Chapter Ninety-Seven: The High-Level Irony of "Raging Anti-Crime Storm" Finally Unleashed (Guaranteed Request for Monthly Votes)

The latest episode of "Comedy Must Laugh," featuring the piece "Donating Money," is far ahead of the competition.

The "Hum-Ha Duo" goes without saying; the performances of Xu Ping and Zhu Jie continue to surprise everyone. Both possess the talent to make any role they inhabit feel authentic. A competitive variety show is much like a television drama—often, only a few participants truly shine or find lasting fame.

In the entire history of television, only the series "No Regrets Enlisting," eighteen years ago, created a miracle where almost every actor became a star. That was a miracle, and the reason it is called a miracle is that it cannot be replicated. Much like the last twenty years, there has only been one Zhou Xing'an who rose from a background extra to a Best Actor winner.

Today, "Comedy Must Laugh" is this year's phenomenal variety show. Many of the contestants have been recognized by the audience, but whether they will ultimately succeed—and how many of them will—is impossible to say. Some might even suffer a scandal before they truly become famous. This is the reality: when opportunity knocks, you must seize it. You have to be capable of bearing the blessings that come your way.

As this season of "Comedy Must Laugh" draws to a close, the "Hum-Ha Duo" stands out as the most dazzling. Beyond them, groups like "Fat and Thin Sisters," "East and West," and "Shrimp" have also gained significant traffic. Aside from the championship finale, the show will host one more recording featuring all previous participants. However, Lin Xing did not take part in that recording.

He participated in three episodes of "Comedy Must Laugh": "Anti-Fraud Bank," "Donating Money," and "Protagonist and Supporting Actor." The first two have already aired. As a supporting actor, Lin Xing followed one golden rule: never steal the spotlight. It is just like filming a drama; when actors rewrite scripts to add scenes for themselves, they might become the lead, but the script falls apart, and the production flops. That is exactly why, even though Lin Xing participated in writing the scripts for his three episodes, he never added scenes for himself.

The audience is not stupid, and industry insiders are even less so. If people thought nothing of Lin Xing’s role in "Anti-Fraud Bank," his performance in "Donating Money" finally revealed his comedic talent to everyone. Because of this, even after an entire day, the discussions on Weibo have not ceased.

"I think Lin Xing is the type who can make everyone laugh while keeping a straight face; that is truly not easy."

"Exactly, and the most crucial point is that Lin Xing was a supporting actor in both works; he wasn't even the focal point of the scenes."

"Who could argue with that? I didn't think Lin Xing would be willing to play such minor roles."

...

"You are only seeing that, but have you seen Lin Xing’s ability in script creation??"

"No wonder Ding Bai specifically thanked Lin Xing on Weibo after 'Anti-Fraud Bank.' I thought he was just being polite, but it turns out he was serious."

"The changes Lin Xing made to 'Donating Money' were actually quite good."

"So, has Lin Xing become an intellectual now??"

"Hard to say if he's an intellectual, but he’s definitely no longer illiterate."

...

A shift in public perception often requires the boost provided by a variety show. Ultimately, however, an actor must let their work speak for itself.

There are only two days left until the premiere of "Dark Tide of Anti-Corruption." Since this month has 31 days, the show will premiere the day after tomorrow. It has been about four months since the drama was officially announced on September 2nd, and even less time since filming began on the 16th. Yet, from announcement to premiere, the hype has never waned.

On one hand, the pairing of Zu Ming and Liao Qingshan is enough to build industry anticipation. On the other, this is the first time Zu Ming has cast a "traffic" artist in his own drama, and most importantly, Zu Ming stated in an interview that Lin Xing was the perfect fit for the character. With these two factors combined, it would have been impossible for "Dark Tide of Anti-Corruption" to keep a low profile.

More importantly, Lin Xing, one of this year's biggest traffic stars, is always at the center of attention. Consequently, every stage—from the official announcement and the start of filming to the wrap-up, trailers, and scheduling—has been inextricably linked to him. Lin Xing is not the lead, but his popularity far exceeds the lead. It is a classic case of "veteran actor plus traffic star": the veteran handles the acting, and the traffic handles the promotion.

