Chapter 535

In 2014, short videos had not yet become mainstream among internet products.

But ten years later, they became an indispensable part of many people's daily lives.

Too many people can binge short videos for several hours straight, unable to stop; the secret lies in its ultra‑powerful algorithm.

The most outstanding among them is Douyin, owned by Zijie Company.

In this era, Jiang Heng launched Douyin short videos early, using a content‑first algorithm plus star‑driven traffic, instantly making Douyin explode.

Later, a reward mechanism encouraging original content was introduced, with an initial payout of 200 million RMB, truly shocking.

More and more people joined, starting to earn money by posting original videos.

But for the vast majority of ordinary people, they have no idea what kind of video can get algorithmic recommendation and be seen by more.

Thus, after a day's hustle, earning ten or twenty yuan is already considered a lot.

Even so, many still open Douyin accounts and post videos tirelessly.

In comparison, celebrities have massive fan bases; a single post easily garners many views, likes, saves, and comments that ordinary people cannot match.

Therefore, in Douyin's early days, only celebrities, famous personalities, and early internet celebrities with some reputation from other platforms could receive high original rewards.

At Beijing Film Academy, Zhang Ruonan walked across campus, took selfie photos with her phone, selected a set of pictures, and posted a Douyin video.

Because the movies she stars in, Three Body 2 and Hello Mr. Billionaire, have not yet been released, she is not part of the "When did you first meet Director Jiang?" campaign.

When she started registering on Douyin and what she posted are matters the company doesn't concern itself with.

Even so, her first video is still a set of photos related to Jiang Heng.

It includes beautiful photos of her in school uniform during high school, photos of her and her best friends attending auditions in Wenzhou, and photos of her in Hangzhou, Jingcheng, and the Outstanding Rising Film Company building…

These photos express her gratitude to Jiang Heng for turning her from an ordinary high‑school student into a professional actress.

Because topics about Jiang Heng attract high traffic, Zhang Ruonan also verified herself as the female lead of Three Body 2, gaining several hundred thousand fans even before the film's release.

Some people marvel at Zhang Ruonan's good luck, others praise her beauty, and many leave comments asking for news about Three Body 2.

Feeling a bit like a star, Zhang Ruonan experienced fan adoration and care for the first time, and grew to love sharing her daily life on Douyin even more.

The day she entered Beijing Film Academy, she posted a short video announcing that she had also started university.

Once the short video went live, views, likes, and comments surged; she entered the Creator Center backend and discovered a decent amount of money, which made her overjoyed.

Although Zhang Ruonan signed with Outstanding Rising Film Company and starred in Three Body 2 and Hello Mr. Billionaire, her living expenses and perks were excellent, but her salary was relatively low.

As a newcomer actor, salary must follow industry standards.

After the whole family moved to Jingcheng, the company provided a dormitory, later upgraded to a large flat, easing a lot of pressure, but it couldn't cover everything; many expenses still had to be paid out of pocket.

Most of Zhang Ruonan's salary goes to her parents; the remaining daily expenses and family subsidies leave hardly anything left.

During this tight period, she didn't expect to earn money by posting Douyin short videos.

With Jiang Heng's consent, Zhang Ruonan posts a few videos every now and then; she hasn't become a star yet, but she's already a small internet celebrity.

"Nan Nan, you sneaked out again to take pretty photos and didn't invite us!"

While Zhang Ruonan was fiddling with her phone, a few girls holding hands walked over; they were classmates.

These people, aware of Zhang Ruonan's background and envious of her good fortune, all showed great goodwill toward her.

After all, the entertainment industry is fiercely competitive; without capital backing, many of them find it hard to even land a bit part after graduation. Meeting someone like Zhang Ruonan, a "big female lead," they definitely want to cultivate good relations.

Zhang Ruonan has a gentle personality; despite her "background" she doesn't act superior, and says with a smile, "I just think our school's scenery is pretty nice, and I want to film it for netizens to see!"

"If you ask me, our school's scenery is just average; the most beautiful thing is the people, like our little Nan Nan!" Dorm senior Xu Han said with a laugh, while gently hooking Zhang Ruonan's chin with her hand.

"No way, see what you said!" Zhang Ruonan replied, a bit embarrassed.

Another one said, "Shall we take a group photo together?"

"Sure, sure, let's take a group photo and post it!"

"Just posting photos is boring!"

"Then what's your idea?"

"How about we dance together?"

Zhang Ruonan waved her hands quickly and said, "But I don't know how!"

"Oh, it's fine, I'll teach you!" Xu Han said enthusiastically.

"Look at the version with no mistakes!"

"Ah, it shouldn't be too hard, right?" Zhang Ruonan said, looking embarrassed.

"It's very simple, just watch, this is called the Heart Dance!"

Xu Han, tall and coordinated, shook both hands and began repeatedly making heart gestures on her chest, forehead, crown, and sides of her body, or drawing a heart with her hands.

Even without background music, it looked quite fun.

"How about it? Not hard, right?"

Zhang Ruonan nodded slightly, feeling a bit stirred, "It's not too hard, but there should be music, right?"

"Here, listen to this!" another roommate pulled out a phone and played a particularly "sweet" song; Xu Han performed the heart dance again, looking even better this time.

A few passing boys stood at a distance, watching the commotion.

A bolder handsome guy, fairly confident, walked over and said to Zhang Ruonan, "Nan Nan, are you trying to learn dancing?"

Zhang Ruonan only hummed in response, saying nothing more, and the guy quickly said, "I've been dancing since I was a child; tell me what you want to learn, I'll teach you!"

Zhang Ruonan hurriedly replied, "Thank you, but no need!"

The handsome guy kept trying to recommend himself, but Xu Han objected, "Hey, Nan Nan is with Outstanding Rising Film Company; if she wants to learn anything, just tell Director Jiang and a professional teacher will be assigned. If she just wants to dance for fun, we can accompany her, so you don't need to bother!"

The guy's expression turned sheepish, "Alright, alright, I won't disturb you then!" He said and turned to leave.

Xu Han hummed and said, "Goodness!"

She immediately said to Zhang Ruonan, "You mustn't mess up, understand?"

Zhang Ruonan said, "I still don't really know the boys in the class!"

That's right, everyone has ill intentions. You came to study acting, and by sophomore year you'll be playing the female lead. You can't get involved with them, otherwise they'll hold you back!

Zhang Ruowei not only knew this reasoning, she was too lazy to even bring up the topic, she nodded and said: "Don't mention this, quickly teach me the heart dance, I want to film a video for my childhood friend!"

"Haha, you can't wait to show Director Jiang, can you!"

"Oh dear, how annoying, it's gone!" (End of chapter)