Full-time actor

"Phew~~~ I'm so nervous!"

"If I don't get it, I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my mouth."

"Although I knew it was unlikely, 'Better Days' has already won two major awards!"

"I'm the complete opposite of you. I have a strong feeling that Golden Lion is going to be taken down too!"

"Haha, pretty much. If we analyze it rationally, our Chinese-language films probably already have a chance to compete, but getting a nomination is already the greatest honor!"

"I don't believe it. It's not like there haven't been precedents of winning three awards. Let's take a gamble and maybe we'll turn a bicycle into a motorcycle."

"Just accept it. Although Lao Ma values ​​Chinese-language films very much, it doesn't mean he'll always go along with us."

"..."

The comments section on Tomato.com exploded once again, with netizens expressing their opinions.

Everyone naturally held their own opinions. Although they hoped that Chen Yu could win the grand prize, they also knew that it was unlikely that he would get his wish.

After all, winning two awards is arguably the most successful one in history.

Because no Chinese film has ever won two awards in a single year at the three major film festivals. Even Zhang Yimou couldn't do it, let alone three. This is an extremely rare occurrence in the world.

Countless people held their breath, and Chen Yu also looked up at the poster for "Better Days" on the screen.

In my mind, the details of making this movie seemed to float by.

In the previous life, this award originally belonged to "Lust, Caution," a deal between Zhang Yimou and Li An; now, without its biggest competitor, a huge change has occurred in this life.

Jiang Wen looked at Chen Yu, but even after seeing "The Sun Also Rises" on the list, he felt no expectation at all.

Brian De Palma's eyes were somewhat unfocused. He forced himself to calm his breathing, but his hands were trembling slightly.

He just won the Best Director award for "Excerpt Revised". If he can win the Golden Lion, he will definitely become a hot commodity.

Even though he's quite famous now, who would complain about being popular?

As for Todd Haynes...

His work, "I Was Not There," was also a huge hit.

Numerous films were shown on the big screen, with Chen Yu's hand intertwined with Liu Yifei's.

Of all the nominated filmmakers, he was probably the most composed.

Zhang Yimou is not one to keep secrets; he has already revealed the list of winners for the Golden Lion Award.

"Oh?"

A fleeting smile crossed his serious expression.

Everyone present was shrewd and naturally noticed his action.

In fact, while he, as the chairman of the jury, likely knew which film would ultimately win the Golden Lion Award, he wouldn't be certain.

After all, the statistical data after the vote is unknown.

Of course, the jury will discuss the matter before voting, and each ballot will have the names of the jury members on it to prevent any behind-the-scenes manipulation.

Could it be?

It must be someone Zhang Yimou knows; otherwise, why would his expression be so intriguing?!
Just as everyone was looking over, Zhang Yimou had already moved closer to the microphone.

The winner of the Golden Lion at the 64th Venice International Film Festival is—

The entire venue was completely silent.

The sound of everyone's heartbeats seemed to converge into a river, crashing powerfully against the walls of the cinema hall.

The Golden Lion Awards will be announced soon.

If Zhang Yimou speaks again, then the outcome will be decided.

Viewers around the world watching this awards ceremony were all glued to their phones, computers, or television screens, including Chen Yu's family. Everyone... actually hoped that Chen Yu could win the award again!
Human nature is to pursue more, even if—

Not even a fraction!
Because Zhang Yimou had already smiled and said in Chinese, "Better Days!"

"Congratulations!"

Zhang Yimou smiled and said, "Congratulations to Director Chen Yu, and congratulations to the entire crew of 'Better Days'!"

"Ahhhh!"

This scream wasn't just heard from Tang Yan; Liu Yifei also screamed.

But their voices were drowned out by the gasps of the entire audience.

"Oooo!"

The guests and filmmakers were all dumbfounded, and most of the directors present had their mouths agape; only the other unrelated people either applauded or stood up, and some were already cheering.

"Better Days" won three major awards in a single competition!

Golden Lion, Best Actress, Best Screenplay!
This was absolutely unprecedented in the history of Venice.

Everyone looked toward where Chen Yu was.

Shock, jealousy, disbelief.

Joy, approval, and pride.

All eyes fell on Chen Yu, and it took him a long time to calm down and come back to his senses.

"Better Days"... won the Golden Lion?

Is this the level of achievement that I, the director of my first film, have reached?
Chen Yu felt that it was somewhat unrealistic.

He was confident in his performance, but he figured out how to be a director entirely on his own in this life... From photography and production coordination to acting instruction... Looking back on everything that happened a year ago when he filmed this movie, Chen Yu felt like he was in a dream.

The audience erupted in applause and incredulous screams; they had finally come to terms with it.

Chen Yu.

