Chapter 377: Just a bit of ambition

According to the original plan, once the premiere of *Late Spring* concluded, Lu Yan He was to prepare for his return to China.

However, the feedback received after the screening of *Late Spring* led many media outlets to list the film as a major contender for awards.

Many film media outlets even went so far as to declare that *Late Spring* would certainly win an award; the only question was which one.

This trend left the team at Long Yan Films and the *Late Spring* crew feeling as if they were floating on air.

If they could return home with an award in hand, the significance would be entirely different.

One only needs to look at the current status and treatment of *Three Mountains* and Director Wang Zhong domestically to understand.

The value and significance of international awards are self-evident.

Chen Ziyan analyzed the situation with Lu Yan He: "Among the several prediction agencies currently, you are ranked in the first tier of candidates for Best Actor at this year's Venice International Film Festival. The closing ceremony is in three days. If you actually receive a notification inviting you back to attend, you might not make it in time."

Lu Yan He: Tell Yan Liang to go pick it up; he's still on the road anyway.

Liu Zhiyin laughed happily and said, "Fine, I accept your compliment. I also think I'm a very good person."

Lu Yan He nodded. "The business sectors of *Jump Up* are growing, and I'm very worried that everyone has too much on their plates, leading to a decline in the magazine's quality. Fortunately, you've joined us."

The three wishes were made in his heart and were not spoken aloud.

"So, it's confirmed that *Late Spring* will win an award, is that right?" a reporter immediately asked.

Zhou Mukai hesitated and shook his head. "I haven't decided yet."

Zhou Mukai knew that Lu Yan He had limited mobility and asked if he should bring him some lunch.

"It's alright, I'll watch the live stream," Lu Yan He said. "Besides, I believe *Late Spring* will win many awards; this is just the beginning."

Unlike Lu Yan He, Chen Siqi had very few classes this semester. She had completed almost all the required elective credits during her freshman and sophomore years, leaving only core courses for her junior year.

Lu Yan He saw Zhou Mukai take a laptop out of his bag, seemingly intending to study there for a while.

So many people came, yet not a single photo leaked onto the internet.

Lu Yan He laughed. "Not at all, I just see a lot, witness a lot, and hear a lot—just parroting what I've learned."

Lu Yan He: "..."

Zhou Mukai nodded. "If that's the case, why haven't you decided yet?"

Song Lin Xin suddenly realized something. "She wouldn't be trying to surprise us too, would she?"

"Why are you surprised?"

Lu Yan He nodded and said, "The initial intensity has passed; I'm much better now."

Li Zhibai had booked the Shanju Clubhouse for the day to host a small party, and he had invited all of Lu Yan He's friends and classmates.

"Do you enjoy your editorial work at *Jump Up*?"

"Some trips take two or three days, others can last ten days or half a month," Li Pengfei said. "Take it slow. Since you've never done similar activities before, start with the simple, basic ones."

Before Lu Yan He could even react, he was pulled behind Zou Dong, who was dodging toward the door.

Chen Siqi whispered in Lu Yan He's ear, "He showed me the list specifically, afraid of leaving anyone out."

"You will definitely become our country's top female idol," Lu Yan He said. "I believe in you."

He always remembered the birthday from before he transmigrated, not this current one.

"Sister Ziyan, my work in Venice is finished. I'm not pinning my hopes on Best Actor; it's unlikely to happen," Lu Yan He said. "I'll rush back for class. Liu Bige and the others are all there; if the film wins, they can attend and accept the award."

At noon, only the two of them were left in the classroom.

Their overwhelming enthusiasm made Lu Yan He laugh and say, "Don't forget I'm an injured man. If you're too enthusiastic, don't blame me for lying on the ground and faking an injury."

When his classmates saw him, they looked surprised. Many hadn't expected him to actually abandon the Venice International Film Festival to return for class.

The next second, the serious and solemn expression on Zou Dong's face suddenly went blank.

Then, turn it into a series.

She made a cheering gesture to herself.

This birthday party for Lu Yan He was private.

Both choices had pros and cons; Chen Siqi hadn't made up her mind yet.

The Shanju Clubhouse was the most high-end club in the Huiziyuanqiao area.

