Chapter 64: This Person Has Come to Reform the Ancient Romance Drama Market! (Extra Update)

Hengdian Film and Television Studios.

"The final scene of 'The Son-in-Law,' wrap!"

"Great! Thank you, Teacher Su Mu!"

Warm applause filled the set. Some even stepped forward to present Su Mu with fresh flowers in congratulations.

Su Mu accepted them with a smile, then gazed earnestly at the crew.

"Everyone, let me say a few words...

This drama was a collective effort. Thanks to your dedication, we've managed to wrap by the end of March. Give yourselves a round of applause—you are the best!

Of course, I must add... the truest acting skill lies not in seeking shortcuts or trying to cut corners, but in refining your craft, taking the winding path, and stepping forward one solid step at a time. That is real acting!

Let us keep encouraging one another. Thank you all!"

[Speech proficiency +1]
[Emotional proficiency +1]
[Skill points +0.01+...]

Director: "Well said!"

Lin Jianing: "..."

...

The wrap for 'The Son-in-Law' was just completed.

Su Mu didn't even change out of his costume, but hurried with his assistant, Little Tangerine, to another set.

These days, he remained immersed in the routine: filming by day, polishing his skills by night.

He learned about the outside world's reaction to 'Langya List' from the internet and from Qian Jida.

But the outcome was entirely within his expectations.

After all, only a third of the year had passed. Nothing was over yet.

Little Tangerine, lugging bags both big and small, puffed and panted.

"Su Mu, slow down! Are you rushing to reincarnate?"

Su Mu: "The next sixty million project hasn't wrapped yet. How could I not be in a hurry?"

Little Tangerine smirked: "Come on, isn't it because you have a kissing scene with the female lead today?"

Su Mu looked solemn: "Am I that kind of person?"

Little Tangerine blushed: "She said that after your kiss last time, she was so weak she could barely stand. What do you say about that?"

Su Mu: "It's for the plot."

Little Tangerine: "Ew, gross!"

Su Mu: "Little Tangerine, you can't just listen to those women. Women always twist things; who knows what's real?"

Little Tangerine: "Huh? Twist things?"

Su Mu: "Ahem, hurry up! We're starting soon."

Little Tangerine: "Okay."

...

After being dominated by 'Langya List' for weeks on end,

April finally arrived.

It was time for dramas on Kiwi and Oil Depot to premiere.

Li Xinjie’s 'Fated Across Two Lifetimes,' NNQT’s 'The New Four Talents,' Chen Yang’s 'Heavenly Order'—a host of period romances began airing one after another.

It felt like a gathering of rival powers.

Promotions flooded everywhere; video bloggers and influencer accounts all lent their support.

Everyone tried to overshadow the popularity of 'Langya List.'

Yet the first two days brought nothing but criticism.

But as 'Langya List' neared its final episodes,

many felt they could finally breathe easy.

Once the finale aired, at least some viewers would have time on their hands.

And when they were idle, they'd need something to watch. With no other choices, they'd turn to these period romances.

Once a TV drama concludes, its popularity and traffic naturally decline.

Meanwhile, their own dramas would still be airing.

So, perhaps there was still a chance for a reversal.

...

In the office of Giant Elephant Media,

Li Hui was beginning to feel relieved.

His earlier anxiety faded as the last episode of 'Langya List' aired.

Li Xinjie: "Is it really over?"

Li Hui: "Yes, finally. Now it's our showtime. I watched—except for 'Flower Demon Moon' and 'Heavenly Order,' the other dramas can't compare to ours."

Li Xinjie: "Ah, but in front of Su Mu’s 'Langya List,' they’re all just trash."

Li Hui shook his head: "No matter. Their show is over; ours is just beginning! Even if 'Langya List' was well done, now the audience has nothing else to watch. Even if they’re picking through garbage, they’ll have to search the dump. We’re the best trash there is..."

Li Xinjie: "But... isn’t that still trash..."

Li Hui patted Li Xinjie’s shoulder, speaking earnestly: "Xinjie, you’re young. As an entertainer, you must keep your mindset steady.

Look at me—I’ve been through it all. I stay calm, handle everything with composure, never impatient or rushed. That’s how you make your career shine."

Ding-dong!

Halfway through his speech, WeChat chimed.

Li Hui glanced at his phone—it was a message from the company PR team.

They had forwarded a trending post about Penguin Video’s new drama trailer.

Hmm?

Wait, trailer?

What trailer?

Li Hui’s heart skipped a beat; he hurriedly clicked the link.

His expression froze instantly!

[Penguin Video officially announces 'Langya List' finale—new drama 'The Son-in-Law' launches!]
[Alternate history, time-travel, a brand-new genre! Premieres tomorrow night at 8:00! Prepare to be amazed!]
[Seamless transition on Penguin! Starring Su Mu! Yes, Su Mu again!]

"!!!"

If he could take back his words, Li Hui would never have claimed to have a steady mindset to Li Xinjie.

Yes, his composure was collapsing once again.

This was simply giving them no chance to breathe.

Li Hui wanted nothing more than to confront Qian Jida immediately—was this deliberate?

Just as 'Langya List' finished its reign, now 'The Son-in-Law' was seamlessly taking over.

What was the meaning of this?

Continuing the massacre?

Didn’t Su Mu take on several dramas this year?

Might as well connect them all.

Keep airing right to the end of the year. We may as well watch nothing else—just binge on Su Mu, right?

"!!!"

It was as if a bolt of lightning struck him.

Li Hui’s face darkened, his whole being on the verge of explosion.

Suddenly, he understood something.

Was Su Mu planning a seamless takeover, dominating the screens all year long?

This wasn’t just filming dramas.

It was obviously a campaign to shake up the industry.

Li Hui: "I—damn—"

Li Hui: "!!!"

...

The airing of 'The Son-in-Law' kept Su Mu on every screen.

At first, people complained about the lack of good dramas after 'Langya List.'

But as the lively storyline of 'The Son-in-Law' unfolded, it won a new wave of fans.

Though it didn’t quite match 'Langya List,'

without comparison, there was no pain.

Su Mu didn’t even exert himself much, but thanks to mediocre competitors, he stood out, alone among the crowd.

Of course, this wasn’t true for every genre.

But within period romance, he was now becoming invincible.

No one else could compete.

...

May.

'The Canglan Pact' finally wrapped.

Su Mu seemed to finally have a moment to catch his breath.

Yet he had no intention of leaving Hengdian.

Next up was Zhang Huaimou’s 'Joy of Life' crew.

It would be his last drama of the year’s screen domination.

He had to end things properly.

In his apartment,

Su Mu sat on the sofa, looking at his [Male Artist Panel].