Chapter 12: The Law of Conservation of Smiles

"It seems a trip to Xiamen is unnecessary."

Zhang Yang made his decision instantly. If he were to set off now, he would surely make it in time for the opportunity at the Xiamen Tong'an Film and Television City. However, he wouldn't be able to fly back in time to catch the opportunity related to his current role. Since he was already in the Magic City (Shanghai), there was no need to seek something far away when a better prospect lay right in front of him.

He surmised that the opportunity at the film city was linked to one of the key creators of the drama *Palace II*, and it had to be someone with significant fame and status in the future—perhaps someone like Mi Mi or Producer Yu. After all, this was an opportunity recognized by his "cheat code"; if it merely meant gaining the favor of a minor character, it would be beneath his stature. Just this morning, for instance, he had gained the favor of Liu Shishi, which indirectly facilitated his securing the role of the male lead's best friend in *Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky*. If he had tried to do it on his own, he might have had to burn a favor with Hu Ge, and even then, success wouldn't have been guaranteed.

"The Shanghai Theatre Academy is one of the top three performing arts schools in China. Countless top-tier talents in the entertainment industry have walked through these doors. The opportunities to be found in this environment are truly worth looking forward to."

With this thought, Zhang Yang glanced at the time, a mysterious glint flashing in his eyes.

Nearly two hours later, in a small private room at a local home-style restaurant. Zhang Yang sat by the window, his expression calm as he watched his three "brothers" take their seats.

"My treat tonight. Fu, you sit next to me; I’ll toast you a few times later," Zhang Yang said.

Zhang Mouhan had originally intended to ask if Zhang Yang had encountered some good fortune to be treating them to dinner so suddenly. But upon hearing those words, he fell silent, guessing that Zhang Yang was also looking to curry favor with Jiang Jinfu. He thought "also" because he had been the one to pay for the late-night snacks last night, and Zhang Bohan had also taken Jiang Jinfu to an expensive hotel for lunch today, conveniently forgetting to invite Zhang Yang. He hadn't expected Zhang Yang to pull the same stunt tonight, which actually made them feel a bit more balanced—perhaps even a little gleeful at the irony.

"Since Brother Yang insists, I’ll certainly keep you company," Jiang Jinfu said, also assuming Zhang Yang was lowering his head. A faint smile touched his lips as he added, "But brother, there’s something I have to tell you in advance."

"What is it?" Zhang Yang poured himself some tea and placed the pot in front of Zhang Mouhan.

"My words don't carry much weight; I couldn't convince Sister K. The role of the third male lead has already been confirmed for Senior Lin Gengxin," Jiang Jinfu said with a sigh.

"It doesn't matter," Zhang Yang replied immediately.

"But don't worry, Brother Yang," Jiang Jinfu said earnestly. "I'm confident I can secure the role of the fourth male lead for you."

This time, Jiang Jinfu was sincere. *Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky* was similar to *Chinese Paladin 3*; although there were definitive leads, the supporting roles also had their own storylines. Tangren Media’s expectation for *Xuan-Yuan Sword* was to create a second *Chinese Paladin 3*, where all three sets of leads would benefit greatly. However, the fourth male lead, much like the roles of Maomao or Yunting in *Chinese Paladin 3*, was merely a side character and difficult to make stand out.

Jiang Jinfu wasn't trying to help Zhang Yang; he simply wanted Zhang Yang to be on the same set, watching him and envying him. It was just like these past two years at the academy, where they had all watched Zhang Yang show off.

"No need for such trouble," Zhang Yang said with a kind smile. "I don't need the fourth male lead, and you don't need to do anything for me."

"Brother Yang, this is a great opportunity. Don't be too proud to accept it," Zhang Mouhan chimed in. "If it were me, I’d take the fifth or sixth lead. This is an xianxia drama produced by Tangren!"

"It's not about pride," Zhang Yang said, shaking his head with a smile. "I just have a better choice."

"You landed a role yourself?" The smile on Jiang Jinfu's face began to fade.

Zhang Yang smiled brilliantly. "Fu, I actually have to thank you. I went back to the company today and told Sister K I wanted to act. Sister Shishi put in a good word for me, and Brother Hu, looking out for his own brother, yielded the role of the second male lead to me. The contract is already signed."

"The two of us brothers are now the 'Emperors of the Earth.' This is truly brothers fighting tigers together."

"I still have to thank you. If you hadn't notified me last night, I wouldn't have rushed to the company today, and even if Brother Hu wanted to give it up, it would have been too late."

"So, I must treat you to a drink."

"Congratulations, Brother Yang," Jiang Jinfu said, his smile strained. If he could, he would return to yesterday and give his past self a good beating. If he had waited just one day to show off, Zhang Yang would never have had the chance to land the second male lead. He regretted it—he regretted it so damn much.

In contrast, the attitudes of Zhang Mouhan and Zhang Bohan shifted rapidly. Although Zhang Yang was playing the second male lead, inferior to Jiang Jinfu's first, they had just heard that the role was a result of Liu Shishi's intervention and Hu Ge's personal concession. It was clear that while Zhang Yang’s role might be smaller, his connections were rock-solid, far surpassing anything Jiang Jinfu could boast. Moreover, Zhang Yang was favored by many teachers and leaders at school—another invaluable resource. Unless Jiang Jinfu became a major star, he was simply incomparable to Zhang Yang.

"Brother Yang, congratulations!"

"Brother Yang is a true powerhouse. Don't forget your friends when you hit it big!"

Zhang Bohan and Zhang Mouhan immediately returned to their usual demeanor, even adding a touch of flattery. Zhang Yang feigned low emotional intelligence, acting as if he didn't notice, and accepted their sycophancy completely. He left the meal feeling thoroughly satisfied. Zhang Bohan even scrambled to pay the bill, claiming it was to make up for the lunch he hadn't invited Zhang Yang to.

Only Jiang Jinfu sat through the meal with a forced smile, tasting nothing but ash. Eventually, all his emotions transformed into a burning desire for competition. Once *Xuan-Yuan Sword* began filming, he swore he would play his role perfectly and turn Zhang Yang into nothing more than background scenery!

After leaving the restaurant, Zhang Yang used the excuse of studying his script to avoid returning to the dormitory with the other three, heading back to the apartment provided by the company instead. With a beauty like Guli Nazha as a neighbor, he would have to be insane to go back to the dorm and play mind games with three rough men. He didn't see Nazha that night, nor did he find an excuse to visit her. Although she was a gullible woman with a romanticized view of the world, he didn't want to make his intentions too obvious.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, Zhang Yang rose early. After his morning workout, a shower, and breakfast, he returned to school to finalize his application for leave to film. Given his grades, his reputation, his rapport with his instructors, and a word from Cai Yinong, the application was approved in less than half a day.

After lunch, Zhang Yang glanced at his "Entertainment Industry Opportunity Handbook."

[Time: March 11, 2011, 12:13 PM]
[Location: Yangxin Hall, Tong'an Film and Television City, Xiamen]
[Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 11, 2011, 3:33 PM]
[Location: Entrance of Building X, Room X, Shanghai Theatre Academy]
[Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 11, 2011, 9:53 PM]
[Location: Entrance of Peninsula XX TV Station]
[Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 12, 2011, 10:09 AM]
[Location: Hong Kong...]
[Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

Zhang Yang focused his mind and unlocked the second opportunity on the list.

"Bringing a book?"