Chapter Forty-Eight: Everything in Uproar

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(Many thanks to Long Shaoll1 for the generous reward and support.)

“On May 2nd, the Sixth College Students’ Film Festival concluded in Beijing. The awards themselves speak for their own prestige, but it was the speech delivered by the young director Wu Xiang, who won the Best Emerging Female Work award, that sparked a strong response among university students.” The report then shared Wu Xiang’s speech, and similar coverage appeared on entertainment segments of stations like Beijing TV.

At this stage, the College Students’ Film Festival could only be covered in reports; its influence was not strong enough for live broadcasts. Yet, even so, Wu Xiang’s speech had become a hot topic of discussion.

Especially on the burgeoning internet, many people were talking about this innovative young director, notably university students themselves, who were the main force of internet users.

“No wonder he can make such films. His level of awareness is so high.”

“Absolutely, utmost respect to the flood-fighting heroes.”

“I actually think Wu Xiang is rather silly. With that speech, the audience was filled with big names. Wouldn’t that make them uncomfortable? Isn’t he offending people?”

“Wu Xiang’s family must be quite wealthy, right? Isn’t filmmaking expensive? Or is it state-funded?”...

There were all kinds of opinions, but most were positive.

Moreover, the authoritative “People’s Daily” even published an editorial titled “Salute to the Most Admirable People!” specifically praising Wu Xiang’s actions, extending the discussion to the responsibilities borne by university students in the new era...

Wu Xiang broke out in a cold sweat after reading it. When he spoke on stage, he really just wanted to express what was in his heart; if he hadn’t been moved by the heroic image on that newspaper, he wouldn’t have felt compelled to make such a film. Rationally speaking, the cost of such a movie was quite high; pouring so much into his first film was a risk.

Indeed, the speech was simply a heartfelt reflection and thanks—it was Wu Xiang’s genuine emotion. But he hadn’t expected his reputation to explode overnight.

That wasn’t all. Not long after, his class teacher, Mr. Liu, told Wu Xiang that the school was recommending him for “Outstanding Student Leader of Yanjing.” Wu Xiang was dumbfounded—since when was he a leader?

Mr. Liu simply retorted, “You’re the class labor committee member, aren’t you? From now on, you’d better take your responsibilities seriously!”

Wu Xiang was speechless. A labor committee member in a class of eighteen? Isn’t it called “life committee” in university? If you count subject representatives, group leaders, club heads... is everyone a leader?

Wu Xiang understood—his teachers were worried about being blamed by the higher-ups. With Wu Xiang’s fame soaring and even “People’s Daily” mentioning him, how could such a student be nothing in his own class, just an ordinary nobody? What were the teachers doing—blind?

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Let them fuss as they please. Wu Xiang didn’t dare say much anymore and chose to enjoy the benefits—now all he wanted was to focus on filming.

Location: McDonald’s. Characters: Wu, Xiao Yu.

“What would you like to drink?” Chen Kun gently wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.

“Why are you so stingy? Can’t you just say you’ll treat me to something?” The speaker was Huang Yi, donning square black-rimmed glasses and a trendy outfit. At this moment, Huang Yi was so transformed that even her acquaintances might not recognize her—she was much ‘fatter’ than usual!

“Sis, please believe me, it’s not stinginess—I’m thinking of your wellbeing.” Chen Kun glanced up and down at Xiao Yu, clearly implying she ought to watch her diet. “This place is all junk food. If you eat too much, you’ll get fat. Look at you now, how could you still...”

The two continued their dialogue, each line more biting than the last.

“...” Huang Yi’s mouth twisted, as if about to cry. “So you’re saying we won’t be able to happily hang out together anymore?”

Kun wiped his forehead again. “Sis, don’t you think the risk is too high when we hang out together?”

Huang Yi’s eyes sparkled, as if making a final stand. “I’m not afraid! As long as it’s you, what does danger matter? For love, I’d risk everything!” She was quite impressive.

