radicalducati Chapter 111 Future TV King Classmate
Chapter 111 Future TV King Classmate
Chapter 111 Future TV King Classmate
Early morning of the third day of the Lunar New Year.
When Jiang Yu woke up, it was already bright outside the window.
He lay in bed, listening to the faint sounds coming from the kitchen downstairs; it was Zhou Huiwen preparing breakfast.
It's only a little past eight o'clock, but he's already wide awake.
The phone screen displayed more than a dozen unread messages, mostly New Year's greetings from business partners.
He swiped the screen and saw two messages from Liu Yifei.
The first message was posted at 1 AM: "Happy New Year! Although I've already said it, I still want to say it again [rabbit holding a heart]."
The second message was posted twenty minutes ago: "I'm awake! My mom said we're going to my uncle's house to wish him a Happy New Year today. When are you coming? My uncle said he wants to talk to you about investments."
Jiang Yu smiled and typed back: "Just woke up. My mom also told me to go wish your mom a Happy New Year as soon as possible, saying it's customary."
She replied almost instantly: "Haha, Auntie is so thoughtful. When are you coming? Uncle heard you were coming and specially said he'd open a bottle of good wine."
"Let's do it in the morning, after my parents have prepared the gift."
"Okay, I'll wait for you [spinning around like a rabbit]."
After putting down his phone, Jiang Yu got up and washed up.
As I was coming downstairs, Zhou Huiwen was just coming out of the kitchen, carrying freshly cooked glutinous rice balls.
"You're awake? Come on, have some breakfast, then we'll go to Qianqian's house to wish her a Happy New Year." Zhou Huiwen placed the bowl on the dining table. "I've prepared all the gifts; they're in the entryway. Two boxes of pre-Qingming Longjing tea, a box of Dong'e donkey-hide gelatin, and a case of Gannan navel oranges. Your Aunt Liu likes tea, donkey-hide gelatin is good for replenishing qi and blood, and oranges have a good meaning. As for Mr. Liu—he should like the tea too."
Jiang Yu looked at the gifts piled up neatly in the entryway. Among them, a box of tea was particularly exquisitely packaged, clearly prepared especially for Liu Wentao.
He then remembered that Liu Yifei's uncle, Liu Wentao, was someone he had met during the Olympics last year.
"Mom, you even found out what President Liu likes?" Jiang Yu asked with a smile.
"That's what your Aunt Liu said," Zhou Huiwen said matter-of-factly. "She said her younger brother loves drinking tea, especially Longjing. I specially asked a friend in Hangzhou to send it to me; it's the first harvest before the Qingming Festival, and most people can't buy it."
Jiang Jianguo came out of his study and laughed when he heard this: "Your mother has been preparing for your New Year's visit for half a month. She used connections to get the tea, had an old Chinese medicine doctor choose the donkey-hide gelatin, and even the oranges were specially picked and sent from orchards in southern Jiangxi."
Jiang Yu felt a warmth in his heart: "Mom, isn't this a bit too much?"
"What's all the fuss about? It's the first formal New Year's visit, so we need to be very polite." Zhou Huiwen said firmly. "When your dad first came to my house when he was young, he brought ten catties of pork, two chickens, and two bottles of Moutai. That's what I call a grand occasion."
"That's different. Back then, resources were scarce." Jiang Jianguo sat down at the table. "Now that conditions are better, it's all about the thought behind it. But your mother's preparations are indeed thoughtful. You have business dealings with General Manager Liu, so the gift can't be too cheap or too expensive, or it will seem contrived. The tea is just right, elegant and tasteful."
Jiang Yu nodded.
My father is right. The company has a business relationship with Liu Wentao, so the appropriateness of the gift is very important.
Too light is disrespectful, too heavy is like a bribe.
Tea, a gift for cultured people, is just right.
"Oh, right," Zhou Huiwen suddenly remembered something, "I put the red envelope in your coat pocket. If your Aunt Liu gives you a red envelope, you should decline it at first, but you have to accept it in the end, that's the rule. As for President Liu—he probably won't give one, so don't expect it."
"Okay, Mom." Jiang Yu quickly lowered his head to eat the glutinous rice balls, afraid that if he listened any longer, his ears would get calluses.
