Huayu: I really am a genuine top star.

Chapter 29 Good heavens, what a small world!

Shen Li picked up her teacup, took a sip, and pretended to be serious:

"Well, they each have their own merits. Xiao Zhao has a peach-shaped butt and a sweet voice; she's the sweet and sexy type."

Jiang Li has a strong, muscular physique and is considered healthy and energetic. Yun Yiyi is a cool, aloof woman with long legs and black stockings; she's a sophisticated, queen-like type. Chu Yao has an hourglass figure with curves in all the right places and captivating eyes; she's a wealthy, elegant type.

Jing Yang's eyes lit up: "Holy crap, your summary is spot on! So tell me, which one is the easiest to 'strike' at?"

"Make a move?" Shen Li said righteously, "Young Master Jing, there's something wrong with your thinking. We're classmates, we're comrades-in-arms, how can you use a word like 'make a move'? It's vulgar!"

"Fine, fine, you're so noble." Jing Yang scoffed.

"So what's going on between you and Chu Yao? She called you out for her vocal lesson today, what does that mean?"

An alarm bell rang in Shen Li's heart, but she remained calm on the surface:

"What could it mean? It's just normal social interaction between classmates. I'm the kind of person who looks harmless, so it's normal for girls not to be wary of me."

Dai Xiao pushed up his glasses: "According to social psychology, when a high-value woman takes the initiative to approach a seemingly low-threat man, there are usually two possibilities: one, she really just wants to make friends; two, she is playing a much bigger game."

Shen Li: "..."

"Brother Xiao, can you please stop blaming everything on conspiracy theories?" Shen Li said with a wry smile. "I'm just a poor student, what do I have that's worth someone 'playing chess' with?"

"You just don't understand," Jing Yang said, getting more animated.

"Chu Yao's family owns a film and television company; they have extensive connections and resources. If she really wants to promote someone, they can rise to the top in one step. Maybe she's taken a liking to you, wants to sign you, promote you, and turn you into the next top star!"

Shen Li rolled her eyes: "Young Master Jing, your script is more exciting than our acting class assignments. Why don't you switch careers and become a screenwriter?"

As they were talking, the dishes started to be served.

When the boiled fish was served, the bright red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns covered the entire surface of the bowl. When hot oil was poured over it, it sizzled and the aroma hit you right in the head.

Shen Li picked up a piece with her chopsticks. The first sensation was numbing, followed by spiciness, and then the tenderness of the fish. The flavors were distinct and left a lingering aftertaste.

"Holy crap, this tastes amazing!" He gave a thumbs up.

Jing Yang said smugly, "How about it? A shop I recommended, how could it be bad?"

Yang Yi carefully picked up a piece, and as soon as he put it in his mouth, his face turned bright red, and tears almost welled up in his eyes: "Spicy! So spicy! So hot!"

Shen Li quickly poured him some tea. Yang Yi gulped down most of it before he recovered: "My god, this is so spicy!"

Dai Xiao picked up a piece of food with a blank expression, chewed it, swallowed it, and then... his ears slowly turned red.

He adjusted his glasses, his voice remaining calm: "The spiciness level is approximately 7.8 Scoville units, which exceeds the tolerance threshold for the average person by about 32%. I suggest Yang Yi rinse it with water before consuming it."

"...Brother Xiao, your face is all red." Shen Li suppressed a laugh.

"This is a normal physiological response of capillary dilation," Dai Xiao insisted.

Jing Yang laughed heartily, raising his beer: "Come on, let's have a toast! To celebrate our 512 Four Heroes successfully surviving the hellish physical training class!"

The four clinked glasses and gulped down several mouthfuls. The ice-cold beer washed away the spiciness in their mouths, making them feel refreshed and their pores opened up.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere became lively. Jingyang began to boast about his "acting dreams":

"Let me tell you, I, Jing Yang, will win Best Actor sooner or later! When that happens, I'll win all the Golden Rooster Awards, Hundred Flowers Awards, and Huabiao Awards!"

I've even prepared my speech... I want to thank my roommates, Shen Li, Yang Yi, and Dai Xiao, for not kicking me out of the dorm when I was dirt poor.

Shen Li laughed: "You know you're dirt poor?"

"That's different! I call this 'strategic poverty'! All the money is spent wisely!" Jing Yang said confidently. "Look at my skincare products, my clothes, my hairstyle—aren't all of these laying the foundation for my future acting career? That's called investment!"

Yang Yi, ever honest, asked, "So, Jingyang, how's your acting? Last time in the impromptu skit, Teacher Yan said you were alright, but a bit too forceful."

"What do you mean by 'overdoing it'?" Jing Yang protested. "That's called passion! That's called immersion! You guys don't understand! Real acting is about completely immersing yourself, forgetting yourself, and becoming the character!"

Shen Li picked up a piece of spicy chicken and said slowly, "Young Master Jing, what you're talking about is the 'Method School.' Isn't there a senior from the 'Method School'? Senior Sister Hao Yan, that's what you call dedicated. When she plays siblings, she makes you really feel like you're her brother."

Jing Yang's eyes lit up: "Right, right, right! You said it! How exactly did she 'get involved'? Tell me in detail!"

Shen Li shuddered as she recalled the restless foot under the table in the milk tea shop, those peach blossom eyes brimming with spring water, and the unfathomable view beneath the collar.

"Well... her eyes were just so expressive, her emotions were so full." He spoke vaguely, "Anyway, acting opposite her was incredibly stressful."

Jing Yang looked incredulous: "That's it? I don't think you're telling the truth."

Dai Xiao pushed up his glasses: "Based on micro-expression analysis, when Shen Li described Hao Yan, his pupils showed slight dilation, his blinking frequency increased by 17%, and his mouth muscles twitched unnaturally. Based on this, it can be concluded that he was deliberately concealing certain information."

Shen Li: "...Brother Xiao, could you please stop treating me like a test subject?"

Yang Yi asked curiously, "Shen Li, is Senior Sister Hao Yan really that amazing? I heard she can play any role convincingly, especially those alluring characters; it's like she's playing herself."

"It's more than just impressive," Shen Li sighed.

"That woman is someone who can seamlessly switch between 'acting' and 'real life.' You simply can't tell which of her eyes is acting and which is genuine. When acting with her, you have to be on your toes, or you'll be led astray in no time."

As he spoke, he recalled Hao Yan's words, "Next time, I'll help you get even more 'into the role'," and felt a chill run down his spine.

This "Little Fox Fairy from Beijing Film Academy" is definitely one of the most dangerous "fairies" he has encountered so far.

Jing Yang listened with rapt attention: "Damn, how come I never had the chance to work with a senior sister of this caliber? Shen Li, next time you have a job, take me with you! I don't want money, it's all for art!"

"Come on, your 'art' is probably aimed at people's bodies," Shen Li bluntly exposed.

"Superficial!" Jing Yang declared righteously. "Am I that kind of person? I genuinely want to learn! I want to improve!"

Yang Yi muttered under his breath, "You just asked which girl was the easiest to 'make a move' on..."

"Yang Yi, shut up!"

Amidst laughter and banter, the four had already devoured most of the food. Shen Li patted her round belly and let out a satisfied burp.

At that moment, the restaurant door was pushed open, and several girls entered.

Shen Li glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and thought, "Good heavens, what a small world."

The girls who came in were Xiao Zhao, Jiang Li, and two others they weren't very familiar with.

The four of them had probably just finished training and were out looking for food.