Chapter 2: If you’re like me, then this is simply amazing! (Please add to your favorites)

[Male Artistry Proficiency Panel]

Name: Su Mu
Height: 183 cm
Appearance: Fresh-faced idol level (top tier)
Strength: 1.1
Speed: 1.1
Endurance: 1.1
Cognitive Power: 1.1
Skill Points: 0.01

[Speech Proficiency LV0: 1/10]

Note 1: All skill proficiencies have only five levels: LV1…LV5—Novice, Adept, Master Artisan, Grandmaster, and Pinnacle.
Note 2: Only when related to the film and entertainment industry can the relevant skill proficiency be activated.
Note 3: Each completion of a proficiency level grants 0.01 skill points.

You may add to the four core attributes of male artistry. To reach higher proficiency levels, you need to supplement and enhance these attributes—only by improving your fundamental qualities can you master advanced skills. No one improves without reason; progress requires synergy.

Additionally, if you accumulate a full ‘1.0’ skill point, you can exchange it for a special blind box (randomized, with options such as task + reward type, special skill proficiency, art works, etc.).

End of panel.

…

On stage,

The beautiful actress was displaying her captivating voice; her long, slender legs appeared especially alluring under the lights.

Meanwhile, offstage,

Su Mu did not spare her a single glance, his mind occupied entirely by the sudden appearance of this male artistry panel.

True, he now had fame, fortune, and wanted for nothing. But who would refuse the chance to become the very best?

If he had to choose between thirty million and becoming the pinnacle, Su Mu would, without hesitation, choose the latter.

After all, he already had fifty million in his account. Even if he gave up thirty million, he’d still have twenty million and no reason to worry.

He glanced over the panel’s introduction. He now had a general understanding of it.

According to the notes, simply by completing the required number of proficiency tasks, he could raise the skill’s proficiency until he ultimately reached the pinnacle.

But the scope for unlocking skill proficiency was limited to things related to “male artistry.”

For example, today he gave an acceptance speech. Since it counted as a speech and was industry-related, the speech proficiency appeared.

As for the 0.01 skill point—rather paltry. Adding it to the four attributes seemed to have little effect. Best to save it and, once he had a full point, try exchanging for a special blind box.

Currently, the core attributes were just four: Strength, Speed, Endurance, and Cognitive Power.

Thinking it over, these four basic attributes did cover a lot.

According to the panel’s explanation, these are the four fundamental elements of the human body. Only when they meet the standard can one master high-level skill proficiency.

He could not entirely agree.

Su Mu felt he should add his own weaknesses, make it more precise.

For example… intelligence, emotional intelligence, adversity quotient, financial intelligence, vision, hearing, smell, taste, sensitivity, hardness, agility, body hair count, reproductive speed, focus, creativity, comprehension…

…

The awards ceremony came to an end.

All the stars sang the classic “Unforgettable Tonight,” then gradually departed.

Su Mu followed his assistant and quickly boarded the company’s RV.

Inside, a man awaited.

A man, dressed in a plaid suit, sporting a flamboyant bowtie, exposed ankles, pink socks paired with alligator shoes—the epitome of elegant fashion.

This was the company’s top agent, Su Mu’s mentor and guide, Qian Jida.

Su Mu flopped onto the seat. “Hey man~ Where’s the afterparty tonight? What are we eating?”

Qian Jida pursed his lips, looking stern. “Eat, eat, that’s all you know!”

“To know is to know, not to know is not to know, yo, single rhyme~ I’m so cool~”

“Get outta here!”

“What’s wrong?”

“What do you think, you little ancestor!” Qian Jida looked as if life had lost all meaning. “Check the trending topics online! The host set a trap and you walked right in! Why didn’t you just politely decline, make up something and move on?

You actually said ‘yes’ right in front of everyone.

Now look what’s happened—the fans of those sissies next door are all waiting for you to make a fool of yourself! If you don’t go get a role from Director Zhang, you’re done for. If you don’t make it into the show, you’ll be humiliated and they’ll say Zhang didn’t think your acting was good enough.”

Su Mu shrugged, completely unconcerned. “It’s not my first day in the industry. Do you think I care what those fans say?”

Qian Jida: “Brother, maybe you don’t but I do! I just finished negotiating with a new brand. We’re about to sign the contract, and one of the clauses requires you to maintain your longtime image as a ‘talented genius!’

