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

At the end of September, preparations for Yang Guangming's "Love Letter" entered a crucial stage.

Casting director Li Ming has been sending over a thick stack of materials these past few days, all of which are candidates for several supporting roles in the film.

The main characters are classmates and teachers from middle school. Although their roles are not many, Yang Guangming has high requirements for the actors. The words "authentic and natural" are easy to say but require a lot of effort to achieve.

At this moment, he sat at the large desk in his study, with a clear blue sky at the end of September outside the window, and several persimmon trees laden with green and yellow fruits.

He opened the first list of candidates, which included actors playing homeroom teachers. He quickly selected a middle-aged actress from the Beijing People's Art Theatre. The second list contained several actors playing male students, and he chose two students from the Beijing Film Academy.

When he turned to the third copy, Yang Guangming's hand suddenly stopped.

Two photos slipped out of the document bag.

The first photo shows a girl with an almost transparent purity, shoulder-length black hair, gentle eyes and a clean smile.

The back of the photo reads: Gao Yuanyuan, 16 years old, a high school student.

Yang Guangming stared at the photo for several seconds.

Of course he knew the name.

In the original timeline, she was the white moonlight in countless people's hearts, the kind of face that could be remembered with just one photograph. Unexpectedly, she is only sixteen years old now, still a high school student.

He opened the accompanying document, which listed her basic information: she attended a middle school in Beijing, had above-average grades, and had no acting experience. The recommender's name was "Wang Xiaotang," a veteran artist from the August First Film Studio.

Yang Guangming picked up the second photo.

The girl in this photo is even younger, yet her features are already remarkably refined, with a maturity and cleverness beyond her years in her eyes and brows. The back of the photo reads: Fan Bingbing, fourteen years old, student of Xie Jin Performing Arts School.

Fourteen years old.

Looking at the name, Yang Guangming felt a complex mix of emotions. This name, which would later stir up countless waves in the Chinese film industry, was at this moment just a young girl who had just stepped into the world of acting.

He put down the photo, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes.

Li Ming's choice of these two was indeed astute. Their looks were so outstanding that they would stand out even in a crowd. And the roles of the female classmates in "Love Letter" definitely needed those kinds of faces that "make the audience remember them."

More importantly, their temperaments perfectly matched the characters – Gao Yuanyuan's pure and gentle nature made her suitable for the quiet and reserved girl in the class; Fan Bingbing's lively and charming nature made her suitable for Su Shu's cheerful and outgoing deskmate.

Yang Guangming picked up the phone and called Li Ming.

"Director Li, I've seen Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing's information. Are they sure they can come for the audition?"

Li Ming's voice on the other end of the phone was filled with excitement: "Director Yang, I've met both of them in person. Gao Yuanyuan was recommended by Teacher Wang Xiaotang. Teacher Wang said that although this child has never acted before, she has a particularly good sense of the camera. Fan Bingbing is a student at Xie Jin Art School. Her mother asked someone to submit her information. The little girl is very talented."

"Let's invite them to audition," Yang Guangming arranged directly. "The time is set for the afternoon of the day after tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll arrange it right away."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming glanced at the two photos again.

Sixteen years old, fourteen years old.

They were all at the age of blossoming youth.

The next afternoon, Yang Guangming went to the Beijing Film Studio's soundstage.

Preparations for "Love Letter" are on the fast track, and art director Huo Tingxiao is building a middle school classroom scene. It's a modern middle school classroom with inspirational slogans on the walls and a dark green glass blackboard.

"Director Yang, what do you think of the effect?" Huo Tingxiao pointed to the newly set-up podium.

Yang Guangming walked in, moving between the desks. The setting sun slanted in through the window, and he reached out to touch the windowsill, where several potted green ivy plants sat, their leaves glossy.

“Very good.” He nodded in satisfaction. “That’s the feeling. Our film is set in modern times, so it should have a modern feel. The scenes set in the student era should have a warm glow.”