After winning Best Screenplay and Best Actress, "Better Days" has once again captured the lion's lion!
A young director who is only 24 years old.

He is probably the youngest director in Venice's history; and his debut film won the Golden Lion.

It immediately generated a lot of buzz.

"Husband, husband!"

Liu Yifei finally came to her senses. Even though she knew she was in a meeting room, she still couldn't control her emotions.

"We won an award!"

"Our film 'Better Days' won the Golden Lion!"

Liu Yifei looked at the handsome figure beside her with admiration. Although the whole world had praised him many times, he was a unique performing genius.

But director, this is unprecedented.

This was her future husband, whom she had successfully proposed to half an hour earlier. Liu Yifei felt completely captivated, both physically and mentally.

Tang Yan and Luo Jin had already gathered around Chen Yu, unable to contain themselves; this award was simply too weighty to bear.

So much so that even before the announcement, it was already something they could only dream of.

But now, they've won this big prize!

"We won an award! Our Xiaoyu has won another award!"

This time, it was Shen Xiaoqin who burst into tears, hitting Chen Peidong beside her.

Tears of emotion had already streamed down her face.

Her son is so successful.

Liu Xiaoli was equally excited. It has to be said that Chen Yu has made great strides, winning numerous awards in just a few years.

"Damn, that's awesome!"

Jiang Wen had already reached out and pulled Chen Yu up.

"Are you stupid? What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go up on stage to accept your award!"

"As expected, I have a keen eye for talent; I saw your potential long ago!"

Jiang Wen was also moved; before coming, he had indeed placed his hopes on his film.

However, after watching "Better Days," he also realized that some situations are irreversible; some people are born to be in the film industry.

Besides winning so many acting awards, the young man next to me has also been a dazzling director.

Chen Yu was also very proud to receive the award.

"Brother Jiang!"

Chen Yu straightened his clothes in a daze; he had indeed been somewhat disoriented. If it were the Best Actor award, he wouldn't be in such a daze.

He was in a very good state of mind before the awards were announced.

But after winning the Golden Lion, the overwhelming sense of unreality that surged within him made him realize—

Oh, so winning the biggest prize can also make you feel this nervous and excited.

"Better Days" actually won the Golden Lion Award!
The young man was full of vigor and ambition.

As the fifth Chinese director to win the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, following in the footsteps of Zhang Yimou, Cai Mingliang, Hou Hsiao-hsien, and Jia Zhangke, Chen Yu is now the fifth Chinese-language director to achieve this feat.

However, he is the youngest director in Venice history to win the Golden Lion, and it was his debut film.

This alone surpasses the previous four.

"My leading lady, you're so beautiful!"

Chen Yu first gave Liu Yifei a tight hug, and she was so moved that she pressed herself against his chest; the straight haute couture suit made Chen Yu look tall and handsome, and everyone present stood up to hug him.

This is no longer just Chen Yu's glory.

The Golden Lion Award won by "Better Days" has solidified the international status of Chinese-language art films.

This has led to the establishment of cross-cultural dialogue and has also facilitated access to more international resources for local films.

Liu Yifei and Chen Yu embraced tightly; at this moment, they both broke through their own limitations.

"Honey, I knew you were the best!"

During this exciting moment, Liu Yifei felt very fortunate to be by Chen Yu's side.

Witness the sacred process with him.

"Come up on stage and accept your award!"

Zhang Yimou's eyes were full of satisfaction. Although he had put in a lot of effort for this award, it wouldn't be good if Chen Yu's work wasn't shortlisted.

Therefore, it is still because the work itself is truly outstanding.

Chen Yu took a deep breath.

Even though he has won all the major awards, winning the awards for his work and director today is extraordinary, even though he has always treated all awards with the utmost seriousness.

Liu Yifei slowly released Chen Yu, whose gaze fell on the awards stage.

Next came his moment of glory.

One step, two steps—

With firm and orderly steps, he slowly walked towards the podium.

The audience erupted in waves of applause and screams. No one complained about "Better Days" winning the award, as the film truly deserved it.

With a score far exceeding that of other nominated works, it was the biggest hot film at Venice, plus the performances of Liu Yifei and Chen Yu.

Everything proves that "Better Days" has the potential to compete for the top prize.

Chen Yu stood on the podium once again.

This is the third time he has stood here tonight.

This time, however, he came to accept the Golden Lion Award, which represents the highest honor.

"Director Zhang, thank you!"

Chen Yu bowed to Zhang Yimou, knowing full well that the award-winning success of "Better Days" was inseparable from the presence of this master of Chinese cinema.

Zhang Yimou was about to step forward and hand the trophy to Chen Yu.

But then Mark Muller, standing beside him, suddenly stood up, his face also beaming with a smile.

