The campus drama scenes were quickly filmed, and the art college entrance exams were in three days. Xinghe Academy was nestled in the quietest western suburbs of S City, its campus covering an entire mountain range. The white buildings stood gracefully amidst the verdant greenery, like scattered stars. Su Qianqian stood before the school gate, taking a deep breath. Gu Chengyu's car had just left; she clutched her admission ticket tightly, while Fang Qing's RV waited outside. "Qianqian!" Qin Yuwei ran out and hugged her tightly. "Finally here! Come on, I'll take you to the exam hall!" The exam hall was set up on the stage of the acting department. Three examiners sat below the stage, the woman in the center particularly striking—it was the award-winning actress Qin Mo, one of Xinghe's most famous graduates from the acting department. She wore a simple black turtleneck, exuding a cool and aloof air. To her left was an elderly gentleman with a full head of silver hair, wearing glasses and smiling. To her right was a sign for the vocal examiners, but the seat was empty. Qin Yuwei skipped over and sat down: "My vocal coach is on leave, I'll fill in today!" Qin Mo glanced at her indifferently: "Be serious." Qin Yuwei immediately sat up straight and secretly winked at Su Qianqian. The silver-haired old gentleman spoke first: "Su Qianqian, right? We've seen your courtesan scene, it was very good." "But Xinghe is testing all-around qualities. Although the acting doesn't need to be tested, vocals, lines, and physical expression all need to be passed." Su Qianqian nodded: "Understood." The first item was vocals. Qin Yuwei said: "Just sing any familiar song." Su Qianqian thought for a moment and sang a simple folk song. Her voice was sweet and clear, and although her technique was still a bit raw, it was surprisingly moving. Qin Yuwei clapped her hands excitedly: "It sounds good, but your breath control is a little unstable. I'll teach you later!" Qin Mo was writing something on the evaluation sheet. The second item was lines. The silver-haired old gentleman handed her a piece of paper: "This monologue, three minutes to prepare." Su Qianqian quickly glanced at it, getting into character almost instantly. Her voice was sorrowful, perfectly conveying the girl's fear and struggle. After reciting the last line, the old gentleman in the audience adjusted his glasses: "The emotion is very full, but the rhythm and intonation of the lines aren't quite right; it needs improvement." The third item was physical performance. Qin Mo personally stood up: "Impromptu dance; I'll play some music." The music was a mournful guzheng piece. This reminded Su Qianqian of the fire that led to Lin Wan's death. How would she present it as a dance? She moved with the music, strolling and spinning, her waist supple, every glance carrying a resolute and poignant beauty. When the music ended, she stopped, slightly out of breath. Qin Mo remained silent for a long time. The movements weren't difficult, but combined, they evoked a strange sadness. Finally, she only asked softly, "Who choreographed this?" "I came up with it myself..." Su Qianqian obediently replied. Qin Mo nodded and closed the evaluation sheet: "Su Qianqian." Su Qianqian stood up nervously. "Your courtesan scene was very good, but your performance today surprised me even more." Qin Mo's eyes were sharp. "No technique, just pure instinct. That's the most precious thing, and what I like most." She paused: "Welcome to the Xinghe Performing Arts Department." Su Qianqian's eyes suddenly reddened: "Thank you, teacher!" Qin Yuwei rushed over and hugged her: "That's great! We'll be classmates from now on!" The silver-haired old gentleman chuckled: "I'm Professor Li. I'll teach you the basics of dialogue delivery." Su Qianqian bowed and thanked him one by one. As she walked out of the examination hall, sunlight shone on the sycamore trees along the campus avenue. She took out her phone and immediately dialed Gu Chengyu's number. Her voice was inexplicably bittersweet, yet full of joy, "Ayu, I passed the exam!" There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, then his smiling voice came through: "Yes, come home and celebrate." She nodded vigorously. Su Qianqian walked out of the school gate, and the gates of Xinghe Academy slowly closed behind her. But her journey to the stars and the sea has only just begun.
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