After finishing breakfast, Jiang Yu went out carrying bags of gifts.
Zhou Huiwen escorted him to the door, still reminding him, "Be careful on the road, drive slowly. When you see your uncle, call him 'General Manager Liu,' but you can call him 'Uncle' in private. It's better to be formal for the first meeting."
"Okay, Mom, I'm off." Jiang Yu quickly got into the car.
On the way to Liu Yifei's uncle's house, Jiang Yu thought about Zhou Huiwen's words of advice and found them both funny and heartwarming.
This is the Chinese style of parental love: meticulous, nagging to the point of annoyance, yet behind every word lies care and consideration.
When we arrived at Liu Yifei's uncle's house, it was just past 9:30.
When the doorbell rang, Liu Yifei opened the door.
She wore a gray sweater and dark gray casual pants today, holding a black cat, looking fresh and homey.
"You're here?" Her eyes crinkled as she took the things from his hands. "Why did you bring so much? This tea—is it for my uncle?"
"Yes, my mom prepared it specially," Jiang Yu said softly. "It's pre-Qingming Longjing tea; your uncle should like it."
Liu Yifei laughed: "He'll definitely like it. He's such a tea fanatic, he can't resist good tea."
The two went inside.
In the living room, Liu Xiaoli, Liu Wentao, and Liu Yifei's aunt were all present.
Liu Wentao, dressed in dark gray loungewear, was sitting on the sofa making tea. When he saw Jiang Yu come in, he put down the teapot and stood up.
"Mr. Liu, Happy New Year." Jiang Yu greeted him formally first, placing the gift beside the coffee table. "It's just a small token of my appreciation; please have a taste with your aunt."
"Mr. Jiang, you're too kind." Liu Wentao walked over with a smile, his gaze lingering on the tea packaging for a moment, his eyes brightening slightly. "Oh, this is—Lion Peak Longjing?"
"These are the first harvests picked before the Qingming Festival," Jiang Yu said. "A friend sent them from Hangzhou, saying that this year's quality is particularly good."
Liu Wentao took the tea box, opened it, smelled it, and nodded: "Fragrant! This aroma is indeed top-grade. Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Jiang."
"Of course," Jiang Yu smiled. "I'm glad Mr. Liu likes it."
"Don't call me General Manager Liu in private, just call me Uncle." Liu Wentao patted his shoulder. "Sit down, I'm making tea, have some with me."
The atmosphere immediately relaxed.
Liu Xiaoli and her aunt went to the kitchen to prepare lunch, and Liu Yifei sat down next to Jiang Yu.
Liu Wentao boiled water again and changed to a more exquisite set of teaware: a purple clay teapot, a fragrance cup, and a tasting cup, his movements skillful and elegant.
"My uncle is a master of tea ceremony," Liu Yifei whispered to Jiang Yu. "When I was little, I lived at his house and could watch him brew tea for an hour."
"Tea ceremony nourishes the mind," Liu Wentao said while warming the teapot. "Work pressure is high these days, and brewing tea can help people calm down. Mr. Jiang—does Xiaoyu usually drink tea?"
"I don't need to be so picky about drinks," Jiang Yu said honestly. "I usually drink coffee at the company to stay awake. Tea... I drink it occasionally, but my assistant usually makes it for me."
"I understand that young people are busy with their careers." Liu Wentao put the tea leaves into the teapot, poured hot water over them, and the aroma of tea instantly filled the air. "But sometimes you have to slow down. Tea is like life; you can't rush it."
The first brew of tea has a clear and bright color.
Liu Wentao poured Jiang Yu a glass: "Have a taste."
Jiang Yu picked up the aroma cup, and the tea fragrance was elegant and high-pitched, with typical bean and chestnut aromas.
"Good tea," he said sincerely.
"Good tea requires good water," Liu Wentao said. "This is spring water I brought back from Mount Lu, specifically for brewing tea. Water is the mother of tea, and the vessel is its father. Neither is dispensable."
As we chatted over tea, the conversation naturally turned to work.
When Liu Wentao asked about the recent developments of Light Chaser Investment, Jiang Yu gave a brief overview, emphasizing the collaboration between JD.com and Disney.
