Chapter Seven: Applying to the Film Academy

Time always flies during intense revision, and soon the college entrance examination arrived.

“Xiao Qi, which university do you want to attend after the exams? I want to go to the same university as you. After all, we've been desk mates for three years, and now that our friendship is finally deepening, we're about to be separated. I can't bear to part with you.” Xue Ran rested one hand on her desk, gazing at Zhou Xiaoqi, her head leaning against her hand, her face full of reluctance.

“I want to go to the Film Academy.” Zhou Xiaoqi had pondered this decision for quite some time before voicing it. After all, her desire to attend the Film Academy had been a sudden impulse—this school was utterly at odds with her usual character.

“What? The Film Academy? Well, remember to call me to go with you when the time comes.” Xue Ran clung to Zhou Xiaoqi’s arm, determined to stay by her side no matter what.

After the exams, as promised, they both arrived at the Film Academy. That day, the weather was beautiful, the warm sun shining down, soothing much of Zhou Xiaoqi’s tension and discomfort.

Before the interview, Xue Ran encouraged her many times. From entering the examination room to leaving it, Zhou Xiaoqi felt dazed and disoriented, while Xue Ran emerged from the interview brimming with joy.

Just as Zhou Xiaoqi was about to speak to Xue Ran, she saw the confident smile and genuine happiness on her friend’s face—something she herself lacked. Perhaps she was influenced by Xue Ran’s infectious mood.

“Come on, let me buy you a drink.”

“Yay!” Xue Ran leaped with delight, like a child who’d just won a prize.

They hailed a cab and arrived at Future Bar.

“Brother Lingnan, this is my classmate, Xue Ran,” Zhou Xiaoqi introduced her friend to Lingnan.

“Hello. If you don’t mind, you can call me Brother Lingnan like Xiao Qi does,” Lingnan greeted Xue Ran warmly.

“Hello, Brother Lingnan. I’m Xue Ran,” Xue Ran replied meekly, as docile as a baby. She surveyed the surroundings, thinking Zhou Xiaoqi would take her somewhere wild and lively, a place to vent all the pent-up stress from their studies. Well, she admitted that was only her own wishful thinking; judging by Zhou Xiaoqi’s demeanor, this wasn’t the kind of place she’d bring her. So she wasn’t surprised to find herself in this kind of bar.

The entire bar was decorated in a retro style. Each booth was spaced apart, likely to prevent disturbing others. The lighting was predominantly warm amber, giving the bar a cozy atmosphere. A single beam illuminated the center of the hall, where a snow-white piano stood. The pianist, dressed in an immaculate white suit, played slow, gentle melodies. As soon as one entered, they instinctively softened their footsteps and lowered their voices. The bar was quiet, yet harmonious. Nowadays, life moves so fast that people often overlook the small wonders around them. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are those unintentional ones in daily life.

“The exams are over? How did you do?” Lingnan asked Zhou Xiaoqi in a brotherly tone.

“My grades? You already know them. I neither exceeded expectations nor fell short. The rest you can guess yourself.” Zhou Xiaoqi, always relaxed around Lingnan, replied playfully and enigmatically.

“You little rascal, always making excuses when asked about your results.” Lingnan laughed, gently flicking Zhou Xiaoqi’s nose and shaking his head.

“Oh, Brother Lingnan, if you keep flicking my nose, it’s going to collapse.” Zhou Xiaoqi didn’t realize how coquettishly she was speaking, just like Xue Ran usually did with her.

This side of her startled Xue Ran—not that she was easily frightened, but after so many years as desk mates, she had never seen Zhou Xiaoqi act like this. She had always thought such behavior existed only in her imagination.

“Haha...” Zhou Xiaoqi’s words sent Lingnan into fits of laughter.

“Hurry up, stop laughing, Brother Lingnan. Two cocktails, please. But let’s be clear—I’m not paying today! Consider it your treat for me getting into the Film Academy.” Zhou Xiaoqi pulled Xue Ran to a booth as she finished.

Linghao, who was about to fetch the drinks, paused when he heard Zhou Xiaoqi mention the Film Academy. The Film Academy, for all its glamour, was known for its acting programs—but beneath the surface, it was rife with hidden rules and shady dealings. Was it really a suitable place for Zhou Xiaoqi in such a tumultuous world? The words “Film Academy” also reminded Linghao of an old acquaintance, buried deep in his heart, a wound he never wished to uncover.