diymy Chapter 13: The Man Who Devours Luck
Chapter 13: The Man Who Devours Luck
After Guan Shengbai decided to take on the role of Fang Mengwei in "No War in Beiping", the "Demon Lord System", which had been dormant for several days, finally made a new move.
Side Quest: Devouring Fortune
[Mission Description: You have betrayed the sect and expelled yourself from the sect. You should have your cultivation abolished and be expelled from the sect.]
However, considering your lingering friendship with the sect elders, the sect not only did not exterminate you, but also granted you a "Blessed Land" entry permit.
Having entered this treasure mountain, how can we leave empty-handed?
This grotto is rich in spiritual energy and full of opportunities, but unfortunately most of the rare and precious materials already have owners.
But as the demon among demons, when have you ever spoken of the order of arrival?
Use the opportunities of others to build your foundation!
[Use the luck of others as your sustenance!]
[Mission Requirements: Enter the four-star blessed land of the "No War in Beiping" film crew and seize the opportunities belonging to others as your own resources.]
The more opportunities you seize, and the more significant their importance, the higher your mission completion rate.
[Mission Reward: Four-Star Divine Ability - Robbery and Theft]
[Supernatural Power: Forced Seizure]
Rating: ★★★★☆
[Type: Plundering-type, Cultivation Technique]
"The demonic path does not follow the way of Heaven, nor does it follow nature."
With an ambition to devour the world, he becomes the most powerful demon among demons!
—Core of Supernatural Power—
Anyone who "interacts" with the host (whether they are friendly or hostile) and is within five meters of the host will have a 13% chance every fifteen minutes to convert the essence of their best ability into 1 corresponding attribute point and transfer it to the host.
—Supernatural Traits—
[Invisible Plunder]: The attributes of the plundered person will be reduced for three days, and will recover naturally after three days.
【All Rivers Flow into the Sea】: Attributes obtained from plundering permanently increase the host's maximum ability limit, with no storage limit.
—Flaws in Supernatural Powers—
[Demonic Appearance]: At the start of each raid, a very faint black aura will appear between the host's brows, lasting for three breaths.
[Each Relies on Their Own Skills]: Plundering cannot target specific individuals; all interacted objects within the area are eligible for plundering, regardless of their relationship to the target.
Good heavens, what kind of passive energy absorption technique is this?
So you didn't even bother to put on an act, and just went ahead and robbed it, huh?
To be honest, if any decent person possessed such somewhat unethical supernatural powers, they would probably be caught in a moral dilemma or something.
But Guan Shengbai's previous life was in crisis public relations, which meant covering up people's immoral deeds.
He's stuck with the Demonic Path System for life, so his factions are already naturally assigned to him.
Furthermore, the attribute points that he steals will not decrease the "maximum value".
This made Guan Shengbai, who already had little moral burden, feel even more at ease.
This supernatural power belongs to me, Guan Shengbai!
Speaking of which, he also discovered another hidden feature of the "Demon Lord System".
That is the project "No War in Beiping", which was actually described as a "blessed land".
Undoubtedly, this ridiculous system has a very high opinion of the "No War in Beiping" project.
Looking back at the original timeline, there were a whole bunch of award-winning actors in the show, as well as the later ratings and award rates.
The four-star rating seems well-deserved.
Guan Shengbai was already very interested in the play "No War in Beiping".
Now that the incredibly powerful "Forced Seizure" ability is offered as a reward for a side quest, he's naturally even more determined to get his hands on this character.
……
……
After the play that day, Guan Shengbai leaned back in his chair in his hotel room and, with the script sent to him by Chen Bing in his email, began to recall the dramatic parts about "Fang Mengwei" in the original version of "No War in Beiping".
In retrospect, it's thanks to the fact that this spy drama is a classic, plus Guan Shengbai's amazing memory; he can recall almost all the information, data, and images he saw in his previous life.
With this comprehensive understanding, Guan Shengbai quickly sketched out a very three-dimensional outline of the character "Fang Mengwei" in his mind.
The character is undoubtedly a good one. Although the role is small, it is well-developed and features many highlights.
Putting aside the system tasks, he is also an extremely high-quality dramatic character.
But Guan Shengbai was also well aware of who his biggest competitor was at that moment.
Wang Kai.
If he remembers correctly, Wang Kai had just signed with Huayi Brothers at this time and was still a nobody in the industry.
In the original timeline, Wang Kai first came into the public eye after playing the role of Fang Mengwei in "No War in Beiping".
Later, he won the appreciation of Kong Sheng, Li Xue and the other members of the Shandong Film Studio's "Iron Triangle" with his solid acting skills and pragmatic attitude.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, he later became almost the go-to leading man for Daylight Entertainment, and his fame soared to the top tier.
In a sense, whoever gets the role of "Fang Mengwei" has the opportunity to embark on a "path to heaven".
So it's no wonder that the "Demon Gate System" classified it as a four-star side quest.