Huo Tingxiao took notes carefully.

The two discussed the details of the lighting and color scheme for a while longer. Yang Guangming glanced at his watch; it was already 4:30.

When I returned to the courtyard house in the evening, Zuo Xiaoqing had already come home from school.

She sat on the stone bench in the courtyard, flipping through the script. The script for "Love Letters" was worn and covered with annotations.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up and a smile immediately bloomed on her face: "Brother Guangming, you're back."

Yang Guangming walked over and sat down next to her: "How was school today?"

"It's great." Zuo Xiaoqing closed the script. "The teacher talked about the structure of a skit today, and I took a lot of notes. By the way, a classmate of mine heard that I was filming in your production team and was very envious."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "What's there to envy? Filming will be tough."

"I'm not afraid of hard work." Zuo Xiaoqing said earnestly, "As long as I can play this role well, it's all worth it, no matter how hard it is."

She paused, then asked, "Brother Guangming, I heard you're meeting two new actors tomorrow?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "Yes, two female students. They don't have many scenes, but their roles are quite important. One is a high school sophomore with no acting experience; the other is only fourteen years old and is from the Xie Jin Performing Arts School."

Zuo Xiaoqing was silent for a few seconds, then asked softly, "Are they... pretty?"

Yang Guangming turned to look at her; the girl's eyes were bright, with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

“She’s quite pretty,” he said truthfully. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been chosen by the casting director.”

Zuo Xiaoqing said "Oh," lowered her head, and unconsciously traced circles on the script cover with her finger.

Yang Guangming reached out and covered her hand: "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." Zuo Xiaoqing shook her head, then looked up and forced a smile. "It's just... Guangming is so outstanding, there are always many beautiful girls around him. I need to work harder."

Looking at her, Yang Ming felt a surge of tenderness in his heart. He reached out and put his arm around her shoulder, letting her lean against him.

“You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone,” he said softly. “You are you.”

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned against him without saying a word.

At 2 p.m. the next day, Yang Guangming appeared on time in the audition room of Beijing Film Studio.

Li Ming was already waiting, with the assistant director and cameraman sitting next to him. The audition room wasn't large, but it was fully equipped. Opposite them was a Sony digital camera connected to a monitor.

"Director Yang, Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing have arrived and are waiting outside." Li Ming handed over a glass of water.

"Let Gao Yuanyuan come in first," Yang Guangming said.

The door opened, and a girl walked in.

She was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, a navy blue knee-length skirt, white socks, and black leather shoes—a very ordinary school uniform outfit, yet it was striking.

Sixteen-year-old Gao Yuanyuan still carried the unique naivety and shyness of a young girl. Her hair, just reaching her shoulders, was tucked behind her ear with a simple black hair clip, revealing her clean and delicate profile. Her eyebrows and eyes were exceptionally beautiful, not in an aggressive way, but with a gentle, refreshing beauty that made people want to look at her more.

She walked to the center of the room and bowed slightly to the interviewers: "Hello, teachers, I am Gao Yuanyuan."

The sound was soft, like a spring breeze blowing across a lake.

Yang Guangming gestured for her to sit down in the chair.

"Gao Yuanyuan, have you ever acted before?" Yang Guangming asked.

"No." Gao Yuanyuan shook her head, a little embarrassed. "This is my first audition."

"So how did you come up with the idea of ​​joining our production team?"

Gao Yuanyuan pursed her lips and said earnestly, "My classmates knew that 'Love Letter' was casting, and they all encouraged me to give it a try. I was very hesitant at first, thinking that I had no experience and would definitely not be selected. Later, Teacher Wang said that opportunities are earned, and how would I know if I could do it if I didn't try? So I... so I mustered up my courage."

She spoke sincerely, without trying to please or being overly nervous.

Yang Guangming nodded and then asked, "Have you read the script for the role?"

