Chapter 290: Not Yang Mi, You Call This Liu Yifei Falling Out of Favor?

August 27th, the second day after the big entertainment industry event, Beijing Film Academy.

Beijing Film Academy is a very small campus, so small that the surrounding area cannot even support the standard amenities found at other universities, such as commercial streets, low-rent housing, or snack streets.

It is the annual start of the school season again, and the north side of Jimen Bridge has habitually become "hard to travel."

These days, children who can attend the Film Academy all come from quite wealthy families; the crowded gate of the Beijing Film Academy can barely accommodate two people walking side by side, and several traffic police have already arrived at the scene to direct traffic.

"Welcoming new students! This is the orientation point for the 2005 Undergraduate Acting Class!"

The school entrance is covered with orientation points for various departments, consisting of simple sun-shading tents with the words "Blogcn" printed on them.

There are also simple promotional gifts like banners, water cups, and towels.

For Blogcn, which has always insisted on using stars to drive traffic, sponsoring and running small promotions at art schools like the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama is an affordable and effective move.

"Xiao Fei, we've been sitting here for ages, why haven't we seen a single big star?"

Zhang Xiaofei, with her lean facial features, used a promotional fan to fan herself and Yuan Shanshan: "Who knows? I was hoping to get a couple of autographs!"

"Hey, I mainly wanted to sit here to get some exposure. There are so many big directors coming and going; what if one of them takes a fancy to us?"

Zhang Xiaofei is from Anshan, and Yuan Shanshan is from Xiangyang. The two arrived at school early to report and were assigned by the department to take on the task of welcoming new students.

The two young girls sat under the sunshade, drinking mineral water sponsored by Blogcn, chatting idly to pass the time.

"Shanshan, why did you apply to the Beijing Film Academy?"

"I started learning the violin at age 6, then later learned to dance, so my family naturally groomed me to follow this path."

"Actually, I first passed the art exam for the Central Academy of Drama, and my scores and ranking were even higher than for the Beijing Film Academy."

Zhang Xiaofei was puzzled: "Then why come to the Beijing Film Academy?"

"Because of the Fairy Sister Liu Yifei! She's our fellow Hubei native, look how popular she's been these past few years!"

Yuan Shanshan seemed to recall something, and her tone paused: "Sigh, I really don't know what she was thinking, to end up like this now..."

"Thinking about what? Is this the orientation point for the 2005 Undergraduate Acting Class?"

The two were chatting with their heads down, but upon hearing a slightly sharp voice in front of them, they looked up and saw a bright, beautiful woman with an elegant temperament, and they both stood up involuntarily.

"Yes, it is! Hello, I am Zhang Xiaofei."

"I am Yuan Shanshan."

Yang Mi had officially secured the female lead role in *Chinese Paladin 3*, and now that she was riding high on good news, her every gesture already carried the air of a minor celebrity.

"Mm, hello, I am Yang Mi."

Zhang Xiaofei and Yuan Shanshan looked at this future classmate of theirs who was already somewhat famous:

She wore a fresh white T-shirt on her upper body, printed with colorful cartoon graffiti on the chest, full of playfulness.

The hem was tied into a casual knot, revealing a slender waist, showing a bit of fashionable ingenuity.

The denim shorts had been distressed, presenting a faint, washed-out blue effect, with some irregular frayed edges on the cuffs, creating a casual and free style.

As Yang Mi lowered her head to fill out the form, the light pink-faced Casio Baby-G series watch on her slender wrist firmly captured the gaze of the two freshmen.

They looked at each other with a bit of restraint, comparing her to themselves, feeling a sense of inferiority in their hearts.

Seeing that she had finished filling out the form, Yuan Shanshan enthusiastically picked up her suitcase: "Mi Mi, I saw your makeup photos for Xuejian on Blogcn, you look so beautiful!"

"Oh! It's just okay!"

Hearing her classmate's flattery, Yang Mi wasn't exactly overjoyed, just a little secretly pleased.

Flattery depends on who is saying it, for example...

Yang Mi sat down in the sunshade to join the small group chatting. Zhang Xiaofei asked curiously: "Mi Mi, you're already a big star, why are you still living on campus?"

"Better be honest for now. I heard that the teachers don't allow freshmen or sophomores to go out and take acting roles."

Yang Mi was a bit worried; if communication didn't go smoothly, she would only be able to ask her company to step in and find someone to mediate. She hoped she wouldn't run into a teacher who was set in their ways.

"That's not right, though. What about the Fairy Sister Liu Yifei? Didn't she go off to film before she was even 15?"

Yuan Shanshan acted like a know-it-all: "Oh, Xiao Fei, you don't know. She was in the play of the great director Lu Kuan. Director Lu is the pride of the Beijing Film Academy; Principal Zhang praises him wherever he goes."

"If he takes a fancy to an actress, the school will definitely let her go, right? Don't you think so, Mi Mi?"

Yang Mi took a sip of the mineral water that had been scorched by the sun, her tone somewhat mysterious: "Heh, that was in the past. Now, it's not certain he'd still take a fancy to her."

Zhang Xiaofei and Yuan Shanshan looked at each other unconsciously, both smelling some gossip, and simultaneously looked at Yang Mi, who had crossed her legs.

With her status, she must know some inside information, right?

