Zhang Tianxing returned to school and resumed his usual life, following a predictable routine: dormitory, cafeteria, and study room.
One day, during a moral cultivation class for the materials science department.
The moral cultivation teacher, Zhang Ruofang, walked in. Ms. Zhang Ruofang was in charge of the university's Youth League Committee.
"Today's class will be different from usual. I found a post on our school's forum that I found very interesting. I want to share it with you, so for the next hour and a half, I will be showing you a movie."
Hearing Ms. Zhang Ruofang's words, everyone cheered.
Zhang Tianxing suddenly felt something was amiss. Could his post have gone viral? He shook his head, having forgotten what he had written that night; it was impossible for it to become popular.
He must be overthinking. He figured he was thinking too much, and his trump card for promoting "A Chinese Odyssey" hadn't even been revealed yet, so it couldn't have had such an effect.
Zhang Tianxing already had an idea: he needed to find a breakthrough in cultural promotion.
This would make people genuinely feel that they owed Star Master a movie ticket, and that movies directed by Star Master were excellent.
He hadn't even found any renowned cultural figures to praise "A Chinese Odyssey" yet. His previous efforts were merely a probe.
To Zhang Tianxing's surprise, Ms. Zhang Ruofang continued, "In the time that follows, we will all enjoy 'A Chinese Odyssey'."
Life is unpredictable; plans always fall short of changes.
Zhang Tianxing froze, quickly turning to the online expert, Dou Mingming.
"Douzi, is 'A Chinese Odyssey' very popular right now?" Zhang Tianxing felt things were spiraling out of his control.
"Third Brother, you've been so busy making money. Someone amazing emerged from our school, who a while ago wrote several thousand words on the school forum, resonating with many students."
Hearing this, Zhang Tianxing was dumbfounded. It worked out this way? He had ignited the fire himself?
No, there must be a reason. "Is it that simple?"
"Of course not. That was just the prelude. Someone immediately retorted, calling it one of the ten worst films, completely off the mark, and saying it was unclear what it was trying to convey. That attracted everyone's attention. Later, after analysis, it seemed plausible. It truly became popular because of a film review from Mao Bu and the Zhonghai Daily."
Dou Mingming had been actively cheering for Supreme Treasure and promoting "A Chinese Odyssey" whenever he had time these past few days.
What joy in life, what suffering in death? I no longer cling to anything in this mortal world, only to change history!
He never expected Ms. Zhang Ruofang to have such a strong emotional connection to "A Chinese Odyssey." Truly, great minds think alike.
Zhang Tianxing slapped his forehead. He had miscalculated. Before he had even done anything, online discussions had already fermented. He had lost a golden opportunity.
It seemed he couldn't ride this wave of popularity for the movie's release.
What a pity, so much money was about to slip away from him.
As Ms. Zhang Ruofang began playing the movie, she walked directly to Zhang Tianxing's side.
"Dou Mingming, go sit elsewhere. Ms. Zhang Tianxing and I have something to discuss."
Dou Mingming froze for half a second, then quickly moved, casting a furtive glance at Zhang Tianxing.
This Third Brother was so elusive. The school Youth League Committee teacher was apparently involved with him.
This was unlikely, Dou Mingming dared not think further.
Teachers were not to be trifled with. What if he failed the course? He would do as the teacher asked and stay far away, enjoying "A Chinese Odyssey" in peace.
First time watching, I didn't understand the film's meaning. Second time watching, I was already a character in it.
Five hundred years of temporal dislocation.
...
Why was Ms. Zhang looking at me with such ill intent?
Hmm, this was not right. Zhang Tianxing suddenly remembered that he might have whistled flirtatiously at this beautiful teacher.
It couldn't be that serious, just a whistle, merely an expression of admiration for beauty.
Zhang Ruofang spoke in an extremely low voice, "We meet again, Dou Mingming. It's been a long time. I didn't realize you were my student."
Her voice was very low, but it contained considerable killing intent.
Women were truly difficult creatures to understand. Zhang Tianxing turned his head without changing his expression. "Ms. Zhang, Dou Mingming has gone to that corner. You've mistaken me."
The situation had come to this. He would deny it to the death. Only a fool would admit it.
Zhang Ruofang smiled. This Zhang Tianxing was quite something. And he was good-looking, too. This glib talker, how many female students would he end up harming in school?
However, after some recent understanding, Zhang Tianxing was wholeheartedly focused on his career, which earned Ms. Zhang Ruofang a measure of respect.
As a freshman, Zhang Tianxing's net worth already far exceeded that of most teachers.
To think that a freshman could be this capable. Recalling their last encounter, Zhang Ruofang couldn't help but feel amused.
"I initially thought it was a bad film, but who knew there were quite a few classic scenes in it."
"Why didn't I understand it last time? Now watching this movie, it's so good. Why did I fall asleep last time? I can't figure it out."
"They say it's a love story, yet it's filled with Star Master's unique artistic style. Although Star Master is no longer in his prime, this movie is still quite remarkable."
"Bai Jingjing loves Sun Wukong, Supreme Treasure loves Bai Jingjing, Sun Wukong loves Zixia, Zixia loves Supreme Treasure. Everything aligns, everything is logical, except for the five hundred years."
"I cried. This is a love tragedy! Wasn't Star Master known for comedies? How did he start playing with emotions? I can only say '666'."
As the movie ended, Zhang Ruofang walked to the podium.
"I believe everyone has gained a new understanding of love. The assignment for this course is an essay on 'A Chinese Odyssey.' Let me reiterate: write your essays well. If you don't write well, you will fail this exam directly. If you write well, you will receive full marks!"
Hearing Zhang Ruofang's words, the students were stunned.
Teacher, would the Dean of Students approve of you doing this?
However, upon further thought, Ms. Zhang was a leader and also in charge of the Youth League Committee.
The Academic Affairs Office would likely not offend Ms. Zhang over such a minor issue.
Later, the students collectively decided to copy from each other. Plagiarism was everywhere; it all depended on how well one could copy.
This Ms. Zhang Ruofang was a good teacher. Writing a short essay meant no exam, which was quite generous.
Where else in university could they find such a good teacher?
Seeing this situation, Zhang Tianxing realized he needed to speed up the rerelease of "A Chinese Odyssey."
Otherwise, once this buzz died down, there would be a significant loss in box office revenue.
Ms. Zhang Ruofang said from the podium, "This movie is very good. I just realized, when this movie is released in cinemas, I will definitely go watch it. I owe Zhou Xing Xing a movie ticket!"