in his selection process, striving to match Chen Nianbei's steadily rising status and long-term positioning as a "powerful actor."
Back in Beijing, Chen Nianbei placed the "Extreme Challenge" wooden plaque in a conspicuous but unassuming spot in his study.
Next to it are the script of "Battle of Changsha", a replica of the dagger prop from "Brotherhood of Blades", a small model of Prince Jing's helmet from "Nirvana in Fire", and the pocket watch prop from "The Disguiser" for Mingtai.
Each item represents an important part of his journey since his rebirth.
For him, the end of the first season of "Go Fighting!" was not only the completion of the recording of a popular variety show, but also a successful "breaking out of the circle" practice and a stage victory in expanding interpersonal relationships.
He proved that he can not only handle different types of serious roles, but also be at ease in the highly entertaining field of variety shows, and win the genuine acceptance of his seniors.
But the end of this journey is also a warning sign of another beginning.
Huang Bo's words still resonate. The popularity brought by variety shows is icing on the cake, but we must never put the cart before the horse.
He shifted his gaze from the souvenirs back to the increasingly thick script of "Like a Flowing River" on his desk, and the ever-growing stack of research materials on the economy and society of the 1980s next to it.
The world of "Yang Xun" awaits his complete immersion.
The clamor of variety shows has gradually subsided, but the next, and perhaps the most difficult, "challenge" for actress Chen Nianbei is silently beckoning from her quiet desk.
He sat down, opened the script, picked up his pen, and once again entered that era full of change and personal struggle.
Autumn had deepened outside the window, but within him burned a quiet flame, fueled by a clear goal and the impending tough battle.
The extreme challenge has come to a temporary end, but the limits of performance and the ascent of art are endless.
He took a deep breath and wrote down his new thoughts in his notebook: "Yang Xun's 'First Pot of Gold'".
—It's not just about money, but also about the initial affirmation of self-worth and social rules—
"9