[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-rising-in-1979":3,"chapter-rising-in-1979-rising-in-1979-chapter-224":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Rising in 1979",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2260932,4412,"Chapter 224: The Female Lead Who Fell from the Sky","rising-in-1979-chapter-224",224,"\u003Cp>Although the film academy was on break, many out-of-town students hadn’t left campus—first, because transportation was expensive and round-trip travel inconvenient, and they figured they’d just go home for the New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, they couldn’t bear to leave Beijing’s vibrancy; just consider the recent hit film “Lushan Love”—if they returned to their hometowns, they’d likely miss the entire summer without seeing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, big cities offered more opportunities, and these students all thought: if the Beijing Film Studio or another studio came to campus to cast actors, and they were the only ones absent, what a huge loss that would be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi and Zhang Tielin thought the same way, but after rotting in school for weeks without a role falling from the sky, they decided to head into the city on Sunday to visit their classmate Xie Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the three wandered onto Xidan Street, the crowds were thick, and one shop entrance was especially bustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, they spotted two massive posters; Xie Yuan wondered aloud: “Hey, is this a new cinema? Let’s go take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tielin: “Even if it is, I’m not going—we’ve already seen all the recent movies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi said: “No harm in taking a look, come on, Yuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi and Xie Yuan walked over, and Zhang Tielin immediately followed; as they drew closer, they finally saw clearly—the posters featured portraits of two girls, hey, they were truly beautiful!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tielin, who had originally had no intention of coming, suddenly couldn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his expression, Xie Yuan grinned and asked: “Tielin, which of these two girls do you think is prettier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tielin seriously compared them, then concluded: “I think the one on the left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi: “The one on the left is Gong Ying, the female lead of ‘The Herdsman.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yuan: “Really? How do you recognize her, Fengyi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi: “What’s wrong with having a good memory? But I’ve never seen the one on the right—still, she’s very beautiful too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yuan: “So what exactly does this ‘Orient New World’ sell? Doesn’t look like a cinema.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just go inside and find out,” Zhang Tielin said eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once inside, the three could barely move—the store, under three hundred square meters, was packed with people, and at the counter, customers kept lining up to pay, so lively it rivaled the New Year rush for pork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it’s a clothing store—I remember now, the outfits on the posters look like the ones the female lead wore in ‘Lushan Love,’ but these two girls look even better in them,” Xie Yuan remarked; the two Zhangs agreed wholeheartedly—Zhang Yu looked cuter, but far less feminine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, they were even more astonished—they could actually touch and choose the clothes themselves, which was novel, something they’d never seen before!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi: “Hey, they’ve got leather jackets!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yuan: “It’s this hot—really going to buy a leather jacket?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can buy it now and wear it later—today’s opening day, there’s a discount,” Zhang Fengyi had figured it out, “then you buy another one, and we get a 30% discount!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tielin: “Hey, are those frog sunglasses? I’ve always wanted a pair!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small items like frog sunglasses sat on shelves behind the counter; when Zhang Tielin noticed the cashier, he nudged Zhang Fengyi: “Fengyi, doesn’t the guy collecting money look like Wei Ming, the writer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Zhang Fengyi had once been a finalist for the male lead in “The Bull and Niu Er,” he knew Wei Ming best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He really does look like him—let’s go ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yuan held him back: “Wouldn’t it be awkward just walking over? Why not buy something first—you wanted a jacket, and I want some pants.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re both buying clothes?” Zhang Tielin thought—if he walked over empty-handed, he’d look like an outsider; rumors said Wei Ming, though young, was forceful and interfered heavily in casting for his own works, so he picked out a pair of jeans too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While buying, the salesgirl Yunyun came over to explain; Zhang Tielin glanced at her several times—though not as stunning as the two girls on the posters, she had a quiet, gentle charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little sister, is this store state-run?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, we’re privately owned,” Yunyun replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if the clothes are poor quality? Who do we complain to?” he asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade, rest assured—if there’s any problem, we offer free returns or exchanges within seven days,” Yunyun, now a trained salesgirl, handled the basic responses without issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tielin asked further: “Your accent—aren’t you from around here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua, who had been weaving through the crowd all morning, finally couldn’t take it anymore—who was this lecher? Just buy clothes and leave the salesgirl alone, now he’s digging into her family background!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade, is there something wrong with these pants?” he waved his hand, signaling Yunyun to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, no, no problem at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua smiled: “Then let’s proceed to the counter—single item 20% off, two items 30% off, offer valid today only.