Chapter Sixty-Eight: Settling Down

"And also, take this script for review tomorrow. I see you’ve already acquired the rights to many of the items I previously mentioned—here’s a new list. Purchase these according to the names on it as well," Chen Ling continued instructing her.

"Understood." Zhao Qian always executed Chen Ling's instructions with meticulous precision. This might not be the attitude expected of a top executive, but it was exactly what Chen Ling required—no need for opinions, just follow orders.

...

It had to be said, Zhao Qian’s efficiency was impressive. By the afternoon of the next day, she had already shortlisted several apartments for Chen Ling, each accompanied by detailed videos and written descriptions—a thoughtful touch.

There were three options in total. One was a newly developed, never-before-lived-in, fully furnished apartment that only needed some additional furniture and appliances before moving in. The other two were second-hand properties whose owners, in need of cash, were looking to sell.

Just looking at the information, Chen Ling found it hard to decide. Besides, he’d never lived in the capital in his previous life and was unfamiliar with the area. He decided to have Zhao Qian set up a viewing appointment with the agent.

The agent, eager to please such a client, quickly arranged a time to view the properties.

...

"Mr. Chen, you’ve seen all the apartments. Which one do you prefer? I can negotiate with the owner for a better price and get you the best deal possible," the real estate agent said, brimming with enthusiasm for such a big client. With current property prices in the capital, even the agent’s commission for a single apartment was worth tens of thousands, far more lucrative than working in a factory.

"How much is the total price for the unfurnished, never-lived-in apartment?" After comparing, Chen Ling preferred the new apartment. Despite the good condition of the other two, the traces of prior occupancy bothered him.

"Of all the apartments, that one is the best overall: 203 square meters, four bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms, a practical layout, prime location, and comprehensive amenities. It’s brand new, never occupied, but naturally, it’s also the most expensive—6.3 million."

"Will I be signing the purchase contract with the owner or with the sales office?"

"With the sales office, of course. We’re doing new property distribution and have a partnership with the development. If you decide to buy, we won’t charge you any commission."

Chen Ling understood this. With new properties sold through agents, the commission was paid by the sales office, not the buyer. He’d once worked as a real estate agent to pay off debts in his past life and knew the ins and outs.

The sales office paid commissions to agents who brought in buyers, sparing themselves the trouble of finding clients. Agents dealt directly with the sales office and received their fees there, eliminating the hassle of collecting from clients—a win-win arrangement.

Since Chen Ling knew how hard real estate agents worked, he had no intention of bypassing the agent; that little bit of money hardly mattered to him anymore.

Chen Ling asked the question he cared about most: "After signing at the sales office, how soon can I move in and get the keys?"

"If you’re getting a mortgage, you’ll need to wait until the bank processes it. If you’re paying in full, you can get the keys today."

After some thought, Chen Ling opted to pay in full. The company accounts still had plenty of funds, so there was no need for installments. He’d save the mortgage eligibility for a bigger house in the future.

That very day, accompanied by the agent, Chen Ling went to the sales office to sign the contract. Of course, he haggled a bit on the price—money doesn’t fall from the sky, after all.

---

Upon learning that Chen Ling was paying in full, the sales office offered him an additional three percent discount, which satisfied him. He paid the full amount on the spot and received the keys. The next day, he hired an interior design company to furnish the place completely.

All in all, from viewing to signing, it took just three days. Chen Ling now had a home of his own in Beijing—money truly makes life easier.

...

"Hello, teacher. Yes, I’m at the office."

"Return to school to cancel your leave? Alright."

While at work, Chen Ling received a call from his homeroom teacher. It dawned on him that he’d barely attended any classes during the first semester of his sophomore year—he hadn’t even collected his textbooks! How embarrassing.

After returning to the capital, he’d thrown himself into his company, completely forgetting he was still a student and hadn’t even checked in with his teacher. What a transgression.

...

The next day, Chen Ling returned to the Beijing Film Academy like a model student—first to see his teacher and cancel his leave, and then to pick up his textbooks.

There were no other teachers in the office at that moment. Under Teacher Lin’s disapproving gaze, Chen Ling handed over his leave slip.

"It’s been over three months since the semester started. How many days have you actually attended class?" Faced with Teacher Lin’s criticism, Chen Ling didn’t dare talk back—he could only offer a wry smile.

"This time, make sure you attend class. If you fail another exam at the end of this semester, it’s my reputation on the line."

Everyone now saw Chen Ling as Lin’s protégé. If Chen Ling failed again, Lin would lose face as well, especially since Chen Ling had already failed once last semester. Another failure would be even more embarrassing.

"Teacher, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you." Chen Ling hesitated, keeping his head down, reluctant to bring up his next request.

"What is it?" Teacher Lin sipped his tea, eyed Chen Ling, and had a bad feeling about where this was going.

"I’d like to request another leave of absence."

With a thud, Teacher Lin set his cup down on the table, his face darkening. His intuition had been spot on.

Chen Ling scratched his head and pressed on, "I’m planning to release my film during the Spring Festival, and the post-production schedule is very tight."

"You really want to schedule it for the Spring Festival? Isn’t that a bit rushed?"

Seeing that Chen Ling had good reasons, Teacher Lin dropped his feigned sternness. The purpose of studying was to have a better future. If a student could achieve more before graduation than after, then perhaps there was no need to insist on formal schooling.

Teacher Lin was following Chen Ling’s film closely. The media reported that it would be released during the Spring Festival, and he felt Chen Ling was being a bit hasty.

...

"I’ve studied it—the Spring Festival window suits my film perfectly. If I wait any longer, it’ll be too late, and I don’t want to wait," Chen Ling replied with resolve.

Teacher Lin rubbed his nose and, seeing Chen Ling’s determination, said, "If you’ve decided, then go for it."

"And the leave of absence?"

"Of course. You’re working on something important; I can’t stop you. Worst case, you’ll just have to take make-up exams next year."

At the mention of make-up exams, Chen Ling’s face fell. Wouldn’t that mean he’d still have to make time to study the material? He tried to bargain, "Is there any way I could avoid the make-up exams?"

Upon hearing this, Teacher Lin leaned back in his chair, squinting at Chen Ling for a while before speaking slowly, "That’s possible."

"What?"

Did he hear that right? No exams?

"If your film achieves outstanding results during the Spring Festival, then there’s no need for you to take the exams. If you’re producing brilliant results for the school, do you really think the academy would expel you for missing exams?"

After so many years at the Beijing Film Academy, he knew how things worked. In truth, with Chen Ling’s current achievements, even if he missed finals and only casually completed the make-up exams, he’d still pass. Right now, the academy needed Chen Ling more than he needed them.

Even if Chen Ling left, he would still be a highly sought-after director, while the academy would lose an outstanding student. If he really left, other schools would immediately try to recruit him.

Teacher Lin’s mention of the Spring Festival results was mainly to spur Chen Ling on. Of course, Chen Ling understood his teacher’s intentions.

"Teacher, if I break the box office record for 'Aftershock,' would that count as an outstanding achievement?"

Hearing such bold words, Teacher Lin’s eyes widened. He sat up straight in his chair, no longer relaxed, and, seeing that Chen Ling wasn’t joking, he replied,

"Of course, it counts."

"It’s a deal, then."

"It’s a deal."