Chapter 323 Smashing the Book, Unraveling the Characters (Extensive plot from "Late Spring," do not purchase if you dislike this genre)

This product contains a lot of scenes from "Late Spring," so please do not purchase if you do not like that kind of content.

-

Liu Bige had always been confident in front of Lu Yanhe, and he was full of confidence and anticipation for the film "Late Spring".

He had never shown this worried side to Lu Yanhe.

This surprised Lu Yanhe greatly, as he hadn't expected it at all. Mainly because he genuinely thought Liu Bige was an overconfident person who never doubted himself.

He usually doesn't seem to have any such concerns or worries.

Liu Bige gave a bitter smile. "Didn't expect that, did you?"

“No.” Lu Yanhe shook his head honestly. “I always thought you were very confident and believed one hundred percent that your movie would be a success.”

Liu Bige nodded and said, "I thought so before, and most of the time, that's what I thought."

What makes you so insecure and anxious?

Liu Bige: "It's not that I've become anxious and insecure, it's that I can't help but feel anxious and insecure at this time."

Lu Yanhe looked at him with some surprise.

“I used to read a lot of directors’ autobiographies and articles, and they all said that filming is a very difficult process. No matter how great a director is, they will feel like the end of the world when they are on set.” Liu Bige sighed. “I didn’t understand before, but now I understand why they said that.”

Lu Yanhe hesitated for a moment and asked, "Why do you say that? I feel... our filming is going quite smoothly."

Liu Bige: "It's not that our filming didn't go smoothly, but the gap between the actual film and the one I wanted to film in my mind was very frustrating. In my mind, I actually had a complete vision of this film. It had already formed a complete visual story in my mind, but it couldn't be brought to life in reality."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe smiled in surprise.

"So that's how it is," he said.

Lu Yanhe thought that Liu Bige was worried that the film wouldn't do well.

He said that Liu Bige didn't seem like the kind of person who would get anxious about the outcome during the production process.

Based on their previous interactions, Lu Yanhe did not think Liu Bige was that kind of person.

Ultimately, Liu Bige was still concerned about the film's production.

"Do your best and leave the rest to fate," Lu Yanhe said. "I've always felt that to accomplish something, besides your own efforts, you often have to rely on fate. Fate can only wait, but effort is something you can do yourself. So, do 100% of what you can do, and leave the rest to fate."

Liu Bige glanced at Lu Yanhe in surprise.

"I thought you believed more in the power of human will to overcome nature."

“I do believe that human will can overcome nature, but I also believe that there are always things that are beyond human control,” Lu Yanhe said. “Do you know why I liked the script for ‘Late Spring’ and immediately agreed to act in the movie?”

"Isn't it because Miao Yue is your classmate?"

“There are reasons for this, but the most important reason is that I have never been offered a role as a high school student before, let alone such a complex one,” Lu Yanhe said. “I like this story because it is actually about the closeness and distance between people, the encounters and separations. These changes in the relationships between the characters make me feel a sense of melancholy, which reminds me of when I was in high school. I wanted to grow up quickly, finish high school as soon as possible, leave the state of being out of control, and take control of my own life.”

Liu Bige stared blankly at Lu Yanhe.

“Up to now, I feel that every scene you've filmed has always revolved around your original creative intentions, without any changes,” Lu Yanhe said. “And I also believe that although this is your first time making a film, this is the only film you're missing. When this film comes out, it will definitely become your representative work. I haven’t seen a film in a very long time that focuses so intently on the relationship between people from closeness to estrangement, and explores the psychology of the characters and the confusion of youth.”

This is not a melodramatic teenage love story involving abortion or a love triangle.

It tells the story of several teenagers who meet at a cram school, get to know each other by chance, and gradually become familiar with each other, but due to the shadows of their own growth, their relationship becomes complicated, heavy, and collapses.

It speaks of the fragility of emotions, the fragility of human beings, and the fleeting, ephemeral emotions of youth.

