Chapter 15: Your Number One Fan Has Logged In

Huo Ba never expected her luck to be so good—to find that the senior student borrowing a book from her was actually a top scholar.

The textbook section on “The Essence and Characteristics of Art” ended abruptly, with only a few lines printed at the top of the last page, leaving the rest blank.

Yet this blank area had been filled neatly, its structure clear and handwriting elegant—a true reflection of its owner.

With just a glance, Huo Ba found the answer amidst these notes and responded confidently:

“The essence of art has several representative viewpoints: Objective Spirit Theory, Subjective Spirit Theory, Imitation or Representation Theory, and others.”

“The scientific foundation for understanding the nature of art is rooted in theories of artistic production.”

“As for the characteristics of art, they can be categorized into areas such as imagery, subjectivity, aesthetic appeal…”

Huo Ba’s response was remarkably clear and comprehensive.

This left both her classmates and the teacher astonished.

Who knew our class beauty wasn’t just pretty but also secretly well-informed?!

The instructor, Jiang Mei, couldn’t hide her surprise either.

She had posed a fundamental question—one any diligent student should answer easily.

However, today’s lesson marked the first time she’d covered this material with this particular class. For Huo Ba to provide such a thorough response was indeed commendable.

The last person who had surprised her like this was that Zhang Yang kid.

At the thought of him, Jiang Mei felt a surge of happiness, and a smile graced her face as she continued questioning, “Very well then. Can you elaborate on how imageability, subjectivity, and aestheticism break down further?”

Seeing Jiang Mei’s smile, Huo Ba let out a mental sigh of relief and began explaining earnestly, “Imageability can be divided into three points: unity of objective and subjective elements; content…”

“Subjectivity also has three aspects: artistic creation, artwork itself, and art appreciation…”

“Aestheticism is…”

Her response demonstrated strong logical coherence, with detailed yet concise content.

The entire class was left in awe, secretly wondering if Huo Ba intended to pursue graduate studies.

“Not bad at all,” Jiang Mei said, her smile growing more pronounced as she nodded approvingly at Huo Ba. “Your preparation is thorough. You’re the second student I’ve encountered in the past decade who combines such effort with innate talent.”

“But remember, Huo Ba, it’s not an excuse for distracted phone use during class.”

Indeed, the academic atmosphere in university is significantly more relaxed and freedom-oriented compared to elementary through high school education. This trend becomes even more pronounced in less prestigious institutions, where students often indulge in carefree idleness.

However, the atmosphere at prestigious schools was already highly competitive, or as some would say, intensely cutthroat. The teachers there were also more likely to take responsibility for their students’ education and appreciated encountering good learners.

Moreover, university professors often had access to substantial professional networks within their fields. If they particularly favored a student, that individual could receive significant assistance when entering a related industry.

Jiang Mei was precisely such a respected teacher, admired for her high moral character.

Huo Ba’s face instantly flushed red at Jiang Mei’s praise, feeling both excited and embarrassed. She knew all too well that she didn’t deserve Jiang Mei’s admiration; it was essentially stealing someone else’s credit.

“T-Teacher, you’ve misunderstood,” Huo Ba said, gritting her teeth as she decided to tell the truth. “My ability to answer these questions isn’t due to my own merit but sheer luck.”

“Here’s what actually happened…”

Huo Ba proceeded to recount how she’d forgotten her textbook in the library and encountered an upperclassman while trying to retrieve it, revealing everything without holding back any details.

Her initial intention had been merely to use Zhang Yang’s notes to avoid criticism from the teacher, not to seek attention or praise by standing out.

If one’s virtue does not match their position, misfortune will surely follow!

“You’re saying it was a second-year college senior?” Jiang Mei recalled a specific face.

But she distinctly remembered that the person who delivered materials today wasn’t him.

“Yes.” Huo Ba nodded affirmatively.

“What’s his name?” Jiang Mei asked.

Huo Ba felt a slight warmth on her face as she replied, “I was too flustered earlier and forgot to ask.”

