Chapter 29: Matchmaking (Request Follows, Request Votes)

July, Beijing Film Academy, sunshine bright!

"Come on, teacher, stand in the center front!"

"Students at the back, move closer!"

With a "click!", the graduation photo was captured.

Each year the Director Department admits at most a dozen students, so this cohort had only 17, plus instructors Zheng Dongtian, Tian Zhuangzhuang, and Wang Hongwei.

Just these few people for the group photo!

Among these 17 students, two were foreign: one from Malaysia, one from Japan.

Fang Hong remembered that among these 17, only Wang Zizhao later became famous in the entertainment circle, having starred in My Country, My Parents.

The other was Du Xiaoyu, who directed only one TV drama and spent all other time acting.

As for the other 14, they were all utterly useless!

This was the reality of this circle: resources were always monopolized by the top; without connections or achievements, even if you were a proper graduate, even if you ranked first, no one would give you a second glance.

Lower your pride, become an actor, and slowly build seniority!

It's simple: film is a system project—you can direct, but you need someone to give you a script, someone to give you money, and someone to organize the team.

Good scripts only flow to big directors; money only flows to directors with proven track records; organizing the team requires understanding human relations and social etiquette.

Intelligence, emotional intelligence, financial intelligence, and mental resilience—you can't lack any one. If someone teases your wife, you might want to scream "MMP" inside, but you still have to endure it—that's reality.

And film is high-risk with long investment cycles; no one will back a newcomer!

At this moment, Fang Hong wore his graduation gown, standing at the very back of the line; as he put it, he was too handsome and couldn't overshadow others' glory.

In truth, he had poor grades and stood at the back to stay humble!

The top student in their class was a man named Yang Cheng—tall, handsome, with a refined demeanor, deeply favored by the instructors.

Someone like Fang Hong, with too much street vibe and not enough artistry, was disliked by the teachers.

After the graduation photo, Fang Hong let out an "Ooh!" and tossed his cap into the air; other students followed suit, full of joy!

From today on, fish enter the sea, birds soar to the blue heavens!

"Xiao Fang, are you thinking about taking the postgraduate entrance exam?"

"Huh!"

Fang Hong was stunned, turning to look at instructor Tian Zhuangzhuang—could he even think of that?

He was curious what made him hold such high regard.

He didn't say that; instead, he replied: "I haven't thought much about it."

"Your short film Waiting was quite good—you might consider taking the postgraduate exam to further your studies."

Tian Zhuangzhuang had reviewed this film: the storytelling was strong, the visuals crude but the atmosphere well-crafted, quietly moving and deeply affecting.

He didn't know that this short film wasn't actually shot by Fang Hong—he'd never even seen it; Fang Hong had merely lent his name.

The director credit went to Fang Hong, the cinematography credit to Yu Xian—so both could fulfill their requirements.

"This…" Fang Hong felt embarrassed and offered an excuse: "My family can't afford to support me continuing my studies—I won't take the exam."

Earning money comes first—who has time for postgraduate exams?

Tian Zhuangzhuang was disappointed; such a promising talent, wasted.

But he said nothing—everyone has their own path.

After the instructor left, Wang Zizhao patted Fang Hong on the shoulder: "Hey, I heard you made a movie?"

Other classmates gathered around!

"Yeah, but it's just a low-budget youth film," Fang Hong said.

"That's still great—we're all still lost!" Du Xiaoyu said enviously.

They all wanted to make films but had no idea where to start!

"If you ever have nowhere to go, come find me—I'll always welcome you," Fang Hong said.

Not to make films with him, but to do behind-the-scenes work—Director Department people are versatile, dabbling in art, cinematography, screenwriting—they're great labor.

He himself was the same: only approached directors who'd proven their talent; no one without achievements was worth the risk.

A film costs millions, sometimes tens of millions; it takes so long—if it flops, you're crippled.

He had long-term vision—he knew which future directors would succeed, like his junior: Wen Muye, who was now at Beijing Film Academy.

Although Wen Muye was older, he only entered Beijing Film Academy in 2008; by seniority, Fang Hong was his senior.

But Fang Hong hadn't contacted him—right now, the jade rabbit could only hold one director, not two.

"Alright, with that promise, if we don't make it, we'll just mooch off you," Du Xiaoyu said cheerfully.

"Hey, you can't mooch off me—I'm afraid your future husband will beat me up," Fang Hong joked.

The surrounding classmates laughed "hehehe."

Leisurely moments were always brief—this cohort would soon scatter in all directions.

Around campus, students dragged suitcases, faces filled with confusion, walking out the gate—they had to make way for new students and face their futures.

At the gate, Fang Hong dragged his luggage, waving goodbye to former student collaborators amid cries of "Principal!"

"Principal! We promised—we'll build our empire together!" Yu Xian dragged his luggage over.

Fang Hong put his arm around his neck and walked out the gate with him, asking: "Aren't you taking the postgraduate exam?"

"I am—you said you'd take me to the United States, right? I'll take the exam there!" Yu Xian had big ambitions.

"Fine, I'll definitely take you to the United States," Fang Hong said.

In his past life, he remembered Yu Xian took the postgraduate exam after graduation—he had no choice then.

Now he had a choice—better to earn money first, climb higher!

"That short film was submitted for awards—if we win, we'll go together," Yu Xian said proudly.

"Go ahead, I won't go. The glory was always yours to begin with," Fang Hong said.

It's not like he directed it — he just handed over a script. How tasteless would it be to go accept that award.

Short film awards generally don't carry much weight; at most they count as a credential, a way for people in the industry to get to know you.

Oh! So you're a director — that's all there is to it!

As for any real practical meaning, there isn't any. At most, when investors are picking a director, they might look at you twice.

If they take a liking to you, maybe you take off; if not, you keep on dawdling.

Just as Yu Xian was about to say more, Fang Hong's phone went "beep beep beep." He glanced at the caller ID, gave a soft "shh," and gestured for quiet.

Then he took a deep breath, steadied his emotions, and tried his best to appear composed.

"Hello, Mom! I've graduated!"

His mother is named Xu Liyun, an ordinary worker at a garment factory in Jiangcheng.

From the phone came a middle-aged woman's voice: "So are you coming back, or staying on in Beijing?"

She was asking about his plans for the future!

"I'll stay in Beijing. There are more opportunities here," Fang Hong said.

"Alright then. Be careful out there."

Xu Liyun rambled on: "Do you still have living expenses? Want me to transfer some more to you?"

"I've got some. I've already started working — I'm not short on money!" Fang Hong said.

Xu Liyun felt quite gratified; her son had found a job so quickly.

She said: "So have you found a girlfriend yet? If not, I'll ask someone to play matchmaker for you — see if there's a nice girl who'd suit. You two can start seeing each other first."

Settling down and building a career is the tradition. Fang Hong has already graduated; at his age, back in the hometown, he'd already be of marriageable age.

It's perfectly normal for parents to arrange a blind date for him!

Please help cast your votes — thank you!!!

(End of chapter)