My College Teacher is My Children's Mom-Chapter 679: Didn’t Start with This Idea

The parents’ meeting was over, and summer vacation began. At home, Er Bao and San Bao had already devised a plan. San Bao would tutor Xiao Bao in her homework during the evenings, while Lin Feng looked after the kids.

As Lin Feng was pondering what meaningful activities they could do over the summer, he received a call from a director, who promptly sent over a script. The director hoped that Lin Feng would consider letting his daughter, Xiao Bao, take a role in this drama. Once the floodgates opened, calls started pouring in for everything from children’s toys to drinks.

Among the heap of scripts, Lin Feng found a period drama adapted from a novel. It was a book Lin Dashan had read back in his day, telling stories from that era that felt true to life, focusing on family and business. The production team had a track record of creating many refined, popular TV series and was known for its integrity.

The role they wanted Xiao Bao to audition for was the youngest of three sisters, a very endearing character. Sweet-natured, sensible, clever, and cute, she was the apple of her parents’ eye and a little helper to her older siblings. Although she strayed onto the wrong path as she grew up, she fortunately managed to get back on track in time and eventually became the pillar of the family. The plot was somewhat similar to a story with a strong female lead. After much hesitation, Lin Feng told Xiao Bao about his decision.

Xiao Bao was one of those people blessed by the heavens, with a natural gift for acting that required no formal training. As long as she understood the role, her performance could be utterly brilliant. The media had even touted her as a future A-list, award-winning actress.

Despite such high praise, Lin Feng didn’t let it go to his head; he still prioritized his daughter’s education. Even if Xiao Bao’s academic performance isn’t that impressive, so what? She still has to study. If you have poor grades and don’t even try, what will happen in the future? You’ll grow up knowing nothing.

Xiao Bao felt it was a challenge worth taking. "Daddy, whatever you decide is fine by me."

It had to be said that Lin Feng had an excellent eye for scripts. The previous one he had chosen had been a huge, heartwarming hit, and Xiao Bao’s tear-jerking performance was widely credited for its success. Acting as her agent, Lin Feng replied to the director to confirm the audition date.

Whether or not she would land the role depended on the director and the other decision-makers. However, Lin Feng and Xiao Bao both had a healthy mindset. They would do their best to earn the part and leave the rest to fate.

Everyone at home was busy. Even Zhang Yuxi was preparing to go out of town for her studies. Ever since her dream, she had become much clingier. She, who normally preferred simple and elegant clothes, now favored brighter colors.

Lin Feng took Xiao Bao to the audition and was surprised to see how many people had shown up for the same role, including Lu Lu, whom they had met before.

Lu Lu greeted Xiao Bao with a smile. "Are you also here to audition for this role?"

Xiao Bao nodded. "Yes."

Coming to an audition after hearing about it was different from being personally invited by the director. Lu Lu, for instance, had rushed over after catching wind of the opportunity.

One by one, the children were called in. Soon, it was Lu Lu’s turn.

Xiao Bao cheered her on. "Good luck!"

Lu Lu gave a slight smile as her father comforted her from the side. "It’s okay, honey. Just do your best."

Ten minutes later, Lu Lu emerged, looking dejected. Her father said nothing, only patting her gently on the back. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Lu Lu stayed behind to keep Xiao Bao company. "Have you finished your summer homework?"

Xiao Bao countered, "Have you?"

Lu Lu smiled faintly. "Yes, I’m done. What were your scores on the last exam?"

Xiao Bao couldn’t quite remember. "I think they were all above ninety."

She wasn’t particularly concerned with her scores. She subscribed to the principle of simply trying her best, which she always did. She had tried her best. If these were her scores, there was nothing she could do about it.

Soon, it was Xiao Bao’s turn. Lin Feng waited for her outside. "Good luck!"

Xiao Bao was inside for quite a long time, about fifteen to twenty minutes, while Lu Lu watched the door expectantly. Before long, Xiao Bao came out.

"Any news?" Lin Feng asked.

Xiao Bao wasn’t sure herself. "The director told me to go home and wait for a call. He said I’ll know tonight."

Lu Lu looked surprised. "Then you still have a chance. The director told me to go home and that they’d be in touch if another opportunity came up." This meant she had no hope at all, which made her sad.

Xiao Bao comforted her, "Don’t worry, there will be other opportunities."

Lu Lu hummed in agreement. "My dad and I are leaving now. Let’s catch up another day! And remember to do your summer homework when you get back."

Xiao Bao waved reluctantly. "Alright, alright, I know!"

That evening, the director came over to confirm that Xiao Bao had been cast in the role of the Third Sister. Official filming was set to begin in mid-July, with the goal of wrapping up before school started on September 1st. Even the director reminded her, "When you get back, make sure you finish your summer homework."

Xiao Bao just pursed her lips and didn’t answer.

With the role secured, Xiao Bao spent the next ten-odd days doing her homework during the day. In the evenings, Er Bao and San Bao took turns tutoring her and reviewing material from the first semester of second grade. Occasionally, Lin Feng would take her for Taekwondo lessons, swimming, or trips to the amusement park. Her days were very full.

「In the blink of an eye, it was time to start filming.」

Xiao Bao was one of the first to arrive on set, eager to finish quickly so she could get back to school. She was staying in a hotel arranged by the director; it wasn’t luxurious, but she hadn’t expected it to be. The room was clean and tidy, which was good enough, and meals were provided!

Since it was a period drama, the crew had conscientiously constructed a small courtyard, with the houses inside built to a one-to-one scale for authenticity. The makeup artist dressed Xiao Bao in a period-style plaid coat and darkened her fair, chubby cheeks a shade.

Lin Feng acted as her personal assistant, serving her tea, fetching water, and fanning her. Since a growing child needs proper nutrition, the crew allowed her to have specially prepared meals, which Lin Feng cooked himself. Xiao Bao could take a nap at noon and didn’t have to wake up too early; they filmed on a schedule similar to a school day. This thoughtful approach immediately gave Lin Feng a great impression of the crew. It was no wonder they were so successful.

The houses were built inside a soundstage, so a lot of the filming was indoors. It was stiflingly hot and uncomfortable. Lin Feng waved a small handheld fan back and forth. "Are you hot?"

Xiao Bao nestled listlessly in his arms. "Daddy, I want some ice cream!"

"Alright, Daddy will go buy some."

Lin Feng returned not only with lots of ice cream but also with more than twenty watermelons for the entire cast and crew. While everyone was enjoying the fruit, Lin Feng suggested they could install air conditioners in the set houses. As long as they weren’t in the shot, no one would see them.

The director pursed his lips. "Our production team doesn’t have that much money..." He then confided in Lin Feng, "Many investors aren’t optimistic about this show. Several pulled their funding just days after filming began... How about... you invest a little?"

It was just like the last time with Xiao Bao’s movie. The director hadn’t been able to secure enough investors, so Lin Feng had invested. The film ended up being a massive financial success. The media even said the original investors were probably kicking themselves with regret.

Lin Feng looked at the director’s eager expression. "Well, how much are we talking about?"

Seeing an opportunity, the director quickly replied, "Not much, you can invest whatever you feel is right."

What kind of answer is that? I have no idea how much to invest. I don’t know anything about this industry.

The director hesitated for a moment, then said, "How about... twenty million?"

Lin Feng paused before asking, "Are you doing this on purpose?"

"No, no!" the director hurriedly explained. "It just occurred to me. I didn’t plan this from the start."