Lin Zhi interrupted her, "Okay, I promise you, I'll visit the set one day. You should go to sleep early."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Lai was still in a daze, as if it had all been a hallucination. She pinched her face, and the pain told her that she wasn't dreaming.
That night, both of them dreamed of each other.
In Jiang Lai's dream, Lin Zhi was her high school classmate and her only support. On graduation day, Jiang Lai found Lin Zhi and stared blankly at the small mole on the corner of her lip. Suddenly, the dream became chaotic, and Jiang Lai spoke, calling out "Big Sister".
Lin Zhi dreamt of that night of indulgence, the hazy memories washing over her in the dream. When she woke up, Lin Zhi looked shyly at her panties in the pool and washed them, her face flushed.
Today is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Film Academy in City A. The school held a gala, and the performers were all current teachers and students. Those invited to attend the gala were all alumni who were well-known in the industry. Lin Zhi was not originally on the list, but her mentor, Min Xuehua, put her name on the list.
That evening, Lin Zhi wore a perfectly pressed women's suit with a waist belt that perfectly accentuated her figure, but she didn't look dazzling. In a place filled with stars, she appeared particularly dim.
Stars without light are destined to go unnoticed.
Lin Zhi sat in the corner, watching her former classmates chat and laugh, and she lowered her eyes.
Suddenly, someone walked over and sat down beside her. Lin Zhi looked up, her eyes instantly welling up with tears: "Teacher..."
She choked up. Facing the teacher who had treated her like a mother, she didn't know what to say. She had let her teacher down, and she was too ashamed to see her again.
She got up to leave, but heard Min Xuehua say calmly, "The party is about to start. Aren't you going to take a look? The junior brothers and sisters have worked hard for this party for a whole year."
Lin Zhi obediently sat down, saying, "You shouldn't be sitting here."
Min Xuehua chuckled: "I usually sit in the front row, but sometimes I sit in the back to see a different view."
"I'm sorry, teacher."
“You say the same thing every time you see me. I’m so tired of hearing it. So many years have passed. Even if I said some harsh things to you back then, can’t you forgive your teacher?”
Back then, Lin Zhi confessed to Min Xuehua that she wanted to retire from the entertainment industry and switch to economic work. Min Xuehua, who always cherished talent, spoke harshly to her beloved student for the first time.
You're no longer fit to act!
A person who gives up on their ideals because of a small setback is not worthy of the screen. However, Min Xuehua was also very remorseful afterward. That incident was a disgusting thorn in the child's heart, and even though she was a teacher, she could not say such a thing.
Later, the two reconciled, but Lin Zhi always said sorry, as if she had given up Min Xuehua's dream, not her own.
When the first program started, Min Xuehua and Lin Zhi introduced the students on stage. She always does this; she remembers every hardworking child.
Lin Zhi gradually relaxed and started discussing things with Min Xuehua.
The two exchanged opinions, discussing which child would become a big star in the future. However, no one can say for sure; anything can happen at any time, and it could change whoever it is.
The party went very smoothly. At the end, the list of invited guests was scrolled on the big screen, and Lin Zhi's name appeared on it.
Vice President of Zhengzhengrisheng Entertainment Company.
This is her mentor's recognition of her.
"Thank you, teacher."
"You should thank yourself for your hard work. It proves that you can shine in any industry."
On the other side, Jiang Lai, who had just finished filming, was changing into her costume, while Anna held up an iPad with a video of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Film Academy of City A on the screen.
Jiang Lai took off her costume, put on her own T-shirt, and took the iPad.
Anna asked curiously, "Lai Lai, have you performed on this stage before?"
Jiang Lai nodded: "I have acted in it. I had to prepare about a year in advance. Every day, besides classes, I was rehearsing. I was so busy that I didn't even have time to film."
Anna exclaimed, "You're amazing!"
Jiang Lai chuckled when praised: "There are many people more talented than me. I remember several girls in my year who debuted while still in school and are now popular actresses."
"Then why don't you debut? I feel like there shouldn't be a company that can't sign you."
"Ah..." Jiang Lai sighed, helplessly saying, "My family thinks I should focus on my studies first."
Her dear mother was the leader.
The two were sitting on stools looking at an iPad when a hand suddenly reached out, pointed at the screen, and said, "Sister Lin!"
The two leaned closer and sure enough, they saw Lin Zhi's name on the screen, though it was a bit blurry, and she had to use a lot of effort to make it clear.
Anna exclaimed in surprise, "Vice President Lin and Lai Lai are actually alumni!"
Jiang Lai only then realized that Lin Zhi had graduated from the Film Academy in City A. She nodded blankly, "Really..."
Is this some kind of fate?
The two suddenly snapped out of their daze, looked up at the same time, and were startled when they saw Qi Chuan's face.
Jiang Lai patted her chest, exhaling a sigh of relief, and said, "Teacher Qi, thank goodness you're here! You scared me to death."
Qi Chuan chuckled and said helplessly, "I was the one who was scared by the two of you, okay? I've been standing here for ages."
"I'm sorry, Teacher Qi, I didn't notice you."
Qi Chuan waved his hand: "It's nothing, aren't you going back?"
