Chapter 83: Strolling Around School with Liu Yifei

"Yifei, you're graduating soon; what are your plans for the future?"

Wei Jin and Liu Yifei strolled side by side through the Beijing Film Academy campus, only to realize he hadn't been to school in a long time and felt somewhat like a stranger.

Seeing that the May Day holiday was approaching, Wei Jin came to school to discuss some matters with the department, and upon receiving an invitation call from Liu Yifei, he simply arranged to meet her on campus.

"Brother Wei Jin, do you have any suggestions?"

After spending a few months in Japan, Liu Yifei found that the Japanese entertainment industry was far harder to navigate than the domestic one; the hierarchy was strict, the circles were solidified, and as a foreigner, trying to get ahead or even become a big star in Japan was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

"My suggestion is, of course, to stay in the country. Currently, the domestic economy is developing rapidly, and both the film industry and the television sector have been growing at high speeds these past two years. With your current national popularity, you will achieve better development if you stay in the country."

Last month, *The Return of the Condor Heroes* was broadcast, reaching a peak viewership rating of 8.8. It is currently undergoing its second round of broadcasts on multiple television stations, and even so, it maintains an average viewership rating of over 3, which can be described as having extraordinary influence.

Unlike the Yang Guo played by Huang Xiaoming, who was mocked by netizens for being "too greasy," the Xiao Long Nu played by Liu Yifei won the love of the majority of netizens, and Mr. Jin Yong even praised her, saying "Liu Yifei is the most ideal Xiao Long Nu in his heart."

Since her debut, she has had four consecutive hit dramas: *The Story of a Noble Family*, *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*, *Chinese Paladin*, and *The Return of the Condor Heroes*. Even if the roles Liu Yifei played weren't the female lead, they were the second female lead, and the character designs were all quite likable.

In terms of film, *Those Years* was the first youth film to break 100 million at the box office, earning her the title of "National First Love."

All of this allowed her national popularity to skyrocket in just two or three years.

In terms of national popularity alone, only Zhao Yanzi, who was at the height of her career back then, could suppress her.

Based on this, Wei Jin's suggestion can be considered very sincere.

"But I don't want to act in television dramas anymore, and as for films, it's hard to find a suitable role all of a sudden."

Liu Yifei is already 19 years old this year and is no longer an ignorant little girl; she knows that Wei Jin can help her in this regard, and at this moment, there is a faint sense of anticipation on her face.

"My films don't have a role suitable for you for the time being, and besides, I don't have any new film plans this year."

Wei Jin was not lying to her; in fact, there are not many films in the industry suitable for female-led themes.

"However, if there really is a suitable role, I will consider you first."

Seeming to see the disappointment revealed on Liu Yifei's face, Wei Jin added another sentence.

"Really? Thank you, Brother Wei Jin, I knew you were the best."

Having received Wei Jin's promise, Liu Yifei beamed with joy; she also knew that Wei Jin was not just brushing her off.

"However, I don't think you need to reject television dramas. In fact, the roles you played before were somewhat formulaic, and they didn't do much to improve your acting skills. You still need to put more effort into your acting."

Having known each other for over two years, Wei Jin himself wouldn't believe it if he said he had no good feelings at all for such a youthful, beautiful, kind, and lovely young girl.

Therefore, he was also happy to offer a few pointers at the right time so that she would take fewer detours and face fewer setbacks in the future.

"Okay, I understand, Brother Wei Jin, I..."

Just as Liu Yifei was about to say something, a voice interrupted their conversation.

"Yifei, why did you come to school today? Ah, Senior Brother Wei, hello."

Yang Mi walked over in a somewhat hurried manner, and upon seeing Wei Jin, she hurriedly greeted him.

"Hello, Yang Mi."

"Senior, you still remember me?"

Seeing that Wei Jin called her name right away, Yang Mi was somewhat pleasantly surprised.

"Of course, you're our school's child star. The Guo Xiang you played was quite good."

While speaking, Wei Jin was also sizing up Yang Mi; she was still quite young at the moment.

"Mimi, why are you at school too?"

Liu Yifei also didn't expect to run into her here; the two hadn't seen each other for a long time since leaving the *Return of the Condor Heroes* set.

"Please, I'm only a freshman, where would I be if not at school?"

"Ah, I was thinking that I'm almost graduating..."

