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

October 25th, Beijing.

Filming for "Love Letter" has officially begun.

There was no grand opening ceremony, nor any overwhelming media coverage. Yang Guangming simply took a group photo with the main cast and crew in front of the middle school where the filming was taking place, and then went straight into shooting.

The first scene takes place in the school library.

Huo Tingxiao and his art team began setting up the scene three days in advance. The middle school library wasn't large, but it was very well-lit. Rows of wooden bookshelves lined the walls, and several potted green plants sat on the windowsill.

Hou Yong set up the camera and repeatedly adjusted the angle. He wanted that kind of texture—warm, tranquil, with a faint yellow hue like an old photograph.

Yang Ming was dressed simply today, in a white shirt and dark trousers, his hair unstyled, looking like an ordinary high school student. He randomly picked a book from the bookshelf and leaned against the window to read it.

This is his first scene of the day.

Zuo Xiaoqing stood on the other side of the bookshelf, holding several books in her hands, about to put them on the shelf.

The two were separated by a row of bookshelves and could not see each other.

"Scene 7, Shot 1, begin."

The camera slowly zoomed in.

Yang Guangming looked down at his book, the afternoon sunlight outlining the sharp lines of his profile. His fingers lightly traced the pages, pausing when he turned to a particular page, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Zuo Xiaoqing put the books back on the shelf one by one. When she finished putting the last book away, she inadvertently saw the boy opposite her through the gap in the spine.

She paused for a moment, then quickly looked away, pretending to continue tidying the books. But her movements noticeably slowed, her fingers lingering on the spines of the books for a long time.

"Cut." Yang Guangming walked over from the window and stood next to Zuo Xiaoqing.

“That was a good reaction,” he said. “But after you noticed me, you could have paused for half a second longer. And when you looked away, don’t do it so quickly, turn away slowly.”

Zuo Xiaoqing nodded: "I'll do one more."

The second one begins.

Yang Guangming returned to the window, and Zuo Xiaoqing returned to the bookshelf.

This time, when she peeked through the crack at the boy opposite her, she froze for a full second. Then she lowered her eyes, slowly shifting her gaze away, her fingers gliding along the spine of the book, her movements so gentle it was as if she were afraid of disturbing something.

Yang Guangming, watching from behind the monitor, called out "Cut!"

The first one was passed.

The assistant director next to him whispered, "Director Yang, don't we need to do another take as a backup?"

“No need.” Yang Guangming looked at the playback on the monitor. “Her feeling was right. Filming more would only wear down the novelty.”

Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes lit up when she heard this.

The morning's filming went smoothly.

Yang Guangming's scenes mainly focus on his student days. The character is about the same age as him and has an introverted and quiet personality, so he hardly needs to adjust his state to act. He only needs to stand in front of the camera and present the unique calmness and aloofness of a teenager.

Zuo Xiaoqing's condition was also unexpectedly good.

After more than a month of preparation, she had a very deep understanding of the character. She didn't need to deliberately "act"; she just needed to put herself into that scene—she was the girl who was troubled by having the same name as someone else, yet couldn't help but secretly pay attention to that boy.

Hou Yong was very satisfied with Zuo Xiaoqing's performance: "The young girl is quick to learn and has a great sense of the camera. Some actors who have come from professional acting schools just stand there and act stiff, but she doesn't at all."

Yang Guangming nodded: "She has always been very talented and is suited for this job."

During their lunch break, Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing went to the film set.

Today was their first scene, and both of them were very nervous. Gao Yuanyuan sat in the corner, flipping through the script again and again, her lips moving silently as she recited her lines. Fan Bingbing, on the other hand, kept adjusting her school uniform collar and tugging at her skirt, fidgeting restlessly.

Yang Guangming walked over and squatted down beside them.

"Nervous?" he asked.

They both nodded at the same time.

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "It's normal. I was nervous the first time I acted."

Fan Bingbing's eyes widened: "Director Yang, do you get nervous too?"

"Of course." Yang Guangming chose to lie to give the two confidence. "When Director Jiang Wen yelled 'action' for the first take, my mind went blank, and I completely forgot my lines."

Fan Bingbing imagined the scene and couldn't help but laugh.

Gao Yuanyuan also relaxed a bit.

“Remember what Teacher Liu taught us,” Yang Guangming reminded the two of them. “Don’t think about ‘I have to act well,’ think about ‘I am her.’ You’re not here to perform; you are students of this school, and this is your daily life.”

The two girls nodded earnestly.

The first scene of the afternoon takes place in the classroom.

This is the first time that male Su Shu and Lin Xiao have appeared in the same frame.

Lin Xiao sat by the window, quietly reading. Su Shu entered through the back door and accidentally knocked the eraser off her desk as he passed by.

He bent down, picked it up, and placed it on her desk.

“…Thank you,” Lin Xiao said softly.

"You're welcome." Su Shu didn't look at her and went straight to his seat.

The whole process took less than twenty seconds.

Gao Yuanyuan said "thank you" very softly, as if afraid of disturbing something. She didn't look up at Su Shu, but Yang Guangming noticed that her eyelashes trembled slightly when he said "you're welcome."

