Chapter 136 The Speed of Progress
"You authorized Song Linxin, why didn't you tell me?!" Zhou Ping'an angrily questioned Lu Yanhe, his loud voice almost shattering the phone.
Lu Yanhe said calmly, "This is a song I wrote and composed myself. I own the copyright. I can authorize others to cover it without needing the company's permission."
Zhou Ping'an: "I'm your manager now, after all!"
"Then why haven't you told me yet that Director Luo Yuzhong had his eye on me and wanted me to star in 'The Golden Era'?" Lu Yanhe asked.
Zhou Ping'an suddenly seemed to have something stuffed into his mouth, and couldn't make a sound.
“Brother Ping An, I’m still calling you brother because I hope you’ll know when to stop. Now that we’ve already signed the termination agreement, you’re still deliberately hindering my acting and ruining the opportunity I fought for myself. Why do you think I’ll still obediently listen to you?”
Lu Yanhe gave a cold laugh.
"There are less than nine months left before I terminate my contract with the company. I hope that if you come to me for work again in the future, you can handle it properly. Otherwise, I will always be penniless and have nothing to lose."
For the first time, Zhou Ping'an realized that he couldn't win an argument with Lu Yanhe.
The angrier he got, the less he could cope.
"Lu Yanhe, who do you think you are? I—"
“Brother Ping An, let me emphasize again, I know we’ve completely fallen out, and after the contract is terminated, we should be at odds forever. But right now, I haven’t terminated the contract yet, and you are still my nominal agent.” Lu Yanhe said, “If you don’t want me to go to various media outlets and talk about how you’ve treated me over the past few years and how you forced me to terminate the contract, then just do your job normally.”
"You dare!"
"Why wouldn't I dare?" Lu Yanhe asked earnestly and innocently. "Brother Ping An, can you tell me what reason I have for not daring to do so?"
-
This was the first time Lu Yanhe had truly retorted after nearly two months of forbearance. Without carefully choosing his words, he used his pride and the coldest tone to threaten Zhou Ping'an.
After he actually said these words, Lu Yanhe realized that it was much better to say them out loud than to keep them bottled up inside.
But only by saying it now will Zhou Ping'an be truly threatened.
I wonder how angry Zhou Pingan will be after he hangs up the phone, but who told him to make him sign the termination agreement first?
In Zhou Ping'an's hands, it was a guarantee to ensure Lu Yanhe's termination of the contract, but in Lu Yanhe's hands, wasn't it also evidence that Zhou Ping'an was forcing Lu Yanhe to terminate the contract?
If Lu Yanhe were just an unknown entertainer, this whole thing wouldn't have made much of a splash.
But now Lu Yanhe happens to have some fame and popularity, and a live broadcast room with an average of about two thousand viewers per day.
Well, a month later, Lu Yanhe's live stream had reached an average of two thousand viewers per day.
It doubled in price.
Almost all of them came because of his reputation—to learn from Lu Yanhe's live-streamed learning sessions.
Lu Yanhe himself was shocked. He never expected that this learning live broadcast room would become so famous.
Even Li Pengfei said, "Old Lu, you look completely different lately. Your eyes are so much more confident and spirited now."
Lu Yanhe was left speechless, both amused and exasperated by what he said.
Lu Yanhe was indeed in a very good mood.
Then, in early November, the third monthly exam arrived.
Lu Yanhe performed steadily and improved to 194th in the grade. The rate of improvement slowed down, which was the result of his deliberate control. It would be unusual for his grades to improve so much in the first half of the year. The emphasis is on the effect of gradual accumulation, which is more acceptable to everyone.
Li Pengfei also made a small progress, reaching 329th in the grade.
Lin Yu, who ranked first in the grade last time, fell to third this time. Her grades fluctuated within the normal range. Liu Qin only told her that such fluctuations were normal. At this stage, the key is to maintain a stable performance and a stable mindset.
Xu Zijun was the one who couldn't maintain her composure.
This top student, who has consistently ranked in the top 20 of his grade, suffered a major setback this time, dropping to 62nd place.
