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While Su Ning was fully immersed in the intense filming of "Nirvana in Fire," another major event closely related to him was quietly stirring up waves on television screens.

On February 2, 2014, another period drama, "Our Parents' Love," directed by renowned director Kong Sheng, premiered on CCTV-1's prime time slot.

With its delicate and simple style, this drama depicts the ordinary love and mundane life of Jiang Defu and An Jie, a couple, spanning decades, like a clear and sweet spring that slowly flows into the hearts of countless viewers.

In that increasingly fast-paced era, this subtle yet resilient emotion, inherited from the older generation, possessed a peculiar magic, soothing the restlessness and unease in the hearts of modern people.

Now that the series is more than halfway through, the timeline of the story has progressed, and Jiang Defu and An Jie's children are gradually growing up.

Among them, the honest, straightforward, and even a little "foolish" youngest son, Jiang Weimin, makes a quiet appearance.

At first, the audience was completely immersed in this somewhat "foolish" but essentially kind-hearted character, laughing at the jokes he made and smiling knowingly at his growth.

Not many people immediately associated this face, which had a rustic charm and whose acting was so natural that it seemed to leave no trace, with the radiant and amazingly skilled Su Ning on the Spring Festival Gala stage.

However, gold will always shine.

As Jiang Weimin's screen time increased, some sharp-eyed viewers still noticed his distinctive eyebrows and eyes.

"Wait a minute! This Jiang Weimin... the more he looks at him, the more he resembles Su Ning, the guy who danced 'The Light of the Times' on the Spring Festival Gala?!"

"Holy crap! It really is him! The contrast is too great! From a futuristic dancer to a simple-minded guy in a period drama, I didn't recognize him at all!"

"My God, what acting skills! Is this really the Taozi we know? If someone hadn't pointed it out, I would never have guessed it was the same person!"

The hashtag "#SuningIsReallyJiangWeimin" quickly went viral on social media, like a hidden Easter egg.

Public opinion instantly erupted!

If the Spring Festival Gala allowed audiences across the country to witness Su Ning's ultimate charm as a dancer and stage artist, then his role as Jiang Weimin in "Parents' Love" demonstrated to everyone just how amazing his versatility as an actor is.

He portrayed two completely different characters brilliantly, without any sense of incongruity.

This surge of popularity, driven by "character contrast" and "acclaim for acting skills," even overshadowed the main adult actors in "Parents' Love" at one point.

The media rushed to report on him, using terms like "chameleon actor" and "textbook example of acting" to describe him, analyzing how he captured the honesty, kindness, and growth of an ordinary person through meticulous attention to detail.

Thus, in the early spring of 2014, Suning experienced another phenomenal exposure following its appearance on the Spring Festival Gala.

This time, it wasn't about showing off skills or good looks; it was purely based on solid acting skills and a deep understanding of the character that won the audience's heartfelt applause.

Its momentum was unparalleled for a time.

This wave of enthusiasm quickly benefited the production team of "Nirvana in Fire".

The media and the public have raised their expectations for Suning to the highest level. Everyone is eager to see what surprises this "Prince Yu," who can handle both minor characters in period dramas and hold his own on the grand stage of the Spring Festival Gala, will bring in a historical drama about power struggles.

Suning stood in the antique-style streets of Hengdian, with the overwhelming praise for Jiang Weimin in "Parents' Love" on one side and the magnificent saga of Prince Yu in "Nirvana in Fire" on the other.

He seemed to be standing at the intersection of two completely different times and spaces, relying on his own strength to run wildly on different tracks at the same time, and in the most dazzling position in both.

During a break in filming, Director Kong smiled broadly at Su Ning and explained, "Su Ning, 'Our Parents' Love' has already premiered on CCTV-1, and the response has been very positive."

"Director Kong, when will our big movie 'The Massage Therapist' be released?" However, Su Ning was more concerned about the movie "The Massage Therapist".

How was the summer movie season?

"Alright!" After thinking for a moment, Su Ning accepted Director Kong's suggestion again.

"Suning, why haven't you launched any new projects lately, despite all this 'bizarre and outlandish' stuff?"

"The main investment is in other film and television dramas. As for producing our own, it depends on the specific circumstances of 'The Massage Therapist'."

"That's true! We really can't be blindly optimistic. Let's see how your luck and 'bizarre' fortunes turn out."

……

On a sunny spring day in Hengdian, the crew of "Nirvana in Fire" bustled about among the meticulously constructed palaces and bustling streets.

As filming progressed, the atmosphere on set became increasingly harmonious, especially among the main young actors, who often sparked interesting interactions.

