In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Li Ming, the director of the admissions office at Beijing Film Academy, hurriedly knocked on the door of the dean's office, carrying several newspaper articles.

"Please come in."

Li Ming pushed open the door and entered, seeing Dean Liu Guodian sitting behind a large desk, holding a copy of the "Kyoto Youth Daily" in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Dean Liu, you saw this?" Li Ming placed several newspapers on the table.

Liu Guodian looked up, took off his reading glasses, and rubbed his temples. "I just saw it. What happened? Our admissions office didn't have any prior notice?"

Li Ming shook his head with a wry smile: "Absolutely not. The application form only showed the candidate's application information. We didn't know that Yang Guangming was this year's top liberal arts student until we saw the newspaper."

"What was the child's score?" Liu Guodian asked.

"First in liberal arts in Kyoto, first in liberal arts nationwide, 534 points," Li Ming announced.

Liu Guodian gasped.

This score is incredibly high; it's more than enough for the most popular majors at Tsinghua and Peking Universities, let alone art schools. And yet, this student applied to the Beijing Film Academy's acting department.

"How are his grades in his major?" Liu Guodian pressed.

"He's number one in his major." Li Ming replied immediately. "At the beginning of the year, he ranked first in the performance department in the art exams, with a very high score. We noticed this candidate at the time; he had excellent physical attributes and outstanding professional skills, but who would have thought he would be so good at academic subjects as well?"

Liu Guodian remained silent for a moment, then stood up and walked to the window.

Outside the window is the Beijing Film Academy campus. The campus is relatively quiet during the summer vacation, with only a few students staying on campus hurrying by.

"What's the current public opinion trend?" he asked without turning around.

“It’s complicated.” Li Ming sorted out his thoughts. “There are supporters who think he has his own opinions and dares to pursue his dreams; but there are more dissenting voices, mainly opinions like ‘wasting talent’ and ‘the top scorer should go to Peking University or Tsinghua University.’ Some education experts have also published articles in newspapers discussing whether art colleges are worth applying to for students with such high scores.”

Liu Guodian turned around, his expression serious: "This is both an opportunity and a challenge for Beijing Film Academy. The opportunity lies in the fact that if we can nurture this student well, it will be the best proof of the quality of education at Beijing Film Academy. The challenge lies in the fact that if we don't handle it well, public opinion may overwhelmingly criticize us for 'wasting talent'."

"So what does the dean mean?" Li Ming asked tentatively.

"Call an emergency meeting immediately," Liu Guodian said decisively. "Please invite Vice Dean Wang Weiguo, Vice Dean Wang Fengsheng, Liu Shibing, the head of the Performing Arts Department, and Xie Fei, the head of the Directing Department, to the small conference room in half an hour. We must come up with a plan as soon as possible."

"Okay, I'll notify them right away." Li Ming replied and left.

emergency meeting

Half an hour later, the atmosphere was heavy in the small conference room of the Beijing Film Academy's administration building.

Seated around the long conference table were Dean Liu Guodian, Vice Deans Wang Weiguo and Wang Fengsheng, Director of the Performing Arts Department Liu Shibing, Director of the Directing Department Xie Fei, and Director of the Admissions Office Li Ming.

Each person had several news reports about Yang Guangming in front of them.

“Everyone is aware of the situation.” Liu Guodian got straight to the point. “Yang Guangming is the top scorer in the national liberal arts exam this year, scoring 534 points. He also ranked first in our acting department in terms of professional performance. The public opinion is now very heated, with the focus being ‘should the top scorer come to Beijing Film Academy?’”

Vice Dean Wang Weiguo adjusted his glasses and spoke first: "From the perspective of educational equity, it is commendable for students to choose their majors based on their own interests and aspirations. We cannot deprive students of their right to choose an artistic path just because they have high scores."

“That makes sense,” Vice Dean Wang Fengsheng chimed in, his tone pragmatic. “But the pressure from public opinion is real. If we just follow the normal admission process, the voices in society criticizing us for ‘wasting talent’ will only grow louder. That’s not good for the reputation of Beijing Film Academy.”