“I’ve read it.” Gao Yuanyuan’s eyes lit up. “Director Li sent me a copy. Although it’s only a few pages, I’ve read it many times. I especially like the scene in the library where the female Su Shu and the male Su Shu are.”

Why did you like that scene?

Gao Yuanyuan thought for a moment and said softly, "Because that kind of affection is unspoken. She secretly looked at his library card, put the drawing away, and only discovered many years later that there was a portrait of her on the back of the library card. This kind of feeling... is very quiet and beautiful."

There was a gentle light in her eyes when she spoke.

Yang Guangming and the assistant director exchanged a glance.

“Okay, now let’s try out a short scene.” Yang Guangming picked up the script and turned to a page. “Let’s try scene 15. You’re organizing bookshelves in the library, and the male Su Shu is reading a book next to you. Not too many movements are needed, just a normal daily scene.”

Gao Yuanyuan nodded, stood up, and walked to the bookshelf next to her.

She took a deep breath and then began to move—her fingers gently brushing along the spines of the books, as if searching for something. She pulled out one of the books, glanced at the title page, and put it back. The whole process was quiet and natural, as if she had truly worked in this library for a long time.

Yang Guangming stared at the monitor without saying a word.

Her performance was still quite immature, lacking any real skill. But one thing was precious—she wasn't nervous or trying too hard. She just stood naturally in front of the camera, like a quietly growing plant.

"Very good." Yang Guangming called for a stop. "You've really never acted before?"

"No," Gao Yuanyuan said somewhat nervously. "Director, did I act badly?"

"No," Yang Guangming affirmed. "You acted very well. Not in a technical sense, but because you were in great form. The camera liked you."

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned for a moment, then a faint blush appeared on her face.

After the audition, Yang Guangming asked her to wait outside while Fan Bingbing came in.

When the door opened again, the girl who came in was clearly different.

She wore a pink knit sweater with a white skirt, her hair tied in a high ponytail, revealing a delicate and petite face. Her features were already beginning to take shape, with lively eyes and a playful smile on her lips.

Fourteen-year-old Fan Bingbing still had baby fat, but the beginnings of her future stunning beauty were already visible.

"Hello, teachers, I am Fan Bingbing." She walked to the center of the room, her voice clear and loud, and bowed gracefully.

Yang Guangming asked her to sit down.

"Fan Bingbing, what did you study at Xie Jin Art School?"

“Acting.” Fan Bingbing’s eyes curved into crescents. “I’ve been learning for over a year. My teachers at school say that the most important thing in acting is sincerity, not pretense.”

"Do you think you can do it?"

“I’ll try my best.” Fan Bingbing tilted her head and thought for a moment. “I think acting is about believing. Believing that I am that person, believing that everything happening around me is real. If I don’t believe it myself, the audience certainly won’t believe it either.”

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised.

It's already quite remarkable that a fourteen-year-old girl has such awareness and preparation.

Have you read the character script?

“I’ve seen it, and I’ve already read the original novel.” Fan Bingbing nodded vigorously. “My favorite scene is the one where the male Su Shu and the female Su Shu say goodbye in the snow. Although there are no lines, they both know they will never see each other again, and that feeling is particularly touching.”

As she said this, her eyes sparkled, completely absorbed in the story.

Yang Guangming suggested that she also try out a scene.

She plays Su Shu's deskmate, a lively and cheerful girl. The scene is simple: they secretly pass notes during class and pretend to be innocent after being caught by the teacher.

After sitting down at her desk, Fan Bingbing picked up a pen and started scribbling on a piece of paper. Then she quietly pushed the note to an empty spot next to her. Her movements were natural, her eyes held a mischievous glint, and her innocent expression when called on by the teacher was incredibly lifelike.

The people behind the monitor laughed.

"Okay, that's enough," Yang Guangming called out, stopping the activity.

Fan Bingbing immediately composed herself, sat up straight, and awaited evaluation.

Yang Guangming didn't speak immediately. He flipped through the two people's files and then looked up at the window.

