Huayu: This director specializes in promoting young actresses.

Chapter 77 Liu Haochun's Dilemma

That day, Liu Haochun's movements were reflected in the mirror of the dance studio, the arc of her toes tracing across the floor. Suddenly, the teacher's whistle rang out, piercing the silence of the practice room.

"Haochun," the teacher walked over with a frown, "you've tried this movement three times and still can't stand up straight. What's wrong with you lately?"

Liu Haochun lowered her head, her bangs sticking to her skin with sweat. "I'm sorry, teacher," she said, her voice barely audible.

"What's the use of saying sorry?" the teacher sighed. "You've been acting strange ever since you came back from summer vacation. Before, your eyes would light up when you practiced dancing, but now you look like you've lost your soul. Is something on your mind?"

The students around her secretly glanced over, whispering like tiny needles, but she bit her lip and remained silent.

When class ended, she carried her dance shoes toward the dressing room. As she walked down the corridor, she overheard two girls talking: "Look at Liu Haochun, she acted in a movie and now she thinks she's a big star. She's so lazy when she practices dancing." "Yeah, she probably doesn't want to dance anymore."

Her steps abruptly halted, and Liu Haochun clutched the ballet shoes in her arms, the fabric wrinkling deeply. A sudden pang of sadness welled up in her eyes, and she turned and ran back to the practice room. The empty room held only her reflection in the mirror, her eyes red and swollen.

"Teacher," she said, her voice trembling with tears, as she found her dance teacher.

The teacher pulled her to sit on a chair next to her and handed her a tissue: "I knew something was wrong. Are you worried about the exams?"

Liu Haochun looked up in surprise: "Teacher, how did you know?"

"You wear your heart on your sleeve," the teacher said with a smile, ruffling her hair. "You've been acting strange ever since you came back from filming a movie over the summer. You're always daydreaming in class. What else could it be but worrying about this?"

She sniffed and poured out her parents' thoughts and her own inner conflict, finally asking with reddened eyes, "Teacher, which one do you think I should choose? I really love dancing, but..."

"But it seems like you can go further as an actor, right?" The teacher finished the sentence for her, paused for a moment, and then said, "Haochun, you are the most talented student I have ever taught. Your instep, your control, are all gifts from God. But if I were to give you some advice..."

Liu Haochun held his breath, his heart pounding.

"I support you in applying to the Beijing Film Academy." The teacher's words were like a pebble, creating ripples in her heart.

"Why?" she blurted out. "Didn't you always say that dancing is my true calling?"

"Your destiny doesn't necessarily have to be a profession," the teacher said gently. "Look at the many actors who have graduated from our school, don't they keep practicing? Dance is something ingrained in your bones; even if you don't become a dancer, it can still accompany you."

"But realistically speaking, being an actor offers you more security, and your parents can rest assured. Plus, you have resources and connections now, it would be a shame to give it up."

The teacher paused, looking into her eyes: "This isn't about making you abandon dance, but about taking it in a different way. Practice as you normally would, treat it as a passion, and treat performing as a job—they're not mutually exclusive."

When Liu Haochun video-called Lin Feng that night, her voice was still a little muffled: "Brother Feng, even my teacher suggested that I apply to the Beijing Film Academy."

"Oh? What did the teacher say?" Lin Feng's face appeared on the screen, with a hotel room in the background. He had just finished work, and his hair was still a little messy.

Liu Haochun repeated her teacher's words, then bit her lip and asked, "Should I really choose acting? But I always feel like I'm letting down all these years of dance..."

"Silly girl," Lin Feng laughed, "who said choosing acting is a disservice to dance? Look at those musical theatre actors, aren't they all good at both dancing and acting? Dance is your strength, not a burden."

He paused, then his tone became serious. "Haochun, whatever you choose, don't think about 'giving up,' think about 'what you'll take with you.' If you choose the Beijing Film Academy, you can bring your dance background; if you choose the Beijing Dance Academy, you can bring your acting experience. The key is which path you want to shine on."

"What should I take with me..." Liu Haochun murmured, repeating the question, when suddenly a thought struck him. Yes, why must we choose one or the other?

"I know what to do." She smiled at the screen, the confusion in her eyes dissipating, replaced by their usual clarity. "Thank you, Brother Feng."

After hanging up the video call, Liu Haochun took out the newly bought book "An Actor Prepares" from his bag. As his fingertips touched the cover, he suddenly felt at ease.

She took out her phone and searched for the admission brochure of Beijing Film Academy, then opened the document on dance training plan.

In the days that followed, Liu Haochun in the dance studio transformed back into that focused girl. Her pointed insteps during kicks possessed a sharp arc, and the hem of her skirt billowed like a blooming flower as she spun. The teacher's eyes once again held a sense of satisfaction as she looked at her.

During breaks, she no longer chatted with her classmates as before, but instead became engrossed in reading books on acting theory, filled her phone with clips from classic movies, and even pondered the characters' eyes while eating.

"Haochun, you've been practicing dance so hard lately, and you're also reading these books. Aren't you tired?" a classmate asked curiously.

