Chapter 96: Resolution, this matter cannot be resolved.

“Xing Ge, it’s like this,” Xiao Nan explained the situation to Lin Xing.

Lin Xing: “???”

This was just too surreal.

Lin Xing hadn’t expected that some fans would thrust him onto the trending search list, and what they did was even more intense than the attacks from haters.

“Fortunately, Sister Dao had the working group busy all night, and they managed to minimize the damage,” Xiao Nan said with a headache. “Luckily, it’s only a portion of the fans. Most of them are still rational, and no one’s been tearing into outsiders, or else this might have escalated even more today.”

“Mm, today you don’t need to come with me to the set. I’ll go by myself. You should rest,” Lin Xing said, picking up his bag. “Just trust me on this.”

“Alright, Xing Ge. I’ll head to the set this afternoon,” Xiao Nan replied.

“No need. Rest well. I’m not some big capitalist,” Lin Xing shook his head. “Health is the foundation of revolution. You’re young now and might not care much, but if you regret it later, it’ll be too late.”

And so, Lin Xing went to the set alone.

To be fair, Lin Xing really didn’t expect some fans to think he was suffering, much less to create a trending topic about it.

On the way, Lin Xing glanced at Weibo.

Sure enough, fans had stopped crazily pushing the so-called popularity, and under Sister Dao’s guidance, they gradually regained their composure.

As for the few acts of disruption, they were insignificant.

Especially since some haters’ methods were just too crude.

“Our Xingxing’s acting skills are truly outstanding. What do you know, you Guo Nan idiots??”

“Lin Xing’s acting can completely outshine all the veteran actors. Honestly, those veterans don’t even deserve to tie his shoes.”

“Support Xingxing! Let’s crush anyone who says our guy’s acting is bad.”

...

“Seriously, if you’re going to troll, at least be professional about it! You haters are just too lazy.”

“Just leave already, stop trolling us.”

...

Hater wars are nothing to fear, because true casual viewers don’t pay attention.

Often, it’s the quality of the work itself that matters most.

But if you anger the casual audience, turning the reputation around becomes truly difficult.

Why did Sister Dao’s expression darken immediately upon seeing the trending topics?

Because boasting about Lin Xing’s hardships only incites public anger and might even cause the casual audience to turn against him.

If Sister Dao can’t see that, she shouldn’t be a manager.

“Ah Xing...” Sister Dao’s voice was hoarse when she answered Lin Xing’s call. “Has Xiao Nan told you everything?”

Lin Xing nodded gently. “She told me all. I’m on my way to the set now. I didn’t ask Xiao Nan to come with me—I told her to rest.”

“Mm, I’m about to take a break myself,” Sister Dao smiled. “Ah Xing, you don’t need to worry about this. Just keep a clear head. This time, the ‘Dark Wave Sweep’ crew meant well, and the fans genuinely care about you.”

“They care so much they want me dead, huh,” Lin Xing joked.

“Alright, I’m almost at the set. I won’t keep you. Rest well.”

After a few more words, Lin Xing hung up.

Today’s shoot for “Portrait of a Murder” focused on the “Marriage Fraud Case,” essentially about a beautiful woman pursued by many suitors, marrying one, then staging an accident to inherit the victim’s estate.

This miniseries was also adapted from real events, and marriage fraud cases were not uncommon.

The previous night, Lin Xing mainly reviewed the script details because he had to act opposite the female character who played the perpetrator.

Having filmed “Dark Wave Sweep,” Lin Xing had watched documentaries about death row inmates.

To put it simply, death row prisoners will say anything to save their lives.

No one isn’t afraid of death.

Even the most vicious criminals weep bitterly when facing execution.

So Lin Xing believed the death penalty was the greatest deterrent.

The actress playing the female role in this unit was Li Wenqian. She had appeared in many dramas, mostly supporting roles. Her acting was quite good, but opportunities were rare.

This time, Li Wenqian was genuinely well-suited to the role.

According to the script, her character was a woman who loved beauty and used her charm to lure men into committing crimes. Even after years in prison, she remained very conscious of her appearance.

How to say it?

Li Wenqian could portray this character’s seductive sensuality and the darker, scheming side.

The next few days’ filming went smoothly.

As the premiere of “Dark Wave Sweep” approached, discussions increased.

While filming, Lin Xing also cooperated with the show’s promotion on Weibo.

Sister Dao’s team kept a close eye on public opinion.

Not a single detail was missed.

On December 25, Lin Xing received calls from Bai Yan and Ding Bai.

“Hahaha, Ah Xing, still on Lu Island?” Bai Yan laughed on the phone.

Lin Xing nodded gently. “Yes, I’m still on the set.”

“Ah Xing, just letting you know: on January 1 at 2 PM in the capital city, there’ll be a premiere press conference for ‘Dark Wave Sweep.’ You have to attend.”

Bai Yan said, “Just giving you a heads-up. Make sure you keep the time free.”

“Okay, got it,” Lin Xing nodded. “See you in the capital, Bai Ge.”

“Yeah, see you there.”

Bai Yan said a few more words before hanging up.

Just as Lin Xing finished, Ding Bai called.

“Ah Xing, our episode airs on the 29th. Remember to help promote it,” Ding Bai reminded.

“Oh, okay,” Lin Xing answered, slightly surprised.

