Chapter 10: The Idol Closest to Me

It was said that that year, Xiao Jingxuan claimed the top spot in the acting, directing, and management departments—the three most formidable and prestigious majors at the Imperial Film Academy. Though he ultimately chose to enroll in the directing department, the other two were unwilling to let him go, granting him the privilege to audit classes and pursue his interests whenever he wished.

Thus, before even setting foot on campus, Xiao Jingxuan had already become the Academy’s number one figure, completely eclipsing all his predecessors. When this much-anticipated student finally arrived, everyone who had been following his story realized that being the top scholar in three departments was merely an appetizer.

Though he selected the directing department, Xiao Jingxuan made his debut as an actor in his freshman year, blatantly disregarding the Academy’s unwritten rule that first-year students were not to take on outside work. While this rule was most binding for the acting department, it applied to all majors nonetheless.

Well, geniuses have their privileges, and Senior Xiao was the most exceptional of all. It seemed that, to him, rules existed only to be broken.

Thinking back on all this, Chu Luoxi couldn’t help but sigh. There were always those favored by the heavens, and Xiao Jingxuan was someone whose growth everyone had witnessed. She still remembered how this legendary figure's career unfolded with enviable ease, making countless people both jealous and awestruck. In the end, he became a legend in the entire entertainment industry of China, renowned across the globe.

By the time of her rebirth, Xiao Jingxuan had already entered semi-retirement. Yet whenever he released a work, it would instantly sweep the world, unmatched by any artist.

Perhaps because he was such an unreachable figure in her previous life, when Liu Yujia first mentioned him, Chu Luoxi hadn’t reacted at all.

Back in class, passing by the sports field, Chu Luoxi still felt a lingering unease. However, being spared the sight of students in grueling training and the stern, intimidating instructors made her feel genuinely relieved.

University life was beginning to feel youthful and beautiful.

Of course, that was how others saw it. In Chu Luoxi’s eyes, no matter what, her youth had already slipped away. Now, laying down the burdens of her previous life’s struggles, she found a relaxed leisure that she treasured deeply.

At present, she felt no burning passion nor any desire to chase dreams again. Call it apathy or lack of ambition, but Chu Luoxi cherished and enjoyed the tranquility of her days. As for the dreams of her youth, she felt no regret—they had already been fulfilled in her previous life, though she had ended up battered and exhausted.

Keeping her senses keen as she returned to her dormitory, Chu Luoxi felt rather skittish—like someone who, once bitten by a snake, fears even a rope for a decade—never quite feeling safe until she was behind closed doors. Only then did she truly relax.

She set down her books and, almost by instinct, turned on her computer before doing anything else. This had become her habit—the first thing upon arriving home was not changing clothes or anything else, but powering up the computer.

At night, as she heard her two roommates tossing and turning in their beds, Chu Luoxi couldn't help but smile. “You two are just like everyone else, always busy with something. Why are you suddenly hanging around the dorm with me? Are you planning to stay in and play on your computers all day, just like me?”

“Running around all the time is exhausting. I need a good rest!” Liu Yujia’s reply was always so amusing; she wasn’t lazy, just reluctant to waste her mental energy unnecessarily.

“I want to rest too!” Zhu Xueshuang chimed in from the opposite bunk. “All those so-called opportunities are so elusive. As students, we’re just cheap labor, learning nothing worthwhile. It’s better to truly enjoy our four years of university!”

“And…” Zhu Xueshuang paused, then continued, “Luoxi, seeing you makes me realize there’s still so much to learn. For now, it’s best to focus on our studies.”

In the darkness, Chu Luoxi was quietly taken aback, sighing inwardly at the cleverness of this girl—a real pity in her past life. Who knew what heights she might reach this time? One thing was certain: compared to before, the industry would soon welcome a dazzling new star.

Many said fame should be sought early, but only if opportunities presented themselves. Otherwise, as a student, without connections or background, it was incredibly difficult to force one's way in. In her previous life, Chu Luoxi had spent much of her sophomore to senior years spinning her wheels, only seeing real progress after graduating and working hard at the film studio. Being a student had its pros and cons—it was easy to get a foot in the door, but much harder to break through to the next level.

With the conversation turning in this direction, the three chatted for quite some time. Though Chu Luoxi kept some things to herself, not yet ready to reveal too much, each suggestion she offered still proved invaluable for her friends.

As a result, Zhu and Liu’s admiration for Chu Luoxi grew deeper; they even began to consult her about everything, large or small. Chu Luoxi, hoping to spare her friends unnecessary detours, always considered their situations carefully, providing multiple options and analyzing the pros and cons, leaving the final choice to them.

No matter how close, she couldn’t choose for them—her role was simply to help as much as she could.

But that’s a tale for another day. For now, Zhu and Liu simply felt fortunate that their bond with Chu Luoxi had grown closer. Staying in the dorm with her, rather than following the crowd, they found themselves learning more and feeling truly relaxed, finally experiencing the joys of university life.

So, when Wang Yanan returned to the dorm for the freshman evening gala, she realized she felt even more out of place. Yet, after Chu Luoxi’s last words had frightened her—making her believe her secrets had been discovered—she no longer dared to provoke them as before.

Hearing the dorm door close at a perfectly normal volume, Liu Yujia was curious and leaned over. “Hey, do you think she’s taken the wrong medicine? Why is she so quiet today?”

Zhu Xueshuang smiled softly. “People really can’t do bad things—she’s scared of us now.”

Chu Luoxi chuckled, “She’s the type who bullies the weak and fears the strong. Before, she saw us as easy targets. Now, she’s the one who’s soft…”

She never truly understood Wang Yanan. Was she foolish? She seemed to know when to be cautious. Was she clever? That wasn’t evident either. How could someone live in such contradictions?

“Hey, it’s six o’clock. Let’s hurry to the dining hall. The gala starts at eight!” Liu Yujia called out anxiously, looking at Zhu Xueshuang, then at Chu Luoxi.

“What’s the rush? You were a freshman last year—haven’t you seen it before? It’s not like it’s all for you,” Chu Luoxi replied calmly, unconcerned.

“How can I not be excited? We need to get good seats! It’s Senior Xiao—we have to worship him up close. After this, we might never get the chance again.” She nearly forgot that Liu was Xiao Jingxuan’s number one fan.