Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 161 Farewell to Peking University
In the lush June weather, the campus of Peking University was filled with a strong atmosphere of farewell and anticipation.

The graduating students of Peking University, dressed in their graduation gowns and caps, beamed with youthful smiles and anticipation as they prepared to leave the ivory tower and enter society.

They were busy taking graduation photos by the Weiming Lake, under the Boya Pagoda, and in front of the library.

Some students gather in small groups, striking playful poses to capture their most sincere friendships; others stand alone in front of a landmark, their eyes revealing their longing and reluctance to leave their alma mater.

Photographers busily pressed their shutters, capturing every beautiful moment. Laughter and cheers echoed throughout the campus, a tribute from the graduates to their youthful years.

Under the blazing summer sun, Song Ci held a bouquet of flowers given to him by Liu Shishi, dressed in a gray-collar academic gown for finance, looking dignified and handsome.

He had successfully passed his graduation defense, completing his university studies a year ahead of schedule, and was about to graduate from Peking University. Walking side-by-side with Ms. Liu along the forest path, his eyes were filled with reluctance and nostalgia for his campus life.

He has so many wonderful memories here: his rise to prominence, finding love, and achieving academic success. Every blade of grass, every brick and tile in Peking University has witnessed his growth and struggle over the past three years.

Liu Shishi and her boyfriend held hands, dressed in summer clothes, like a refreshing breeze, showing their youthful vitality.

Wearing a baseball cap adds a touch of playfulness and liveliness. She occasionally looks up at Song Ci's handsome profile, her eyes revealing endless pride and love.

Today, she specially took leave from the set of "Hello, Old Times" to rush to Peking University, just to accompany her boyfriend through this important moment. How could Mr. Song's important milestone in his life be complete without her, Liu Shishi!
"Yi-yi, will you have a lot more free time after you graduate?"

Song Ci smiled and nodded: "I will focus most of my energy on group affairs from now on."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi immediately pouted, looking unhappy. "That jerk is busy with his studies and work, where does he leave me?"

Song Ci couldn't help but smile: "Of course, I'll spend more time with you! Your little lips are so pouty, you could hang an oil bottle on them."

Hearing her boyfriend's words after he was panting, Liu Shishi smiled and lightly punched him, "You bad guy, you just know how to bully me!"

"How have you been doing on set lately?" Song Ci has been busy with graduation lately and has neglected her childhood sweetheart a bit. Today, she finally has some free time and wants to chat with Miss Liu about everyday things.

"Everything is going smoothly on set, except for this annoying guy who's been clinging to me like a leech. I can't hit him or yell at him, it's giving me a headache!" Ms. Liu said with a bitter face.

"Should I have Zhang Zhao handle this?" Song Ci knew that his girlfriend was talking about Jia Nailiang. Jiang Yuanyuan had reported to him. Speaking of which, wasn't this guy's true love Li Xiaolu?

"No need, no need, I can handle it." Liu Shishi didn't want to bother her boyfriend with such a trivial matter.

Although Jia Nailiang had some feelings for her, he remained well-behaved and did nothing out of line. In another ten days or so, the filming would wrap up, and the two would have little contact anymore, so there was no need to make a big fuss.

"Then you can decide for yourself! By the way, Shi Bao, how's your preparation for the movie 'A Little Thing Called First Love' going?"

Speaking of this, Liu Shishi was full of confidence and pride: "I specially invited a very good acting coach, and I practiced my eye acting every day. Teacher Zhang said that I have no problem acting in this movie now."

In order not to disappoint Mr. Song's kindness, Ms. Liu worked hard with Zhang Songwen during this period and her acting skills improved significantly.

"Teacher Zhang?"

"Yes, he's a supporting actor in the production team. His name is Zhang Songwen. He's a performance teacher at the Beijing Film Academy and also serves as an acting coach for Tengda Culture."

Liu Shishi specifically mentioned Zhang Songwen's name, hoping that the teacher would be remembered by her boyfriend, and that Mr. Song might give him a chance to rise in the future.

"That sounds good. You should learn from them and I'll support you when this movie gets approved."

Song Ci encouraged his girlfriend, then suddenly realized that Teacher Zhang was none other than Brother Qiang from "The Storm," and now he had become Miss Liu's acting teacher. He wondered if he could teach his girlfriend well.

Actually, he was indifferent to Liu's acting skills. Aside from Zhao Liying, who later transitioned to acting, which of the actresses born in the 85s relied on acting skills to succeed? Their enduring popularity for over a decade is simply due to their good looks. Of course, having good acting skills is definitely a plus!