Because in essence, this is a character with a "luck" bonus.
After looking to the future, we must also focus on the present.
After all, Guan Shengbai doesn't have many cards to play right now, and they're not exactly good on the surface.
To date, his official resume consists of only one glaring line of text—
A student who dropped out of Beijing Film Academy.
This refers to the legendary "abandoned disciples of Mount Hua".
Even from the public's perspective, Guan Shengbai might just be a half-baked actor who didn't even graduate.
Although Wang Kai has been relatively unknown for many years, he is, after all, a graduate of a formal acting school and has made his way up step by step over the years.
Although few viewers recognize him, he has gained recognition from many people in the film and television industry and has even caught the eye of director Kong Sheng.
Guan Shengbai's only apparent advantage seems to be Professor Chen Bing's recommendation and his influence.
But what he knew even better was that "No War in Beiping" was the debut work of the Zhengwu Sunshine creative team.
The production company and creative team behind it have high hopes for this project.
The lead role has been cast as Liu Ye, a rising young film star.
Even the supporting cast is filled with big names like Chen Baoguo and Ni Dahong, who are considered award-winning actors.
For a project of this caliber, it's absolutely impossible to just send someone in out of thin air simply to give someone face.
In fact, if someone were to randomly pick an ignorant and incompetent rich kid and try to get in through connections, then no one's influence would matter.
Even Chen Bing, who has countless students and connections, is no match for him.
However, Guan Shengbai also had his own trump cards.
Having been reborn, perhaps his soul has been tempered and strengthened, and his already excellent memory is now almost photographic.
After recalling and "reviewing" these past few days, all the advantages and disadvantages of Wang Kai's version of "Fang Mengwei" were naturally clear in his mind.
It's like when two people are sniping at each other in the middle, Guan Shengbai, disregarding martial ethics, secretly uses a wallhack first.
Guan Shengbai's second advantage is somewhat counterintuitive.
That's his acting skills.
In fact, Yang Mi's undisguised praise and Professor Chen Bing's wholehearted efforts to cherish talent were not without reason.
Having completely "inherited" all of his predecessor's memories, Guan Shengbai is indeed a theatrical genius.
It was only after gradually becoming familiar with what filming was like on set that Guan Shengbai belatedly realized the significance of this.
His current feeling on the set of "Tiny Times" is actually a bit like playing house with children.
The most concrete example is that any scene involving Guan Shengbai is filmed much faster.
Because he was already subtly able to "support" his co-stars in their acting.
Aside from lacking a lot of real-life filming experience, Guan Shengbai at this time was actually somewhat similar to Zhou Xun when she first debuted.
Not only is she incredibly talented in acting with boundless imagination, but she also combines the strengths of some formally trained actors.
Guan Shengbai has another advantage: he is young enough.
Wang Kai was already thirty-one years old at this time, and although his portrayal of the twenty-three-year-old Fang Mengwei wasn't entirely incongruous, he still inevitably lacked some of the youthful spirit.
In terms of "spirited young man", Guan Shengbai naturally has an advantage in both temperament and appearance.
Finally, there is one minor, insignificant advantage.
That is, Guan Shengbai could vaguely sense that his [Girl's Eyes], which had both advantages and disadvantages, besides being able to make anyone aroused by staring at them and to perceive other people's desires, seemed to have some "byproducts".
That is, the emotions conveyed through his eyes in front of the camera seem to have become particularly persuasive.
It can be considered a very unique kind of "eye technique" in terms of height and depth.
……
……
In the days that followed, Guan Shengbai's scenes in "Tiny Times" were nearing completion.
Therefore, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the early preparations for the role of "Fang Mengwei".
Even when Yang Mi repeatedly tried to have a "deep conversation," Guan Shengbai brushed her off.
As for Guo Caijie and Guo Biting, who were "entangled in love affairs," they have been "selectively" forgotten by Guan Shengbai.
As for how the two of them spent those nights filled with anxiety and uncertainty, that's none of that scoundrel's business.
Just as Guan Shengbai had a general idea of what was going on, Professor Chen Bing's phone rang at just the right moment.
He said that the other party had already arranged a dinner for him in Kyoto.
Although it was only called a dinner party, Guan Shengbai knew in his heart that it would be a trap that would determine whether he could win over Fang Mengwei.
Thinking this, Guan Shengbai picked up his phone and looked at the flight information sent by Chen Bing.
His teacher was quite impatient; he even booked his plane ticket for him.
We'll be taking off early tomorrow morning, our destination is Kyoto.
Guan Shengbai put down his phone and glanced at the script spread out on the table.
The edges of the A4 sheet of paper were curled up, and it was covered with countless analyses and annotations.
Guan Shengbai's lips curled up slightly.
The night view of Shanghai outside the window remained the same, but his eyes shone like a scorched blade.
In his past life, he sat behind the scenes, cleaning up other people's messes, plugging holes, and creating personas for them.
