[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-65":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"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},2286901,4473,"Chapter 65: Teacher, Student","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-65",65,"\u003Cp>Liu Yi’s mother appeared beside her daughter at some point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’ve left?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at her daughter’s appearance, Liu Yi’s mother felt a mix of hesitation and reluctance, yet she still wore a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After today, you’ll be eighteen, an adult. You can have boys you like, but you must be careful. Liking someone isn't necessarily love, and whether it can last is very important. Whatever you do, don't follow in my footsteps...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mom, what are you saying!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s face turned bright red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, I won't say anymore, you're getting shy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yi’s mother stroked her daughter’s long hair and said lovingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your father called you regardless of the time difference; remember to ask after him and show him some concern when you get the chance. It hasn't been easy for him either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Liu Xiaoli felt a bit more melancholy; after all, it was her own youthful arrogance and high-mindedness in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei took her mother’s arm, preparing to head home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s birthday banquet provided more than enough material for the next day’s entertainment news. The venue and the guests in attendance were enough to make any actress or star envious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some news simply cannot be kept under wraps; the fact that Liu Yifei received a film offer on her birthday spread like wildfire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't matter who leaked it; the key was the content of this film offer, which made the media act as if they had been drugged, all of them pumped up with adrenaline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female lead in a science fiction film with a production budget of sixty million US dollars—a massive production the likes of which were never seen domestically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need to ask; everyone knew which film it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So this is what he meant by the role already being cast?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhonglei watched the news, thinking of Lin Nan’s words at the dinner table yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Huayi successfully secured the investment amount from Lin Nan, both Fan Bingbing and Li Bing had fantasized about this female lead role, but at the time, Lin Nan had said no such thing existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a massive production could only be handled by Hollywood; which actress wouldn't be envious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that Zhang Ziyi had also set her sights on it, only to be told the same thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Lin Nan was at school, the company’s administration called to say that the media had surrounded the company with cameras and microphones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dong called him, teasing Lin Nan for quite a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several partners already knew about the matter, so Lin Nan stopped hiding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yi’s mother accepted an interview on her daughter’s behalf, confirming that it was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin Nan and Yifei are classmates and good friends. Yifei once joked about wanting to be the female lead in one of Lin Nan’s films, but there hadn't been an opportunity for a while. This time, there just happened to be a role, so Lin Nan gave it to Yifei as a birthday gift...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yi’s mother spoke lightly, wanting to emphasize that this was a gift between friends, but she underestimated the media’s pens; by the time the reports came out, her words carried a tone of showing off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m so envious of her. Not only is she pretty, but she also has a friend like Senior Lin Nan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The freshmen of the '05 class had almost all arrived at school; they were about the same age as Liu Yifei, yet the gap between them was as vast as heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mimi, you acted in *The Return of the Condor Heroes* with her. What is she like?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A girl asked Yang Mi, who was also a veteran actress; it was rumored she had a television contract and would be joining a production shortly after school started.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi was also proud; among the freshmen, she was in the top tier. At the very least, she had plenty of acting offers, and in a few days, she would be joining the cast of *Wang Zhaojun* as the female lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Liu Yifei was mentioned, Yang Mi’s pride felt a bit inadequate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was the supporting character Guo Xiang, and she was the Little Dragon Maiden. We didn't interact much, but my impression of her was fine—very pretty, very beautiful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi remembered when they were on set, everyone revolved around Liu Yifei, and she had thought to herself then that she must become more famous than Liu Yifei in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with Lin Nan giving away a role just like that, her desire to surpass Liu Yifei suddenly felt deflated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She heard someone nearby say, \"I heard Senior Lin Nan often stays at school. Doesn't that mean we have a chance to interact with him? He’s a great director, after all...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi paused; it seemed that was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Tian had been watching the news for a while, showing Liu Yifei in her princess dress at the birthday banquet. \"She’s very pretty, and she has good luck too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She is considered the most successful in your age group, but I believe you won't be any worse than her in the future,\" Lu Zheng comforted her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, it’s not that easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Tian looked up and smiled, \"But I will work hard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Film Academy held a welcome event for the freshmen; perhaps because of the large number of people, it was quite a scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan, Zhu Yawen, Liu Yifei, and others had become seniors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the acting department, many students with achievements at school were called to the welcome gala. Lin Nan, being an old hand in the directing department, flatly refused this time. Zhu Yawen did make an appearance, while Liu Yifei’s schedule changed, and she flew to the Sony headquarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan went to see Tian Zhuangzhuang in his private office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knocked on the door, and a rough but simple voice came from inside, \"Come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan opened the door, closed it behind him, and greeted him with a smile, \"Teacher Tian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, it’s you. I thought you wouldn't come.