"You made a good investment in JD.com," Liu Wentao nodded. "During last year's financial crisis, many institutions withdrew, but you dared to increase your investment against the trend, which showed courage. Now it seems you made the right bet."
"It was also luck," Jiang Yu said modestly.
"It's not all luck." Liu Wentao looked at him. "I've seen some of the projects you've invested in, and they weren't just random investments. There's logic and strategy involved. Film and television, technology, the internet, commercial real estate—they seem scattered, but they're all within the entertainment ecosystem. This kind of approach isn't something most people can think of."
Jiang Yu was slightly startled.
Liu Wentao, as expected of a senior bank executive, has a keen eye and saw through the strategic layout of Chasing Light at a glance.
"Uncle, you flatter us. We're just feeling our way across the river."
"No need to be modest," Liu Wentao laughed. "Being young and promising is a good thing. When I was your age, I was still counting money at the bank counter. Your generation is lucky to have caught up with the times, the internet, globalization—there are many opportunities, but the competition is also fierce. Being able to stand out is a skill."
After chatting for about an hour, Liu Xiaoli came out of the kitchen: "Dinner is ready."
Lunch was sumptuous.
Liu Wentao opened a bottle of Moutai and poured Jiang Yu a glass: "Let's make an exception today and have a drink. It's the New Year, after all."
"Thank you, Uncle."
The atmosphere at the dinner table became more relaxed.
Liu Wentao recalled his meeting with Jiang Yu during last year's Olympics: "Back then, I knew this young man was extraordinary. When discussing film fund trusteeship, other investors were concerned with returns and risks, but you asked about the fund supervision process and risk isolation mechanisms. Your questions were very professional; you clearly knew your stuff."
Jiang Yu laughed: "That's only right. Once the money is invested, it has to be managed well."
"Many veteran investors don't have this sense of responsibility." Liu Wentao raised his glass. "Come, let me toast you."
I hope the light show continues to improve, and I also hope—you'll treat our Xixi well.
"Definitely." Jiang Yu solemnly raised his glass.
Halfway through the meal, Liu Xiaoli got up, took a red envelope from the room, and handed it to Jiang Yu: "Xiaoyu, please accept this."
Jiang Yu hesitated for a moment, then quickly declined, "Auntie, no need, I'm already at work—"
"Even when you're working, you're still a child," Liu Xiaoli insisted. "This is New Year's money, for good luck. Please accept it."
Jiang Yu looked at Liu Yifei, who smiled and nodded, "Please accept this; it's my mother's thoughtful gift."
"Thank you, Auntie." Jiang Yu accepted the red envelope with both hands.
The red envelope was very thick; you could feel that there was a lot of money inside.
"Open it and take a look," Liu Yifei whispered as she leaned closer.
Jiang Yu opened it, and inside was a stack of brand-new 100-yuan bills.
After lunch, they chatted for a while longer before Jiang Yu got up to say goodbye.
Liu Wentao saw him to the door and shook his hand: "Xiaoyu, come often. If you need anything at work, just let me know. I'll personally follow up on the tracking light business at the bank."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"By the way," Liu Wentao lowered his voice, "when will your film and television fund phase two launch? Several of our high-end clients are very interested and want to participate."
"After the Spring Festival, the specific plan is still being worked out," Jiang Yu said. "I'll have Chen Jingming contact you then."
"well."
At 3 p.m., Liu Yifei brought gifts to Jiang Yu's house to wish him a Happy New Year.
She had clearly prepared carefully, wearing a light pink coat and carrying a small pink bag, looking both well-behaved and elegant.
The gifts he carried were also very thoughtful: a Hermes scarf for Zhou Huiwen and a set of purple clay teaware for Jiang Jianguo.
"Auntie, Uncle, Happy New Year!" Liu Yifei greeted them sweetly as she entered the room.
"Xixi's here! Come in quickly!" Zhou Huiwen beamed, taking the gift. "You're here, why bring anything? Please sit down, Auntie will get you something to drink. Would you like tea or hot cocoa?"
"Hot cocoa is fine, thank you, Auntie."