The whole class was shocked.
Liu Qin found it strange. She thought Xu Zijun's performance in the last monthly exam would be affected, given all that had happened. However, Xu Zijun performed exceptionally well last time, ranking 19th in the grade, and was not affected at all. Liu Qin even thought Xu Zijun had maintained her composure, but she didn't expect her to regress so much this time.
No one dared to speak to Xu Zijun anymore.
Upon seeing her grades, Xu Zijun turned pale instantly, silently returned to her seat, and never looked up again.
Exams are always like this: some people improve while others regress. While Xu Zijun suffered a major setback, Chu Saiying, contrary to expectations, made it into the top 30 of the grade, ranking 29th, her first time achieving this ranking.
However, his progress is not well received.
Xu Zijun regressed significantly, while he made great progress. Even if this is all a matter of mindset, people's emotions are always prone to deviation.
Liu Qin privately told Lu Yanhe, "Keep up the good work. If you keep this up, you have a great chance of getting into a top-tier university."
Lu Yanhe nodded.
In fact, based on his own assessment of his true abilities, he had already reached around tenth place in his grade.
His Chinese, math, and English scores are all among the top in the entire grade, especially math. As long as the last sub-question of the last big question isn't too difficult, he has a good chance of getting a perfect score.
His weakness lies in the three humanities subjects.
This made him somewhat regretful that he hadn't switched from humanities to science in order to avoid arousing suspicion.
When I first transmigrated here, I was unfamiliar with everything and was extremely cautious.
After all, students choose between arts and sciences in their second year of high school, so it would be too absurd to switch to sciences in their third year.
Lu Yanhe carefully analyzed his three subjects and realized that the reason he lost points was because his basic knowledge was not solid.
There was no other way; he only had two months at most, and the fact that he achieved this level was the result of his best efforts.
He had eight months left and believed he could catch up.
There are tricks to learning; if you don't find the tricks, you can only put in a lot of hard work.
Lu Yanhe spends most of his evening self-study time on the three humanities subjects, devoting a lot of time to improving his basic knowledge.
Then, he started searching for online courses. Many experts online record videos to explain key knowledge points. Thanks to this era, as long as you want to learn, there are many convenient conditions.
The viewers in the live stream were shocked by Lu Yanhe's rapid progress after learning from the students of No. 13 Middle School that he had entered the top 200 in his grade.
To go from over 500th in the grade to the top 200 in three exams is really a bit exaggerated.
-
This reminded Lu Yanhe of a movie. When he was in his second year of high school, his homeroom teacher used two evening self-study sessions to show a Japanese movie called "Flying Colors".
The movie tells the story of a Japanese high school girl who gets into Keio University in just one year. Lu Yanhe was a student who believed that learning required accumulation over time and was not interested in this kind of inspirational story. He also felt that it was just a fictional youth inspirational movie.
It wasn't until the movie ended that their homeroom teacher told them that it was based on a true story.
"Human potential is limitless. Never think it's too late, as long as you're willing to start."
These were the words their homeroom teacher once said, and Lu Yanhe still remembers them vividly to this day.
Rather than saying that the movie deeply moved Lu Yanhe, it was his homeroom teacher's words that truly touched him.
Lu Yanhe believed he could do it. If he could do well in Chinese, math, and English, why couldn't he do well in politics, history, and geography?
In November, the independent admissions processes of various universities began one after another.
Lu Yanhe didn't need to participate, but it still affected the atmosphere in the class.
Every week, students take leave to participate in the preliminary test for independent admissions, followed by a second test, and even a third test.
Some people passed the first test, while others were eliminated. These different results created a cruel atmosphere.
Everyone could already sense the atmosphere that would follow the release of the college entrance examination results next June.
Zheng Meiqi had the recommendation qualifications for independent enrollment of two universities, but she was rejected by both in the end. When she came to the school, her eyes were swollen, probably because she had cried all night.
Lin Yu passed the preliminary test for the independent enrollment of Qinghe University. The second test was at the end of December. Another university was also eliminated in the preliminary test.
