A widower's entertainment

When the audience in the screening room heard the busy tone on the other end of the phone, Xu Qingshan's question instantly revealed to everyone his deepest, most pressing obsession—

"Where are you now?"

This was the last question he left for himself, a question that only concerned the people he loved.

From the very beginning, Xu Qingshan's initial motivation for joining this quiz show was not the million-dollar prize, but rather to find Xiaoyu.

This was the most important thing to him. So the moment the call connected, the so-called last question was no longer important. Only confirming Xiaoyu's whereabouts was the whole meaning of his trip.

Audiences and filmmakers alike clearly know this line, or perhaps they appreciate the brilliance of this question's design.

A simple sentence, yet it conveyed a restrained emotion, and everyone was moved by it.

There were no passionate confessions, no grand vows; the simple question, "Where are you?", reveals the purest beauty and romance.
Some people believe that screenwriter Lin Youcheng is a master screenwriter. His previous work, "The Reader," had themes of love and redemption. So, could "The Nameless" in this case also be about love?

Of course, the audience has no way of knowing the answer at this moment; what they want to know now is Xu Qingshan's answer.

In the video, Xiaoyu's voice came through the receiver. There were no extra words, just a simple "Don't worry, I'm fine," which was enough to soothe all of Xu Qingshan's anxiety and unease.

Not wanting the conversation to veer off course, the host quickly intervened to regain control, steer the focus back to the million-dollar prize quiz, and asked Xiaoyu on the other end of the phone, "Hello, I'm sure you know very well that your answer carries the weight of a million-dollar prize. Would you like to hear the question again? You have thirty seconds to answer. Xu Qingshan, please repeat the question to this important person."

Xu Qingshan repeated the question as instructed, saying, "What did Hu Guangsheng leave for Ma Jiaqi in the end in the movie 'The Nameless'?"

The camera focused on Xiaoyu, who had a faint smile on her face. Only she knew the reason for the smile. She gently shook her head and said honestly, "I don't know."

These words immediately caused a stir in the studio. Xu Qingshan's chance to seek help from outside the studio was no longer valid, and he was left to face this life-or-death question alone.

"Qingshan, trust your own choice."

As soon as Xiaoyu finished speaking, the production team cut off the call.

Astute filmmakers also realized that Xiaoyu's line was very meaningful; this seemingly simple advice actually revealed that Xu Qingshan's choice had never been wrong.

Looking back on Xu Qingshan's past, from sending that letter to Bai Xuemei to getting off the bus midway to rescue the stranger female driver, he has always followed his heart in making choices, and has always made his own choices with kindness. Fate has led him step by step to the show, to the final question.

The host looked at Xu Qingshan and said, "You can only rely on yourself now, Xu Qingshan. Give the final answer and make a final push for one million."

The tense background music in the video suddenly escalated, pushing the atmosphere to its peak. All the audience members in the studio focused their attention on the big screen, holding their breath as they awaited his decision.

Xu Qingshan looked at the question, the one for which he himself did not know the correct answer. After a moment of silence, he slowly uttered a single word: "A".

Why choose A?

The host pressed for more details.

Xu Qingshan said firmly and directly, "There's no reason why, just choose A."

Is the final answer definitely A?

"Confirmed, A. A painting."

Upon his confirmation, the computer screen in front of him immediately locked onto option A.

"Xu Qingshan, a restaurant waiter, is challenging for the million-dollar prize. The final question is: What did Hu Guangsheng leave for Ma Jiaqi in the movie 'The Nameless'? Your answer is A. A painting. I must tell everyone—"

As the host spoke, the background music grew increasingly rousing, and the camera repeatedly switched to viewers across the country, some clenching their fists, others watching intently, all awaiting the final result. The audience in the screening room felt the same way, their emotions already deeply intertwined with the story.

Finally, the host raised his voice and announced the result, loudly proclaiming, "The answer is absolutely correct!"

In an instant, the entire audience stood up, and the applause and cheers were deafening. This joy not only spread to the venue, but also filled every corner of the screening room with excitement, completely igniting the atmosphere in the theater.