-

After filming wrapped, He Qingqing asked Lu Yanhe if he was free after work, as they wanted to go over the script with him again and review the characters' relationships and psychological changes.

Lu Yanhe agreed.

They then went to Kong Fan's room.

Yan Lingyu said, "I've never really understood why Yin Yue started to treat Meng Bai differently after seeing him get slapped by his father."

Lu Yanhe said, "Meng Bai got slapped by his dad because he discovered his dad's infidelity, so he was arguing with him—well, let's talk about me. I was arguing with my dad, and he slapped me because of my bad attitude. Yin Yue happened to see this. I didn't expect to run into this girl again at the tutoring center. Because she saw me get slapped by my dad before, I'm facing you—"

He looked at Yan Lingyu and continued, "I was actually a little embarrassed, which is why I deliberately acted coldly towards you, so that I wouldn't talk to you, avoid interacting with you, and avoid bringing up this awkward matter."

Yan Lingyu nodded. "Do I look at you differently because your dad slapped you, or because you're handsome?"

"Let's put it all together: the reason you look at me differently is because you saw a very handsome guy get slapped and then have a defiant, sarcastic smile on his face," Lu Yanhe said. "Because my reaction surprised you a bit."

Yan Lingyu thought for a moment, "That's good, otherwise I can't give myself a reasonable motive. Actually, that's when I started to be a little curious about you."

He Qingqing said, "I still think about it the way I did before. I know that Yin Yue is a rather proud girl. She is quite famous at school and is the goddess in the hearts of many boys. I actually envy her a bit. I didn't expect to become her deskmate in the tutoring class, so I wanted to get to know her better."

She looked at Yan Lingyu: "After I found out that she had become curious about Meng Bai, I couldn't help but wonder if she had fallen for Meng Bai. Because I have always had a good relationship with Yu Lang, when he asked me if Yin Yue had anyone she liked, I said that she might."

Kong Fan held the script, which he had drawn all over with his pen, and said, "When I found out that Meng Bai might be the person Yin Yue liked, I felt a little jealous of Meng Bai. I happened to run into Meng Bai acting suspiciously, so I followed him. I didn't expect to see Meng Bai secretly taking pictures of a couple."

“I secretly like Meng Bai,” Wang Jing said. “But I’m a very ordinary and insecure girl. I never dare to confess my feelings to him. In fact, he probably doesn’t even know me. But I’ve noticed that he often appears near my house. I started to have a thought. I know this thought is basically unrealistic, but I still can’t help thinking that maybe he likes me a little too and he’s secretly following me.”

Yan Lingyu continued, "I didn't fall in love with Meng Bai. I was just wondering why he could face his father so calmly and fearlessly, even after being slapped. I'm a good student in other people's eyes, but I have a father who's been very strict with me since I was little. He's even pathologically controlling me. He doesn't allow me to say a word to boys, I have to be home by a certain time, and he strictly controls my movements outside the house. I have to tell him everything I do and when, and if I talk back or resist, he'll beat me. I hate my father. I've always dreamed of finding my mother someday so she can come and take me away from this terrifying home."

He Qingqing said, "When Yin Yue suddenly fell down the stairs that day, I was shocked. Zuo Lanlan was also pale. I didn't expect that after Yin Yue fell down the stairs, not many people were willing to help take her to the hospital. Fortunately, Meng Bai and Yu Lang arrived at this time. With their help, we took Yin Yue to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, Yin Yue only sprained her ankle and there were no more serious consequences. At this time, the tutor and Yin Yue's father arrived. Her father thanked us with a serious face. I always felt that her father's eyes were a bit fierce, especially when he looked at Meng Bai and Yu Lang. He even said to Meng Bai and Yu Lang, 'Stay away from Yin Yue.'"

