In the afternoon, Big Fei called another all-hands meeting.
He announced the establishment of the film and television department.
Wang Danian's team of around twenty people could fit into the office if they all moved over, but the company was already planning to relocate. Moreover, Wang Danian's lease wouldn't expire for several more months, so they would continue working at their current location.
They would all be transferred together when production began.
News of the film and television department's establishment immediately excited everyone.
The company was growing rapidly, now totaling forty employees—more than the Big Fei Band Studio downstairs.
With Big Fei leading the way, the company was improving daily, and this sense of upward momentum felt truly wonderful.
Lin Chudong said, "As the company grows, we need to expand our management team. After discussions between General Manager Liang and myself, we've decided to promote someone to assistant general manager to coordinate everyone's work."
"Wang Zhi."
"Say a few words to everyone."
Wang Zhi was completely bewildered. He'd been zoning out during the meeting, his mind wandering from Jia Lu's legs to the Boss Lady's chest.
When Brother Fei suddenly called his name, he quickly stood up.
"Good morning, Vice President."
Lin Chudong and Liang Yin nearly burst out laughing.
"Wang Zhi, starting today, you are the company's Vice General Manager."
The room erupted in applause.
Everyone had witnessed Wang Zhi's efforts firsthand. From his early days as a bassist to his later role as live production manager, he had always been an indispensable figure in the company.
Moreover, Wang Zhi was an original member.
When the company was first established, he was the very first employee to join. Diligent and talented, when it came time to promote a leader, he was the natural choice.
A hint of surprise crossed Wang Zhi's face. He quickly said, "Thank you, Brother Fei, thank you, Boss Lady, thank you, everyone, for your trust!"
Wang Zhi scratched his head. *Brother Fei didn't even mention this beforehand! If I'd known, I would have washed my hair!*
The applause continued, everyone genuinely respecting Wang Zhi.
After all, when the two bosses were away, it was always Wang Zhi who took charge of managing the work.
"Our company is about to launch a new project soon. You're all aware of our past rivalry with Chunting Games Company."
"This time, we're competing in the same market again."
"Let me introduce our new game, *Damn! I'm Surrounded by Beautiful Girls*."
Lin Chudong walked to the whiteboard, picked up a marker, and began writing as he spoke.
"Last time, our target audience for *Audition Online* was women. Of course, once female users flocked to the game, male users followed suit, so overall, male users still dominate.
"But since we relied on female users to break into the market, and given the scarcity of female players in the gaming industry, *Audition Online* was positioned as a female-centric game.
"This time, our new game is targeting male users, specifically in the single-player market.
"The core gameplay revolves around interactive storytelling, similar to watching a movie. However, every minute or two, players will be prompted to make choices. These decisions will alter the plot's direction and lead to different endings."
"I need six beautiful women to play the female leads in this game."
"It's more like a film shoot than a game. How about it? Why let the opportunity go to outsiders? Any employees interested in signing up?"
The company had several attractive women, and it made sense to use their own talent.
The group exchanged awkward glances, each one a little embarrassed.
Lin Chudong said, "Don't be shy, everyone. The Boss Lady will lead the way."
Liang Yin's cheeks flushed crimson, but she steeled herself and stood up.
"That's right, don't be shy! Everyone has a first time. Big Fei's directing—what do you have to fear?"
Jing Feifei was the first to raise her hand.
"Me, me, me! I'll do it!"
Lin Chudong immediately shook his head.
"Everyone else can, but not you."
Jing Feifei pouted. "Why not?"
"If Uncle Jing sees you, I'm afraid I'll get in trouble. Xiao Jia, you're definitely in. No excuses."
A faint blush spread across Jia Lu's exquisite face.
"Am I good enough?"
"You can do it."
Lin Chudong glanced toward the art department and said, "Kang Na, your department should provide one. You'll be the one."
Kang Na adjusted her glasses and stood up hesitantly. "Brother Fei, I've never acted before! I don't know how!"
"None of you have, either," Lin Chudong replied. "That's exactly what we need—that raw, inexperienced energy."
"And Xiao Qian too."
Qian Duoduo stood up. "Present!"
With her twin pigtails, it would be a crime not to let Qian Duoduo act.
The company already had four members, and these four were its visual stars.