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one didn't know the person before them was a great Fifth Generation director, they might mistake him for a genuine old farmer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a face full of deep lines, sallow skin, and prominent stubble, he was every bit the old man who had walked out of the yellow earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher Tian, you’re joking. Didn't I come to apprentice under you? I hope you’ll guide me well in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan put on the appearance of a good student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is just an early meeting; you won't officially be my student until next year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But your situation is special. You’ve achieved such results at a young age, so you need an elder to guide you, lest the tallest tree in the forest be destroyed by the wind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Zhuangzhuang spoke directly, without the slightest bit of tact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lin Nan’s impression, this teacher was one of the representatives of the Fifth Generation. After being banned from directing for ten years, he returned to the Film Academy to teach. Before the ban, he had already competed for the Golden Bear and won major awards at the Tokyo International Film Festival—that was before '92—and he had contributed much to the film industry in the time between.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he thought highly of Lin Nan, which was why he was so outspoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan meant this from the bottom of his heart; establishing the teacher-student relationship a year early was a huge help to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\" Tian Zhuangzhuang nodded, very satisfied with Lin Nan’s attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The school will announce it in a few days. Although the relationship won't officially transfer until next year, you can effectively be considered my student already. If you have any difficulties, you can come to me at any time. As your teacher, I will help with whatever I can, and I hope you continue to go further and further on this path of directing...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Zhuangzhuang’s words truly moved Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know, thank you, Teacher,\" Lin Nan said gratefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the serious business, Tian Zhuangzhuang chatted with Lin Nan about his work and career, advising him to film more good movies while he was young and energetic, so he wouldn't feel powerless later on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out Tian Zhuangzhuang had already given up on the bid for the Olympic chief director position. He was two years younger than Zhang Yimou, yet he looked older and lacked the same energy, which was closely related to his personal life experiences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just imagine a director who loved film and was full of passion for it, being banned for ten years—what kind of blow would that deal to one’s body and mind?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Tian Zhuangzhuang’s office, Lin Nan looked at the young students on campus, his mood indescribably good. From now on, he would have even more solid backing; in this circle, going it alone was very difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Seven Swords* had finished its run; because the box office couldn't pick up, the 140 million investment stopped early at 83 million in the mainland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it was first promoted, the momentum was massive, with big names everywhere, but when it left theaters, it did so quietly, without a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The investors lost everything, and Xu Ke was likely having a hard time as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Lin Nan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few new faces walked toward him; they were from the '05 class, and in a few days, they would have to go for military training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan didn't look closely. The Venice Film Festival opened on the last day of this month, and he was thinking about that classic film by Li An—it seemed to be this year’s edition. Anyway, in the country, one could only watch pirated discs; he wondered if the school would bring it in for students to analyze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior, I’m Yang Mi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lin Nan looking distracted, one of the girls greeted him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan finally took a closer look; it really was her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello,\" Lin Nan replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except for Yang Mi, the other three girls were a bit reserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior, I’d like to recommend myself. If there are any roles in the future, please consider me. I’ve already acted in many plays, and some films too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi said generously, a smile on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was caught off guard, but also found it quite interesting; who just stops someone on the road and recommends themselves?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once he thought about who was standing in front of him, he understood. This was someone with a very clear career plan and a very strong sense of ambition, who at the moment was still determined to be an excellent actress, just as she had introduced herself during the entrance exams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s wait for a suitable opportunity. You’re working this hard just after entering school?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan said kindly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you forgotten, Senior? I’ve been on sets since I was a child.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi didn't mind Lin Nan’s perfunctory words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s true, fame should be sought early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan had to chat for a few more sentences before leaving; he actually admired this person quite a bit—she was more decisive than he had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mimi, you’re too bold! You actually dared to stop him and recommend yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls looked at Yang Mi beside them, their eyes full of admiration. They had been nervous just standing there, but Yang Mi had managed to be so poised and natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is only two years older than us; I thought he shouldn't have the temper of those big directors, and this just confirms it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Mi spoke with confidence, though in truth, as she recalled it now, her heart was beating a little fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had signed with a talent agency a long time ago. Although she was young all these years, she understood that opportunities were things that needed to be fought for; some directors were not people you could see just because you wanted to, but Lin Nan happened not to be in that category, as there were opportunities to meet him at school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star Shine announced it would shelve Huang Shengyi, and the latter bluntly stated she would see them in court; after half a month of silence, this matter returned to the entertainment headlines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the investment funds for *Journey to the Center of the Earth*, Lin Nan had them remitted through the channels of the relevant departments according to regulations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>New Line Cinema followed closely behind, announcing the film's start date and the main creative cast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the list of actors, the column for the female lead read: crystalliu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei's photo appeared in the cast lineup, ahead of the white supporting actress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many Hollywood companies believed that this New Line film had a high probability of entering that vast market full of potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan had previously instructed New Line that the film needed to have a 2D version prepared as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the film infrastructure in many countries and regions was not yet perfect and 3D cinemas were not widespread, New Line decisively adopted this suggestion for the sake of the box office.\u003C\u002Fp>",2213,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","bd771368e7a3364faf8dfe819ad1b7a8be0ac748450f5d5f1994781a4ca2ebca","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-66","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-64",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]