Audiences and critics were already immersed in the film, or rather, in Xu Qingshan's world, and were genuinely happy for Xu Qingshan's victory.

Of course, the story of the movie did not end there. In the next scene, Xu Qingshan, who had just finished the program, stood quietly at the entrance of the cinema with two movie tickets in his hand. His waiting figure was self-evident; he was waiting for Xiaoyu.

The background music flowed gently, the streets were bustling with traffic and people, and Xiaoyu walked quickly over. The two looked at each other and smiled gently.

Xu Qingshan strode towards Xiaoyu, but the camera slowly rewinds, flashing back scenes one by one like a rewind tape: him rushing off a bus to rescue the female driver, fleeing in panic from a dark mine, and trekking from a mountain village to the town to mail a letter to Bai Xuemei. These fragmented past events are not only memories but also a microcosm of his tumultuous life.

Filmmakers and critics at the scene applauded the shot, praising its exceptional atmosphere and epic feel of destiny moving forward.

Xu Qingshan walked up to Xiaoyu, and the two embraced gently. There was no kiss or many words, but there was an unspoken sense of completeness and beauty between them.

The camera freezes on the embrace, fading away to a melodious tune, revealing the initial question from the opening sequence on the screen, with only option D standing out prominently—

D. It was destined.

That is the answer.

Whether it was Xu Qingshan winning a million-dollar prize by answering the questions correctly, or his reunion with Xiaoyu, both were gifts that fate had already ordained.

The audience in the screening room could no longer contain themselves and cheered wildly for the romantic ending of the movie, with applause and cheers erupting.

As the end credits slowly rolled, an even more surprising Easter egg was played: Xu Qingshan and Xiaoyu sat side by side in the movie theater, and a clip from "The Nameless" was playing on the screen—the one where Hu Guangsheng left the painting for Ma Jiaqi, and then the moment Ma Jiaqi woke up and opened his eyes, he saw that painting.

The camera zooms in, passing through the movie screen, and finally settles on the painting. Two tiny figures are crossing a bridge together, and there is a sentence on the painting: I want to walk with you across the rest of the bridge.

The film officially ended there, and the huge screening room erupted in cheers. The entire audience stood up, and the applause was like a tidal wave that never stopped.

This applause is the most sincere affirmation and praise for this stunning work that blends realism with a somber undertone and romanticism with a romantic core.

A ten-minute-long round of enthusiastic applause resounded throughout the screening room and echoed throughout the Cannes Film Festival venue, expressing the audience's shock and delight. Zhou Xun looked at the enthusiastic audience beside her, her heart filled with shock and emotion. Her eyes were already brimming with tears. She loved this movie, loved this story, and was truly moved. This was the magic of a great film, capable of captivating people completely.

She felt incredibly fortunate to have been able to participate in this significant production.

Duan Long was no different; he was equally excited. This was a movie he starred in, and it was being screened in the Cannes Film Festival's screening room. Now, all the applause was related to him.

He was really very proud and honored; the movie was truly fantastic.

At this moment, all the words we want to say are uttered in the applause of our hands, the highest tribute to this film.

The audience is now discussing this film, which blends realism and romanticism, with everything being so wonderful and breathtaking. There are so many details in this film that need to be discussed and watched repeatedly, as if they were all part of fate. The audiovisual language is extremely mature, and the film's colors and visuals are exciting for the audience. Of course, the most exciting thing is the story itself.

"Incredible! Lin Zhaomei is the biggest surprise at this year's Cannes Film Festival, and this film is simply perfect!"

"I was completely moved. The clash between darkness and romance, the intertwining of good and evil in human nature, was handled exquisitely!"

"Yes, my God! This movie is absolutely amazing!"

……

After the film ended, there was a follow-up interview session. Reporters swarmed around Lin Zhaomei and other main creators, including domestic media. Foreign reporters and filmmakers were also impressed by the film and bombarded Lin Zhaomei with countless questions.

Previously, while foreign media knew of the young female director Lin Zhaomei, they only knew that she was the daughter of the internationally renowned screenwriter Lin Youcheng, and harbored doubts about the film she directed. Now, however, all doubts have vanished, replaced only by high praise and admiration for the work.

