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

"Chao, you did a great job just now." Looking at Chen Chao, who was rubbing his temples, Ji Ran said with a smile, "Your answer was very appropriate. You didn't offend the reporters, and you also showed your confidence."

"But thanks to Director Han and Sister Liying's help, otherwise I feel I would have had to deal with it a few more times." Chen Chao stopped what he was doing, smiled and shook his head, "But I feel there will be a lot of criticism online."

"That's for sure, after all, we expected this." Nodding, Ji Ran took out his phone and opened Weibo. "Look, the hashtag #WhyDidChenChaoGetToPlayTheSecondMaleLeadInSistersOnSistersWhoMakeWaves# is already trending."

"But it's not a big problem. Hao Ren is already handling it. We can take this opportunity to release some behind-the-scenes footage of you from 'Princess Agents' and gain some more popularity."

Reaching out to take the phone from Ji Ran, Chen Chao glanced at it and saw that Weibo had indeed exploded with discussion.

"A singer lands a supporting role in a movie? Has the bar for success in the entertainment industry fallen that low?"

"They dare to boast about their abilities without even having any films or TV shows released. It's laughable."

"Han Han has really gone mad this time. He's leaving out a bunch of veteran actors and using a newcomer instead. He's just waiting for the movie to flop."

"Although Chen Chao is indeed quite handsome and sings very well, I'm a little worried about his acting skills."

However, amidst this chorus of doubts, there are also some dissenting voices.

"I think Chen Chao is right. He got the role through audition, not through connections. Why are you criticizing him like that?"

"To be honest, 'Exchange the Rest of My Life' is really good. If Chen Chao can write such a good song, he can't be too bad either."

"I've seen the behind-the-scenes photos of 'Princess Agents,' and Chen Chao's period costume look is absolutely stunning! Prince Yan Xun is so handsome! I can't wait to see him as the cute Xu Zhengtai!"

"The production team of 'Princess Agents' previously released audition clips of Chen Chao, and his performance was quite good."

Just then, Han Han suddenly posted a Weibo message: "There is only one Xu Zhengtai, and that is Chen Chao. The day the movie is released, everything will be proven." He also tagged Chen Chao.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Liying also reposted this Weibo post, saying, "I believe in A-Chao; he won't let everyone down."

Upon seeing this Weibo post, Chen Chao subconsciously turned to look at Zhao Liying, who was sitting next to him. At that moment, she had just put down her phone and gave Chen Chao a gentle smile.

Besides Han Han and Zhao Liying, actors who have worked with Chen Chao, such as Lin Gengxin, Wang Yanlin, and Li Lin, also forwarded the Weibo post to express their support.

As a large number of actors stood up to support Chen Chao, the online sentiment began to slowly change. Meanwhile, Hao Ren, who had been preparing for this, took the opportunity to release a behind-the-scenes clip of Chen Chao filming on the set of "Princess Agents".

In just one hour, the hashtag #ChenChaoActingSkills# soared from dozens of spots on the trending topics list to tenth place, followed by a small "hot" label.

Upon clicking, the pinned video was the same clip Hao Ren had just released. In the video, Chen Chao was wearing a blood-stained prison uniform, his hair disheveled and plastered to his face. His eyes held no light, only endless rage and overwhelming hatred.

Although he didn't have a single line, just one look from him was enough to make the audience in front of the screen feel that heart-wrenching pain.

The comments section has completely exploded.

"Holy crap! Is this really Chen Chao, the singer of 'Exchange the Rest of Our Lives'? His acting is absolutely phenomenal!"

"I was just questioning him, and now I'm apologizing! That acting with his eyes puts many veteran actors to shame!"

"Yan Xun looks so pitiful! It gave me goosebumps."

"I suddenly realized that director Han Han has a really good eye. He can write a song with such a story as 'Exchange of Lives', so his acting skills must be pretty good."

"Sorry Chen Chao! I was too loud earlier! Now I'm really looking forward to 'Princess Agents' and 'Duckweed'!"

Seeing the comments section shift from overwhelming skepticism to anticipation and support, Chen Chao couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

The previous mocking comments about Chen Chao have now been drowned out by a chorus of praise, and the few occasional sour comments have been quickly suppressed by rebuttals from fans and casual observers.

"How was it? Did I tell you there was no problem?" Ji Ran looked at Chen Chao's expression and said with a smile, "Hao Ren did a good job this time. The public opinion reversed smoothly. Now not only is no one questioning you, but you've also gained a lot of casual fans."

"Indeed, Hao Ren's abilities are beyond question." Chen Chao nodded. "Public opinion reversed much faster than we expected."

"It's mainly because you put in the effort; that behind-the-scenes footage was very convincing," Ji Ran said with a smile. "And my sister also helped out a bit, giving us some support in terms of trending topics and traffic, and even helping us suppress some negative articles."

"Then please thank Sister Ji for me," Chen Chao said with a smile. "By the way, has the wrap-up date for my scenes in 'Princess Agents' been set?"

"It's settled, September 28th." Ji Ran flipped through the schedule. "We'll leave Hengdian on the 29th and go directly to the 'Riding the Waves' film crew in Dingzha. That'll be the time when they start filming your scenes."

"Also, I've coordinated with the recording studio about the album," Ji Ran continued. "They've reserved December for us, which is roughly after filming for 'Riding the Waves' wraps up. We can then focus on recording for a month and try to release the album before the Spring Festival."

"No problem." Chen Chao nodded. "I've already polished the song almost to perfection, so we can just record it directly."

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At the end of September, Hengdian had shed some of the summer heat, and the morning breeze carried a hint of coolness, making it feel especially comfortable.

On the set of "Princess Agents", everyone held their breath and stared intently at Chen Chao, who was performing.

In the scene, Chen Chao, who plays Yan Xun, stands on the city wall of Yanbei in a black armor, looking at Chang'an in the distance. His eyes no longer have the brightness of his youth, but only endless coldness and vicissitudes.

"Ah Chu, look, this is the empire I built for you," he said softly, his voice low and hoarse, carrying a hint of weariness and loneliness.

"Card!"

Just then, director Wu Jingyuan's voice suddenly rang out, breaking the silence on set.

He stood up from behind the monitor, clapping enthusiastically, his face filled with excitement and satisfaction. "That's a wrap! Perfect! Chen Chao, congratulations on finishing filming!"

As Director Wu spoke, the set erupted in enthusiastic applause, and the staff surrounded him, presenting him with flowers and a cake that had been prepared beforehand.