Liu Shibing, the head of the performing arts department, flipped through Yang Guangming's professional examination records and slowly said, "I vaguely remember this student. He performed exceptionally well during the art exams at the beginning of the year."

Not only was she good-looking, but her acting depth and comprehension were far beyond what one would expect from a high school graduate. The judges all gave her extremely high praise.

“His profile shows that he has already starred in director Jiang Wen’s film ‘In the Heat of the Sun’, and he is the male lead,” Li Ming added. “This film has been shortlisted for the main competition at the Venice Film Festival and will be exhibited there in September.”

Xie Fei, the head of the directing department, lit up: "Jiang Wen's film? I know about this project. Jiang Wen mentioned to me that he found a particularly good talent. It turns out that the male lead he chose was named Yang Guangming. I have an impression of this person, but I don't know his name."

"Does Director Xie know anything about this movie?" Liu Guodian asked.

Xie Fei nodded, "When Jiang Wen was filming, I went over to take a look. I noticed the young man who played Ma Xiaojun; he was very talented. I didn't expect him to be so talented not only in acting but also in his studies."

Liu Guodian tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "The problem now is how we deal with this. According to normal procedures, Yang Guangming will be admitted to the performing arts department."

But there was also pressure from public opinion, and the student's own aspirations—the report said he really wanted to study directing, but the directing department wasn't accepting students this year, so he applied to the acting department instead.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment.

Xie Fei suddenly spoke up: "I have an idea."

Everyone's eyes were focused on him.

“Since he really wants to study directing, can we make an exception?” Xie Fei said slowly. “Give him the option of a double degree? He can take courses in both the acting and directing departments. Or, to be more direct—although the directing department is not admitting undergraduates this year, if we encounter a particularly outstanding student, we can make an exception and admit him as a special student.”

"A separate class for him?" Wang Weiguo was somewhat surprised.

"It's not about opening one class."

Xie Fei explained, "The directing department is designed for small classes with ample faculty. I can personally mentor him as the only student in the 1994 directing class."

He can take the general education courses with the 1993 directing class, while I will provide individual guidance for his specialized courses. This way, he can fulfill his desire to study directing and also give society an explanation—that Beijing Film Academy is not wasting talent, but rather cultivating talent in the most suitable way.

Liu Shibing frowned: "What about the acting department? He applied to the acting department, and he ranked first in his major."

“He can also take acting classes.” Xie Fei had already prepared for this. “A double degree, or a major in directing and a minor in acting. With his learning ability, he can handle it perfectly well. Besides, acting and directing are inherently related, and acting experience will only benefit him as a director in the future.”

Liu Guodian pondered for a moment, then looked at the others: "What do you think?"

Wang Weiguo nodded slowly: "I think it's feasible. This respects the students' wishes and also responds to social concerns. Art colleges can also cultivate high-end talents. It's not a waste for top scorers in the college entrance examination to study directing at Beijing Film Academy. It's a manifestation of diverse paths to success."

Wang Fengsheng also expressed his agreement: "The key is that this plan can demonstrate the flexibility of Beijing Film Academy and its emphasis on outstanding talents. Public opinion will definitely shift from skepticism to praise."

Liu Shibing thought for a moment and nodded: "If Yang Guangming himself agrees, the acting department has no problem. Such a special student should indeed be given special training."

“Okay.” Liu Guodian made the decision. “Then it’s settled. We’ll give Yang Guangming a double degree, allowing him to take courses in both the acting and directing departments. In the directing department, Director Xie will personally supervise him, as he will be the only specially recruited student in the 1994 directing class. We need to make this special recruitment a model case.”

He looked at Li Ming: "Director Li, contact Yang Guangming as soon as possible and convey our decision. Be sincere and show that the college attaches great importance to it."

Li Ming was about to agree when Xie Fei waved his hand: "Wait a minute. I'm familiar with Jiang Wen. I'll call him first to find out about the child and ask him to help make the connection. Having an acquaintance in the middle will make the communication smoother."