Li Mingqing cleared his throat and asked in a low voice, "Director Yang, what do you think of these two people..."

“Keep them all,” Yang Guangming said. “Gao Yuanyuan will play Lin Xiao, the girl who sits by the window and doesn’t talk much. Fan Bingbing will play Zhou Xiaomeng, Su Shu’s deskmate.”

Li Ming immediately wrote it down.

Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing were called in together, and their expressions were completely different when they heard the news.

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned for a moment, then her eyes reddened slightly, she pursed her lips, and nodded vigorously. Fan Bingbing burst out laughing, excitedly tugged at Gao Yuanyuan's sleeve, and whispered, "Great, we got selected!"

Yang Guangming looked at them and a rare smile appeared on his face.

“However, I want to make this clear beforehand,” Yang Guangming said calmly but seriously, “Although your roles are not many, ‘Love Letter’ is my film, and I have high standards for your performances. Before filming begins, you will participate in the crew’s acting training and take classes with the instructors. During filming, there may be repeated takes, and it is normal to shoot a scene more than ten times.”

Both girls nodded at the same time.

"I'm not afraid of hardship," Fan Bingbing said eagerly. "Director Yang, I will definitely act well."

Gao Yuanyuan also said softly, "I will try my best too."

Yang Guangming nodded, indicating that Li Ming should take them to sign the contract.

As Fan Bingbing was leaving, she reached the door, turned back, and whispered, "Director Yang, may I ask you a question?"

"What's the problem?"

"You won the Venice Film Festival Best Actor award at seventeen and the Palme d'Or at eighteen. How did you do that?" She blinked, her face full of admiration.

Yang Guangming looked at the earnest girl in front of him, paused, and said, "There's no secret, just do everything seriously."

Fan Bingbing nodded thoughtfully, then gave a bright smile: "Thank you, Director Yang. I will definitely learn from you!"

She pulled Gao Yuanyuan out, their footsteps as light as birdsong.

Yang Guangming sat there, watching their departing figures.

It's so great to be young; you dare to think of anything and try anything.

……

In early October, the cast and crew of "Love Letter" arrived one after another.

The main adult actors have been confirmed, and the actors for the student era include Yang Guangming, Zuo Xiaoqing, Gao Yuanyuan, Fan Bingbing, and a few other young actors.

Yang Guangming decided to arrange a week of intensive acting training for these young actors before the official start of filming.

The training camp was held in the rehearsal hall of the Beijing Film Studio.

Following Yang Guangming's instructions, Huo Tingxiao decorated one of the rehearsal rooms to resemble a "library"—several rows of bookshelves, several reading tables, and a replica of an old-fashioned window.

The person in charge of the training camp was Mr. Liu from the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy. He was over sixty years old, with gray hair, and was a recognized performance educator in the industry. He had taught countless students, and many well-known actors were taught by him personally.

The first day of training started at eight o'clock in the morning.

Yang Guangming also arrived at the scene, sitting in a corner and observing quietly.

Instead of having them act, Teacher Liu had everyone sit in a circle and each person introduce themselves first.

Zuo Xiaoqing was the first to speak: "My name is Zuo Xiaoqing, a freshman in the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy. I play Su Shu in her student days in the movie." She spoke briefly, but her voice was steady.

Next up is Gao Yuanyuan: "My name is Gao Yuanyuan. I am a middle school student and have no acting experience. I will be playing Lin Xiao. Please give me your guidance."

After she finished speaking, she bowed slightly, the tips of her ears turning a little red.

Fan Bingbing sat next to her, and when it was her turn, she immediately straightened her back: "My name is Fan Bingbing, and I'm a student at the Xie Jin Performing Arts School. I'm playing Zhou Xiaomeng, Su Shu's deskmate. This is my first time acting in a movie, and I'll definitely do my best!"

Her voice was clear and crisp, and her eyes were bright and sparkling, like a little sparrow eager to show off.