"I'm not tired at all," she said with a smile, waving the books in her hand. "These are quite interesting too."

Her classmate pursed her lips and walked away, probably still thinking she was "crazy about becoming a star," but Liu Haochun didn't care.

She knows what she is doing; dance is a passion etched into her bones, and performance is a journey she is about to embark on. The two are not contradictory.

On a clear morning in early November, the crew of "With You" finally finished filming the last scene. The moment Zhou Ming shouted "Filming wrapped" through a megaphone, the entire set erupted in thunderous cheers.

The wrap party that evening was held at a small restaurant by the sea. There were no fancy dishes, just fresh seafood and local beer.

Zhou Ming, holding a wine glass, his face as red as Guan Yu's, grabbed Lin Feng's arm, his tongue almost tied in knots: "Junior brother... let me tell you... in this life... the person I'm most grateful to is you..."

"Senior brother, you've had too much to drink." Lin Feng tried to help him sit down, but he pulled him even tighter.

"Nothing much!" Zhou Ming retorted, his voice suddenly rising, "I haven't gotten a single opportunity in ten years, and now... now you're handing over such an important drama to me..."

His voice choked, and tears fell into his wine glass. "I know... people outside say I'm riding on your coattails... but I, Zhou Ming, swear to God... I really put in my utmost effort..."

Lin Feng patted him on the back. "I know," he said, raising his glass and clinking it with Zhou Ming's. "This drama is good because you're talented, it has nothing to do with me. There are many more dramas waiting for you to direct in the future. We have to carry the brand of Fengrui Films together."

"Definitely!" Zhou Ming wiped his face, downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, and said, "From now on, I'll film whatever you ask me to film, even if it means going through fire and water..."

The actors around them burst into laughter. Li Yitong handed over a tissue and said softly, "Director Zhou, don't get excited. There will be plenty of opportunities to work together in the future."

Zhou Ming then realized his lapse in composure and scratched his head sheepishly, "Sorry for making a scene... I was just too excited..."

The autumn sun in Beijing shone through the gaps in the plane tree leaves, casting dappled light and shadow on the stone path of the Beijing Film Academy Cultural and Creative Park. Lin Feng stood in front of the company's new address, looking up at the three-story detached building.

The glass curtain wall reflects the flowing clouds, and the "Fengrui Film & Television" logo on the rooftop shines with a matte metallic texture in the sunlight.

"President Lin, everything is ready." Old Yang walked over, rubbing his hands together, his face beaming. "The employees are all waiting in the building, just waiting for you to say a word."

Lin Feng nodded and straightened his suit cuffs. The company had expanded rapidly in the past two months, growing from a dozen people to more than sixty.

As soon as the glass door was opened, the employees immediately applauded. More than sixty people crowded into the lobby on the first floor, their faces filled with excitement.

Lin Feng walked to the makeshift stage, cleared his throat, and said, "I've gathered everyone here today for one purpose—Fengrui Film & Television has officially moved!"

The applause grew louder.

"The new venue is bigger, so we need to set up rules, but the benefits can't be lacking." Lin Feng smiled and waved his hand. "Everyone's having a dinner party tonight, eat as much as you want! Also, everyone gets a relocation bonus; have the finance department distribute them out later!"

"President Lin is awesome!" someone shouted, which immediately drew a chorus of agreement.

After the ceremony, Li Yitong accompanied him to the third floor, where posters for "Take My Brother Away" and "The Beginning" hung on the walls. At the end of the third floor was his private office.

"Wow, what a great view!" Li Yitong exclaimed as she pushed open the office door. Floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lawn of the cultural and creative park stretched across the entire wall. The interior was decorated in a minimalist black, white, and gray style. The desk was a full two meters long, and next to it was a set of genuine leather sofas. There was even a cubicle with a sliding door at the very back.

"Let's go in and take a look." Lin Feng put his arm around her waist from behind and pushed her towards the cubicle.

Upon opening the door, I discovered a small lounge with a large bed and a separate toilet and shower.

"You did this on purpose, didn't you?" Li Yitong turned around and poked his chest with her fingertip. "You put a break room in your office, with a bathroom too. Where did you put your thought?"

"Of course, it's for work convenience." Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, deliberately speaking in a serious tone. "What if we work late? We can't let the boss sleep on the sofa, can we?" He suddenly leaned down and breathed into her ear. "But now... it does have other uses."

"Stop fooling around, there are people outside." Li Yitong tried to dodge, but he pulled her down onto the sofa. His kiss was tinged with a triumphant smile, sliding from her forehead to her neck, while his hands wandered restlessly inside her shirt.

"Close the door, who would dare to disturb us?" Lin Feng bit her earlobe and reached out to lock the office door.

He casually pulled the sliding door shut, instantly turning the lounge into a private little world where only their breathing could be heard in the air.

Li Yitong initially resisted, muttering, "What if someone comes looking for me later?" But he kissed her until she was weak all over, and in the end she could only lean softly against him, letting him unbutton her shirt.

"Be good, my little kitty." Lin Feng chuckled, picked her up, and carried her to the new bed.