CHAPTER 454: CHAPTER 451: BEST ACTRESS 18

Ning Shuangshuang came over this time, and Zheng Mingjing introduced two prominent journalists to her. Ning Shuangshuang went all out, almost as eloquent as a lotus, impressing both journalists. This was her biggest gain this trip.

After Ning Shuangshuang returned, one of the major journalists gave her a big surprise, mentioning her offhandedly while interviewing film lead Feng Zhipeng.

Coincidentally, Feng Zhipeng held a good impression of Ning Shuangshuang, who had once acted opposite him, and he praised her acting skills. The journalist then documented Feng Zhipeng’s words faithfully in his report.

Feng Zhipeng was at the peak of his fame at that moment, with countless fans. Although today’s fans might be star-struck, their enthusiasm remained rational.

For example, when an idol’s romantic interests or marriage plans emerge, fans generally support them.

When their idol praised a newcomer for her acting, fans were naturally keen to show support. After the film’s test screening and before its premiere, Feng Zhipeng’s fans keenly watched Ning Shuangshuang, who made a fleeting appearance in the movie.

Originally watching her out of loyalty to their idol, these fans ended up pleasantly surprised by her performance, acknowledging their idol’s great taste. Consequently, Ning Shuangshuang gained a number of fans due to Feng Zhipeng.

Back at the filming crew, Ning Shuangshuang filmed for two weeks straight, finally completing her scenes. She received her paycheck, which, despite her role overshadowing the female lead Meng Simin and nearly matching the male lead He Bin, was the smallest.

Ning Shuangshuang was not overly concerned. Though her pay couldn’t match He Bin or Meng Simin’s, it was enough for her current needs, allowing her to avoid long train rides and penny-pinching on buses.

Less than a month after Ning Shuangshuang wrapped up her scenes and left the crew, the drama she starred in officially aired on television.

During this period, two agencies approached her with contract offers which were essentially slave contracts, prompting Ning Shuangshuang to refuse. She was confident that once the drama aired, she would become famous.

The drama directed by He Jian premiered with much anticipation; it ranked second in the prime time viewership ratings on its debut and soared to the top by the next day, significantly surpassing the second place show.

Viewership continued to climb daily, firmly securing its top spot in the prime-time slot. As the drama heated up, Ning Shuangshuang’s name became widely recognized, seemingly becoming famous overnight!

With an astonishingly perfect performance, Ning Shuangshuang created a miracle. Her portrayal of the legendary female General Qin Shuangshuang was not criticized by Qin Shuangshuang’s fervent fans, but rather appreciated by them.

This result was something that all actors who challenged the role of Qin Shuangshuang dreamed of but could never achieve, leaving many envious of Ning Shuangshuang.

Superfan Meng Meiqi fell in love with Qin Shuangshuang after reading about the legendary female general in her elementary school textbook.

Meng Meiqi’s admiration endured for over a decade, from elementary school to adulthood, marriage, and motherhood. Her fondness for Qin Shuangshuang never waned.

Due to her admiration for Qin Shuangshuang, Meng Meiqi had high hopes the first time an actress portrayed the legendary general. However, the actress’s lack of military charisma on screen led to Meng Meiqi’s deep disappointment and anger.

She felt that this uninspired, stuntman-dependent female general – depicted due to the screenwriter’s nonsense as falling in love on the battlefield – insulted the decisive and lifelong unmarried Qin Shuangshuang whom she’d admired for over a decade!

Many tried to portray her beloved historical figure Qin Shuangshuang after that, but none could play the General in her heart.

Eventually, Meng Meiqi realized that the legendary General Qin Shuangshuang was a woman with charisma far surpassing most men – her immense personal abilities and monumental achievements were not ones just anyone could portray.

After repeated disappointment, Meng Meiqi no longer expected anyone to perform the Qin Shuangshuang she imagined, deeming no one worthy of playing the Great General, no matter who they were!

Careful not to watch any shows featuring Qin Shuangshuang’s role, Meng Meiqi even avoided media buzz about Fang Jian’s newcomer showcase to play Qin Shuangshuang.

She refused all entertainment news regarding Qin Shuangshuang. Even for her favorite director Fang Jian, Meng Meiqi resisted watching.

Although aware of the show’s popularity and Qin Shuangshuang’s role receiving praise, Meng Meiqi, who worked in the entertainment industry, couldn’t fully ignore it.

Swayed by praise, Meng Meiqi almost gave in several times, but memories of past disappointments prevented her.

Nonetheless, when she was visiting her mother, she unexpectedly saw Ning Shuangshuang’s portrayal of Qin Shuangshuang on TV!

During a weekend visit to her parents, she entered to find her mom watching this popular show. Glancing at the screen, she saw General Qin Shuangshuang leading her troops against the barbarians.

Meng Meiqi immediately noticed the female general’s bloodied armor on screen, riding on horseback. This female general appeared disheveled, unlike the typically glamorous depictions of women warriors, even in battle scenes.

The sight of the lady general on horseback, her armor stained with blood and mud, her face spattered with blood, and her strong, weapon-wielding arms, left an impact.