Chapter 608
Hao Chun Kicks Down the Door
Huang Lei sat on the sofa.
He appeared calm.
Too nervous to smile, she nudged Zhao Lushi beside her with her elbow and said in a low voice, "Later, you should help persuade him, saying that actors have a lot of freedom and can do what they like, and don't let Jiang Yang get caught up in his schemes!"
Zhao Lushi did not respond.
He listened very attentively.
With a slight frown, he remained silent for a few seconds, then muttered to himself, "That seems to make sense. Jiang Yang is really amazing; he's wasted his talent as an actor."
Huang Lei was taken aback and turned to look at Zhao Lushi: "What did you say?"
“I say,” Zhao Lushi raised her eyes and tentatively said, “Director Zhang is right. Jiang Yang is so capable; it’s a waste to always film those lovey-dovey scenes…”
"You... I'm truly impressed!"
Huang Lei lowered his voice and gritted his teeth as he cursed, "What can we accomplish with you? What kind of taste do you have? You're so easily brainwashed. If Jiangyang Company is full of people like you who can't see things clearly, it'll go bankrupt sooner or later!"
Zhao Lushi pursed her lips and didn't say anything more.
No rebuttal.
He even nodded quietly.
Huang Lei is right, she just doesn't understand.
She noticed that her close friends from middle school were from poor families, and the next day she gave them most of the living expenses her mother had given her.
At first, the other person would say thank you with tears in their eyes, but as time went on, it became taken for granted.
In the end, they became estranged and never spoke to each other again.
And there was the impoverished student she had been sponsoring since high school.
Seeing the other person go from high school to university, I thought they had done a good deed.
But in my sophomore year, she suddenly wrote to me saying she was going to drop out of school. There wasn't a single word of thanks in her letter. Instead, she asked me to transfer the remaining two years' worth of financial aid in one lump sum. Her reason was that since she had promised to support me through college, I shouldn't pretend to give up halfway.
I read that letter over and over again.
I don't understand why my heartfelt kindness is taken for granted by others.
I also want to change it.
I want to learn to mind my own business.
I want to learn to be more indifferent like others.
But whenever she sees others in trouble or sees a better possibility, her heart, which can't help but want to meddle, beats wildly.
Just like her inability to stop swearing, it's a habit ingrained in her bones that she can't break.
Knowing that he had made a mistake again today, and that he had once again become someone who couldn't think straight in Huang Lei's eyes.
She really didn't have any bad intentions; she just... just couldn't help wanting to share what she thought was good with the people she cared about.
"Who is Jiang Yang? His acting talent is a gift from God." Huang Lei whispered again, "As an actor, with his talent and fame, he can stay popular forever. Even if he doesn't want to act anymore in the future, with the resources and connections he's accumulated, what can't he do? Is what Director Zhang is talking about what Jiang Yang wants?"
Huang Lei paused for a moment.
He poked Zhao Lushi's hand with his fingertip: "Lushi, you need to know that the most important thing is that acting is what Jiang Yang loves!"
"The thing you love..."
Zhao Lushi murmured these words repeatedly.
Jiang Yang is not someone who simply seeks stability.
A burning desire for performance is an undeniable passion.
No matter how well or impressive Director Zhang's words sound, that's not what Jiang Yang wants!
"Ah, right, right... how come I didn't think of that?"
"You just can't see things clearly. You believe whatever others say. Jiang Yang knows what's going on, but you're taking the side of outsiders..."
Surprisingly, he did not refute Huang Lei.
After hearing this, Zhao Lushi quietly said, "In the end, it's just that I'm stupid and not very bright."
“Learn from Jiang Yang. That guy is incredibly shrewd. I even suspect that he did it on purpose when you contacted the admissions offices of Tsinghua and Peking Universities.”
Zhang Jingshan was still chatting with Jiang Yang.
He took out the early admission special enrollment application guide and spread it out in front of Jiang Yang: "Jiang Yang, don't worry, as long as you want to apply to Tsinghua University, I will follow up with you throughout the whole process. First, you need to fill in the application code and write 'early admission,' then there's the qualification review, all you need to do is sign it..."
As he spoke, he scribbled and drew on the paper.
The scratching sound of the pen tip gliding across the paper was particularly clear in the quiet office.
"The whole process takes no more than a week, and once you are admitted, we will apply for a special scholarship to cover your tuition for four years. You will also have priority in choosing dormitories and entering key laboratories. These are benefits that ordinary candidates do not have."
Jiang Yang listened very attentively.
After Zhang Jingshan finished speaking, he looked up with a perfectly polite smile on his face: "Director Zhang, what about the artists my company has signed?"
"Them? Haha, I know them. There's one named Yang Chaoyue who sings 'Calorie'... You're not going to work in the film and television industry anymore, so you don't need to worry about them."
The words fell.
A glint flashed in Jiang Yang's eyes.
Zhao Lushi suddenly raised her head... This was not what she had initially thought!
Jiang Yang remained silent for a few seconds.
He took out his phone and sent a message to the [Pretty Girl Battle 4] group: ["@Yang Chaoyue, shout something."]
Yang Chaoyue chimed in with a voice message: ["Burn my calories!!!"]
