Island-Wide Summer Winds

The artistic film "Island Circuit" burst onto the scene, sweeping up a host of awards at home and abroad.

The film tells the story of teenage boys and girls in a seaside city, who experience youthful innocence and regret together.

During an interview, breakout director Xu Chenguang spoke slowly under the glare of the spotlights:

"I spent six years looking for a girl. This film is actually a two-hour-long missing-person notice."

The answer clearly sounded like a publicity stunt, but that didn't stop the film from becoming a hit.

Soon, netizens discovered that the plot of "Island Circuit" was exactly the same as that of the comic "Summer Monsoon."

The genius director was embroiled in a plagiarism scandal, and was even photographed skulking outside the comic artist's home late at night, apparently trying to stop the artist from speaking out!

The whole internet called on the comic artist to stand up for their rights. The artist, "Loves Qingbuliang," posted a clarification:

[Both stories are adapted from personal experiences. There was no plagiarism.]

The comments section exploded:

[I can't believe I paid to watch a two-hour missing-person notice?]

[Not gonna lie, it's a great movie. Glad it wasn't a publicity stunt.]

[Even watching a movie, I still get kicked while I'm down / doge]

The comments turned into a stream of memes, until someone earnestly posted a line from the film.

[Even if the lighthouse no longer shines for me, I will return to this island, blinking alone as I wait for your reply.]

"Loves Qingbuliang" downvoted the comment, opened the door, and asked, "Xu Chenguang, is your idea of blinking alone coming over every day to hammer on my doorbell?"

Director Xu had been waiting for an hour, looking dazed. He still hadn't come to his senses. Slowly, he straightened up from the wall he was leaning against. Before he could say a word, she tossed him a bag of garbage and told him to take it downstairs.

The next day, Director Xu shamelessly changed his Weibo username to "Loves Crushed Ice."

Reading Guide:

* The story opens with a flashback to the blurb's events. First comes school, then the city. A second-chance romance.

* Summer sea breezes, coconut groves, sandy beaches! Pure teenage love!

2023.2.16

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