Liu Yifei's unintentional remark dealt a heavy blow to Yang Mi.

"..." Yang Mi rolled her eyes. She wasn't even 20 yet; wasn't being a freshman normal? Did you think everyone was like you?

"Well, Yifei, Yang Mi, you two chat first. I need to go find a teacher to discuss some things. Yifei, let's meet again next time."

Seeing the two young girls start chatting, Wei Jin prepared to slip away to handle his own affairs, so he spoke to take his leave.

Wei Jin walked slowly toward Zhang Jiandong's office. Along the way, he encountered quite a few juniors who greeted him, and Wei Jin just nodded in response; there was no helping it, he didn't really know them.

Arriving at the office door, Wei Jin saw several teachers chatting about something, so he spoke up to greet them.

"Wei Jin is here? You're a rare guest; it's been several months since you last came, right?"

Jiang Wei said jokingly when he saw Wei Jin.

"Teacher Jiang, please don't tease me. I've been busy filming, haven't I? Look, I came to see you as soon as I had time."

Wei Jin hurriedly begged for mercy; he was quite grateful to the school in his heart, as they had at least never held him back regarding exams.

"Alright, ignore him, he has no sense of being a teacher. By the way, Wei Jin, this is Teacher Xue Xiaolu from the Literature Department. Teacher Xue is very accomplished in script structure."

Zhang Jiandong didn't indulge Jiang Wei, and after retorting, he introduced the other teacher in the room to Wei Jin.

"Teacher Xue, hello."

Wei Jin didn't spend much time at school and didn't really know this female teacher, but as soon as he heard the name, he knew who she was—the director of *Beijing Meets Seattle*, one of the few female directors in the country who was very good at filming female-themed movies.

"Hello, Wei Jin. Your name is like thunder to our ears in the Literature Department. It's a real pity, why were you assigned to the Director Department?"

Teacher Xue was not just being polite; one must know that many of Wei Jin's scripts had won the praise of all the teachers and students in the Literature Department.

"Hey, I don't like hearing that. What's wrong with the Director Department? Why is it a pity? Wei Jin can only unleash his talents in the Director Department."

Jiang Wei had always felt that the decision to recruit Wei Jin into the Director Department was very correct, and the facts were indeed so.

"Alright, seeing that Wei Jin is about to graduate, what are you two fighting over?"

Regardless of what the Literature Department thought, there was no doubt that Wei Jin was an outstanding graduate of the Director Department.

"Is there anything you came here for today? Also, are you really planning to use *Room* as your graduation project?"

"Shouldn't *Room* be qualified as a graduation project?"

He had already discussed the graduation project with Teacher Zhang before the new year, so Wei Jin simply used *Room* to fill the quota.

"That certainly qualifies, but you've set the standards so high, I wonder what the future graduates will do?"

"Room" has already been shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival; if it wins an award, it will count as the highest-standard graduation project since the founding of Beijing Film Academy.

"That's not for me to worry about."

Hearing this, Wei Jin couldn't help but chuckle, then he stated the purpose of his visit.

Wei Jin planned to provide five million annually as support funding for the Director Department; as long as a student or teacher had a script that passed the review of the fund management committee, they could apply for the corresponding funding.

As for the specific operation and management, Wei Jin intended to hand it over to the department to handle, which could also be considered a return for the school's care over these years.

"This is a good thing; I don't know how many teachers and students will have to thank you. Wei Jin, you're a good kid."

After hearing Wei Jin's introduction, Teacher Jiang looked moved, and Teacher Xue on the side also nodded repeatedly, thinking to himself why this kid wasn't in the Literature Department.

"It's rare that you have such a heart. I will report this matter to the Dean. Besides, are you confident about the film?"

Compared to the matter of the support funding, Zhang Jiandong was more concerned about the film Wei Jin was using to chase awards.

"Yes, I'm confident; it shouldn't come up empty-handed."

Wei Jin wasn't too worried about whether he could win an award, but whether the award would be big or small would depend on the judges' favor.

"That's good. By the way, remember to go greet Department Head Tian later; from now on, he will be your advisor."

Zhang Jiandong looked moved; his prized student was about to graduate from his undergraduate studies. New book is out, I humbly request all readers to provide subscriptions and bookmarks, thank you everyone!

(End of this chapter)