Jiang Jianguo, unusually beaming, said, "Qianqian, sit down, don't stand. How's your uncle? Is he sober yet?"
Liu Yifei laughed: "You're awake. You were saying this afternoon that you wanted to come and play chess with your uncle."
"Sure, you're welcome anytime." Jiang Jianguo nodded. "Your uncle is a good chess player; I always lose to him."
In the living room, Zhou Huiwen pulled Liu Yifei to sit on the sofa and began to ask her about her well-being.
Jiang Yu sat beside her, watching this scene, and felt it was particularly harmonious; it was like a daughter returning to her parents' home, and her mother pulling her aside to have a private conversation.
After chatting for about half an hour, Zhou Huiwen got up and went to her room. When she came out, she was also holding a red envelope, which was thicker than the one Liu Xiaoli had given her.
"Xixi, please accept this." Zhou Huiwen handed over the red envelope.
"Auntie, this—" Liu Yifei quickly waved her hand, "No need, no need, I'm all grown up now—"
"No matter how old you are, you're still a child." Zhou Huiwen insisted, stuffing the red envelope into her hand. "This is New Year's money, for good luck. Take it, or Auntie will be unhappy."
Liu Yifei looked at Jiang Yu, who nodded: "Take it, it's my mother's thoughtfulness."
"Thank you, Auntie." Liu Yifei accepted the red envelope with both hands, very solemnly.
"Open it and take a look," Zhou Huiwen said with a smile.
Liu Yifei opened the red envelope, and inside was a bank card.
She was stunned: "Auntie, this—"
"I can accept it." Zhou Huiwen held her hand, her eyes full of affection. "Qianqian, Auntie truly considers you her daughter. This is not much money, it's just a token of my appreciation. Take it, and be a good girl."
Liu Yifei looked at Zhou Huiwen, then at Jiang Jianguo, and finally at Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu nodded to her, his eyes gentle.
"Thank you, Auntie. Thank you, Uncle," Liu Yifei said with a smile.
"Good girl." Zhou Huiwen patted her hand. "Come often, this is your home."
That afternoon, Liu Yifei stayed at Jiang Yu's house until after dinner before leaving.
After dinner, Jiang Yu took Liu Yifei home.
The two walked hand in hand in the neighborhood.
The air was crisp and cold on the winter night, but the hands we held felt warm.
The streetlights cast long, overlapping shadows of the two people.
"Today feels like a dream," Liu Yifei said softly. "Your mom gave me so much money, I feel so much pressure."
""
.
"Don't feel pressured." Jiang Yu squeezed her hand. "My mom genuinely likes you. She's incredibly generous to her own people. When I was in college, she gave me twice as much allowance as my classmates every month, saying that boys shouldn't be stingy when they're away from home."
"But 100,000—that's too much."
"It's not much for her," Jiang Yu laughed. "Although my dad started out in the building materials business, he's accumulated some wealth over the years. Besides, I'm an only child, so their money will be mine sooner or later. Giving it to you now is like giving it to you in advance."
Liu Yifei was still uneasy: "I always feel—unworthy of this."
"Then take good care of them from now on." Jiang Yu stopped and turned to look at her. "Besides, you deserve it. You're so good, you deserve everyone to be good to you."
Liu Yifei looked at him, her eyes sparkling under the streetlights.
She tiptoed and gently kissed him on the lips: "Jiang Yu, thank you."
"Thanking me again?"
"Thank you for appearing in my life, thank you for giving me such a warm feeling," she said earnestly. "I used to think that someone like me was destined to be lonely. After meeting you, I realized that I can be loved and I can have a home."
Jiang Yuxin pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head: "Silly girl, you deserve all the love and warmth. Things will get better from now on, I promise."
The two embraced for a long time in the winter night until Liu Yifei's phone rang. It was Liu Xiaoli urging her to go home.
"I should go back now," Liu Yifei said reluctantly.
"See you tomorrow."
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
Watching Liu Yifei walk into the residential area, Jiang Yu turned around and went home.
On the way, he thought about what had happened that day.
Both mothers gave red envelopes without prior arrangement and said similar things.
When he got home, Zhou Huiwen was still waiting for him in the living room.
"Was it sent back?" she asked.
