A hidden powerhouse x a rookie little flower just starting to rise
1
Yu Gengxi accepted that she wasn't cut out for the arts entrance exam. That was because Xu Jinyao, an instructor at a third-rate arts prep class, had skimmed her film review and said carelessly, "Mm, that's a pretty good viewing response."
That was when she realized just how hopeless she was.
But eight months later, when the Central Academy of Drama posted the rankings for its entrance exam, an unfamiliar name suddenly surged to the top.
Name: Yu Gengxi
Major: Dramatic Writing for Film and Television (TV Writing)
Ranking: 1
A slow starter who had only prepared for six months had stumbled into the Auschwitz of the naturally gifted, yet Yu Gengxi seemed to have heaven's help.
Or rather, the help of a true powerhouse.
2
On a summer night before college enrollment, Yu Gengxi stood in the blazing wind and held out her arms. "Give me a hug."
The aloof bad boy was rarely shy. He rubbed his nose. "Don't. It wouldn't be appropriate."
"You're a good teacher," Yu Gengxi said after a moment's thought. "But our teacher-student connection ends here. Go back to being a great director."
Xu Jinyao froze for a moment. Then he held the young woman in front of him and gently patted her shoulder, his heart open and sincere.
Only sincerity could conceal an adult's sense of loss.
3
The following summer, Yu Gengxi forwarded the news that her short film had been selected to Xu Jinyao, whose chat she had pinned. "Director Xu, let's settle the score when we meet again."
The reply came quickly. "No need to wait. Let's do it now."
On a summer night marking thirty years of independent cinema, a film director and a future great screenwriter sat on a street curb in a small city, holding cans of beer and counting the moons.
They talked about screenwriting and philosophy.
They talked about the love that was uniquely theirs, a love they cherished with all their hearts.
*
"May your body sink to the bottom of the valley, your soul wander in the wind and dew, and your trapped beast never fight its way into the daylight.
From this day on, may your life know only soaring highs, never a fall."
*
[A few notes]
1. No romance or romantic thoughts while underage. They are not teacher and student.
2. Both are each other's first. Seven-year age gap in actual age.
3. Fictional third-tier city, ordinary high school student, set before the arts entrance exam reforms.
4. Ensemble cast, no melodrama, an inspirational campus story encouraging students to stay in school.
Theme: May Chinese youth cast off the chill