"I think you're more suitable. He hasn't even mentioned asking me for a song," Lu Yan He said with a smile.

Upon reaching the door, Zou Dong said, "I'll go get it."

Lu Yan He started to laugh.

Nothing to say.

"The ending theme you sang for *Late Spring* is beautiful," Lu Yan He said to Song Lin Xin. "Did you write it yourself?"

But traditional periodicals are like rowing against the current.

"Happy Birthday!"

Li Pengfei hooked his arm around Lu Yan He's shoulder and asked, "Your neck shouldn't be injured, right? Can I hook it?"

The afternoon class was in another classroom in this building.

The two of them looked at each other and smiled.

In the past six months, Song Lin Xin had sung several soundtracks for film and television, and in the OST market, she was vaguely showing signs of heading toward the throne.

Song Lin Xin: "Then I'll just pretend I didn't hear that."

Chen Siqi wasn't acting out of commercial considerations; she simply had the ambition of a young person, wanting to further expand the reach and influence of *Jump Up*.

Li Pengfei: "When do you have time? I'll take you."

After arriving in Venice, Lu Yan He also went to see *White Pearl*.

Due to his physical condition, Lu Yan He hadn't been staying at school these days, with Zou Dong handling all his transportation.

In the era of print media, she couldn't afford to be careless.

Almost every music festival wanted to recreate the classic performance of the three of them on stage together, but getting their schedules to align was too difficult. Moreover, the cost of bringing them together was not a small sum, something an average music festival couldn't afford.

Now, Chen Siqi often faced a problem: there were too many manuscripts, but the space in each issue was limited, leading to an ever-growing backlog.

In the group photo, Lu Yan He stood next to a three-tiered cake, eyes closed, making a wish.

Compared to her, Liu Zhiyin and Qin Zhi were more focused on music variety shows like *Idol Era* and music festival performances.

He didn't particularly like this film, but Chen Bige's performance was exquisite and brilliant. The transformation from a simple, honest, and gentle man at the beginning to one slowly consumed by greed, wanting to seize the family's property, and eventually even resorting to murder—the entire process was handled with calm, progressive, and masterful control.

Colorful scraps of paper and strips fell from the air, and many people rushed out from behind the walls on both sides of the door.

Lu Yan He shook his head. "I want to stand on the podium. When I truly have a strong chance of winning, I will definitely sit in the audience and wait for that moment earnestly."

Lu Yan He said, "Sister Zhiyin, I feel that your current performances are mainly focused on *Idol Era* and music festivals. On *Idol Era*, you can focus on your strongest K-pop stage performances, occasionally bringing out one or two songs to experiment with innovation or other styles to see how people react. As for music festivals, from what I understand, the audience is more tolerant. You can make bolder innovations and attempts on that stage without worrying about disappointing them. Just tell them frankly that you want to try a new style, tell them they are the first audience—their tolerance is much higher than the average audience. It mainly depends on the feedback. Of course, I think you can try any style, Sister Zhiyin. Your stage presence is very strong; I've seen many of your performances, and I've liked almost every one of them."

Li Pengfei: "I'm not an actor, so of course I say it lightly."

"I can't help it. My mobility is so limited, I can't participate in your activities. Why come? To be a mascot?" Lu Yan He said. "I'll come for the final episode. I promised Director Zhenzhen that I'd come to record the end of this season with everyone."

Chen Siqi had been thinking about how to solve this problem for some time.

"..."

Lu Yan He had actually forgotten that today was his birthday.

Lu Yan He was especially happy.

Although Lu Yan He had tried very hard to maintain good relationships with his classmates, it seemed that his efforts often led to results contrary to his wishes.

Lu Yan He: "Sure, how long does it usually take?"

"I'm sometimes surprised. It's her first time running a magazine, yet why does she handle so many things with such calmness and proficiency, as if she's done them many times before? She never gets flustered," Zhou Mukai said.

In the blink of an eye, he had been in this world for three years.

Lu Yan He's order was behind theirs.

Lu Yan He also came back to his senses.

Song Lin Xin said, "Really? Why did she tell us that you wouldn't be participating in the recording of the later episodes? Uh—"

"Yes," Song Lin Xin nodded. "I was surprised when the director found me to ask for a song."

