Chunan felt this guy was trying to pull something on him.

Chen Peng just smiled good-naturedly. "Here’s the thing. This film’s a campus story. It follows two desk-mates who slowly realize their true feelings while spending time together. Solid script. As a low-budget project, it should do well. That’d add a nice credit to your debut. Once people see your real talent, He Dong can push for more resources to develop you both."

"We’ll act too!" Xiaohan blurted out instantly. Then she caught herself, tilting her head to glance at Chunan. "I’ll act if he acts."

To her, acting beat singing any day. Since they were idols anyway, why not pick the funner path?

Chen Peng turned to Chunan. "Your thoughts?"

Chunan paused briefly. "Does Uncle He know about this?"

"Yes."

"How long... will filming take? When does it start?"

"Smooth shooting wraps in a month. Maybe less. We just need to lock the leads. Once confirmed, we start anytime."

Before Chunan could decide, Xiaohan quietly tugged his sleeve. Her eyes were practically sparkling. "Let’s do it! Please!"

Chen Peng saw this and felt even more satisfied. This was exactly the youthful romance he’d imagined.

"Knock it off," Chunan swatted her hand away with a sigh. "Bro Chen, you know I’m a streamer. I won’t quit that."

"I know, I know," Chen Peng’s smile widened warmly. "I’ll arrange private housing for your streams during filming. The schedule won’t be heavy. I can shorten daily hours and stretch the timeline a bit."

Chunan frowned slightly, curious. "Bro Chen, what’s your actual role...?"

Hadn’t Uncle He called him an assistant earlier? How’d a music division assistant end up directing films? And his tone suggested a high position.

"Right—I’m actually a director," Chen Peng admitted openly. "Last time, He Dong said that so I could meet you two. After hearing ‘Leap,’ I thought it’d fit perfectly as this film’s theme song."

"I see..." Chunan nodded, agreeing. "We’ll try. But we’ve never acted before. Might disappoint you."

"No worries. Everyone starts somewhere. I trust my judgment." Chen Peng rubbed his hands, excited. "How about a screen test now?"

Both froze. "So soon?"

"Don’t stress. Just checking your vibe." Chen Peng walked behind a desk. After tapping something, the room transformed rapidly—from a plain office to a dusk-lit classroom.

Chunan and Xiaohan sat at a window-side desk pair. Staring at the classroom and Chen Peng on the podium, Xiaohan gaped. "...Wow."

Chunan was slightly startled too.

Holographic projection.

A tech competition breakthrough—large-scale holograms paired with spatial anchors. It simulated any environment realistically. Sci-fi magic from old movies was real here.

But it cost a fortune. So filmmakers used it most, saving time on location shoots.

Chunan knew about it, but this was his first experience. It felt damn impressive—walls, desks, everything tangible. Like they’d truly stepped into a classroom.

The golden dusk outside shifted their mood instantly.

As if back in high school.

"Ahem," Chen Peng cleared his throat from the podium, snapping them back. "Scene time. Xiaohan, Chunan lost your cute cartoon eraser last class. How do you react?"

"Huh?" Xiaohan hesitated. "Starting now?"

"Yeah. Improvise."

"Got it." Xiaohan grinned, then instantly switched to a pouting face. She spun and grabbed Chunan. "You jerk! Give back my eraser! Waaah! I saved up for that!"

Chunan’s brow twitched. He pushed her off. "Hold on—"

Who freaked out over an eraser? Did she even know acting?

"Hold what? Find it now! I loved that eraser!" Xiaohan clung to his shirt, shouting.

Chunan frowned, patience thinning. "Enough. It’s just an eraser. I’ll buy a new one."

"You can’t! It was limited edition! The last one!"

"Limited edition eraser?"

"Why not?! You’re clueless! I don’t care—I want that one back!"

Chunan struggled against her fussing. "Look... fine, my fault. But it’s gone."

"What now..." Xiaohan tugged his sleeve, dejected. "I really loved it..."

Chunan: "..."

He realized she had talent.

"...My bad," he sighed, playing along. "How do I make it up to you?"

Xiaohan’s face lit up triumphantly. "Take me for malatang next time!"

Chunan: "..."

He wondered if she was even acting.

"Perfect!" Chen Peng clapped. "That’s it! Exactly! No more tests needed—you two are perfect for this film!"

That was the feeling he wanted!

Xiaohan’s acting was over-the-top at first. But her final line tied it together—a girl using a tiny loss to snag a meal with her crush, naturally deepening their bond.

Innocent scheming. Not annoying. Just adorable.

They were the ideal leads.