"Yin Yue was picked up by her father, and we all breathed a sigh of relief. We discussed having lunch nearby before going back to the tutoring school," Kong Fan said. "But when we got to the restaurant, Meng Bai's expression suddenly changed. He said he had something to do and wouldn't be eating with us. He left with a very unpleasant look on his face. We were all puzzled, but we weren't familiar with Meng Bai, so we didn't pay much attention and went off on our own. On the contrary, Wang Jing's gaze as she watched Meng Bai leave was a bit suggestive. When we entered the restaurant, I was surprised to find that the couple that Meng Bai had been secretly following earlier were also inside. I was stunned for a moment."

Wang Jing pursed her lips and took a deep breath. "I didn't expect to run into my mother having dinner alone with another strange man here. Actually, it doesn't mean anything, but when my mother looked up and saw me, her face, which was chatting and laughing, suddenly froze. I immediately realized the worst possibility. I was stunned for a moment and hurriedly said that I still had homework to finish and had to go back to do it, and fled in panic."

He Qingqing: "I had no idea what had happened and was at a loss."

Kong Fan said, "My mind is a mess. I don't know why Meng Bai is following Zuo Lanlan's mother, and who that man is?"

...

It seems that everyone has entered the psychological state of their character. When they tell their own character's storyline and motivations, they gradually become immersed in the role.

Shock, confusion, bewilderment...

At this moment, Lu Yanhe couldn't help but stand at a detached angle and look at them. The expressions on their faces had changed; they were focused, concentrated, and immersed in their own storylines and perspectives.

He thought to himself, everyone says he is highly talented and a genius, but who here isn't?

Lu Yanhe found it incredible how deeply everyone was immersed in their roles.

...

Kong Fan took a deep breath, his tone tinged with regret: "I did the most regrettable thing in my life. Because of my secret jealousy of Meng Bai, I told Zuo Lanlan that Meng Bai had been secretly following and photographing Zuo Lanlan's mother. I know that if Zuo Lanlan finds out about this, Meng Bai will definitely be in trouble."

Zuo Lanlan's eyes were slightly red, and tears welled up in them.

“I went to question my mother about whether she had cheated on me with a man surnamed Meng, and she admitted it.” Zuo Lanlan’s jaw trembled slightly. “I can no longer face Meng Bai, and I finally understand why I always run into Meng Bai near my house. My guesses were all illusions and misunderstandings. What’s even more terrifying is that after this happened, I can no longer have normal contact with him. But at this time, Meng Bai came to find me.”

Lu Yanhe said, "I hope Zuo Lanlan can work with me to nip my father and her mother's extramarital affair in the bud."

Wang Jing said, "I never thought he would still be willing to talk to me. This opportunity to be close to him made me impulsively agree immediately. It was only at this moment that I realized that what hurt me more than my anger towards my mother was that I thought there was no possibility for Meng Bai anymore."

Kong Fan bit her lip: "Meng Bai and Zuo Lanlan not only didn't break up, but they often spent their free time talking together, which made me suspicious and uneasy. I have been condemning myself for my despicable behavior, but I am also worried that Zuo Lanlan will tell Meng Bai that I told Zuo Lanlan this in private."

He Qingqing said, "I also noticed the change in Meng Bai and Zuo Lanlan's relationship. In fact, many students in the tutoring class were talking about whether the two of them were together. Unexpectedly, Teacher Han suddenly came to the classroom at this time, called Yin Yue out, and looked very unhappy."

"There was a note tucked in Yin Yue's notebook that said 'I miss you so much,'" He Qingqing said. "Teacher Han asked Yin Yue which boy she was going to give it to, and Yin Yue's face changed. She said it wasn't for anyone else, but Teacher Han called her father over. Her father was like an angry lion. He rushed into our class and questioned which boy dared to make a move on his daughter. Then he saw Meng Bai and Yu Lang. Her father rushed up to them as if he had lost control and asked if it was them."

Kong Fan: "I was completely at a loss and had no idea what was going on."