"Hmm." Jiang Yu sat down on the sofa. "Mom, you gave Qianqian so much money today, it scared her."
"What are you so scared of? It's not much." Zhou Huiwen didn't seem to care. "That child is so sensible, so sensible it's heartbreaking. I heard from Xiaoli that she debuted early and gives all her earnings to her mother to manage, rarely spending money recklessly. It's rare to see someone so young knowing how to be frugal. We can't let our daughter-in-law suffer."
Jiang Yu laughed: "Mom, you call me 'daughter-in-law' so naturally."
"It was bound to happen sooner or later," Zhou Huiwen said matter-of-factly. "I can see that Qianqian genuinely likes you, and you genuinely like her too. That's enough. What does money matter? People are the most important thing."
Jiang Yu felt a warmth in his heart and reached out to put his arm around his mother's shoulder: "Mom, thank you."
"Don't thank me, silly child." Zhou Huiwen patted his hand. "As long as you're happy, Mom is happy."
This year of junior high school passed by in warmth and touching moments.
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, the festive atmosphere had not yet completely dissipated, but the air was already filled with the scent of parting.
Jiang Yu was packing his luggage to go back to Beijing in the study, Zhou Huiwen was collecting the dried clothes on the balcony, and Jiang Jianguo went to the company to make final arrangements.
The house was quiet, and sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting warm dappled patterns on the wooden floor.
.
Suddenly, the landline in the living room rang.
The old-fashioned red telephone looked particularly out of place on the quiet afternoon.
"Xiaoyu! Phone call!" Zhou Huiwen shouted from the balcony.
Jiang Yu put down the book in his hand, walked over and answered the phone: "Hello."
There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a hesitant male voice: "Excuse me—is this Jiang Yu?"
The voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.
"Yes, who are you?"
"I'm Wang Kai," the other person said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Do you remember me? Huazhong Normal University Affiliated High School, Class 367. We were deskmates in our first year of high school."
Jiang Yu was stunned for a moment, his memory instantly awakened.
Wang Kai, his classmate in junior high and first year of senior high.
In the second year of high school, students had to choose between science and humanities tracks. He went to the science track, while Wang Kai went to the humanities track.
Wang Kai later repeated a year of high school and was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama.
They met once during college, but later he was reborn and went to the United States, changed his number, and lost contact.
In his previous life, Wang Kai's career did not go smoothly after graduating from the Central Academy of Drama. He only became famous in his thirties with a few serious dramas.
After gaining fame, the two reunited at an event and maintained a good relationship.
Wang Kai is a down-to-earth person. He was neither arrogant nor humble when he was not famous, and he remained humble and composed even after he became famous.
"Wang Kai!" Jiang Yu smiled. "Of course I remember. Long time no see, how did you find this number?"
"I asked Cao Ke, and he said your home phone number hasn't changed." Wang Kai's voice relaxed a bit. "Well, a few classmates wanted to get together since we're all spending the Spring Festival in Wuhan. Everyone heard you were back and wanted to see you."
are you free?"
Jiang Yu glanced at the calendar; it was the sixth day of the lunar month. He would return to Beijing on the seventh, which was the perfect time.
"I'm free. When? Where?"
"How about tonight? At that old neighborhood restaurant on Huashiyuan 2nd Road," the one we used to frequent. 6:30."
"Okay, I'll definitely be there."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yu felt a pang of emotion.
Time is a strange thing; it can turn once-close people into strangers, and it can reconnect strangers.
When Wang Kai contacted him at this time, he knew in his heart that it was not just a simple class reunion.
In 2009, at the age of twenty-four or twenty-five, I was in the most sensitive stage of my life.
Some are still studying, some have just started working, some have just begun their careers, and some have already achieved some success.
Class reunions inevitably involve comparisons and a degree of self-interest.
Jiang Yu doesn't dislike these things.
Having lived two lives, he saw things clearly: in the adult world, pure emotions are rare, and interactions mixed with interests are the norm.
As long as it's not excessive and as long as both parties are sincere, such a relationship can last.
At 6 p.m., Jiang Yu drove to Huashiyuan Second Road.