On the contrary, Chen Yi passed the preliminary examinations for both Fudan University, Jiaotong University, and Renshi University.
The two schools Chen Qin applied to were the last to hold preliminary exams. When he returned from the exams, it was already the end of November, and he was wearing a thick down jacket.
"It's so cold up north, it's even snowing," he said.
Chen Qin applied for Qinghe and Renshi, but Qinghe was eliminated while Renshi passed the preliminary test.
Everyone's situation is different, and everyone's destiny is changing quietly.
Lu Yanhe remained uninvolved, yet inexplicably felt a sudden push against his back.
I don't know when it started, but time suddenly began to fly by.
So much happened in September that October and November seem rather lackluster.
However, a lack of anything noteworthy is the norm for senior high school students.
On the other hand, both Li Zhibai and Yan Liang became very busy with their work.
Yan Liang is about to take the art exam, but Zhou Ping'an is also arranging two commercial performances a week for him.
In November, all sorts of year-end activities come into play: promotions, company performances, celebrations, and so on.
It was rare for Lu Yanhe to meet with them.
Then, at that moment, Qiu Ling arrived with another brocade banner.
This time, Lu Yanhe did not receive any advance notice.
Qiu Ling said, "More than two months ago, a very serious case occurred in our city. Due to confidentiality regulations, I cannot tell you the specifics. However, it was the USB drive you sent that helped us solve the case and arrest the suspects. Without the USB drive you sent, we would not have known that such a serious incident had occurred in our city. Therefore, this is the second banner of commendation for bravery that our municipal bureau is giving to you."
Lu Yanhe, once again bewildered, accepted the second banner of appreciation in his life, represented by his teachers and classmates.
Principal Song's mouth was wide open in a smile.
Another banner recognizing bravery! This is not only an honor for Lu Yanhe, but also for No. 13 Middle School! It's a testament to the excellent upbringing of the students at No. 13 Middle School!
Lu Yanhe's second banner recognizing his act of bravery was officially reported, and he once again made the news.
Lu Yanhe was surprised that no one had notified his agency this time.
After the banner presentation ceremony, he asked Qiu Ling in a low voice, and Qiu Ling said, "What's there to notify? Anyway, it's all companies that are terminating their contracts."
Lu Yanhe immediately realized that Qiu Ling had deliberately not informed him after hearing about his relationship with Zhou Ping'an last time.
"Thank you, Sister Qiuling," Lu Yanhe said.
Qiu Ling laughed.
“I was just chatting with your homeroom teacher, and you’ve made great progress lately,” Qiu Ling said.
"Hmm, it's alright." Lu Yanhe nodded. "Anyway, I've already put in a lot of effort to learn it."
Qiu Ling: "That's how you should work hard. If you do well on the exam, you'll benefit from it too."
The bureau chief didn't come this time; Qiu Ling represented the police.
In the evening, after finishing his evening self-study, Lu Yanhe was about to return to his dormitory when he ran into Zhou Ping'an at the school gate.
He seemed to have been waiting for him specifically at the school gate.
It was quite cold that day, with a biting wind blowing.
I don't know how long he's been standing there alone.
Lu Yanhe looked at him with some surprise.
"Let's talk," he said.
Lu Yanhe walked over.
“It’s windy outside, let’s chat in my car, I’ll give you a ride home,” he said.
Lu Yanhe nodded and got into the car with Zhou Ping'an.
It was a rare occasion for Lu Yanhe to get into Zhou Ping'an's car again.
Given their relationship, he thought he would never be able to get the seat again.
The car's heater was on.
Zhou Pingan opened a window to prevent the car from feeling stuffy.
“I know we had some unpleasantness before,” Zhou Ping’an said.
Lu Yanhe thought to himself, it was more than just somewhat unpleasant.
He listened silently without responding.
"I admit, I wasn't a good agent for you, but I didn't really harm you either, you have to admit that, right?"
Lu Yanhe: "..."