"Mi Mi, I heard you were on the same set as Liu Yifei and Director Lu when you were filming *The Return of the Condor Heroes*. They..."

"Oh, they just had some scenes together. As for Liu Yifei... forget it, it's not good for me to gossip about others behind their backs."

Yang Mi stopped halfway through her story, leaving the two freshmen curious and itching for more.

"Oh, Mi Mi, tell us, this doesn't count as gossiping."

Zhang Xiaofei also encouraged her: "That's right, look at how Director Lu often says that as a public figure, being consumed by entertainment is very normal. Just tell us."

"Hey, you two are quite gossipy!"

Yang Mi actually couldn't hold it in herself, and immediately settled in to act as a storyteller.

"At the time, we were filming *The Return of the Condor Heroes* in Jiuzhaigou. Director Lu was there for a cameo. As soon as he saw me, he gave me acting guidance, teaching me how to breathe and project my voice."

"Wow! How lucky!"

"Yeah! He is known as the director best at coaching actors!"

Yang Mi was smug inside: "Of course. Liu Yifei was also coached by him, but she was still a bit young. These great directors are not easy to deal with."

"Look, she was so impulsive just after coming of age. I called her that day and comforted her for a long time, sigh!"

Yang Mi put on a look of being angry at her good friend for not living up to expectations and feeling sorry for her misfortune, leaving Zhang Xiaofei and Yuan Shanshan sighing.

Yes, a rising superstar had suddenly become tarnished just like that.

The online news was still fermenting and wouldn't calm down so quickly.

Yang Mi blathered on for ten minutes before delivering her concluding remarks: "Look, now it's over, her popularity is gone, and I guess there won't be many opportunities for Director Lu to cast her in the future."

Yuan Shanshan took up the thread: "The school previously had her act in the tribute drama *Silver Years* and put her on the admissions brochure. It seems those opportunities are unlikely now too."

Only Zhang Xiaofei didn't chime in; she felt in her heart that this girl, who was a year younger than her, was actually quite brave.

Just as Yang Mi was showing off her sense of superiority, a tall, beautiful female teacher walked over.

"Hey, Mi Mi is here too, right? Perfect, all three of you come with me."

Yuan Shanshan wondered: "Teacher Dini, what about this orientation..."

"Don't worry about it. Some boys will come to take over in a moment. You come with me; the department is in a rush and needs volunteers."

Dini stayed on to teach after graduating from the 1997 Undergraduate Acting Class of the Beijing Film Academy. This year, she is the head teacher for the 2005 class, and Cui Xinxin is the chief instructor.

Yang Mi didn't dare to be arrogant, so she tidied up and picked up her suitcase to follow. After all, she still had to ask Chief Instructor Cui for leave and go to the department to process the paperwork.

Chief Instructor Cui is a famous teacher in the industry. Back then, when Yanzi asked her for permission to film *My Fair Princess*, the Qiong Yao side initially offered the role of Ziwei.

Cui Xinxin told Yanzi very firmly: either play Little Swallow, or don't go at all.

Sure enough, Yanzi became an overnight sensation, becoming the first generation of idols in mainland China.

The three freshmen followed their head teacher Dini toward the Acting and Directing Building. Zhang Xiaofei and Yuan Shanshan were still a bit restrained, but Yang Mi was already chatting familiarly with the teacher.

"Teacher Dini, what skincare products do you use? Your skin doesn't get oily at all in the summer; it's so good."

Dini had heard of this freshman from the 2005 class. There were two child stars in the class this year: one was Su Chang from the Wangda Force, and the other was Yang Mi.

The former was steady and had made a name for herself in the big hits of the last two years, such as *Jade Dynasty*, *Lotus Lantern*, *Bad Genius*, and *Love is Not Blind*.

Yang Mi, after her role as Guo Xiang in *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, had landed the female lead in *Chinese Paladin 3*, which the industry called the next star-making machine, becoming a key talent for the Huayi Society.

"How could my skin be as good as you young girls? You have such a sweet mouth!"

Looking at the clever-looking Yang Mi, Dini couldn't help but compare her to another young starlet she was about to meet today.

"Teacher, what are we going to help the department with? Isn't the opening ceremony the day after tomorrow?"

"Oh, a student from a previous year is graduating early, and a defense meeting is being organized today. The principal and the department head will both be there."

Yang Mi spoke with a hint of sarcasm: "Oh my, why organize an early graduation? I'm eager to learn more knowledge at school; only after stepping out of the school gate do you realize how precious the ivory tower is!"

Yuan Shanshan whispered to Zhang Xiaofei behind her: "It must be some big star. With this status, the school is organizing a special defense just for one person!"

"Yeah, it's really quite grand; even the principal is showing up."

The three followed Dini into the classroom, where a few teachers from the defense committee were already sitting sporadically.

The defense committee is generally composed of college and department leaders and teachers with teaching experience.

Among them, two or more will have senior or intermediate professional titles, and one committee member with a higher academic level will be determined as the chairman.

Yang Mi and the others quickly took on the work of distributing documents and materials, serving tea and water, and placing nameplates.

Cui Xinxin, Chen Yi, Wang Jingsong, Zhang Huijun, Qi Shilong...

Cui, Zhang, and Wang need not be mentioned; Chen Yi is the Dean of the Acting Academy, and Qi Shilong is a member of the Academy's Academic Committee.

Hmm?

