Chapter 18: I can make you a superstar, but you must belong to me!

Outside the Beijing Film Academy.

A middle-aged woman paced anxiously, glancing inside from time to time.

She was not particularly distinctive—just one of dozens of parents waiting nearby.

Finally, she spotted a familiar face.

“How did it go?”

“We’ll talk once we get home.”

“Was there a problem?”

“No, it’s not decided this time.”

The woman was Hao Lei’s mother.

Of course, she had to accompany her daughter on this important journey.

This opportunity was crucial.

If her daughter could land the lead role in a CCTV drama, her future would be secure.

But looking at her daughter’s expression now, something felt off.

Hao Lei understood her mother’s worry perfectly.

She herself was unsettled.

The crew had initially given her good reviews.

The role of Yang Yuling seemed nearly guaranteed.

Unexpectedly, however, something happened.

A girl named Gao Yuanyuan—just a photo on a student ID—had sparked heated discussion among the teachers.

“This girl looks so pure.”

“And she’s local.”

“Really a high school student? Still studying?”

“This photo looks like it’s from middle school.”

“Gao Yuanyuan… should we have her come for a tryout?”

“I think that’s okay.”

Hao Lei glanced at the ID herself.

Indeed, Gao Yuanyuan had an extremely innocent appearance.

Of course, nothing was finalized yet.

She might not lose the role after all.

Still, could Hao Lei’s heart not be uneasy?

At that moment, two “teachers” emerged from the academy.

Sun Donghai and Ma Xun.

...

“I’m telling you, why are you so reckless!”

“Heh heh… Brother, what’s the big deal?”

“Have you even figured out the situation, Sun Donghai?”

“Brother, it’s just about liking a girl, no biggie!”

“I just happened to find it, no funny business!”

“No? Then why keep that thing?”

“I… you…”

That line was sharp.

Ma Xun, who had been on the offensive, suddenly found himself on the defensive.

Sun Donghai promptly called Ma Xun to get in the car.

Starting the engine, he grinned, “If you like her, you like her! You’re so handsome, and Gao Yuanyuan’s pretty too—go for it!”

Ma Xun couldn’t help but object, “She’s still a student!”

Subtext: I’m not a beast!

Sun Donghai laughed loudly, “Come on! What era are you living in? Your mindset’s ancient! No, wait—if this were the old society, high schoolers would already be married with kids by now.

“Brother, you’re honest, but don’t be so repressed. These days, middle schoolers are checking into hotels all the time.”

This was the first time Sun Donghai said something Ma Xun found hard to refute.

It was all true.

When Ma Xun was in school, early romances were common in middle and high school.

The campus gossip always talked about who got pregnant and went to the hospital...

Wait—that’s just youthful heartbreak literature, right?

Later, many films were made on this theme.

Netizens even summarized typical storylines.

But Ma Xun himself was focused on his studies...

Alright, I’ll admit it.

He was just a poor soul who couldn’t get girls!

The film by A Xing was scheduled to shoot next year and release during the New Year’s season the year after.

Ma Xun shook his head and said seriously, “I have nothing going on with that girl. That student ID was genuinely found by chance, so don’t spread rumors.”

Sun Donghai drove on, eyes on the road, but his smile never faded.

“Alright, I won’t talk nonsense. But brother, I gotta say this.

“You’re famous now—everyone in Beijing knows you beat Bai Xiaohang!

“But don’t get too caught up in your idol image. Dating a schoolgirl and having it spread around would make a great story.”

Ma Xun replied with a single word.

...

“Damn!”

Sun Donghai laughed heartily.

But wait, where was the car headed?

“Where are we going?”

“Don’t we have to return the student ID? The teachers want to see her again.”

Ma Xun rolled his eyes.

Still, this trip was necessary.

But he truly had no intention of giving Gao Yuanyuan any role—especially not the lead.

He’d recommended Chen Kun before because he knew Chen Kun was a talented actor.

But Gao Yuanyuan... she definitely wasn’t ready to act.

Might as well cast Xiao Mingge.

Ma Xun, being a director, respected the craft.

He could arrange things, but not recklessly.

Suddenly, a certain screenwriter’s famous words came to mind.

How he longed for the days of coal bosses.

Well, now was exactly that era.

Investors in film and TV cared only about placing pretty girls, leaving everything else to the professionals.

That’s how things got done!

Sun Donghai chuckled again, “Don’t want your sister-in-law to be exposed too early?”

Ma Xun snapped back, “If you say that again, I’m jumping out of the car!”

“Alright, alright, I won’t say it.”

Thankfully, Sun Donghai finally fell silent.

But that grin on his face remained utterly annoying.

Ma Xun stayed quiet, lost in thought.

He had told Gao Yuanyuan before, “I’ll make you a big star.”

But it was somewhat a joke.

