Chapter 55: Unlock Hidden Rewards by Reading New Chapters

Page 1/3

The decrease in chapter reviews was definitely not just Yu Wei’s illusion. When he was preparing for the audition of “The Star Planter,” he realized not only had the chapter reviews diminished, but the number of followers had also dropped drastically. This wasn’t a natural data decline; it was a cliff-like plunge. The once stable follower count had shrunk by a third, a sudden and sharp fall.

Yu Wei pondered why he hadn’t written anything particularly controversial recently, so why did he lose so many readers so inexplicably? Such a steep drop clearly meant things had collapsed.

It seemed his streak of bad luck had finally awakened...

But no, his collection count had been steadily rising, which meant readers hadn’t fled—they were simply not reading anymore.

Yu Wei casually browsed through the book club posts and quickly found the culprit behind this: the post “Eat Well, Sleep Early” said:

“As a longtime reader of Yu Wei, I have to say this book is just an ordinary newbie web novel. His songs are really good, but the plot comes out before the songs. When the songs are finally released, the plot is nearly forgotten. The thrills feel disjointed.”

“For a better reading experience, I suggest everyone get into the habit of waiting for the songs to come out before reading the related chapters. It pairs much better with the music.”

Yu Wei couldn’t help but laugh bitterly after reading this. If you guys don’t read, how am I supposed to release songs? Readers wait for the songs, but he waits for readers to read before releasing songs—what a vicious cycle.

They really are insidious!

Yu Wei just shrugged and took it in stride. He knew this reader meant well, trying to maintain a good reading experience and, in a way, defending his reputation.

The method of writing first, singing later might hook readers, but it also wears down their patience. If the bait is too heavy and readers can’t hear the songs, they’ll just hold off and read after the songs release.

“This really is a big problem.”

Most readers are fans of the songs. Seeing a song title in the plot is like seeing delicious food or beautiful women—pure temptation.

Luckily, he had a large enough reader base now, and not many readers had been swayed by “Eat Well, Sleep Early.” He still had more than enough song redemptions to spare, but this couldn’t last forever.

He needed to think of a way to keep readers continuously engaged with the book...

“Your turn, Yu Wei.”

Snapping back to reality, Yu Wei saw Chi Leyi waving at him from the side. The previous actor was already auditioning, and he was up next.

First, he had to secure the male lead role for “The Star Planter.” Although he planned to change the background music for this scene, the prerequisite was to win the male lead part.

Stealing a role someone else had fought hard for with just a song felt tasteless. Yu Wei still wanted to compete fairly.

The actor currently auditioning was Qi Xi, one of the few skilled actors on the show, with considerable acting chops. In previous episodes, the mentors had praised him highly.

There were rumors he was the “crown prince,” with the production team always assigning him good roles, but Yu Wei wasn’t sure if that was true.

The male lead in this episode of “The Star Planter” was indeed the most distinctive character—if played well, it would be memorable.

If he really was the crown prince, then Yu Wei wouldn’t stand a chance.

Page 2/3

In the film, the male lead’s conditions as a rural teacher were harsh—not only lacking food and clothing, but his house leaked and was drafty. Later, he fell ill. Physical suffering alone was tough enough, but the greater torment was mental.

He was misunderstood by his family, disrespected by locals, no children wanted to attend his classes, and no one believed in so-called knowledge.

Such storylines aren’t rare now, but at the time it was fresh. The more suffering endured, the more it highlighted the male lead’s spiritual greatness—he was a steadfast warrior.

The audition scene was the male lead recovering from illness, working in his room near the film’s end, having resolved to stay there.

Qi Xi’s acting was impressive. He successfully portrayed the male lead’s pain and struggle, dragging his sick, disheveled, weary body but still standing firm as a teacher. It was deeply moving.

No exaggeration—his performance evoked empathy even through the screen.

“Not bad.”

Lin Yi gave a straightforward appraisal. Getting praise from a seasoned actor demonstrated Qi Xi’s solid skills.