Lu Kuan!?

Yang Mi was stunned, as if she couldn't believe her eyes. Hadn't Lu Kuan already graduated from the Directing Department? How could he be a member of the defense committee?

Then she immediately thought of the Pan-Asia Film Academy currently in preparation; he must have joined the defense group under that pretext...

"Hello, teachers, I'm here."

With a cold greeting, everyone in the classroom looked up. Except for the defense committee members who had already arrived, everyone else was stunned.

Liu Yifei?!

The young Liu, who was at the center of the storm, wore a pair of non-prescription black-rimmed glasses to make herself look older. She wore a simple, elegant white T-shirt and a black jacket. She didn't bring an assistant and walked into the classroom carrying a shoulder bag by herself.

Zhang Xiaofei and Yuan Shanshan looked at each other; so she was that big star!

The rumors rampant on the internet about the death of the young starlet, the fall of the red star, and what Yang Mi had just implied about Liu Yifei "falling out of favor" at the Beijing Film Academy seemed to be somewhat distorted?

Yang Mi was much sharper than them, and thinking back to the Liu Shishi incident, as well as the nameplate with Lu Kuan's name in her hand, she couldn't help but mutter to herself.

Fan Bingbing’s statement refuting the rumors went viral online, and the rumors about an illegitimate child naturally became unsustainable; at most, she and the young director were just in a relationship of equal exchange.

Then what about Lu Kuan and Liu Yifei? What exactly happened that night?

This entertainment circle is truly confusing, with truth and falsehood hard to distinguish.

Liu Yifei greeted Cui Xiqin and Wang Jingsong, who had already arrived, and her head teacher enthusiastically pulled her to a corner of the classroom to chat.

"Yifei, why do you look like you've lost weight?"

Little Liu touched her face unconsciously, her smile calm: "Really? Maybe I haven't been eating much lately."

"It's good to be thin; then Zhu Yawen, Zhou Yang, and the others won't be able to call me 'Bun' anymore."

Wang Jingsong looked at her, wanting to say something but hesitating; in just this short week, the female student before him seemed to have transformed and grown a lot.

But in terms of mental state, to use an inappropriate analogy, it was as if she had changed from the Li Qingzhao before marriage to the Li Qingzhao after marriage.

The Li Qingzhao before marriage was lively and bright, possessing the elegant charm of "returning by boat late after the fun, mistakenly entering the depths of the lotus flowers";

The Li Qingzhao after marriage was more reserved and profound, more like the subtle delicacy of "when the wild geese return, the moon fills the western tower."

Old Wang, a middle-aged man, didn't know how to comfort such a teenage girl carrying emotional wounds, so he stammered for a long time before blurting out a sentence.

"Child, don't be so silly in the future."

One sentence almost made Little Liu burst into tears; she reddened her eyes, nodded vigorously, and looked gratefully at this teacher who hadn't taught her many classes but had always silently cared for her and taken her everywhere to show her off.

Including this early graduation, Little Liu naturally didn't want to ask Lu Kuan for help, so it was Wang Jingsong who ran around to pull strings.

"Yifei, in a moment..." Wang Jingsong hesitated for a long time before deciding to tell the truth.

"Lu Kuan will be here in a moment, so prepare yourself mentally."

"What?"

Little Liu’s willow-leaf eyebrows shot up, her voice suddenly rising an octave as she remembered that stinky face that wouldn't go away in her mind!

"Why is he coming?"

Wang Jingsong was startled by the usually well-behaved and clever student; it was as if a yellow rose had suddenly turned into a cactus, covered in thorns ready to prick someone.

This was no miserable Li Qingzhao; this was a heroic little Hua Mulan!

Wang Jingsong didn't know that the name he had just mentioned had already become the number one arch-villain and source of adrenaline in Liu Yifei's heart due to deliberate provocation.

A needle to the soul.

The old teacher coughed twice into his fist.

"This... the members of the defense committee were decided by President Zhang, and we are in no position to comment."

"Yifei, don't overthink it. Just answer with peace of mind; your teacher is here for everything!"

Little Liu nodded thoughtfully.

Yang Mi and the other two had finished their preparatory service work and stood to one side of the classroom, waiting for this exclusive thesis defense to begin.

"Mimi, it seems the 'Fairy Sister'... is quite highly regarded by the school, huh?"

"Ah, yes!" A flash of unnaturalness crossed Big Mimi’s face, but she immediately walked toward Little Liu, who had just finished talking to Wang Jingsong.

"Xixi! I really didn't expect it to be you!"

Liu Yifei had seen her just now but hadn't had time to say hello.

She didn't have much ill will toward Big Mimi, only suspecting that she had been a bit "out of line" that night of the terrifying incident in the linen room in Yinchuan.

After she failed to confront Boss Lu on the night of the 25th, besides Mei Yanfang, Zhou Jielun, Zhou Xun, and others, Big Mimi had also sent messages to comfort and greet her.

Times change, and now she had nothing to do with the washing machine, so Little Liu forced herself not to think about these entanglements.

"You're here too, Mimi. It seems you're in the same class as Su Chang this year."

"Ah? Is that so? That's great, at least I have an acquaintance."

Su Chang, Hu Ge, Zhu Yawen, and others had visited the set of *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, and Liu Yifei had even egged Hu Ge on to pursue Yang Mi.