Teacher Liu nodded without saying anything and continued to let the other actors introduce themselves.

After walking around the group, he had a basic understanding of the young people. Then he stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to everyone.

Do you know what the most important ability for an actor is?

The rehearsal hall quieted down.

Zuo Xiaoqing thought for a moment and said, "Is it the ability to express emotions?"

Teacher Liu did not turn around.

Fan Bingbing hesitated for a moment, then said, "Imagination?"

Teacher Liu remained silent.

Gao Yuanyuan said softly, "Is it... sincerity?"

Teacher Liu then turned around, looked at Gao Yuanyuan, and nodded slightly: "You're half right."

He walked back to the center of the circle, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"The most important ability for an actor is to be relaxed."

He paused, then continued, "Many young actors become tense as soon as they step into the camera, afraid of not performing well. The more afraid they are, the worse they perform. Why? Because all their attention is on 'I have to perform well,' instead of on the character."

He walked up to Fan Bingbing and said, "When you introduced yourself just now, your voice was raised and your shoulders were hunched. You were nervous."

Fan Bingbing's face flushed red.

Teacher Liu then looked at Gao Yuanyuan: "You didn't dare to look people in the eye when you spoke, and your fingers were constantly twisting the hem of your clothes. You were nervous too."

Gao Yuanyuan lowered her head.

Teacher Liu looked at Zuo Xiaoqing one last time: "You are better than them, but you are also a little nervous inside."

Zuo Xiaoqing paused for a moment, then remained silent.

In the corner, Yang Guangming gently curled the corners of his mouth. Teacher Liu was indeed a master; he saw through everyone's state at a glance.

"Lesson One," Teacher Liu said as she returned to her seat, "Learn to relax."

He told everyone to stand up, close their eyes, and take a deep breath.

"Feel your feet, the feeling of your feet touching the ground. Feel your knees, are they locked? Feel your shoulders, are they hunched? Feel your chin, is it tense?"

The only sound in the rehearsal room was breathing.

Sunlight shone brightly as he watched quietly.

Ten minutes later, Teacher Liu told them to open their eyes.

"Now, reintroduce yourself."

This time, the atmosphere was clearly different.

Zuo Xiaoqing's voice lowered, and her shoulders relaxed. Gao Yuanyuan was still a little shy when she spoke, but her gaze became steady. Fan Bingbing's speech slowed down, no longer rattling off like a machine gun.

A smile finally appeared on Teacher Liu's face: "That's more like how a normal person talks."

The morning training consisted of constant relaxation exercises—relaxation while walking, relaxation while sitting, and relaxation while speaking. Teacher Liu told them that the threshold for performance wasn't skill, but mindset.

When an actor can let go of the obsession with "I have to act well," then they can be considered to have truly mastered the craft.

During the lunch break, Yang Guangming bought drinks and treated everyone to some.

Zuo Xiaoqing naturally walked to his side and took the bottled water he offered. It was an ordinary gesture, but Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing both noticed something different about it.

Fan Bingbing, biting her straw, whispered to Gao Yuanyuan, "Sister Yuanyuan, what's the relationship between Sister Zuo and Director Yang?"

Gao Yuanyuan glanced at her and whispered, "Don't ask questions."

Fan Bingbing blinked and stopped talking, but her eyes darted around, clearly deep in thought.

The afternoon training session consisted of impromptu skits.

Teacher Liu gave each group a scenario, without a script, and they were to improvise entirely. Zuo Xiaoqing and Gao Yuanyuan were assigned to the same group, and their scenario was "In the library, two strangers come together because of the same book."

Fan Bingbing and several other young actors are in a group, and the scene is "a ten-minute break between classes, where several girls are discussing the boys they like."

Zuo Xiaoqing and Gao Yuanyuan entered the makeshift "library". Zuo Xiaoqing sat at the reading table and read a book, while Gao Yuanyuan came over and looked for something on the bookshelf.