Lu Yan He also looked at Liu Zhiyin with smiling eyes and said, "Sister Zhiyin, you are a very good person yourself. The reason you couldn't be kind before was because the people around you didn't show you kindness. But since we showed you kindness, you dismantled your defenses."

However, fictional creative works are actually not suitable for publication on new media.

Any decline in sales data for an issue would make Chen Siqi rack her brains to figure out the reason.

Advertisers often asked Chen Siqi to give up the print magazine, feeling that since they had already built the *Jump Up* brand, using the time spent on the magazine to manage other business sectors would yield higher profits.

Lu Yan He shook his head with a smile and said, "What kind of surprise is this? You almost turned a surprise into an accident."

She unleashed her accumulated stage ability to the fullest on this show.

Lu Yan He: "It's fine, I'll go. If you go, they might not give it to you readily; they'd have to call Li Zhibai to confirm your identity. It's not like I can't walk; I'm just walking slowly."

As a result, after the group of people rushed out excitedly, they saw Lu Yan He in great pain, his face twisted and pale.

To be honest, Liu Zhiyin's vocal condition is better than Lu Yan He's.

Yan Liang: Offline, do not disturb.

Lu Yan He thought for a moment and said, "I haven't told them yet."

Zou Dong opened the door, and Lu Yan He walked in.

Not many people can truly maintain good relationships with everyone.

Of course, this is actually normal.

Lu Yan He shook his head. "I haven't decided yet. Actually, I want to pursue a master's degree. These years of studying at Zhenhua have been very rewarding. I'm curious to see what kind of thinking process I'll have after I start my master's. I often feel the changes in my own thinking process in college."

Lu Yan He was surrounded by a large group of reporters at the airport.

The wound that had almost healed was suddenly torn by this violent tug, causing his face to turn deathly pale from the pain.

Li Pengfei chuckled and said, "I only remembered after I hooked you."

It brought together a group of people, creators scattered across the country as the era of print media came to an end. They were gathered once again to publish their latest works in the monthly magazine. There were short stories, essays, and miscellaneous notes.

Li Pengfei frowned as he listened.

Liu Zhiyin looked at him in astonishment. "Ah? You've seen many of my performances?"

Lu Yan He's performance in *Late Spring* this time indeed received great acclaim.

It took Li Zhibai and Yan Liang about a week to organize this party and prepare this surprise for Lu Yan He.

Li Zhibai: Didn't I forget? It only took a few minutes to drive here.

Lu Yan He made three wishes at the time: first, that he and those around him would be healthy and auspicious; second, that all efforts would be rewarded and hard work would bear fruit; and third, for world peace.

Lu Yan He kept his lips sealed, leaving the reporters feeling frustrated.

He didn't tell anyone.

The next day, Lu Yan He returned to school for class.

Yan Liang: I'm still on the road.

After finally dealing with the media, Lu Yan He finally got into the car, ready to head back.

Liu Zhiyin: "OK, I'll try!"

At this hour, the Shanju Clubhouse seemed empty.

This film gave him a lot of room for performance, and critics gave it high praise.

Lu Yan He was the same, but because he was filming and injured, he couldn't accept the invitations.

Liu Bige was clearly not interested in the songs he had written previously and preferred Song Lin Xin's style.

Liu Zhiyin said with a smile, "I've been planning this. Last month, I even participated in a public welfare program on CCTV, singing for children in mountainous areas."

"I can't quite find my positioning and style," she said. "When I was in a girl group, I focused on dance music or K-pop, but this type of music isn't particularly popular domestically. However, if I don't do this, I lose my greatest strength. I've changed several times, trying to find the style that suits me best, but so far, I haven't received particularly good feedback."

Lu Yan He: "I'm envious, being able to completely immerse yourself in nature."

Li Zhibai, Yan Liang, Peng Zhixing, Song Lin Xin, Liu Zhiyin, Qin Zhi...

Li Zhibai and the others didn't expect that the surprise they had carefully prepared would result in this.

"Are you not confident about winning an award?"

Of course, from a capital perspective, she understood why so many people advised her to give up.

