Chapter 1659
Going to School
Confidence is very important when doing things.
Although Guo Fan was feeling uneasy, he was quite confident.
At least he knew that Zhang Yuan most likely wouldn't kick him to the curb after asking him to do something.
If you're planning to kick me out of the picture, wouldn't all the effort I put into sending me to Hollywood to learn would be wasted?
In "A Chinese Odyssey", the lyrics sung by Tang Sanzang are "I'll take the blame, you go and die".
It sounds like Tang Sanzang is very dark-skinned.
In reality, most bosses can't even take the blame for something they didn't do.
In most cases, not only will they send you to your death, but they'll also pin the blame on you.
They even renege on the payment that is rightfully yours...
Otherwise, why would those old guys always complain that young people these days aren't willing to endure hardship?
What they mean by "enduring hardship" is making young people sacrifice themselves so that they can enjoy happiness.
As it turns out, young people like Guo Fan are willing to endure hardship as long as the pay is good.
You're already very proactive!
"Pay attention to the connections and social circles of the company's key management."
"Especially those from Hong Kong."
"In addition, I will give you the authority to act expediently, including recruiting new employees."
"Remember, these new employees must be from mainland China, and they must be outstanding graduates from 985 or 211 universities."
"You're not looking for employees, but for future talent, people who can become middle or senior managers."
Zhang Yuan didn't mention this matter in the office just now.
I didn't want to provoke the other party on the spot.
It's inconvenient because you can't afford to fall out with the other party or have a direct conflict with them.
Guo Fan is fine; what I want is conflict.
He had already come up with reasons for hiring.
After the company goes public, it will quickly advance a large number of new projects, including director Stephen Chow's new film, which requires a lot of special effects production.
There are also director Zhang Yimou's collaborations with Hollywood, etc.
This is expansion ahead of schedule, for the sake of the future.
I'm the boss, and I'm already being very accommodating by giving you a reason.
Guo Fan opened his mouth, then realized what he meant.
He had previously thought that Zhang Yuan wanted to "decapitate" some of the company's management.
But now it seems I underestimated his skills.
This is clearly a blood transfusion!
"But..." Director Guo said after hesitating.
"If there is a large-scale personnel relocation, the original core members of the company will unite and rebel."
"The company will be paralyzed."
"What should we do?" This was what Director Guo was worried about.
My task is complete, but the company is ruined. All my hard work was for nothing.
They might even be blamed for it.
Moreover, compared to mainlanders, Hong Kong people are quite united, especially in front of mainlanders.
“That’s a good question,” Zhang Yuan thought for a moment.
"But if you think about it the other way around, if I don't do anything, can I guarantee they won't unite and rebel?"
"What if one day, while we are working on a critical project, the other party rebels because of salary or power, or even because they want to go it alone?"
"This would only cause greater losses than they are now."
"There are risks in everything you do." He had some concerns, but not many.
"It will be taken care of."
I will switch between the Li Shimin and Zhu Chongba modes.
It all depends on how you perform.
Guo Fan always felt that his tone was nonchalant, but there was always a bloody taste lingering on his lips.
"Okay, I'll give it a try and get some exposure to this kind of work," Guo Fan agreed.
Will you be in Shanghai recently?
He hoped his boss would be nearby, so he would have someone to rely on.
"hiss……"
But after asking the question, Zhang Yuan took a deep breath.
"No, I have to go back to the capital, something's come up."
At the same time, he looked tense and worried.
Guo Fan found it strange. He had acted decisively and without hesitation just now, so what could be troubling him now?
"Trouble, work?"
"No," Zhang Yuanchou said, grinning. "I have to go to school."
……
He returned to the capital the next day.
Guo Fan didn't understand why he was worried.
It's just going to school!
Compared to work, filming, attracting investment, and socializing, going to school is a very simple thing.
This is indeed the case for a high-achieving student like Guo Fan, who graduated from a 211 university.