Teacher Liu said, "Begin."

The two remained silent for a few seconds.

Zuo Xiaoqing looked up, glanced at Gao Yuanyuan, and then lowered her head again.

Gao Yuanyuan stood on tiptoe, trying to reach the books on the top shelf, but couldn't. She hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at Zuo Xiaoqing, as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

Zuo Xiaoqing noticed her gaze, stood up, and took the book down for her.

"Thank you," Gao Yuanyuan said softly as she took the book.

"You're welcome." Zuo Xiaoqing sat back down.

Gao Yuanyuan did not leave immediately. She stood there, looked down at the book, and then looked up at Zuo Xiaoqing.

"Is this book... good?" she asked.

Zuo Xiaoqing paused for a moment, then nodded slightly: "It's alright."

"Then... I'll borrow it to read later." Gao Yuanyuan hugged the book and walked to another table to sit down.

The two read their books without exchanging a word.

The rehearsal hall was quiet, and everyone was watching them.

Teacher Liu called a halt.

He was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Zuo Xiaoqing, why did you hesitate when you were getting the book for her?"

Zuo Xiaoqing thought for a moment: "Because I'm not sure if she's asking me for help."

"Very good. Gao Yuanyuan, why didn't you leave immediately after you got the book?"

Gao Yuanyuan said softly, "Because I wanted to thank her, but I was too embarrassed to say it."

"Very good." Teacher Liu rarely smiled. "You two have both found the psychological basis for the characters. This impromptu skit deserves an 80 out of 100."

Zuo Xiaoqing and Gao Yuanyuan exchanged a glance and both smiled.

On the other side, Fan Bingbing was chatting away with several girls.

They sat together, pretending it was a break between classes. Fan Bingbing pulled out a magazine and excitedly pointed to the cover: "Look! He's so handsome!"

Several other girls gathered around, chattering, "I like his movie!"

"I think he looks best in military uniform!"

Fan Bingbing hugged the magazine to her chest, her face full of infatuation: "I must marry him someday!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Teacher Liu called a halt and asked Fan Bingbing, "Was your excitement just now real or acting?"

Fan Bingbing blinked: "Half and half. I do think he's quite handsome."

Teacher Liu was rarely amused: "Okay, that's genuine emotion, extra points."

The day's training ended, and it was already getting dark.

The young actors left the rehearsal hall one after another, exhausted but with bright, sparkling eyes. Teacher Liu's class was tiring, but incredibly rewarding.

Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing walked out of the Beijing Film Studio together.

Fan Bingbing tugged at Gao Yuanyuan's sleeve: "Sister Yuanyuan, where do you live? Is it far?"

“My home isn’t far from here; it only takes one bus transfer,” Gao Yuanyuan said.

“I rented this place,” Fan Bingbing immediately replied. “My mom came with me, and we rented this place nearby specifically for convenience. Sister Yuanyuan, we can come and go together in the future!”

Gao Yuanyuan smiled and nodded: "Okay."

Fan Bingbing looked back at the gate of the Beijing Film Studio, then lowered her voice and asked, "Sister Yuanyuan, what do you think of Director Yang?"

Gao Yuanyuan was taken aback: "What do you mean, how?"

"Yeah... he's so amazing! He won Best Actor at seventeen and the Palme d'Or at eighteen. And he's so handsome too!" Fan Bingbing's eyes shone with admiration. "I wish I could be as amazing as him."

Gao Yuanyuan did not speak.

Fan Bingbing continued, "And I think Director Yang is a really nice person. When I asked him questions, he wasn't impatient at all, and he even taught me how to adjust my state of mind..."

She chattered on and on, while Gao Yuanyuan listened quietly.

After a long while, Gao Yuanyuan said softly, "Bingbing, if we can perform well, that will be the best reward for Director Yang."

Fan Bingbing blinked, then nodded vigorously: "Yes, you're right!"

They arrived at the bus stop and waved goodbye.