[“Xiwei, it’s your turn.”] Yang Chaoyue then sent: [“I miss you, Xiwei. Sending a voice message to hear your voice.”]
Tian Xi popped up a message, a voice with a Chongqing accent: ["Jiang Yang, after we go to Changsha and then to Beiping, when are you coming to Hengdian to pick me up and take me back to Chongqing? Hurry up and come back, I'm on the Shu Road!"]
Jiang Yang typed: ["I'll come tomorrow."]
Yang Chaoyue sent a message: ["Where's Chunbao? Let me say it, I miss you."]
No reply was received from Liu Haochun.
Yang Chaoyue posted again: [“Jiangyang trash!”]
Liu Haochun immediately sent a voice message: [“Yang Chaoyue, go to hell!”]
Zhang Ruonan chimed in: ["+1."]
Jiang Yang found it hilarious.
His eyes, however, seemed somewhat dazed.
I know Zhang Jingshan is right. Staying at Tsinghua University will likely lead to achievements, resources, and social status that are far beyond what an actor could ever achieve.
Reason told him that this was the most cost-effective choice and the most responsible arrangement for himself.
But these young girls all placed their hopes on him.
They place their sense of security in having a reliable boss on him.
People call him "Dog Boss" or simply call him by his name, rarely addressing him formally as "Boss."
They were fooling around without any sense of hierarchy.
Concern tinged with profanity.
Dependence hidden in jokes.
How can you just throw it away like that?
Zhang Jingshan is right. People should live rationally and choose the path that is most beneficial to themselves.
But what's the point of living if all that's left is rationality?
Besides, coming to Tsinghua University was originally a show for Huang Lei.
Jiang Yang put away his phone and looked up at Zhang Jingshan: "Director Zhang, thank you very much for your detailed explanation. To be honest, what you said is indeed very attractive. However, this matter is related to my direction for the next four years. I still want to discuss it with my uncle and hear his opinion. Is that alright?"
Jiang Yang finished speaking.
Huang Lei quickly chimed in, his tone urgent: "Yes, yes, we need to discuss this properly! Jiang Yang, let's go back and talk about it slowly..."
Zhang Jingshan waved his hand with a smile: "It's alright, I understand. It's a major life decision that should be carefully considered."
He pushed the application guide and a special recruitment handbook in front of Jiang Yang: "Take these two documents. Call me anytime if you have any questions. My contact information is on them."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Director Zhang. We'll go back and discuss it first, and we'll contact you as soon as we have a result."
Jiang Yang picked up the documents and stood up, his tone polite yet distant.
Zhang Jingshan nodded, saw them to the door, and watched Jiang Yang's retreating figure.
I added Jiang Yang's contact information.
This kid looks young, but he's quite deep-thinking. However, with Tsinghua University's platform right there, there's no doubt Jiang Yang won't be tempted.
My phone vibrated.
I received a message from Jiang Yang: ["I'm sorry, Director Zhang, thank you for your appreciation."]
Zhang Jingshan paused for a moment, then understood Jiang Yang's meaning.
Young people are often arrogant and proud.
He typed: [“Jiang Yang, it’s not time to fill out college applications yet. Think it over carefully. This is your only chance. Tsinghua’s doors are open for you. You’re still young. When you’re thirty, you’ll understand the true value of the name Tsinghua.”]
Jiang Yang walked down the steps of the Tsinghua University Admissions Office Building.
Looking at the message sent by Zhang Jingshan.
Back when I was reborn, if I had my current college entrance exam scores, hesitating for even a second between Tsinghua University and Beijing Film Academy would be disrespectful to the name "Tsinghua".
Back then, I was listless and obsessed with self-interest. Jiang Yang typed back: ["If you regret it, so be it. I'm eighteen now."]
……
Jilin.
Huinan County, TH City.
"Driver, please stop at that bank up ahead."
The taxi stopped. Back home, not everyone uses QR code payments, so Liu Haochun took out cash to pay, retrieved his luggage, and went into the bank.
He received his salary for "Fighter of the Destiny" and for his cameo appearance in "God of War Zhao Yun".
After deducting daily expenses, the accumulated savings amount to 100,000 yuan.
Of course, she can't compare to Chaoyue, that little rich girl.
However, the difference won't be significant soon.
Because Jiang Yang's song "The Cloud That Blooms" was sold to Chen Jing'an's company and will be released on a music platform soon, they will give it a boost.
I don't expect it to be as popular as "Calories".
Even half would be good; she could get a share of the money.
The money I paid off for my parents is far from enough.
Every time I come back to this county town where I grew up, it's not quite the same as I remember it.
The small individual shops near the school gate have been transformed into chain stationery stores.
The open-air morning market near my home has been moved to a newly built farmers' market. It's much more regulated now, but it's lost the lively atmosphere of the roadside vendors.
The small river on the edge of the county town, where I used to play with my classmates when I was a child, is now surrounded by iron railings, planted with ornamental flowers, and has signs prohibiting swimming. The area around the river has become more orderly.
The closer I got to home, the heavier my heart felt.
I made some money and bought some things for my parents.
A lightweight electric shaver.
