Top Dupe CH 039 Luo Yu VS Li Shengyu Part 1

Li Shengyu had also experienced losing roles to those with connections who curry favor with directors and screenwriters, so he naturally empathized with what He Mu said. Furthermore, during his previous participation in a talent show, He Mu helped him out a lot, which deepened Li Shengyu's dislike for Luo Yu.

Now that the director had set up this acting competition, the discontent brewing within Li Shengyu finally found an outlet. Just as he was about to raise his hand, an actor from the same company stopped him.

"Are you crazy? Don't be the troublemaker! The news about Luo Yu's role being pre-decided has been spreading throughout the crew, and it must have reached the director's ears! You're close to people from Dijun Media, which has always been suppressing Luo Yu. Think carefully about whether you want to be the one to stand out!"

Li Shengyu was taken aback, "Has Dijun Media always been suppressing Luo Yu?"

"What else did you think? There are so many people with similar images and schedules as He Mu, but why is Luo Yu the one getting trashed online all the time?"

This reminder struck a chord deep in Li Shengyu's mind. Although he still trusted He Mu, he began to feel a slight sense of conflict.

"No matter what Dijun Media does, He Mu isn't that kind of person." Li Shengyu quickly defended He Mu.

"You have such a thick filter for He Mu! He Mu treats different people differently."

Another actor from the same company also chimed in, "Yeah. The rumor about Luo Yu being pre-decided isn't a big deal. Every crew has a few pre-decided roles. The key is the absurd rumor that Luo Yu has that kind of relationship with Director Lin Yue!"

"Director Xu Han's first work reportedly couldn't get sponsorship or find a production company. It was Director Lin who ran around various film companies and personally contacted reliable actors for him. That's how Director Xu Han's reputation started. So anyone who dares to slander Director Lin will definitely face Director Xu's wrath!"

Hearing this, Li Shengyu was shocked again, questioning if he was being too impulsive and had his emotions manipulated.

A senior from the same company advised, "I've heard that besides Lin Yue and Hua Xingyun, even Gu Xiaowei and Xie Shang have good relationships with Luo Yu. Regardless of Luo Yu's acting skills, if his character were bad, Gu Xiaowei wouldn't even give him the time of day. You standing up for He Mu like this, junior brother, will only make you suffer."

"But He Mu works really hard for his roles. He doesn't need to suppress Luo Yu." Li Shengyu told himself to stay firm and not let a few words shake his trust in his friend. His fingers loosened and tightened, sweating slightly.

The situation became awkward as no one stepped up to challenge, and everyone watched and waited.

The assistant director whispered to Xu Han, "Director Xu, I told you this kind of internal conflict wouldn't work. No one wants to offend others!"

"What are you afraid of? For every rumor spreader, there's someone who wants to dispel rumors with their skills." Xu Han looked completely relaxed.

Among the three judges, Yang Chen spoke into the microphone on the table, "Everyone, don't overthink this. Put aside thoughts like 'Is the crew targeting troublemakers' or 'Is the director trying to eliminate dissidents.' Many of you must be unhappy with having only a few lines and want the director and others to see your abilities. Director Xu Han prefers actors who are ambitious, have ideas, and have drive over those who obediently stick to their agency's script."

Zhu Jun also said, "With the three of us here, this rooftop is purely for an acting competition. This isn't a variety show; we don't have scripts or even know your names and roles. But if you're good enough, we won't let your talent go to waste and will definitely recommend you. This is your chance to show yourself."

Yan Mingrui clapped his hands and said, "Let's see some fresh faces. Are there no bold and ambitious actors left?"

With that, a young man raised his hand, "I... I'm Chen Dong! Just an extra here. Can I join the challenge?"

"Of course! Not only you, but everyone on this rooftop can." Yan Mingrui replied.

"Then... I want to challenge Teacher Cheng Fei! I want to challenge his Ling Jin!"

Cheng Fei, caught off guard, whispered to Luo Yu, "This isn't arranged by you and Director Xu, is it?"

"Do you think Director Xu has that much free time? Go, give that kid a chance!" Luo Yu laughed and gently pushed him.

Chen Dong, though young and inexperienced, memorized Cheng Fei's lines by watching him and tried to emulate Cheng Fei's aura. Though his acting seemed a bit immature, a child trying to act like an adult, the three judges applauded him.

Since Chen Dong's role was just a lookout with no lines, they chose Li Shengyu's role as the next challenge.

Cheng Fei took the small role seriously, reading the lines multiple times and portraying the young, inexperienced, somewhat stubborn character, clearly outshining Chen Dong in acting skills.