Standing together, if you ignored the Boss Lady's bust, the other three would still turn heads. Each was a "leg goddess," with flawless figures and looks.
Lin Chudong rubbed his chin. Four actresses secured—that saved a fortune.
Of course, they'd have to pay them a bonus in the end, but it would still be much cheaper than hiring outside actors.
Liang Yin suggested, "Should we consider hiring a more well-known female artist, like Lin Qiqi?"
Lin Chudong shook his head. "Hiring a female celebrity would be too distracting. She wouldn't be able to play the character I've designed. I'll just hire two more actresses later."
"I'll finish the script tonight. The day after tomorrow, we'll go to the film department and shoot your individual scenes to test them out."
"Boss Lady, get the costumes ready. Everyone should skip makeup tomorrow morning and do it at the film department."
"Understood, Brother Fei."
Suddenly, Wang Zhi spoke in a low voice.
"Brother Fei, if you need another actor, I could cross-dress."
"You have this... fetish? Maybe I should reconsider your vice president position."
"No, no, I was just kidding!"
***
Lin Chudong glanced at the Golden Phoenix Goddess Ranking. Deng Siqing was in first place, Lin Qiqi in second, and Yang Han in third.
Deng Siqing's vote count was so far ahead that no one could catch up.
Even though Lin Qiqi had been actively promoting herself, she still couldn't close the gap. After all, Sister Deng's vocal talent was simply outstanding.
The vote difference between Yang Han and Zhang Yiran (in fourth place) wasn't large, but at this stage, the user base was nearly saturated.
Overtaking Yang Han would be quite difficult.
Unless they spent more money to buy votes.
However, this ranking offered little profit. The main benefit was temporary exposure during the campaign period, with winners announced for a few days afterward.
Beyond the advertising benefits, the most they could hope for was a slight boost in popularity.
Zhang Yiran had already spent a considerable amount and likely wouldn't invest further.
Deng Siqing and Lin Qiqi were the dark horses of this competition. Sister Deng's votes had reached 1.2 million, and Lin Qiqi had surpassed 1 million. It seemed unlikely anyone could catch up now.
The traffic for *Audition Online* was no longer a concern; it was guaranteed to keep growing until the market reached its saturation point.
As for the new game, it still needed two more actresses...
Lin Chudong sent Tian Yingxiong a WeChat message.
"When are you going back to our alma mater?"
**Tian Yingxiong**: Didn't you say you weren't going? Why are you so eager now?
**Lin Chudong**: To see the junior female students.
**Tian Yingxiong**: Tsk tsk, great minds think alike! The counselor asked me last time, but I didn't give him a definite answer. I'll ask him now. After all, you're the only big shot in our class; we have to check your schedule, right?
**Lin Chudong**: Exactly. You're my employee now, after all. Hurry up and arrange it. I'll go back in the next few days.
**Tian Yingxiong**: Holy shit, you're really putting on airs like a boss now, you rich bastard.
A moment later, Tian Yingxiong replied.
**Tian Yingxiong**: The counselor said if you're free, you can come tomorrow. Everyone's waiting for your confirmation.
Lin Chudong felt a little flattered. "Alright then, tomorrow it is."
**Tian Yingxiong**: Got it!
***
The next morning, Lin Chudong picked up Tian Yingxiong, and they headed straight for the Magic City Conservatory of Music.
"Who's coming today?" Lin Chudong asked.
Tian Yingxiong smiled mysteriously. "Everyone who should be here is here. Even the Old Class Monitor will be here. That bastard's running an education institution now and doing pretty well. He was the most annoying person in class."
Lin Chudong frowned. "Why's he coming too? Are there many singers among our classmates?"
Tian Yingxiong shook his head. "Do you think everyone's got your and my talent for singing? Even those who make a living as composers are few and far between."
"You're right," Lin Chudong agreed.
He pulled out his phone and checked the folded-up class group chat.
The group was usually silent, but today it was finally active.
Gu Yujia: When is the singer Big Fei coming to the school?
Shen Qiang: Still pining for Lin Chudong, Goddess Gu? Can't forget him after all these years?
Gu Yujia: Nonsense! I'm just waiting to take a photo.
Shen Qiang: Good to see you all after so long! I'm treating everyone this afternoon. I'm in the education and training business now. Anyone looking to take the civil service exam, hit me up.
