But in the teacher’s opinion, what Qiao Huaiyao did is correct, and there’s nothing for other students to learn. If everyone could learn like Qiao Huaiyao, then she, as a teacher, would just come to self-study every day.
However, the teacher found out that Qiu Shufeng’s grades were not that outstanding, so she wanted to ask what method he used. Qiu Shufeng scratched his head and somewhat awkwardly said, “Avoiding mistakes is a good method…”
“Yes,” the teacher thought he was shy on the podium for the first time, so she encouraged, “Speak up, let everyone hear, make your voice louder.”
Qiu Shufeng honestly said, “After writing, I ask Qiao Huaiyao to help me correct it.”
He hesitated for a moment in his mind, so used to calling Qiao Huaiyao a learning genius, he almost said “Study God” directly.
The teacher: “???”
But he was quite clever.
The teacher seemed to think of something, she glanced at the ranking table, and then asked, “So… Wang Zhan and Yu Luofan, your PPT…”
Wang Zhan and Yu Luofan stood up and nodded together.
No need to say more, the teacher guessed it right.
The teacher: “…”
“Alright,” the teacher reluctantly said, “So, this method may not be suitable for all students. You can start your presentation.”
Qiu Shufeng nodded, “Okay, teacher.”
After Wang Zhan sat down, he quietly moved next to Qiao Huaiyao and said, “Study God, have you noticed the envious looks from other students?”
Anyone would envy this situation. Good-natured and approachable, willing to help you with poorly made PPT, and even correct it for you.
Wang Zhan thought for a moment, if he put himself in this situation, he might envy himself.
Yu Luofan pulled his collar, “Stop showing off, come back and listen to Qiu Shufeng’s presentation.”
Qiao Huaiyao placed his phone on the table, and the protrusion of the chair in front could hide the phone’s presence. He typed on the keyboard, “Brother, what do you want to eat for lunch? I’ll buy it and bring it to you.”
Bai Jinyan: “I’m at the entrance of your teaching building.”
Qiao Huaiyao’s fingers paused, and before he could type, Bai Jinyan sent another message: “The crew has a lunch break these days, but I might have to ask you to go on your own when it gets busy.”
During the non-busy times, he naturally came to pick up his little friend after school. Qiao Huaiyao smiled and replied, “Alright.”
He had gone to the set on his own before; when Bai Jinyan couldn’t come to pick him up, he would arrange a driver for him.
Today, the PPT presentation in class went smoothly. Although Qiu Shufeng didn’t get a perfect score, he achieved a good result.
In their group of four, Qiao Huaiyao and his friends were all high achievers in the department’s assignments.
After class, as Qiu Shufeng packed up, he said, “Study God, let’s go out to eat today, my treat.”
He had been saying he’d treat them since the time of military training, but he hadn’t managed to get anyone to agree to it.
Once, when they did go out, he even attempted to pay, but who would have known that the restaurant was owned by Bai Jinyan and they wouldn’t accept his money. These days, he couldn’t spend his money even if he wanted to.
“No need,” Qiao Huaiyao stood up and said, “My brother is picking me up to go to the set.”
Qiu Shufeng sighed and said, “If your brother was taking you out to eat, I could still offer to treat. But if you’re going to the set, that’s not a place where outsiders can casually enter. Let’s find another opportunity next time.”
Qiao Huaiyao smiled and said, “I’ll be on my way then.”
Qiu Shufeng waved his hand, “Go ahead.”
In the afternoon, it started snowing again. It wasn’t much more than yesterday, but snowy weather could still affect the filming. The day was gloomy, resembling a rainy day.
The director waved his hand and simulated rain since the weather was suitable for it, using this scene to shoot a rainy day. As winter approached, the frequency of rain decreased. There were a few times before October break, but there hadn’t been a drop of rain since then. Finally, there was a snowy day, so they made do with it—it could still serve as a backdrop. As they progressed, even the snow disappeared, and they had to portray the sky as gloomy to match the atmosphere of the scenes. Sunny or rainy weather was not needed.
If they meticulously edited frame by frame later, it would be like pouring money down the drain. There was an investment involved, but they couldn’t use it recklessly.
Qiao Huaiyao sat in a chair, watching the director directing the specialized vehicle used to simulate rain outside. They were adjusting the size of the raindrops and experimenting with how the rain would appear in the shot after the simulated rain.
Seeing Qiao Huaiyao looking worried, Bai Jinyan approached him from behind, one hand resting on the back of the chair, and he leaned down to kiss him gently. “Scenes in the rain are simple; I’ll definitely get it in one take.”
Qiao Huaiyao blinked. “Show me the script.”
He wanted to see how the rain scene was written in the script.
Bai Jinyan handed over the script, deliberately opening to that page and placing it on the windowsill in front of him. Regarding the rain scene, the content on the script only took up half the page—a few lines. Bai Jinyan pointed at these. “See, it’s quite simple.”