"Pass," Yang Guangming shouted.

Gao Yuanyuan stood there, stunned, seemingly unable to believe that it had been passed so easily.

The assistant director smiled and praised her, "Gao Yuanyuan, that was good, you acted very well."

Gao Yuanyuan then realized what was happening, and a smile bloomed on her face, like the first melting of spring snow.

Fan Bingbing cheered quietly from the side, "Sister Yuanyuan, you're so amazing!"

The second scene in the afternoon was Fan Bingbing's turn.

She plays Zhou Xiaomeng, Su Shu's deskmate, a lively and cheerful girl. This scene takes place during recess, where Zhou Xiaomeng pulls Su Shu aside to chat, asking him about his weekend plans.

Fan Bingbing sat in her seat, waiting for Yang Guangming to sit down next to her, and immediately got into the zone.

"Su Shu, are you going to see a movie this weekend?" She spoke quickly, her eyes sparkling.

Yang Guangming looked down at his book and said, "I'm not going."

"Why not go? 'The Eagle Shooting Heroes' is hilarious, all my classmates say it's great!"

"You need to review."

"Wow, you're studying all weekend? You're working so hard!" Fan Bingbing leaned on the table, looking at him sideways. "Are you free next week? 'Flirting Scholar' is coming out next week..."

Yang Guangming finally looked up and glanced at her helplessly: "Why do you always want to watch movies?"

"Because it's good!" Fan Bingbing said confidently. "Besides, it's not fun to watch alone, it's more fun to watch with someone else."

After she finished speaking, she suddenly realized something and her face turned slightly red.

This line was improvised by Fan Bingbing and was not in the script.

Yang Guangming didn't call a halt, but continued along with her performance: "Then you can find someone else to watch with you."

"Others aren't you," Fan Bingbing muttered softly, her voice growing softer and softer.

After she finished speaking, she quickly turned back and pretended to be reading a book intently.

The rehearsal hall was silent for a few seconds.

"Cut," Yang Guangming called out, signaling a halt.

Fan Bingbing immediately jumped up from her seat and asked nervously, "Director Yang, did I act wrong? Those lines I just said weren't in the script..."

“That’s right,” Yang Guangming said. “Your reaction just now was very natural. The line ‘other people aren’t you’ was a good progression of emotion.”

Fan Bingbing was stunned, then her eyes slowly lit up, like a small lantern that had been lit.

"really?"

"real."

Fan Bingbing was so happy she almost jumped for joy, but she forced herself to hold back and just nodded vigorously: "Thank you, Director Yang! I will continue to work hard!"

When we wrapped up for the day, Yang Guangming gathered everyone together to give a brief summary of the shoot.

"Today went very smoothly overall," he said. "Xiaoqing was in great form, Gao Yuanyuan was very steady in her first performance, and Bingbing's improvisation was also outstanding."

He paused, then smiled, a rare occurrence for him: "At this rate, we might wrap up filming ahead of schedule."

Everyone was very excited.

After the event ended, Zuo Xiaoqing walked up to Yang Guangming and whispered, "Brother Guangming, let's go eat."

Yang Guangming checked the time; it was 8:30, not too late.

"Okay, what would you like to eat?"

"Anything is fine, as long as I can eat with you." Zuo Xiaoqing took his arm.

The two walked out of the film set side by side. The early winter night breeze was already a bit chilly, and Zuo Xiaoqing hunched her shoulders. Yang Guangming took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

She didn't say anything, but simply pulled her coat tighter around herself, inhaling its familiar scent.

Duan Yunfeng drove the two to a quiet private restaurant in Houhai.

During the meal, Zuo Xiaoqing hesitated for a long time before finally asking, "Brother Guangming, what do you think of Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing's acting?"

Yang Guangming continued picking up food with his chopsticks: "It's good, it has a certain charm."

Zuo Xiaoqing said "Oh" and lowered her head to eat her rice.

Yang Guangming put down his chopsticks and looked at her: "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." Zuo Xiaoqing shook her head. "I just think...they are all quite pretty and very talented."

She paused, then spoke even softer: "And they all idolize you so much."

Yang Guangming remained silent for a few seconds.

“Xiaoqing.” His voice was calm. “You are the leading lady in my life, and that fact will not change because of anyone.”

Zuo Xiaoqing raised her head, her eyes slightly red.

“I know,” she said softly, “but I’m still scared.”

Yang Guangming held her hand: "What are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid that one day, if I'm not good enough, you might not want me anymore."

Sunlight streamed down as it looked at her, casting a gentle silhouette on her face.

“No,” he said. “I’ve said it before, as long as you don’t leave me, I will never abandon you.”

Zuo Xiaoqing's tears finally fell.

She nodded vigorously, then lowered her head to eat, and didn't say anything more.

As filming entered its second week, the atmosphere on set became increasingly harmonious.

Yang Guangming isn't the strict type of director. He has high standards for acting, but he never gets angry when directing. If an actor doesn't perform well, he'll explain the scene again and again, from the character's psychology to the details of their movements, as patiently as a tutor.

