In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Duan Yunfeng had arranged the gondola and route in advance. Yang Guangming and Chen Hong rode in the ornately decorated gondola, shuttling through the crisscrossing waterways, admiring the ancient buildings on both banks, the exquisite bridges, and the river water shimmering in the sunlight.

They went to St. Mark's Square, gazing up at the majestic St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace; climbed the Campanile to overlook the entire chessboard-like panorama of Venice; listened to the gondoliers tell ancient legends under the Bridge of Sighs; and strolled through quiet alleyways, experiencing the tranquility away from the main tourist areas and the local atmosphere.

Chen Hong had a great time, her face beaming with a bright smile, like a young girl on her first trip, full of curiosity about everything. Yang Guangming patiently accompanied her, occasionally explaining historical anecdotes to her, or capturing her beautiful moments with his camera when she was captivated by the scenery.

Of course, shopping is an essential part of the experience.

Yang Guangming led Chen Hong into the understated yet luxurious boutiques near St. Mark's Square. Many of the brands and styles there were extremely rare, or even nonexistent, in China at the time.

He was very familiar with this place and had an extremely accurate eye. The clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry he selected were all exquisite pieces that not only matched Chen Hong's temperament but also possessed great taste and design.

"Try this coat, the color suits you very well."

"These shoes should be very comfortable to walk in, and they'll go perfectly with your dress."

"This watch is simple and elegant, and it's perfect for everyday wear."

"This bag..."

Chen Hong was initially somewhat reserved and hesitant, feeling it was too much of a waste. But Yang Guangming's attitude was very natural, as if buying her things was a matter of course, and the things he chose were indeed things she loved.

Gradually, she relaxed and began to enjoy the feeling of being pampered and indulging in shopping. Especially when Yang Guangming signed off on one sizable bill after another without batting an eye, Chen Hong was genuinely shocked.

She had been acting for several years and had gained some fame, but her pay was limited. In addition, actresses have relatively high daily expenses, so her savings were only tens of thousands of RMB.

The items Yang Guangming bought in the past half-day, roughly estimated, were worth more than her entire net worth, with total expenses exceeding $50,000.

“Guangming, these… are too expensive. I…” In the VIP room of a top jewelry store, looking at the platinum necklace with small diamonds that Yang Guangming had chosen for her, Chen Hong finally couldn’t help but speak again.

Yang Guangming picked up the necklace, walked behind her, and put it on her wrist. The cool platinum and diamonds rested on her skin below her collarbone, shimmering with delicate, dazzling light under the lamp, perfectly complementing her fair complexion and creating a stunningly beautiful effect.

He placed his hands on her shoulders, looked at her in the mirror, and said gently, "You look beautiful, and these things suit you perfectly. Honghong, the value of these things lies in how they enhance your beauty and make you happy. For me, that's all that matters."

He paused, his tone casual and matter-of-fact: "Money is meant to be spent, spent on people and things that are worthwhile. You don't need to feel burdened, just do what you like."

The man in the mirror was young and handsome, with gentle yet determined eyes, exuding a calm and domineering air of complete control.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Chen Hong saw the shimmering light around her neck and the expensive long dress she had just bought. The last bit of pride in her heart quietly melted away.

She nestled into his arms and whispered, "Thank you, Guangming. I...I like it very much."

Yang Guangming hugged her and kissed the top of her head: "What matters most is that you like it."

In the end, after a day of sightseeing and shopping, Yang Guangming spent nearly $100,000 on clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, perfumes, and other luxury goods for Chen Hong. This is undoubtedly an astronomical sum in today's world.

From initial shock to acceptance, and now to a feeling of being pampered and belonging, Chen Hong's mindset has undergone a subtle change.

She began to truly realize that the wealth and energy possessed by the young man beside her were far beyond what she had previously imagined. His generosity and thoughtfulness towards her also made her more certain of her importance in his heart.

While Yang Guangming and Chen Hong were enjoying their leisurely time in Venice, the news of the film's award had already been quickly transmitted back to China via overseas phone calls and faxes.

At this time, China was in the mid-1990s, with reform and opening up deepening, but cultural confidence was still being rebuilt. International recognition, especially awards from top art institutions like the three major European film festivals, held extraordinary significance for the Chinese people.

Official media outlets were the first to report on it.

The People's Daily published a headline in its culture section: "Our film 'In the Heat of the Sun' wins two major awards at the Venice Film Festival: Best Actor and Best Director."

The article briefly introduces the film festival's status, the content of the films, and the significance of the awards, praising it as "an important step for Chinese films to go global" and "demonstrating the artistic pursuits and talents of Chinese filmmakers."

