Chapter 4

"Very simple, giving a man a fish is not as good as teaching him how to fish. The best way is to help them get out of poverty. For example, many poor mountain villages are in remote areas. Although they are remote, many places are very beautiful and pristine. If I were a big director now, I might choose to film in such areas, or even build various structures to turn it into a film base. This way, if my film is a huge success, it could not only make the film base operational but also boost the local tourism industry. In that case..."

Before Wu Xiang could finish, a teacher immediately interrupted him.

"Genius! This is a genius idea! Although it might be difficult to implement, it's still a viable path, a very worthwhile development route to try."

"Right, right! This idea is really good; no one seems to have thought of it before."

"Hmm, I really didn't expect you, a child, to think this far. This makes us feel old."

In this era, Wu Xiang's idea of using a film base to boost the local economy was absolutely novel. At the time, Hengdian was just starting, and no one could see this trend. But Wu Xiang, having been reborn from the future, found this concept simple. Many regions had developed in this way, although many places had lost money, quite a few had also helped boost the local economy.

Of course, if this were to be implemented, it would be very difficult, with transportation being a major issue. But just having this idea was already a significant step.

At this point in the exam, Wu Xiang was almost certain that he would soon get to know these teachers, even though he had never met them before.

The direction of the literature department was clear: graduates would either become screenwriters or pursue theoretical research. However, this interview treated Wu Xiang as if he were a director. But that was fine; Wu Xiang's current goal was to become a director!

"Very good, we now just need to see your college entrance exam results. Don't let us down, okay? Hahaha..."

The teachers exchanged smiles, essentially telling Wu Xiang the result. This was nothing unusual; the film academy's exams were like this. When they encountered a good candidate, some teachers might even talk to you after the second round of exams, or even offer special admission, because the college entrance exam was not easy; it was a real, rigorous test.

Wu Xiang was a smart person. Hearing this, he understood immediately and bowed with a smile. The teachers were naturally very satisfied.

Wu Xiang knew that he had likely been accepted into the film academy. The next challenge was the college entrance exam.

"Child, how did the exam go?"

"Don't worry, child. Even if we didn't do well this time, there will be other opportunities, right?"

Faced with his parents' questions, Wu Xiang gave the same answer.

"Alright, alright."

What does "alright" mean?

Wu Xiang's vague answer was because he hadn't received the acceptance letter yet. Although he had passed this round, as a reborn person, he was still unsure if he could pass the college entrance exam. He didn't want to give his parents false hope.

But now that the exam was over, and his son didn't look unhappy, Wu Dad and Wu Mom thought the result should be good. So, the family decided to go out for a meal to celebrate.

Where to celebrate?

There were many famous restaurants in Beijing, like Quanjude and Yijing Hotel, but they were expensive, and Wu Xiang couldn't afford them. Wu Xiang was from Northeast China, and his parents were part of a generation that missed out on good times. They went down to the countryside when young, were laid off in middle age, and, having worked in factories all their lives, were now frequent visitors to the hospital. Before his rebirth, Wu Xiang had deeply regretted not caring more for his parents, especially at this age.

Although they weren't starving, the family's financial situation wasn't good. Fortunately, he was applying for the Chinese or directing department, not the highly competitive performance department. The cost of performance classes and the annual tuition of 6,000 yuan would have been a heavy burden for the family. The Chinese department only cost half as much. So, Wu Xiang didn't consider any fancy restaurants. After some thought, he made his choice.

"Mom, Dad, let's go to McDonald's, okay?"

In 1997, McDonald's and KFC were still novel. Unlike in the future, where they were seen as low-end fast food, McDonald's was considered high-end and prestigious.

"Child, you order. You decide; we don't understand this."

"Sure, I'll order what you want."

There was a McDonald's near the film academy. It seemed they had chosen a good location. Wu Dad and Wu Mom felt a bit out of place as they entered, not being used to this environment.

Seeing his parents' simplicity, Wu Xiang felt a bit like crying. Why hadn't he appreciated this before?

Wu Xiang chose this place mainly because it was prestigious and not too expensive, but he had overlooked his parents' tastes. He realized he had been somewhat spoiled.

'I must make sure my parents have a good life, I must!' Wu Xiang vowed silently, then took the money from his parents to order.

"Three Big Mac meals, one with coffee, an apple pie, and a milkshake..." There weren't many options at McDonald's.

However, after ordering, Wu Xiang forgot to take the straws.

"Sorry." In his hurry, Wu Xiang's hand moved quickly, and he didn't notice that someone else needed a straw.

It was a very delicate hand, with smooth, white skin. When Wu Xiang's fingers touched it, he felt a jolt of electricity.

Wu Xiang inwardly scolded himself, 'How long has it been since I've seen a woman? Just touching a hand and I react like this, how embarrassing!'

"It's okay." The woman's voice made Wu Xiang pause.

Not exactly paused, but he was sizing up the woman in front of him. After a few looks, he finally confirmed that this woman was the future big star, Tang Wei!

'So this is the benefit of applying to the film academy? You can run into big stars so easily? I guess I wasn't too foolish before...' Wu Xiang thought, but someone was not pleased.

"Annoying!" Yes, very annoying, staring at her like that.

Wu Xiang felt embarrassed and had to touch his nose and take the food back to the table.

This was a good opportunity, why let it slip? Wouldn't it be great to get to know a future big star?

Wu Xiang didn't have that thought. He considered that meeting Tang Wei here likely meant she was also applying to the film academy. However, according to his memory, Tang Wei attended the Central Academy of Drama and didn't get in until 2000.

This meant she might not have done well this time. Approaching her now would be foolish, especially with his parents around. There was no need to rush.

However, Wu Xiang wasn't dwelling on missing the chance to meet a future sexy celebrity. He was thinking about something that could change his life right now.

McDonald's, a beautiful woman, and a chance encounter—this seemed to have a magical connection. Wu Xiang thought of a novel he had once loved, which had become a classic. The key was that it hadn't been published yet!

"Child, what are you thinking about?" Wu Mom looked at her son, who seemed a bit absent-minded.

"Nothing, Mom, Dad. I think we don't have enough to eat. I'll go get another Big Mac." Wu Xiang got up and ordered again.

"What's wrong with this child? He wasn't this hungry before."

"Isn't it good that he's eating more? I think it's great. This child has grown up after the exam."

Wu Dad and Wu Mom smiled, and the burgers in their hands didn't seem so strange anymore.