Lu Yanhe: "I saw Yin Yue standing in the corridor outside the classroom, tears streaming down her face, experiencing the most intense emotions. She rushed into the classroom and told everyone that it was a letter she wrote to her mother!"

Kong Fan: "He actually rushed over and slapped Yin Yue in front of so many people! I was furious. Why should Yin Yue be treated so cruelly by such a father! I rushed up and punched him in the face."

Lu Yanhe: "The moment Yin Yue's father hit Yin Yue, I thought of my own father, and I couldn't control my anger either. I rushed up and punched Yin Yue's father!"

...

"Meng Bai and I were both severely reprimanded and punished by running laps on the playground."

He Qingqing was furious: "Zuo Lanlan and I both said that Yin Yue's father deserved to hit Yin Yue, and as a result, we were also punished. Yin Yue's father was punched twice by them, and Teacher Han advised him a couple of times. He asked Yin Yue to go back with him, but Teacher Han said that there were important knowledge points to be assigned later, and that Yin Yue should leave after class. Only then did he leave angrily by himself."

Kong Fan said, "To our surprise, Yin Yue also came over and ran laps with us."

Lu Yanhe looked up at them.

They also raised their heads and looked at each other.

They exchanged a knowing smile.

“We were exhausted from running and drenched in sweat. We lay on the playground without saying a word, but at that moment we felt a strange and incredible closeness,” He Qingqing said. “When we asked her, Yin Yue told us about her parents and said that she admired Meng Bai’s courage and fearlessness in the face of his father.”

Lu Yanhe said, "I hesitated for a moment, then told them about my father's affair. The atmosphere between my father and me became extremely tense, which is why he slapped me."

Kong Fan: "I immediately realized that Meng Bai's father and Zuo Lanlan's mother had an affair."

Wang Jing said, "When I saw Yu Lang's expression of sudden realization, I knew that Yu Lang had already guessed it, so he admitted it."

The secret exchange cast an indescribable heaviness over the budding intimacy between them.

Yin Yue suddenly said, "Let's help them finish this."

However, Yin Yue did not show up at the tutoring school the next day; she had asked for leave.

Kong Fan said, "We are all very worried about Yin Yue's situation. We called her and sent her messages, but there was no response. We wanted to go to her, but none of us knew where Yin Yue lived, so we could only worry in vain."

Lu Yanhe said, "My father suddenly confronted my mother and said he wanted a divorce. My mother smashed the house to pieces."

Wang Jing said, "My mother told me that I was about to have a father. I cried and refused. She became angry and locked me in my room, cursing me loudly for not being considerate of her."

Lu Yanhe said, "I left home late at night and wandered the streets in a daze. I felt lost and heavy about the future. Suddenly I saw Yin Yue. She was covered in injuries, including on her face."

“When I got home that night, my father beat me severely. I told him I was going to find my mother, and he got even angrier and locked me in the house,” Yan Lingyu said. “I climbed out of the window in the middle of the night and ran into Meng Bai.”

Lu Yanhe said, "I decided to take Yin Yue to find her mother. Her mother had sent her things a few times before, and she had secretly obtained the address from her father."

Yan Lingyu said, "We are waiting for the earliest train at the station."

Lu Yanhe said, "Yu Lang suddenly called me and asked if Yin Yue's father had come looking for me. I said no. He said that Yin Yue's father had just come to his house looking for Yin Yue. I hesitated for a moment and then told him that Yin Yue was with me and that we were going to go find Yin Yue's mother, so he didn't need to worry."

Kong Fan said, "When I met Yin Yue's father before, he was like a fierce lion, but when he came to find Yin Yue, he was panicked, his face full of fear, and he asked me humbly if I knew where Yin Yue was and if I could contact her. His eyes were red with anxiety. After I finished the call with Meng Bai, I hurriedly prepared to go out, but my parents stopped me. They asked me where I was going, and I said I was going to the station. They asked me what I was going to the station for, and I said my friends were there and I was going to see them. But they wouldn't let me go out. What I didn't expect was that my dad actually contacted Yin Yue's father and told him about the station."