Today, "Dark Tide of Anti-Corruption" released another trailer with the tagline "Meeting at the Start of the Year." The trailer is perfectly suited for the New Year atmosphere, with a warm color palette. Those college students who haven't yet fallen victim to nude-photo loans still have bright futures. Those villagers who haven't been forcibly evicted are hardworking and content. Those who haven't been trapped by gambling or drugs remain diligent. The citizens of Jinghai, working hard at life, should have had a beautiful future. It is a panorama of life, a look at all beings.

Everyone knows this drama is a tragedy, which makes the sight of this illusory happiness even more heart-wrenching. Those who have read the original novel of "Dark Storm" know exactly what the fourteen years in Jinghai were like. Here, if you listen to Shen Ming and kneel like a dog, you can live comfortably. But if you try to do the right thing or seek justice for the citizens of Jinghai, your end will be miserable.

Yu Feng is an example. He survived, but everyone around him died; he became a lone wolf. Just as Yu Feng questioned Xia Hai: is justice that arrives fourteen years late still justice?? Fourteen years—what was the price behind that justice?? It was the shattering of countless families. Because of this, the "warm" trailer promising a "meeting at the start of the year" feels incredibly ironic to the audience.

"I think the PR team knew 2023 was ending, so they released a warm trailer."

"True, but this warmth is fleeting. In those fourteen years, many in Jinghai will never have another reunion."

"'As long as people are around, there is a home'—those were Yu Feng's words, yet everyone around him is gone."

...

"Damn, watching Yu Feng have a reunion meal with his master, comrade-in-arms, wife, and mentor’s wife is truly heartbreaking."

"I think this trailer is the pinnacle of irony. I read the original novel of 'Dark Tide of Anti-Corruption,' and how should I put it? It's based on real cases, and reality is even more terrifying than the book, yet in reality, there is no Yu Feng."

"No, I don't think so. There are many Yu Fengs in reality, and more importantly, it proves the necessity of 'sweeping away the black and eliminating evil.' Regardless, public security is much better now than it was a dozen years ago."

...

"Indeed, not going too far back, just in 2008, there were robberies on our street all the time; people didn't even dare to wear gold or silver jewelry, and you could get knocked out by a brick while out drinking at night."

"Right, public security is much better now, that's true, and the powerful are keeping a lower profile; there's less flaunting of wealth."

"Hahaha, reminds me of the saying that anti-corruption mainly relies on mistresses."

...

With the release of yet another trailer for "Dark Storm," online discussions have only increased. Of course, this is partly due to the PR campaign. This is an S-tier project airing on two major satellite channels in Beijing and Shanghai. Tencent Video, in particular, places great importance on this series as their major drama for the start of the year. Therefore, online promotion is essential.

As for Lin Xing, he checked Weibo during a break from filming, having received a message from the PR team yesterday reminding him to repost at noon today. Lin Xing, naturally, had to cooperate. For the past two days, he had been filming at night, as he planned to leave after finishing today's scenes.

He had been filming "The Marriage Fraud Murder Case" with Li Wenqian, and after a few days of shooting, he was set to move on to the next case. Almost all the cases in "Portrait of a Crime Solver" are based on reality—whether it's plastic surgery, nude loans, school bullying, domestic violence, marriage fraud, or the upcoming college entrance exam identity theft case.

Just like "Dark Storm," the cases in "Portrait of a Crime Solver" are often more surreal in reality. Like school bullying—in reality, the little monsters often face no consequences. And the identity theft case Lin Xing is about to film—in reality, some of those who stole identities have already achieved success and fame, facing no punishment, and in some cases, not even losing their jobs. That is why people often say reality is more surreal than fiction; reality lacks logic.

