Why are you such a "Cao thief"?

Yanjing Film Academy.

The alma mater of Bai Youlou and Old Zhou.

They were both prime examples of not sticking to their professions. Two guys from the directing department: one became an idol, living off his looks, and the other half-heartedly became an agent.

At the same time, they were both doing pretty poorly. Normally, in such situations, they wouldn't dare return to their alma mater.

It's like attending a class reunion; those who haven't done well don't want to lose face in front of old classmates and former teachers.

Fortunately, neither of them had any shame.

Arrogantly squatting on the curb of the internal school road, the two, holding onto their shamelessness, were preparing to recruit help and felt quite dejected.

This is what it's like to not pray to the gods until you're in trouble.

They scrolled through their phones again and again, but surprisingly, couldn't find any reliable teacher contact information.

After arriving at the school, they didn't know who to approach.

After some discussion, they finally decided to see their shamelessness through to the end.

They would go directly to the department head.

They had just checked the official website on their phones, and the current director department head had taught both of them. They figured there had to be some goodwill there.

Old Zhou hadn't completely abandoned his principles yet and was a bit hesitant. What if they got kicked out? How embarrassing would that be?

After pondering for a while, he suddenly had an idea. "Hey, didn't you not finish your graduation project?"

Bai Youlou was taken aback.

Brilliant!

How could he not have thought of such a ridiculous excuse himself?

"I hate people who don't finish their assignments the most! I absolutely cannot do that myself!"

He said it with conviction, full of passion.

However, half an hour later, in the director department head's office.

The current department head, He Youyu, looked at the two troublemakers he had taught before with a complex expression.

What a coincidence. Just yesterday, he had been lamenting that while these two posed no threat to his academic reputation, they could ruin his reputation in the education sector.

Especially Bai Youlou! Why was he such a womanizer?

But after reading the script, He Youyu's mood became even more complicated. He could only comfort himself, thinking that artists don't have such high standards for their private conduct.

It's common for young people to succumb to the temptations of bad women.

Who among artists hasn't had a few wild relationships in their youth?

It's just that the excuse of the graduation project was a bit too outlandish.

But the fact that these two had the nerve to say it was also a testament to their ability.

Being thick-skinned is certainly a skill. Artists these days need to eat before they can talk about art.

Finally, he let out a sigh of helplessness:

"You two are truly a pair of 'Sleeping Dragon and Phoenix Chick'!"

—

Director He wasn't that omniscient; he couldn't magically complete the rest of Bai Youlou's film crew in minutes.

He could help them rent venues cheaply from the school, contact the music academy to find students for filming, and even lend them school equipment.

Alright, that was indeed a lot of help.

But most importantly, he couldn't solve the issue of the main characters.

He did manage to connect Bai Youlou with a relatively suitable actor, but the person directly replied, "I'm very sorry, Director He, I really don't have the schedule," and the opportunity fell through.

Ultimately, Bai Youlou and Zhou Chongguang still had to figure out the crucial role of the second male lead themselves.

However, that was the only remaining difficulty.

The entire process went so smoothly it was almost unbelievable.

The cold shoulder, the sarcastic remarks that Old Zhou had initially worried about, those typical tropes from low-quality web novels, never materialized.

Director He didn't treat them with any harshness due to their poor circumstances or Bai Youlou's bad reputation, nor did he orchestrate any "thirty years east, thirty years west" scenarios.

The indignation of "don't bully a young man for being poor" was utterly defeated by the care shown by their alma mater.

After leaving Director He's office, the two exchanged glances, filled with emotion.

There are still many good people in the world!

Then, they launched into mutual praise.

Old Zhou said with admiration, "Not bad, not bad! I was worried you'd be arrogant towards everyone after going crazy~ You were measured and spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly. I felt Director He's gaze was full of admiration and pity for you!"

"Not at all, not at all. Your flattery skills are even more profound. Every word was perfectly timed, making Director He feel incredibly comfortable."

"You flatter me. The way you bowed to show respect is what truly demonstrates social grace!"

"Not at all, not at all. Your micro-expressions were the real killer move just now; that look of being on the verge of tears was truly endearing."

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Your way of dishing out compliments is far more impressive. It's truly breathtaking!"

.

After a few rounds, both felt the other was a worthy opponent.

This exchange was a draw.

In this situation, with mutual admiration, it was only natural to extend the pleasant atmosphere.

So, Bai Youlou and Old Zhou, in perfect sync, each lit a cigarette and leaned against the corridor, checking out the girls.

It was common knowledge that a place like the film academy was teeming with handsome men and beautiful women.

The two rogue seniors were now scrutinizing the underclasswomen passing by.

"This one's got a bit of a plastic surgery face, no good."

"This one's legs are a bit short."

"This one's a bit too 'affluent,' even worse."

"Oh, wow, this one..."

A girl walked towards them. She was dressed simply in everyday clothes, white canvas shoes paired with a belted long skirt. Though she wasn't wearing heels, she still appeared tall. Her proud, fair skin made her stand out in the crowd.

However, her full lips and the tip of her nose had a touch of childishness, and her smiling eyes gave her a slightly naive charm, subtly closing the distance and preventing her from seeming too unapproachable.

But as she looked up, her slightly angular jawline, high nose bridge, and slender neck exuded an undeniable aura.

A perfect blend of mature elegance and youthful cuteness – truly terrifying!

This conflicting impression made one gasp, leading to a global temperature increase.

As soon as she appeared, the surrounding noise seemed to dim by several decibels.

They brushed past each other, pausing briefly.

The slight look of surprise in her eyes told Bai Youlou that she had clearly recognized him, even though he had put on his mask as soon as he left Director He's office.

After all, the abstract act of smoking with a mask on was something Bai Youlou could pull off without any awkwardness.

Of course, Bai Youlou also recognized her.

An Luning.

A student at the film academy's performing arts department, not yet graduated, but also a top-tier celebrity in the entertainment industry. She had become famous nationwide by filming a TV series at sixteen or seventeen, becoming the white moonlight in countless boys' hearts.

Speaking of which, this girl should have also been Bai Youlou's white moonlight before he awakened his memories.

In his earliest memories of her, he would even blush~ he was so flustered.

Recalling this, Bai Youlou didn't feel embarrassed. They were beautiful memories from youth.

Who doesn't have a white moonlight?

Of course, this youthful memory was from just over a year ago.

But to Bai Youlou himself, it felt like a lifetime ago.

Seeing this girl again, he didn't blush at all. He even dared to look her up and down thoroughly.

Ninety-five points!

As expected of the girl he had once pursued.

Similarly, Bai Youlou felt that his past behavior of confessing to her was quite impressive.

Because no one else was pursuing this girl.

Or rather, no one dared to.

She had become famous too early, was too beautiful, and her family background was mysterious, which instead created a glaring sense of distance. Even though her personality was actually quite good, no one had ever heard of any guy daring to pursue her, not just in school, but it seemed in the entertainment industry as well. Since her debut, there hadn't been a single scandal.

Unless this girl had two faces, based on Bai Youlou's understanding, it was likely only him who had boldly gone for it without hesitation.

Although he didn't get a response, appearing a bit like a clown.

But Bai Youlou now highly approved of that youthful courage, even giving it high praise.

As expected of me!

Just as he never blamed his past self for the "ruined reputation" incident, he didn't think it was stupid to fall into a trap so easily and be blamed.

Every mature and weathered soul is forged through repeated trials and tribulations.

He never cursed his past self because, at the time, standing in the fog, he was also lost.