However, the judges highly praised Chen Dong for memorizing lines just by observing Cheng Fei and mimicking him, showing he had talent but needed to develop his own understanding of characters rather than copying others' performances.

Yang Chen said, "Young man, I think you should try the drama troupe. Stage theater is great for honing your skills in dialogue and acting. On stage, you have to remember your lines from start to finish without breaks, maintaining your emotions until the end of the scene. I'll leave you my number. If you're interested, come find me."

Chen Dong was stunned, "I... I never thought I could surpass Teacher Cheng Fei. I just wanted to perform his lines. Can I really act in plays?"

"Not now, so you need to practice." Yang Chen said seriously, "Start with roles without lines, then small roles, then supporting roles. Step by step, never giving up or slacking off, and one day you'll be the lead."

Hearing this, Luo Yu was filled with mixed emotions. Wasn't this what he had experienced in his past life?

Xu Han also said, "Chen Dong, I like your courage. As an extra, you didn't give up observing and learning. Starting tomorrow, you'll get a uniform and be part of Cheng Fei's team, following him and learning how he acts!"

Chen Dong was overjoyed, thanking everyone profusely.

This excited the crowd.

Many raised their hands to challenge each other, and the atmosphere heated up.

Some actors from small companies challenged Cheng Fei for a taste of being the lead.

For a while, Cheng Fei was quite busy.

Returning to the audience, he took the bottled water Luo Yu handed him and drank two big gulps, "That Li Shengyu is really spineless. After all this time, why hasn't he challenged you?"

"If he doesn't challenge me, I'll challenge him."

Luo Yu smiled, raised his hand high, "I want to challenge—"

His voice was gentle but carried strong penetration.

The three judges immediately looked in Luo Yu's direction.

The assistant director asked, "It's Luo Yu, right? Your role is Huo Haoyan, the CFO of a big group, our tall-rich-handsome character. Who do you want to challenge?"

"Huo Haoyan is a villain. Including my last role, it seems they're all villains. I want to experience the thrill of being a hero." Luo Yu said.

All eyes were on him.

The news that Luo Yu was pre-decided for Huo Haoyan had been circulating for a long time, making many actors in the crew envious of his role.

At this moment, instead of keeping a low profile, he actually stood up by himself. There's going to be a show!

The assistant director asked again, "So who do you want to challenge?"

Even at this moment, Luo Yu didn’t forget to act, touching his chin in a thoughtful manner, "Hmm..."

The two actors who were spreading rumors earlier were now so nervous that their hearts felt like they would jump out. They kept retreating, afraid of being named by Luo Yu.

They barely had a few lines, and if any were cut, they could go home directly. And those long posts on Weibo? It was like writing a self-criticism essay, sure to be mocked by the entire internet.

"Does Luo Yu even know our names?"

"What if Cheng Fei told him?"

In the crowd, Li Shengyu clenched his fists.

On one hand, he felt that his role as the economic investigator lacked highlights, hoping Luo Yu would challenge him to at least gain five minutes of effective screen time for his role.

On the other hand, although he heard from He Mu that Luo Yu had been stealing roles and schedules, hugging the director’s thigh, Luo Yu might not be capable. But what if Luo Yu was actually skilled?

"I’ve decided. I challenge... Ling Jin..."

Everyone gasped; Luo Yu was actually going to challenge Cheng Fei. This was going to be interesting. Cheng Fei had taken good care of him these past days, but now Luo Yu was biting the hand that fed him!

Who knew Luo Yu would change his tone on the next breath, "I challenge Ling Jin's subordinate, the economic investigator, Xia Yunzhi."

Li Shengyu gasped, eyes widening; that was his role!

Luo Yu stepped out of the crowd, walked to an open area, and bowed to the three judges.

Zhu Jun adjusted her glasses, "This young man is really handsome, with a clean and good temperament."

Yang Chen, who had just filmed with Luo Yu today, leaned in and said, "This is going to be interesting."

Yan Mingrui asked curiously, "Interesting? Why?"

Yang Chen praised generously, "His line delivery is excellent, and he controls his expressions well. If he challenged Cheng Fei’s role, I wouldn’t be interested."

"Ah, I understand." Zhu Jun laughed, "Cheng Fei's role has a strong presence. Any actor with basic skills would understand how to project that presence. In contrast, the economic investigator requires a restrained performance, showing trust and obedience to the team leader while being cautious and meticulous in his own investigations. The key is to bring out the character through details."

The judges seemed very interested, and the entire crew's enthusiasm was high.

The assistant director shouted, "Where is the economic investigator Xia Yunzhi? Don't be shy, come out!"

Li Shengyu took a deep breath, raised his hand, and stepped out from the crowd, "Economic investigator Xia Yunzhi is here!"