Finally, they covered clumps of mud with gold powder and tossed them out to parade through the streets.
Those so-called top celebrities, big names, and veteran actors all greet him politely as "Teacher Guan" when they meet.
But once he turns around, who really takes him seriously?
A public relations master.
Ultimately, it's just a slightly more sophisticated street cleaner.
But this life is different.
Guan Shengbai reached out and took the script, which he had already read countless times, as if he had grasped something in his hand.
This time, he will personally step into the limelight.
He must stand under the most dazzling spotlight, so that all those who once looked down on him, ignored him, and used him as a tool will have to look up at him.
Fang Mengwei was just the beginning.
……
……
The next morning, Kyoto.
December in Beijing is unmistakably cold; the breath exhaled by passersby immediately condenses into wisps of mist in the air.
Guan Shengbai instinctively wrapped his coat tighter around himself as he walked out of the airport.
Today he wore a dark gray cashmere coat over a black turtleneck sweater, looking sharp and composed, with a maturity beyond his years.
Professor Chen Bing personally drove to pick him up.
This teacher was in his prime, just over 45, but his hair was already turning gray. It was hard to tell whether it was due to premature graying or overwork.
He was stunned when he saw Guan Shengbai for the first time, then laughed and scolded, "Good lad, you look much more energetic than when I saw you last year."
With that physique and that presence, he's a star just standing there.
Guan Shengbai smiled and got into the passenger seat, reaching out to adjust the seat back for Chen Bing.
The car slowly drove out of the airport and merged into the traffic flow of Beijing.
As Chen Bing drove, he chatted with him about the dinner, trying to keep his tone relaxed.
But Guan Shengbai could tell that the teacher must have sacrificed a lot of face and favors to organize this gathering.
"Director Kong isn't a talkative person, but he's very good at judging character. Don't be too nervous when you get there. Just eat and drink as usual. If he asks you about acting, just tell him the truth."
Chen Bing gripped the steering wheel, his tone gentle, as if he were instructing his own child.
"Director Li Xue is quite talkative; you can chat with him more."
Don't worry too much about the people from the production company; it's just a formality. The key is to get Director Kong's approval.
Guan Shengbai nodded without saying anything more.
The car turned several streets and finally stopped in front of a rather inconspicuous courtyard-style private restaurant.
There was no sign at the entrance, only two red lanterns burning quietly, and the rust on the door knockers showed that they were quite old.
Guan Shengbai knew in his heart that in a place like Kyoto, the more inconspicuous a restaurant looked, the more likely it was to be a favorite among gourmets.
He opened the car door and followed Chen Bing into the courtyard.
The dinner was set up in the east wing. When the two of them pushed open the door, they were greeted by a wave of warmth. Several people were already seated at the round table.
Guan Shengbai recognized Kong Sheng at a glance.
This top director from Shandong Film Studio looks no different from how he appears on television.
In his early fifties, with a thin face and calm eyes, his overall demeanor, like the period dramas he starred in, was profound and restrained.
He was sitting upright in the main seat, with a cup of tea beside him, and was talking quietly to the person next to him.
Sitting next to Kong Sheng was Li Xue.
The director didn't look as delicate as his name suggested; instead, he was a friendly-looking bald man.
Judging from his appearance alone, it's really hard to associate him with those heavy and suffocating spy dramas.
But Guan Shengbai knew that this bald director, who came from a photography background, was exceptionally talented and had a strong aesthetic sense; he was one of the true core members of Zhengwu Sunshine.
In the following years, Kong Sheng was involved in almost every film he directed or co-directed.
Several representatives from the production companies were also seated at the round table, dressed in suits, but their faces were not very familiar to them.
Guan Shengbai's gaze swept over each of these people, finally settling on another person sitting at the round table by the window.
Wang Kai.
This future A-list star still looks quite green at this moment.
He was wearing a dark blue down jacket, zipped up to his chest, revealing a section of the collar of a gray sweatshirt underneath.
He sat upright, almost stiffly, with his hands clasped on the table, his knuckles slightly white, clearly indicating some nervousness.
He heard the door open, looked up, and his eyes met Guan Shengbai's.
Guan Shengbai was slightly taken aback.
Logically speaking, Wang Kai shouldn't be here.
The meeting that Chen Bing arranged for him should have been a private meeting between him and the main creative team.
But Guan Shengbai immediately noticed that Chen Bing showed no surprise at all.
After entering, he merely glanced in Wang Kai's direction, then exchanged pleasantries with Kong Sheng as usual.
Guan Shengbai immediately understood.
This dinner party was anything but simple.
Director Kong Sheng invited Wang Kai along, clearly not to make the two of them friends.
He probably wanted to give the two candidates a chance to meet face-to-face in this informal setting.
It might be a casual question, a randomly selected line of dialogue, or simply an observation of someone's speech and demeanor over a meal.
This was not a simple dinner party at all.
This was a rehearsal disguised as a dinner party.
A live version of "Imperial City PK".