Gu Yujia: Postgrad applicants can contact me.
Shen Qiang: Who's still doing postgrad these days? It's a dead end.
Gu Yujia: Bullshit! Civil service exams are a dead end. Look at how old everyone is!
The argument between Gu Yujia and Shen Qiang immediately drew out many of their old classmates.
Lin Chudong put down his phone and focused on driving.
"Why are they so confrontational?" Tian Yingxiong asked.
"Competitors are natural enemies. Both are in the education and training business—one focuses on graduate school exams, the other on civil service exams. They're rivals."
Lin Chudong nodded. The classmates had changed so much after several years.
Gu Yujia used to be a shy girl who often sat next to him in class, quiet and reserved. He never expected her to be able to argue with people like this now.
As the car pulled up to the school entrance, their former counselor, now the office director, Director Liu, was waiting to greet them.
A banner hung across the school gate:
"Warm Welcome to Big Fei, Outstanding Graduate of the Class of '22, as he visits his alma mater!"
Tian Yingxiong clicked his tongue. "You show-off. You've really got some pull, huh?"
Lin Chudong felt awkward. Fame naturally made one an "outstanding graduate." If he hadn't become famous, Director Liu might not have even recognized him.
The car stopped at the gate, and Lin Chudong rolled down the window.
"Teacher Liu?"
Liu Heng spotted the GLS from a distance and quickly waved.
"Lin Chudong! My goodness, it's been four or five years since we last met. You've changed so much!"
After greeting the security guard, Teacher Liu said, "Open the gate. My student is back."
Normally, ordinary students wouldn't be allowed to drive into the university campus. But Big Fei's current fame allowed him to get special treatment with a simple nod.
"Teacher Liu, please get in. Let's go to your office first."
Liu Heng nodded, opened the rear door, and got in, then gave Lin Chudong directions.
The car smoothly drove into the campus.
***
Five minutes later, the trio arrived at Liu Heng's office on the third floor of the administrative building.
Liu Heng patted Tian Yingxiong on the shoulder, his face beaming with a smile.
"You've all made it big now. It's good to see you come back to visit your alma mater. All the school's efforts in nurturing you haven't been in vain."
Since becoming office director, Liu Heng's speech had become much more bureaucratic.
Tian Yingxiong asked, "Teacher Liu, have any of our classmates been successful?"
*In this day and age, leveraging connections with classmates is a shortcut. If someone you were close to has made it big, wouldn't that mean you've found a powerful ally to cling to?*
Liu Heng replied, "Your class president, Shen Qiang, has always done well. He runs a training institution now, and his company has grown quite large."
"And Gu Yujia is also her own boss. By the way, Chudong, didn't you two ever date?"
Lin Chudong: ??
This sudden question nearly made him choke.
"Teacher Liu, where did you hear such gossip?"
Liu Heng was taken aback. "You didn't? Several classmates mentioned it. I must have been mistaken."
Liu Heng answered several phone calls before heading to the school gate to greet his classmates.
Four or five years after graduation, most of his classmates were in middle management positions at their respective companies. A few who had started their own businesses or entered the entertainment industry were earning significantly higher incomes.
Soon, several girls burst into the office, their chatter instantly livening up the atmosphere. They first mobbed Lin Chudong for photos and autographs, then turned their attention to Tian Yingxiong.
Though they had been classmates, neither of them had been famous back then. Now that they were celebrities, the girls seized the opportunity.
Lin Chudong gave a wry smile. "Is it really necessary? We spent four years in the same class."
One of the girls retorted, "Why wouldn't it be? You're so famous now! You're on TV all the time—you dominate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday."
"I heard you also directed *Bright Sword*! It was so good! Chudong, do you think I have a chance to be in one of your shows? I want to be a Flying Girl too!"
"Oh, come on! You're not even in the performing arts department. *I'm* the one who could do it—I've got a wide range and can play anything."
"You'd better hurry home and take care of your kids. Your husband would kill you if he saw you here!"
As soon as the girls arrived, Lin Chudong couldn't get a word in. The conversation immediately shifted from its earlier topic.
Suddenly, one of the girls said mysteriously, "By the way, Chudong, did you end up dating Gu Yujia later?"
Lin Chudong was taken aback again. "No, I didn't. Why do you all keep saying that?"
