Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

"Yes, it's just been decided," Chen Chao said with a smile. "Once filming starts and I join the crew, I'll have to ask Sister Qin for your help."

As soon as Chen Chao finished speaking, the voice call was disconnected. Before he could react, a video call request popped up.

Seeing the words "Chatterbox" flashing on the screen, Chen Chao shook his head and answered the call. The camera shook twice before revealing Li Qin's slightly aloof face.

At this moment, Li Lin's hair was a bit messy, with a few strands sticking up at the ends. She was wearing a pink nightgown with a very loose neckline. Because she was lying down, Chen Chao could see everything about her from his angle.

Upon seeing Chen Chao's face, Li Qin's eyes lit up, and her speech quickened considerably, a stark contrast to her usual aloof demeanor. "It really is you! I couldn't believe it! I never imagined we'd be working together again so soon, as the male and female leads..."

Li Qin naturally noticed Chen Chao's somewhat shifty gaze, but she didn't care at all. Her mouth showed no sign of stopping, chattering like a little sparrow, "You have no idea how nervous I was on the day of the audition. I almost mispronounced my lines. When I came out, I thought I probably had no chance, but then I got the notification in the afternoon..."

"I was wondering who the male lead would be. If I were to act with someone I didn't know at all, I would need to work out with him slowly. But now that you're here, I feel much more at ease."

"By the way, have you read the original novel? Lin Wan'er is in poor health, but she has a very strong personality. I've thought about several ways to portray her, can you give me some advice? ...Also, it's really cold in Hengdian in winter, do you think the crew will provide us with hand warmers...?"

Leaning against the headboard, Chen Chao listened quietly. He was very close to Li Lin, so he knew she had this talkative side and wasn't surprised.

"So, when Teacher Li auditioned, she got so nervous that she forgot her lines?" After she finished speaking and took a breather, Chen Chao chuckled and teased, "I thought a veteran actor like you had seen it all."

"No way!" Hearing Chen Chao's words, Li Lin's cheeks flushed slightly. She reached up and tucked the hair that had fallen and was covering her eyes behind her ear, and whispered in defense, "That's an S+ level project, so many people want to act in it but can't get a role, of course I'd be nervous..."

"Yes, yes, yes, our chicken leg girl values ​​it the most." Following her words, Chen Chao couldn't help but tease her again, "When you join the crew and we're filming your famous scene of eating chicken legs, do you want me to pay for a few extra as props for you? I'll make sure you have enough to eat."

"Chen Chao!" Hearing Chen Chao's words, Li Lin was both embarrassed and angry. She glared at him through the screen, but her eyes were full of laughter. "If you make fun of me again, when we join the crew, I'll eat all the meat in your lunchbox and make you eat vegetarian food every day."

And so, the two chatted for almost half an hour, from the characters' personalities to the food on set, from the weather in Hengdian to which hot pot restaurant had the most authentic flavor. In the end, Li Qin felt a little sleepy and reluctantly hung up the phone.

Meanwhile, news about the casting of the male lead for "Joy of Life" spread like wildfire within the industry. Initially, only a few film and television marketing accounts posted vague rumors: "The male lead for the S+ male-oriented historical drama 'Joy of Life' has been cast as a recently popular young actor with both acting skills and popularity."

In the comments section of these marketing accounts, people were guessing who it was, ranging from first- and second-tier male celebrities, but very few people guessed it was Chen Chao.

After all, he has only been in the industry for a short time and is still relatively inexperienced. Although there has been a precedent with Daylight Entertainment, few people still believe that New Classics Media would entrust him with the male lead of such an important project.

But just a few days later, it seemed that New Classics Media and Tencent wanted to capitalize on this hype, and suddenly an internal staff member leaked the information: the male lead was Chen Chao, and a contract had already been officially signed, with an official announcement to be made soon.

The news caused an uproar in the entertainment industry. The internal groups of various entertainment agencies were buzzing with discussion. Some people were envious, saying that Chen Chao was incredibly lucky, as his resources had skyrocketed in less than two years since his debut.

However, most people knew perfectly well that although Chen Chao was indeed lucky, he did not rely entirely on luck.

"The second male lead in a 1.5 billion yuan box office hit movie, the second male lead in the summer blockbuster drama 'Princess Agents,' the male lead in Daylight Entertainment's 'The Story of Ming Lan,' and two Golden Melody Awards—with this resume, how many of the new generation can surpass him?"

"I think the more crucial thing is that he can make a drama a hit! Yan Xun in 'Princess Agents' became a sensation, how many people watched it just because of his scenes? His first movie also did very well. What do you call that? You call him a drama-boosting physique! So far, none of the projects that have worked with him have flopped."

"Honestly, it's not surprising at all that New Classics Media chose him. He has popularity, acting skills, and can sing. He's really great value for money."

In a short time, with the help of some people with ulterior motives, the saying "Chen Chao's dramas are popular" spread rapidly in the industry, which made many artist teams interested.

After all, apart from the male and female leads, most of the other important roles in "Joy of Life" haven't been cast yet. If you can squeeze in, even if it's just a supporting role, you can still get a resume from an S+ project, and you might even get some of Chen Chao's "good fortune" and become popular too.

As a result, people from all walks of life in the industry sprang into action, submitting materials, asking for connections, and seeking introductions through acquaintances. The casting department jointly established by New Classics Media and Tencent received hundreds of artist profiles in just one day.

Among Chen Chao's acquaintances and friends, quite a few were also tempted. The most perceptive and proactive about this matter was none other than a certain wicked little cat, whose target was none other than Fan Xian's sister, Fan Ruoruo.

Fan Ruoruo is Fan Jian's daughter and Fan Xian's sister. She is known as the most talented woman in the capital. She is gentle, intelligent, insightful, and sensible. Her character is likable, and she has a lot of screen time. She has many scenes with Fan Xian. More importantly, the character's temperament is highly compatible with her, and she is confident that she can play the role well.

"Contact the casting department at New Classics Media for me. I'd like to audition for the role of Fan Ruoruo." After instructing her agent, Li Yitong took out her phone and sent Chen Chao a voice message on WeChat, her tone slightly mischievous and coquettish.

"Chen, the male lead~ I heard you haven't cast Fan Ruoruo for 'Joy of Life' yet? Do you think I'm suitable? How about you recommend me? If it works out, I'll treat you to dinner~"