I remember my dad always used the manual model, and he always said it was hard to scrape.
I bought one with long battery life so I don't have to charge it frequently.
There's also a case of ripe Pu'er tea, because I know my dad loves tea.
I bought my mom a bottle of moisturizing and anti-wrinkle face cream. It's from a reliable big brand, and you can't buy it in my hometown county.
It's not expensive, but it has a good reputation.
A small basket of fresh blueberries and cherries. Mom loves their sweet and sour taste, and they don't need to be peeled; you can just wash them and eat them.
As soon as I arrived at my front door, I could hear sounds coming from inside through the security door.
A roar filled with hatred.
Every word was aimed at the other person's sore spot.
First came her mother's shrill voice: "How many times have I told you, do you want that final payment from the company or not? You're such a coward. People are playing you and you still treat them like friends. The rent for the dance studio is due next month. The money you make from your pathetic business isn't even enough to pay off your drinking debts. How are you going to live like this? Let's get a divorce!"
Mom added another sentence.
Her voice was shrill and desperate: "I was so blind to marry such a useless, vain wretch like you!"
"Fine, let's get a divorce. I've had enough of you. You're always meddling in everything. You didn't see me making money when I was running my company, but you're always nitpicking over the smallest things! What's so great about your dance studio? It's just a bunch of kids jumping around. What are you pretending to be an artist for? That girl is paralyzed, the lawsuit is dragging on, and the judgment is for over a million yuan. How are we going to pay it back if we don't earn money?"
Dad's voice was hoarse: "Without me, your lousy studio will go bankrupt in a few months!"
"You heartless wretch, you don't deserve to have a home!"
The mother's voice was choked with sobs, but her scolding grew harsher and harsher, "You think I'm annoying? I bet you're seeing someone else and want to dump me!"
I feel disgusted just looking at you!
The argument grew increasingly heated.
In the end, all that remained were insults and curses that completely shattered all pretense of civility.
They deliberately target the areas the other person cares about most, saying hurtful things in every way possible.
Liu Haochun felt cold all over, as if a huge rock was pressing on his chest, making it hard to breathe.
She took out her key and found that the lock cylinder had been changed; the familiar key wouldn't fit. She raised her hand and knocked on the door.
The arguing inside the house stopped abruptly.
After a two-second silence, her mother's voice, wary and impatient, came through: "Who is it?"
Liu Haochun forced a smile, trying to make his voice sound relaxed: "Mom and Dad, it's me, Haochun."
"Go open the door." Mom's voice was a little awkward, as if she hadn't recovered from her anger.
"Why don't you go drive it?" Dad's voice was tinged with resentment.
Liu Haochun could imagine his parents inside, one sitting on the living room sofa and the other sitting in a chair at the dining table.
They all had serious expressions.
They weren't even facing each other.
Dad is smoking, and Mom has her arms crossed over her chest.
After waiting for a while, the door didn't open. I heard my mother say, "I regret marrying you. If it weren't for Haochun, I would have divorced you long ago."
Liu Haochun listened silently.
His cheeks puffed out.
He continued to knock on the door.
"Then let's get a divorce. Anyway, Hao Chun is all grown up now, in college, and signed with a company so he can make money by acting."
"Okay, you said it. Hao Chun is still a minor. If we get divorced, give Hao Chun to me, and give me the money too."
"Did you earn a single penny in this house? Let me tell you, you can't take a single penny with you."
Upon hearing this, Liu Haochun lowered his hand from knocking on the door.
She closed her eyes and calmed herself down, saying, "Mom and Dad, please stop arguing, I'm scared."
"Liu Haochun, shut up!"
The father's scolding voice came from inside the door: "You stay outside! If it weren't for the fact that you need a home, I would have divorced your mother long ago, given her condition!"
The noise started again inside.
From who pursued whom first.
Then it comes down to the bride price at the wedding and the down payment when buying a house.
It was all hurtful words, over and over again.
This family, which was sometimes good and sometimes bad, gave birth to a child who lacked both money and love.
The empty room inside holds over a decade of childhood memories.
Five minutes passed, and the door still hadn't opened. Liu Haochun's hands were getting tired from knocking.
All the grievances, anger, and despair welled up inside me at once.
She abruptly withdrew her hand, took a step back, and kicked the security door hard.
With a loud bang, followed by a roar: "All you ever do is argue! You keep saying 'divorce, divorce' all the time! Have you ever thought about me?!"
The room fell silent.
No more arguing.
The couple turned their heads in unison to look at their front door.
Haochun has always been a child who can't stand any arguments.
In the past, whenever they argued, Hao Chun would either hide in her room or whisper with red eyes, trying to persuade her parents to stop arguing.
Even a slightly harsh reprimand is enough to scare her to tears.
His tone was always filled with fear and pleading; he never dared to contradict them in the slightest.
But this time, Hao Chun's roar was full of anger and accusation.
Then came another loud bang, and the security door shook.
It really was Hao Chun kicking the door!
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PS:
Please vote for me! It's almost the end of the month, Hao Chun is kicking down the door begging for a wave of monthly votes! Tai Bai is kneeling in gratitude. (End of this chapter)