Liu Guodian thought for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Alright. Then we'll have to trouble Director Xie. We'll wait for your news."

Xie Fei returned to his office and dialed Jiang Wen's number.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Jiang Wen's signature loud voice came through: "Hello, who is this?"

"I am Xie Fei."

"Director Xie, what made you decide to call me?" Jiang Wen's voice was tinged with amusement. "What instructions do you have?"

"Stop joking," Xie Fei said with a laugh, then got down to business. "I have something important to discuss with you. You must know Yang Guangming from your crew, right?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Jiang Wen's voice became serious: "Guangming? Of course I know him. What's wrong? Did something happen to him?"

"It's not just an accident, it's a major accident," Xie Fei said. "Do you know he was this year's top scorer in the college entrance examination? The top scorer in liberal arts in Beijing, and the top scorer in liberal arts nationwide."

Jiang Wen was clearly stunned: "What? Top scorer? This kid didn't tell me! I knew he seemed to have done well on the exam, but I didn't expect him to do this well!"

"Newspapers across the country are reporting on the top scorer's application to the Beijing Film Academy's acting department, which has sparked a major discussion." Xie Fei briefly introduced the situation. "Our academy just finished a meeting and decided to make an exception and give him a double degree, allowing him to study both acting and directing. I will personally supervise him in the directing department."

Jiang Wen processed the information over the phone, and after a few seconds, her voice revealed genuine joy: "This is great news! I really like Guangming. He's talented in acting, calm, and most importantly, smart. I knew he wanted to study directing. He'll definitely be satisfied with your arrangement."

"So I'd like to ask you for a favor," Xie Fei said. "You know him well, could you help us make the connection? We want to meet with him as soon as possible to discuss this arrangement in person."

“No problem!” Jiang Wen readily agreed. “I’ll call him right away. But Director Xie, you have to show some sincerity. Guangming is no ordinary student. He’s opinionated, his family is well-off, and he has no worries about his future. He chose Beijing Film Academy because he really loves movies.”

"Don't worry about that," Xie Fei said solemnly. "The college leaders attach great importance to this, and the plan has been discussed carefully. We will definitely give him the best training conditions."

"Okay, I'll contact him and get back to you later."

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Wen sat in her studio, lit a cigarette, and smiled.

Yang Guangming was the top scorer in the college entrance examination, a fact that surprised him but didn't quite surprise him.

Surprisingly, he hadn't expected his score to be so high, high enough to make him the top scorer in the country. Less surprising, however, was that he had long felt Yang Guangming was no ordinary child; his composure and insight far exceeded his age, so his achievement didn't seem too astonishing.

He picked up the phone and dialed Yang Guangming's number.

In a courtyard house in Xicheng, Yang Guangming was organizing his film analysis notes from the past few days in his study.

His cell phone rang, and he glanced at it; it was Jiang Wen's number.

"Hey, Director Jiang."

"Guangming! You're something else!" Jiang Wen's booming voice rang out. "Top scorer in the college entrance exam! Number one in the whole country! How come you didn't tell me about something this big?"

Yang Guangming laughed: "You already know, don't you? My phone was ringing off the hook the other day, so I turned it off."

"I just received a call from Xie Fei. You know Xie Fei, right? He's the head of the Directing Department at Beijing Film Academy."

Jiang Wen got down to business, “Their school held a meeting to discuss your situation, and in order to quell public opinion, they decided to give you special treatment. You can get a double degree, studying both acting and directing. In the directing department, Xie Fei will personally mentor you, and you will be their only student, the sole graduate of the 1994 directing class.”

Sunlight brightened his eyes.

This was exactly the result he had hoped for, even better than he had expected. The head of the directing department personally providing guidance—this was a privilege few could afford.

"The academy takes this very seriously and wants to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss things," Jiang Wen continued. "When would be a convenient time for you? I'll go with you. With me there, it'll be easier to talk things out."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "How about tomorrow afternoon? I'm available anytime."

"Okay, then tomorrow at 2 PM, at the Beijing Film Academy administration building, I'll be at your house on time to meet you."