If it refers to not drugging him and sending him to someone's bed, or setting a trap for him to swindle him into owing millions or tens of millions of dollars, then that's true.
But what's the point of saying this now?
Zhou Pingan said, "Actually, I didn't have any other thoughts. You guessed it yourself. Someone wanted you to leave the entertainment industry, so they reached out to our company. I don't know who it was. I was just following orders from above. So, I blocked many of your opportunities. That's a fact."
“These past two months, you’ve really lived up to expectations. You’ve become famous, received official praise, and even received a banner today, though I don’t know why.” Zhou Ping’an said with a self-deprecating laugh. “To be honest, if it weren’t for the unpleasantness in the past, with your current abilities and qualities, I would definitely have managed you well and made you a top star.”
Lu Yanhe thought to himself, "I don't believe you now that you're saying this."
He roughly guessed that Zhou Ping'an came to see him today for two reasons. One was because of the threats and harsh words he had made to him before, and the other was because of the second banner of appreciation he received today. He had been officially commended once again, which added another layer of prestige to him. If he were to jump out and criticize Zhou Ping'an at this moment, Zhou Ping'an would definitely become the target of public condemnation.
“Brother Ping An, it’s too late to say all this now. Our termination agreement has already been signed,” Lu Yanhe said with a light laugh.
Zhou Pingan silently glanced at Lu Yanhe sitting in the passenger seat through the rearview mirror.
In just a few months, the boy had become so different that he could hardly recognize him.
The night was hazy, and the light and shadow of the streetlights changed constantly on the cars as they drove, shifting the boundary between light and darkness.
“In the time before you terminate your contract, I will help you find some jobs,” Zhou Ping’an said. “Consider it compensation for the time I wronged you before.”
Lu Yanhe perked up a little after hearing this.
Now, here comes the main topic.
Zhou Pingan said, "First, I contacted the production team of 'The Golden Era' today. As long as they are still willing to sign you, I will help you negotiate the acting contract and will no longer ask for those additional conditions."
He was unaware that Lu Yanhe had already taken care of the matter privately.
However, since it would be better to sign the contract sooner rather than later, Lu Yanhe certainly wouldn't refuse.
"Secondly, before you terminate your contract with the company, I will help you get two more roles, no more than fifth billing," Zhou Ping'an said. "I know you want to stay in the entertainment industry, but after you terminate your contract, as far as I know, there will definitely be people preventing you from returning to the entertainment industry. These two roles will help you transition during this period."
This is a pretty good offer.
Lu Yanhe silently ticked a box in his mind.
"Third, if you're willing, I can also help you get some business collaborations so you can earn some money. That way, after you terminate your contract, you'll have enough money to go to university without having to take out a loan."
To be fair, Zhou Ping'an knows Lu Yanhe quite well and knows what Lu Yanhe cares about.
The conditions he proposed were exactly what Lu Yanhe was most concerned about and cared about right now.
He seemed to know exactly what Lu Yanhe was thinking.
Lu Yanhe said, "So Brother Ping An always knew what I wanted."
Zhou Pingan couldn't help but frown.
He's already made a huge concession, so why is this kid still so sarcastic?
However, he had to hold his temper and coax him first.
Lu Yanhe's image is now too perfect and righteous. He has two banners for bravery and righteousness on his body. He is an eighteen-year-old boy with a pure and upright character. If we don't coax and appease him, he might really explode. The first person to be pushed out to take the blame will be Zhou Ping'an.
Zhou Ping'an never held out hope that Vice President Ma would lend him a hand.
At that time, Zhou Ping'an will be the one who has nothing to lose and isn't afraid of those wearing shoes.
That's why Zhou Ping'an rushed to the entrance of No. 13 Middle School today to wait for Lu Yanhe, just to say these things to him.
Lu Yanhe knew he would agree to Zhou Ping'an's request.
He says that those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose, but in reality, he would not do something that would result in the loss of eight hundred of his own men unless absolutely necessary.
But to agree so easily would be to waste such an opportunity.