Yan Lingyu said, "I didn't sleep all night. After Meng Bai and I got on the bus, we were so tired waiting for it to depart that we didn't dare to close our eyes. We only breathed a sigh of relief after the bus started moving. But just as we closed our eyes and were about to take a nap, the bus suddenly stopped. I saw my father blocking the road in front of me. At that moment, I felt utterly hopeless."

...

He Qingqing sighed and said, "Meng Bai, Yin Yue, and Yu Lang haven't come to the tutoring school anymore. They've disappeared. Rumors about them are slowly spreading around the school. Some say Meng Bai eloped with Yin Yue and was caught. Some say Meng Bai was taken to the police station by Yin Yue's father. Some say Yin Yue was beaten black and blue by her father, and her mother rushed over to fight for custody. Some say Meng Bai's mother broke down crying at the police station..."

Wang Jing: "I suddenly became very afraid of seeing Meng Bai again. His absence relieved me. For a moment, I wished he would never come to the tutoring school again. Meng Bai's mother came to my house to find Meng Bai's father and said that something had happened to Meng Bai, but my mother refused to let him leave. I felt ashamed, but there was nothing I could do."

"In May, the last class of the tutoring program will be held. After this class, our spring tutoring program will end, and the summer advanced class will take over," He Qingqing said. "If you want to enter the advanced class, you have to pass an exam. The day of the exam was a beautiful sunny day. I sat in my seat, bored, waiting for the exam to start. When I saw Zuo Lanlan come in, I really wanted to ask her why she could accept Meng Bai's father as her stepfather. However, after that incident, I never spoke to her again. She glanced at me, didn't say anything, and went straight to her seat."

Wang Jing said, "When I saw Meng Bai walk in, I didn't dare to look him in the eye and immediately lowered my head."

“Everyone was looking at me, but she kept her head down,” Lu Yanhe said. “During this month of absence, I went through the most agonizing period of my seventeen years of life. Now, I need to get back on track, go back to the cram school, and take the college entrance examination to get into a good university so that I can take my mother away from this city.”

Yan Lingyu said, “My mother accompanied me to the classroom. She said she would take me away after I finished this exam. She didn’t understand why I had to take this exam. She had already arranged my transfer, and I was about to go to another city. I didn’t know how to tell her that I needed to take this exam to say goodbye. Maybe no one knows how happy I was when I saw Meng Bai appear in the classroom. They just looked at the injury on my face with astonishment.”

Kong Fan: "I hesitated for a long time about whether I should take the exam. I was afraid of seeing them, and I was also afraid of not seeing them. If it weren't for me, maybe they wouldn't have had to go through so much pain and torment. Maybe Yin Yue would have seen her mother long ago and wouldn't have been beaten by her father anymore. I mustered up my courage and walked into the classroom, wanting to look up to see if they were there, but I didn't dare to look up. I've never been so timid in my life. When I saw them out of the corner of my eye, I almost choked up. I don't know why."

...

There was a long silence among the five people.

Finally, Lu Yanhe looked into everyone's eyes and said, "The moment the exam bell rang, I saw the sunlight streaming into the classroom through the window as always, bathing everyone in its glow. I looked at Yin Yue; she was completely enveloped in golden sunlight, the scars on her face concealed by the sun's rays. At that moment, looking at her, I remembered that night when I held her hand and ran in the spring breeze. Was I leading her to the station to find her mother, or did I myself hope to ride this wind to escape that night of anger, sadness, and despair? I don't know. I just sincerely hope that her future will be bright."

-

I know this is another thankless chapter, but as a novel that's reached this stage, I have to finish it. Another four or five hours of extremely inefficient writing... I'm going to sleep. I'm exhausted, and I might not be able to update twice tomorrow. I'll continue after I've had some sleep.

(End of this chapter)