Fan Bingbing privately said to Gao Yuanyuan, "Director Yang has such a good temper. I thought all big directors were fierce."

Gao Yuanyuan thought for a moment: "Maybe it's because we haven't made any major mistakes yet."

Fan Bingbing nodded in deep agreement.

Even with Yang Guangming's good temper, the young actors still felt somewhat reserved in his presence. After all, he's a Palme d'Or winner, a figure standing at the pinnacle of Chinese cinema. Even if he's only two or three years older than them, that sense of distance isn't something that can be eliminated in a few days.

The transformation occurred on the third day.

That day, during the filming of a classroom group scene, Fan Bingbing had a scene where Zhou Xiaomeng took out a bag of snacks from her schoolbag and secretly gave it to Su Shu.

It was a very simple scene, but Fan Bingbing had to do six takes.

The first time, she moved too fast. The second time, her expression was too exaggerated. The third time, she knocked the script to the ground while stuffing snacks into his mouth. The fourth time, she forgot to look at Su Shu's reaction. The fifth time, she looked, but her expression was off.

After the sixth take, Fan Bingbing stood in front of the camera, her eyes already starting to redden.

"I'm sorry, Director Yang..." her voice trembled with tears, "I'll shoot one more take, I promise I'll do it right..."

Yang Guangming didn't shout "One more take!" He put down the script in his hand and walked to her side.

"Bingbing, do you know what your problem was?" His tone was very calm.

Fan Bingbing shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

“You’re too eager to act well,” Yang Guangming pointed out the problem. “You’re constantly thinking, ‘I need to act naturally,’ ‘I need to act like a good friend.’ The more you think like that, the stiffer your body becomes.”

Fan Bingbing pursed her lips and nodded vigorously, but tears still fell down her face.

Yang Guangming pulled out a tissue from the side and handed it to her.

"Don't rush, take a five-minute break and adjust."

Fan Bingbing took the tissue, lowered her head, and walked to the corner.

Gao Yuanyuan wanted to go over and comfort her, but Yang Guangming had already gone over.

He squatted down next to Fan Bingbing without saying a word.

Fan Bingbing whispered, "Director Yang, am I particularly stupid?"

"No."

"But I've already had to do six takes..."

"When I was filming 'A Separation,' there was a scene that required 27 takes, and those actors were all award-winning actors and actresses," Yang Guangming comforted the audience with facts.

Fan Bingbing suddenly raised her head, her eyes wide open: "Really?"

“Really.” Yang Guangming nodded. “Teacher Xi Meijuan stayed with me for a whole day. In the end, the props team even finished all the tea they had prepared.”

Fan Bingbing paused for several seconds, then asked in a low voice, "Did they finish their performance?"

"He acted well. That scene was one of the best parts of the whole movie."

Fan Bingbing looked at him, and the frustration in her eyes slowly faded, replaced by a renewed confidence.

"Director Yang, let me try again." She stood up and vigorously rubbed her eyes.

This time, she no longer thought, "I have to act well."

She simply took a bag of snacks out of her bag and casually handed it to her deskmate next to her. Yang Guangming took the snacks, glanced at her, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"Cut," the assistant director whispered. "That's a wrap."

Fan Bingbing stood there, somewhat incredulous.

Yang Guangming nodded to her: "This one is very good."

Fan Bingbing paused for two seconds, then suddenly laughed, her eyes crinkling with laughter. She nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at rice.

Gao Yuanyuan watched her from the corner and couldn't help but laugh.

After this incident, Fan Bingbing's attitude towards Yang Guangming changed from simple admiration to a combination of admiration and closeness.

She would take the initiative to talk to Yang Guangming and ask him all sorts of questions—about acting, studies, and even life.

"Director Yang, what kind of books do you usually read?"

"Director Yang, how long did you study for the college entrance exam?"

"Director Yang, do you think I'll be able to get into the Beijing Film Academy?"

Yang Guangming answered these questions one by one, neither perfunctorily nor condescendingly. He recommended several books to Fan Bingbing, talked about some review methods, and earnestly said, "As long as you work hard, you will definitely pass the exam."

Fan Bingbing kept these words firmly in mind.

Gao Yuanyuan was a little slower to integrate.

She was naturally quiet and didn't talk much on set. Apart from necessary conversations, she mostly sat alone in a corner reading the script or observing other people's performances.

But she was very serious. She would prepare extensively for every scene beforehand. There was a scene with only three seconds of screen time—Lin Xiao walks through the corridor and glances at Su Shu unintentionally. For those three seconds, Gao Yuanyuan practiced in front of the mirror no less than fifty times, just to find that feeling of "just passing by, yet unable to resist looking."

Yang Guangming noticed it.

One day after work, he took the initiative to walk up to Gao Yuanyuan.

“Yuanyuan, I watched your performance today,” he said. “The timing of that turn-around shot was perfect; a second more would have seemed deliberate, and a second less would have been a missed opportunity.”

Gao Yuanyuan paused for a moment, then said somewhat embarrassedly, "I practiced for a long time..."

