In 2014, what genre of movies was the hottest?
Coming-of-age films!
No matter how flimsy the script was, as long as it carried the nostalgic, youthful romance label, it could pull in impressive box office numbers.
This indirectly led to an oversaturation of campus-themed coming-of-age films during this period.
Some directors, who had never even experienced the essence of youth themselves, churned out overly melodramatic and unrealistic teenage movies.
Even so,
it didn’t stop them from raking in money—fast and furious.
What genre would be suitable for a student group’s microfilm project?
Naturally, still the coming-of-age theme!
At the very least, casting and location scouting wouldn’t be too troublesome.
The story Lin Yu shared with everyone was also a coming-of-age film.
It was originally a stage play, later adapted into a movie.
However, it hadn’t yet made its way to the big screen, and very few people knew about the play.
Lin Yu was quite upfront—he didn’t claim the script was his original work.
He openly admitted that a stage play had inspired him.
While describing the story, Lin Yu also took plenty of creative liberties.
Since this was just a student project for the short semester, it didn’t involve commercial use or copyright issues.
As long as the story was engaging enough and could be condensed into a 45-minute narrative arc, it would suffice for the assignment.
After Lin Yu finished his enthusiastic pitch, the group launched into a heated discussion about his story.
Wu Chuntian: "This story is great! Who would’ve thought Xia Luo would end up performing at the Spring Festival Gala? What happens after that?"
Lin Yu: "Time’s limited—we can’t film that much. Ending at the Gala is enough."
Lv Rou: "So, does Xia Luo end up choosing Qiu Ya or Dong Mei?"
Lin Yu: "Open ending. Let the audience decide."
Chi Qingchi: "Hahaha, so fun! Xiao Lin’s script is brilliant—filming this will be a blast!"
Everyone’s gaze eventually landed on Chi Qingshui.
She had been deep in thought, head lowered, barely speaking.
After all, she was the group leader. If she disagreed, they might have to consider other scripts.
But Lin Yu waited confidently for Da Chi (Big Chi) to snap out of her thoughts.
While the others couldn’t hear her muttering, Lin Yu caught every word:
"Most scenes are set in a classroom—easy to shoot… need a lot of school uniforms… and some retro props…"
"The nostalgic vibe can be achieved through color grading in post… main cast is manageable…"
"Extra roles can be filled by folks from the apartment…"
"…"
She was meticulously calculating every practical detail of the shoot.
Lin Yu had only shared the first half of the story—Xia Luo’s rebirth and return to school.
Considering the production constraints, he kept the plot straightforward.
No matter how she looked at it, Chi Qingshui had no reason to reject it.
Finally, after her stream-of-consciousness deliberation, Chi Qingshui spoke up:
"Friday!"
"If Lin Yu can hand me the script today, I can have the storyboard ready by Friday at the earliest."
"Prepping and starting filming will take until next Monday at the soonest. In the meantime, we’ll need to gather props and finalize casting."
Lin Yu: "!!!"
Top students are just built different.
Today was Wednesday. At most, Chi Qingshui had 48 hours.
Yet she could organize everything flawlessly!
Truly, her full potential only emerged when it came to academics and assignments.
Chi Qingchi, after hearing Lin Yu’s story, eagerly raised her hand:
"Xiao Lin, can I play your… mom?"
Lin Yu: "…"
Sure, they were close—but not that close!
And Xiao Chi’s pause made it hard to believe she wasn’t doing it on purpose!
Keeping his composure, Lin Yu deflected:
"I think I’d be better suited as the cinematographer. For the male lead, we can ask someone else—maybe even find a suitable candidate from another department."
The moment he said this, Lv Rou immediately objected:
"No way! Xia Luo has to be played by you."
"For cinematography, we can adjust the settings and help out together."
Lv Rou had her own ulterior motives.
After hearing Lin Yu’s story, she felt she’d be perfect for the role of Qiu Ya—especially since there was a "forced kiss" scene with Xia Luo!
Even if it was just staged, it’d still be fun~
Once the script was finalized, she planned to fight hard for the role.
If Lin Yu didn’t play Xia Luo, her little scheme would be ruined.
Chi Qingshui glanced at Lv Rou, seeing right through her.
But there was no need to call her out yet—more pressing details still needed sorting.
"Let’s set aside casting for now," Chi Qingshui said. "First, let’s work with Lin Yu to list out all the props and shooting locations we’ll need."
"Only after clarifying these can we figure out what equipment to borrow."
Her words steered the discussion back on track.
…
After more brainstorming, their photography professor, "Balance" Lao Shi (Teacher), entered the classroom.
The group gradually quieted down, ending their hushed discussions.
The nickname "Balance Lao Shi" was coined by their class.
Her real name was Yan Miaozhu, 32 years old.
With overseas study experience in photography and numerous awards under her belt, her speech often mixed Chinese and English—a habit from her time abroad.
Lin Yu often wondered whether it was genuine or just her flaunting her foreign education.
Later, in the workplace, he’d meet many similar people.
Based on his experience, most were just putting on airs.
Especially after getting to know Aunt Ru Xue—also a returnee—who never sprinkled English into her daily speech.
The origin of "Balance Lao Shi"?
During critiques, she’d often say:
"This composition—it’s not balanced left and right!"
"Now the left and right are balanced, but the top and bottom aren’t!"
After hearing it endlessly in class, Yan Miaozhu lost her real name forever.
Dressed in a white blouse and a brown pencil skirt, Yan Miaozhu clicked her heels to the podium, radiating enthusiasm.
"Boys and girls, punctual as always!"
"Surely no group failed to complete their assignment, right?"
"So…"
"Let’s cut to the chase and review your work."
"Share your summer adventures through your projects."
She sat by the projector, gesturing to the students near the windows.
They promptly drew the curtains, ensuring optimal viewing conditions.
Yan Miaozhu plugged in a random USB drive, launching into live critiques as the films played.
…
(Here's an extra update for today—that's all for now. Back to the grind tomorrow! To all you wonderful readers following along, if you could spare a moment to check out an ad, it’d mean the world to this little author. Your support truly makes a difference. Thanks a million!)
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