The few of them occasionally had meals together later, so they were considered acquaintances.

"Xixi, I haven't had a chance to visit you, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, I'm doing very well."

Little Liu waved her hand dismissively, but her red, swollen eyes, where the concealer had failed, gave the truth away to Big Mimi.

As if she were fine.

Wang Jingsong’s enthusiasm for his student was human nature, and the school had given her the green light to graduate early.

It didn't look like Liu Yifei was in a bad situation at all!

But the Huayi brokerage department held a meeting, analyzed the current trend of online public opinion, and predicted a decline in her future performance and popularity—who should be believed?

In Big Mimi’s heart, no one was credible; she would use this unique opportunity to carefully observe the relationship between Lu Kuan and Liu Yifei.

A judgment witnessed with one's own eyes is the most credible!

The two chatted for a few sentences and then went their separate ways; Little Liu sat quietly in her seat, flipping through her thesis to prepare for the upcoming defense.

About 5 minutes later, Zhang Huijun’s loud laughter suddenly came from the corridor, followed by the sound of approaching conversation, one of which was particularly grating to Liu Yifei.

Chen Yi, Zhang Huijun, and Lu Kuan walked into the classroom laughing.

"Hello, Teacher Cui, hello, Teacher Wang."

No matter how big a boss or director one is, one must be humble and polite when returning to their alma mater; Boss Lu did a pretty good job with this image project.

He looked at his nameplate, which was right next to Zhang Huijun’s, and laughed: "Which student put this here? It's wrong."

He immediately moved his own nameplate to the far left and sat down comfortably.

Chen Yi, Dean of the Performance Academy, had originally wanted to flatter him, but seeing this, he gave a wry smile: "President Zhang, look..."

"Let him be, everyone just be casual."

"Today is an academic occasion, let's not talk about status, let's talk about professional titles. Little Lu is considered a rising star, haha."

Only Zhang Huijun could make this joke; Boss Lu accepted everyone’s good-natured laughter and sat in his seat, flipping through Liu Yifei’s thesis.

He looked up and scanned the room, nodding at Yang Mi, who was wearing her signature smile, and then swept past the two familiar faces beside her.

Li Huanying and Du Xiaoxiao?

Looking at Liu Yifei directly opposite, except for greeting Zhang Huijun and the others when they entered, she sat in her seat with a dark face the whole time, not saying a word.

The defense was hosted by Wang Jingsong, who cleared his throat: "Alright, leaders and colleagues, today is the graduation thesis defense for our school’s 2002 undergraduate student, Liu Yifei."

"According to the procedure, please have student Liu Yifei first introduce herself to the committee and begin her defense statement."

Little Liu stood tall and graceful, bowed to the judging panel, and began her first round of statements.

"Hello, teachers. I am Liu Yifei from the 2002 undergraduate performance class. My thesis advisor is Teacher Wang Jingsong, and my graduation thesis topic is *A Study on the Expressiveness of Body Language in Performance*."

"This paper, through my three years of personal practice of the Grotowski performance training method and research on the classification, function, and application principles of body language in performance art, reveals its important role in shaping characters, conveying emotions, and driving plot development..."

Cui Xiqin quietly nudged Old Wang: "Not bad, the student is well-taught; she performs well, and her theory isn't bad either."

"That's for sure!"

The order at the defense was well-maintained, everyone performed their duties, and they soon entered the Q&A session.

Chen Yi: "Student Liu, please use classic films and theatrical works you have watched to describe in detail the specific role of body language in performance."

Little Liu answered fluently: "The specific role of body language in performance is mainly from the perspectives of shaping character personality, expressing emotions, enhancing stage tension, and interacting with the audience..."

She glanced with an unnatural expression at the head-down Boss Lu: "Taking Hong Kong actor Zhang Manyu and the..."

"...performance of mainland actor Lu Kuan in the Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear-winning film *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* as an example..."

The moment Little Liu slipped up, the atmosphere in the room froze.

Teasing is one thing, and calling names behind someone's back is another, but who would dare to mention it to his face?

Zhang Xiaofei and Yuan Shanshan looked at each other again, and seeing the indifferent Boss Lu on the stage, their shock was even greater.

This is called falling out of favor?

Would someone who has fallen out of favor dare to be so presumptuous?

The two secretly looked together at the previous storyteller, Yang Mi, who was looking at her nose and mouth, her surprise no less than theirs.

There were six committee members, each with one question, and the last one was left for Boss Lu.

After the little interlude just now, the dozen or so people in the classroom held their breath, looking forward to the interaction and clash between these two.

They could only eat melons online during the 825 Yifei Incident, but this was a live broadcast!

"Little Liu... student, you performed very well in the defense just now."

Boss Lu started with the air of a senior, then said with a puzzled tone: "But I have a question."

"I read in the materials your application for early graduation: an undergraduate student from the Beijing Film Academy performance department, going to study at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business."

"I want to ask student Liu, do you feel that you have already achieved high success or gained any notable honors on the path of an actor?"

Liu Yifei’s expression was cold: "No."

"Then what is the point of you going to study business?"

Little Liu gritted her teeth: "This is my personal arrangement and has nothing to do with the thesis defense. Please respect my personal privacy, Teacher Lu."

"No! It is relevant! Very relevant!"

