My Years as the Pure Love Interest at the Noble Academy

In the first year after graduation,

Song Yi gained nominations at all three major domestic film festivals for a movie centered on the theme of child trafficking. This new director, previously unknown, skyrocketed to fame overnight, becoming a leading figure among the younger generation of directors.

What also pleasantly surprised the audience was the participation of the popular young actor, Shen Yujing. He played the male lead in the film—a brother who, after his younger sibling was abducted by traffickers due to his own childhood mischief, spent half his life searching for his lost brother.

No one had high expectations for Shen Yujing's performance, believing his age and lack of experience wouldn't do justice to such a complex role. To everyone's astonishment, his acting shattered the stereotype that "idols lack acting skills."

In the following years, Song Yi continued to focus on exploring realistic themes, while Shen Yujing became her go-to actor. Although he often played supporting roles or antagonists, he appeared in almost every one of Song Yi's films.

Regarding this, Shen Yujing commented, "It's mainly because Song Yi immerses herself in the lives of her subjects before filming each movie. Sometimes for a few months, other times up to half a year. I accompany her, observe a lot, and naturally, my performances turn out better than others'."

Rumors circulated that the two belonged to the same talent agency, with Song Yi managing Shen Yujing's studio. Some even speculated about their close relationship. However, neither of them ever responded to these rumors.

Four years later, Shen Yujing finally landed the male lead in one of Song Yi's films.

This movie earned eleven nominations at an international film festival, with Song Yi and Shen Yujing winning Best Director and Best Actor, respectively. Song Yi became the first Chinese woman to win the Best Director award at this prestigious event.

Upon their return to China, the two were inundated with collaboration offers and media attention.

The label of "realist cinema" seemed firmly attached to Song Yi. Just as the industry expected her to continue in this direction, cementing her name in the annals of Chinese realist film history, she made a decision that stunned everyone.

A youth-themed drama with an entirely new cast suddenly began filming, with Song Yi's name listed as the director.

Shen Yujing also joined the project, though only in a cameo role, credited as a special guest appearance.

A director who had just won an international award turning to an ordinary youth drama? This news sounded more unbelievable than any tabloid gossip.

Soon, it was discovered that while the actors were all newcomers, the production team was top-notch. The screenwriter and cinematographer had both won multiple domestic awards, and the investor was none other than the Imperial Capital Shen Corporation.

With a strong team and ample funding, the project seemed puzzling. The seemingly uninspired youth theme and the inclusion of non-professional actors left everyone wondering what Song Yi was aiming for.

However, given her current achievements, even if she never made another notable work, she could comfortably rest on her laurels.

On the first day of filming, most of the actors had initially thought they were part of a low-budget web series that might not even air. But upon seeing the star-studded crew and the lavish investment, they were wide-eyed with amazement.

Most of them were students from acting schools, largely unknown, with many being freshmen. For them, this opportunity felt like a dream come true.

Shen Yujing stood behind Song Yi and asked, "Why did you choose them?"

Song Yi smiled and replied, "Because they are the most suitable candidates in my eyes. Only students can truly portray students."

When Shen Yujing noticed the male lead's golden, tousled hair—now dyed black—he suddenly understood the kind of story this drama would tell.

Shen Yujing wanted to stay with the crew throughout, but his role was minor and only appeared in the later stages. His agent had booked him another project to maintain his popularity, so he had no choice but to leave Song Yi's set and focus on his own work.

On set, Song Yi was extremely strict with the actors. It wasn't uncommon for a single scene to take an entire day to shoot.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

For the actors, being part of such a high-profile production was a valuable learning experience, one they might never get again in their lifetime.

Even if some felt exhausted or dissatisfied, the thought of the immense attention and anticipation surrounding the drama kept them going.

Out of the seven main cast members—five males and two females—four roles underwent multiple recastings within the first month of filming.

The entire month felt less like filming and more like an immersive audition process, testing the actors' limits.

Finally, Shen Yujing wrapped up his other project and returned to the set.

He arrived alone, dragging his luggage, without his agent or assistant, and moved straight into the hotel next to Song Yi's room.

Sitting alone at a table full of dishes, Shen Yujing waited hungrily, his stomach growling as he leaned back on the couch, yawning.

It wasn't until 9 PM that the door finally opened.

The moment he saw Song Yi, Shen Yujing rushed over, reaching out to hug her.

Song Yi closed the door behind her and pushed him away gently, saying, "I haven't showered yet."

"I don't mind," Shen Yujing replied, pulling her into his arms. Finally, after so long, he felt like he had found a place to relax.

Song Yi knew how demanding his previous project had been, filled with veteran actors, so she reached up and ruffled his hair, saying, "Be good and get some rest."

"Okay," Shen Yujing agreed, then led her to the table. Seeing the cold dishes, he frowned. "Wait a second, I'll heat them up."

As soon as Song Yi saw the food, she realized, "Did my dad make these?"

"Yep," Shen Yujing replied.

After years on set, Shen Yujing had mastered the art of using a microwave.

Once the dishes were heated and back on the table, he added, "By the way, your dad mentioned you haven't visited him in three weeks. He misses you."

"I should have time next week..." Song Yi started, then paused and glared at Shen Yujing. "That's *my* dad!"

Who told him to call him "dad"?

Shen Yujing: "..."

Song Yi had been particularly busy lately, so Shen Yujing often visited her family. At some point, her father had started asking him to address him as "dad."

It had become a habit, and he forgot to hold back in front of Song Yi.

