Tea-flavored Romance

Director Xu? Director Xu Yi, is that you? Where did that girl go, who was so arrogant and said she couldn't get your approval when she found out I won the championship? Don't lose your soul just because you're thinking about ranking up!

I really don't have any ideas about making movies lately... By the way, how did Gu Guanxue manage to persuade this runner-up director to come and be our photographer and makeup artist at the game expo?

Chapter 141: Why is he so gentle?

The three sat down. Gu Xihua was smiling and ordering food from the waiter, leaving Master Ning alone, awkwardly dealing with his little fangirl while holding a glass of lemonade.

"Teacher Ning..."

"..."

As soon as Xu Yi opened her mouth, Ning Yuan couldn't help but feel annoyed. The entertainment industry is really ridiculous. No matter who you are, as long as you work in the media and film industry, you can be called a teacher... In the end, apart from those old artists with integrity, cultivation, and real skills, do most people in the film industry have the qualifications to be called teachers?

Unless harvesting fans and traffic can become a discipline, Ning Yuan really can't think of anything good to teach those people.

"You should just call me Ning Yuan..."

"Okay, Teacher Ningyuan..."

"???"

Does this little girl not understand human speech?

He glanced at Xu Yi with a hint of surprise. The short-haired director's eyes seemed to sparkle, and even though he tried to remain calm, he still looked somewhat uneasy.

"Ahem... Professor Ning Yuan... Do you have any new film inspiration lately?"

Are you planning to participate in the National Micro-Film Competition? Have you studied your competitors?

"Oh wait, Mr. Ningyuan, you shouldn't need to research the contestants of the National Micro-Film Competition... After all, I've already done the research for you, and there's not a single one who's any good... Or perhaps, Mr. Ningyuan, you're not planning to continue making micro-films? Are you planning to go straight to making movies?"

Master Ning: "..."

"Um... with so many questions, which one are you planning to ask me to answer first?"

Xu Yi covered her mouth and quickly explained that she was just too excited...

"Teacher Ningyuan, please go ahead."

She's definitely one of the most unique among all the female fans... but I still prefer this short-haired girl's initial rebellious attitude...

Is there anyone who can help her recover?

Ning Yuan turned to look at Gu Guanxue, only to see the most beautiful girl in the department mouthing "Go for it!" to him from across the way, with an expression that seemed to enjoy watching the drama unfold. He had no choice but to bite the bullet and reply, "Regarding the new movie's filming plans... it seems there are no plans for now."

"It's possible that things might turn out really good later... but in any case, I won't be making any moves for the time being."

Xu Yi, the devoted fan who had expected to be disappointed after hearing these words, silently gasped, quickly glancing at Miss Guanxue and Master Ning beside her, her tone solemn:

"I understand..."

What Sister Xiaoxue said is almost exactly the same... She also said she doesn't plan to act in any new short films recently... Is this the legendary "showcasing talent for one person" and "charming the world for one person"? The pairing of Sister Xiaoxue and Teacher Ningyuan is just too sweet...

I'm so upset... How can Teacher Ningyuan be so gentle...

Today is another day to silently shed tears for this talented couple...

As a staunch supporter of Xueyuan, Xu Yi felt she hadn't done nearly enough for them—she had originally wanted to invite Gu Guanxue to join her in the national micro-film competition, given Xuebao's undeniable acting skills. She had felt a slight pity at being rejected before, but now, knowing the real reason for Gu Guanxue's refusal, she felt relieved.

My perspective is really too narrow. I only saw the meager benefits in front of me, but I didn't realize that Xiaoxue's presence by Teacher Ningyuan's side would inspire him and allow him to create even more exquisite works!

This game expo is definitely a rare opportunity for these two to spend time together, so we must give the best support to this wonderful Snowfield couple!

Ning Yuan watched Xu Yi's rapidly changing expression and couldn't help but slowly type out a question mark.

How come you know all this?

Why do I always feel a generation gap when I communicate with this little girl, even though she's the same age as my sister?

Are you going to participate in the National Micro-Film Competition?

“Yes, that’s a rare stage, and I’m determined to stand on it.” Xu Yi’s expression was full of determination. “It’s a pity that you can’t participate, Teacher Ning Yuan…”

“You don’t need to idolize me like that.” Ning Yuan said helplessly, “Actually, I’m just an ordinary person. As for winning that award before… you can take it as a flash of inspiration from God that happened by chance. It can’t be replicated.”

"If nothing unexpected happens, Ning Lang has actually run out of talent... so you don't need to think I'm that great... By the way, since you're going to participate in the competition, wouldn't helping us conflict with your schedule?"

"It doesn't conflict with my short film project. I still have plenty of time to find inspiration. Helping you out is no big deal."

Ning Yuan understood immediately. After thinking about it, he realized that Gu Xihua wasn't the selfish or unreasonable type. She wouldn't force someone with important business to help him. Since she was sure he could ask her for help, she must have already looked into the relevant aspects.

"Thank you in advance... We're sorry to trouble you to take up some of your personal time to help us..."

"No trouble at all...no trouble at all..." Xu Yi seemed not to have heard his earlier comments about Ning Lang's creative stagnation, and said expectantly, "If Teacher Ning Yuan could give me a little feedback on my new work, that would be great..."

"..."

"I'll do my best," Ning Yuan sighed softly. "Don't have too high expectations. At most, I can give you advice from the audience's perspective. In fact, I haven't learned as much as you have in other areas."

“The audience’s angle is good enough.” Xu Yi nodded quickly: “This angle is actually the best.”

Ning Yuan and Gu Guanxue exchanged a glance. The two of them had captured a strong young girl together, and they were in high spirits, unable to help but smile.