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Zhang Fengyi and Xie Yuan had finished shopping—men bought clothes fast, no fitting rooms needed, unlike women who tried on ten outfits before deciding; still, mindful of the high profit margins on women’s wear, Mei Wenhua preferred focusing on female apparel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three approached the counter; Wei Ming recognized them at once: “Oh, it’s you guys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi hurriedly said: “Teacher Wei, why are you manning the cash register here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming smiled as he took his leather jacket: “A friend owns this place—too many customers today, so I came to help out. Want to pay together? I’ll give you the 30% discount.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi nodded—so that’s how it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great, great!” Xie Yuan eagerly pulled out his money—he’d settle accounts later; as a Beijing native with intellectual parents, Xie Yuan was among the wealthier students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tielin pointed to the frog sunglasses behind: “I’ll take a pair of those too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming smiled: “Young man, you’ll look sharp in those—don’t you two want any? Otherwise you’ll be outshined by this guy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tielin quickly introduced himself: “Teacher Wei, I’m Zhang Tielin—we’re in the same class.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh oh oh,” Wei Ming: Not interested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming’s question made Zhang Fengyi and Xie Yuan feel awkward—they couldn’t refuse now, and with the sun so fierce, sunglasses would protect their eyes, so each took a pair; Xie Yuan didn’t have enough cash, so Zhang Fengyi paid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Tielin hadn’t bought anything else, Wei Ming added: “You might also check out the leather belts and shoes—they’re genuine southern leather, top quality. If you ever go for auditions, first impressions matter—put on leather shoes, cinch a leather belt, and you’ll look like a sharp young man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi scratched his head: “Teacher Wei, your tongue is too persuasive—I’m tempted, but we’re just poor students…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He meant to refuse, but Zhang Tielin got carried away: “Do you have size 44 shoes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course—we match foot size to shoe size,” Wei Ming immediately grabbed the most expensive pair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Tielin buy shoes, Zhang Fengyi and Xie Yuan exchanged glances—maybe we should get a cheap belt?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For these three super-VIP customers who spent over 250 yuan, Wei Ming waived the remaining cents on top of the 30% discount, warmly saw them off, and invited them to come back often.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking through the packed Xidan Street, Zhang Tielin proudly slipped on his frog sunglasses, feeling like a star; Zhang Fengyi felt deep regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impulsive! I’ve spent my entire month’s allowance—what now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yuan had a good attitude: “No problem—if we can’t eat, we’ll beg. Beijing still has kind families.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fengyi: “We’re both from out of town—begging, we’ll come to your place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yuan chuckled: “Fine, but let’s settle accounts first—I fronted a lot today. Hey, Tielin, why are you running off? Think you’re cool in those shoes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming checked the time—it was noon, shift change. He called Mei Wenhua over: “Watch the counter—I’ll go get lunch for them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After arranging lunch, he went to Zhu Lin’s workplace—today, due to a schedule swap, she worked the morning and had the afternoon off, perfect for some quiet time together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had barely left when a middle-aged man entered with a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl exclaimed: “I told you—it’s exactly how they sell clothes here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But Shan Shan, there don’t seem to be any clothes suitable for your age.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Shan frowned: “Of course there are—I think this one fits perfectly, just get the smallest size.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Huaiyan chuckled, unmoved—he thought all these clothes were for adults; his daughter should buy children’s wear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when the salesgirl Xiao Hong asked the two customers what they needed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Huaiyan sized her up: “Don’t you have any clothes for girls your age?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hong was fourteen, similar in age and height to Jiang Shan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This truly stumped Wei Hong—there really weren’t any; after arriving in Beijing, her brother had bought her clothes at the department store, in the children’s section—those overalls were so childish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Huaiyan told Jiang Shan: “Dad can’t help it—wait two years until you’re older to buy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they bought no clothes, Jiang Huaiyan had another purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked Wei Hong: “Who’s in charge here? I need to speak with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Hong, sensing this man spoke with official airs, immediately led him to Mei Wenhua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade, what do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Huaiyan: “I’d like to ask about the two posters outside—the one on the left I know is Gong Ying; who is the woman on the right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua grew wary—why does a customer care about the models on the posters?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which organization are you from?” Xiao Mei asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Huaiyan smiled: “Don’t misunderstand—I’m from the Beijing Film Studio. We’re casting a female lead for a new film, and this woman’s appearance matches our requirements perfectly—I’d like to know which studio she belongs to, and if she has time, invite her for a screen test.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! You’re from the Beijing Film Studio? My apologies,” Mei Wenhua asked, “Do you know Wei Ming?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course—I’m Jiang Huaiyan, head of the Literature Department at Beijing Film Studio; all scripts he writes for us pass through my hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Shan nodded—she remembered the handsome guy who’d discussed “Black Cat Detective” with her; the third issue of “Black Cat Detective” was coming soon—she was so excited!