This road is very close to the High School Affiliated to South China Normal University. Both sides are lined with snack shops and small restaurants, making it a popular spot for students.
"Old Neighborhood" is an old shop that has been open for more than 20 years. Its signature dishes are hot dry noodles and bean curd sheets. They used to come here to eat often after school.
After parking the car, I went into the store.
The decor remained the same: simple tables and chairs, yellowed food posters on the walls, and the air filled with the aroma of sesame paste and braising liquid.
"Jiang Yu!" someone called out to him.
Jiang Yu turned his head and saw a dozen people sitting around a large round table by the window, all looking at him.
He walked over and recognized most of the people at a glance: class monitor Cao Ke, who wore glasses and looked much more mature than in high school; academic representative Li Jie, who had her hair in a ponytail and looked very capable; and Liu Hao and Yang Jia—all classmates from Class 367.
Of course, there's also Wang Kai.
He hasn't changed much; he still has a handsome appearance, but his demeanor is more composed, and his eyes show signs of being weathered by life.
"Hello everyone, it's been a long time," Jiang Yu greeted with a smile.
"Jiang Yu, it really is you!" Cao Ke stood up and patted him on the shoulder forcefully. "You kid, you've changed so much in the past few years! If Wang Kai hadn't told me you were coming, I wouldn't have recognized you."
"You've changed too, class monitor, you're more mature now," Jiang Yu said with a smile.
Everyone greeted each other, creating a warm atmosphere tinged with a subtle sense of unease.
Jiang Yu could feel those gazes—curious, envious, and inquisitive.
After all, he's no longer just Jiang Yu; he's the chairman of Light Chaser Pictures, who's made the news.
"Sit down, sit down, don't stand." Wang Kai pulled out a chair next to him. "Jiang Yu, sit here."
Jiang Yu sat down, and the waiter began to serve the dishes.
They are all home-style dishes, with generous portions and authentic flavors.
As they ate and chatted, the conversation began with reminiscing about fun times in high school.
"Do you remember? In the basketball game in our second year of high school, our class played against Class 368, and Jiang Yu made that game-winning three-pointer!" Liu Hao said excitedly, gesturing the famous shooting motion.
"Of course I remember. Jiang Yu was a key player on the school team back then, with exceptional jumping ability," Cao Ke laughed. "I was just a substitute back then, and my job was to hand out water."
"And then there's Wang Kai, the arts and culture representative for the liberal arts class. He always hosts the arts festival," Li Jie said. "I remember once he misremembered his lines, saying 'dear leaders' instead of 'respected leaders,' which made the audience burst into laughter."
"I was forced into it," Wang Kai said with an embarrassed smile. "My homeroom teacher insisted that I go, saying I had a nice voice. Actually, I was incredibly nervous."
As the conversation went on, the topic gradually shifted to the present.
Cao Ke is a graduate student at the University of Science and Technology of China, majoring in nuclear industry, and is about to graduate.
Li Jie has just graduated from Peking University's School of Economics and Management and is currently looking for a job.
Liu Hao is pursuing a combined Master's and PhD degree at Wuhan University, while Yang Jia works in research and development at Huawei.
When it was Jiang Yu's turn, everyone consciously or unconsciously slowed down their eating pace, waiting for him to speak.
"Me? Don't you know me? I work in film and technology," Jiang Yu said simply. "In Beijing."
"We all know," Cao Ke laughed, adjusting his glasses. "You're a celebrity now. Everyone's happy for you, such a big shot in our class. Seriously, I'm not just being polite."
"Yes, Jiang Yu, you're really amazing." Li Jie's eyes held envy, but even more so, sincerity. "I've been looking for a job lately, sent out so many resumes, but haven't heard back. The financial crisis has made the job market sluggish. Is your company hiring?"
Jiang Yu looked at her and recalled Li Jie's development in her previous life; after graduating from Peking University, she joined Goldman Sachs, and after a few years, she switched to a private equity firm, where she thrived.
"Yes, we're hiring." Jiang Yu nodded. "Chasing Light is expanding and needs analysts. You can come to Beijing to find me after the Spring Festival, and I'll arrange an interview for you. But let me make it clear beforehand, we have high standards, the work is demanding, and you'll need real skills."
