[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-more-tragic-i-act-the-stronger-i-get-my-fans":3,"chapter-the-more-tragic-i-act-the-stronger-i-get-my-fans-the-more-tragic-i-act-the-stronger-i-get-my-fans-chapter-37":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The More Tragic I Act, the Stronger I Get — My Fans Beg Me to Stop Killing Off My Roles",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1297751,1723,"Chapter 37: Getting into character is easy, but getting out of character is difficult?","the-more-tragic-i-act-the-stronger-i-get-my-fans-chapter-37",37,"\u003Cp>Jiang Ci went to the appointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't not go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huai was the male lead of this drama and one of its investors. This courtesy had to be extended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The restaurant was chosen by Gu Huai, an extremely private members-only establishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The security was excellent, so there was no need to worry about being photographed by paparazzi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the private room, only the two of them were present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the status and aura from the film set, Gu Huai in private appeared much more approachable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore simple casual clothes and looked like a steady, mature older brother from the neighborhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be nervous, we're not talking work today. Just think of it as friends chatting casually.\" Gu Huai personally poured tea for Jiang Ci as he spoke with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He maintained polite composure on the surface: \"Teacher Gu, you're too kind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still calling me Teacher Gu?\" Gu Huai waved his hand. \"If you don't mind, call me Brother Huai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci readily complied: \"Brother Huai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dishes were exquisite and light, served course by course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two chatted intermittently, from the weather to the crew's catering, with Jiang Ci giving it his full attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew these were just preliminaries—the main topic was yet to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, after several cups of tea, Gu Huai put down his chopsticks, his expression turning serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jiang Ci, the reason I sought you out today is to ask you for advice on a question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here it comes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci's heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained unchanged. \"Brother Huai, you exaggerate. You're the senior, I should be the one seeking your guidance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, this question... perhaps only you can answer it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huai's gaze was profound, as if trying to see into the depths of his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to know, how do you maintain that 'in-character' state year-round?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Jiang Ci paused mid-action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Year-round?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brother, I've only acted in two productions total, less than a month combined—how is that \"year-round\"?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instantly realized that Gu Huai was connecting his performance in the previous \"Palace Conspiracy\" with his current work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In everyone's eyes, he, Jiang Ci, was an \"acting obsessive\" who couldn't achieve greatness without madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This question was extremely dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Say it's thanks to the system? That would be admitting to mental illness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Say it's natural talent? Too arrogant, and it wouldn't explain that bone-deep sense of sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci's mind raced, and ultimately he brought out that universal shield once again—\"I have stories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained silent for a moment, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he spoke again, his voice carried a raspy, weary quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Huai, there actually is no method.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just... don't really know how to 'exit character'.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huai's brow furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't know how to exit character?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\" Jiang Ci nodded, his gaze becoming distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every time I play a role, it's like truly living through that character's life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their emotions carve themselves into my bones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the filming ends, the story concludes, but those things remain inside me and can't leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke these words with genuine emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because in a certain sense, this was the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every performance required him to burn his life and emotions to earn the right to keep living.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That desperation of nearing death and the instinct to survive were more real than any acting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huai stared at Jiang Ci, at those eyes that appeared tired and melancholic from \"long-term immersion in character,\" and felt an extremely complex emotion surge within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was sympathy, there was pity, but more than anything, it was the shock and heartache shared by a fellow actor witnessing this \"sacrificial\" approach to performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen too many actors who treated acting as a job—clock in, clock out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had also seen some method actors, but there was always a layer of safe distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was using his own soul to fill the flesh and blood of his characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was too damaging to the body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And too damaging to the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then after you finished 'Palace Conspiracy,' how long did it take you to emerge from it?\" Gu Huai couldn't help but press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci's heart tightened, thinking this was bad—there was no right way to answer this question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only continue the performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced out a bitter smile and shook his head: \"That General... he suffered too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even now, I occasionally dream of returning to that isolated city, hearing those war drums.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As these words fell, Gu Huai was completely convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way he looked at Jiang Ci had completely transformed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From initial appreciation to current concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jiang Ci, this state of yours is very dangerous.\" Gu Huai's tone was unprecedentedly serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actors need to get into character, but they more importantly need to get out of character. If you completely immerse yourself like this, problems will inevitably arise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\" Jiang Ci lowered his head. \"But I can't control it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keep acting, keep up the performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci mentally awarded himself a little gold statuette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huai let out a heavy sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt he finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why Jiang Ci always appeared melancholic and silent, why his tragic performances were so compelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he wasn't actually \"acting\"—he was just cutting out a piece of himself to show everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That aloof immortal lord on set who could make his scene partner break down with a single line—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that was just the residual spirit of characters that Jiang Ci, through repeated performances, couldn't separate from and had eventually merged with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huai suddenly felt how shallow his previous inquiries about \"technique\" and \"method\" had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the future, if you encounter any unresolvable troubles on set, come directly to me.\" Gu Huai said with utmost solemnity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was no longer mere politeness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the most practical promise a senior could give to a exceptionally talented junior teetering on the edge of an abyss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His \"selling misery\" gamble had paid off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had successfully made Gu Huai, the most influential person on set, develop a strong \"protective instinct\" toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Brother Huai.\" Jiang Ci said sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meal concluded in a somewhat heavy atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huai didn't ask any more questions about acting, instead chatting like an older brother about amusing industry stories, trying to help him relax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they parted, Gu Huai's agent handed Jiang Ci a box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is from Brother Huai—some calming sleep aids and aromatic pillows. We hope they help you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci held the heavy box, feeling a mix of complex emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deceiving someone to this extent and still accepting their gifts made him feel like a real piece of work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to survive, he had no other choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the hotel, Jiang Ci placed the box on the table and let out a long sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Gu Huai handled, he had firmly established his position within this production crew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, he could peacefully focus on \"shearing Qiao Xinran's wool.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking about Qiao Xinran gave Jiang Ci another headache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way that woman looked at him was becoming increasingly strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he was pondering this, his phone vibrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A WeChat message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ci picked it up to look and froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sender was: Su Qingying.\u003C\u002Fp>",1224,"2026-06-05T18:00:08.278Z",1,"novelbin.me","1020daf3dcdc0e7eb43d09b337aaf3327bd6c1ee04d927870fefddee46fa52b0","the-more-tragic-i-act-the-stronger-i-get-my-fans-chapter-38","the-more-tragic-i-act-the-stronger-i-get-my-fans-chapter-36",366,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-more-tragic-i-act-the-stronger-i-get-my-fans-cover.jpg"]