Indeed. Very simple. It only briefly described being chased outside, turning to hide in the blind spot of vision, and engaging in a duel when the villain caught up.
But Qiao Huaiyao felt that what would be captured wouldn’t be this simple.
“Good boy,” Bai Jinyan knew he was worried and affectionately touched their cheeks together. “How about playing with your phone for a while or watching a livestream or reading a book?”
Bai Jinyan continued to hold him, comforting, “There’s a computer here. Didn’t you upload the unfinished part to your phone? Why not work on it now?”
The computer in the resting room wasn’t provided by the crew; Bai Jinyan had bought it. He could finish his work and take the computer back to his dorm.
Qiao Huaiyao shook his head, not having any particular thoughts on the suggestion Bai Jinyan made. After thinking for a moment, he said, “I’ll go outside with you.”
Bai Jinyan said, “It’s too cold outside.”
“Then I’ll prepare some warm clothes first,” Qiao Huaiyao knew Bai Jinyan wanted him to stay inside, but he didn’t agree.
Bai Jinyan helplessly curled his lips, wanting to say something, but then heard someone knocking on the door.
A familiar voice came from outside, “Brother Bai, the director is looking for you.”
Usually, the ones delivering messages to the director were either crew members or people familiar with the director. Lu Lu was just there a moment ago, and seeing the director looking for the assistant director, he volunteered to come over.
The assistant director had a straightforward personality, and if he accidentally saw something inside, it could cause trouble. As a competent assistant, Lu Lu had to keep these potential risks in check and completely eliminate the possibility of any dangerous situation.
“Wait for me here,” Bai Jinyan told Qiao Huaiyao, “I’ll be back shortly.”
Qiao Huaiyao acknowledged with a soft “Mm,” and said, “Okay.”—
The ground outside was wet, typical for heavy rain weather when shooting scenes. During simulated rain, they also set up the environment accordingly.
Director Qian Yibin held a loudspeaker, shouting instructions to the rain simulation crew. They were a bit far away, and the noise from the vehicles made it hard to hear without yelling.
Catching sight of Bai Jinyan approaching, Qian Yibin put down the loudspeaker and said, “Let’s get ready while the weather is still overcast. Let’s shoot quickly.”
Bai Jinyan said, “Okay.”
“By the way, Jinyan, we’ll be simulating a rainy day later. The rain might be heavy, so make sure to remove any water-sensitive jewelry you’re wearing.” Qian Yibin saw the necklace Bai Jinyan had on and reminded him in case he forgot.
Some things were sensitive to water, making them vulnerable no matter their material or cost. If they came into contact with water, even a slight dampness, they would be rendered useless without any chance of recovery.
Bai Jinyan replied casually, “Mm.”
Bai Jinyan carried a special box for the necklace, just to be cautious in case of any scenes involving water or rainy weather. He took off the necklace, passed it to Lu Lu, and placed it carefully in the box, hanging it securely at the protruding points on both sides to prevent it from moving.
Seeing Bai Jinyan being so careful, Lu Lu couldn’t help but tease, “Bai-ge, when did you buy this necklace? Are you going to endorse this brand?”
Having been an assistant for so long, Lu Lu knew that Bai Jinyan wasn’t particularly interested in accessories. Unless needed for the red carpet, he wouldn’t even spare a glance at the things brands sent over, not to mention buying them himself.
Bai Jinyan did buy quite a few for Qiao Huaiyao, preparing a gift every time he went on a business trip out of town, whether Qiao Huaiyao was with him or not.
So, the appearance of this necklace puzzled Lu Lu. He handled the things prepared by the company and then passed them on to Bai Jinyan. However, whether he should mention it or not, this high-end brand was quite prestigious and old. It was good to get an endorsement from them.
Lu Lu was absentmindedly lost in thought, but then he heard Bai Jinyan say, “It wasn’t bought.”
Bai Jinyan rubbed the pendant of the necklace with his fingertip and said indifferently, “It was a gift from my partner.”
“Ah? This…” Lu Lu was momentarily stunned. Indeed, the car shifted into gear swiftly on the road, and progress was rapid. He quickly reacted, “It looks good.”
Bai Jinyan remained silent and slowly raised his eyes, looking expressionless at him.
Lu Lu paused, realizing what he should say at this moment, or he might lose his year-end bonus in the next 0.001 second.
Thinking on his feet, Lu Lu decisively spoke, “From the craftsmanship to the materials, this necklace is exquisite in every aspect. It’s evident that it’s a discontinued classic. I’m sure Qiao-ge has been wearing it for a long time.”
“He gave you this necklace as a token of his love for you.”
…
Bai Jinyan slightly raised his head, finally satisfied.
After carefully storing the necklace, he stood up and said, “Inform the finance department to double the year-end bonus.”