After the premiere, the press conference was packed with media, all eager to interview the talented new director, Lin Zhaomei, and explore the story behind the film.

Domestic media outlets are both striving forward and feeling immensely proud of director Lin Zhaomei.

Shortly afterward, Lin Zhaomei, Lin Youcheng, Duan Long, and Zhou Xun joined the film festival chairman on stage for an interview.

As soon as Lin Zhaomei appeared, reporters in the audience raised their hands enthusiastically. One reporter was the first to ask Cannes Film Festival President Pierre Vilnius: "Mr. President, what is your opinion on the film 'Our Millionaire'?"

Piervio took the microphone and made no secret of his admiration for the film, saying, "As we all know, Cannes has always been committed to supporting film innovation and artistic expression, and discovering promising new directors. Lin Zhaomei is the biggest discovery of this year's Cannes Film Festival. I think everyone has seen her talent."

"She's a genius!"

"That's amazing! I think you all saw it."

"In my eyes, 'Our Millionaire' is a masterpiece full of surprises. It depicts the most touching romance amidst the complexities of human nature, and its artistic expression is extremely powerful. It is an honor for the Cannes Film Festival to see such a work!"

The reporters in the audience were well aware that Piervio would give positive reviews, but they never expected such high praise.

But no one thought it was an exaggeration, because this work and this director fully deserved such recognition.

A reporter immediately followed up: "Mr. Chairman, does this mean that 'Our Millionaire' has a very high chance of winning the award?"

"I will not respond to this question at the moment; it is something the judging panel needs to consider."

The Cannes Film Festival president is not responsible for judging; that's the job of the jury.

"Mr. Gil Jacob, what do you think of this movie?"

Obviously, reporters will also ask this year's film festival's artistic director, Gilles Jacob.

Gil Jacob said with a smile, "Your applause says it all. All I can say is that this is a great film."

Well, that's quite a high rating.

Gil Jacob added, "Regarding this masterpiece, it's better to ask the brilliant director, Ms. Lin Zhaomei, and the screenwriter, Mr. Lin Youcheng."

Gil Jacob skillfully avoided the sensitive issues, shifting the focus to Lin Zhaomei. Immediately, a barrage of questions rained down on Lin Zhaomei and Lin Youcheng—

"The beginning of the movie is very realistic. Is it based on a true story?"

"What were your thoughts on using a wide-angle shot from outside the bus when you filmed the scene of the bus driver being murdered?"

"One last question: Is the movie 'The Unknown' a domestic film from your country? Is it also about love?"

Was Xu Qingshan's choice of A based on intuition truly "destined"?

Lin Youcheng didn't say much, leaving the answers to Lin Zhaomei, since it was his daughter Lin Zhaomei's movie.

Now, the applause belongs more to Lin Zhaomei.

Lin Zhaomei truly captured the story movingly; the cinematography, color palette, and editing were all perfect, and of course, every actor's performance was outstanding.

Lin Zhaomei patiently answered some of the questions, and then slowly said, "Sometimes, the meaning of a movie lies in raising questions rather than providing standard answers. After watching the film, each viewer will have their own answers in their heart."

Clearly, Lin Zhaomei will not answer all these questions directly. The film can be said to be posing these questions to the audience, leaving them for society to think about and solve.

Everyone clearly understands that the reason this film is so wonderful and shocking is inseparable from its ingenious plot design and the intricate details. Using a nationwide quiz show as a vehicle, it connects the life trajectories of a low-level waiter. In the fairy tale of wealth and love, there is a profound insight into human nature, and the dark and romantic are intertwined perfectly.

As Pierre Vilnius said, the arrival of "Our Millionaire" is an honor for the Cannes Film Festival.

What's even more astonishing is that this stunning work was created by a 21-year-old newcomer director. To possess such amazing talent and creativity at such a young age is undoubtedly the mark of a true genius.

Yes, she is a genius!

This sensation that swept Cannes is just the beginning; the romance of "Our Millionaire" has only just begun. (End of Chapter)