But Zhang Yuan's situation is different.
He wasn't bothered by classes.
To be honest, most of the teachers at the Central Academy of Drama who teach freshmen are not qualified to teach him at all.
So what's bothering him is something else.
First and foremost is fame.
He bought another bicycle.
The school pretended to find the car and compensated him with it, which he then gave to Brother Long so that his family could use it.
It's annoying to look at.
This time I didn't buy a Giant; I got a Phoenix.
I want a retro model, somewhat like the old-fashioned 28-inch bicycle, but with modern features, including a gearbox and suspension.
The only difference is the paint job; the handlebars are still the classic style, and the tire sidewalls are also specially made white, giving it a vintage feel.
Decades ago, the bicycle was considered one of the "three essential items," and the "three turns and one sound" (referring to a car, a steering wheel, a watch, and a radio) were standard accessories for marriage.
Things are different now; what people want are houses, cars, money, and gold.
Even if all of these things are in place, it's not guaranteed that you'll have a child.
Even if you give birth, it might not be yours...
With this bike, he also bought a British-style sun hat, wore a white t-shirt with a sky-blue short-sleeved shirt, and rode the bike slowly with the shirt open.
They also installed a small, brown, woven rattan frame on the front of the car to hold books.
Wearing just this outfit, she looked incredibly youthful from afar.
Now that we're all in school, we need to get back into the swing of things.
We had a cultural class first.
This time, no one stole my car when I went out, which shows that campus security has improved a lot.
The problem is, nothing is missing from the car, the bell is still there, but no one has taken it.
He even specially installed an old-fashioned silver bicycle bell, which has a very crisp sound.
It's not too little, but too much won't do either!
Not only were food and drinks hung on the handlebars, but several bouquets of flowers were also placed on the back seat.
His own little box couldn't even be closed properly, and it was stuffed full of all kinds of paper letters.
He flipped through it helplessly, and there was also a resume...
She wants to be her own personal assistant.
He felt that whether or not someone was an assistant was unimportant; the other person mainly wanted to be close to him.
A group of friends nearby were watching, some with cameras, some with cell phones, and some with video cameras.
Should we throw all these things away?
I'll post it online tomorrow, saying you're acting like a big shot and don't appreciate the gifts from your fans.
They can't be ridden, you can only push them.
But it was still photographed and posted online.
The next day, even more people came to wait for him, including many reporters who came forward with microphones.
He could only call the school and tell them not to let just anyone in.
Security at the school gate immediately tightened, and identification was checked for entry and exit.
You can't get in without a student ID or teacher's ID.
However, there are always those who try to exploit loopholes; it's unavoidable that some will use fake documents or pay for fake documents to gain entry.
Moreover, there are always people "following" you after school.
He didn't dare go home and could only transfer at the Zhongge Shopping Mall.
She quickly had her assistant rent a large house near the school for her to use as temporary accommodation while she was studying.
This is the downside of being famous.
But there are also advantages.
For example, after photos and videos of him riding a bike were posted online, his outfits became very popular.
By now, apps like Xiaohongshu already exist.
These apps and websites initially focused on sharing fashion tips to attract shoppers, but later gradually transformed into hubs for certain groups.
It started as a fashion community, then evolved into an e-commerce platform, and finally became a social platform.
These nascent sharing platforms are filled with his case studies and product referral links, bringing business opportunities to many platforms and individuals.
This also brought him business opportunities.
First, Phoenix bicycles approached him.
I want him to be the brand ambassador.
In recent years, established domestic brands such as Phoenix, Forever, and Flying Pigeon have been decimated by new and imported brands, and are now trying to improve.
After decades of honest car manufacturing, he ended up being ignored by everyone.
After he rode his bike around the Central Academy of Drama a few times, the same style of bike became a hit online.
Sales surged dozens of times in a short period of time.
Although there's no live streaming yet, this already demonstrates its ability to drive sales.