Boss Lu began to recklessly spout fallacies: "As an outstanding student representative of the 2002 undergraduate performance class at Beijing Film Academy, you have also appeared in our school's recruitment brochure."

"Since the school has agreed to let you graduate early and go out, it should reflect the promotional effect that 'Beijing Film Academy is proud of you tomorrow'."

"Well, now an excellent young actress is graduating early to go to some Chicago business school for further studies—isn't this absurd?"

The other judging teachers stayed out of it; Wang Jingsong looked at the depressed Liu Yifei, wanting to help but not knowing what to say.

This Lu Kuan was speaking with certainty and earnestness, all from the standpoint of Beijing Film Academy.

Even President Zhang had no objections, so he couldn't stand up to protect his student so early, could he?

Old Wang looked at Little Liu, who was facing the dark forces of the entertainment industry all by herself, and inexplicably felt that Little Hua Mulan should have a steel gun in her hand right now.

"Alright, then I will speak the truth."

Unable to withstand the persistent pressure from the washing machine, Liu Yifei pursed her lips and offered her own reasoning.

"As far as my three and a half years of experience in the acting career go, I have seen some unfair, shady, and unreasonable phenomena within the entertainment industry."

"This involves the inherent inequality in professional status between the actors themselves and the directors and producers." Boss Lu’s face darkened; he thought to himself that she still had some sense, not blurting out words like power-for-rent or sexual favors.

Wasn't this slapping him in the face to his own face?

Liu Yifei’s expression was solemn: "Therefore, as an actor and the person in charge of a small acting studio, I want to create a better working atmosphere for myself through the improvement and advancement of commercial knowledge and skills."

"At the same time, if my studio has other signed artists in the future, I will also strive to provide them with a stable and healthy employment environment."

"This is the original intention behind my wanting to pursue advanced studies at the Chicago Business School, which is ranked in the top three in the world."

"Mr. Lu, are you satisfied with my answer?"

The washing machine’s expression remained normal, while he complained incessantly in his heart.

What stable and healthy employment environment?

You might as well just say that going to the Spirit Mountain to fetch the scriptures is just to cultivate into the Victorious Fighting Buddha and come back to finish me off.

"Hmm, very thoughtful." The young director turned to Zhang Huijun: "Principal, my questions are finished."

"Good, then let’s invite student Yifei to give her final concluding statement."

The process was completed quickly; the defense judges gave their comments on Liu Yifei’s thesis and performance, the student went on stage to shake hands and thank the teachers, and the session ended.

Boss Lu was sitting on the far left, and little Liu walked up to him to shake hands, intending to skip him directly.

But since there was no shortage of people on the scene stealing glances at the commotion here, she could only respond in a programmed manner; she had intended to touch and pull away immediately, but did not expect to be gripped tightly.

Liu Yifei looked at the young director with an unpleasant expression, her small hand restrained by his broad, warm palm.

Only out of consideration for the occasion, trying to shake him off with all her might seemed a bit unrefined.

She said coldly in a low voice: "Let go? I don't want to see you."

Boss Lu let go as requested: "Oh, that’s a pity."

"Aren't you going to Zhou Jielun’s concert tonight? I’m a guest too."

The answer to him was little Liu tossing her head and walking away, her hair brushing against his cheek.

The crowd dispersed, and Da Mimi walked up with a smile to greet him: "Hello, Director Lu."

"Oh, Yang Mi, hello."

"You’re a freshman? Are you in the same class as Su Chang?"

Da Mimi said what people wanted to hear to people, and what ghosts wanted to hear to ghosts: "Yes, Director Lu, she is very excellent, I will learn more from her."

Boss Lu was noncommittal; looking at Da Mimi, whose level was still relatively elementary, he couldn't say he liked or disliked her: "Alright, go hone your acting skills well."

Yang Mi held her hands respectfully in front of her, watching him and Zhang Huijun walk away while chatting and laughing.

Zhang Xiaofei and Yuan Shanshan gathered around simultaneously: "Mimi! You really are familiar with Director Lu, he just encouraged you!"

"Cough cough... don't go out and talk nonsense, Director Lu is a good director who likes to promote junior actors."

"We don't have any relationship at all!"

Da Mimi didn't know if it was trying to cover up or a case of "no silver buried here," but after saying that, she stepped on her sneakers and went downstairs to chase after Liu Yifei.

She revised her strategic judgment in her heart; it seemed this treasure that is Liu Yifei still needed to be bet on for a while.

Today’s scene was unusual, and she would have to ponder it carefully when she went back.

——

At 6:00 PM, the "Incomparable" concert held by Zhou Jielun at the Beiping Workers' Stadium officially opened for the audience to enter; the scene was clamorous and exceptionally lively.

Two girls were queuing up to enter in an orderly fashion.

"Hey, I heard that the Fairy Sister will also come today, as a guest singer."

"Ah? She still has the heart to come out and sing? That birthday of hers was too miserable, it was so embarrassing."

"Yeah, what was she thinking, confessing to someone in public? Shouldn't a girl be a bit more reserved?"

Zhang Ruoyun held a VIP ticket obtained through Jielun’s personal connections, but the concert’s popularity was truly too high, and he couldn't squeeze into the VIP ticket-checking channel that had entered early for the time being.

In the *Whiplash* crew, Zhang Ruoyun joined halfway to do odd jobs and cameos, experienced the joy of being a filmmaker, and thus got to know Jielun, Liu Yifei, and others.