"No need to trouble yourself, I can go by myself."

"Don't mention it, I also have some business to take care of at the Beijing Film Academy." Jiang Wen insisted, "It's settled then, see you tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming put down his pen and walked to the window.

The recent public controversy is finally coming to a clear conclusion. The Beijing Film Academy's response and arrangements have exceeded his expectations and proven the correctness of his choice.

In this day and age, the leadership of Beijing Film Academy truly has vision and courage to treat a special student with such flexibility.

He returned to his desk and continued organizing his notes, feeling much more relaxed than before.

At 1:30 p.m. the next day, Jiang Wen drove to the courtyard house.

Yang Ming was ready, dressed in a simple white short-sleeved shirt and khaki trousers, looking clean and refreshing.

Duan Yunfeng drove the two of them to the Beijing Film Academy.

After getting in the car, Jiang Wen said, "Director Xie is a good person, capable and appreciates talent. It's your good fortune that he's personally mentoring you. I know all the teachers in the directing department, so feel free to ask if you need anything in the future."

"Thanks, Lao Jiang," Yang Guangming said sincerely.

"Don't mention it." Jiang Wen glanced at him. "Young Master, I really have high hopes for you. You have a natural talent for acting, you are methodical in your work, and you are doing so well in your studies. You will definitely have a bright future."

Yang Guangming smiled but didn't reply.

The car arrived at Beijing Film Academy quickly. The campus was quieter than usual during the summer vacation, but some students who stayed on campus were still walking around. Upon seeing Jiang Wen, some people recognized him and pointed at him.

Xie Fei was already waiting at the entrance of the administration building. He was not tall, but very energetic, wearing black-rimmed glasses, a typical scholar.

"Xiao Jiang!" Xie Fei greeted her, shook hands with Jiang Wen, and then turned his gaze to Yang Guangming, looking him up and down. "This must be Yang Guangming, right? We met once on set, but there were too many people, so we didn't have a chance to talk."

"Hello, Director Xie," Yang Guangming greeted politely.

"Alright, please come in. Dean Liu and the others are waiting in the conference room."

The three of them entered the administration building and went to the small conference room on the second floor.

Upon entering, one finds Dean Liu Guodian, Vice Dean Wang Weiguo, Vice Dean Wang Fengsheng, Director of the Performing Arts Department Liu Shibing, and Director of the Admissions Office Li Ming already seated around the conference table.

As soon as Yang Guangming entered, all eyes turned to him.

A sense of scrutiny, curiosity, appreciation, and a barely perceptible anticipation lingered. "Guangming, welcome, welcome," Liu Guodian said, rising first with a warm smile. "Come, please sit down."

Yang Guangming greeted everyone and sat down in the reserved seat, with Jiang Wen sitting next to him.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Liu Guodian cut straight to the point: "Guangming, we are aware of your situation. First of all, congratulations on your outstanding achievements. This is the result of your personal efforts and also a source of pride for Kyoto Education."

"Thank you, Dean Liu, you flatter me." Yang Guangming said humbly.

"Our college takes your application to the Beijing Film Academy and the subsequent discussions very seriously," Liu Guodian continued. "After careful consideration, we would like to discuss with you a training program that satisfies both of us."

Xie Fei continued, "Guangming, we know your true ambition is in directing, but the directing department doesn't have any undergraduate enrollment plans this year, so you applied to the acting department. After discussion, the college leadership decided to make an exception and give you the option of a double degree."

He explained the plan in detail: Yang Guangming can study both acting and directing courses simultaneously, enjoying the teaching resources of both majors. As for directing, since there are no enrollment plans this year, he will be the only specially admitted student in the 1994 directing class, personally guided by Xie Fei. He will take public courses with the 1993 directing class, while his professional courses will be taught separately.

“This plan respects your desire to apply to the acting department while also fulfilling your wish to study directing,” Liu Shibing added. “In the acting department, your academic performance is first, which we greatly appreciate. We will design the double degree curriculum to be personalized according to your situation, ensuring that you learn something truly valuable rather than just struggling to keep up.”