However, the other party's publicity budget was limited, and the endorsement fee they could offer was significantly lower than his usual standard.
Especially after Phoenix's cars became popular, other brands approached him, offering even more.
The company wasn't very satisfied, but he said he could accept it.
We should be more tolerant of domestic brands, especially established ones.
Plus, it's a state-owned enterprise, so it's normal for them to be stingy. In the end, they negotiated a price of 300 million for two years, which meant he lowered his own value to become the spokesperson.
Besides the troubles that come with fame, there's also the issue of status.
Especially its industry standing.
The professional courses in the Performance Department of the Central Academy of Drama include acting, vocal music, diction, and physical training.
At this time, the major had not yet been subdivided into smaller specializations such as action, opera, film and television, and puppetry, so there were elective courses.
He chose courses in traditional Chinese opera that he was familiar with, including courses on the fundamentals of traditional Chinese opera performance and an introduction to Chinese and Western traditional Chinese opera.
Chinese opera emphasizes oral transmission and personal instruction, but one should also acquire some professional written knowledge so that one can show off in future meetings.
It was fine during academic classes; I just listened to the lectures.
It gets more complicated when it comes to opera performance classes.
He found a corner to sit down so as not to attract attention.
Although he stands out wherever he goes, it seems like he's trying to cover it up.
But at least try to avoid paying attention.
But the teacher saw him as soon as he entered the room.
So what if you see it? Go to class!
Why are you greeting me?
When you greet someone, please do so properly. What title do you use during class?
"Director Zhang!"
"Nice to meet you!"
The teacher took a picture of him from the corner of the second-to-last row and shook hands with him.
This teacher is also a member of the Chinese Quyi Artists Association.
No wonder you can't be a board member; you're completely clueless.
Now things are even worse; everyone is watching him.
The teacher's thought was that every time the Quyi Association held a meeting, he sat in front of me, knew a group of leaders, and had a famous teacher background, so I had to be polite to him.
He said he was "working hard" before class even started.
From meeting to enduring hardship, it's bound to be a journey through the world.
It made him very embarrassed.
The same situation occurred in the physical education class.
Because many physical education teachers come from opera backgrounds, most of them are martial arts actors, and some are female opera singers who teach girls.
Then there's the exchange of pleasantries about how hard it's been.
Outside, you have to address each other as senior and junior, but on campus you have to call each other "teacher," which is already a bit awkward.
But that's not all.
I don't know if these people are trying to flatter him or genuinely want to improve teaching quality.
Whether it's physical form, vocal exercises in traditional folk arts, or martial arts movements, they would always call him to come forward and demonstrate.
Am I here to teach a class or to be a cadaver teacher?
The key is that the students and teachers are all happy about it, but he is not.
His personal fame and industry status have brought him a lot of trouble.
But privately I think that maybe having some minor troubles makes me feel more like a student.
And he repeatedly reminded himself of this.
I'm not just here to study, but also to gather inspiration and experience life.
Because he was going to participate in the filming of "American Dreams in China" later, the first half of the script was about his role as a student, and the second half was about him as an entrepreneur and boss.
He was familiar with the identity of an entrepreneur, especially since the plot involved the male protagonist wanting to take his company public.
He didn't even need to think about it; it was me!
The first half of the student experience has now been added.
However... these two troubles, though inconvenient, were not what truly bothered him.
The worry on Guo Fan's face was because of one person.
"Hello everyone."
Let me introduce myself first.
"My name is Cheng Hao, and I will be your acting teacher for the next year or two."
"I will continue to stay in touch with everyone."
Ms. Chen walked gracefully into the classroom and placed her lesson plan and a large stainless steel thermos on the podium.
Zhang Yuan, who had once again found a corner seat at the back of the classroom to hide in, was now unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.
Compared to his itchy appearance, Cheng Hao behind the podium was very generous.
Why would I wear makeup to class if I'm not wearing any?
They can also easily lead students astray.
"Don't be nervous, everyone."