Major media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency and CCTV's "News Broadcast" also followed up with reports. The film was submitted to the festival after undergoing domestic censorship, making it a "legitimate" film, and its awards naturally received full official recognition and publicity.

Immediately afterwards, major market-oriented media outlets and entertainment publications swarmed in like sharks smelling blood.

Almost all influential newspapers, including the Kyoto Youth Daily, China Film News, Literature and Art News, and Southern Weekend, published related reports in prominent positions.

The report quickly focused on the two individuals.

One is director Jiang Wen.

He was already known as an actor with a distinctive personality and great talent. Now, with his directorial debut winning a major international award, he has naturally become the focus of media attention.

His life story, his cinematic philosophy, and various anecdotes from his filming process have all been unearthed and extensively documented.

Titles such as "genius director" and "new hope for Chinese cinema" began to appear in newspapers.

Another focus, even more so than Jiang Wen, is Yang Guangming.

The buzz surrounding the "National College Entrance Examination Top Scorer Admitted to Beijing Film Academy" has barely died down when the "Venice Film Festival Best Actor" award has fallen from the sky.

The news of these two contrasting and dramatic identities being superimposed on the same person, a mere seventeen-year-old boy, is unprecedented in its explosiveness.

Top-scoring student in the national college entrance examination shines at Venice; 17-year-old wins Best Actor award!

From Liberal Arts Top Scorer to International Film Emperor: Yang Guangming's Crossover Legend

"Yang Guangming: A Top Scholar 'Hidden' by Movies? No, He's a Genius Who Made History!"

"Beijing Film Academy freshmen win international awards before even enrolling, delighting school leaders."

Similar headlines filled the newspapers.

The media meticulously recounted Yang Guangming's journey from being a top scorer in the college entrance examination, sparking controversy, to being specially admitted to the directing department of Beijing Film Academy, starring in Jiang Wen's film, and finally winning an award at Venice. His family background, his appearance and temperament, his fluent Italian in his acceptance speech, his stunning appearance with Chen Hong on the red carpet... every detail was magnified and repeatedly analyzed.

Public opinion was almost unanimously full of praise and amazement.

The voices that once questioned "top scorers should go to Peking University and Tsinghua University" and "waste talent" have now been completely drowned out. In their place are arguments that "it's the choice of geniuses," "talent should be recruited regardless of background," and "art can also reach the top."

The name Yang Guangming is no longer just a topic of conversation, but has become a symbol of an era—symbolizing the infinite possibilities, the courage to pursue dreams, and the amazing talent of a new generation of young people.

Nortel's response this time was remarkably swift.

Upon confirming the award, the school's publicity department immediately produced a huge red banner, which was hung at the school's main gate and on the most prominent teaching building.

The banner read: "Warmest congratulations to Yang Guangming, a freshman from the Class of '94, for winning the Best Actor Award at the 51st Venice International Film Festival!"

The campus erupted in excitement.

By this time, half a month into the new semester, students, teachers, and staff were all drawn to the banner. They gathered around it, discussing it animatedly, their faces beaming with pride and excitement.

"Wow! It really is Yang Guangming! The top scorer in the college entrance exam!"

"That's incredible! He hasn't even enrolled yet, and he's already won the Venice Film Festival's Best Actor award? How are we senior students supposed to compete?"

"They actually produced a Venice Film Festival Best Actor winner, and he's still a student! This is a huge boost for our Beijing Film Academy!"

"I heard Yang Guangming is an investor in this movie? His family is incredibly wealthy!"

"I heard Yang Guangming is incredibly handsome... What kind of luck did God close on him?"

"Don't even think about it. The gap is too big. We can only look up to him. He will become a legendary figure in our school in the future."

The phone in the president's office rang incessantly. Media outlets requested interviews with school leaders, sister universities sent congratulatory telegrams, and higher authorities inquired about the situation... President Liu Guodian was extremely busy, but the smile on his face never faded.

The decision to specially recruit Yang Guangming, despite the pressure, now seems like one of the most brilliant decisions Beijing Film Academy has made in recent years. This student hasn't even stepped onto campus yet, and he's already brought the school such immense glory and prestige—the return on investment is simply too high!

Liu Shibing, head of the Acting Department, and Xie Fei, head of the Directing Department, were also deeply moved.

Liu Shibing was glad he had agreed to the dual-degree program, while Xie Fei was even more excited about the upcoming one-on-one tutoring. Teaching a Venice Film Festival Best Actor winner would be a significant achievement in any teacher's career.

The heated discussions in society and the excitement on campus have temporarily become irrelevant to Yang Guangming, who is far away in Venice.

The day after their sightseeing and shopping trip ended, Duan Yunfeng booked his flight back to China.

