Chapter 15: Your Number One Fan Has Arrived

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Reba never expected her luck to be so good—the senior who had lent her a book turned out to be a top scholar. The textbook section titled "The Nature and Characteristics of Art" had only a few lines of printed text at the top of the last page, with the rest left blank. Yet, that blank space was filled meticulously with neat, well-structured handwriting, elegant and refined, as if the script itself reflected the writer’s character.

At a glance, Reba found the answers she needed within those words and confidently replied, “There are several representative views on the nature of art: the objective spirit theory, the subjective spirit theory, the imitation or representation theory, and other perspectives.”

“The scientific theoretical foundation for the question of art’s essence is the theory of art production.”

“The characteristics of art can be divided into imagery, subjectivity, and aesthetics...”

Reba’s answers were clear and articulate, much to the amazement of her classmates. The acknowledged beauty of the class was not only pretty but also secretly studious? The teacher for this lesson, Jiang Mei, showed a flicker of surprise in her eyes as well. The questions she asked were basic—any diligent student could answer them. But this was the first time she was teaching this particular topic to the class, and Reba’s ability to respond so well was truly remarkable.

The last student to surprise her like this had been none other than Zhang Yang, that boy. A hint of excitement crossed Jiang Mei’s face, and a faint smile appeared as she continued, “Then tell me, how are imagery, subjectivity, and aesthetics further subdivided?”

Seeing Jiang Mei’s smile, Reba felt a wave of relief and answered earnestly, “Imagery is divided into three points: the unity of objective and subjective, content...”

“Subjectivity is also divided into three points: artistic creation, the artwork itself, and artistic appreciation...”

“Aesthetics is...”

Her response was logical, detailed, yet concise. The classmates were stunned, secretly wondering, Is she preparing for graduate school?

“Excellent, very well answered,” Jiang Mei said, her smile broadening as she nodded in genuine admiration. “You’ve prepared thoroughly. You’re only the second student with both talent and diligence I’ve encountered in the past decade.”

“But Reba, that’s no excuse for playing on your phone during class,” she added with a playful tone.

The atmosphere in university was indeed much more relaxed and free compared to elementary and high school, especially in less prestigious institutions where laxity and idleness were common. But in prestigious schools, the environment was competitive, and teachers took their responsibilities seriously, welcoming diligent students.

University professors also wielded powerful connections in professional fields, and if they favored a student, that student would benefit greatly when entering the workforce.

Jiang Mei was such a teacher, respected for both her talent and integrity.

Her praise instantly flushed Reba’s cheeks, a mix of excitement and embarrassment. She knew well that she did not deserve Jiang Mei’s commendation—it was, in truth, another’s achievement she was benefiting from.

“T-Teacher, you’ve misunderstood,” Reba bit her lip and spoke honestly. “If I can answer these questions, it’s not my credit. It’s just luck.”

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“That’s actually how it happened...” Reba began, recounting how she had forgotten her textbook in the library and, while searching for it, happened to meet a senior at the entrance. She told the story openly, withholding nothing.

Her original intention had been to use Zhang Yang’s notes to cope with the question and avoid being reprimanded, not to seek praise or attention.

Those who overreach often suffer for it.

“You mean a second-year senior?” Jiang Mei’s mind conjured an image. But she recalled that the person who brought the materials today wasn’t him.

“Yes,” Reba nodded.

“What’s his name?” Jiang Mei asked.

Reba’s cheeks reddened slightly. “I was too flustered earlier and forgot to ask.”

She added silently, If the teacher hadn’t called on me, I would have asked by now.

“Is he handsome? How tall?” Jiang Mei smiled as she inquired further.

“Very handsome, at least half a head taller than me,” Reba reflected.

She was nearly 1.7 meters tall; half a head taller would be at least 1.8 meters.

“Then it’s probably that Zhang Yang kid,” Jiang Mei said with a hint of amusement.

The entire class grew curious about this “Zhang Yang,” so admired by the usually strict Jiang Mei.

“Zhang Yang... Yang... another tall, handsome second-year senior, a member of the student council—is it really him?” Zhong Chuxi speculated.

Her roommate immediately asked, “Who?”

Riddlers, please step outside!

At that moment, Jiang Mei approached Reba to glance at the textbook. The familiar handwriting confirmed her suspicions. “Class, you all know Zhang Yang, don’t you?”

“Zhang Yang?”

Reba paused, then her mind cleared. Of course—it was the senior in charge of the welcome party. No wonder he seemed familiar.

Without makeup or formal attire, the senior appeared approachable and radiated a sunny charm.

“Teacher Jiang, we definitely know Senior Zhang Yang.”

“Yeah, I even voted for him in the past campus heartthrob polls on the forum.”

“In my heart, aside from Senior Hu Ge, Senior Zhang Yang is the most handsome.”

“I think Senior Yan Yikuan and Senior Zhang Yang are the most handsome.”

“I think it’s Senior Lu Yi and Senior Zhang Yang.”

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“...”

Once gossip and voting came up, the group of students instantly perked up. Everyone had their own aesthetic preferences, but curiously, Zhang Yang was always among the favorites.

Generally, faces that were moderately handsome and somewhat ordinary were considered more versatile and suited for the entertainment industry.

Purely strikingly handsome faces tended to be cast in idol dramas or specific genres, offering narrower roles.

Zhang Yang, however, was not only handsome but also highly adaptable—a rare combination.

The academy’s teachers believed that with the right roles and scripts, Zhang Yang could become an award-winning actor.

“That’s right, it’s the Zhang Yang you’re all talking about,” Jiang Mei seemed eager to discuss him. “In your young people’s words, Zhang Yang is a naturally gifted player.”

“In our older generation’s words, he’s been blessed by heaven.”

“But that Zhang Yang boy jokes that heaven is chasing after him to feed him.”

As she said this, Jiang Mei’s smile grew more evident.

The students also smiled softly, seeing Zhang Yang as quite the narcissist.

Jiang Mei continued, “He has outstanding looks, great plasticity, excellent acting talent, often able to infer and extrapolate, and a pair of expressive eyes.”

“With such gifts, Zhang Yang also studies very earnestly.”

“Some of you may know, some may not—Zhang Yang is a signed artist with Tangren Entertainment. But from his first year until now, he has never taken leave to act; he always refuses the company’s assignments.”

“A person like him is sure to have a long and successful future.”

“You all must study hard and stay humble and patient.”

The students were silent. Teachers often had their professional quirks—no matter what, it all eventually turned into a lecture.

Still, they felt a surge of curiosity and admiration for Zhang Yang.

Reba was no exception, thinking with some awe, “Senior Zhang Yang is truly impressive.”

*Rustle rustle*

Zhang Yang heard the sound of the career opportunity guidebook pages turning.

“Opportunity points increased.”

“Why now?”