"I can tell," Yang Guangming praised. "You've put a lot of effort into it."

Gao Yuanyuan lowered her head, the tips of her ears turning slightly red.

After a few seconds of silence, she asked softly, "Director Yang, do you really think I'm suited for acting?"

Yang Guangming looked at her and asked, "Why do you ask that?"

“Because I didn’t know anything,” Gao Yuanyuan said softly. “I hadn’t studied acting, and it was my first time filming, so I had to learn a lot on the spot. Sometimes after I finished a take, I didn’t even know if it was good or not…”

Yang Guangming listened attentively, then said, "Have you ever thought that your biggest advantage is precisely that you 'haven't learned it'?"

Gao Yuanyuan raised her head.

“Many professional actors learn a lot of techniques, and they habitually ‘perform’ as soon as they’re on camera. But you don’t. You don’t know how to ‘act,’ so you can only ‘be.’ This sincerity is more precious than any technique. I chose you for this role because you’re suitable; you’re already a natural without even having to act.”

Gao Yuanyuan stared at him blankly, her eyes welling up with tears.

She blinked hard, forcing back the heat, and then whispered, "Thank you, Director Yang, I understand."

From that day on, the Yang Guangming in Gao Yuanyuan's eyes was no longer the unattainable Palme d'Or winner. He was a friend who was willing to stop and answer her questions seriously.

As time went by, the relationship between the two girls and Yang Guangming became more and more natural.

They no longer addressed him cautiously as "Director Yang," sometimes simply calling him "Brother Guangming." Yang Guangming didn't mind and let them call him that.

One lunchtime, a few people sat together eating. Fan Bingbing chattered on about the funny things that happened at her school, while Gao Yuanyuan listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a word or two. Yang Guangming ate his meal with his head down, occasionally responding to Fan Bingbing's words.

Zuo Xiaoqing sat next to Yang Guangming and quietly served him food.

The assistant director saw this and said with a smile to the people around him, "Look at our crew, don't we look like a family?"

Everyone smiled knowingly.

No one said anything more.

Fan Bingbing truly confirmed the relationship between Yang Guangming and Zuo Xiaoqing on the fifth day of filming.

That day, we were filming a group scene in the library. Yang Guangming was sitting by the window reading a book, while Zuo Xiaoqing was tidying up the bookshelves. The camera needed to slowly zoom in on the two of them from the side to capture that ambiguous atmosphere.

Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan sat in the corner, pretending to study.

During a break in filming, Fan Bingbing glanced up and saw Zuo Xiaoqing walking towards Yang Guangming with a thermos cup in her hand.

She didn't say anything, but simply placed the cup beside him and sat down next to him.

Yang Guangming didn't say anything, but picked up his cup, took a sip, and continued to look down at the script.

The whole process was as natural as breathing.

Fan Bingbing was stunned for several seconds, then quietly tugged at Gao Yuanyuan's sleeve.

"Sister Yuanyuan," she whispered, "Sister Xiaoqing and Director Yang... aren't they...?"

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear. Before, she had only suspected they were in a romantic relationship; now she could finally confirm it.

Gao Yuanyuan glanced over there, then looked away and whispered, "Don't make wild guesses."

Fan Bingbing blinked and didn't say anything more.

But in the following days, she began to observe, intentionally or unintentionally.

She discovered that the chemistry between Zuo Xiaoqing and Yang Guangming went far beyond what was simply "director and actor."

When Yang Guangming was rehearsing the scene, Zuo Xiaoqing would naturally stand beside him; during breaks, Zuo Xiaoqing would help him adjust his coat and hand him a water cup; after work, the two often left the set together and rode in the same car.

These details may not be obvious when viewed individually, but when put together, they become crystal clear.

Fan Bingbing had a strange feeling in her heart. It wasn't jealousy, nor was it disgust, it was just...surprise.

What surprised her even more was another discovery.

The filming ended early that day, and Fan Bingbing went to the props room to return some things. She overheard conversations at the end of the corridor.

It was Chen Hong's voice.

"Guangming, Xiaoqing is in great shape today. She nailed the crying scene in one take."

"Yes, she was very well prepared."

"It's because you gave me such good guidance," Chen Hong said with a smile. "Even I, as the older sister, am ashamed of my own shortcomings."

Then came Yang Guangming's voice: "You also acted very well. Although you've only acted in two scenes so far, you've brought out the restraint of the adult female Su Shu."

The corridor was quiet for a few seconds.

Fan Bingbing held her breath.

She heard Chen Hong say softly, "Guangming, I'll come to your place this weekend?"

Yang Guangming did not answer immediately.

After a moment, he hummed in agreement.

Fan Bingbing dared not listen any longer and left quietly.

She returned to the lounge, sat down in a chair, and her heart pounded.

Chen Hong and Director Yang...

She recalled the way Chen Hong looked at Yang Guangming, the tenderness and affection in her eyes, which were exactly the same as Zuo Xiaoqing's.

So she wasn't wrong. Yang Guangming and Chen Hong also had that kind of relationship.