The girl replied, "That's weird. Gu Yujia had a crush on you back then. We all told her to confess, and she said she would after graduation. Didn't she tell you?"
Lin Chudong's eyes widened. "You're kidding! That never happened."
"Of course it did! We all know about it. Didn't you see Gu Yujia liked you?"
Lin Chudong frowned slightly.
Her thoughts were suddenly pulled back to that night four years ago, just before graduation.
***
Four years ago, in the male dormitory of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
Gu Yujia paced back and forth below the building, drawing the curiosity of many male students upstairs.
Tian Yingxiong leaned out the window to take a look and remarked, "What's Gu Yujia doing down there? Don't tell me she's trying to steal our hot water!"
Lin Chudong, wearing headphones, was scrolling through music charts, having memorized every major domestic and international music chart.
The other two roommates were engrossed in a video game, completely ignoring the commotion outside.
Suddenly, Lin Chudong's phone rang. It was a WeChat message from Gu Yujia.
Gu Yujia: Are you in the dorm?
Lin Chudong: Yeah, what's up?
Gu Yujia: Nothing much... I'm downstairs at your dorm. Could you come down for a bit?
Lin Chudong was puzzled and slowly walked out of the dormitory.
Gu Yujia stood at the entrance to the male dorm, her expression somewhat nervous.
Lin Chudong: What's wrong?
Gu Yujia: Have you made plans for after graduation?
Lin Chudong nodded. "I want to be a singer. I've written a few songs and plan to release them through an agency. If I can't find a suitable one, I'll go solo. I've already found band members."
Gu Yujia said, "Oh... so will you go to Beijing? Most singers move to Beijing to pursue their careers, right? It seems like there are more opportunities there."
Lin Chudong shook his head. "I think Magic City is pretty good. All my band members are here, and I don't want to move to Beijing for now."
Gu Yujia lowered her head. "Oh, I got into graduate school at Peking University..."
Lin Chudong smiled. "That's great! A top university. Congratulations."
Gu Yujia nodded. "Thanks. I'm fine now."
With that, Gu Yujia turned and left, walking quickly, almost in a flustered state.
It was as if her confession had been rejected.
Lin Chudong was once again puzzled. He returned to the dorm and told Tian Yingxiong what had happened.
Tian Yingxiong was currently rallying classmates in a PDD group to slash prices. After hearing the story, he immediately frowned.
"Could Gu Yujia have wanted you to go to Beijing with her? Pyramid schemes are rampant these days. Be careful."
Lin Chudong nodded. "You're right."
***
Lin Chudong's thoughts snapped back to the present.
His gaze swept over Tian Yingxiong, who was truly useless.
*In novels, the protagonist's best friend is either a rich second-generation or at least a clever strategist.*
*And what about him? All he does is cut coupons on PDD and ask to borrow my membership number. A pure, modern-day loser.*
*Back then, I was too young and my mind was all on the band. I really didn't pay attention.*
*But now that my thoughts had been stirred up and I'd recalled the past, Gu Yujia had seemed really strange that day. Could she really have been about to confess her feelings?*
*Gu Yujia had a crush on me?*
*No way...*
*She occasionally brought me breakfast, we'd end up sitting together in class, we'd often run into each other in the library, and she'd even snag her red envelopes in the group chat when I was broke at the end of the month...*
*Thinking back, maybe my social skills were just too low.*
Suddenly, Lin Chudong's phone rang.
He opened it to find a WeChat message from Gu Yujia.
They hadn't talked in ages, and all their chat history would have been lost when he changed phones.
When they first graduated, he remembered Gu Yujia sending him a few greeting messages, but he'd been too busy then, with the system just binding and no time to think about anything else. He'd always given her perfunctory replies.
After all these years, Gu Yujia's profile picture hadn't even changed.
**Gu Yujia:** Are you at the school yet?
Seeing Lin Chudong lost in thought, Tian Yingxiong stood up and glanced at his phone.
Then he leaned in and whispered in his ear, "She's being so attentive. She probably wants to borrow money. Be careful."
Lin Chudong's mouth twitched.
"Sometimes I really want to slap you to death."
**Tian Yingxiong:** ??
*Trying to do a good deed and getting treated like a donkey's liver?*
-----------------------
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