However, if Zhang Songwen can really teach Miss Liu well, I might as well give him a chance in the future. Tengda Culture has a TV series that is about to be filmed next year, which is just right for him. Rather than letting an outsider benefit, it is better to let Zhang Songwen, who is practically one of my own, take the role.

“Since you are confident and feel ready, once ‘Hello, Old Times’ is finished filming, I will have Zhang Zhao start preparing for this movie.”

"Don't worry yet!"

Faced with Mr. Song's questioning gaze, Liu Shishi explained, "I'm going back to the 'Legend of the Condor Heroes' set soon. Lao Hu has recovered, and 'Legend of the Condor Heroes' will resume production in August."

Song Ci nodded slightly. "In that case, 'A Little Thing Called First Love' will have to be postponed. I'll have Zhang Zhao approve the project after you finish filming your scenes as Mu Nianci."

"Thanks, dear!"

The sweet, cloying voice reached her ears. Song Ci pointed to her cheek and teased, "Poetry Baby, you're thanking me now, but all you're doing is talking. Where's the sincerity?"

Liu Shishi understood what her boyfriend meant, but as a young woman, she was shy. Today was the day Peking University graduates were taking graduation photos, and students kept brushing past her. She felt a little embarrassed to kiss her boyfriend in public.

Looking around and seeing that no one was paying attention to her, Liu Shishi tiptoed and gently pecked Song Ci on the cheek.

Song Ci was not about to let her off so easily. He seized the opportunity to wrap his arms around his girlfriend's slender waist and, before she could react, he lowered his head and kissed her alluring red lips. He only released her when Liu Shishi was out of breath.

Liu Shishi blushed and gasped for breath from the kiss, but in broad daylight, she felt a strange thrill.

"Yi-yi, aren't you afraid that others will see you and spread gossip about you?"

Song Ci raised an eyebrow. "I'm graduating and leaving school tomorrow. Besides, why would I care about that? What, is a big star afraid of her fans finding out about her relationship?"

"No one else has that!"

Liu Shishi replied softly that she was also very conflicted about her relationship with Song Ci being exposed. In general, she still wanted to wait until she achieved success and became a star before loudly telling others, "My man is Mr. Song."

Song Ci took his girlfriend's hand again: "Walk around the campus with me. I don't know when we'll be back at Peking University again!"

Liu Shishi gathered her scattered thoughts and strolled with Song Ci through every corner of Yan Garden, as if time itself had slowed down. The two walked along the shore of Weiming Lake, where the shimmering water reflected the couple's intertwined figures; they passed under Boya Pagoda, where the ancient pagoda's shadow mingled with their laughter.

The two would stop every now and then, either whispering to each other or exchanging smiles, enjoying this rare moment of peace and sweetness.

Song Ci would occasionally point to a certain place and tell his girlfriend about the little things that happened there, while Liu Shishi would listen quietly, her eyes full of tenderness and understanding.

The two circled Weiming Lake once and returned to their original spot. Standing by the lake, they gazed at Boya Pagoda. A gentle breeze blew, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light—a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Just then, a student stood quietly not far away, his gaze drawn to the figures of Song Ci and Liu Shishi, a couple who seemed like a pair of celestial beings.

The student's name is Wang Ning. Today, he was taking graduation photos for the graduating seniors. He happened to pass by and recognized the two people. After hesitating for a moment, he mustered up his courage and stepped forward.

"Hello Song Ci and Liu Shishi! I am also a student at Peking University. My name is Wang Ning, and I am also a photography enthusiast."

The sight of you two standing together by Weiming Lake is so beautiful, full of poetic charm. May I take a picture to remember this moment?

Fearing the two might refuse, Wang Ning added a sentence, revealing a story:
“Three years ago, in this very place, I took some photos of you. Later, I posted them on the school forum, which caused quite a stir. I’m really sorry for the trouble I caused you at the time.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi exclaimed in surprise, "So you were the one who secretly filmed us that year!"

Wang Ning's words stirred up her memories. She still clearly remembered that when Peking University started in September 2004, Mr. Song took her on a tour of the campus and people took pictures of them. Later, when the two were eating in the cafeteria, Peking University students pointed and whispered about her.

Wang Ning scratched his head and nodded sheepishly. He had only taken a picture because he saw the two of them standing by the lake and the scene was so beautiful.

Song Ci stood quietly, recalling that three years ago, when he first took Liu Shishi to see Boya Pagoda, he stood right here.

I can't help but sigh at how quickly time flies. My connection with Liu Shishi and Peking University began here, and it seems it will end here as well. Just now, the two of us circled the lake and returned to the starting point, where we bumped into Wang Ning. It was truly a wonderful coincidence.