The training camp continued for the next few days.

Teacher Liu's courses became increasingly in-depth. From basic relaxation to observing life, and then to emotional memory, he led these young actors through a lot of exercises—having them imitate a vegetable vendor on the street, a white-collar worker dozing off in the subway, a patient waiting for their number to be called in the hospital, and even more scenes from films.

“An actor only has two weapons,” said Teacher Liu. “Your body and your emotions. The body needs training to be flexible, and emotions also need training to be controlled freely.”

On the third day, Teacher Liu assigned a special homework: everyone should recall something that made them particularly sad, and then bring that emotion into their performance.

The atmosphere in the rehearsal hall suddenly became somber.

Zuo Xiaoqing spoke first. She told the story of a puppy she had when she was a child, which had been with her for six years before getting lost. She searched for it for a whole month but couldn't find it.

She spoke calmly, but her voice began to tremble halfway through.

Gao Yuanyuan was the second to speak, and she talked about her grandmother. Her grandmother raised her and was the best to her. Last year, her grandmother was hospitalized, and she couldn't go back to see her one last time because of her final exams.

She started crying before she could finish speaking.

No one spoke in the rehearsal room.

Teacher Liu waited quietly for them to calm down, and then said, "Remember this feeling. Actors need to open up their wounds and bring out the emotions inside. It hurts, but that's the job."

He paused for a moment, then said, "But you also have to learn to shut it off. The play is over, the character is returned, and you still have to live your life."

On the last day of the training camp, Yang Guangming came in person.

He had all the young actors sit together, without cameras or monitors. He sat cross-legged on the floor like an ordinary senior student.

"Are you tired these past few days?" he asked.

Everyone nodded, then shook their heads.

"It's tiring, but the rewards are huge," Zuo Xiaoqing replied naturally.

"Teacher Liu explained it so well," Gao Yuanyuan said softly.

"I feel like I've improved so much!" Fan Bingbing's eyes sparkled.

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Teacher Liu is the most valuable asset of Beijing Film Academy. You are very fortunate."

He paused, his smile fading, and said, "But I have something to remind you of."

Everyone quieted down.

"Teacher Liu is right to teach you to open up your emotions. But there is one thing you must remember—acting is the expression of emotions, not the venting of emotions."

He looked at everyone and said earnestly, "True acting isn't about making you cry your eyes out in front of the camera, but about making the audience feel that you should be crying. If you're the one crying your eyes out, the audience will be pulled out of the story. Restraint is always the prerequisite for high-level acting."

Zuo Xiaoqing seemed to be deep in thought.

Gao Yuanyuan kept it in mind.

Fan Bingbing blinked and asked, "Director Yang, how can I achieve self-control?"

Yang Guangming looked at her and said, "When you stop thinking 'I have to act well' and start thinking 'I am her,' then self-control will come naturally."

Fan Bingbing paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously.

On the evening of the last day of the training camp, Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing walked out of the Beijing Film Studio side by side.

The setting sun painted the sky orange-red, and a few pigeons flew overhead.

Fan Bingbing suddenly stopped, looked at the sunset, and said softly, "Sister Yuanyuan, I think acting is so difficult."

Gao Yuanyuan looked at her.

"You have to open yourself up, you have to show your wounds to others..." Fan Bingbing's voice was very soft, "Sometimes I don't even know if I can do it."

Gao Yuanyuan was silent for a few seconds, then said, "But you also want to act well, right?"

Fan Bingbing nodded.

"Then we can do it." Gao Yuanyuan encouraged herself, "Didn't Director Yang say that we should do everything seriously?"

Fan Bingbing turned to look at her, his eyes slowly brightening.

"Sister Yuanyuan, you're so kind." She took Gao Yuanyuan's arm. "Let's stay good friends from now on, okay?"

Gao Yuanyuan smiled and said, "Okay."

The two girls' figures disappeared into the twilight. (End of Chapter)