He also told his old man Zhang Jian that he planned to apply for the Beijing Film Academy next year to pursue his dreams.

At this moment, listening to the two ugly women in front of him chattering and gossiping about the Fairy Sister in his heart, Zhang Ruoyun felt disgusted.

One with a pancake face and round as a weight, the other with a pockmarked face and thin as a bamboo pole, yet they still had the heart to badmouth others here.

Little Zhang was habitually arrogant: "Two sisters, what you are saying is not reasonable, right?"

"Liu Yifei is an adult woman, she bravely confessed to the person she likes, and she didn't hide anything after the incident happened, so why is it called embarrassing?"

"Does it mean that you two have never had a crush on anyone since you grew up? Never liked anyone?"

The fat girl turned her head and glared at him twice, looking indignant.

"Hey, little brat, what business is it of yours? Aren't you just a fan of Liu Yifei? This is Jielun’s concert, why can't I comment?"

"Exactly, meddling in other people's business, your speech has no cultivation at all."

Zhang Ruoyun was also a reckless young master, so he immediately rolled up his sleeves and started scolding: "Speech, I think your speech is like spitting phlegm!"

"Hahahaha!"

"This kid talks really funny!"

A male fan of Liu Yifei next to him was also unhappy: "Exactly, you two look like the Fat and Thin Toutuo, gossiping about Lu Xueqi, are you worthy!"

The Thin Toutuo woman was obviously more combative: "Am I worthy? Pfft!"

"What's the matter, is it that your family's bun-faced girl isn't allowed to be talked about?"

Zhang Ruoyun fired on all cylinders, a mouthful of Beiping dialect spraying out: "You can only catch that tiny little shortcoming of hers to attack, how embarrassing for you!"

"Do you have the time to shave your armpit hair? You're still wearing sleeveless clothes, the armpits you're exposing look like sea urchins, it's disgusting!"

Once these words were out, it directly ignited the onlookers waiting in line to watch the excitement in a small area.

"Ahahaha!"

"Holy shit, this kid is awesome!"

"Too damn funny, whose kid is this."

Many viewers with normal values also chimed in: "Even the counselor of the French Embassy in China spoke out, expressing appreciation for a brave and romantic woman like Liu Yifei, so why is it not reserved in your eyes?"

"Don't be dirty in your own heart and see everyone as dirty!"

"Exactly! Jielun and Liu Yifei are good friends, otherwise he wouldn't have invited her to come and play together, why are you worrying so much!"

The Fat and Thin Toutuo women instantly became public enemies and squeezed out of the crowd desperately, avoiding this bout of trouble.

Zhang Ruoyun didn't think it was a big deal to watch the excitement, and immediately shouted: "My fellow folks of old Beiping, I propose that when Liu Yifei comes on stage later, everyone give her more applause and cheers!"

"She went to France to promote Hanfu, and she promoted tea culture abroad, just because she confessed her love, she is doomed? That can't be right, can it?"

Little Zhang’s speech was very inflammatory: "What era is it now? Why are there still people binding women's feet?"

"A female star bravely pursues love regardless of her status and reputation; although she is not a Beiping girl, where can you find such a cool woman? Isn't that right?"

A thick and dark man next to him also echoed loudly: "Exactly! What a good little girl, I will definitely applaud her hard later!"

"Good! Agreed!"

"That's right! This girl is great!"

The same story was unfolding simultaneously at the concert venue, among teenagers across the country, and in countless online forums and blogs.

Following Liu Yifei’s own request, the studio’s public relations work based on facts was highly effective.

Without avoiding the tragic failure of little Liu’s brave pursuit of love, they turned to guide towards self-esteem, independence, and courage with more power and female consciousness, gaining a lot of recognition.

Among them, the statement and affirmation of the counselor of the French Embassy in China in the face of CCTV interviews were eye-catching.

Mui Yim-fong, Zhou Jielun, Feng Yuan, Li Xuejian, Zhou Xun, and other collaborating actors appeared to speak for themselves to set the record straight.

Including today’s concert, under the communication of both parties, many of little Liu’s scenes were implanted, allowing her to continue to appear in the public eye with the image of a sunny and brave little beauty.

Backstage, various departments were working closely together, preparing for the official opening at 7 o'clock.

Liu Yifei was putting on makeup, and the concert’s assistant director was making final confirmations with her using the program flow details.

"Yifei, you will go on stage after Jielun finishes the fifth song later, and sing *The Initial Dream* solo."

"After it ends, Jielun will go on stage to interact with you, and later you will sing *Garden Party* together."

Little Liu’s expression was flat: "Hmm, okay."

Supporting the concert was a cooperation decided when Mui Yim-fong’s wax figure was unveiled in Xiangjiang, and Liu Yifei also recommended her best friend Zhang Jingying as a guest to boost her fame.

Unexpectedly, by a twist of fate, it became her own public relations session.

At seven o'clock in the evening, with a loud bang, three huge red curtains on the stage fell in response.

Above the center of the stage, Jielun, with his back against a huge cross, slowly descended from the sky, opening with a passage of Italian recitation with a sense of religious ritual, followed by a melodious and slightly melancholy piano melody.

Amidst the repeated calls of the fans, Jielun opened with *In the Name of the Father*.

