There’s a class today!

After making sure Chu Fengyi hadn’t jumped into the river, Xu Lin returned to the hotel, showered, and changed his clothes. By the time he was done, it was nearly eight o’clock. Chu Qingchan messaged to ask if he was ready.

He went straight to her room and knocked. It was Chu Fengyi who opened the door, her usual proud expression back in place—it seemed she’d managed to compose herself for now.

“Xu Lin, the crew will be here in half an hour. Are you nervous?”

“What’s there to be nervous about? I’m just a supporting character.”

“That’s good. This might be my last time filming, after all.”

“Don’t say that. Once your singing career takes off again, they’ll be fighting over you.”

“Alright, the two of us are half-amateurs today. As long as we don’t embarrass ourselves, it’ll be fine.”

“Can I come too?” Chu Fengyi suddenly interjected.

“Of course, but it might be a bit dull,” Chu Qingchan replied, giving her sister a sidelong glance. Fengyi had always hated crowded events.

“Okay.”

“Are you still not feeling well?” Qingchan asked.

“Sis, I’m fine.”

“That’s good—wait, did you just call me ‘sis’ again?!”

Qingchan’s eyes widened in surprise. Yesterday, she’d been half-asleep when Fengyi called her that, but now she seemed perfectly alert and was still saying it. Maybe she wasn’t back to normal after all.

“What’s with that look, Chu Qingchan!” Fengyi glared.

“There, that’s more like you. I was worried you weren’t feeling well.”

Fengyi shot her a look as if she was an idiot, then swept past them out the door.

Afterward, they had a simple breakfast in the hotel. They’d intended to invite President Ye, only to find she’d gone out early, taking Shaoyao with her.

Soon, the crew arrived to pick them up in the same elegant van as before, heading toward the set. This time, though, there was a middle-aged man in the car, someone who seemed to hold some authority. Qingchan chatted with him, and Xu Lin learned he was Zhao Ling, the assistant director. For this short film, the crew was small, so the assistant director was essentially a key worker.

“Miss Chu, don’t underestimate yourself. It’s just a short film; you’ll do fine.”

“I’ll do my best not to hold everyone up.”

Though she felt she’d become less expressionless lately, her range of emotions richer, she still wasn’t confident she could act well.

“By the way, Mr. Xu, do you have any acting experience?”

“I’m a real high school student. Miss Chu pushed me into this, so I hope you can be patient with me.”

Xu Lin felt a bit uneasy—his thoughts were much like Chu Qingchan’s. Although the system had certified him as having level one acting skills, he knew he was no match for professionals.

Zhao Ling nodded, but inwardly he was panicking. The director had brought in two people with no acting experience—shooting might be delayed for sure!

When they arrived, the set turned out to be a school—one still in session.

“Welcome, both of you. Please head over there for makeup and wardrobe. The director will be here soon.”

“Alright.”

Xu Lin and Chu Qingchan went to separate rooms. The others glanced at Fengyi, who followed her sister. Xu Lin was escorted by two young women to a makeshift makeup room—a borrowed classroom—and given a simple touch-up.

“Mr. Xu, your skin is so good I barely need to do anything,” the makeup artist laughed.

“Thank you for the compliment. This is my first time acting—anything I should watch out for? I’m worried I’ll make mistakes and embarrass myself.”

“Just try not to be nervous. It’s best if you’ve memorized your lines. I’m not an expert either.”

“Mr. Xu, you’re pretty young, right? First time acting? As long as you do alright, no one will say anything.”

“I’ve memorized my lines and rehearsed a bit with Miss Chu.”

“There are some actors—especially young idols—who don’t even bother with their lines. Some only got the role because they brought in sponsors. Can’t really say anything to them.”

“I’ll do my best. This is a public service short film—I can’t let down those words.”

“Good.”

Seeing Xu Lin’s sincerity brought a smile to both the makeup artist and costume assistant. It was the first time they’d met such a genuine actor; hopefully, he’d do well.

Dressed in a white shirt and slacks, Xu Lin emerged from the makeup room exuding a shy, youthful air that immediately caught everyone’s attention.

“I thought he was handsome before, but his clothes were too plain. Now he really looks the part...” the assistant director remarked in admiration.

“Yeah, such a youthful aura. Where did the director find such a good-looking guy? He could rival me in my younger days,” joked the lighting director.

“Even though it’s just a public service short film and we don’t need particularly attractive actors, good looks always grab people’s attention.”

A deep voice sounded behind them. The group turned and saw a middle-aged man with a balding head, dressed in sportswear and slippers.

“Director Sun, you’re here. What’s with the outfit?”

“I’m not appearing on camera, so I might as well be comfortable,” he replied.

“Director Sun, where did you find this young man?”

“Chu Qingchan brought him. After she accepted the job, we hadn’t been in touch for a while. When we finally called her, she said she’d bring someone along. We happened to need another person, so we let him in. He seems promising—so long as he doesn’t freeze up, he’ll be great.”

Just then, Chu Qingchan stepped out of the makeup room. Everyone, Xu Lin included, turned to look. Unlike the quiet appreciation Xu Lin received, Qingchan’s appearance stunned the room. Even in a plain, slightly oversized office lady outfit that did nothing to flatter her figure, she was breathtaking. It was no wonder she’d been named the most beautiful actress of the century.

She nodded to the group, and several greeted her warmly. A few young actors, also cast in supporting roles, hurried over to chat and ask for autographs.

Xu Lin found himself at a loss. Wasn’t she supposed to be infamous for her poor reputation and string of bad films? This world really did value looks above all. Well, at least he was handsome, too—but he shouldn’t get cocky and risk making others jealous.

Chu Qingchan came over to stand beside Xu Lin, causing everyone to look their way again and making him feel the pressure.

“How do you find the set? Are you nervous?”

“The atmosphere’s alright. I am a bit nervous, but it’s manageable.”

“That’s good. This is just a short film, so there are fewer people. On a real set, the pressure is much greater. The director’s here; I’ll introduce you.”

“Alright.”

At that moment, a bespectacled middle-aged man sat up from a recliner and glanced over at Sun Jianren, who was yawning nearby.

“Old Sun, have you arrived? Are we starting soon?”

“Yeah. Burning the midnight oil writing again?”

“Just finished—a script about young love.”

“That’s so cliché.”

“This isn’t ordinary romance; it’s about my youth and my ideals.”

“Will you ever get it filmed?”

“When the time is right. Money isn’t an issue—finding the right actors is. The ones who fit my vision...” He took out a cigarette, ready to light it, when he saw Chu Qingchan and Xu Lin walking side by side, with Chu Fengyi yawning beside them.

His bloodshot eyes suddenly sparkled. He slapped his thigh excitedly. “Today’s the day!”