Chapter 456: The True Goddess

"As long as I can act in peace, I'm happy—even if I get small roles like in The Four, I still find great joy in performing."

"So when I face difficulties or bad things, I usually create my own glimmers of hope; this is how I relieve immense pressure, and I feel I'm living well."

"Without the joy of relieving pressure, without my hobbies, my dreams, and the encouragement and companionship of those around me, I don't think I could settle down to create my characters."

"This influence can be fatal for actors—when you can't settle down to portray a role well, your so-called career is essentially stagnant."

"So you still need a pure, focused state to face it."

Liu Tianxian spoke slowly, with a somewhat languid tone, but expressed her meaning clearly.

She had excellent poise, giving off a gentle, elegant impression; listening to her speak and observing her demeanor was an auditory and visual pleasure.

"What people want and feel at each stage of life is different—maybe even day by day. I think it takes greater courage to step out appropriately."

"I want to say such people are rare; most people live nearly identical lives—the ordinary masses. I dare not judge anyone as mediocre, because I myself am very ordinary."

"That student was silenced—he just spoke out, not because he wanted to, but because he was paid to do it."

"In the audience, a girl cupped her face: 'Listening to her speak, I've fallen in love with her—what do I do?'"

She said this, clenching one fist beside her cheek, coquettishly cute like a cat.

"I'm a few years older than all of you students, and I entered society earlier, but I can say my state is nearly the same as yours."

"His life is just like that of ordinary people—daily commutes to work, no great hobbies."

"She's been exploited for her fame, blamed for box-office failures—she's experienced this and is still experiencing it."

"Who isn't? I've fallen for her too—I think her beauty is truly from within."

"Only later did I realize how many strong people there are in this world; seeing them often makes you doubt and question yourself."

"I discovered that what truly needs changing and improving is myself—only then can you step back and see: first, you must let go of past obsessions, then pick them up again."

"Of course, there are also opportunities—in every era the same—the number of people who reach the very top is tiny; most are below average."

"But it's about watching a spirit—the spirit of loving life and being resilient."

"What I want to say is that your own experience is the most important! You must have your own life—the greatest joy a person can have is possessing a life so vast and joyful that only you can obtain it; this requires wisdom."

"Perhaps someone will ask me—isn't pursuing grand ideals right? Of course it is—but such opportunities are extremely rare, especially when relying solely on personal effort, it's incredibly difficult."

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

"As long as your process is joyful, I don't think you need to pursue grand ideals—otherwise, you'll live exhausted."

"The audience spontaneously burst into enthusiastic applause—disorganized, uneven, entirely the students' own free expression, clapping from the heart."

"In fact, no experience is universal—the experiences of highly accomplished actors told me: can I succeed like them? No. Li Jiacheng's experience tells you: can you become as rich as him? No."

"Yet she enjoys this process, gaining sufficient joy from it."

"She worries over small things, nitpicks over matters, and acts like a little girl, pouting and being cute."

"Besides, even though he's bashing the goddess, his heart is still toward her."

"From today on, anyone who bashes my Liu Yifei, I won't let it go."

"Most people I see live ordinary lives—like the Principal, that Principal from Yutu."

"He works hard, very hard, chasing his so-called success—gaining money, some power to control others' fates—but his pressure is immense; is he happy? In my view, he isn't."

"So her poor acting isn't due to the team—it's her own problem."

"I originally thought of myself as quite ambitious—I wanted to land good roles, with professional demands on actors and crew alike—but after finishing Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing, my thinking changed."

"My greatest joy was when I acted in The Wandering Earth—when all the creators, director, assistant director Wang Ran, cinematographer Liu Yin, art director Li Anran, and the actors discussed their work together."

"So what I want to share are my personal insights—don't underestimate those joys; truly value them, nurture them."

"Hehehe!"

"A few male students chatted behind, though they raised their voices, they didn't disturb other students."

"Some eyes grew more reverent—looking at Liu Tianxian no longer merely as a star. All here are Peking University students; I think your future lives won't be too bad—but some grand ideals are extremely hard to achieve. It's fine. I believe the most important thing for everyone is to have your own life, your own happiness—this is truly meaningful."

"Get lost—I'm serious."

"Yet she hasn't succeeded in achievement—she's never won a mainstream award; the dream she pursues is still in pursuit."

"And this has little to do with how much power or money you have. Some say youth is prone to confusion—how wonderful confusion is! No one truly understands life; confusion is the beginning of self-awareness."

