Reborn as a comedic artist

"Since everyone has such a good foundation, we have a much higher starting point than others, which gives me even more confidence..."

It was clearly a makeshift team assembled on the spot, but each member was incredibly capable; how could anyone not like such a team?

Cheng Ming paused for a moment: "Next, the first thing we need to do is shoot our first official team video."

"What are you filming...?"

The four spoke in unison.

Cheng Ming kept everyone in suspense, not giving a direct answer: "Let's not talk about what we're filming for now. I already have a rough draft of the script, but for the sake of secrecy and surprise, we have to take it one step at a time..."

Cheng Ming turned around, his gaze passing over the three girls and landing directly on Wang Shuo, who was sprawled on the sofa.

"The most urgent task is to clearly define the division of labor, Brother Shuo. In the upcoming series of plans, you are of paramount importance..."

Wang Shuo was startled by the sudden roll call and sat up straight.

Still clutching the half-empty bottle of soda, he looked bewildered: "Me? The most important thing? Do you want me to showcase my mischievous acting skills, or my beautiful singing voice...?"

Cheng Ming shook his head, walked up to Wang Shuo, and patted his broad shoulder earnestly:

"You have everything, but right now you have a difficult task, which is also the most crucial part."

You've been working overtime these past few days, you should go home and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, find a nearby construction site and work as a cement carrier for a few days to experience life there...

"puff--!"

Wang Shuo spat out the mouthful of cola he had just taken a sip of, turning it into a cloud of brown mist. Luckily, Cheng Ming dodged quickly, otherwise his shirt would have been ruined.

Wang Shuo looked incredulous: "Cough cough cough... Huh? What did you say?"

"Me, go to a construction site? Carry cement? Old Cheng, are you my father or my enemy? I treat you like a brother, and you want me to work on a construction site?"

Not only was Wang Shuo confused, but the three girls sitting next to him also had different expressions.

Lin Yiyi covered her mouth, her eyes wide open, looking like she wanted to laugh but dared not, her eyes also containing a trace of sympathy for the fat man.

Zhao Yufeng, without any restraint, gloated: "Hey, Fatty, this is great news! A free gym, and you can even make money. Your brother is really looking out for you..."

Even the usually aloof Gu Xiao's lips twitched slightly, and her gaze toward Cheng Ming held a hint of inquiry.

You know, the weather in Chengdu in June is no joke.

The basin climate is hot and humid, like a giant steamer.

With Wang Shuo's "fat-covered skin," let alone resisting cement, even standing under the sun for half an hour would probably cause him to develop a layer of oil, and he would probably peel off a layer of skin afterward.

..............

"Old Cheng, are you serious?"

Wang Shuo wiped the cola stain from his mouth, and Cheng Ming's expression didn't seem like he was joking.

"Do I look like I'm joking...?"

Cheng Ming withdrew his hand, put his hands in his pockets, and stared intently at the roaring air conditioner unit outside the window: "The usual tactic of building suspense before escalating the situation, how can the later satisfaction be highlighted without your initial misery? If we're brothers, don't ask any questions..."

He turned around and looked directly into Wang Shuo's eyes: "What we're going to film this time is something revolutionary. We may very well be the pioneers of this style..."

The character I want you to play is someone with extraordinary skills who has fallen on hard times due to poverty. You're too comfortable right now; your eyes lack the weariness and hardship that comes from being battered and bruised by life.

Of course, Cheng Ming couldn't say that the scene he was about to imitate was inspired by the bar singing scene in Stephen Chow's "Shaolin Soccer" from his previous life.

That guy who has "Iron Head Kung Fu" but can only stay in the bar, constantly being served bottles of alcohol by the boss.

That contrast, that combination of heartache and absurdity, is the key to building the Shuyin IP.

But this parallel world doesn't have Stephen Chow, so the script can't be directly copied. It has to be polished to fit Wang Shuo's characteristics, but the "bitterness" has to be authentic.

Some things can't be explained in too much detail right now, and even if they were, they wouldn't understand. We can only start by experiencing life first.

"I can only ask you to make do for a few days and work on a construction site to experience the hardships of the working class and get some exercise."

Cheng Ming's voice wasn't loud, but every word he spoke was precious.

Wang Shuo stared at Cheng Ming for a full five seconds.

As his roommate for four years, he knew Cheng Ming all too well.

Although this guy seems unreliable most of the time, he never lets you down when it matters.

Since Cheng Ming said this is of "utmost importance," then it seems that we have no choice but to carry this cement.

"OK...!"

Wang Shuo suddenly stood up, grabbed the bottle of soda from the table, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp, displaying a tragic grandeur reminiscent of the line "The wind is howling, the Yi River is cold."

"Dude, I believe you! It's just carrying cement for a few days, no big deal. Back in the day, I was a tough guy who braved wind and rain, this little bit of strength is nothing...!"

He wiped the water from the corner of his mouth and crushed the empty bottle.

"Let's go! Waiting for your good news, bro!"

Having made the decision, Wang Shuo didn't hesitate and acted with full force.

He didn't even ask what the specific script was before turning around and walking out. His back was broad and resolute, like a fat general about to go to the battlefield.

"Be careful to avoid heatstroke, don't actually die!" Zhao Yufeng shouted from behind.

Wang Shuo didn't even turn his head; he simply waved his hand dismissively.

With a bang, the broken door covered with soundproofing slammed shut, and the rehearsal room fell silent once more.

.........

The remaining three girls looked at each other, a sense of foreboding rising in their hearts.

Even Wang Shuo, a close friend, was sent to a construction site. What about them?

Cheng Ming slowly turned around.

Those beautiful peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, their gaze sweeping back and forth between Gu Xiao, Lin Yiyi, and Zhao Yufeng.

"The scriptwriters have been chosen, so as to the music, everyone here is a good fit for the role."

Cheng Ming's lips curled into a meaningful smile as he picked up the notebook in his hand.

"Fatty's gone to experience life, but we can't just sit idle. Next, I'm going to... oh no, I mean, create the first song for our video..."

Upon reaching the shore, Cheng Ming's first act was to slay his beloved. He had finally made his move against his white moonlight.

Perhaps it was because Wang Shuo's experience was too tragic, but all three of them felt a chill run down their spines, a coldness shooting straight to the top of their heads.

"The first song...?"

Lin Yiyi gently patted her rather large chest and peeked out from behind Zhao Yufeng.

"I told you, if you really dare to make us do manual labor, don't blame me for turning my back on you...!"

The easygoing Zhao Yufeng breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

Gu Xiao was the only one who remained somewhat calm, but her clenched fists tightened slightly.

"Don't worry, you're delicate girls, you won't be doing rough work like carrying bricks."

Cheng Ming walked up to the upright piano and randomly pressed a few keys, producing a "clanging" sound.

..........