On the eve of their departure, Yang Guangming and Chen Hong stood by the window of their room, enjoying one last look at the night view of Venice.

"I'm going back tomorrow." Chen Hong nestled in his arms, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. These past few days felt like a beautiful, unreal dream.

Yang Guangming put his arm around her and asked, "What are your plans after we get back?"

Chen Hong paused for a moment. She had a contract in Taiwan and a new film that was about to start shooting. But at this moment, she suddenly lost interest in all of those jobs.

"I...I've signed a contract with the company, and the new movie will start filming soon," she said softly.

Yang Guangming looked down at her and said, "You should gradually shift your focus back to developing your career in mainland China. I will try my best to give you more opportunities."

Chen Hong's eyes lit up, and she looked up: "My fame in mainland China mainly comes from my role as Diao Chan in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' My subsequent works... haven't had much impact. It's very competitive to try and get other opportunities."

Yang Guangming's tone was calm, yet carried a convincing power: "The mainland market will continue to grow, and opportunities will increase. With your excellent qualities, as long as you have good work, you'll quickly establish yourself. As for contracts and resources, I can handle that for you." Chen Hong felt a surge of gratitude and a sense of security. She knew that with Yang Guangming and his family's influence, if he said he could handle it, he definitely could.

"I...I want to be with you." Chen Hong mustered her courage and spoke her truest thoughts. "Wherever you are, that's where I want to develop my career."

Yang Guangming smiled and kissed her forehead: "Okay. Then when we get back, you can stay at my place for now. The courtyard house has many rooms and is quiet. We can take our time with everything else."

Chen Hong nodded vigorously and hugged him tightly. With his promise, her confusion and anxiety about the future instantly disappeared.

The following morning, the group took a speedboat arranged by the hotel to Marco Polo Airport.

They arrived full of anticipation and returned laden with glory and achievements. Everyone's luggage had increased considerably, especially Chen Hong, who had several more suitcases filled with new clothes and luxury goods.

Duan Yunfeng checked in, still in first class. The excitement and novelty of the journey were still there, but now he felt more at ease and satisfied.

As the plane soared into the sky, Venice gradually shrank, eventually becoming a colorful block on the Adriatic coast.

Long-haul flights are always tedious, but the comfort of first class and the sense of fulfillment make time fly by.

Yang Guangming reads a book, chats with Jiang Wen about the film's promotion in China, and occasionally whispers a few words to Chen Hong. Liu Xiaoqing, on the other hand, spends most of her time catching up on sleep.

After more than ten hours of flight, the plane finally landed at Beijing Capital International Airport in the morning, Beijing time.

Stepping onto familiar land and breathing in the dry northern air, the group felt a sense of disorientation.

However, before they could even express their amazement, they were stunned by the scene before them.

Outside the arrival gate, a huge crowd had gathered! Cameras and video recorders, reporters holding up their notebooks and recording devices, and many fans and curious onlookers who had come after hearing the news blocked the exit completely.

"Director Jiang Wen! Look this way!"

"Yang Guangming! Yang Guangming, my classmate!"

"Liu Xiaoqing! Chen Hong!"

"The trophy! Please show us the trophy!"

Shouts, camera shutters, and noisy discussions mingled together, with flashes going off one after another, dazzling the eyes.

Clearly, the news of their award and their return trip were no secret.

In this day and age, winning a major award at an international film festival is sensational news, so how could the media possibly miss the opportunity to "catch" someone at the airport and get firsthand material?

Jiang Wen paused for a moment, then straightened her back and adopted the demeanor expected of a director. Yang Guangming quickly regained his composure and whispered to Chen Hong and Liu Xiaoqing beside him, "Follow me, don't panic, just smile."

Duan Yunfeng and airport staff worked hard to maintain order and clear a narrow passage.

Jiang Wen and Yang Guangming walked at the front, each holding a trophy—the Volpi Trophy and the Best Director Trophy—which glittered in the sunlight, instantly attracting the attention of all the cameras.

"Director Jiang! What are your thoughts on winning the Best Director award?"

"Yang Ming, as the youngest Venice Film Festival Best Actor winner, how are you feeling right now?"

What are the next plans for the film's release in China?

"This collaboration between the two of you was very successful. Will you continue to collaborate in the future?"

The questions came at us like a barrage of bullets.

Jiang Wen stopped and spoke loudly into the nearest microphone:
"Thank you for your attention! I'm very happy to receive the award, but I'm even happier that our film has been recognized! This is an honor for all Chinese filmmakers! We will arrange a formal interview to discuss our specific thoughts later!"

Yang Guangming appeared even more composed, a polite smile on his face. He waited for Jiang Wen to finish speaking before speaking in a clear, melodious voice:

"Thank you to all my friends in the media. Winning this award is an encouragement, but also a spur. I am still a student, and I will continue to study hard at the Beijing Film Academy, act diligently, and live up to everyone's expectations."