Lu Yan He thought to himself that it was because Chen Siqi was that kind of person. She knew she couldn't get flustered; as the editor-in-chief, she had to hold everything together, so no matter how big the problem or difficulty, she demanded of herself that she remain calm even if Mount Tai collapsed before her.

Chen Siqi held a parasol, walked through the scorching sun, and pushed open the door of a coffee shop. A wave of cool air rushed toward her, making her feel refreshed.

Li Zhibai: @Yan Liang.

Lu Yan He said, "But I definitely can't do it for the next two or three months."

Then why come back so early?

Lu Yan He looked at everyone's expectant eyes, smiled, and said, "I had to rush back for class. I've already taken a few days off from school and can't take any more. Director Liu Bige and the others are still in Venice."

Zhou Mukai nodded and said, "You are successful in everything you do. Indeed, every aspect is pulling at your energy."

Zhou Mukai said, "It's hot, and I don't want to run back and forth. I'd be writing my thesis if I went back anyway."

Lu Yan He thought for a moment and added, "However, with my physique, what kind of action scenes could I possibly film?"

Li Zhibai: I just walked in.

Mao Jiayang, Xiao Jing, Zhou Mukai, Wang Xiao...

Lu Yan He asked, "What have you been doing lately?"

"Some media say you have a high chance of winning Best Actor. Aren't you staying until the closing ceremony?"

He finally recovered, took a few breaths, exhaled, and looked at the large group of people appearing before him.

Lu Yan He hadn't expected Li Zhibai to call even Wang Xiao.

This show was too suitable for Liu Zhiyin, who had experience in a girl group.

By comparison, Britain's Rubo Halse and Chen Bige in *White Pearl* were the biggest favorites this year.

Li Pengfei: "You weren't even filming action scenes, and you got injured like this. If you film action scenes in the future, won't you end up straight in the hospital?"

Lu Yan He:? You didn't tell me earlier? I'm already downstairs! I'm an injured patient!

Li Zhibai: Forgot.

Everyone stood by his side, looking at him with smiling faces.

Lu Yan He eventually returned to the country.

"Uh."

"You can clearly write songs, so why did you come to me to write them?" Song Lin Xin said.

Lu Yan He: "I want to film them, but I don't have the ability."

Lu Yan He nodded and said okay.

Li Zhibai: Damn.

Li Zhibai immediately sent over an address.

With more than two hours in between, Zhou Mukai could have easily gone back to the dorm for a nap before coming over.

A magazine, run for more than two years, had become more than just a business or the sentimentality of the beginning.

Lu Yan He: "She has always been a very capable and resourceful person."

Chen Siqi just smiled and let it go in one ear and out the other.

Song Lin Xin said, "We were all waiting for you to come back to record *Young Days*, but you, on the other hand, just didn't show up."

Lu Yan He hadn't seen the film starring Rubo Halse yet, but according to the media, it was also an outstanding performance.

"Yan He, why did you come back? Everyone says *Late Spring* has a high chance of winning, doesn't it?"

Zou Dong looked sheepish and apologized to Lu Yan He, saying, "Sorry, I made a mistake."

She looked at Lu Yan He with a smile. "I'm especially happy to see your new film so well-received at the Venice Film Festival. I don't know if I've told you, but really, since I debuted, it's been hard for me to become friends with other artists. But on the show *Young Days*, I met you guys, a group of very good people, and we didn't lose touch after the show ended. I don't know how many times I've encountered that situation before. Being with you guys, I don't have to worry about being backstabbed or anything else. On the contrary, you all sincerely helped me establish a foothold in the country, and I'm especially moved. I used to rarely feel genuinely happy for others' achievements, but your success gives me that feeling."

Chen Ziyan: "Although I don't think the hope is high, one must still have dreams. What if?"

"Because the work on the artist side is very busy, if I continue to pursue a master's degree, a lot of work will have to be postponed indefinitely," Lu Yan He said. "I have many things I want to do, and now I often feel that time is not enough."

Lu Yan He: "Pfft!"

"Hmm, it doesn't have much to do with whether I like it or not. The editorial work has really opened my eyes, and I've come into contact with many people and things I've never encountered before," Zhou Mukai laughed. "Now that I think about it, I actually do like it. Except for being a bit flustered at the beginning and not knowing the ropes, it got better once I became familiar with it."