She added mentally, If Ms. Jiang hadn’t called on me to answer, I would’ve already found out.

“How handsome is he? How tall is he?” Jiang Mei asked with a smile.

“Very handsome, at least half a head taller than me,” Huo Ba recalled.

Her height is almost 170 cm, so someone half a head taller would be at least 180 cm.

“That must be that boy A-Yang,” Jiang Mei said with a hint of amusement in her voice.

The students in class were instantly curious about this “A-Yang” who could garner such apparent admiration from Jiang Mei, their usually strict teacher.

“A-Yang… Yang? Another tall and handsome second-year senior, and a member of the Student Council. Could it be him?” Zhong Chuxi suggested a possibility.

The roommate next to her immediately asked, “Who?”

Mystery man, get lost!

At that moment, Jiang Mei walked up to Huo Ba, took her textbook, and glanced through it. The familiar handwriting confirmed her suspicion. She said, “Classmates, the name Zhang Yang shouldn’t be unfamiliar to you, right?”

Zhang Yang?

Huo Ba was momentarily taken aback, but then her thoughts clicked into place.

That’s right, she realized, it’s Zhang Yang-xuezhang, the one in charge of the welcome party. No wonder he looked somewhat familiar.

The unadorned senior, without makeup or formal attire, appeared more approachable and strikingly handsome.

“Ms. Jiang, of course we know about Zhang Yang.”

“Yeah, I even voted for him in those online polls ranking past campus heartthrobs.”

“In my book, aside from Hu Ge, Zhang Yang is definitely the most attractive.”

“I’d say Yan Yikuan and Zhang Yang are the best-looking.”

“I think it’s Lu Yi and Zhang Yang.”

”…”

As soon as gossip and voting came up, the college students’ enthusiasm soared.

Everyone had their own aesthetic preferences, yet strangely, Zhang Yang always managed to make the cut.

Generally speaking, slightly ordinary-looking faces with a hint of handsomeness were considered highly moldable, making them suitable for the entertainment industry.

On the other hand, purely handsome individuals might be better suited for idol dramas or specific serious roles, but their acting range was often narrower.

However, not only was Zhang Yang incredibly good-looking, he also possessed that rare moldability—a truly invaluable asset.

The faculty at the academy believed that if Zhang Yang ever encountered the right role and script, he could easily win an acting award.

“That’s correct, it’s exactly this Zhang Yang you’re talking about,” Jiang Mei seemed willing to discuss Zhang Yang further. “In your generation’s terms, Zhang Yang is a natural-born talent.”

“In our older folks’ words, heaven itself has bestowed upon him his meal ticket.”

“Ah, that Zhang Yang lad is quite a wit,” Jiang Mei said with a smile spreading across her face. “He always says it’s like God chases him around to feed him.”

The students chuckled softly, thinking their senior student was rather narcissistic.

Jiang Mei continued, “Not only is he good-looking, but he’s also very adaptable as an actor. He has a natural talent for acting and can often grasp concepts quickly. And those expressive eyes of his! They tell a whole story on their own.”

“With such incredible gifts, Zhang Yang still studies so diligently.”

“Some of you may know this already, while others might not. Zhang Yang is actually signed with Tangren Entertainment, one of the biggest agencies in China. But even though he’s been here since freshman year, he’s never asked for time off to act outside school. He turns down all the company’s offers without exception.”

“A person like that will surely go far in life.”

“You should all strive to learn from him—stay humble and focused.”

The students listened quietly, somewhat taken aback by the unexpected lecture.

Every teacher seems to have this occupational quirk, they thought. No matter what they start talking about, it always ends up being a lesson.

Still, curiosity and admiration for Zhang Yang began to grow within them.

Huo Ba wasn’t exempt; she too felt a surge of respect. Zhang Yang-xuezhang sure is impressive, she mused.

Rustle, rustle.

Zhang Yang heard the familiar sound of the entertainment industry opportunities handbook flipping through pages.

“My opportunity points just increased.”

“Why now?”