Yang Guangming listened quietly, and only after the two department heads finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth: "I am very grateful to the college leaders for their attention and care. This plan is even better than I expected."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled leaders: "My application to the Beijing Film Academy was indeed a well-considered decision. Film is an art form I love, and directing is my clear career path. Having the opportunity to study directing under Director Xie's guidance is a rare opportunity for me."

"So you agree to this arrangement?" Liu Guodian asked.

“Agreed.” Yang Guangming nodded firmly. “However, I have a request.”

"You said."

“I hope there can be some flexibility in the course schedule,” Yang Guangming said. “I will be going to the Venice Film Festival with the crew of ‘In the Heat of the Sun’ in September, and I may need to take some time off. In addition, if there are suitable practical opportunities in the future, the leave period may be longer, and I hope to get the school’s support.”

Liu Guodian looked at Xie Fei and Liu Shibing.

Xie Fei stated first: "That's no problem. The directing department's teaching emphasizes the combination of theory and practice. The Venice Film Festival is a top international platform, and your participation is an excellent learning opportunity in itself. As for the leave, just follow the procedures."

Liu Shibing nodded in agreement: "The same goes for the Performing Arts Department. We encourage students to participate in good practical opportunities. Your situation is special, so we will handle it flexibly."

"Then it's settled." Liu Guodian made the final decision. "Guangming, welcome to the Beijing Film Academy. I hope you will achieve great things during your four years at the academy and contribute to my country's film industry in the future."

"I will try my best," Yang Guangming solemnly promised.

The atmosphere in the meeting room immediately relaxed.

Vice Dean Wang Weiguo laughed and said, "That's great! Our Beijing Film Academy has a top scorer now. And a double top scorer at that—first in his major and first in his academic subjects."

"This is unprecedented," Vice Dean Wang Fengsheng said with a smile. "We need to promote it well and let society see that art schools can also cultivate top talents."

Li Ming interjected at the opportune moment: "Dean, I've contacted a reporter from the Youth Daily, and they'd like to do an exclusive interview with Guangming. What do you think?"

Liu Guodian looked at Yang Guangming: "Guangming, what do you think? The public is still discussing this. If you are willing to be interviewed and explain our training program and your thoughts, it will help to quell the controversy and guide public opinion."

After a moment's thought, Yang Guangming nodded in agreement: "Sure. I also hope to take this opportunity to express my understanding and pursuit of film art."

"Alright, let's arrange it for tomorrow morning, in our college's small conference room." Liu Guodian made the decision. "Director Li Ming, you'll be in charge of coordinating."

"no problem."

With the matter settled, the subsequent communication became much easier.

Xie Fei asked Yang Guangming some questions about his understanding of film, and Yang Guangming nodded repeatedly in agreement with his answers. Liu Shibing also asked a few questions about acting, and Yang Guangming's insights surprised him as well.

Jiang Wen watched from the side with a proud smile on his face, as if Yang Guangming were his prized student.

The meeting lasted for more than an hour and ended at 4 p.m.

Liu Guodian personally escorted Yang Guangming and Jiang Wen to the door.

"Guangming, don't forget tomorrow morning at nine o'clock," Liu Guodian reminded him.

"I won't forget, Dean Liu."

Watching Yang Guangming and Jiang Wen get into the car and leave, Liu Guodian stood at the door and sighed to the people around him, "This child is extraordinary. He's composed, has his own opinions, and speaks clearly and logically. He's destined for greatness."

"Yes, we've struck gold!" Xie Fei laughed. "I can't wait to start class."

The next morning at 8:30, Yang Guangming arrived at Beijing Film Academy alone.

He was dressed in a simple white shirt and jeans, but his composed demeanor was impossible to ignore.

Director Li Ming was already waiting for him at the entrance of the administration building and led him to the small conference room that had been prepared.

The meeting room was small, but it was neatly and solemnly decorated. Recording equipment was set up on one side of the long conference table, and several chairs were placed on the other side. The motto of Beijing Film Academy and photos of its past presidents hung on the wall.

