Chapter 289: Pitiful Kid Sister
The event location for the Capital Film Academy International Students’ Film and Television Works Exhibition is being held at the Haidian branch campus.
In the morning, the sun hung high, and the event site was a bustling and lively scene.
Many youthful and beautiful Beijing Film Academy students were eagerly and expectantly discussing today’s major school event and who would come.
“Will Senior Brother Huang Bo come again?”
“I hadn’t entered school last year, too bad, I’m a Huang Bo fan.”
“I heard he will come too, Senior Brother Huang Bo is an outstanding alumnus, and he’s also one of the judges.”
“I don’t care if Huang Bo comes or not, I only know that Sister Shang will be here this time!”
“…Gosh, my goddess, can I finally see a live one offline?”
“Whose youth wasn’t Shang Youshu?”
The male students helping as free labor were all excited, chattering away, their discussion voices very loud, although Beijing Film Academy, this kind of art school, is different from ordinary universities, with alumni and classmates mixing in some social attributes from the moment of enrollment.
After all… everyone comes to Beijing Film Academy or Central Academy of Drama aiming to become stars, with purpose and self-interest determined even before enrollment.
But they are young after all, so there’s still a bit of university atmosphere… mainly because today’s guests are each more heavyweight than the last.
From what they know, Huang Bo, Zhu Yao Lin, Shang Youshu—due to the news of Chi Ye coming being delayed because of his schedule, only confirmed a few days ago, plus Chi Ye has never been associated with professional training, so many people don’t know Chi Ye will come either.
“Hey, pfft!”
Among the group of girls on the other side, someone heard the boys’ “sleazy” chirping and couldn’t help but spit: “What a bunch of worldly people who only care about looks.”
“But speaking of which, I’m also a Sister Shang fan, Sister Shang is my idol, I’ve grown up watching her works since I was little.”
“Qiqi, you can’t say that in front of Sister Shang, or be careful if she permanently blocks you.”
“Ah… no way, I really like Sister Shang.”
Liu Qi, who was speaking, was a bit nervous: “I was planning to ask her for an autograph later if there’s a chance… do you think Sister Shang will give me one?”
“Unlikely.”
“No chance, at the event site we can only sit, after the event ends she’ll definitely have left long ago, Sister Shang is so popular, her announcements are charged by the second.”
“Hey, enough already, although Sister Shang is popular, the most popular one coming today is still Ling Bingbing.”
Another girl secretly exposed: “My sister does makeup and styling for Ling Bingbing’s team, she told me that Ling Bingbing changed her schedule a couple days ago to specially come here for our school’s film festival.”
“…Real or fake, Ling Bingbing didn’t graduate from our side either, will she come?”
A passerby stopped in their tracks, glancing sideways at everyone: “Is this news solid?”
“Guo Chen, go wherever it’s cool, you’re showing up everywhere, what does it matter to you if it’s true or not?”
Guo Chen was rebuffed into an awkward smile, waving his hands to beg for mercy: “Okay okay okay, I spoke too much, everyone ancestors, I’ll go help move tables, you all continue gossiping.”
“Hey, who’s gossiping!”
“Who’s an ancestor, am I that old?”
“Isn’t your representative work the legendary folds? Indeed old enough.”
Guo Chen dropped that line, afraid of getting beaten, hurriedly scrambling into the venue.
The group of girls watched and got annoyed.
“This Guo Chen really, are Capital City locals born with glib tongues?”
“He’s not good-looking, to be honest, plus that mouth, feels like no future development prospects.”
“Doesn’t he always claim to be little Chi Ye? Even I, little Ye Zi, can’t stand it, too insulting to my Ye Emperor!”
“But his acting skills are pretty good, could he possibly go the strength faction route in the future?”
Eighteen flowers, youth unrestrained.
For these art students who haven’t yet left the ivory tower, their biggest daily discussion topic and biggest dream is to become an instant hit after graduation, or even before, and have their own name in the entertainment industry.
Top Streamer is too ambitious, but third-tier… or even eighteenth-tier with a bit of fame as a small actor is a pretty good starting point.
In recent years, Beijing Film Academy has had such examples, but those who ultimately develop to Zhu Yao Lin, Huang Bo, or even slightly lower like the gradually expiring Wang Junkai level of star power are few and far between.