Chen Ziyan: "Don't you want to stand on the podium? If the film wins, you will also be recognized by everyone."

Lu Yan He said okay, just bring a little bit.

Lu Yan He: "Brother Dong, your reaction was so fast. I have to thank you. If you want to blame someone, blame these people for creating such a scare."

The reporters looked at each other in dismay at Lu Yan He's teasing, then burst into loud laughter.

Zhou Mukai went to the cafeteria to eat by himself and brought back a box of chicken leg rice for Lu Yan He.

This change in data made Chen Siqi somewhat worried.

He asked, "What about you?"

Song Lin Xin: "What kind of surprise can this create? Don't Li Zhibai and Yan Liang know whether you're coming or not?"

Liu Zhiyin chatted with Lu Yan He about her troubles.

Sure enough, the courtyard inside the Shanju Clubhouse was fully decorated, with a buffet and a band playing live.

Lu Yan He sent the address to Zou Dong and said, "Brother Dong, I have to trouble you to take me there. I need to help Li Zhibai pick something up."

The last birthday was a large party specifically organized by Chen Ziyan; this birthday was entirely with people Lu Yan He was familiar with.

"This injury of yours, it hasn't healed after so long? Didn't they say there was no fracture?"

She finally found a seat, sat down, and ordered an Americano.

"Have you recovered? Do you want to go to the hospital to check?" Yan Liang asked.

"Yes, I am a loyal viewer of *Idol Era*, and I also like listening to songs. I listen to many music variety shows and new music," Lu Yan He said. "I know you are very popular on *Idol Era* right now, ranked in the first tier."

But that wasn't the reason she wanted to do *Jump Up* in the beginning.

Zou Dong's professional ability as a bodyguard was too strong; hearing the sound of two party poppers, he mistakenly thought someone was shooting at Lu Yan He—of course, thinking about it later, that was even more ridiculous, but at that moment, Lu Yan He hadn't reacted either.

However, although everyone didn't post it, Lu Yan He himself wanted to.

Lu Yan He thought to himself, no wonder.

"You've already hooked it, don't you feel guilty asking this question?"

It's just that various media are discussing and predicting.

"Why is it so serious?"

Lu Yan He: One after another.

You have to know, even Miao Yue hasn't returned yet.

Lu Yan He asked in the group again: What is it you want me to pick up?

Li Zhibai: A friend brought it for me. Since you weren't there, I had him leave it at the Shanju Clubhouse nearby.

She wanted to promote *Jump Up* overseas.

"I'm not a judge, how would I know?" Lu Yan He shook his head. "Isn't it you who asked what if it wins?"

Arriving at Ziyuanqiao, Lu Yan He sent a message in the three-person group: I'm here.

Lu Yan He showed an incredulous expression. "Sister Ziyan, do you think I can win Best Actor?"

Liu Zhiyin: "Your vision and judgment are completely beyond my imagination now, Yan He. How do you have such keen insight at such a young age?"

Li Zhibai: You might as well go help me pick something up first, if you haven't gotten out of the car yet.

"Pop—pop—" Suddenly, several explosion sounds similar to gunshots rang out.

However, to say he is the number one seed player, that is indeed not the case.

After experiencing a small sales peak in the July summer special issue, the August issue of *Jump Up* saw a relatively large decline.

Zou Dong nodded and said okay.

Stop *Jump Up*?

She never considered this option.

Either increase the number of issues published each year, or increase the page count of each issue.

Similarly, there was another thing Chen Siqi was planning.

However, the coffee shops next to the university always seem to be overcrowded.

Li Pengfei: "You've been learning horse riding and archery these past few years. I thought you just wanted to film Wu Xia dramas."

Li Pengfei: "Hiking in the mountains everywhere, embracing nature, and living in harmony with nature."

Lu Yan He: Fine, fine, send me the address, I'll go.

How could there be any news? At this time, the jury might not have even determined a list yet.

Li Zhibai and Yan Liang had received many invitations for music festival performances during this period.

Li Zhibai had dealt with Mao Jiayang and the others, but he really didn't know Wang Xiao.

"Aren't you going back at noon?" Lu Yan He asked.