But Kun quickly dashed her hopes. “Sis, I’m scared!” With that, he fled.

“Boohoo...” Tears streamed down. Huang Yi cried miserably.

“What’s wrong? Who bullied you?” At that moment, a beautiful figure entered the frame.

“Sisi, let me die!” Huang Yi plunged into her arms.

“Don’t cry. It’s not worth dying for those lousy men!” came the comforting voice.

“Cut!” Wu Xiang, watching from the sidelines, called out, then ran to the monitor to rewatch the scene. “Okay, that’s it! She’s the one!”

This scene featured Chen Kun as Wu, substituting for Huang Haibo’s Ah Tai meeting his online friend, only to encounter Huang Yi’s Xiao Yu, a carnivorous dinosaur. In both the original and Wu Xiang’s ‘remake,’ this scene was merely mentioned in passing, but Wu Xiang believed it deserved to be filmed, as its comedic effect was excellent—especially with Huang Yi’s version of ‘Xiao Yu.’

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This is not ‘Xiao Yu’—this is a ‘big fish’!

Wu Xiang had discussed with Hao Yi, who had been promoted to art director, that the film’s makeup would focus on light or even no makeup, reflecting the current state of ordinary university students—still youthful and rarely adorned, especially Qingwu Feiyang, whose purity and beauty would be highlighted.

But Huang Yi was different; Wu Xiang completely transformed her appearance!

Fat wasn’t enough. Originally weighing 138 pounds, Huang Yi now looked like she was 200 pounds in Wu Xiang’s vision. Not only did she ‘gain weight,’ but she was also dressed up.

Beyond the black-rimmed glasses, Huang Yi wore a cap—shaped like a baseball cap, but adorned with metallic spikes. Her clothes were bulky but undeniably trendy: black with colorful splashes. The key was her shoes—Wu Xiang had deliberately bought a pair of AJ4 Fear Oreos, which weren’t expensive yet, as no one was speculating on them at the time. She carried a small bag and had a walnut-shaped phone hanging at her chest.

She was the very definition of an extremely fashionable chubby girl! Wu Xiang dared say, even ten years later, this look wouldn’t be outdated—he actually styled her according to future trends. When Huang Yi saw herself transformed, she was dumbfounded, constantly asking, “Is this really me?”

But don’t forget, despite the trendy outfit, the bulky figure, fierce bearing, and gleaming braces—all combined for a knockout effect. When Huang Yi appeared before everyone dressed like this, they all collapsed with laughter. Huang Haibo even whispered to Wu Xiang, “You really got me back, man!” Clearly, he still remembered the time his pants were pulled down.

This was exactly the effect Wu Xiang wanted—a woman like this, then Wu ruthlessly rejects her. But soon there will be another scene with Wu and Ah Tai—Wu is Ah Tai’s stand-in, so he chooses the pain of rejection now, rather than later. Connected together, it creates great comedic effect, and afterward, the next scene will be Qingwu Feiyang meeting Wu for the first time, with that classic line, “What would you like to drink?” appearing again.

Such arrangements naturally create dramatic tension—the two women receive entirely different treatment, making the plot much more engaging.

Wu Xiang had a comprehensive plan for his work—compared to the old version, it was a major overhaul, with more scenes, more fun, and better suited to young people’s psychology.

However, as for the recent scene, Huang Yi was really a headache for Wu Xiang—she always liked to add lines!

For example, “So we won’t be able to happily hang out together anymore?” That was Huang Yi’s addition. But it worked—it made the scene even more amusing, so Wu Xiang didn’t object.

“No wonder she’s the legendary ‘Queen of Improvisation’!” Wu Xiang, who had worked in TV in his previous life, had long heard that Hai Qing had a penchant for adding lines—once turning a supporting role into the lead. Seems the habit had started here.

Never mind, onto the next shot. No need to change the scene—bring on Qingwu Feiyang and Wu’s confrontation.

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