Entertainment King:I Can Extract Skills from the Movies

Fan Bingbing adjusted her lounging position, dismissing Du Sheng's comments with a teasing smirk.

"I only have tonight free," she purred. "Soon, I'll have to act as the doting girlfriend to that Li character. It's unbearable—I need to vent my frustrations. And you, heading off to join your cast soon? Who knows which little vixen will snatch you up. How can I not make the most of tonight?"

The mention of her competitor, Li Bingbing, seemed to sour her mood further. Both stars, both under the same agency, shared an unspoken rivalry. Competing for resources while trying not to be overshadowed had become their norm. Now, to make matters worse, she had to play a romantic partner alongside Li's rumored boyfriend.

Du Sheng simply stared at her, speechless. This was a direct provocation he couldn't ignore.

In his mind, history suggested Fan Bingbing herself might have sparked a connection with the male lead at some point during production. And now, as the second male lead in The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, was he really supposed to quietly accept being metaphorically "crowned" by an LV-branded hat?

No way. He wasn't having it.

Incensed, Du Sheng immediately spent 1,000 of his hard-earned reputation points to upgrade Indulgent Pleasures to Level 2.

With a rush of insight, a flood of techniques and instincts surged through him. Tonight, there was no turning back. Fan Bingbing would not walk away victorious.

---

Hours later, Fan Bingbing lay sprawled on the bed, glistening with sweat, completely spent. She whispered hoarsely, her voice tinged with lingering shock and submission:

"I've already broken things off with Director Hong, and I promise I'll stay loyal to you… isn't that enough?"

Her tone, though seductive, carried a note of genuine concession. It had been terrifying—the sheer relentless passion of her "partner" tonight.

Du Sheng pulled her close, letting her rest against him as he gently caressed her shoulders.

"So, what happened with Director Hong? Why did things fall apart?"

Fan Bingbing hesitated before speaking.

"He gave the lead female role in Undercover Dragon to someone else. Probably his old-fashioned chauvinism at work."

She refrained from mentioning past rumors and scandals—they seemed irrelevant now. Director Hong's tendency to juggle multiple women while demanding their absolute loyalty had worn thin. It was better to reclaim her freedom than endure his outdated patriarchal mindset.

Du Sheng wasn't surprised.

"Let it go. Honestly, losing that part might be the best thing that ever happened to you. You'll thank me later for sparing you another flop."

His statement wasn't just idle talk—he was being truthful. That project had been a disaster in his previous life. Director Hong had tried to use it to push his son into the spotlight while simultaneously cashing in, but the result was a chaotic mess.

Fan Bingbing blinked, confused by his certainty.

"How can you be so sure it's a flop when it hasn't even started shooting?"

She wasn't wrong—film resources were highly coveted in this era, and it wasn't easy to turn down opportunities. But somehow, when Du Sheng spoke, she felt inclined to trust him.

"Because Hong's time is over," Du Sheng replied calmly.

"Have you noticed? He hasn't produced anything noteworthy since the 1990s. All he's holding onto is his old underworld reputation, but even that won't last much longer. Just wait—next year, when that film flops, you'll see I was right."

Fan Bingbing mulled over his words. Though she remained somewhat skeptical, she didn't press the issue. Instead, she relaxed, nestling into his arms and muttering softly,

"Maybe it's for the best. Life feels lighter without it."

For a long time, Fan Bingbing had felt trapped. She had endured so much for the sake of her career—making compromises, sacrificing her own values. Now, for the first time, she felt a glimmer of relief.

---

Seizing the moment, Du Sheng changed the subject with a casual suggestion.

"Did you hear? The lead actress in Flying Daggers Once Again had to drop out to study abroad. They're looking for a replacement. With your schedule, maybe you should audition?"

Eastern media might have been rising rapidly, but movie audiences hadn't yet embraced the habit of frequent cinema trips. Television dramas, with their massive audiences, were far more lucrative and offered a greater boost to an actor's profile.

Fan Bingbing raised an eyebrow.

"Really? My agency is already working on securing that role. Do you think it's worth pursuing?"

She was juggling multiple offers, including two other TV dramas, Invincible and The Matchless World, making her decision all the more difficult.

Du Sheng nodded with conviction.

"I've read the novel it's based on. The story's excellent. The female lead's elegant, frosty demeanor and ethereal charm fit you perfectly. Plus, the character's emotional arc and revenge plotlines are bound to shine."

In his previous life, the drama had been a classic. Its viewership and popularity ranked among the year's top ten. Since he couldn't participate in it himself, he figured recommending it to Fan Bingbing might indirectly benefit him in the long run.

Fan Bingbing seemed thoughtful.

"I'll consider it. Thanks for the suggestion."

The conversation drifted to lighter topics. Fan Bingbing's spirits lifted, and she found herself more relaxed than she'd been in ages.

"Oh, by the way," she suddenly remembered, "how's The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils going? Have you signed the contract yet?"

"All done," Du Sheng replied. "I'm joining the team in two days."

"Good. If that hadn't worked out, I would've recommended a smaller production for you. It's not big, but it has potential."

Du Sheng's curiosity was piqued. A small-scale wuxia drama with a mostly rookie cast and an invitation for a once-blacklisted star? It sounded oddly familiar.

He racked his brain and a title surfaced. If it was the same show he was thinking of, then yes, it had potential—massive potential.

In his previous life, that drama had been an underdog hit, rivaling The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils in popularity. Despite its initial lack of support and lukewarm expectations, it had gone on to captivate audiences with its unique charm.

"Let's wait until The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils wraps before deciding," Du Sheng said, keeping his thoughts to himself.

If that drama was indeed what he suspected, it would be worth the wait. By then, he wouldn't just be relying on Fa

n Bingbing's recommendations; he'd be in a position to secure a leading role outright.