And now you’ve gone and done this—talking big is one thing, but if you don’t get the role and lose the brand’s trust, what if they terminate the contract? That’s a lot of money gone! Su Mu, don’t forget—you still have a few hundred million at stake with the company, and only two years left!”

Qian Jida passionately laid out the pros and cons.

Up front, the driver and assistant both turned around with anxious faces.

They seldom saw Qian Jida lose his temper with Su Mu, and if the agent was angry, it could affect their year-end bonuses.

Su Mu looked at the three and took a deep breath, suddenly straightening his expression:

“No, you don’t understand the depth of my passion for this art. I want to be a true superstar. Money, to me, is but a stumbling block on my path to the summit!”

Qian Jida sneered, “Bro, this is the Cartier brand ambassador position. The endorsement covers everything from watches to jewelry to bespoke suits. That’s forty million over two years. You know how fierce the competition is for big brands like this? And how many roles would you have to take to earn that much otherwise?”

A mere forty million… Su Mu smiled faintly. “This endorsement is something we cannot afford to lose!”

Qian Jida: “……”

Driver: “……”

Assistant: “……”

Such a quick change of face.

Su Mu: “It’s settled, I know what to do. Just need to land a role in Director Zhang’s drama—problem solved.”

Agent: “???”

Driver: “???”

Assistant: “???”

The car fell silent.

The three wore identical expressions of ‘really? They don’t believe it.’

After all, no one understood Su Mu’s abilities better than they did.

Just then,

After his passionate speech, a prompt flashed through Su Mu’s mind.

[Speech Proficiency LV0: 2/10]
[Skill Point +0.01]

Seeing the completed proficiency and the addition of 0.01 skill points,

Sudden realization dawned.

So this counted as a speech too?

As long as you spoke formally, and there were three or more people, that was a speech?

Su Mu wasn’t desperate to become a speech master.

But he knew he needed to rack up skill points.

So, if this was all it took to complete a proficiency task, there would be plenty of opportunities. From now on, he could just keep making these formal speeches.

He’d soon reach ‘1 point’ and could exchange for a special blind box.

At this moment, Qian Jida, seeing Su Mu’s blank expression, felt a pang of sympathy.

His tone softened, “Su Mu, it’s not that we don’t believe in you, but this is Director Zhang’s script. He’s famous for being harsh with actors—if you can’t deliver, he simply won’t use you, no matter how popular you are, even if the producers recommend you. He just doesn’t care.”

Su Mu snapped back to reality. “Is there any other way? Should I just admit defeat on social media?”

Qian Jida was stunned, then shook his head vehemently. “Absolutely not! If you surrender now, those sissy agents next door will never let you live it down. Maybe you can endure it, but I can’t!

It’s an open secret that there’s bad blood between us and that company. My artist cannot lose!”

Su Mu nodded, “Exactly. So what else can we do? Work hard, try for the role. If I succeed, it’ll be good for my career shift. I need a solid work to my name.”

Qian Jida looked at Su Mu in surprise.

In the past, Su Mu would never look for trouble on his own.

What had gotten into him today? So much confidence?

After a moment’s thought, Qian Jida nodded. “Alright, since you said it, let’s risk it. If necessary, I’ll pull some strings and see if we can get Director Zhang’s script ahead of time so you can prepare for the audition.”

Su Mu smiled and nodded, then seemed to remember something.

“Wait, you three, look over here.”

Driver: “?”

Assistant: “?”

Qian Jida: “?”

Su Mu: “You see… I’m actually a very stubborn person. I don’t care what others say, or what they want me to do, or how they want me to do it—I don’t care… If one day you all can be stubborn like me, then I think… this matter will be… absolutely fabulous!”

[Speech Proficiency +1]
[Skill Point +0.01]

The car went silent.

Assistant: “???”

Driver: “……”

Qian Jida looked worried. “Su Mu, are you alright? If you’re not feeling well, tell me, I’ll get a doctor.”

Su Mu: “I’m fine, just craving some seafood tonight.”

“?”

“?”

…

Two hours later.

Paulaner Restaurant.

Su Mu raised his glass. “Everyone! I’ll just say a few words for my award tonight. First, did you know… so, let’s all stay motivated… In the end, I believe that through our efforts, we will… Yes, we are the best… and will reach new heights!”

[Speech Proficiency +1…]
[+0.01…]

“?”

“?”

“!”