Chapter 12: The Law of Conservation of Smiles

“It seems there’s no need for me to go to Xiamen,” Zhang Yang decided instantly.

If he left now, catching this opportunity at the Tong’an Film City in Xiamen would be possible. However, flying back after that wouldn’t leave enough time to make it to another chance within the drama’s timeline.

Since he was already in Modu, there was no point in going out of his way just for distant opportunities.

Moreover, he suspected that the film city’s opportunity involved one of the main creators from “Palace Locks and Pearl Curtain.” It had to be someone who would become quite famous and influential in the future, like Big Mimi or Yu Zhen.

After all, this was an opportunity that could potentially earn recognition from the System on his body—gaining mere affection from minor characters seemed too insignificant for such a chance.

For instance, earlier today, by winning Liu Shishi’s favor, he indirectly secured the role of male lead in Xuanyuan Sword: Heaven’s Scar.

Had he tried independently, he might have needed to use up Old Hu’s connections, with no guarantee of success.

“The Shanghai Theatre Academy is among China’s top three performing arts schools. Countless industry elites across various fields have graduated from here. The opportunities available in such an environment… just thinking about it gets me excited.”

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Zhang Yang glanced at the clock, his eyes flickering mysteriously.

Nearly two hours later, inside a small private room at XX Local Cuisine Restaurant.

Zhang Yang sat by the window, his expression unchanged as he watched his three “good brothers” take their seats.

“Tonight, I’m treating you all. Husband, sit next to me; we’ll have to toast you several times later,” Zhang Yang said.

Initially, Zhang Han wanted to ask if something good had happened to Zhang Yang, prompting him to suddenly invite them all out for dinner. However, upon hearing Zhang Yang’s words, he fell silent, suspecting that Zhang Yang was also trying to curry favor with Jiang Jinfu.

The reason for this suspicion was that Zhang Han had ended up footing the bill last night for their late-night snack. Earlier today, Zhang Bohan had taken Jiang Jinfu and himself to an upscale hotel for lunch without inviting Zhang Yang, despite it being quite expensive.

Now, seeing Zhang Yang attempt the same gesture tonight brought some inner balance to both men, even allowing them a hint of schadenfreude.

“Brother Yang speaks, so I’ll gladly accompany our esteemed gentleman until the end,” Jiang Jinfu thought, assuming Zhang Yang was bowing down. A faint smile appeared on his face as he said, “But bro, there’s something important I need to discuss with you beforehand.”

“What is it?” Zhang Yang poured tea for himself, then placed the teapot in front of Zhang Han.

“I’m just a nobody with no sway,” Jiang Jinfu said with a sigh. “I couldn’t convince K-sis. The role of Male Three has already been given to Senior Lin Gengxin.”

“That’s alright,” Zhang Yang replied promptly.

“But hey, bro, don’t worry,” Jiang Jinfu added earnestly. “I can definitely secure the part of Male Four for you.”

This time, his words came straight from the heart.

Xuanyuan Sword: Heaven’s Scar was similar to Sword and Fairy III. While there were clear leads for male and female roles, secondary characters also had their own storylines.

Tangren intended to replicate the success of Sword and Fairy III with this production, ensuring all three leading pairs would benefit greatly.

The role of Male Four, however, was akin to Mao Mao and Yunteng in Sword and Fairy III: purely supporting characters with little chance to shine.

Jiang Jinfu wasn’t actually trying to help Zhang Yang; he simply wanted him to be part of the same production so he could watch enviously as Jiang Jinfu outshone him.

It reminded him of those two years at the Shanghai Theatre Academy when they’d all admired Zhang Yang’s talent.

“There’s no need for such trouble,” Zhang Yang said with a warm smile. “I don’t require that Male Four role, nor do I need you to make any special efforts for me.”

“Brother Yang, this is a great opportunity. Don’t be too proud,” Zhang Han said at that moment. “If I were you, I’d be willing to play Male Five or Six. This is a fantasy drama produced by Tangren!”

“It’s not that I’m too proud.” Zhang Yang shook his head with a smile. “I just have better options.”

“You got another role?” Jiang Jinfu’s smile began to fade instantly.

Zhang Yang smiled brightly and said, “Fuzi, I actually have to thank you. Today, when I returned to the company, I told K-sis I wanted to act. Po Shi-jie helped speak up for me, and Lao Hu, being considerate towards his brother, gave me the Male Two role. The contract has already been signed.”

“Now we’re both Great Earth Emperors. As they say, ‘In times of danger, brothers make the best allies’.”

“It’s all thanks to you. If you hadn’t notified me last night, I wouldn’t have made it to the company today. Even if Lao Hu wanted to give me the role, there wouldn’t have been time.”

“So, as I said before, I owe you a drink.”

“Congratulations, Brother Yang,” Jiang Jinfu forced a smile.

If he could, he would go back to yesterday and give himself a hard slap right now.

If Zhang Yang had hesitated even a day longer to put on his poser act, he would never have gotten the chance to play the male lead.

Regret? I fucking regret it so much.

In contrast, both Zhang Han and Zhang Bohan quickly changed their tune.

Although Zhang Yang was only playing the second male lead, not Jiang Jinfu’s role as the first male lead, hadn’t Liu Shishi personally vouched for him? And hadn’t Hu Ge voluntarily stepped aside for him?

This clearly showed that despite having a smaller part than Jiang Jinfu in this drama, Zhang Yang’s networking skills were top-notch—far beyond anything Jiang Jinfu could hope for.

Moreover, many teachers and school administrators also liked Zhang Yang, which further solidified his unique network of connections.

Unless Jiang Jinfu became wildly popular, there was simply no comparison between him and Zhang Yang.

“Brother Yang, congratulations!”

“Brother Yang, with those thick thighs of yours, let’s not forget each other when you strike it rich.”

Zhang Bohan and Zhang Han immediately reverted to their usual fawning behavior around Zhang Yang, if not going even more overboard with flattery.

Pretending to be clueless about social cues, Zhang Yang graciously accepted all their compliments without batting an eye.

The meal was truly satisfying for Zhang Yang. To cap it off, Zhang Bohan insisted on paying the bill, explaining that since Zhang Yang had missed out on lunch earlier, this dinner served as compensation.

Only Jiang Jinfu maintained a forced smile throughout, his joy as insincere as wax.

Ultimately, all emotions within him transformed into a desire to compete.

When Xuanyuan Sword began filming, he would surely portray the male lead well, making Zhang Yang nothing more than a backdrop!

After leaving the restaurant, Zhang Yang used the excuse of studying the script to avoid returning to the dormitory with the other three. Instead, he went back to the company-provided apartment.

With such a beauty neighbor like Guli Nazha, how could he possibly want to return to the dormitory and engage in petty squabbles with those rough men?

However, tonight he didn’t see Nazha at all, nor did he make any effort to visit her across the hall. Although she was an easily-deceived romance-brained woman, he didn’t want to make his intentions too obvious.

The night passed without incident.

Early the next morning, Zhang Yang woke up very early. After completing his morning exercise routine, he took a shower, had breakfast, then returned to school to finalize the application for permission to shoot on location outside campus.

Given his usual grades and performance, along with his familiarity with the instructors—and with Cai Yining there to greet acquaintances—Zhang Yang secured approval for his application in less than half a day.

After lunch, Zhang Yang glanced through the entertainment industry opportunities handbook.

Zhang Yang’s thoughts stirred as he unlocked the second opportunity.

“Bring a book?”