Fan Bingbing is fourteen years old this year, and she's not a clueless child. She quickly figured out the relationship—Yang Guangming had two girlfriends at the same time, and both of them were in the same film crew.

This realization left her in a daze for the entire day.

Back at his lodgings that evening, Fan Bingbing hesitated for a long time before finally calling Gao Yuanyuan.

"Sister Yuanyuan, I have something to tell you, but don't tell anyone else."

On the other end of the phone, Gao Yuanyuan listened quietly.

Fan Bingbing recounted her findings in detail.

After she finished speaking, she asked somewhat nervously, "Sister Yuanyuan, do you think Director Yang... isn't a good person?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.

Then Gao Yuanyuan said softly, "Bingbing, this is Director Yang's private matter, we shouldn't interfere."

“I know…” Fan Bingbing said softly, “I just can’t quite figure it out.”

"What's bothering you?"

Fan Bingbing thought for a moment, "Do Sister Zuo and Sister Chen know each other?"

“You should know,” Gao Yuanyuan said with certainty.

"So...don't they argue?"

"Did you see them arguing?" Fan Bingbing recalled the interactions between Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing on set these past few days. Although not particularly close, they were still quite polite. Chen Hong would initiate conversations with Zuo Xiaoqing, and Zuo Xiaoqing would respond in return. The two had never actually argued.

"No." Fan Bingbing was even more puzzled.

Gao Yuanyuan said softly, "So this is their own choice. As outsiders, we have no right to judge."

Fan Bingbing remained silent for a long time.

"Sister Yuanyuan," her voice suddenly softened, "Do you think Director Yang might also..."

She didn't finish speaking, but Gao Yuanyuan understood.

"Bingbing," Gao Yuanyuan's voice became serious, "our most important thing right now is to act well."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.

"Yes, you're right," Fan Bingbing said softly. "I was just thinking about it casually."

The two chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up.

Fan Bingbing lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

She remembered how Yang Guangming patiently explained the play to her, how he handed her a tissue to wipe her tears, and how he said, "You have a lot of talent."

She turned over and buried her face in the pillow.

Forget it, I don't want to.

The filming isn't finished yet.

Zuo Xiaoqing has been feeling uneasy lately.

Her unease didn't stem from the filming—on the contrary, her performance was better than ever before.

Teacher Liu said she has found the "soul" of the character, and Hou Yong said her sense of camera presence is becoming more and more natural. Even the usually strict Yang Guangming rarely makes her reshoot.

Her unease stemmed from Chen Hong.

More accurately, it comes from Chen Hong's attitude towards Gao Yuanyuan.

After finishing work that day, Zuo Xiaoqing went back to the break room to get something and inadvertently saw Chen Hong and Gao Yuanyuan chatting on the sofa in the corner.

Chen Hong said something, and Gao Yuanyuan smiled broadly, her eyes crinkling, her expression more relaxed than ever before.

Zuo Xiaoqing stood outside the door, not going in immediately.

"Yuanyuan, what kind of books do you usually like to read?" Chen Hong's voice was very gentle.

"I like reading novels, I love reading Eileen Chang's and Sanmao's."

“I also like Eileen Chang,” Chen Hong said with a smile. “Next time I go back to Hong Kong Island, I’ll bring you a few of her novel collections; the Hong Kong editions have even prettier covers.”

"Really? Thank you, Sister Chen Hong!" Gao Yuanyuan was flattered.

The two chatted very congenially, like sisters who had known each other for many years.

Zuo Xiaoqing silently turned and left.

She's not stupid; she knows what Chen Hong is doing.

Instead of trying to win over Gao Yuanyuan, it's better to guide her.

During this time, Yang Guangming's care and concern for Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing were clearly noticed by both of them.

As Yang Guangming's girlfriends, the two women knew him well. Although Yang Guangming seemed approachable, that was just his way of showing respect to others. In reality, there were very few people he was willing to associate with or even show affection to.

Unfortunately, Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing were both incredibly beautiful, and Zuo Xiaoqing felt a sense of unease the moment she saw them. Chen Hong was even smarter than her; if Zuo Xiaoqing could think of something, Chen Hong couldn't possibly be unaware of it.

Zuo Xiaoqing quickly figured out why Chen Hong did this.

Since they can't stop Yang Guangming from potentially developing feelings for Gao Yuanyuan in the future, they might as well bring Gao Yuanyuan to their side now. When Gao Yuanyuan truly becomes Yang Guangming's woman in the future, she will naturally be grateful for Chen Hong's kindness today.

Neither of them felt that in the future, Guangming would only have the two of them as women, even though Guangming's resolve was already very strong.

It seems inappropriate to describe Yang Guangming, such an unfaithful man, as having strong willpower, but both of them agree on this point.

The temptations around Yang Ming are just too great!

For example, Yang Guangming's classmates Jiang Qinqin and Jin Qiaoqiao are both top beauties. Taking advantage of their classmate relationship, the two tried every means to get close to Yang Guangming, but Yang Guangming politely declined them both.