Besides, even if he really wanted to promote her, he wouldn’t start by pushing a novice into the lead.

That would be harmful.

Wait.

Ma Xun suddenly recalled a rumor.

Before debuting, Gao Yuanyuan had been pursued by a wealthy heir.

After all, she had been beautiful since childhood.

Sigh!

Why was he even thinking about this?

Sun Donghai’s timing was perfect—they were soon arriving at Gao Yuanyuan’s school.

...

The school was far from home.

Though still in Beijing, Gao Yuanyuan had to board there.

Yesterday’s experience left her feeling strange.

Especially after losing something and gaining something else.

She had searched everywhere but couldn’t find her student ID.

Yet, a beautifully packaged item had appeared in her bag.

No doubt it belonged to that guy.

Angry, she tore it open.

Inside was an exquisite little bottle.

She couldn’t help but fiddle with it.

The letters on it... CHANEL?

Was it misspelled? Missing an N?

Channel?

Was this little bottle meant for unclogging drains?

Why was it packed so elegantly?

Gao Yuanyuan honestly had little worldly experience.

Someone who knew appeared.

“Oh my! Chanel No. 5?”

A female classmate snatched the perfume eagerly, reluctant to let go.

“What are you doing?”

Gao Yuanyuan grabbed it back.

“Who gave it to you? A boyfriend?”

“No.”

That was the truth, but would her friend believe it?

“You little flirt, don’t pretend! But your man sure knows how to spend.”

“Don’t talk nonsense! Is this... expensive?”

“Let me teach you. This is Chanel No. 5. Though it’s a small bottle, it costs at least over a thousand yuan.”

“Ah?”

Gao Yuanyuan never expected such a tiny bottle to be so pricey.

Her family didn’t earn that much in a month.

By current statistics, the average salary in Beijing was 798 yuan.

Meaning a dual-income family could only afford one bottle per month.

But nowadays, doing business really made money.

The phrase “going into business” was very popular.

Gao Yuanyuan was deeply shocked.

That guy was really wealthy?

And that burly man... they both seemed to have powerful backgrounds.

Just then, a school administrator appeared.

“Gao Yuanyuan, someone named Ma Xun is looking for you!”

He’s here?

Should she go?

Her friends teased, “Hey! Your man’s here? Looks like you won’t be staying here tonight.”

Gossip was about to start.

“Ugh!” Gao Yuanyuan, irritated, said, “I’m going to smash this on his head!”

With that, she stormed out of the dorm.

Her friends naturally followed.

You have to get the scoop firsthand.

At the school gate, they saw a tall, handsome young man.

Dressed all in designer clothes.

With dark, clear eyes.

The female classmate instantly understood.

“He’s already been hit? Then I’m going home.”

But one thing was certain.

A wealthy heir pursuing Gao Yuanyuan was now confirmed gossip.

Gao Yuanyuan had previously fled after tossing something—much like Ma Xun once threw a broken bowl.

Now, seeing him, she was genuinely startled.

Her earlier confidence vanished, replaced by the demeanor of a child caught in wrongdoing.

Ma Xun, noticing this, spoke plainly.

“Come with me.”

After saying this, he turned and Gao Yuanyuan somehow followed.

The school was quite remote; soon the streets emptied, giving them a chance to talk.

“Here,” Ma Xun handed her the student ID.

“This...” Gao Yuanyuan took it and also held out the perfume.

Ma Xun frowned.

“I gave that to someone, and you’ve already unwrapped it—how am I supposed to give it as a gift now?”

That made Gao Yuanyuan anxious.

“Don’t blame me!”

It cost over a thousand yuan—she couldn’t afford to compensate.

Ma Xun immediately saw through her little scheme.

It was written all over her face.

He wanted to laugh.

But he got serious.

“Keep it.”

“I don’t want it. Too expensive.”

“Well, I can’t use it. It’s women’s perfume.”

“Anyway, I don’t want it.”

Gao Yuanyuan stuffed the bottle into Ma Xun’s pocket.

He didn’t stop her.

“By the way, someone saw your student ID.”

“Ah? So what?”

“They think you’re pretty good and want you to come for a tryout.”

Hearing this, Gao Yuanyuan’s heart raced.

Yesterday a talent scout approached her; now Ma Xun said the same.

Could beauty really be a livelihood?

But she couldn’t help but wonder if he was lying.

Ma Xun immediately saw through her doubt.

“The CCTV drama is holding auditions at the Beijing Film Academy.”

Was he showing off?

Gao Yuanyuan couldn’t hide her excitement; in fact, she already believed him.

This man clearly had strong connections!

But then Ma Xun said something unexpected.

“I can make you a big star, but on one condition—you must be mine!”

Gao Yuanyuan froze.

Ma Xun didn’t ask further.

“Think it over and come back.”

With that, he left her alone.

But all this was witnessed by another person’s eyes...