Time in the studio really flew; before he knew it, the 29th was almost here.

When Lin Xing recorded “Comedy Is About to Laugh” before, he felt the wait until the 29th was long—didn’t expect it would come so quickly.

Ding Bai chatted a bit more, saying this episode would change everyone’s perception of Lin Xing.

Because Lin Xing understood screenwriting.

In fact, many details and even the script of the “Donation” skit were written by Lin Xing himself.

After this, who would dare call Lin Xing illiterate?

Does your illiterate guy write scripts???

Later, at noon, the official “Comedy Is About to Laugh” account released the trailer for the new episode, and everyone was surprised to see Lin Xing featured.

Before this, Lin Xing’s participation as a supporting actor had never been publicly announced.

Only now was it revealed.

“Holy crap, Lin Xing is back on ‘Comedy Is About to Laugh’ again?”

“I wonder what he’ll perform. I quite liked his ‘Anti-Fraud Bank’ skit before.”

“Yeah, me too. Let’s see what kind of act Lin Xing brings this time.”

...

Unlike Lin Xing’s first time on the show, when many thought he wasn’t good and hoped he wouldn’t ruin the comedy, this time expectations were higher.

Even the “Charge Forward” troupe thought Lin Xing might cause trouble.

But Lin Xing helped “Charge Forward” successfully advance.

Because of that, people had some anticipation for his supporting role this time.

After the episode aired at noon on the 29th, many eagerly watched.

“This comedy show is really good. I laughed my head off.”

“The ‘Finding a Partner’ skit was really clever, full of laughs.”

“Exactly. I think ‘Donation’ really made everyone laugh, and the best part is it felt natural.”

...

Many people watched “Donation” first and truly enjoyed it, laughing uncontrollably and applauding wildly like a live audience.

Next was the “Fat and Skinny Sisters” skit, “I Want to Donate,” but the comment stream was filled with “Let’s make dumplings instead.”

Obviously, “I Want to Donate” was too wholesome, and that kind of positivity wasn’t what the audience wanted.

“I just want to watch something funny, but you guys want to educate me?”

“Comedy master Li Ying once said, what the audience hates most is being lectured. They just want to watch a show, laugh a little, and enjoy themselves.”

“Yeah, who wrote ‘I Want to Donate’? I can’t say it’s trash, but it’s really terrible.”

...

This work suffered in comparison.

Because “Donation” made everyone laugh so hard, they naturally expected the next to be even funnier.

But no.

It was completely unfunny.

Only awkwardness.

...

As Ding Bai said, this episode of “Comedy Is About to Laugh” showed a different side of Lin Xing.

He understood scriptwriting but didn’t steal the spotlight during his supporting role. Most importantly, his image instantly turned into that of a rustic, goofy dog.

Yet everyone laughed.

That was enough.

That month, Lin Xing appeared on trending searches quite a few times, but his reputation fluctuated between high and low.

However, his appearance on “Comedy Is About to Laugh” earned unanimous praise.

“If you ask me, Lin Xing should just stop acting and honestly focus on comedy. That’d be great.”

“Yeah, he’s pretty good as a supporting actor, and he didn’t steal the show.”

“I agree. I think Lin Xing is really quite good.”

“Sigh, just thinking about Lin Xing acting in ‘Dark Wave Sweep’—a villain role—makes me nervous. Hope he doesn’t turn it into a comedy.”

...

This is precisely why many actors want to join variety shows.

Often, they enter them to redeem their image. Most audiences are patient; if the actor shows even a little talent, they won’t continue to criticize.

Think about why some actors get mercilessly scolded by viewers.

It’s because after so many years, no one has seen any merit.

Following the popularity of “Donation” and many catchphrases going viral—like “Who can handle this, sir?” and “I try not to cry”—Lin Xing’s supporting role earned many likes.

But ironically, this made people even more worried about his performance in “Dark Wave Sweep.”

“Let me ask, after watching ‘Anti-Fraud Bank’ and ‘Donation,’ do you still think Lin Xing can play a villain?”

“Honestly, I’ve always thought Lin Xing can’t pull off a villain. He’s just not suited for it.”

“Yeah, I agree.”

...

This discussion wasn’t between fans and haters—it was genuine fans expressing their doubts.

This kind of debate even left Sister Dao’s team baffled.

“Sister Dao, most of the negative information about Teacher Lin isn’t too severe now, and there’s no obvious attempts to stir trouble. We’ve also talked to fans; they’re trying to restrain themselves.”

The assistant sighed as they entered Sister Dao’s office. “Right now, the main focus is on Lin’s acting. People think his skills aren’t sufficient.”

Pausing, the assistant added, “Not that he’s incapable, but people feel Lin shouldn’t be acting in ‘Dark Wave Sweep.’ They think he’s not fit and will be overshadowed by other veteran actors.”

Sister Dao sighed. “We don’t need to intervene for now. As long as they’re not obvious haters, let them be. Just report anything important to me immediately.”

The assistant looked at Sister Dao and asked, “Many actors say Lin Xing’s acting is quite good, and I’ve seen many veterans speak well of him. Why don’t people believe it?”

Sister Dao shook her head. “What people say in this circle is only 30% trustworthy. And, I’m a bit worried—the example of Fu Shu is still fresh in my mind.”

(End of chapter)