The entertainment industry: My 99 future timelines!

In late March, willow catkins filled the air in Beijing.

Yili Yogurt's "Summer First Love" segment quietly began airing during prime time on major television stations.

Initially, it did not cause much of a stir.

Late on a weekend night, a post quietly climbed to the homepage of the film and television section of Tianya Community. The post title was quite sensational: "[Rational Discussion] Who filmed Liu Yifei's new boyfriend? Her camera presence is amazing! Am I in love or is she in love?"

The poster, "Microscope Inside the Circle," shared a nine-grid high-definition GIF.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting soft, dancing light on the downy hairs on the girl's cheeks.

A close-up shot of the shyness and sweetness that welled up in her eyes as the straw lightly touched her lips.

And the final still frame, gazing into the distance with a hazy longing, is enough to take your breath away.

Main post: "A ten-year veteran of the industry, I'm betting my entire career on this: the camera work and emotional capture are absolutely cinematic! Liu Yifei was beautiful before, but when did she ever have such captivating eyes? The director is credited as Li Xu, a sophomore in the cinematography department at Beijing Film Academy? Which big shot created an alt account? Come out and accept my bow!"

Sofa: "Holy crap! No wonder I felt so attracted to this guy!"

Bench: "Five minutes! I need all of this junior's information!"

Floor comment (verified): "He really is a 05 filmography student from Beijing Film Academy! This senior is awesome!!!"

5th floor: "Am I the only one curious about how Liu Yifei found this amazing junior? Her taste is incredible!"

6th floor: "Let me add something. I'm an industry insider. This lighting technique is very similar to that in Zhang Yimou's 'The Road Home,' where light is used to 'sculpt' the human face. This director is either a genius or Zhang Yimou's illegitimate son (doge)."

The post was quickly featured and forwarded over 10,000 times.

While online discussions are in full swing, the real undercurrents have already seeped into the depths of the industry.

-

At almost the same time, the Beijing Film Academy's campus forums and online communities were in an uproar.

The title is even more direct: [Breaking News] Li Xu, a senior from the 05 Photography Department, has taken amazing photos of Liu Yifei! This is the true talent of our Beijing Film Academy Photography Department students!

The post included a candid side profile photo of Li Xu taken at the opening ceremony (he's very handsome) alongside a screenshot of GG, which instantly went viral in the comments section.

"I'm bowing down to Li Xu! He's only a sophomore and he's already directing Liu Yifei's scenes so well! Does he need someone to carry his bag? This directing student is begging for an internship!"

"I remember Senior Li! I thought he was really handsome at the opening ceremony, but I didn't expect him to be even more talented!"

"The cinematography department really made us proud this time! The directing tradition at Beijing Film Academy is truly embodied in cinematography!"

"Insider information: I heard that Li Xu, the senior student who personally recommended Liu Yifei for this filming of the 'GG' movie, is awesome!"

This whirlwind, which originated online and on campuses, quickly spread to the film and television industry.

-

Huayi Brothers, CEO Wang's office.

Smoke swirled around.

Wang Lei stubbed out his half-burnt cigar in the ashtray, stared at the frozen GG screen on his computer, and scoffed, "Liu Yifei? She's been pushed to her limits by our recent wave of 'Henry' articles, so she's started playing around with her young boyfriend? A sophomore at Beijing Film Academy, what a joke."

Sitting opposite Wang Lei was Chen Ke, who had recently returned from Hollywood and had worked as a top producer at Fox.

He didn't reply, but simply adjusted his glasses, leaned forward, and carefully reviewed the fifteen-second clip of GG again.

Then, he slowly leaned back on the sofa, remained silent for a moment, and uttered a single word:

"evildoer."

Wang Lei raised an eyebrow: "How so? It's just a yogurt drink."

"It's not GG's problem, it's the director's problem."

Chen Ke pointed at the screen, her tone resolute.

"Mr. Wang, look at this light. It's not just simple illumination; it's clearly 'sculpting' Liu Yifei's bones and skin texture."

"And look at the editing rhythm, the time spent on each frame is pulling the audience into that 'first love thrill' feeling, and the scariest part is this—"

Chen Ke dragged the progress bar and stopped at the moment when Liu Yifei "smiled shyly with her eyes raised".

"In less than a second, three layers of emotions transitioned: shyness, sweetness, and a little bit of pride. The layers were distinct and vivid. This is not the kind of acting Liu Yifei usually has. This is a top-notch performance that was forced out, or rather, 'hooked out' by this young director using the camera, lighting, and top-notch emotional guidance."