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this man knew Ming-ge, Mei Wenhua said: “The woman on the poster was chosen by Wei Ming—I’ll tell him, and he’ll contact you, Director Jiang. How’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Jiang Huaiyan left, Mei Wenhua quickly noted the incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Wei Ming had picked up Lin-jie; after lunch, he asked her: “Today’s the official opening of Orient New World—want to go take a look?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin smiled: “Are you just trying to trick me into being a salesgirl because there are too many customers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming laughed: “So… do you want to go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I’ll go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once on his motorcycle, Wei Ming took her straight back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment. “You’d just be a distraction—people see the model from the poster walking out of the picture, they’ll all stare at you—no one’ll look at the clothes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin lightly tapped Wei Ming’s back—smooth talker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to Wei Ming’s home after many days, she noticed big changes—new furniture, all picked up casually by Wei Ming, whether antique or not, all exuded artistic beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, with two little girls now living there, the place no longer felt empty—it was full of domestic warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin still worried: “When will the girls be back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today had so many customers, they’ll probably be busy until late at night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s tiring,” Zhu Lin felt guilty—so busy, yet she’d taken up his time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming turned on the tape player and played a tango soundtrack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re busy—we won’t get any chance otherwise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That dance was wildly inappropriate—Wei Ming’s hands kept slipping inside his partner’s clothes, and soon they were both disheveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin dared not do it in the living room; they tangled together, stumbling into the master bedroom and shutting the door before starting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They spent a very full afternoon—Wei Ming said the two sisters wouldn’t be back, so Zhu Lin cooked another dinner instead of eating out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though restaurant food was truly delicious, she’d heard a timeless saying: to win a man’s heart, first win his stomach. She hoped Xiao Wei would grow accustomed to the taste of her cooking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time they finished eating, dusk was falling. Zhu Lin worried the two sisters might catch her, and urged Wei Ming to take her home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At home, she found her eldest sister already there, sitting between their parents, asking: “Linlin, what’s your connection with that clothing store in Xidan called Dongfang Xintiandi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What connection?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sister said: “This afternoon, your brother-in-law and I went shopping in Xidan, and from far away we saw two posters outside a store—one of them was you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And who’s the other one?” Zhu Lin asked quickly, assuming they were both her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who cares who the other one is? First explain your connection!” their mother said. “What’s your relationship with that store?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, a friend owns it—he asked me to model for some posters, just a few photos,” Zhu Lin replied honestly, then changed the subject. “So, sis, did you buy anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sister: “At my age, what’s there to buy? All those clothes are for young girls.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sis, you’re not old at all. Perfect—my friend even gave me a few outfits as thanks. Come try them on, see if you like any.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sister immediately switched sides, happily following her younger sister to try on clothes, leaving their worried parents behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a good job at the institute—why become an actress? Now she’s a model too. At least she’s clothed. Sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two uncle and auntie are clearly highly educated—they even know about nude models.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Zhu Lin’s room, she was still asking her sister about the other model.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know her,” her sister said, holding up a garment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is she pretty?” Zhu Lin asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very pretty. Not any less than you,” her sister replied, fairly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin already had a guess, but she needed to confirm it in person. Too late now—she’d wait until tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Wei Ming had already arrived on his motorcycle. The customers had thinned out; the sales staff had been sent home, leaving only Manager Mei and Yunyun and Xiao Hong—Wei Ming had promised to pick them up in the evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he entered, Yunyun was still working, successfully convincing a bespectacled intellectual young woman to buy a piece, while Xiao Hong handled the checkout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua pulled Wei Ming aside: “Brother Ming, guess how much we sold today!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “Must be at least…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t calculated precisely, but when he left at noon, sales were already around three thousand—just the three from Beidian had contributed nearly a tenth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Wenhua exclaimed: “So far we’ve hit 7,700 yuan! My god, I never dreamed we’d sell this well! If only space and staff weren’t limited, I think we could break ten thousand in daily sales!