Chapter 35: When Da Tiantian Takes the Stage, You Know It’s the Real Deal!

"Are you looking to cast that student on stage in a film?"

Zhang Huijun was surprised by the veteran director’s reply. He had asked the question merely to make conversation, never expecting such an answer. Zhang Li’s appearance was naturally impressive—even outstanding. As the dean, Zhang Huijun had heard of him during the art school entrance exams at the beginning of the year; his looks were top-tier even in the history of the Beijing Film Academy.

However, the director was a titan at the pinnacle of the Chinese film industry, world-renowned, and someone destined to leave a mark in history, much like the great poets or novelists of old. For a figure like him to express interest in casting Zhang Li was no different from receiving a gift from the heavens.

"His image is perfect," the director said, nodding with his hands clasped behind his back. "My company has two scripts for me to consider: one is an adaptation of the Coen brothers’ 1984 debut, *Blood Simple*, and the other is *Under the Hawthorn Tree*. I haven't decided which one to film next year."

"If I shoot *Blood Simple* first, *Under the Hawthorn Tree* will have to wait until the year after next, and I will definitely need young actors for that."

"The more of a blank slate they are, the easier it is for me to mold them. I'll give him a chance to audition when the time comes."

Hearing this, Zhang Huijun nodded in understanding and said softly, "That would certainly be a good opportunity for him." He had read the book *Under the Hawthorn Tree*; as a story about youth in the 1970s, it indeed required young actors. To a master director, an actor’s raw skill wasn't as important as their intuition, their obedience, and how well their image fit the role. Often, great directors preferred working with newcomers, as delivering a great film with them better proved the adage: "Film is the director's art."

"You didn't come back to school today for nothing," Zhang Huijun joked.

"Indeed, it was worth it." The director watched Zhang Li on stage from afar. As he listened to the song "Partiality," his eyes flickered, lost in thought.

"Discard all of yesterday, now you are before my eyes."
"..."
"I have no regrets, I am certain, I will not dodge, I must do this."
"Even if you won't listen, I still insist on loving you, working harder to make you understand."
"..."
"Waiting for your reliance, my partiality toward you—"
"Even the pain is delightful."

On stage, Zhang Li finished his performance.

"Campus heartthrob!"
"So cool!"
"Beautiful, that was beautiful!"

The playground erupted in cheers, which eventually unified into a single chant: "Encore!"

"Not bad. I should be going." The director dusted off his clothes and turned to leave.

"Not going to show your face and chat with the students?" Zhang Huijun asked, catching up.

"Let's save that for next year; it’s not appropriate this time," the director replied, shaking his head. Zhang Huijun understood what he meant. The director’s prestige had climbed even higher; if he appeared at the orientation gala, it would bring too much unwanted attention to the academy. Though he was an alumnus, he was now an international figure, and while he was a source of pride, he shouldn't become a distraction. Repaying his alma mater could wait.

"Send me that student's contact information later; I’d like to have a word with him," the director said, looking at Zhang Huijun.

"I'll have someone send it to you shortly. This is a good thing," Zhang Huijun agreed.

Meanwhile, near the rostrum, Jing Tian, Cai Wenjing, and other girls watched with shimmering eyes. When they had learned earlier that Zhang Li didn't plan to perform at the gala, they had asked him why. Zhang Li had replied, "I need to give other students a chance; as the campus heartthrob, I’m already dazzling enough." They had thought he was just joking, but it turned out he was being serious. The reaction of the students and the whispers among the leaders and famous alumni proved his point.

"This is a very well-structured lyrical rock song. The lyrics match the melody perfectly."
"This student has a fantastic vocal quality—distinctive and top-notch."
"His technique isn't bad either; he could easily debut as a professional singer."
"How is it that such talent isn't in our composition department?"
"What are you thinking? Just look at that face—he’s clearly meant for our acting department."

Zhang Li remained unaware of all this. Sensing the crowd's enthusiasm, he smiled and said, "An encore is definitely off the table. I only came up here to save the show, not to give a formal performance."

The students ignored him, continuing to shout, "Encore!"

"Ahem," Zhang Li cleared his throat. "Even though I can't do an encore, I don't mind performing it one more time for everyone. I hope you enjoy it."

With that, Zhang Li strummed his guitar and sang "Partiality" once more. In truth, he had several other new songs ready, all "original" works he had pulled from the future television projects he had encountered while interacting with other celebrities. He had already finished composing all the songs for *Chinese Paladin 3* and registered their copyrights; he was just waiting for Cai Yinnong to come to him. He also held the original themes and insert songs for *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* and *The Return of the Condor Heroes*. In the world of music composition, legends of his talent were already circulating, even if his fame hadn't fully exploded yet.

"Thank you, everyone."

After finishing the second performance, Zhang Li turned to leave the stage.

Just then, a voice echoed in his ears.

[Jing Tian was moved by your song and is looking for top musicians to appreciate your work. Musical Literacy +1 / Pitch Talent +1]

Immediately, Zhang Li felt a shift in his consciousness, connecting to a blank space. Four words appeared: *Absolute Pitch*. Following that, another line appeared: *Singing Technique (Initiated)*.

He had an epiphany. "With the addition to my pitch talent, I’ve broken through the bottleneck and reached the level of Absolute Pitch."

"Singing technique is judged by musical sense, vocal intelligence, and technical skill. Musical sense includes pitch. Absolute Pitch has elevated my level of singing."

"Capability proficiency is divided into four realms: Initiated, Proficient, Masterful, and Transcendental. Most top-tier artists' skills lie between Proficient and Masterful."

"Whether it’s ability, talent, temperament, or anything else, it only gets recorded and displayed once it reaches a certain height."

Zhang Li felt his "cheat" was a bit rough around the edges. In those novels, the protagonists usually had systems that tracked every point of progress, but he couldn't see any progress bar. However, as long as he reached a certain height, he would know.

"Not worthy of being recorded if the level is too low? That attitude suits me."

"So I only have one talent, Absolute Pitch, and my singing is only at the 'Initiated' level... what a waste."

"Wait, doesn't my looks count as a talent? Shouldn't there be something like 'Beauty of Pan An' or 'Ethereal Immortal'?"

"..."

Zhang Li sighed as he walked off the rostrum.

"Junior," Yuan Shanshan said, stepping in front of him, trying to say something.

"Senior, you're busy. I have things to do," Zhang Li said, not giving her a chance to speak, and walked away.

After he left, many people around looked at Yuan Shanshan with mockery.

Yuan Shanshan: !

"You should all be thanking me for being able to hear Zhang Li sing tonight! If I hadn't 'sabotaged' him, he wouldn't have performed. I sacrificed myself for your benefit!"

"Yuan Shanshan!"

A middle-aged woman in glasses walked up to her, her face dark. "Come with me."