Chen Ke looked at Wang Lei with sharp eyes: "President Wang, this guy isn't just making a GG film, he's using the GG budget to create the most beautiful resume for his leading lady, announcing to everyone: Liu Yifei is not only pretty, she also has talent, and I know how to dig out that talent."

Upon hearing this, Wang Lei's dismissive expression softened somewhat, but he remained unconvinced: "Lucky, I guess? It's just a student film."

"luck?"

Chen Ke shook her head.

"One time might be luck, but if it's like that in every shot, that's terrifying control over the film."

"Believe me, Mr. Wang, next time this guy makes a move, as long as he's still filming women, any ambitious female star in the industry will be fighting tooth and nail for him. Because in his lens, 'beauty' and 'drama' can be quantified and directly converted into box office revenue and endorsement fees."

While Wang Lei and Chen Ke were discussing, the headquarters of the French luxury brand Céline in Greater China was also located there.

After the weekly meeting, Brand Image Director Anna kept the head of the Marketing Department behind.

On the conference room screen, the song "Summer First Love" by GG was playing on a loop.

Anna lightly tapped her fingertip on the smooth tabletop. "Find me this director named Li Xu. For the next season's concept film for our brand's ready-to-wear line, I want this kind of quality—not models wearing clothes, but clothes worn on the story."

"This director understands this; go and make contact, immediately."

-

Of course, it's not just those people high up who have a keen sense of smell.

The entertainment industry has always had a keen sense of "beauty," especially female celebrities and their teams.

Li Xu's old Nokia phone soon began to be bombarded with calls from unknown numbers.

GG Entertainment, film studios, and agents eager to poach talent... came in droves.

Even a certain female celebrity surnamed Fan, who had just won the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress for her role in "Cellphone" a couple of years ago and was at the height of her popularity, also sent an offer to poach her through an intermediary, as one of the Four Dan Actresses.

As long as Li Xu is willing to go to her studio, she is willing to pay any amount of the breach of contract penalty on his behalf, showing her utmost sincerity.

The reason is simple: there are many directors in the film and television industry who can make movies, but very few can capture the "value" of female stars.

For female celebrities in the entertainment industry, a single outstanding shot can often bring numerous business opportunities, such as securing endorsements from major brands, gaining favor from high-end luxury brands, and opening a crack in the international fashion market.

The movie "Yili Yogurt Summer First Love" has only been released for a little over a week.

In addition to Wang Yuyan, Zhao Ling'er, and Xiaolongnu, Liu Yifei has now gained another title: the nation's first summer love.

This title of "nation's first love" directly led to two new high-end male celebrity endorsement letters being quietly handed to her team.

A spokesperson is currently being sought for the upcoming "Royal Five Elements Rejuvenating Skin" series from Herborist, a high-end skincare line under Shanghai-based Jahwa.

What Herborist valued was the pure, radiant beauty that Liu Yifei exuded in "Summer First Love," a quality that perfectly aligned with Herborist's philosophy of "herbal skincare."

The other one was even more surprising.

Laneige, a high-end brand under the South Korean Amorepacific Group, has extended an initial invitation to become their brand ambassador in Greater China.

It is said that the president of Laneige Greater China saw the "Summer First Love" movie by chance in the airport VIP lounge and immediately asked his assistant to contact Liu Xiaoli.

They believe that Liu Yifei's unique temperament, which is "clear yet shy, sweet but not cloying," perfectly matches Laneige's new season's main concept of "watery girl."

Just as Liu Yifei was happily receiving two new endorsement offers.

Despite being at the center of all this storm, Li Xu himself remained unusually calm.

During this period, he experienced being stopped on his way home from get out of class, being approached while eating in the cafeteria, and various "chance encounters" starting to occur downstairs in his dormitory.

The most outrageous thing was that one morning, as he opened his textbook in class, a perfumed note slipped out, with delicate handwriting:

"Senior, I'd like to discuss the resonance between cinematic language and performance with you. Are you free this weekend? — Li Nuo, Class of 07, Department of Performing Arts"

The phone number and dormitory number were also attached.

Li Xu expressionlessly tucked the letter back into the book, and then let go of it as he passed the trash can after class.

Paper fluttered down.

He didn't even glance at it.

Three days later, in order to solve the problem once and for all, he moved out of the school dormitory and rented a one-bedroom apartment near the Beijing Film Academy.