When Yang Guangming went to Hong Kong Island, the female celebrities there who knew his identity were extremely blatant in their advances, practically throwing themselves at him, but Yang Guangming didn't give them any chance at all.

These were all things that happened around Zuo Xiaoqing and Chen Hong, and the two of them saw them and were actually quite moved.

After figuring out Chen Hong's intentions, Zuo Xiaoqing had to admire Chen Hong's vision and methods.

Gao Yuanyuan is only sixteen years old this year, and she is already breathtakingly beautiful. In a few years, when she fully matures, what an absolutely stunning beauty she will be!

With such a woman by Yang Guangming's side, Chen Hong would rather turn her into an ally than wait for her to become a potential rival.

Since Yang Guangming won't only have the two women by his side in the future, it's better to seize the power of choice in advance. Although it might make her uncomfortable, it's better than being passive. Zuo Xiaoqing has always known that Chen Hong is deliberately acting very magnanimous; doing so will obviously be a plus for her.

Zuo Xiaoqing was ashamed of her own lack of shrewdness.

But despite her admiration, she wouldn't sit idly by and wait for her fate.

If Chen Hong wants to win over Gao Yuanyuan, then she should win over Fan Bingbing instead.

Although Fan Bingbing is only fourteen years old, two years younger than Gao Yuanyuan, her future beauty and talent are already evident. Those bright, expressive eyes, that delicate face, that cleverness—when she grows up, she will be second to none.

Moreover, Fan Bingbing is younger and has more potential for the future.

Zuo Xiaoqing began to actively approach Fan Bingbing.

She talked to Fan Bingbing about acting, asked her about school, and told her about life at the Beijing Film Academy. She discovered that Fan Bingbing was actually very smart; although young, she was quick-witted and had her own judgment about people and things.

Once, Zuo Xiaoqing and Fan Bingbing were having lunch together when Zuo Xiaoqing deliberately brought up Yang Guangming.

"Bingbing, what do you think of Director Yang?"

Fan Bingbing blinked and said cautiously, "Director Yang is very good; he's very patient with everyone."

Do you like him?

Fan Bingbing paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course I like him. Director Yang is so outstanding, who wouldn't like him?"

She spoke very naturally, without blushing or avoiding the topic.

Looking at her expression, Zuo Xiaoqing made up her mind.

She put down her chopsticks and said softly, "Director Yang is indeed very outstanding, which is why many people like him."

She paused, looking at Fan Bingbing: "But you're still young. Right now, the most important thing is to study hard. When you grow up and get into the Beijing Film Academy, you'll have a long road ahead of you."

Fan Bingbing listened quietly, then nodded: "Sister Zuo is right."

She lowered her head and ate, no longer speaking.

Zuo Xiaoqing didn't know how much of what Fan Bingbing had taken in, but at least she had planted a seed in Fan Bingbing's heart.

Back at her lodgings that evening, Zuo Xiaoqing lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

She remembered what Yang Guangming had said.

You hold a special place in my heart.

"As long as you don't leave on your own initiative, I will never abandon you."

She believed he was telling the truth.

But while I may believe it, I still have to do what needs to be done.

In this home, beside this man, there is never love that comes without effort.

She turned over and closed her eyes.

Fan Bingbing is only fourteen years old, and she has a long future ahead of her. She has plenty of time to play this game.

Yang Guangming seemed oblivious to the undercurrents between Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing.

Or rather, he noticed it, but chose not to interfere.

As long as the two maintain a superficial harmony, do not affect filming, and do not cause irreparable conflicts, he is happy to see it happen.

There is no such thing as absolute fairness in the world of emotions. All he can do is treat everyone with sincerity.

As for Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing...

Yang Guangming genuinely admired both girls.

Gao Yuanyuan possesses a natural purity, like an uncarved jade. She doesn't need to act; just standing there, she exudes an aura that makes the camera fall silent.

This is talent; it's a gift from God.

Fan Bingbing possesses a different kind of talent—a natural flair. Her eyes speak volumes, her emotions shift rapidly, and her sensitivity to the camera is innate. With a little polishing, this kind of actress can shine with astonishing brilliance.

But it's just for appreciation.

They are all too young now.

Sixteen-year-old Gao Yuanyuan is still worrying about the college entrance examination; fourteen-year-old Fan Bingbing is still learning how to avoid making mistakes.

Yang Guangming is not a saint, but he has his own bottom line.

He now treats the two girls like younger sisters, caring about their studies and guiding their performances, but nothing more.

After finishing work that day, Fan Bingbing took the initiative to come and find him.

"Director Yang, may I have a talk with you?"

Yang Guangming put down the script in his hand: "Okay, what's up?"

Fan Bingbing sat down next to him, hesitated for a moment, and whispered, "Director Yang, I want to apply to the Beijing Film Academy."

"This is a good thing," Yang Guangming affirmed.

"But I don't know if I can get in." Fan Bingbing lowered her head and twisted her fingers. "Some seniors from our school have also taken the Beijing Film Academy entrance exam. It's so hard to get in; they only admit a few dozen people nationwide each year..."

