Chapter 478: Chapter 478: 269: You see that moon? It's the most precious and pure thing I have, and now it's yours. Until we meet again.

Jian Jiadong was certain he hadn’t seen this so-called “Teacher Xu” before; he had been busy for the past six months.

Having seen how young the other party was, he never thought to associate him with any noteworthy lyricists or composers. In fact, the composers he knew of were still the ones from ten years ago.

The few words that often came up in his conversations were humanity, art films, dialects, and madam.

“Teacher Xu, my apologies,” Jian Jiadong changed his face with exceptional speed, without the slightest hint of discomfort, “It seems I have failed to recognize Mount Tai.”

There was nothing wrong with that remark. It was just a way to smooth over having overlooked someone. He could simply ask about the other person’s accomplishments, offer a few compliments following their lead, and apologize to move on.

But after saying that, Jian Jiadong offered no follow-up and fell silent. A smile still graced his face as if he had already moved on.

In reality, only the offended party had the right to decide whether to move on.

Failing to recognize Mount Tai, yet his tone suggested he wasn’t really interested in Mount Tai. The subtext was more like, “Alright, alright, you’re amazing, okay?”

The so-called apology was just a nicety, similar to saying “Just being polite.”

Xu Qingyan couldn’t help but give an embarrassed smile, thinking to himself that this guy really was a natural-born son of a bitch. Yet, being able to handle the situation with such ease was indeed a skill.

“Hey, there’s no need for that. I also admire you guys in the film industry, the future of Xiaguo’s cinema is in your hands—great work, really.”

“Huh?” Jian Jiadong was taken aback.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m from the south, so I get a bit of an accent when I’m excited,” Xu Qingyan said with a smile, “It’s an old habit of many years, please forgive me.”

Jian Jiadong smiled too, though it seemed a bit forced.

Xu Qingyan didn’t press Jian Jiadong any further, considering he was brought by Chen Niannian. If things went sour, he might be someone she would date in the future, and Xu Qingyan didn’t feel it was his place to comment on that.

“Teacher Xu, I’ve listened to your song ‘Defiance’. Are you releasing any new songs lately?” Chen Niannian was a good girl, at least someone who knew warm from cold.

“Not at the moment, I’m currently forming a team, getting ready to shoot a TV series,” Xu Qingyan replied, seizing any reliable opportunity that came his way, probing anyone dependable he could find.

“A TV series?” Chen Niannian asked curiously. “Teacher Xu, you’re going to make a TV series? What kind?”

“A martial arts situational comedy, I suppose. Do you know any reliable actors?” he asked nonchalantly, his ears perking up, “Preferably those who are currently free, so I can inquire.”

“Martial arts?” Jian Jiadong piped up again. “Situational comedies aren’t very popular these days, let alone a niche genre like martial arts.”@@novelbin@@

“Yes, it’s indeed not easy, but I think the script is good and I want to give it a shot,” Xu Qingyan admitted with a half-smile, then added, “Art films aren’t popular these days either.”

“Always about sex workers, niche, yes, but not box-office hits.”

“You….” Jian Jiadong suddenly became defensive as if he’d stepped on a cat’s tail. “Do you understand sincerity? Someone needs to document the lives of minor characters against the backdrop of grand historical events.”

“You can’t let those people live in vain, although they might not think their lives were wasted, but we as filmmakers must have our own convictions.”

“Indeed, I acknowledge that,” Xu Qingyan nodded before adding, “Art films are more like documentaries, documenting things of the past.”

“Some art films are genuinely good, an indispensable element of Xiaguo cinema. Those directors have high standards and genuinely care about the little guy.”

“But some art films are purely for the sake of winning awards in the West, like scavengers carrying baskets, picking up things people don’t want – unwanted home appliances, never-extinguished factory parts.”

“They joyously pick up a dirty piece of toilet paper from the ground, claiming to have captured humanity and darkness, toss it to the West to win money and awards, and bask in praise.”

Hearing this, Jian Jiadong was utterly stunned, his lips quivering.

Xu Qingyan’s sharp words pierced through like a sword, breaking the defenses of one of his friends. For a few seconds, Jian Jiadong stuttered, at a loss for how to retort.

“Can you produce one yourself?”

Clearly, Jian Jiadong was irritated and spoke without filtering his words, but his tone remained fairly normal. Chen Niannian felt that Jian Jiadong was being inappropriate and frowned.

“Sure, but there’s no need,” Xu Qingyan spoke without looking at him.

This was like the proverbial “If you can do it then do it,” and when you actually do it, you’re the fool. You’d be gloating, while they look down from their high ground, clucking their tongues as if watching a monkey and then walk away.

Without waiting for Jian Jiadong’s response, Xu Qingyan turned to Chen Niannian and asked.

“Got any recommendations?”

“Teacher Xu, I actually do know someone, but…” Chen Niannian hesitated for a moment but said, “I have a friend, a male actor, quite talented.”

“He graduated from the Star Academy and usually played supporting roles. It’s just that he’s offended someone in the past few years, and now he can’t get even small parts, while the big productions don’t consider him.”

“He’s been unemployed at home for over six months. Maybe you could take a look? Whether it works out is another matter.”

Xu Qingyan’s eyebrows arched, “Sure, why not? And drop the formalities, ‘you’ sounds awkward. We’re friends, and this is like a gathering of the film, television, and music worlds.”

Chen Niannian laughed, covering her mouth for a while, flipping her braid.

“Okay.”

“But I don’t have a resume, will a photo do?” She took out her phone, efficiently opened an album category – it seemed she’d done this sort of thing before.

“That works.”

Xu Qingyan took her phone and glanced at it; the person was a bit chubby. He had a sincere look, a good fit for the role of Li Da Mouth in “The Legend of Martial Arts.”

The actor had gone through lows in his career, which aligned well with Li Da Mouth’s life story. Experienced highs, endured lows, and grew up under constant suppression.

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