Jiang Lai said, "We're waiting for Sister Nan. She went to find Director Yu."
Qi Chuan's assistant urged him on, and he responded, turning back to Jiang Lai and saying, "Then I'll be going now, get some rest."
"Okay, goodbye, Teacher Qi."
Not long after, Nan Moxi returned, and the three of them took a car back to the hotel together.
Before returning to her room, Nan Moxi called Jiang Lai to a stop.
"My flight is this weekend afternoon. I have to go back to City A. Other artists have things waiting for me to handle, so I can't stay with you the whole time. If there's anything you need, just let Anna do it. She's your assistant, so don't feel bad about it."
Anna nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, Lai Lai, just tell me if you need anything."
Jiang Lai smiled awkwardly and replied, "No problem, don't worry, Sister Nan."
Nan Moxi believed in Anna and Jiang Lai, and said nothing more.
"By the way, Lin Zhi will be visiting the set the day I leave. I'm letting you know in advance, so remember to behave well. Don't let her easygoing nature fool you; she's very serious about her work. She might scold you if she doesn't act well."
Jiang Lai appeared calm on the surface, but her heart was already in turmoil.
"Sister Nan! I will definitely do my best!" Jiang Lai patted her chest and promised.
Nan Moxi seemed to see flames burning on Jiang Lai's head; with the idol buff, she was indeed different.
--------------------
Author's Note:
Jiang Lai: My wife and I are actually alumni. What a coincidence!
Years later, Jiang Lai realized that being classmates was actually the least noteworthy aspect of their relationship...
Chapter 13
On the day Nan Moxi left, Jiang Lai didn't have many scenes. She finished filming in the morning and went to the airport to see Nan Moxi off in the afternoon.
On the way, Jiang Lai seemed restless, glancing at the time every now and then.
Nan Moxi couldn't hold back any longer and asked with a laugh, "Are you in such a hurry to send me away?"
"ah?"
Jiang Lai was taken aback, then quickly explained, "No, I don't want you to leave, it's just..."
Nan Moxi raised her wrist and glanced at the time: "But Lin Zhi still has thirty minutes until she gets off the plane?"
The little girl, realizing her thoughts had been guessed, nervously clasped her hands together. Nan Moxi, seeing this, knew she had guessed correctly and ruffled her hair.
"I know you two are close."
Jiang Lai smiled awkwardly, unsure whether she and Lin Zhi were even close.
I guess it counts?
After all, they've opened their hearts to each other, and even... their bodies.
Wait a minute! Why does everyone love touching my head?! I'm not a child anymore!
Jiang Lai muttered to herself but didn't say it aloud. Nan Moxi was already thirty-five years old this year, but in her eyes, Jiang Lai was just a little kid who had just finished school.
Nan Moxi arrived at the airport early and happened to meet Lin Zhi as she got off the plane.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the two started talking about Jiang Lai. Anna was taking notes in a small notebook, looking as serious as if she were about to take the college entrance exam.
The two discussed Jiang Lai's future development, and Jiang Lai listened attentively.
Jiang Lai raised her hand and asked, "Um, Sister Nan, Sister Lin, I have a question."
Lin Zhi looked at her as if she were a child, a smile playing on her lips: "Ask away."
"Um, can I not participate in any variety shows?"
Although Jiang Lai knew she shouldn't make demands—what agent likes an artist with too many demands?—she genuinely disliked participating in those variety shows, especially those that claimed to showcase the most authentic side of artists but were actually just scripted programs with terrible post-production editing, all to satisfy those damn ratings.
After hearing this, Lin Zhi exchanged a glance with Nan Moxi, who then raised her hand to ruffle Jiang Lai's hair and laughed, "You little rascal, Lin Zhi understands you best."
Jiang Lai, with her hair all messed up, looked up at Lin Zhi, her bright eyes seeming to ask: Really?
Lin Zhi nodded: "Really, the company won't specifically find variety shows for you. You just need to focus on filming. However, there's nothing we can do about things like movie promotions that you have to attend. You need to gain recognition."
Jiang Lai nodded vigorously: "Okay, Sister Lin, no problem."
Nan Moxi added, "But I have one request: you have to be obedient."
Jiang Lai held up three fingers, her expression serious: "You will definitely listen."
Nan Moxi raised her wrist, checked the time, and then stood up: "It's almost time to board, I can't talk to you anymore."
The rest of the group got up and escorted Nan Moxi to the security checkpoint. They left only when Nan Moxi was completely out of sight.
As soon as Nan Moxi left, Jiang Lai couldn't control her gaze, glancing at Lin Zhi from time to time. And that fool Anna was sitting between the two of them.
Jiang Lai roared inwardly: "The van is big, but can't you sit in the back?!"
Jiang Lai cleared her throat, looked at Anna sitting in the middle, and asked with feigned concern, "Anna, are you feeling cramped?"
After being reminded, Anna realized that her seat was indeed inappropriate. However, she usually sat next to Jiang Lai, and Lin Zhi was gentle and had no bossy attitude, so Anna simply ignored Lin Zhi's feelings.
The little girl's face immediately turned red: "I'm sorry, Lai Lai, I bumped into you."