Especially in the last couple years with short dramas booming, many classmates with no way out ended up taking the short drama track, the first few who tried it tasted success, but with more and more professional actors entering, the short drama track is getting more and more competitive now.
Just like that, everyone helped “work” while discussing various secret insider news about the future and the entertainment industry… when time reached the afternoon, a commotion suddenly came from the side doorway.
Right after, a boy shouted loudly: “Senior Sister Ran Qiao is back!”
“Ran Qiao is coming too?”
“She filmed a movie last year, not much buzz… but now she’s also a first-tier little flower.”
“I’m going, the female lead who worked with Chi Ye, must check her out!”
At the side door, Kid Sister Ran Qiao, once still a bit green, now carried herself gracefully and poised, with a tall figure.
Since today was returning to her alma mater, her makeup and styling weren’t too heavy, jet-black long hair casually draped over her shoulders, eyes bright and captivating, exuding an aura absent from her student days.
They say “red aura” nourishes people.
But Ran Qiao actually hasn’t been considered “popular” all along.
She debuted as a child star, but up until graduating from Beijing Film Academy, she could only rely on connections and resources from her child star days to play supporting actresses in a few family dramas to maintain popularity.
Even that was one of the highest starting points at Beijing Film Academy.
Her career turning point was three years ago.
At that time, she collaborated with the then still under Yue Na wannabe Chi Ye on a small investment A+ web drama, which didn’t attract attention during filming, but after airing, it caused a huge sensation.
— Circulation not only launched Ran Qiao, but also became Chi Ye’s first representative work.
Chi Ye, now who doesn’t know him, who doesn’t recognize him?
The industry’s only unrivaled top streamer, drama circle first-tier, movie first-tier, Chinese music scene’s only lord… the only TOP-level “superstar” in film, TV, and music.
Although he’s not professionally trained, due to his age and “traffic,” schools like Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama have 80-90% of their daily topics revolving around him.
Boys want to become the next Chi Ye.
Girls want to become the “female lead” by the next Chi Ye’s side.
Yes…
Chi Ye’s most impressive isn’t staying popular himself, even more impressive is his ability to “launch” others.
Sister Shang was launched by one movie into national white moonlight, back at the peak, Jin Xia was launched into Asia’s female top streamer, even Sheng Ning… was launched into movie first-tier flower.
With this record, it’s hard not to make the superstitious industry insiders and even capital eager with anticipation feel chills.
Ran Qiao is also one of the former “Chi girls”…
The earliest one, no others before.
At this moment, as soon as she entered the venue, she attracted “onlookers” from Beijing Film Academy’s juniors.
“Qiao Mei!”
“Qiao Mei is so cute!”
“Senior Sister!”
“Senior Sister welcome home!”
“…”
Kid Sister showed a composed and shy smile on her face, waved to the surrounding juniors, voice sweet: “Hello everyone, thank you… don’t delay the stage masters’ work okay.”
After she walked in, she attracted a large crowd of onlookers, interrupting many staff who were setting up the venue.
Actually, logically speaking, a top art school like Beijing Film Academy is least short of star artists, Ran Qiao’s current star power honestly… isn’t as high as imagined, but…
She’s Chi Ye’s female lead! And the female lead before Chi Ye blew up big.
Industry rumors—Ran Qiao and Chi Ye have a thing.
Um… there are many such rumors, basically covering every female artist who collaborated with Chi Ye, the most ridiculous is Mom Wen… Chi Ye Team has solidly proven these messages are all released by various rivals to disgust people.
And among this group, Ran Qiao is relatively “low-key.”
After Circulation, her star power greatly improved, but unfortunately her subsequent works were one ancient idol drama after another.
Although this may relate to the development direction her team set for her, at her age, with her figure and appearance, not going traffic route would be a pity—everyone in the industry knows clearly: those taking the green robe route are either perpetually unpopular body-chilled types or female artists who can’t compete in looks.
Still that line, who the hell wants to be green robe if they can be liked by more people and earn more money?
Little Flower is the best track, okay.
Ran Qiao’s team obviously plans the same.
Unfortunately, their plans are good, but hindered by the company family workshop, limited resources, although Ran Qiao always plays female leads, her luck is really poor, the year Circulation aired she could still pair with first-tier young actors.