As a close friend of Chen Yu, he was naturally moved by this.

"I have a proposal."

Mark Muller's voice drew everyone's attention; in this situation, what could be more important than winning an award?

The audience sat below the stage.

Countless bright eyes fell on Chen Yu, and even Jiang Wen looked at him with approval.

"I propose that the newly crowned Best Actress, Ms. Liu Yifei, present the Golden Lion trophy to her future husband."

"What do you think?"

It has to be you, Old Ma.

The most attention-grabbing tactic is this kind of game; I oppose your resignation as president of Venice next year.

It is absolutely a loss for Venice.

During his four-year second term, Venice's reputation indeed grew year by year, and Chen Yu attended almost every year; the film festival can be said to have witnessed his growth trajectory here.

From Best Actor in "Against the Current" to Best Actor in the Main Competition, from Director's Debut to the Golden Lion Award.

Chen Yu's fame is closely related to Venice.

This is his blessed place, and also a hall of witnessing the beginning of their love and their journey together.

clap clap clap!
The applause from the entire audience said it all, along with a lot of screams.

Foreigners are also very good at helping others achieve their goals.

Since they didn't win the award, wishing the other party well would make them seem magnanimous, so many people present were actually happy to see Lao Ma's proposed solution.

So when Marco Müller made his proposal, the people present cheered in support.

Everyone knows about their relationship, and the time they spent together is definitely worth recording.

Most of these foreigners are romantics, so they wholeheartedly supported Marco Müller's proposal.

"what?"

Liu Yifei's mouth was slightly open, clearly not expecting Lao Ma to pull this stunt.

However, in a moment of thought, the expression on her face changed from surprise to delight.

There was nothing awkward about it.

Now she's the newly crowned Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival; her aura and confidence give her immense courage.

To be precise, it was already an exception that Chen Yu was allowed to present her with the award.

The award presenters were basically all pre-selected. Although she was very interested in the proposal, she was unwilling to affect others for her own selfish reasons.

"Still not coming up?"

Chen Yu looked down at the audience, his eyes seemingly conveying the message of his words.

Liu Yifei's starry eyes were filled with his reflection. If Liu Yifei could personally present him with this award, it would be a wonderful story at this year's Venice Film Festival, and it would surely be talked about for a long time.

As Chen Yu and Liu Yifei become more and more famous, they will be mentioned again and again.

Amidst the rising and falling applause around him, Marc Muller spoke again: "Now, let's invite our newly crowned Best Actress to the stage to present this Golden Lion Award!"

This time, Liu Yifei didn't hesitate. Humility is a trait unique to Chinese people in some ways, but abroad, being too humble can make people think you're pretentious. So Liu Yifei slowly stood up, lifting her dress.

Under the spotlight.

Liu Yifei slowly walked onto the stage, wearing a light pink floral strapless dress that made her skin look as white as snow.

Her long, black hair flowed freely, and her whole body seemed to be surrounded by light.

Chen Yu quickly stepped forward, and at that moment, Liu Yifei's hand slowly rested on Chen Yu's hand.

Talented man and beautiful woman.

Standing there with Chen Yu, they looked like a perfect couple.

It can be said to be incredibly dazzling right now.

It gave Chen Yu a feeling of being on a wedding day, welcoming the bride onto the altar.

Chen Yu whispered his opinion to Liu Yifei, who shyly punched him lightly before gracefully walking to the podium and bowing to everyone in the audience.

"Thank you, Chairman Mark Muller, for giving me this opportunity. I also want to thank everyone for their enthusiasm. Thank you!"

"Being able to personally present this award to my future husband will be the happiest and most memorable moment of my life!"

Thank you all for your understanding!

Liu Yifei suddenly winked playfully, then gave everyone a sweet kiss: "Wishing everyone a wonderful night!"

"A night in Venice is more than just romance and beauty!"

"There should also be... movies!"

After she finished speaking, she took the Golden Lion Award trophy from the emcee standing to the side.

Zhang Yimou stood there, clapping his hands slightly, his eyes full of approval for the two men.

At that moment, Liu Yifei's heart suddenly started pounding.

When she looked at Chen Yu again, her dimples were fully revealed, and her charming and cute smile made her even more stunningly beautiful... Only when she stood in front of Chen Yu and presented her with the award did Liu Yifei realize that the eagerness in her heart was stronger than ever before.

Old Ma's suggestion seemed wonderful to her without her thinking much about it; but now, as she held the trophy to Chen Yu's hands, she realized how sacred and wonderful it was.

Or perhaps, this was the most memorable night for the two of them.

Unforgettable.

This surpassed all the nights of the previous thousands of days, at least that's what Liu Yifei thought. (End of Chapter)