Successively, popular tracks such as *The Wound of Stopping War*, *Her Eyelashes*, *Sunny Day*, and *Can You Hear Me* were performed, making the audience off-stage call it a great pleasure, with waves of people surging.

Backstage, little Liu was fully dressed and ready to go on stage.

In a corner, Boss Lu and little Liu’s mother were standing together talking.

"Liu Ayi, public security in Chicago is not good, you all need to be careful."

"I asked Harvey to find a female bodyguard who retired from the Marine Corps; she will wait for you at the airport the day after tomorrow."

Liu Xiaoli said with some embarrassment: "Little Lu, this... is it necessary?"

The mother’s perception of this young director was now extremely complicated.

She should have been "standing on the same side" with her daughter, but for the past three or four years, his relationship with her daughter had been limited to work, and there had never been any overstepping.

As for the incident at the birthday banquet, to say it was all his fault seemed a bit untenable.

But to say it has nothing to do with him is even more impossible; whose account is that girl’s broken heart supposed to settle?

"Of course I use it! Chicago’s public safety is extremely poor."

According to the 2006 crime statistics for U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 released by the FBI, Chicago is the fastest-rising in the Midwest, reaching as high as 5.7%.

The South Side of Chicago is a traditional stronghold for gangs, with over 60 large and medium-sized gangs, more than 700 factions or branches, and over 100,000 active gang members.

Lu Kuan’s barrage of data in his PPT scared Liu Xiao so much that she could only smile bitterly and agree.

"Alright then, tell me the cost; this money shouldn't be coming from you."

"Oh, the budget for the *Blade II* crew, don't worry about it."

Lu Kuan looked left and right, then checked his watch: "Chicago is much more chaotic than the New York you lived in before. Zhang Chunru has been constantly harassed by the right-wing Japanese, so be careful in your daily life."

"If there’s a problem, go directly to Lin Yi; he’ll tell me if there’s something he can’t resolve."

Liu Xiao let out a long sigh: "Fine, I understand."

She looked at her daughter who had already gone on stage, and suddenly said earnestly: "Xiao Lu, actually I know that you also..."

"Boss Lu! Everything is ready." Suddenly, a spirited young man popped out from the side.

Zhu Yawen smiled and greeted Liu Xiao, then respectfully reported to the young director: "Everything is arranged, in position."

Liu Xiao said in surprise: "Yawen, why are you here too? I didn't see you just now."

"Hehe, we have a special program; you'll know in a moment."

A message arrived on Lu Kuan’s phone from an unknown number. He nodded at Liu Xiao and the other person, preparing to leave the venue first.

"Alright, next, I invite the entire audience to welcome Yifei to the stage with the warmest applause!"

The audience went silent for a few seconds, followed immediately by the deafening shouts of Zhang Ruoyun and the others, and the entire venue erupted in thunderous applause.

Liu Yifei and Zhou Jielun are both top-tier celebrities who dominate the fan count rankings on blogs. They became acquainted from their first collaboration and have interacted constantly ever since, and both fanbases are very friendly.

This time, when little Liu encountered her Waterloo, aside from her own fans, the greatest support came from the friendly forces in the camps of Mei Yanfang and Zhou Jielun.

"Thank you everyone, thank you Brother Jielun."

Jielun gave her a polite hug and began a wave of sentimentality.

"In May 2002, Yifei and I went to the *Whiplash* crew at the Central Conservatory of Music together. At that time, we were both first-time film actors; it was very difficult and very unfamiliar."

He had wanted to say the director’s requirements were very strict, but considering little Liu’s current sensitivity, it was better to deliberately avoid the name of a certain washing machine today.

"Yifei has always been very hardworking, very hardworking, waking up at 6:00 every morning on the dot to practice."

"A young girl of only fifteen, it hasn't been easy for her to finally reach today and become a very outstanding and dedicated actress in the Chinese film industry."

As Jielun spoke, he also felt a bit sentimental: "I am 8 years older than Yifei; to me, she is like an innocent and cute little sister, but I must say one thing with all my heart!"

"Yifei, what you did is something I couldn't do. We are all proud of your romance and bravery! Keep it up!"

"Alright, next, please welcome Yifei with *Initial Dream*."

The pure, bright piano prelude was melodious, the simple and powerful notes steady, and little Liu began to sing this signature song from when she first debuted.

"If pride hadn't been coldly struck down by the ocean of reality, how would I know how much effort it takes to reach the distance."

"If the dream hadn't fallen off a cliff, at the most critical moment, how would I know that those who persist possess invisible wings."

Hearing the song and thinking of the person—once upon a time, someone had also planted a seed in her heart, telling her to become the most outstanding actor.

Little Liu, who always thought she had cried all her tears dry, felt her eyes grow moist. She sang this upbeat, inspirational song while forcing herself to stay calm, though she choked up occasionally.

Entering the final climax, a roar suddenly came from the audience, and a male voice loudly led the singing in response.

"The initial dream is held tightly in my hand, the place I first wanted to go, how can I turn back halfway!"

The sales of Liu Yifei’s first album were less than 300,000 copies, but her ringtone download numbers topped the charts year-round.

This song takes dreams as its theme, the lyrics are poetic and express feelings directly, and it has an extremely high popularity.

With Zhang Ruoyun’s guidance, and the rough, dark-skinned man outside the venue also singing along off-key, more and more fans gradually joined in.