Li Jie's eyes lit up, and she sat up straight: "Really? Thank you! I will definitely work hard! I was in the top 10% of my major courses at Peking University, and I interned at CICC, where I did several case analyses—"
"We'll talk about that during the interview," Jiang Yu smiled. "I believe in your abilities."
Others started asking about work, and Jiang Yu answered them one by one, without putting on airs or trying to be low-key.
He could sense that although some people were driven by self-interest, the overall atmosphere was still sincere.
After all, we were classmates who spent our youth together, and that friendship still exists.
When it was Wang Kai's turn, he was a little embarrassed and scratched his head: "I just graduated from the Central Academy of Drama the year before last. Last year, I acted in an urban comedy on Hunan TV called 'Ugly Girl Invincible,' where I played a supporting role. This industry—isn't easy to get by in."
Jiang Yu remembered that Wang Kai's acting career in his previous life was indeed full of hardships.
He graduated from the Central Academy of Drama but had no background or connections, so he could only start as a minor supporting actor and worked as an extra for many years before finally getting his chance.
"Ugly Betty" was one of his early works, and he was indeed playing a minor role.
"Have you signed with a company yet?" Jiang Yu asked.
"Not yet, I'm still working on some deals." Wang Kai smiled wryly. "Several brokerage firms have approached me, but the terms aren't very good."
High profit sharing, long contract period, and a deposit required. I don't want to sign; it feels like a contract of servitude.
Jiang Yu thought for a moment and said, "I'll be back in Beijing in a few days. Come find me at Chasing Light Pictures. Although our company mainly produces films and television series, we also intend to expand into artist management. You can rest assured about the terms; we won't treat you unfairly."
Wang Kai froze, his eyes widening: "Jiang Yu, you—are you serious?"
"Of course," Jiang Yu smiled. "We're old classmates, who else would I help if not you? But let me make this clear first, your acting skills need to be top-notch. I can give you the opportunity, but whether you can seize it is up to you. Our company doesn't support idlers."
"I will definitely work hard!" Wang Kai's face turned red with excitement as he raised his glass. "Jiang Yu, this glass is for you."
Whether it works out or not, I will remember this kindness.
"Don't be so polite." Jiang Yu clinked glasses with him. "Let's complement each other."
The meal took more than three hours.
We talked about many things, from the past to the present, from ideals to reality.
Although some people spoke tentatively and some topics inevitably involved interests, the overall atmosphere was very good.
Jiang Yu had drunk some wine and was slightly tipsy. Looking at these familiar yet unfamiliar faces, he felt very calm.
Having lived two lives, he has witnessed far too much of the coldness and warmth of human relationships.
Such class reunions, while carrying the calculations and considerations of adults, also retain the friendship and sincerity of youth.
He didn't dislike it; on the contrary, he found it real.
It was almost 10 o'clock when the show ended.
Everyone said goodbye at the restaurant entrance. Cao Ke patted Jiang Yu on the shoulder: "Jiang Yu, keep in touch. If you need any help in the future, just ask. Although I can't be of much help, I'll definitely help if I can."
"Okay, you too, class monitor," Jiang Yu said sincerely. "Anytime you need to contact me about job hunting."
The others left one after another, until only Wang Kai and Jiang Yu remained.
"Shall I give you a ride?" Wang Kai asked.
"No need, I've already called someone to pick me up." Jiang Yu took out his phone and sent Liu Yifei a message: "The gathering is over, at the entrance of the old neighborhood."
The reply came almost instantly: "Coming right away, in ten minutes."
The two stood by the roadside and waited.
The streets were quiet on a winter night, with only the occasional car passing by.
"Jiang Yu, thank you so much for today," Wang Kai said earnestly, his excitement from the dinner table gone, replaced by sincerity. "I know you helped me because we're old classmates. I'll remember that kindness."
"Don't say that," Jiang Yu shook his head. "You have talent, you just lack opportunities. I can give you those opportunities, it's a win-win situation. But Wang Kai, there's something I have to say beforehand; once you enter this circle, there are many temptations and many troubles."
You need to think carefully about whether you really want to go down this path. This industry may look glamorous, but it's actually very tough.