"It's bound to happen sooner or later. Are you going to dump me and marry someone else?" Shen Yujing tried to sound confident, then picked up some food and placed it in Song Yi's bowl. "Try this. It's one of your dad's new creations. He's waiting for your feedback."

Song Yi gave up on correcting him and simply took a bite of the tofu in front of her. It was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning.

"Delicious," Song Yi said succinctly.

Shen Yujing quickly added more to her bowl. "Then eat more. You've lost so much weight. Are these actors not as good as me? Is directing them too exhausting?"

Song Yi laughed at his self-praise. "Enough already. Don't flatter yourself."

"Am I wrong? I'm an award-winning actor. How can these newcomers compare? Forget acting—just look at this face. Is that blonde male lead even half as handsome as I was in my youth?"

Shen Yujing proudly lifted his chin and continued, "Though I think he's the best-looking among the cast. I guess in your eyes, I was the most handsome back then too."

Song Yi, exasperated, picked up a chicken wing and stuffed it into his mouth. "Can't you just eat and stop talking?"

Later that night, after showering, Shen Yujing returned to Song Yi's room.

Song Yi was sitting on the bed, reading a book. "What is it?" she asked.

"I want to sleep with you," Shen Yujing declared as he climbed onto the bed and pulled up the blanket beside her.

"Okay," Song Yi replied without looking up. "Then sleep."

Shen Yujing: "?"

Did she think he meant just sleeping? Of course not!

Shen Yujing moved closer, resting his head on her lap and wrapping his arms around her waist.

Song Yi, unfazed, simply placed the book she was holding on his face and said, "Stop moving around."

Shen Yujing: "?"

Why did he feel like Song Yi was using him as a bookshelf?

Though he was quite annoyed, Shen Yujing could only stay still, maintaining this posture, feeling the pages of the book flip against his face.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Song Yi put the book down, pushed Shen Yujing, and said, "Get up, I’ll go answer the door."

"Who’s coming to see you this late?" Shen Yujing grumbled as he sat up, putting on his slippers and following her off the bed.

Song Yi walked to the door and opened it, surprised to see the male lead of the film crew standing there.

The young man, with his golden hair, stood awkwardly at the door, forcing a smile when he saw Song Yi.

The boy’s name was Han Ming, a freshman in the acting department. He was the third male lead the crew had hired since filming began, as the previous two had left within ten days.

Everyone said Director Song’s standards were high, and he could feel it too. By his calculations… tomorrow would be his last day.

Unlike the others in the crew, Han Ming was quite popular due to his striking looks, having gained a following on social media as one of the top performers in this year’s art school entrance exams.

But for Han Ming, this opportunity was something he never dared to dream of, and he had to seize it.

The gap between being an internet celebrity and a real star was just too vast.

A couple of days ago, he overheard a crucial piece of information while the director and screenwriter were chatting.

The inspiration for this film was based on Director Song’s high school life, and the character he was playing was her first love.

Since it was her first love, it naturally ended without a proper conclusion—otherwise, there’d be no need to film it as a memory.

If he could grasp this opportunity and “impress” Director Song, she could make him a star just as she had done with Shen Yujing!

With that thought, the hesitation and fear in his eyes were instantly replaced by a burning desire for power and fame.

After all, how many people in the entertainment industry spend their entire lives without ever making it big? Now, the chance to rise to the top was right in front of him. Missing it would be a lifelong regret.

So, Han Ming mustered up his courage and said, "Director Song, I need to talk to you. Can I come in?"

Song Yi loosened her grip on the door, about to let Han Ming in, when another large hand covered hers and pulled the door open. At the same time, she was pulled into someone’s embrace.

Shen Yujing’s voice was cold, his peach-blossom eyes filled with hostility as he glared at the young man. "What do you want? Can’t you just say it here? Why do you need to come in?"

The three questions in a row clearly expressed Shen Yujing’s displeasure.

What time was it? Why was the male lead of the crew coming to see the director at this hour?

And this kid didn’t look trustworthy at all. The way he looked at Song Yi was like a wolf eyeing a fat sheep, instantly putting Shen Yujing on guard.

"Shen Yujing," Song Yi called his name, clearly trying to stop him from saying more.

Then she smiled apologetically at Han Ming and said, "He’s got a bad temper. Don’t mind him. Just say what you need to say."

Han Ming’s gaze fell on Shen Yujing, and when he saw the half-open robe revealing his chest, he smirked mockingly.

So this was the so-called popular idol? Wasn’t he just like him, knocking on the director’s door in the middle of the night? Acting all high and mighty like he owned the place? What made him so special?

Han Ming believed his looks were no worse than Shen Yujing’s, and he had the advantage of being younger. If Song Yi was tired of Shen Yujing, it was time for a change.

Han Ming looked at Song Yi and got straight to the point. "Director Song, I’m 18 years old, 181 cm tall, in great shape, with abs, and I’m very obedient. What do you think of my overall condition?"

Song Yi was stunned for a moment, not understanding what he was saying, and replied, "Uh… that’s good."

But what did that have to do with her? Why was he randomly sharing these useless details?

However, Song Yi’s response made Han Ming misinterpret her as being “satisfied” with him. So he pointed at Shen Yujing and continued, "And I can do everything he can. I’m sure I can make you feel even better. Would you consider me?"

Song Yi: "???"

Huh? Consider what? What was Han Ming even talking about?

Shen Yujing: "!!!"

Was this kid trying to steal his girl right in front of him?

And what kind of indecent nonsense was he spouting? Was this something Song Yi should even be hearing?

Don’t stop him! He was going to kill this shameless, despicable scum!!!

This chapter upload first at NovelBin.Com