Chapter 23: The Splendor of Youth

Yan Lin’s efficiency was remarkable; in no time at all, the script for Director Wang Zhang’s new drama, “Splendid Years,” was delivered to her inbox.

The story unfolds in the early 1980s, after the decade-long “Cultural Revolution,” which had inflicted profound suffering upon the Party and the people, finally came to an end under sweeping suppression. In the aftermath of this social upheaval, society was left in ruins, yet hope and renewal surged forward. Education, the economy, and culture gradually regained importance, and on this land, thriving like bamboo shoots after the rain, a new generation of talent was selected to step into the halls of dreams—universities.

Professor Li Xunguo, a distinguished scholar in literature, was condemned during the Cultural Revolution and driven to suicide by drowning. His daughter, Li Mengjie, carrying deep resentment toward society and the state, entered the nation’s premier institution, the Imperial Capital University. Her four years of quiet university life and exposure to broad-ranging discourse brought her into contact with Chen Hao, a cheerful and optimistic young man from the countryside. Chen Hao’s sincerity and positive outlook gradually transformed her worldview. In that brief, beautiful time, their lives were filled with innocence, academic exploration, and pure happiness.

When the student movements that shocked the world erupted, some university students began organizing various activities to address the problems of the real world, while others seized the opportunity to incite subversive actions, escalating from peaceful protests to vandalism and robbery. Nursing the anguish of her father’s unjust death, Li Mengjie became involved in the heart of this storm. Yet, it was Chen Hao, who had always encouraged and supported her, who intervened during one event and saved her from tragedy.

As their university days ended, both earned opportunities to study abroad. With dreams and hope, and the steadfast support of their beloveds, they rediscovered their truest selves amidst these splendid years, allowing their youth to blossom brilliantly.

Rong Qing’s role in this production was to play a supporting character: Ling Fei, the daughter of the university president, whose future seemed boundless. This outstanding, beautiful woman, cool and elegant, found herself drawn at first sight to the rural youth, Chen Hao, during their university years. His radiant smile was as warm as sunlight, and his extraordinary insight earned her admiration. Despite her pride, she quietly cherished this ray of sunshine in her heart, content to compete with him on the debate stage. At once mentor and friend, confidante and rival, she could only tuck away her overflowing feelings as Chen Hao cared for Li Mengjie.

When the student movement broke out, Ling Fei pleaded with her father not to punish Li Mengjie. Later, when it came time to compete for graduate study abroad, she resolutely yielded her own spot. In these splendid years, she too paid the price of youth, but she never regretted it. Having given her all, the happiness she radiated was genuine.

Years later, Chen Hao and Li Mengjie returned home after their studies, while Ling Fei also found someone to look forward to at her side.

In these splendid years, Chen Hao’s sincerity and devotion moved the once-extreme Li Mengjie, and Ling Fei, who quietly sacrificed from afar, tasted the bittersweetness of youth—giving without regret or complaint.

Rong Qing rubbed her sore eyes. She was drawn to the role of Ling Fei—a woman bold in love and hate, whose calm eyes concealed the pain of unrequited love, yet who gave her all without remorse. Such a character would undoubtedly be the highlight of the entire drama. A gentle smile flickered in Rong Qing’s eyes. It was time to see the fruits of her years of hard work.

The door to the study opened softly, and a gentle arm wrapped around her. “Sweetheart, it’s late. You should rest now. There’s always tomorrow to read more.”

In the warm lamplight, the affectionate words tugged at her heartstrings. She remembered, years ago, when her parents were still alive, how they would hold her, kiss her forehead, and shower her with gentle concern. Even the smallest measure of warmth was enough to make her yearn for more.

She replied with a soft hum.

The next morning, Rong Qing gazed at the man sleeping beside her. His high, straight nose and peaceful expression made him look so obedient and serene—nothing like the domineering, sharp-edged presence he usually displayed. It was as if the person beside her was simply there, familiar and comforting.

Rong Qing pinched the tip of CEO Huo’s nose—an opportunity not everyone could have. The man half-opened his eyes and grumbled a little. Satisfied, she slipped out of bed, took a carefully wrapped gift box from her bag, and placed it on the nightstand. After a long look at the man, she went downstairs to prepare breakfast. The villa in Xiangshan had originally employed a housekeeper, but ever since Huo Lingtian tasted her cooking, he insisted on eating only her meals.

A steaming basket of plump soup dumplings tempted the appetite, accompanied by a few side dishes and a bowl of porridge—nutritious and abundant, yet never wasteful.

“Well, Young Master Huo is truly blessed.” Yan Lin happened to come in from outside, and even someone who’d just eaten couldn’t help but salivate at the sight of the lavish breakfast spread.

Rong Qing held a half-eaten bun in one hand, her attention mostly on the newspaper. She glanced at her assistant, who had come to report, and said, “There’s plenty. Would you like some?”

Without hesitation, a bun disappeared unceremoniously into Yan Lin’s stomach.

After breakfast, Rong Qing left Huo Lingtian’s share warming in the microwave, then went to the living room with Yan Lin.

“Have you really made up your mind? You know, Director Wang Zhang never plays favorites and has a reputation for being strict as steel. The number of actresses she’s scolded is beyond counting.”

“That’s exactly how it should be—rising by merit. Besides, I’m very interested in the role of Ling Fei,” Rong Qing replied calmly.

“All right, I’ll get in touch with Director Wang Zhang at once.” Yan Lin fiddled with her iPad, already planning for perfection. “By the way, the lead actress this time is none other than the domestic superstar Wen Rui. And rumor has it that among the Four Heavenly Kings, Xie Mutian has been invited to join ‘Splendid Years.’”

As she spoke, Yan Lin tossed a stack of invitations in front of her. “Congratulations! Thanks to your triumphant runway in Paris, you’re now a sensation throughout the country.”

But in Rong Qing’s eyes, there was little excitement. This was only the beginning of her acting career—her sights were set on the world.

“Help me decline these galas. I’ll be staying at the villa for the next few days.”

—End of Extra—

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