Water Prison Trial

In Director Sun's eyes, Zhang Guangmu was merely an add-on for Seven Stars' Li Xiaoxiao.

"Wolf Fortress" wanted to piggyback on Li Xiaoxiao's fame, so they had to give Li Xiaoxiao some face.

Therefore, Director Sun, who possessed considerable professional acumen, tailored an assassin supporting role for Zhang Guangmu on the spot. Although the role wasn't extensive and had no name, it fit Zhang Guangmu's subconscious perfectly.

This was considered going above and beyond.

As for Director Qian Yiyuan, who practically wanted to hide Zhang Guangmu away for exclusive collaboration, that was excessive.

In Director Sun's opinion, Director Qian was a prime example of "cherishing a broken pot because it's one's own." The roles of [Assassin] and [Death Warrior] were the most suitable for Zhang Guangmu.

Zhang Guangmu had, through a series of coincidences, managed to cobble together a decent film. His own subconscious, in terms of genre and potential, wasn't particularly high.

The same stroke of luck was unlikely to befall Zhang Guangmu a second time.

"The 'one-hit wonder' theory is not tenable..."

Director Sun shook his head, a commercial smile returning to his face as he walked towards a young man in a suit. "Yang Chi! You're finally here! I've been waiting for you for a long time!"

The young man opposite him, dressed in a white suit and leather shoes, with his hair slicked back with gel, presented an unusually mature appearance. He was impeccably clean, with a handsome face, truly possessing the classic features of sharp eyebrows and bright eyes.

However, he always maintained a stern expression, making it difficult to discern his emotions.

The youth named Yang Chi turned his head towards Director Sun, his tone calm. "Director Sun is too kind."

Director Sun smiled and flattered, "This 'Wolf Fortress' couldn't be made without you!"

What is precocious?

What is understated power?

Yang Chi embodied it all!

As the previous year's Newcomer Subconscious Actor, Yang Chi was currently in a career upswing. His acting range had just stabilized, his fanbase was highly cohesive, and his popularity was sufficient. Most importantly...

His subconscious type was precisely the kind Director Sun admired most!

Director Sun had waited a full year for Yang Chi's schedule!

Even in his sleep, Director Sun dreamt of Yang Chi—the ultimate rebound after extreme pressure, the explosive release after enduring hardship, silent for years, then astonishing the world! This was the epitome of a superior subconscious in Director Sun's mind!

Zhang Guangmu?

He wasn't trash, but he was merely a subconscious actor within the supporting character sequence, lacking that certain something.

Despite his thoughts, Director Sun maintained his smile.

Having Zhang Guangmu serve as a foil for Yang Chi would be excellent.

Red flowers always need green leaves to set them off!

Without even mentioning Zhang Guangmu, Yang Chi got straight to the point: "I heard that Li Xiaoxiao, who ranked sixth in this year's Supernova, is also making a guest appearance in 'Wolf Fortress'?"

After receiving an affirmative reply, a flame called fighting spirit seemed to ignite in Yang Chi's eyes: "I will prove that I am no worse than any Supernova!"

Director Sun nodded repeatedly.

He knew that Yang Chi had been ranked eighth last year, perfectly missing out on all the benefits and treatment of the Supernova.

One step behind, and every step was behind.

Watching the most outstanding among his peers take off one after another by leveraging "The Path of the Great Emperor," while he could only move forward slowly like a snail, "Supernova" gradually became a deep obsession in Yang Chi's heart.

Zhang Guangmu lay down in the Infiltration Pod, feeling sleepiness surge, and gradually closed his eyes. In his consciousness, a string of pale blue fluorescent text flowed like a waterfall.

World code verification complete...

Film World anchoring...

Mental linkage...

Virtual memory and character background construction complete...

Consciousness temporary reshaping...

Infiltration successful!

When Zhang Guangmu opened his eyes again, he found himself immersed in a pitch-black water prison.

The cold and damp environment made every second feel unbearable.

[I was an orphan with no one to rely on. If not for the kindness of the Fort Master, I wouldn't have survived this chaotic world!]

[The Master has shown me kindness, and I absolutely cannot let him down!]

[In this 'Water Prison Trial,' I want to be the one who perseveres until the end!]

[I will definitely become the sharpest blade in the Fort Master's hand, cutting down all enemies for the Fort Master!]

The script hints, disguised as "inner thoughts," appeared in Zhang Guangmu's mind.