The night shoot ended at 10 PM. The next day, Lin Xing flew to Beijing. He arrived at 10 AM, and Sister Dao was there to pick him up. She knew Lin Xing had a small gathering with the "Dark Tide of Anti-Corruption" crew that evening, so she planned to drop him off at home while briefing him on the situation.

"The premiere press conference is tomorrow at 2 PM at the Daxing International Center. There will be a lot of media, and other actors will be there to show support..."

"Although there's no red carpet, I think tomorrow afternoon will be quite lively. I've looked at the schedule they sent us; you will be asked questions as well."

"Tencent Video places great importance on this show; they want it to be their big hit, especially since the other four video platforms have strong contenders for the start of the year."

...

In the car, Sister Dao explained the details. At tomorrow's conference, besides the three main leads—Wang Fei, Song Wen, and Ren Yi—Lin Xing would also be asked questions. The PR department, worried that Lin Xing might struggle like other traffic stars, had prepared standard answers for him.

"These are the specific questions for tomorrow, along with the answers you should give." Sister Dao smiled. "It's been ten—no, eleven years. This should be the biggest premiere press conference we've ever attended."

It was true. Not to mention that none of the films Lin Xing had shot in the last decade were worthy of a premiere press conference, he hadn't even been qualified to attend the one for "Just Waiting for You." Now, although Lin Xing isn't the lead in "Dark Tide of Anti-Corruption," he has earned his place.

"We'll discuss the specifics tomorrow. Also, for tonight's gathering, I've arranged for Lao Liu and Xiao Nan to accompany you." As they reached Lin Xing’s house, Sister Dao instructed him.

Lin Xing shook his head. "Sister Dao, there's no need. I can go by myself."

"No, you are currently in the rising phase of your career, and I'm worried about people playing dirty." Sister Dao’s tone was firm. "Did you forget about Chen Zhou? He went to a gathering with acquaintances, got set up, and was caught for prostitution. His career was ruined in an instant."

As Lin Xing’s manager, Sister Dao had to account for every risk.

"And," she added after a moment, "don't talk too much. If there are strangers, say even less, to avoid being recorded..." She paused. "Tell you what, I'll go with you tonight."

"Sister Dao, you've been working hard lately." Lin Xing felt genuinely touched. "But you need to look after your health. I'll be careful tonight. It's a small gathering, and it's being hosted by Zu Ming, so there won't be any problems."

Vigilance is necessary, but Lin Xing knew Sister Dao was being overly cautious, though he understood why. The online attacks against him were likely quite intense; otherwise, she wouldn't be this tense. This was precisely why he was moved.

Sister Dao smiled at him. "I've said before, as a manager, I don't fear hard work. Fine, if that's the case, I won't go, but Lao Liu and Xiao Nan must follow you."

"Fine." Lin Xing agreed. Better safe than sorry.

Back home, Lin Xing received a call from Bai Yan.

"Ah Xing, are you back?" Bai Yan asked.

"I just got home," Lin Xing replied gently. "Brother Bai, what's up?"

"Nothing much, just that Director Zu asked me to tell you to come to the studio this afternoon if you're free." Bai Yan hurried to add, "We need to look at some footage and behind-the-scenes clips for tomorrow's press conference and finalize the snippets."

"What time this afternoon?" Lin Xing asked.

"3 PM."

"Alright, I'll be there on time," Lin Xing said.

"Great, see you this afternoon." Bai Yan hung up after a few more words.

At 3 PM, when Lin Xing arrived at Zu Ming's studio, he was surprised.

"Ah Xing, I told you we might have a chance to meet again this year," Kong Tian said with a chuckle.

Kong Tian, who was supposed to be filming out of town, was actually at Zu Ming's studio. On the last day of 2023, the two of them met again.

"Brother Kong, did you take leave from your crew to come here??" Lin Xing asked, smiling.

"Hey, don't mention it." Kong Tian waved his hand slightly. "I was kicked off the set."

Lin Xing: "???"

...

...

Thank you to all the readers for your support. I have seen all your comments, and I will continue to work as hard as a donkey to keep the updates coming.

(End of chapter)