Not only did they have to book the venue, prepare meals and drinks, but they also had to contact people, confirm the time, and keep it from Lu Yan He under these circumstances, without letting Lu Yan He raise any suspicion.

Lu Yan He: What is it? You don't go pick it up yourself, you make me pick it up.

This shows that his friends are truly reliable friends.

Replicating every issue is certainly unrealistic, but Chen Siqi has thought about making them into books like mook, published overseas.

Lu Yan He: "It's okay, it's a miracle that there's no fracture."

Except for a few people, Lu Yan He's relationship with most of his classmates was plain and ordinary, nothing special.

Lu Yan He nodded and asked, "Are you planning to pursue a master's degree?"

Actually, Lu Yan He really didn't have any news either.

Zou Dong nodded and accompanied Lu Yan He.

The business of the new media sector is going smoothly.

Her singing voice's recognizability and thickness are superior to Lu Yan He's.

Lu Yan He added, "I think the most important thing for you now, Sister Zhiyin, is to break through the circles, let people who don't pay attention to K-pop music see your stage, and go to more occasions where you don't usually appear to sing, so that more people can know you."

Liu Zhiyin: "If parroting can have such insights, I'll go learn it too."

"In that case, if *Late Spring* wins an award, won't you be unable to witness that scene?"

Lu Yan He ate heartily.

At least in the lists predicted by many prediction agencies and media, this is the situation.

"Editor-in-Chief Chen is still very capable. Although the business sectors have increased, she has divided the tasks for everyone, and when there is not enough manpower, she has arranged funds to hire temporary part-time staff to handle many chores," Zhou Mukai said. "Magazine matters have always been the highest priority. We have a reserve of nearly three to four issues of manuscripts, and now we are generally producing the magazine two months ahead of schedule, so the quality can still be guaranteed."

Lu Yan He's return to the country surprised some media.

Lu Yan He didn't finish class until 5:40 PM. She decided to work here for a few hours and wait for him to come out.

"Practice, you think every actor who films Wu Xia movies is a martial artist?" Li Pengfei said. "Isn't it all practiced?"

Lu Yan He looked at him sideways. "You say it lightly."

So, she happened to have a meeting with an advertiser in the morning today, and came to wait for Lu Yan He in the afternoon.

"It's just that there is no fracture, but I still suffered a very serious injury. I don't know where I twisted my little toe, there is a hairline fracture," Lu Yan He explained. "The injury on my thigh hasn't fully healed yet."

It has become a stable publishing channel for many writers and teachers, and also a destination of hope for young people who intend to engage in literary creation.

Chen Ziyan said, "It's not that the Venice International Film Festival hasn't had double or triple winners, although every time such a result comes out, it gets scolded."

For many manuscripts suitable for new media publication, they will negotiate with the authors to publish them on new media, and the manuscript fees will still be paid according to the high standards of the magazine.

Leading the way were Li Zhibai, Yan Liang, and the others.

Chen Ziyan stayed in Venice to accompany Huang Zhongjing and the others.

I don't know how the wind started, but now music festivals are springing up everywhere like bamboo shoots after rain, and singers suddenly have more stages.

This is a moment of surprise and happiness for him, and he wants to share such a moment.

People would certainly be happy to receive it on behalf of Li Zhibai.

Lu Yan He: "I saw that video. I've never seen you sing such a cute and gentle children's song."

Lu Yan He's state looks very relaxed, not like he returned in low spirits.

He is just such a person, always only wanting the most suitable.

Li Zhibai is a regular there.

Chen Siqi, Li Pengfei, Chen Qin...

So, he finally posted the group photo on his social platform, saying: "Rushed back from Venice, because tomorrow is a full day of classes, and I forgot that today is my twenty-first birthday. Fortunately, in life, perhaps you will forget important days, but your friends won't. A huge surprise and moving moment!"

Yan Liang: I just got off the high-speed rail, it will take more than an hour to get there.

Lu Yan He finished his class earnestly. After class, because he was too lazy to toss and turn, he prepared to stay in the classroom to study and wait for the afternoon class.

Chen Siqi thought about it and typed various ideas on her notebook.

The afternoon passed in a flash.

The phone vibrated twice, and Lu Yan He sent a message: I'm out of class, where are you? ===== CHAPTER 378 =====