Compared to the younger generation of actors who lacked polish, Qi Xi’s ability was undeniable.

After watching the performance, Chi Leyi grew a little worried. She’d never seen Yu Wei act—she didn’t even know if he could. Could he win?

Yu Wei was in danger!

This was real danger. Forget skill—after Qiluo An’s coaching during the MV period, Yu Wei was barely at a beginner level, utterly incomparable to a seasoned actor like Qi Xi.

What else could he do? Just grit his teeth and go for it.

Playing the “most pitiful” card? Fine, he’d just become blind on the spot and see who’s more miserable!

Yu Wei quietly grumbled but took the stage seriously. However, his performance lacked any struggle or heaviness. It looked like... he was just playing himself.

No acting at all. It seemed more like Yu Wei was simply doing the male lead’s tasks—no pain, no resolve. He even smiled while grading student homework.

Chi Leyi turned her head away in embarrassment. Indeed, no one is perfect; he could write songs and edit scripts, but acting was barely passable.

Qi Xi, just offstage, breathed a sigh of relief. He had feared Yu Wei was hiding some secret talent, but now he felt at ease.

“Stop.”

Lin Yi called off Yu Wei’s performance. But rather than criticize, she was puzzled. Yu Wei’s behavior seemed deliberate.

Even with poor acting skills, a normal person could at least fake a solemn face. Yu Wei’s performance felt like he was just giving up.

But Yu Wei really wasn’t giving up—it was his personal interpretation.

“Teacher, I think idealists are mostly optimistic. Otherwise, how could they repeatedly rise after harsh blows, overcoming challenge after challenge?”

“The male lead stays here to plant hope. What he does is sacred, it’s great. He’s doing what he dreams of most. He is happy every moment. All hardships and difficulties are trivial compared to this responsibility.”

“So I think he shouldn’t be so pained at this moment.”

Page 3/3

In fact, in film and TV, many stars playing small or lowly roles put on pained expressions because they truly suffer, and actors need to show that pain to showcase their skills.

But in real life, those living hard lives don’t constantly wear a sad face. If they did, how would they go on each day?

The male lead in this film is someone with great inner strength—he is inherently positive and optimistic. Outsiders may see his conditions as harsh, but he himself doesn’t feel suffering.

If he wallowed in self-pity constantly, he wouldn’t last...

Yu Wei lacked acting skill, but he was truly an ordinary man.

Everyone was a bit taken aback by Yu Wei’s words. Though his acting was average, his understanding of the character was insightful.

Cultural workers must have culture. In the end, acting is about cultural literacy and comprehension; in this, Yu Wei had a strong advantage.

“Your acting is a bit lacking, but I’m confident I can help you improve.”

Lin Yi’s words were a clear recognition of Yu Wei, signaling her choice. Technique and experience can be taught, but such unique understanding is rare.

Qi Xi had no objections. Honestly, he found himself somewhat convinced by Yu Wei...

Actually, his earlier performance was modeled on the original film’s male lead. But that male lead never won awards, not even a nomination. Instead, the female lead won Best Actress and became an iconic figure in film history with a single glance.

That said a lot. A film told from the male lead’s perspective, yet the actor playing him gained nothing—his performance really wasn’t that good.

Qi Xi had reason to suspect that if such a role truly existed, it would be as Yu Wei described.

Only positive, faithful, and believing people can stay in the mountains to sow hope.

When this thought struck, Qi Xi was startled. Compared to the male lead, he found himself more willing to believe Yu Wei was right.

...

After the recording break, Yu Wei hurried back to the hotel and worked overtime to finish the last episode of the first half-season of “Singer-Songwriter.”

This show’s format was unusual: two groups shoot several episodes each in the first and second halves of the season, then the finals are held by region.

“How to stabilize the reader base?”

Yu Wei paused and then decided to add a note at the end of the chapter.

“Follow new chapters to unlock hidden bonuses.”