Yang Guangming looked at her and said calmly, "You're only fourteen this year, and you won't graduate for another two years. You have two years to prepare. You can do a lot in two years."

Fan Bingbing raised her head.

"First of all, you need to do well in your academic subjects." Yang Guangming was very patient. "The academic score requirement for Beijing Film Academy isn't high. You're only in your first year of high school, so you still have time to catch up."

Fan Bingbing nodded earnestly.

"Secondly, you need to have a solid foundation in acting. The teachers at the Xie Jin Art School are good, but you need to put in a lot of effort yourself. Watch more films, observe life more, and practice more."

Fan Bingbing kept nodding, wishing she could take out her notebook and write it down.

“Most importantly…” Yang Guangming looked at her, “you need to have confidence. You are very talented, there’s no doubt about that.”

Fan Bingbing froze for a few seconds, then her eyes slowly reddened.

“Director Yang, no one has ever said these things to me before…” Her voice choked up a little. “My mom just told me to study hard. My teacher said I have talent but I’m too impetuous. I don’t even know if I’m capable of it…”

She lowered her head, tears falling in a steady stream onto the back of her hand.

Yang Guangming pulled out a few tissues from the side and handed them to her.

"Once you get into Beijing Film Academy," Yang Guangming promised, "you can sign with my agency, and I'll make you my leading lady."

Fan Bingbing suddenly raised her head, her eyes wide open, tears still clinging to her eyelashes.

"really?"

"real."

Fan Bingbing stared at him blankly, then nodded vigorously, as if she wanted to engrave this promise into her heart.

"I will definitely pass the exam!" Her voice regained its usual crispness. "Then I will be your junior, and also one of your contracted actresses!"

Yang Guangming smiled but didn't say anything.

A few days later, Gao Yuanyuan also came to see him.

Her question was simpler and more direct.

"Director Yang, my parents want me to go to university and study accounting or education. They say that as long as a girl has a stable job, that's fine." She lowered her head. "But I... want to act."

Yang Guangming listened quietly.

“I don’t know if this is the right choice,” Gao Yuanyuan said softly. “I have no acting experience, no portfolio, and I don’t know if I’m capable. If this path doesn’t work out, it will be too late to turn back…”

She paused, then lowered her voice further: "Director Yang, could you give me some advice?"

Yang Guangming did not answer immediately.

"Yuanyuan."

After thinking for a moment, Yang Guangming asked, "Do you think you'll regret it if you don't try it in your life?"

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned.

“You’re only sixteen. There are many possibilities for your future.” Yang Guangming said gently, “Studying accounting is one path, becoming an actor is another. Both paths have risks, but also rewards. The key is what you want.”

Gao Yuanyuan remained silent for a long time.

“I still prefer acting, and I want to give it a try.” Her voice was soft but firm. “Even if I fail in the end, at least I tried.”

Yang Guangming nodded: "Then let's try it."

He looked at Gao Yuanyuan with a serious expression and gave her full affirmation: "You are very talented and shouldn't waste your talent. Get into Beijing Film Academy or Central Academy of Drama and receive systematic acting training. After graduation, if you'd like, you can sign with my agency."

Gao Yuanyuan stared at him blankly, her eyes slowly reddening.

"Thank you, Director Yang." Her voice was a little choked up. "I will definitely work hard."

Yang Guangming smiled and said nothing more.

Some promises only need to be made once.

Some seeds, once planted, will always sprout.

In mid-November, filming wrapped up for all the student-era scenes in "Love Letter".

Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing's last scene was on the same day.

Gao Yuanyuan's scene was in the morning. Lin Xiao stood at the classroom door, watching Su Shu walk towards her from the end of the corridor. The two looked at each other, Su Shu nodded to her, and then walked past her.

There were no lines, only a three-second eye contact.

Gao Yuanyuan, wearing her school uniform, stood in the November sunlight. A breeze swept through the corridor, ruffling the stray hairs by her ears. Her eyes were as clear as the autumn sky, filled with a touch of reluctance, but mostly with blessings.

"Pass," Yang Guangming shouted.

The entire set fell silent for a few seconds.

Then people started clapping, and the applause grew louder and louder.

Gao Yuanyuan stood there, staring blankly as Yang Guangming walked over.

"Congratulations on wrapping up filming." Yang Guangming's smile was gentle.

Gao Yuanyuan then realized that her scenes were finished.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say thank you, but found that her throat felt like it was blocked by something.

She blinked hard to force back the heat, then bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Director Yang, thank you, teachers..."

Her voice trembled slightly.

Fan Bingbing ran over and hugged her: "Sister Yuanyuan, you acted so well!"

Gao Yuanyuan hugged her, and tears finally fell.

The afternoon was Fan Bingbing's last scene.

Zhou Xiaomeng transferred schools and left; Su Shu escorted her to the school gate.

The script only had one line for this scene: "Su Shu escorted Zhou Xiaomeng to the school gate. Zhou Xiaomeng got into the car and glanced back at him."

Fan Bingbing added a line of dialogue herself.

She stood at the school gate, her schoolbag on her back, looking back at the bright sunshine.