“I hope we can become friends,” she said gently and kindly.
"But my friends are outside of class. In class, my requirements for academics are strict."
"First, I'd like to say two things."
"There are two requirements as well."
"First, no makeup is allowed in class," she quickly mentioned.
"Second, wear loose and comfortable clothes to class."
"The classroom is not a catwalk. Once you learn the skills, you'll have plenty of opportunities to be on camera in the future."
"Makeup and tight-fitting clothes can affect the actual performance, so you must be careful."
She wore large black-rimmed glasses and her gaze swept over everyone in the classroom.
Wearing a pure white shirt, she looked soft and comfortable.
She wore wide-leg light blue jeans and white sneakers.
This outfit wouldn't look out of place on any student.
It's unclear whether this outfit was intentionally chosen to create a closer connection with students or simply a work habit.
"Let's start by taking attendance."
"Let me introduce you one by one."
"Just call out."
"Zhang Ming'en".
"Wu Hao Chen".
"Zhang Youhao".
"Qu Chuxiao..."
They were called out one by one, and many of them later became famous.
Of course, he can't compare.
Many more will collapse in the future...
For example, Tong Zhuo, who later became a "college entrance examination migrant," was in the same year, except that he was in the opera class, not the performance class.
Cheng Hao is just a teacher in the acting department, not a class advisor.
She has a personality that discourages her from getting involved or taking responsibility.
The homeroom teacher is Liu Tianchi; I know him well anyway.
After giving out more than ten names, finally...
"Zhang Yuan!"
"Here!" He quickly looked up.
His voice even cracked a little.
As always, Cheng Hao remained remarkably calm compared to his nervousness.
Calling his name was no different from calling anyone else's; the tone and manner of speaking were very consistent.
There were no unnecessary movements or expressions.
Zhang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief without showing any emotion, avoiding the gazes cast at him by many classmates who heard his name.
Especially the female students.
These girls aren't even as pretty as the teachers, how are we supposed to manage this job...?
"Okay, I've gotten to know everyone now."
"If you have any questions about your studies later, I can answer them outside of class whenever I have time."
"This is my QQ number. I'll create a group." She turned around and wrote on the blackboard with chalk.
"If it's a problem in your life, you can also come to me. Maybe I can give you some advice."
"What about physiological issues..." Zhang Yuan listened, resting his chin on his hand.
"Class will now begin!"
The class passed quickly; Cheng Hao explained some acting theories and a few practical techniques.
It's very basic, just right for these beginners, maybe even a bit too much.
I was tense for a whole class, and nothing happened.
Unlike others, he wasn't allowed to go up and be used as a teaching material.
The atmosphere was relaxed, and the matter was resolved just like that.
Zhang Yuan felt a little embarrassed.
They didn't take it seriously at all, but my palms were sweating.
"Today is the first class, let's take a group photo together."
"Let's take another picture during the last class in the future."
“Let’s compare and see how much everyone has grown.” Cheng Hao took the initiative to call the students over to his side.
He was embarrassed again, caught in a dilemma.
Should I go or not?
"Come on, Zhang, take the camera and take pictures for us."
While he hesitated, Cheng Hao took the initiative to call him and handed him the camera.
He then turned around and arranged the students' positions.
"Come on, everyone... let's have a piece of eggplant?"
A group of people made peace signs, and others made bunny ears behind someone's head.
Cheng Hao stood in the middle with a very dignified and smiling demeanor.
Zhang Yuan had no choice but to press the shutter button.
After returning the camera, he saw the teachers and students looking at the photos together, and he seemed to want to say something but didn't.
He shouldered his bag and left silently.
I always feel like I don't belong.
But in the end, the awkwardness and embarrassment he had imagined did not materialize.
It made him feel both relieved and somewhat lost.
He simply forgot because his mind was in turmoil; sometimes, being too normal can be abnormal.
Because even normal behavior can be acted out... (End of Chapter)