Hoo!

Thanks to Li Xiaoxiao, getting to act in a movie as a connection, the treatment was indeed different from the last time he started.

Last time, the script hints made it clear he was cannon fodder, but this time, he was obviously a supporting character with a role!

Although the director might not give me much screen time, it's already a huge improvement!

However...

Zhang Guangmu looked around and found many youths in the water prison in similar situations to himself.

Among these people, some had already acted in several films, but due to poor film reception or their own underperformance, they were currently newcomers who hadn't even received a one-star Subconscious Actor rating.

Otherwise, Zhang Guangmu, who had been binge-watching shows at home for the past month, would definitely have remembered them.

The Xuanlong Empire's social welfare was excellent. As long as one didn't unfortunately contract certain special illnesses, even without working, wearing a subconscious helmet and staying in a small wooden house watching films every day wouldn't lead to starvation or dehydration, and they wouldn't even need to pay for electricity.

Because of this, the vast majority of people, if not living in luxury, would almost never have experiences like Zhang Guangmu's.

These youths, despite the boost from virtual memories and script guidance, had never truly suffered.

Before long, some people chose to give up.

"It's so cold! I feel like I'm going to freeze to death!"

"Can anyone actually survive the Water Prison Trial?"

"I give up, I want to go home!"

"Someone next to me fainted, quick, help! If no one helps, he'll drown!"

As the youths spoke, their teeth chattered.

In the dim dungeon, the orange candlelight flickered faintly.

People wearing Wolf Bone Masks silently entered the water prison and just as silently took away the failures of the "Water Prison Trial."

Seeing this, just as Zhang Guangmu was about to encourage the others, the script hint initiated a new round of guidance.

[These guys are so annoying!]

[The cowardly and incompetent are not qualified to live!]

[Compared to the strong who died tragically in this chaotic world, they are not worthy of living!]

Zhang Guangmu blinked, not intending to tear up the script immediately, deciding to lie low and develop first.

This time was different from the last.

In this film, Zhang Guangmu's physical condition was that of a normal, healthy adult, slightly stronger than an average youth, but only slightly. He couldn't possibly dismantle the water prison with his bare hands.

Zhang Guangmu knew very well that even if he wanted to save someone, he would be powerless. Instead, he might be seen as an unstable factor, leading the production team to guide a character with a script hint to trap him in this place.

"I'm like a clay Buddha crossing the river now, I can barely save myself..."

With that thought, Zhang Guangmu, whose clothes were already soaked, simply closed his eyes slightly and sat cross-legged in the water.

The water in the Water Prison wasn't very deep. Even in a cross-legged position, it only barely reached his chest.

The most grueling part here was mainly the low water temperature.

There was nowhere to brace himself in the Water Prison, and the walls were damp and smooth. No matter where he was, it would quickly draw away body heat, leading to shock.

"Holy shit, it's so cold!"

Zhang Guangmu sat cross-legged in the water. Not long after, he was startled: "Damn Director is not human!"

Is this a place for humans to stay?

To maintain his cool demeanor and show his difference from others, Zhang Guangmu maintained his usual calm and composed expression, as if nothing could shake his state of mind.

At this moment, balls of White Balls floated to Zhang Guangmu's side, excited as if Columbus discovering the New World.

"Shou Mu Ren reporting for duty!"

"What the hell is Gravedigger?"

"Are you fans of this Newcomer? The title is too morbid!"

"What do you mean Newcomer? My Cub is very strong! If he hadn't taken so few roles, he would have a high chance of being one of this year's Supernovas!"

"I hate it most when people brag. Supernova, huh? I've never even heard of him!"

"I don't really understand the background of this Pretentious Youth. I was just assigned here by the director, and I like watching people get tortured."

"This youth is quite handsome, but his appearance seems a bit weak. He probably won't survive this Water Prison Trial."

These two chapters are about 5500 words. My condition has been quite good these past few days! Keep it up! Strive for steady improvement!

Front row reminder: The core of "Wolf Fortress" is completely different from "Endless Food Bag," one could even say it's the opposite. Friends who are interested can try to understand it, hahahaha.

Thanks to Flowing Years for the 1500 Points Reward!

Thanks to Where is my dried fish for the 100 Points Reward!

Thanks to LZHI for the 100 Points Reward!

Thanks to You Mingyunsheng for the 100 Points Reward for "Birth of a Drama Queen"!

See you all tomorrow, little friends!