The world was thus brought into peace.

-

Until Liu Yifei called again.

"Junior Li Xu, I've read the script."

Liu Yifei's voice came through the receiver, without the ecstatic joy that outsiders had expected, only a small amount of happiness, and a slightly hoarse voice from just waking up.

"Li Xu, your film script, 'Love Announcement,' a love story between a big star and a female student, is indeed quite interesting, but does this kind of story really have a box office appeal?"

"These kinds of stories are usually found in TV dramas and Korean dramas. It seems like domestic films rarely make this kind of movie. My mother... cough, I mean, as an investor, I need to find out the details."

After a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, the faint sound of her sitting up in bed and the fabric rubbing together could be heard.

Li Xu had anticipated that Liu Yifei would ask this question.

After all, although Liu Yifei promised to respect her creative work, it was impossible for her not to ask a single question.

Standing by the window of the rented room, watching the sky darken outside, Li Xu spoke as calmly as if stating a physical law, as if he hadn't heard Liu Yifei's slip of the tongue:

"Movies of this genre will definitely have a box office market."

"First, there's the market window. Our domestic film market is expanding, and young people are becoming the main moviegoers."

"They want to see these kinds of dreamy love stories that are close to their own lives, and there is a strong demand for them. This demand is not something that will happen in the future, but something that already exists now. I am sure that this type of movie will explode in the next few years."

"If things go smoothly, there might even be a few low-budget romance films that unexpectedly become box office hits in the next year or two. We need to be at the forefront of the wave before it rises."

"The framework of our film 'Love Announcement' is a variation of the 'Cinderella' story that has been proven in the global market. There are few films of this style in China at present, but there are many abroad."

"Whether it's the Korean film 'The Classic' or the Hollywood film 'The Notebook,' they both prove one thing: good romance films are a universally accepted form of currency."

"It has been proven that for this kind of play, as long as we inject enough wonderful stories and beautiful visuals into this classic framework, it is easy to make it stand out."

On the other end of the phone, Liu Yifei gave a soft "hmm" to indicate that she was listening.

"Secondly, you want to change your image and make people forget your roles as Little Dragon Girl and Fairy Sister, but if I throw you directly into the ground to play a peasant woman, or to play some kind of anti-Japanese village girl, the audience won't believe it, and you won't be able to act well."

Li Xu's words were somewhat cutting, and a very soft, defiant "humph" could be faintly heard from the other end of the phone.

He pretended not to hear and continued speaking.

"The female lead in my film, Song Qing, is an ordinary female student on the surface, but at her core is a musical genius sealed away by fear."

"She was withdrawn and sensitive, but had an almost obsessive purity when it came to art."

"This role can perfectly complement your existing pure and innocent image, while also exploring deeper meanings such as 'loneliness' and 'stubbornness.' As long as you can play Song Qing well, the audience will naturally forget your fairy-like image, allowing you to successfully shed your label and move towards more diverse roles."

On the other end of the phone, listening to Li Xu's explanation, Liu Yifei's voice had completely fallen silent, with only the sound of her breathing as she listened quietly.

Finally, for urban romance films, the scenes are concentrated and the production cycle is short, so the actors' salaries are the main expense.

"As the female lead and investor, you acted for free and only received a share of the box office revenue, so we could put most of the budget into our most important projects."

"Using top-notch photography equipment, lighting, art direction, and theme music, we aim to immerse the audience in the film, making every frame aesthetically pleasing and every melody evoking a sense of nostalgia, creating an exquisite romantic dream."

"A movie like this will definitely have no box office problems!"

On the other end of the phone, Liu Yifei was already fully awake.

As she lazily rubbed her hair and shuffled through her slippers toward the bathroom next door, she listened to Li Xu's rational, calm, and almost cold voice coming through the receiver. Her nose twitched slightly, and her expression was happy and cheerful.

"So, Li Xu, you chose to make 'Love Announcement' instead of other films not because you're bad at those genres, but because 'Love Announcement,' besides being a box office success, could also satisfy my desire for a career transition and, incidentally, your pursuit of beauty?"

"That's one way to understand it."

Li Xu's voice remained calm, carrying an undeniable certainty.

"As an investor, while I'm fulfilling my artistic vision for making films, I also have to give you an explanation, which can be considered a phased bonus for you, the insightful early investor."

"A temporary windfall?"