Xu Yi: So cute!

After thinking it over, Ning Yuan decided not to let Director Xu work for free, so he decided to give her a portion of his own pay.

"Do you plan to have it transferred via bank transfer or just take cash?"

"Huh?"

“I’m talking about compensation,” Ning Yuan replied patiently. “Even though we’re friends, you can’t always think that just because we’re friends, I can take your labor for free…”

Huh? How could I, who's always thinking about getting two of the most beautiful girls in the department for free, say something like that?

Master Ning paused, silently marveling at the hypocrisy inherent in human nature, before continuing, "So we're planning to give you some compensation..."

Xu Yi initially wanted to object, but in the end, she hesitated and nodded. With her imagination, she could never have guessed that Ning Yuan and Gu Guanxue, those two penniless old men, went to the game expo primarily to make money…

To be able to gather a group of people and shoot a decent short film during her freshman year, Director Xu must be from a wealthy family. Since she herself is like that, she subconsciously felt that Ning Yuan must be the same.

Besides...didn't they announce that Ning Yuan's short film is going to sell its rights? Quite a few companies in the industry are interested, and even foreign directors are paying attention...

Short of money? How could Teacher Ningyuan possibly be short of money? That's hilarious!

Chapter 142: Girls are cuter when they're a little dramatic.

If Master Ning could hear the thoughts of this short-haired girl right now, he would definitely tell her very seriously:

Others may be faking it, but I really am poor!

There are only three things in this world that cannot be hidden: a cough, poverty, and love... Do I look like a rich kid interacting with you all as an ordinary person?

I clearly have no cards to play!

Fortunately, the restaurant quickly brought out the ordered food, and with something to eat, Ning Yuan was finally free from the awkward small talk with Xu Yi. The three of them began to focus on their meal, occasionally exchanging opinions on the dishes, but not continuing their previous conversation.

Unlike her previous encounter with Lin Xiaoya, Gu Guanxue seemed much quieter and more reserved this time. If she had taken the initiative and stunned Master Lin before, this time she acted as if she were asleep, showing no intention of making a move. She simply watched Ning Yuan and Xu Yi talk to each other with a smile on her face.

Isn't she afraid I'll get pursued by a fangirl? I haven't even unlocked the Snow Moon Kill ending yet!

Seemingly sensing Ning Yuan's doubts, after finishing the meal and seeing Xu Yi off, Gu Guanxue took the initiative to ask with a smile:

What do you think of Xiao Yi?

"What do you mean, how about it?"

"It's about the overall impression and things like that..."

"Why do you ask that?" Ning Yuan looked somewhat surprised. "You didn't take her money to introduce her to someone, did you?"

"No, it's not true." Gu Guanxue laughed and punched Ning Yuan's chest. "Do I look like the kind of person who would betray principles for personal gain? I promised to help you pursue Jiang Manyue, so I'll definitely help you to the end."

"Then why are you asking me this out of the blue?"

"Let's see if you like short hair~" Gu Xihua said leisurely, tossing her wine-red highlighted hair. "I want to cut my hair, so I'm asking for your opinion."

Ning Yuan turned his head in surprise: "Do you need to ask me before you get a haircut?"

"Girls usually ask their friends for their opinions when they want to change their hairstyle."

This reason sounded reasonable. Ning Yuan scrutinized her for a moment, then said seriously:

"You look pretty good with your current length."

"But she doesn't seem as pretty as Jiang Manyue~"

"It's okay, you'll get used to it gradually..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Ning Yuan immediately realized it was a bait question and nearly broke out in a cold sweat. She quickly changed her tune, saying, "What I meant was that you'll gradually become more confident. Gu, of course you're prettier than Jiang, so be confident, girl~ *kiss*"

Gu Xihua gave him a half-smile, but didn't delve into the matter further. Instead, she gazed ahead, seemingly oblivious to the situation.

"You haven't asked me about my relationship with Jiang Manyue at all~ Aren't you curious?"

“I did ask, okay?” Ning Yuan said, dissatisfied. “But you didn’t reply.”

"Oh, maybe the timing was wrong back then~"

"So, the time is right now, can you tell me?" Ning Yuan immediately became interested. Although he vaguely guessed that there was some kind of connection between the two SSRs, guesses are just guesses, and the words of the person in question can override everything.

"The timing isn't right either," the girl stretched as she walked. "But even though the timing isn't right, I want to say the most important thing now."

Is this some kind of audacious operation? Ning Yuan was overjoyed. To be able to openly and legitimately learn about two SSRs at the same time, and for one of them to say it personally, Gu Xihua, was an opportunity that was extremely rare!

"Say what you want to say, Gu Guanxue, I support you! This needs to be explained in detail!"

"Okay~ Where should we begin..." Gu Guanxue nodded and said with a smile, "Let's start from the moment we were born in the same hospital..."

"..."

Master Ning looked helpless upon hearing this, thinking to himself, "I asked you to explain in detail, but I didn't ask you to be this detailed... If this girl ever gets the chance to write a novel, she'll definitely be criticized for being too superficial."

"Let's try to skip those stages..."

The girl chuckled in response, seemingly not intending to start the conversation from that point. She walked slowly ahead with her hands behind her back and casually began, "My relationship with Jiang Manyue... I guess you'd call us childhood sweethearts in the eyes of normal people?"

"Childhood sweethearts are a term used to describe relationships between men and women," Ning Yuan reminded him.

"Oh~ that must be my childhood best friend." Gu Xihua waved her hand dismissively and winked, "It's just a pity I've grown up but she hasn't."

"..."

Today's milk moon... I'll remember this grudge for Jiang Xihua.