Chapter 9: Film Appreciation

Although Tang Qu had already informed Zhang Yong of his desire to act, it wasn’t as simple as just deciding to shoot a film. Zhang Yong needed to file his plans and map out a development strategy for Tang Qu’s near future. Zhang Yong was genuinely committed to nurturing Tang Qu into a superstar, and every step had to be taken with careful consideration.

Setting work aside for the moment, Tang Yingdi (Actor Tang), who had already won international awards, now had to return to film school for classes.

When Zhang Yong woke him up in the morning, Tang Qu was still a bit dazed. He hadn’t expected that he would still have to attend school!

Tang Qu felt quite nostalgic about school. Relying on the memories of his original body, he quickly found the classroom. He had checked the schedule and knew that today’s class was Film Appreciation.

Tang Qu hadn’t yet experienced the level of films in this world, so this was a perfect opportunity to get a glimpse.

As time passed, more students gradually filled the room.

Tang Qu could hear a few students discussing him, and some girls were giving him unfriendly looks. He guessed they were probably fans of Guan Yan. Guan Yan’s fans seemed to be everywhere.

However, Tang Qu didn’t pay them any mind. They could say whatever they wanted; he couldn’t stop them, so why bother causing himself unnecessary trouble?

Focused on flipping through the book in his hands, Tang Qu’s slender fingers moved with an indescribable elegance as they turned the pages. A few people couldn’t help but stare at his hands, wondering how a guy could be so graceful!

The Film Appreciation class was taught by a young female teacher, who was rumored to already hold a professorship.

As soon as the teacher stepped onto the podium, the room fell silent. This teacher was not only beautiful but also humorous and engaging in her lectures, making her a goddess in the eyes of many students.

“To reward you all for being so well-behaved, today I’ve decided to let you watch the film *Redemption*.”

The students erupted in cheers. Although they had already watched *Redemption* countless times, they still loved it. Each viewing brought new insights.

Tang Qu didn’t join in the excitement. He simply found the title *Redemption* somewhat familiar. When the film started playing and he saw the lead actor, Guan Yan, he finally understood why it sounded familiar. This was the film that had earned Guan Yan a sweep of international awards.

Tang Qu sat up a little straighter. During that brief encounter at Old Zhang’s house, he had sensed something extraordinary about Guan Yan. While he didn’t know much about Guan Yan’s character, his acting skills were undoubtedly impressive. He wondered what Guan Yan’s performance had been like when he was just starting out.

Throughout the film, Tang Qu was completely focused on Guan Yan’s acting. He finally understood why Guan Yan had won those awards. Guan Yan’s eyes, even every inch of his skin, seemed to speak. When Guan Yan acted, it was impossible to see him as Guan Yan; the audience’s hearts beat only for the character. Tang Qu couldn’t help but be drawn in as well.

After watching the film, Tang Qu finally understood why Tang Qu had been so infatuated with Guan Yan—or, more accurately, infatuated with Guan Yan’s character.

The story told is about two children who grew up in an orphanage supporting each other. Guan Yan played the role of the older brother, who deeply cherished his younger brother. Despite both being orphans, he did everything he could to protect his sibling. Later, when the younger brother fell ill and was hospitalized, the older brother, now a teenager, worked various jobs and even ventured into the gray areas to gather enough money to save his brother. The character Guan Yan portrayed ultimately ended up in prison, but he left his brother with money earned through legitimate means. The younger brother’s health gradually improved, and he often wrote letters to his older brother.

The film ends with Guan Yan’s line, “Wait for me.”

A voice, somewhere between a boy’s and a man’s, lingered in Tang Qu’s mind.

After watching the movie, Tang Qu couldn’t help but admire Guan Yan. For someone of his age at the time, achieving such a level of performance was truly a miracle. Guan Yan was a genius, a born actor.

Although young Guan Yan’s acting still had some flaws, it was impressive enough for that time and deserved the awards he received.

However, Tang Qu couldn’t help but wonder how much Guan Yan’s acting skills had improved recently.