During a break in filming, Hu Ge (who plays Mei Changsu) and Wang Kai (who plays Prince Jing, Xiao Jingyan) were sitting on the veranda rehearsing their lines.

Su Ning (Prince Yu) was dressed in fine clothes, but he squatted next to the monitor without any regard for his image. He was holding his phone, looking at it with a furrowed brow and muttering to himself.

Wang Kai nudged Hu Ge with the script, gesturing for him to look over, and chuckled in a low voice, "Teacher Hu, look at our 'Prince Yu,' doesn't his squatting posture bear a resemblance to... Jiang Weimin's spirit?"

Brother Hu looked up and couldn't help but laugh.

He recently watched "Parents' Love" and was deeply impressed by the simple-minded Jiang Weimin, played by Su Ning.

He cleared his throat and, mimicking Mei Changsu's slightly weak tone from the drama, slowly said in Su Ning's direction, "Brother Jingyan, you are mistaken. His Highness Prince Yu is clearly... understanding the people's plight and sharing their joys."

He couldn't help but burst into laughter as soon as he finished speaking.

Hearing this, Su Ning looked up, looking bewildered: "What are you two talking about me about?"

His expression was completely different from that of the deep and unpredictable Prince Yu in the drama; he actually had some of Jiang Weimin's honest and simple nature.

Wang Kai immediately bowed solemnly and said, "Your Highness, we were discussing Your Highness's compassion for the people and your approachable demeanor."

Su Ning then realized that he was being teased. He immediately stood up, dusted off non-existent dust from his robes, and instantly switched back to the noble and dignified demeanor of Prince Yu. He raised his chin slightly, his eyes carrying three parts mockery and seven parts warning: "Your Highness Prince Jing has been quite free these days. It seems you won the game of chess with Mr. Su? How about I play a game with you?"

The three of them burst into laughter, and the surrounding staff were also infected by the relaxed atmosphere.

Who would have thought that Prince Yu and Prince Jing, who fought to the death in the drama, could joke around with each other like this off-screen?

……

Although Chen Xiaojun has a background in dance, playing Princess Nihuang requires a lot of action scenes and horseback riding scenes, which is still a huge challenge for her.

In a scene where Princess Nihuang is practicing spear fighting on the training ground, there are several turning and thrusting movements. She practiced repeatedly but always felt that the power and beauty were lacking.

The martial arts instructor explained it several times, but the effect was still not ideal.

Seeing this, Brother Hu, who was waiting in the wings, put down his script and came over.

Having starred in numerous period dramas, he possesses extensive martial arts experience. "Xiaojun, this part of yours," Hu Ge picked up a spare spear and gave a clean and crisp demonstration, "the wrist should generate power more decisively, the core of the waist and abdomen should be tightened, and the spear tip should already be thrusting out at the same time as turning, without any pause. Imagine that you are not wielding the spear, but that the spear is leading your body."

He patiently broke down the movements and demonstrated them himself.

Sometimes, Wang Kai would also come over to watch the fun, occasionally adding, "Yeah, Teacher Hu's moves are so cool! Xiaojun, look, you have to keep up with his eyes too, you have to have that 'look at the gun!' murderous aura."

Chen Xiaojun humbly learned and practiced several times, and her fluency improved significantly.

Su Ning stood by with his arms crossed, a smile playing on his lips. After Brother Hu finished his instructions, he spoke leisurely: "Mr. Su is indeed learned, even so proficient in Princess Nihuang's spear technique. It seems that the safety of the martial arts world of our Great Liang will depend on Mr. Su much more in the future."

Hu Ge immediately cupped his hands in greeting and smiled as he continued, "Your Highness, you flatter me. I am merely a novice, only good for physical fitness. For the stability and prosperity of the country, we still need pillars like Your Highness and Prince Jing."

The film set was filled with a cheerful atmosphere once again.

……

The crew often finds enjoyment in their routine script readings.

Once, while reading a passage from a court dialogue between Prince Yu and Princess Nihuang, Su Ning used his deep and magnetic voice to perfectly portray the probing and oppressive tone in Prince Yu's words.

When it was Chen Xiaojun's turn, she was equally impressive, her voice clear and firm, perfectly showcasing Nihuang's composure, intelligence, and quick wit.

After the two finished reciting their lines, everyone present couldn't help but applaud.

Wang Kai exclaimed, "It's such a pity that Teacher Su's voice isn't used for dubbing. Xiao Jun too, her lines have improved so much, and her presence is perfectly suited to portray Nihuang."