"When I first entered this circle, I had few thoughts—other than acting well, I just focused on learning."

"Of course, the teams exploiting her for money were indeed professional—just their motives weren't pure. At this stage, Liu Tianxian should be talking about A Chinese Ghost Story! She truly reflected deeply, speaking about the film and her state of mind at the time."

"I've always wondered: what is the definition of success? What do I ultimately need from acting? In our industry—the entertainment industry—success means gaining fame and profit, earning lots of money; other industries might be similar—gain some power, and you're successful."

"I felt true release and joy in that atmosphere—the genuine harmony—that's where my joy lies."

"Her early scenes with Fang Hong were with a makeshift crew—makeshift crews are often more focused and serious because they're purer."

"I'm ashamed—I used to bash her, but she's never said anything bad about anyone, never harbored ill will toward Heizi, never sued anyone."

"Every sentence speaks of living well, taking care of yourself, not caring too much about outside voices or others' opinions."

"Some students adjusted their posture to listen to her better—perhaps these words won't help them."

"I've switched to being a fan—what Da Mimi, Da Baobei? They're nowhere near Liu Tianxian—not even in the same league," said a student leaning against the wall to his companion.

"Some seem aimless, yet they swim like fish in water, living happily."

"Has Liu Tianxian succeeded? In money and fame, perhaps she has—she deserves it, because she paid the corresponding price: endless abuse, defamation, even blacklisting."

"You fucking bastard, if you bash my goddess again, I'll beat you to death!" A student kicked at the man, furious—undoubtedly a true fan.

"The Peking University students watching her felt as if looking at an older sister—calm and comforting."

"Liu Tianxian already had a fanbase, and her speech was good, so naturally many came—of course, the school teachers didn't expect so many, so they imposed no limits."

"But it provokes deep thought, prompting people to better understand Liu Tianxian and reflect on themselves."

"I've always believed one must maintain a youthful state—that's crucial. Many think aging brings experience and wisdom, but I tell you: some advice from seniors is terrifying and utterly unworthy of emulation or sharing."

"The audience erupted again in passionate, sincere applause—thunderous, some eyes reverent and burning—this is the true goddess."

"She's got a Principal already—the Principal's got a dick, you've got no chance, give up!" A girl joked again.

"You don't even have a dick—what's the point of falling for her?" a girl beside him joked.

This was merely Liu Tianxian's way of lightening the mood, briefly enlivening the atmosphere before she resumed speaking.

Liu Tianxian's expression relaxed; her mind entered a state of ethereal clarity. Receiving recognition and admiration from these students made her body slightly warm, a touch excited.

I believe what we call youth—seeing youth—is not merely about being young, but about possessing a fine state of being.

But from what I've observed, the truly happy people are mostly those who have found their own passion and joy.

So what if it's ordinary? Life is about experience—just be happy! As she spoke, more and more listeners gathered; before anyone noticed, people had begun standing at the back entrance of the auditorium.

It was simply because Liu Tianxian spoke so well—there was real substance to it.

Not just him—most people I've seen are like this, whether in the United States, France, or China. Their states differ: some appear busy, seemingly promising, yet live unhappily, under heavy pressure.

"She really has substance. Her mental state is at least ten years ahead of ours. I used to see her as a celebrity, thinking she was just pretty—but now I don't think that anymore. There's a reason she's remained famous so long."

This state of mind is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Fang Hong once said he was no match for her, because he had never found true joy in his career, never achieved genuine clarity, always obsessed with rising up, crushing others, making them die.

I think it's unnecessary. Just find your own true joy—if, by luck, that joy becomes your means of livelihood, that happiness will become your true spiritual anchor.

The audience burst into "Ha-ha!" laughter. Liu Tianxian was formidable when serious, and adorable when playful.

A few girls chattered together, their conversation truly filthy—but their admiration for Liu Tianxian shone through every word.

Though there was quiet chatter below, the hall remained largely still. When the applause faded, Liu Tianxian concluded: "Happiness is rare. True wisdom does not come from professional achievements—it comes from your own life. The true artist is the one who lives as an artist."

Even surpassing so-called artists: many artists produce extraordinary works but live in utter chaos; yet some seemingly ordinary people manage their lives beautifully, with deep delight. These are the people I envy—and the kind I hope to become."

She finished by bowing to the students below and said: "Thank you!"

(End of Chapter)