Wang Kai was silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "I've thought it through. I just love acting, I've loved it since I was a child. I spent four years at the Central Academy of Drama, and one year as an extra. No matter how hard or tiring it was, I never thought of giving up. I just—wasn't missing an opportunity."
"Alright." Jiang Yu patted his shoulder. "I'm giving you a chance. The rest is up to you."
As they were talking, a white Audi slowly drove up and stopped in front of them.
The car window rolled down, revealing Liu Yifei wearing a mask and hat, with only her eyes showing.
"Get in the car," she said.
Wang Kai was stunned for a moment, looking at Liu Yifei, then at Jiang Yu, his eyes gradually widening.
He recognized him; even though only his eyes were visible, his features were so distinctive, and so was his voice—
Liu Yifei realized she had been recognized, so she simply took off her mask and smiled at Wang Kai: "Hello, I'm Liu Yifei."
Wang Kai opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything for a long time.
He looked at Jiang Yu, then at Liu Yifei, his expression a mixture of disbelief and sudden realization.
Jiang Yu smiled, opened the car door, got into the passenger seat, and said to Wang Kai, who was still standing there in a daze, "Get in the car, I'll give you a ride first."
Wang Kai got into the car in a daze, sat in the back seat, and kept his eyes on the two people in the front.
After driving for a while, he finally found his voice and whispered to Jiang Yu, his voice filled with disbelief: "Um, Jiang Yu, is what's being said online true? You and Liu Yifei—are really dating?"
Jiang Yu glanced at him in the rearview mirror and smiled: "What do you think?"
Wang Kai looked at Liu Yifei, then at Jiang Yu, while Liu Yifei turned and smiled at him.
He suddenly laughed and shook his head: "Damn, Jiang Yu, you're amazing! No wonder you're the best in our class!"
Even your girlfriend is a goddess—your life is like it's on fire!
Liu Yifei was amused and turned to Wang Kai, saying, "You're Jiang Yu's classmate? It's nice to meet you."
"I—it's a pleasure to meet you too!" Wang Kai stammered a little, but quickly composed himself. "I'm Wang Kai, Jiang Yu's high school classmate and deskmate. I've seen your performances, Wang Yuyan in 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' and Xiaolongnu in 'The Return of the Condor Heroes,' both were excellent!"
"Thank you." Liu Yifei smiled sweetly. "I heard from Jiang Yu that you graduated from the Central Academy of Drama? Maybe we'll have a chance to work together in the future."
"Really?" Wang Kai's eyes lit up again. "Then I'll definitely try my best!"
After dropping Wang Kai off at the entrance of his residential complex, before getting out of the car, Wang Kai said to Jiang Yu again, "Jiang Yu, about today's events—"
I'll keep it a secret. Don't worry, I'm tight-lipped.
"No need to keep it a secret, just let things take their course," Jiang Yu said. "But I don't want to be too high-profile for now, you know what I mean."
"I understand, I understand." Wang Kai nodded vigorously. "Then I'll be going now, see you in Beijing! Goodbye, Ms. Liu!"
"Just call me Yifei," Liu Yifei said with a smile.
"Okay, goodbye Yifei!"
Watching Wang Kai walk into the residential area, Liu Yifei turned to look at Jiang Yu: "Your classmate is quite interesting."
"Yeah, he's a nice guy, honest and reliable." Jiang Yu leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, "It's just that his acting career hasn't been going very smoothly, so I'm giving him a hand. He's a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, he has acting skills, he just lacks opportunities."
Liu Yifei looked at him with gentle eyes: "You're always like this, so kind to the people around you."
Jiang Yu opened his eyes and looked at her, "Just like you deserve all the good things."
Liu Yifei blushed and whispered, "Smooth talker."
"To be honest." Jiang Yu smiled, reaching out to take her hand. "Let's go home. We're going back to Beijing tomorrow."
"Um."
The car drove into the night.
Jiang Yu looked at the lights flashing past the window, thinking about tonight's gathering, Wang Kai's surprised expression, and the envious or sincere looks from his classmates.
This Spring Festival, I saw many old friends and many things happened.
What reassures him most is the person beside him, and this person who is gradually becoming whole.