Chapter 31: Sharing a Drink

After briefly exchanging a few greetings.

The two people who entered the private room simultaneously turned their gazes toward Li Luo.

To them,

he was the only stranger, so naturally they felt curious.

He radiated youthful energy, wore a faint smile, and instantly inspired goodwill.

“By the way.”

Xu Qing waved her arm and hurriedly introduced: “This is the adoptive younger brother I took in during filming—his surname is Li, name is Luo.”

Adoptive younger brother.

And she made such a formal introduction.

The two newcomers exchanged glances, their expressions turning serious.

“This is Huo Xuan, Professor Huo.”

Xu Qing continued without pause: “He’s a professor at the Beijing Film Academy’s Acting Department; when I was a student, he was already an associate instructor. Xiao Luo, you must study hard under Professor Huo.”

“Hello, Professor Huo.”

As expected, Li Luo smiled and shook his hand: “Pleased to meet you.”

Huo Xuan was plump, with a genial appearance.

His hair was combed forward.

Trying to conceal his balding.

“Yu Feihong.”

Once their hands parted, Xu Qing continued introducing Li Luo: “My friend, also a talent from Beijing Film Academy—she stayed on as faculty after graduation and once served as class advisor for the Class of ’93.”

“Now she focuses entirely on acting.”

“Sister Hong, hello.”

Li Luo gripped her slightly cold hand and smiled again: “I never expected to have the chance to meet the Immortal Flying Swallow in person.”

Soon after entering, he recognized her.

This woman had once portrayed the Immortal Flying Swallow in The Little Li Flying Dagger; her stunning appearance made her the dream woman of countless teenage boys.

At first glance, she looked merely average in beauty.

But, how to put it—she was a woman who grew more captivating the longer you looked.

Her demeanor was cool and refined.

I didn’t expect she’d once been a class advisor at Beijing Film Academy, but despite her deep experience and seniority, her career had been mediocre.

She held a place in the entertainment circle.

But far from being popular.

“Hello, Xiao Luo.”

Yu Feihong smiled faintly at his words, her tone gentle: “I never expected to meet a little fan here—but when did you take Sister Qing as your adoptive sister?”

Though Xu Qing always acted carefree and indifferent,

this Beijing socialite still carried deep pride within her.

Ordinary people

couldn’t even get close to her.

“That’s right.”

Huo Xuan shared the same curiosity: “During filming? Is Xiao Luo also in the industry?”

Though the previous incident had stirred up a storm, they truly didn’t know—the former was aloof, the latter stayed on campus; neither paid attention to entertainment news.

Xu Qing invited everyone to sit.

Then recounted everything that had happened.

She had a natural gift for storytelling; the other two listened, stunned, unable to imagine what might have happened if she’d fallen.

When she finished speaking,

Xu Qing picked up her tea and took a sip.

Even now, recalling it sent chills down her spine; her gaze toward Li Luo grew adoring.

“Cough~”

Li Luo quickly coughed, waving his hand with a smile: “Anyone else would’ve done the same—just didn’t expect Sister Qing would still remember.”

Realizing she’d lost composure, Xu Qing immediately lowered her eyes.

Though her movement was swift,

it didn’t escape Yu Feihong’s notice—they were close, often met, and knew each other’s small gestures well; her questioning gaze turned to Li Luo.

But that suspicion vanished quickly.

Yu Feihong silently scolded herself—this handsome young man named Li Luo looked barely eighteen or nineteen; what nonsense was she imagining?

“One should act this way.”

Huo Xuan beamed with admiration, speaking warmly: “Li Luo stepped in to help in danger, and Xiao Qing never forgot the rescue—your bond as adoptive siblings is already a fine tale from the Laughing in the Wind set.”

“Thank you, Professor Huo.”

Li Luo raised his tea as wine and toasted him.

“So you played Lin Pingzhi in Laughing in the Wind?”

Huo Xuan recalled Xu Qing’s earlier words and asked in surprise: “That character is hard to portray—it’s extremely complex. Have you had any acting experience before?”

Not only complex, but also heavily featured.

This young man, so young, had somehow landed such a crucial role arranged by Zhang Da Hu Zi.

In the industry,

when had such a young actor emerged!

Not only was he astonished, Yu Feihong also remembered this detail and stared at Li Luo in shock.

She had studied for years, even trained abroad.

Yet after all that time, her standout roles were few; even by importance, none matched Lin Pingzhi—this boy had already surpassed her!

“I’ve been in many productions.”

Li Luo shook his head shyly, embarrassed: “But honestly, I was just a background extra at Hengdian.”

“Puff~”

“Cough~~~”

Tea sprayed out; violent coughing echoed through the room.

“Sorry.”

Huo Xuan and Yu Feihong each grabbed napkins, frantically wiping tea stains off the table; Huo coughed twice more, face flushed: “My throat was too dry—apologies.”

“Me too.”

The other had no excuse, quickly wiped her mouth.

Seeing their state, Xu Qing’s abdomen twitched as she struggled to hold back laughter.

“Hmm.”

Li Luo acted as if he hadn’t noticed, calm and composed: “While playing Lin Pingzhi, I realized many of my shortcomings, so under Sister Qing’s advice, I decided to apply to Beijing Film Academy.”

“After all, learning has no limits!”

At this point, just keep talking—asking questions would only make him more awkward.

“Exactly, exactly.”

Huo Xuan nodded unconsciously: “Studying is good, studying is good.”

“Wait, no.”

Realizing his mistake, he sighed and looked at Xu Qing: “You little trickster—you’ve been waiting for us here.”

“Professor Huo.”

Yu Feihong placed her damp napkin down and gave her sister an exasperated glare: “I told you—this dinner tonight won’t be easy.”

Xu Qing now grinned like a fox who’d stolen the chicken.

“Let me reintroduce.”

After a pause, she soberly introduced Li Luo: “Professor Huo Xuan is the chief examiner for this year’s Acting Department entrance exam—and will be the class advisor for the Class of 2001.”

“Yu Feihong.”

Her tone paused slightly, then she turned to her sister: “Also one of the examiners for this year’s arts entrance test.”

Got it.

As soon as she spoke,

Li Luo immediately grabbed the teapot and cheerfully poured water for both examiners.

He’d originally thought Xu Qing had invited these two Beijing Film Academy teachers to give him advice or help him prepare—but now, not only had he chosen the right temple, he’d directly brought the Buddha to the same table for a drink.

Though his own ability wasn’t weak,

if there was a chance to make the path easier and increase his odds, he’d seize it without hesitation.

Cheating?

Not at all.

This is called skillfully leveraging social connections.