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

"Oh, right, there's one more thing." After everyone had finished reporting, Chen Chao suddenly spoke up, "I've written nine songs during this period, which, together with the previously released 'Exchange of Lives,' makes a perfect album."

"Originally, I planned to start recording after filming of 'Princess Agents' wrapped up, but now I have to seamlessly join the cast of 'Sisters Who Make Waves' after filming wraps up, so I can only postpone it until December, after filming of 'Sisters Who Make Waves' wraps up."

As he spoke, Chen Chao took out a stack of sheet music from the drawer, placed it on the table, and gestured for the four of them to take it and look at it themselves.

"Wow! Mr. Chen Chao, you're amazing! You've written so many 'evil' songs!" Su Wan exclaimed in surprise, her eyes wide. She had initially thought that Chen Chao only wrote songs occasionally for fun and that his main focus was on acting.

It was completely unexpected that he could still squeeze out time to write songs during such a tight filming schedule and directly put together an album.

With Chen Chao's approval, Ji Ran, Hao Ren, and Bai Chen also picked up the sheet music and flipped through it. Although they didn't know much about music, just by looking at the lyrics, they already felt that the quality of these songs wouldn't be too bad.

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September 15th, Dingzha, Jiaxing.

The mornings in the water towns of Jiangnan are always shrouded in a thin layer of mist. The bluestone paths are wet with dew, gleaming with a warm luster. The awning boats on the waterways sway gently, like a traditional Chinese ink painting by a master.

A black minivan was heading towards the press conference for the start of filming of "Duckweed". Inside the car were Chen Chao and Zhao Liying, who had just taken leave from the set of "Princess Agents".

"During the press conference later, the reporters will definitely ask you a lot of pointed questions, just like at the last press conference for 'Princess Agents.' Remember not to be nervous, just maintain the same composure you had at the last press conference," Zhao Liying couldn't help but remind Chen Chao, who was playing on his phone beside her.

"If you encounter a question that's really hard to answer, just blame it on Director Han Han, and he'll smooth things over for you."

"Don't worry, Sister Liying, I know what I'm doing." Chen Chao raised her head and revealed a confident smile. "So what if I'm being questioned? I'm used to it."

"When I was officially announced to play Yan Xun in 'Princess Agents,' there was a lot of skepticism. In the end, I let my performance speak for itself."

"It's good that you think that way." Zhao Liying nodded with satisfaction. "But don't be too forceful. Be a little more humble and gentle. After all, you're still a newcomer. If you're too sharp, you'll easily attract criticism."

"Okay, I understand."

Soon, the van arrived at the venue of the press conference, which was located in front of an ancient stage in Dingzha Ancient Town. The venue was already packed with people.

Reporters from hundreds of media outlets, armed with cameras and microphones, had already secured the best spots. Outside the cordon, a large crowd of fans had rushed over, mostly there for Deng Chao, Zhao Liying, and Han Han. They held up their respective support signs and light sticks, their screams echoing throughout the area.

"Liying! Liying! I love you!"

"Brother Chao! Brother Chao! I love you!"

"Director Han Han! Looking forward to 'Duckweed'!"

When Chen Chao walked onto the stage with Deng Chao, Zhao Liying, and Han Han, the screams from the audience noticeably subsided, and the reporters' cameras were mostly focused on Deng Chao, Zhao Liying, and Han Han.

Only a few shots panned across Chen Chao, with a hint of curiosity and scrutiny, while at the same time, a murmur arose from the audience.

"Is that Chen Chao? He's quite handsome."

"What's the use of being handsome if you don't have any works to show for it? A complete newcomer can actually play the second male lead, it must be because of connections."

"That's right, I heard that the role was originally intended to be played by Peng Yuyan."

"I think this movie is a bit risky. Han Han is likely to crash and burn. Why use a newcomer when there are so many experienced actors available?"

Although the murmurs weren't loud, Chen Chao, who always had excellent hearing, heard them very clearly. However, his smile remained unchanged as he stood calmly in his seat, his gaze sweeping over the reporters and audience below the stage.

As per the program, the host introduced the main creative team in turn. When Chen Chao was introduced, there was another small commotion in the audience.

"Next, let's welcome the actor who plays Xu Zhengtai, Chen Chao!"

Taking two steps forward, Chen Chao bowed to the reporters and fans below the stage and said in a clear and powerful voice, "Everyone, I am actor Chen Chao, and I will be playing Xu Zhengtai in 'Riding the Waves' next."

"I am very grateful to Director Han Han for giving me this opportunity, and I also thank all the media friends and audience friends for coming. I will do my best to play this role well and live up to everyone's expectations."

After all the actors had introduced themselves, the interview session began, and some reporters in the audience were already eagerly raising their hands.

"Chen Chao, hello, I'm a reporter from Sohu Entertainment." A female reporter wearing glasses stood up and asked a somewhat pointed question, "We all know that you were a singer before, and you became a sensation with your song 'Exchange of Lives'. Apart from that, you don't have any film or television works."

"As a complete newcomer to film and television, what makes you qualified to play the second male lead in 'Duckweed'? Is it because you have some special background?"

The moment the Sohu Entertainment reporter asked that question, the room fell silent. All the cameras were pointed at Chen Chao, waiting to see how he would answer.

Deng Chao, Zhao Liying, and Han Han, who also heard the question, all had a slight change in expression and subconsciously prepared to stand up and speak.

But Chen Chao spoke first. He looked at the reporter with a gentle smile on his face and said in a neither humble nor arrogant tone, "First of all, I need to correct a mistake you made. I am not a complete novice in the film and television industry."

"I have already filmed two TV series, 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' and 'Princess Agents.' In 'Princess Agents,' I played the second male lead, Yan Xun. Although these works have not yet been broadcast, I have already accumulated some acting experience."

"Secondly, regarding why I was able to play the role of Xu Zhengtai, I think the person with the most authority to speak is Director Han Han. I got the role through a formal audition process, and the reason why Director Han Han chose me is because he felt that I best fit the temperament of the character Xu Zhengtai."

"As for your special background, I can tell you clearly that I have no special background. I was born into an ordinary family, and I have gotten to where I am today entirely through my own efforts and the help of my seniors."

"If I had to say what my background is, then my background is my ability. I believe I can prove myself with my work."

His answers were clear, logical, and well-founded. He neither evaded the questions nor appeared aggressive, which won him the favor of many reporters in the audience.