Brother Hu nodded in agreement and joked, "It seems our crew is full of hidden talents. Next time we have voice acting work, we'll have to find people to do it internally first. Teacher Su, would you be interested in making a cameo appearance as a villain in an animated film?"

Su Ning responded with a smile: "If the pay is right and the role is challenging enough, I might consider it."

This caused everyone to burst into laughter again.

Amidst this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, the filming of "Nirvana in Fire" proceeded in a tense yet orderly manner.

The tacit understanding and friendship established among the actors subtly permeated their performances, making the relationships between the characters more realistic and believable, and injecting more vitality and warmth into this classic work.

……

The role of Princess Nihuang ultimately went to Chen Xiaojun, which was undoubtedly a significant blow to Liu Tao, who was determined to win the role.

Given her experience in the industry and her popularity at the time, it was surprising that she lost to an unknown newcomer. Even with the director's favor and the support of investors, the resentment and disappointment in her heart could not be easily quelled.

This woman possesses a stubbornness rarely seen in the industry.

She did not completely give up on the clearly high-quality project, "Nirvana in Fire," because of this.

Since the lead role was out of the question, she opted for a less desirable option, using her connections to target another significant female character in the drama…

The Mirror Envoy of the Suspended Mirror Bureau is Xia Dong.

This character is highly skilled in martial arts, has a strong personality, and is extremely loyal. She has a significant role with memorable moments. Although she is not the female lead, if she is portrayed well, she can still shine.

Ultimately, she successfully landed the role, demonstrating her persistence and skill.

When Liu Tao first joined the crew, she inevitably harbored some competitive thoughts, secretly observing Chen Xiaojun's performance. Perhaps subconsciously, she hoped that the other party would show timidity or inadequacy, in order to prove that her initial "failure" was not due to a lack of ability.

However, reality soon forced her to re-evaluate this opponent.

When Chen Xiaojun donned Princess Nihuang's military uniform, wielding a long spear, and practiced on the training ground, the heroic spirit and majesty emanating from within, and the unique temperament that combined the nobility of a princess with the ruthlessness of a warrior, were almost perfectly natural for the role.

Especially when acting opposite Mei Changsu (played by Hu Ge), she portrayed the deep emotions and the balance between family and country in her eyes with subtlety and depth, far exceeding the performance of a newcomer.

What made Liu Tao feel even more powerless was the formidable support behind Chen Xiaojun.

Needless to say, Su Ning is not only an important actor in the drama, but also the helmsman of the main investor "Guang Guai Lu Li". He has a superior position in the crew, and his intention to protect Chen Xiaojun is obvious. He has almost isolated her from all unnecessary troubles.

The entire "Bizarre and Unusual" team is Chen Xiaojun's solid support, providing comprehensive protection from resources to public opinion.

Liu Tao is a smart person. She knows that in this circle, sometimes opportunity, background and luck are also part of strength, or even the most crucial part.

So when she saw that Chen Xiaojun not only had an amazing fit for the role, but also that her acting skills were improving rapidly, coupled with such a strong support system, the resentment and competitive spirit in her heart were gradually replaced by a complex emotion...

There was helplessness, relief, and a touch of unavoidable acknowledgment.

She began to devote more energy to studying the character "Xia Dong," trying to find her own shining moment in this equally outstanding character.

Occasionally, when I run into Chen Xiaojun on set, she can maintain a polite and professional demeanor on the surface, but behind that smile lies a hint of aloofness and the maturity that comes with experience.

After all, in this unpredictable world, temporary gains and losses are not enough to define a hero.

Instead of dwelling on the unchangeable past, focus on the present and let your work speak for itself.

Liu Tao understands that only by playing outstanding roles can she best prove her abilities.

However, after joining the crew, Liu Tao discovered that besides the director and several leading actors, the most dazzling person was Su Ning, the young actor who played Prince Yu.

With the immense popularity of TV series such as "Under the Zhengyang Gate," "Parents' Love," and this year's Spring Festival Gala, Suning is no longer the insignificant player it once was.

Furthermore, thanks to Suning's strong support, Chen Xiaojun was able to land the role of Princess Nihuang, but Liu Tao suddenly had a different idea in mind.

"Jun Jun, are you really Suning's assistant?"

"Yes! Sister Tao, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing! It's just that Su Ning is so young, yet he's already such a 'bizarre' boss. I think his parents must be very powerful, right?"

"No! Mr. Su is a genuine self-made millionaire."

"Really? Where did he get the start-up capital?"

"Hehe, actually I'm not too sure either, but I know it's all thanks to President Su's own efforts."

"..."

...(End of chapter)