“The reporter from the Youth Daily will be here soon,” Li Ming said. “This time, we’ll be interviewing their senior reporter, Wang Xue, who is very influential in the field of education and culture. Just answer whatever she asks, relax, just like you did when you talked to us yesterday.”

"Okay, Director Li."

As they were talking, the conference room door was pushed open, and a capable female reporter in her thirties with short hair walked in, followed by a young assistant carrying a camera and a notebook.

"Reporter Wang, this is Yang Guangming," Li Ming introduced.

Wang Xue's eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward, extending her hand: "Hello, Yang Guangming. I'm Wang Xue from the Youth Daily."

"Hello, Ms. Wang." Yang Guangming shook hands with her.

His hands were warm and dry, his grip was just the right amount of pressure, and his eyes were clear and open.

Wang Xue nodded inwardly. Having worked as a reporter for so many years, she had met countless people, but this young man made an excellent first impression on her—confident yet unassuming, composed yet mature.

"Shall we begin?" Wang Xue asked.

"Ok."

The group took their seats. Wang Xue's assistant set up the recording equipment, and the camera was ready.

Director Li Ming sat to the side listening, but did not participate.

"Guangming, do you mind if I call you that?" Wang Xue opened her notebook and spoke gently.

"No problem, please feel free to do as you please."

"Alright, let's begin." Wang Xue got into work mode. "First of all, congratulations on becoming this year's top scorer in the liberal arts nationwide. Five hundred and thirty-four points, that's an amazing score."

"Thank you," Yang Guangming smiled.

"The first question, which is also the one that many people want to ask the most: Why choose Beijing Film Academy? With your score, you can choose any university and any major in China."

Yang Guangming had already prepared his answer: "Because of passion. I have a deep interest in film art, and directing is my clear career path. Grades are just a way to measure the learning outcomes at a certain stage; they should not become shackles that restrict personal choices."

"But many people believe this is a waste of talent. What's your opinion?"

“I don’t think so,” Yang Guangming shook his head. “Combining personal interests and talents with future careers is the best way to utilize ‘talent.’ Film is a comprehensive art form that requires diverse knowledge and skills. What I’ve accumulated in my academic studies can also be applied to filmmaking in the future. How can that be considered a waste?”

Wang Xue quickly took notes and continued, "The report mentioned that you really wanted to study directing, but the Beijing Film Academy's directing department isn't accepting students this year, so you applied to the acting department. I heard that the school is now offering you a double degree, with the head of the directing department personally guiding you. Are you satisfied with this arrangement?"

“I am very satisfied,” Yang Guangming said sincerely. “I am very grateful for the understanding and support of the leaders of Beijing Film Academy. This arrangement not only respected my application preferences but also fulfilled my wish to study directing. Director Xie is a well-known director and educator in the industry, and it is my honor to be able to study under his guidance.”

"You starred in director Jiang Wen's film 'In the Heat of the Sun,' which was nominated for the Venice Film Festival. How did this experience affect you?"

Yang Guangming pondered briefly: "The impact was significant. The four months of filming gave me a more direct and in-depth understanding of filmmaking."

Director Jiang Wen's dedication to art and pursuit of excellence deeply inspired me. More importantly, this experience has further convinced me that filmmaking is the career I want to dedicate myself to.

Are you going to Venice in September?

"Yes, I'm going with the main cast and crew. It's a rare learning opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a top international film festival and watch outstanding works from around the world. I'm really looking forward to it."

Wang Xue nodded and changed her perspective: "There's a lot of discussion in society about 'where top scorers should go.' How do you think society should view the choices of top scorers?"

Yang Guangming sat up straight; he had been thinking about this question for a long time.

"I believe that society should show more tolerance and respect," he said slowly. "Every top scorer is an independent individual with their own interests, aspirations, and life plans. Some people are suited for scientific research, some for politics, and some for the arts. Diverse development paths are the foundation of a healthy social ecosystem."