Such a wonderful coincidence! Song Ci was naturally willing to take a photo to commemorate the moment. She and Liu Shishi exchanged a smile and readily agreed.

Wang Ning was overjoyed to see that the two had agreed. Three years later, at the same place, he witnessed the love between the Peking University heartthrob and the Beijing Dance Academy beauty again. His joy and happiness were indescribable.

I carefully raised the camera, staring intently at the viewfinder, adjusting the angle, trying to capture the most beautiful moment.

Liu Shishi adjusted her baseball cap slightly and smoothed her hair, which was a little messy from the breeze. Then she helped her boyfriend straighten the collar of his graduation gown and smooth out the wrinkles.

Song Ci stood tall, his academic gown looking particularly dignified in the sunlight, and he appeared spirited and imposing.

When Wang Ning saw that the two were ready, the moment he pressed the shutter, it was as if time stood still. In the lens, the two smiled, their eyes full of love and longing for the future. With Weiming Lake and Boya Tower as the background, they witnessed their youth and beauty.

Song Ci then had Liu Shishi hold his arm, and pointed to the distant Boya Pagoda with one hand, recreating the same scene and posture as three years ago.

Upon seeing this, Wang Ning was overjoyed. He understood the meaning behind the music, quickly adjusted the camera settings, and gently pressed the shutter to capture this eternal moment.

After the shoot, Wang turned the camera screen towards the two of them so they could see the photos.

Wang Ning's photography skills are superb; his choice of angles and lighting is impeccable. In the picture, Song Ci and Liu Shishi are happy and content, with only each other in their eyes, as if the whole world is sending blessings to their love.

The two praised the photos highly and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Wang Ning.

"Song, I'll send it to you when I get back to the dorm." After exchanging contact information, Wang Ning smiled at Liu Shishi.
"Shishi, actually I'm your fan, a little lion. I've known about your relationship from the very beginning."

I've been following you ever since we met here three years ago and took our first photo together. I know you later entered the entertainment industry and became a star, and then I became a little lion.

I'm one of the few people who know the truth about Tang and Song poetry. I hope you two will always be happy and harmonious, and let me witness the perfect love story of a superstar.

In Liu Shishi's Baidu Tieba and fan groups, a few people have been tirelessly promoting the "Tang Poetry and Song Lyrics" pairing. The majority of netizens and passersby are unaware of the truth and think it's just a joke by these people.

Liu Shishi was taken aback when she heard this. She didn't expect that the Peking University student in front of her was her fan and knew the true meaning of Tang and Song poetry. It was Jiang Yuanyuan who spread it.

Her delicate eyebrows curved into crescent moons, revealing a radiant smile: "Keep it a secret for me. When the time is right, I will proudly tell the little lions all the stories of Tang and Song poetry!"

After saying goodbye to Wang Ning, Song Ci suddenly received a call from her homeroom teacher, Qin Chaoyang.

"Teacher Qin! My girlfriend and I were just strolling around campus. What? Principal Zhou wants to see me! Okay, I'll settle my girlfriend in and then go see Principal Zhou."

After hanging up the phone, Song Ci said, "Shishi, the principal wants to see me, but I don't know why. How about I take you home first, and we'll meet at Jingyuan Villa tonight?"

Hearing her boyfriend mention Jingyuan, Liu Shishi blushed slightly. Jingyuan was their love nest, where she had the most beautiful memories.

I'm staying there tonight. I'm sure Mr. Song will be going to mess with me again. I'm both looking forward to it and worried. I'm eager to try, but I'm also a little afraid that I won't be a match for him.

He shook his head and declined, saying, "I'll just wander around the school for a bit. We'll go back together after you've finished talking with the principal."

Song Ci thought for a moment. He didn't know how long he would talk to Principal Zhou. Miss Liu was alone at Peking University and was unfamiliar with the place. He was worried about her if it went on for too long.

So he suggested, "Why don't you wait in my dorm? Fatty Lin and the others are all here today."

Liu Shishi blinked and asked with interest, "Can girls go directly to the boys' dormitory?"

"Of course not! There are dormitory rules that generally do not allow girls to enter boys' dormitories. However, these days, with finals approaching and holidays coming up, the dormitory supervisors are not strict. After registration and approval, girls can bring people in, and the stay time is generally limited to no more than two hours."

Liu Shishi was very curious: "Then I want to go to your dorm. I've never been to your dorm before!"

"Okay then, you wait for me in the dormitory. I'll meet with the principal and then come pick you up."

(End of this chapter)