Liu Yifei chuckled on the other end of the phone, accompanied by the soft popping sound of toothpaste foam, "Junior Li Xu, you really are someone who won't suffer a single loss, but also won't take advantage of anyone for nothing."

Very well, this is indeed the Li Xu she "knows".

Calm, direct, everything is clearly priced, yet within the rules, offering partners returns that exceed expectations.

"I see."

Liu Yifei rinsed her mouth, wiped her lips, and her voice became clear and calm again, carrying a sense of pure rational decision-making.

"Junior Li Xu, let's film 'Love Announcement'."

"What do you need me to do next, besides money?"

"What do I need you to do?"

Li Xu turned around and looked at the early character relationship diagram of "Love Announcement" posted on the wall of the rented room.

"Starting today, I need to forget that you are Liu Yifei and become Song Qing, the movie heroine who is afraid of crowds but whose eyes light up when her fingers touch the strings."

"In addition, I need your physique to be closer to that of a slender music student with the marks of long-term training. We can ask a professional fitness coach to develop a plan for you."

"Finally, find a good teacher and learn the basics of at least one stringed instrument. You don't need to know how to play it, but your finger posture and body rhythm when playing must be flawless."

"You must convince people that you are the real musical prodigy, Song Qing."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone.

Then came Liu Yifei's crisp, decisive voice, even carrying a hint of eagerness:

"Received, mission accomplished."

"Let's work together, director."

Let's work together.

After hanging up the phone, Li Xu placed it on the table.

Outside the window, night had completely fallen over Beijing, with lights twinkling sporadically on the distant buildings.

He walked to his desk, turned on the desk lamp, and the warm yellow light illuminated the unfolded complete script of "Love Announcement".

He was very satisfied with Liu Yifei's reaction.

He needs a partner who is clear-headed, sensible, cooperative, knows when to keep quiet and gives him tremendous trust at crucial moments.

What he needs is not a "fairy" who needs him to coax, explain, and protect him all the time.

Rather, she is a comrade-in-arms who can fight side by side, and it seems that Liu Yifei has the potential to become the latter.

A few days later, Li Xu sent a message to Liu Yifei's email address.

The email body contained only one line, concise and to the point, consistent with his usual style:

"The script and proposal are attached. Three days later, at 2 PM, Room 206, Red Building, Beijing Film Academy. Senior Liu, I want to see your complete understanding of Song Qing."

Liu Yifei opened the attachment.

The script for "Love Announcement" is so neatly formatted and rigorous, it's like a business plan.

It includes scene outlines, character biographies, core plot details, and even visual reference images for some key scenes.

The proposal details the budget allocation, filming schedule, creative team's ideas, and a simple market analysis report.

It's so professional that it doesn't look like something a sophomore would write.

Liu Yifei looked at the screen, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Instead of closing the email, she took a brand new notebook out of her desk drawer.

The cover is dark blue and has no patterns.

She turned to the first page, picked up her pen, hesitated for a moment, and then wrote her words.

Brief Biographical Sketches of Song Qing Dynasty (First Draft)

Core: A genius who locked her talent away in a closet out of fear; the key is the piano, and also... the person who recklessly barged into her world.

Appearance: Thin, pale, with a habitually slightly hunched posture (a result of long-term piano practice and self-protection).

His fingers had thin calluses, and his eyes were mostly lowered and evasive, only suddenly lighting up when he touched music, like a shooting star suddenly streaking across the night sky.

Source of fear: When Song Qing was seven years old, she performed on stage for the first time. Due to excessive nervousness, she vomited on stage and was ridiculed by the audience. She was also publicly punished by her strict mother.

From then on, she developed a physiological fear of being "watched," and music transformed from expression into a prison.

Key: She was admitted to the Department of Folk Music at university and tried to become a "normal person", but she always suffered from severe stage fright. Until she met the male protagonist Du Minghao, who "saw" and "encouraged" her, unexpectedly becoming the first crack to open the closet in Song Qing's heart.

After writing the last sentence, Liu Yifei stopped writing, lost in thought.

Take a sketch out of the desk drawer.

She turned to a blank page, picked up a pencil, and quickly traced lines across the paper.

With a few strokes, the silhouette of a slender, slightly hunched-over girl leaps off the paper.

After a moment's thought, she quickly deepened the shadow on the girl's hands—those were the thin calluses left from years of practicing the piano.

Then, she wrote a note next to the painting: Portrait of the Song and Qing Dynasties.