Now, she’s started endlessly pairing with many upcoming stars heavily promoted by the three major platforms… why not pair with popular young actors?
First, her team only takes “big female lead” roles, second… pairing with someone more popular than her means she’ll be ranked below, and if she’s ranked below, the family workshop makes no money.
Regarding this, Kid Sister herself is very troubled, she’s thought about leaving the family workshop to venture out on her own, but contract issues force her to let others arrange her career planning.
“Ran Ran.”
The crowd dispersed, former homeroom teacher Teacher Li walked over with a beaming smile, gave Ran Qiao a light hug, then smiled: “Even prettier.”
“Teacher, are you still in good health?”
Kid Sister was also very happy, because Beijing Film Academy is different from other schools, famous students after graduation have full schedules, even in the same city, few have time to return to alma mater.
She hadn’t been back for years either, so seeing her former teacher again felt very warm.
“Doing great, doing great.” Teacher Li nodded, then subconsciously looked behind her, a bit puzzled: “Didn’t come…”
“Hm?”
Ran Qiao was stunned: “What didn’t come? Who are you looking for, Teacher?”
“Oh, I mean, Chi… Teacher Chi didn’t come with you?”
“You mean Chi Ge?”
Ran Qiao was dumbfounded: “I… he… why would he come with me?”
Although she and Chi Ye stay in touch occasionally, it’s actually not much, just holiday greetings… sounds like insulting words, but Kid Sister really feels the gap between her and Chi Ye is too big.
Although her team and big aunt desperately want her to ride Chi Ye’s coattails, Kid Sister… Kid Sister is actually a mini version of Sister Shang, she’s pretty laid-back too, plus Chi Ye is always “brother” figure in her heart, so she really can’t let go of the baggage to ride Chi Ye scandal hype.
“Ah… I heard Chi Ye is coming today, several people just asked me, I thought since Shang Youshu hasn’t arrived, you’re the closest to Chi Ye, figured he’d come with you.”
“…Chi Ge is coming today? He didn’t tell me.”
“…”
Teacher and student exchanged a glance, the atmosphere suddenly awkwardly weird.
Ran Qiao’s big aunt nearby couldn’t hold it, tried to save face: “Um… that… Ran Ran usually has a good relationship with President Chi, this time President Chi must be coming last-minute, otherwise we wouldn’t not know.”
“Um, yes.”
Teacher Li didn’t know what to say either, equally awkward, nodded repeatedly to skip this embarrassing topic, saying: “If not coming then not, come on, let’s chat properly.”
“Let’s go.”
Kid Sister’s expression unchanged, but her big aunt nearby had already fiercely pinched the soft flesh at her waist, exasperated: can’t you pretend a little? Now everyone knows you’re not close to Chi Ye at all!
How are we supposed to get S-level female leads from the three major platforms in the future?
Ran Qiao calmly gave an indifferent look back: no worries, if can’t get then do A+, acting is acting anyway.
…
“This time Ran Qiao is here, her agency contract with that company is almost up, right?”
Outside Beijing Film Academy.
Chi Ye got out of the car, hat + mask + coat, wrapped up tightly, although such outfit is still eye-catching, but… can’t expose, really can’t, Chi Ye exposing now would bring destructive trouble to the nearby environment and his own team.
This is a fact verified by countless incidents.
Keke beside him heard his words, heart stirred, nodded: “Almost… but isn’t her side a family workshop? All relatives in management, even if it expires, they can renew, right?”
“Chat with my Kid Sister this time.”
Chi Ye looked up at this cradle of Chinese film that produced countless movie stars, sighed: “My Kid Sister now is even pairing with upcoming stars, really no dignity left.”
“…Chi Ge, you were also an upcoming star before.”
“No.”
Keke: “Hm?”
Chi Ye: “I was a wannabe before, one level below upcoming star.”
Keke: “…”
“Let’s go in…”
“Hey hey.”
Before Chi Ye finished, a familiar voice suddenly rang in his ear: “Let me see who this is? Chi Ye, right? Come come, come over and sign for sis, sis can barely take you on a tour of sis’s former alma mater later.”
Chi Ye turned back, saw Sister Shang, wrapped like a zongzi, hopping out excitedly.
He was very surprised: “I’m like this, and you can still recognize me?”
Sister Shang was thrilled he responded: “Tried a dozen times, finally got a correct guess!”