The atmosphere of the entire venue reached a climax, cheering her on through a chorus!

Liu Yifei was moved to tears, her vision almost blurred, and her voice was submerged in the interaction of the entire venue.

"The initial dream will definitely be reached; only after realizing a true desire can one count as having been to heaven..."

The song ended, and the entire venue was silent. Little Liu just wanted to bow to thank everyone for their support and encouragement, when the stage lights suddenly dimmed!

"Hello? Lighting technician?"

Liu Yifei’s delicate, cold voice was conveyed to the entire venue through the microphone.

A series of rustling footsteps came from far to near. Little Liu looked back in a daze, not yet knowing what was about to happen.

Before the audience could even break into an uproar, the prelude to the music suddenly rang out again; the audience recognized it as *Wish*.

The lights came back on, and familiar figures appeared before Liu Yifei’s eyes.

First was Zhu Yawen’s signature bass: "The lake water is your gaze, the dream is the stars in the sky."

Su Chang looked at her best friend with a smile: "Mood is a legend, waiting unchangingly through the ages."

Yao Beina: "Growth is a door of leaves, childhood has a group of dear people."

Zhang Jingying: "Spring is a journey, the possession of the changing world."

Entering the chorus stage, the students of the 2002 Performance Class of the Beijing Film Academy were almost all gathered.

Together with her three best friends Su Chang, Zhang Jingying, and Yao Beina, they softly sent their blessings to Liu Yifei, who had graduated early.

"Those I love, those winds that have passed, those eternal vows again and again~~~"

"Those who love me, those settled tears, those eternal vows again and again~~~"

In front of nearly 80,000 fans filling the Workers' Stadium, Liu Yifei stood alone on the stage.

She looked at the familiar faces before her, feeling this warmth that was enough to melt her, and covered her mouth tightly.

This scene was just too tear-jerking.

Zhu Yawen and Su Chang walked over, having received the bachelor’s gowns and caps from off-stage.

"Hello everyone, I am Yifei’s classmate, Zhu Yawen."

"Uh, today I took the liberty of discussing with Brother Jielun to let us students of the 2002 Performance Class borrow his occasion to send off our dear classmate together."

"Yifei, put on the bachelor’s gown, let’s take a group photo, happy graduation!"

"Thank you! Thank you everyone!"

Little Liu finally managed to hold back her tears and hugged Su Chang. The first graduation photo of the 2002 Performance Class of the Beijing Film Academy was born amidst the cheers and applause of 80,000 spectators.

On stage, they were crying, and off-stage, there was constant sobbing as well.

Beautiful people and events can always evoke the widest resonance.

Almost no one in the audience was unaware of the story of Liu Yifei bravely pursuing love at her eighteenth birthday party, but due to differences in personal viewpoints, everyone had different opinions.

But first, their idol Jielun opened a post to express his admiration and emotion, and then Liu Yifei’s entire class arrived to encourage her and take a group photo.

This pure, intimate, and soul-stirring friendship and warmth is the truth, goodness, and beauty that all viewers with normal values pursue.

The chorus, applause, and cheers of the entire audience proved the will of the people at this moment.

It was precisely under this public opinion guidance that was not hypocritical, not pretentious, and did not deliberately conceal, that this romantic drama—which shocked the eyes of the Chinese entertainment industry and might not have a successor, but was certainly unprecedented—was also developing toward the best evaluation.

Jielun returned to the stage, and little Liu temporarily stepped down, excitedly hugging and taking photos with Su Chang, Zhou Yang, and others, thanking everyone for coming.

"Xixi, after we graduate next year, will you come back to attend the graduation ceremony again?"

"Must!"

Everyone chatted for a while. Zhu Yawen looked constipated and hesitated to speak. Su Chang poked him in the back with her elbow and walked away as if nothing had happened.

Zhu Yawen’s expression changed drastically; you don't dare to say it, so you tell me to say it?

This matter was sensitive to bring up now, but Su Chang thought it was best to tell her.

"What’s wrong, Yawen?"

Zhu Yawen helplessly pulled little Liu a few steps away.

"Xixi, actually we are all..."

"I know."

"You don't need to say it, I know." Liu Yifei used her thumb to smear concealer around her eyes; she had to go back on stage in a moment.

"No, you know what I want to say?"

Zhu Yawen looked incredulous.

Little Liu rolled her eyes at him and walked away speechlessly to find the makeup artist for a touch-up.

Through the lens backstage, she saw the empty seat next to her mother in the front row, and the owner who was no longer in the seat.

Actually, she had figured it out in an instant just now.

Someone who knew she was graduating early;

Someone who had the authority and appeal to gather the 2002 Performance Class in a short time and give them tasks;

And someone who could make Zhou Jielun clear 15 minutes in his own concert specifically for an unrelated program.

Only he could do it.

The eighteen-year-old girl stared blankly at her still-hazy teary eyes in the makeup mirror and her cheeks, which had grown a bit thin over the past few days.

She couldn't describe the feeling in her heart.

He...

Sigh...

Suddenly, the lingering sound of Jielun singing *Common Jasmine Orange* on stage echoed in little Liu’s ears.

A few words of right and wrong

Cannot cool my passion

You appear on every page of my poems.

Once "Common Jasmine Orange" begins to play, youth comes to an end.

(End of chapter)