"Top scorer is just a title; it represents the results of the past twelve years of learning, but it should not define a person's future. We should encourage young people to make choices based on their own hearts, rather than being held hostage by societal expectations."

Wang Xue put down her pen and looked at him seriously: "These words don't sound like the insights a seventeen-year-old boy should have."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Maybe it's because I like to think about these things. Also, the public opinion lately has made me think a lot."

"One last question." Wang Xue closed her notebook, but the recording equipment was still running. "What are your plans for the future? Or rather, what kind of filmmaker do you aspire to be?"

Looking out the window, Yang Guangming sees the Beijing Film Academy campus serene yet vibrant under the summer sun.

"I hope to become a filmmaker with thoughts and feelings." He turned his gaze to Wang Xue. "Film is not just entertainment; it is also an art form that records the times, expresses thoughts, and conveys emotions. I hope to be able to make works that have both artistic value and can touch the hearts of the audience in the future."

"My specific plan is to build a solid professional foundation at the Beijing Film Academy, study more, and practice more. If I have inspiration, I may also practice a little while studying. But in any case, I will stick to my love and pursuit of film art."

Wang Xue turned off the recording equipment, stood up, and extended her hand again: "Thank you, Guangming. This interview was very pleasant. Your thoughts and attitudes will be conveyed to more people through our reports."

"I should be thanking you, Reporter Wang," Yang Guangming said, shaking her hand.

After the interview, the photographer took several more photos of him on campus.

Wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, Yang Ming stands in front of the iconic gate of Beijing Film Academy or walks on the tree-lined path, his smile bright and his eyes firm, full of youthful vigor and confidence in the future.

That afternoon, reporter Wang organized the manuscript and began writing.

The following day, a lengthy interview titled "The Top Scholar's Film Dream: An Interview with Yang Guangming, Who Chose Beijing Film Academy" was published on the front page of the Kyoto Youth Daily's education section.

The article details the interview, objectively presenting Yang Guangming's journey in choosing the Beijing Film Academy, his understanding of film art, and the special training program the academy developed for him.

The article quotes several of Yang Guangming's philosophical and persuasive answers, and also describes his composure and wisdom during the interview.

The article concludes by saying: "When thousands of students squeeze across the single-plank bridge of the college entrance examination, and society habitually guides the top-scoring students to a few 'orthodox' paths, Yang Guangming's choice, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, has sparked reflection on the diversification of talent standards and paths to success."

Perhaps we should give young people more trust and space, allowing them to follow their hearts' passions and explore their own wonderful world.

The special handling by the Beijing Film Academy demonstrates the flexibility and responsibility of higher art institutions in talent cultivation.

Wishing this clear-headed and determined young man all the best, and may his film career be filled with dazzling stars.

This report was quickly reprinted by many media outlets.

Public opinion has begun to shift significantly.

The previous criticisms of "wasting talent" appear weak and arbitrary in the face of Yang Guangming's clear and powerful self-narration and BeiDou's extremely sincere proposal.

More people are beginning to reflect: Why can't top scorers pursue art? Why is it assumed that studying film is not the "right path"? Isn't the Beijing Film Academy's dual-degree program and the personal guidance of master craftsmen the best way to cherish and cultivate top talents?

Supportive, understanding, and appreciative voices are gradually becoming the mainstream.

People are beginning to view this "atypical" top scorer's choice with a more open and inclusive perspective.

The name Yang Guangming is no longer just a controversial symbol, but is gradually becoming a vivid role model of someone with ideas, aspirations, and the courage to pursue their dreams.

The initial surprise and confusion turned into curiosity and anticipation – everyone wanted to see what kind of future this top scorer, who had chosen a different path, would have.

Yang Guangming, who was at the center of the storm, shut down most of his external communications again after the interview was published.

The courtyard house has returned to its former tranquility.

Right now, Yang Guangming is more concerned about the upcoming trip to Venice and the start of his university life in September.

The cicadas still chirped, and the summer breeze swept through the courtyard.

In the study, the video recorder started up again, and the pages of the book turned softly. (End of Chapter)