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many customers stayed away because the store was too crowded, afraid their money might be stolen—this wasn’t rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With over seven thousand yuan in sales and hundreds of items sold, no wonder Wei Ming noticed the store felt emptier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither Mei nor Biao had invested this much originally—most of these clothes were only pre-orders, bought on credit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We need to restock fast,” Wei Ming said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, I’m feeling confident now—I can tell them to produce freely. Oh, one more thing.” Mei Wenhua then told him about Jiang Huaiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Jiang is an old friend,” Wei Ming frowned, thinking. But what film was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beiyang Film Studio’s annual quota of ten or so films mostly consisted of obscure titles later forgotten; during this period, Beiyang’s output was far less impressive than Shanghai Film Studio’s bold embrace of new directors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the few Beiyang films he knew from this era—like “Camel Xiangzi” and “Teahouse”—the female leads were certainly unsuitable for Zhu Lin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, this was a good opportunity for Sister Lin—even if just to practice, it was worth it. She wasn’t an exceptionally gifted actress, but she shone in her comfort zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And her comfort zone was intellectual women—like in “Far from the Crowd” and “Far from the War Years”—where authenticity was everything. Had Director Jiang spotted this trait in her through the poster?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At closing time, Mei said: “Brother Ming, could you drop me off first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was carrying several thousand yuan in cash, his bag bulging—this late at night, if he ran into a robber, he’d be done for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming nodded: “Alright. Xiao Hong, Yunyun, get on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing both sisters climb onto Wei Ming’s motorcycle, Mei Wenhua laughed: “Why don’t I take one of you? Your ride’s not safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “This is safest. Your little scooter’s too flimsy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t mine—it’s Biao’s. I’m buying one even sturdier than yours,” Mei declared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dropping Mei off, the three siblings returned to the Overseas Chinese Apartment, where Xiao Hong immediately noticed something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, did you cook at home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, I made dinner myself—just something quick.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yunyun hurried to say: “Brother, don’t worry—we won’t need night shifts anymore. We’ll cook dinner for you from now on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Hong nodded seriously—how could the family’s pillar earn money to support them while also cooking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming chuckled: “Thanks, you two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, after eating breakfast made by his sisters, the three went off to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the school newspaper office, Wei Ming heard Yang Hao say: “Xiao Wei, your store’s gone crazy—yesterday my mom went shopping and even split a silk scarf with her friends!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming laughed: “Thanks for your mom’s support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Hao: “Your business model is brilliant. I bet Beijing’s newspapers will start reporting on it soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming agreed—he’d deliberately kept a low profile. Otherwise, he’d have invited Zhu Wei from Zhongqing Daily long ago. A story about unemployed youth starting their own business was exactly the kind of inspirational model the times needed—the pioneer of reform and opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to wear the crown, one must bear its weight. The attention would bring controversy and debate too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, it couldn’t be avoided. He could only hope the controversy came later, giving Dongfang Xintiandi time to grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, while slacking off in class, Wei Ming officially began writing “The Right Path of Humanity Is the Vast River.” Beside his manuscript were several notebooks and outlines, but progress was slow—university was no place to write. Tomorrow he’d go to the library.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the afternoon, he planned to take Sister Lin to Beiyang Film Studio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, Wei Ming appeared at Zhu Lin’s workplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin had already mounted her bicycle, ready to head to Xidan. She froze when she saw Wei Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you here again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of thing is that to say? Don’t you welcome me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I welcome you—but today I want to visit your store,” Zhu Lin said bluntly, watching to see if he’d flinch and refuse to take her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “Fine, but not today. We have something more important. Go back to work and take half a day off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was definitely hiding something—he refused to take her. But seeing Wei Ming’s serious tone, Zhu Lin actually went back to request leave. You better have a real reason—if this is just a trick to get me home for sex, you’re dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Wei Ming took her to a restaurant for lunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is your ‘important thing’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming: “You’re always in a rush. Nothing’s more important than eating. Eat first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lunch, Wei Ming rode his motorcycle to Beiyang Film Studio. Under his helmet, Zhu Lin saw the studio’s sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are we here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To see someone.” Wei Ming greeted the gatekeeper and led her inside—he’d been here often.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Wei Ming took Zhu Lin to find Jiang Huaiyan, explaining the situation along the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because of that poster, Director Jiang thinks you might suit the female lead in one of Beiyang’s films. He wants you to audition. No guarantees—choosing a lead involves many considerations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Lin nodded, not particularly nervous—she was always relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Xiao Wei,” she gently squeezed her lover’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Guaranteed two-in-one)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3388,"2026-06-19T16:30:58.707Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b3e4477125a4af7f80e8f25a734f0fad3fbdea2639502d73f2c211ac26a3662f","rising-in-1979-chapter-225","rising-in-1979-chapter-223",509,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frising-in-1979-cover.jpg"]