“Su Shu!” she shouted, “I will write to you.”

Yang Guangming looked at her without saying a word.

"You must reply!" Fan Bingbing continued to shout loudly, her voice tinged with a hint of coquetry.

The sunlight nodded.

Fan Bingbing smiled, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

Then she turned around and got into the prop vehicle, never looking back.

"Pass."

Fan Bingbing jumped out of the car and ran to Yang Guangming.

"Director Yang, did I do a good job just now?"

Yang Guangming looked into her bright eyes and said, "Very good!"

Fan Bingbing jumped up with joy, like a happy little bird.

Then she suddenly quieted down, stood in front of Yang Guangming, and said earnestly, "Director Yang, thank you."

"Thank you for teaching me acting, thank you for saying those things to me." Her voice was very soft. "I will work hard to get into the Beijing Film Academy, and I will definitely not let you down."

Yang Guangming looked at her and nodded: "I'll wait."

Fan Bingbing nodded vigorously, then turned and ran towards Gao Yuanyuan.

The two girls hugged each other, laughing and jumping.

In the evening, Yang Guangming booked a small hall at a restaurant near the film set to host a wrap party for Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing.

The dishes were plentiful, but the most eye-catching items were the bottles of juice on the table.

Fan Bingbing looked at the juice, a little aggrieved: "Director Yang, I'm fourteen now, can I drink a little bit of beer?"

Yang Guangming poured her a full glass of orange juice: "Let's talk about it when you turn eighteen."

Fan Bingbing pouted, but still obediently drank her juice.

Gao Yuanyuan smiled with her lips pursed beside her.

The atmosphere was relaxed. Everyone chatted about funny things that happened during filming, how many times someone had to do a NG on the first day, and what funny things they had done on set. Fan Bingbing was teased by everyone and blushed as she stubbornly denied that she had to do six NGs on her first take, almost crying.

"I didn't cry!" she emphasized. "My eyes just got red!"

Everyone laughed even harder.

Gao Yuanyuan sat quietly, watching all of this, a faint smile on her lips.

She didn't say much, but there was a gentle light in her eyes.

As the banquet was drawing to a close, Gao Yuanyuan stood up and walked to Yang Guangming's side.

"Director Yang, may I speak with you privately for a few minutes?"

Yang Guangming nodded, and the two walked to a corner to the side.

Gao Yuanyuan took an envelope out of her bag and handed it to Yang Guangming with both hands.

"This is for you."

Yang Guangming took it but didn't open it immediately.

"Thank you, Director Yang, for your guidance and care during this time," Gao Yuanyuan said softly. "I don't know if I will have the opportunity to work with you again in the future, but I will remember this experience for the rest of my life."

Her eyes were red-rimmed, but her tone was calm.

Yang Guangming looked at her and said, "Yuanyuan, prepare well for the college entrance exam. See you at Beijing Film Academy."

Gao Yuanyuan paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously.

She bowed deeply and turned back to her seat.

On the other side, Fan Bingbing was also waiting.

She was much more direct than Gao Yuanyuan.

When the banquet ended, she ran up to Yang Guangming, tilted her head back, and looked up with sparkling eyes.

"Director Yang, let's exchange contact information!"

She took a small notebook and a pen out of her pocket, holding them in both hands as if presenting a treasure.

Yang Guangming took it and wrote down his phone number and address.

Fan Bingbing carefully put the notebook away, as if it were a rare treasure.

"Director Yang, I will write to you often!" she said earnestly. "If you are busy, it's okay if you don't reply, but please remember to read it!"

Yang Guangming couldn't help but smile: "Okay."

Fan Bingbing then left satisfied.

As I stepped out of the restaurant, a light winter rain began to fall.

Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing stood under the eaves, waiting for the car to pick them up.

Fan Bingbing tugged at Gao Yuanyuan's sleeve, "Sister Yuanyuan, I'll miss you."

Gao Yuanyuan nodded: "I'll miss you too."

"Let's act together again in the future, okay?"

"it is good."

Looking at the rain, Fan Bingbing suddenly felt very sad. "Sister Yuanyuan, do you think we'll ever see Director Yang again?"

Gao Yuanyuan remained silent for a few seconds.

"Yes," she said, "as long as we try."

Fan Bingbing nodded vigorously.

In the distance, car headlights pierced through the rain and mist, slowly approaching.

The two girls, holding umbrellas, disappeared into the rainy night.

The crew members left one after another, leaving only Yang Guangming and Duan Yunfeng at the restaurant entrance.

"Are we going back to the courtyard house?" Duan Yunfeng asked.

Yang Guangming nodded and got into the car.

The car drove through the rainy night streets, with blurry neon lights and hurried pedestrians outside the window.

Yang Guangming looked down at the envelope in his hand.

Inside, there was a handwritten card.

The card had only one line of neat handwriting:

Thank you for seeing me.

There was no signature or date.

Yang Guangming looked at the card for a long time, a smile unconsciously appearing on his lips, before putting it away.

The car drove towards the dimly lit area. (End of Chapter)