“During this period before the college entrance examination, you must help me take on any job opportunities that come my way, as long as I want to,” Lu Yanhe said.
Zhou Ping'an never expected that Lu Yanhe would directly negotiate with him.
He wasn't satisfied with the conditions he had proposed; he wanted to discuss other conditions as well.
“You know, I can’t go too far. I can’t let the person who wants you out of the entertainment industry realize that we haven’t taken any action.”
“I understand, you don’t need to worry so much. My focus is still on the college entrance exam. I’m not that famous, so I won’t have that many jobs coming my way.”
Lu Yanhe spoke each word with an air of nonchalance, as if the entire conversation was within his expectations.
His posture conveyed the message, "I knew you would come to me and say these things."
His posture did indeed intimidate Zhou Ping'an.
After getting out of Zhou Ping'an's car, Lu Yanhe calmly walked into the residential area and turned into the buildings before finally clenching his fist and swinging it forcefully.
He sincerely felt that he did have some talent for acting.
-
Yan Liang and Li Zhibai were not present.
The room was dark.
Lu Yanhe went straight into his room and turned on his laptop.
Around 11:30, the two of them returned together, looking as exhausted as dead dogs.
Lu Yanhe was organizing his geography notes when he heard the commotion outside. Knowing they had returned, he told the people in the live stream that he was going to end the broadcast, closed the live streaming app, and left the room.
"Why do you two look like you've been drained dry?" Lu Yanhe said with a smile when he saw the two of them take up one end of the sofa and sprawl on it as soon as they came back.
Li Zhibai: "Tired."
Yan Liang also said, "I'm really tired."
Lu Yanhe asked, "Is there another announcement tomorrow?"
"Yes," Li Zhibai said irritably, "Zhou Ping'an is a scoundrel."
Yan Liang said, "I have to go to class too, sigh."
Lu Yanhe poured a glass of water for each of them.
"If you're tired, get some rest," he said.
"I can't sleep yet, damn it, I have a video conference in half an hour." Li Zhibai said irritably, "That damned Zhou Ping'an."
Lu Yanhe couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm going to sleep now." He yawned.
Li Zhibai and Yan Liang both looked up in surprise at him and asked in unison, "You went to bed so early?"
It's almost midnight now, so it's impossible to say "going to bed so early." It's just that Lu Yanhe usually studies until around 1 a.m. before going to sleep, so it seems unusually early today.
Lu Yanhe said, "I haven't slept enough these past two days, I need to catch up."
Yan Liang nodded and said, "It's not that you haven't been sleeping enough these past two days, it's that you've been sleeping too little for the past two months. I feel like you're about to become an immortal."
"It can't be that exaggerated, can it?"
"Ask Li Zhibai."
But no one responded.
The two of them turned around and found that Li Zhibai had fallen asleep on the sofa.
"Damn, he just fell asleep like that," Yan Liang said.
"Looks like he's really tired," Lu Yanhe asked. "What will he do during the meeting later?"
"It's alright, let him sleep for twenty minutes first, I'll wake him up later," Yan Liang said.
Lu Yanhe nodded. "Then I'll go to sleep first."
"Um."
Lu Yanhe went to wash his face and brush his teeth, then went back to his room and went to sleep.
He finally slept for six hours, but when he washed his face, he forgot to switch to hot water, and the cold water jolted him awake.
Lu Yanhe finished washing up and prepared to go out.
Yan Liang yawned as he came out of the room. Seeing that Lu Yanhe was about to leave, he waved his hand.
"Bye-Bye."
"Bye-Bye."
Lu Yanhe stepped into the cold air, braving the chill of early winter.
"Old Lu!" Yan Liang suddenly chased after him.
Lu Yanhe turned around in surprise, "What's wrong?"
Yan Liang ran up to him and said, "I forgot to tell you last night, but that legendary agent, Chen Ziyan, is going to hold a public interview at the company at the end of this month. But interested people need to submit an application form first. I guess Zhou Ping'an didn't tell you about this. Don't miss it. The deadline is this Saturday."
(End of this chapter)
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