His response was humble and tactful, expressing his gratitude while also highlighting his status as a student. His modesty won him the favor of many reporters.

"The trophy! Please both of you raise the trophy together!" a photographer shouted.

Jiang Wen and Yang Guangming exchanged a smile and cooperatively raised the two trophies side by side. The silver trophies gleamed under the flashing lights, capturing this historic moment.

Next, the reporters asked Liu Xiaoqing and Chen Hong a few more questions, which they answered simply and gracefully.

The interview lasted about twenty minutes. Only after repeated urging from airport staff were the group able to leave and get into the vehicle that Duan Yunfeng had arranged in advance.

Two cars, one for Jiang Wen and Liu Xiaoqing, and the other for Yang Guangming and Chen Hong, drove away from the bustling airport.

Once the car was on the airport expressway, the surrounding noise was finally shut out.

Chen Hong breathed a sigh of relief; the overwhelming crowd she had just witnessed still left her somewhat shaken. Although she had seen her share of things, this was the first time she had ever been surrounded by media on such a massive scale.

Yang Guangming squeezed her hand: "You'll get used to it. Winning an award is just part of the routine."

Chen Hong nodded, leaned on his shoulder, and felt incredibly at ease.

"Should we go straight back to the West City?" Duan Yunfeng asked from the front.

"Okay, let's go back to the courtyard house first."

Then, Yang Guangming said to Chen Hong, "Put all your luggage at my place for now. See if we need anything else, and we'll have Lao Duan or Sister Wu take care of it later."

Chen Hong responded softly. Since she had decided to be with Yang Guangming, moving in with him was a natural thing to do.

As the car entered the city, familiar street scenes came into view. It had only been a little over ten days since I left, but it felt like a long time.

Back at the quiet courtyard house in Xicheng, Wu Fang had already received the news and was waiting at the door with her housekeeping staff. When she saw Yang Guangming and Chen Hong get out of the car together, carrying so much luggage, a knowing look flashed in Wu Fang's eyes, but her professionalism prevented her from showing any extra emotion. She simply greeted them respectfully and then directed the staff to help carry the luggage.

Stepping into this exquisite and comfortable courtyard again, Chen Hong's feelings were completely different from when she first visited. Back then, she was a guest, filled with curiosity and appreciation. But now, this place would become her home in Beijing, a haven for her and the man beside her.

Yang Guangming first arranged for Chen Hong to rest in the guest room—the master bedroom needed time to be rearranged, incorporating her belongings and preferences. Then, he returned to his study, thought for a moment, and dialed the office of Xie Fei, the head of the Directing Department at the Beijing Film Academy.

The phone rang a few times before being answered.

"Hello, who is this?" Xie Fei's voice came through.

"Teacher, it's me, Yang Guangming." Yang Guangming said respectfully.

"Guangming!" Xie Fei's voice immediately rose, filled with joy, "Hahaha, I was just looking for you! Good lad! You've brought glory to our school and to Chinese cinema! Venice Film Festival Best Actor! Great! Excellent! I just came back from Dean Liu's place, and the school is discussing how to celebrate your achievement!"

Yang Guangming could sense Xie Fei's genuine joy on the other end of the phone and laughed, "Teacher, you flatter me. It's thanks to the school and teachers' cultivation, as well as Director Jiang's guidance."

"Don't give me that crap. You haven't even enrolled yet, the school hasn't trained you anything," Xie Fei said with a laugh, but his tone was affectionate. "This is all thanks to your own ability and talent! How are you? Back? Have you adjusted to the time difference yet?"

"I just got off the plane and settled into my accommodation," Yang Guangming said. "I thought I should check in with you first."

"Right, you haven't officially registered yet!" Xie Fei remembered. "You're quite a special freshman. You haven't even had military training or classes, and you've already won a big prize. But we still have to go through the formalities. So, are you free today? If so, come to the school this afternoon to take care of the necessary paperwork, and while you're at it... bring your trophy. The school's publicity department needs to take a picture for their records; it's an honor for our school!"

“That’s convenient. I’ll come over this afternoon,” Yang Guangming replied.

"Okay! I'll wait for you at the administration building at 2 PM," Xie Fei instructed.

"Okay, teacher, see you this afternoon."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming checked the time; it was just past noon.

He walked to the guest room, where Chen Hong had already tidied up a bit and was standing by the window, gazing blankly at the view of the courtyard.

"Are you tired?" Yang Guangming walked over.

Chen Hong turned around and smiled slightly: "It's alright. It just feels like a dream, like I've suddenly returned from Venice."

"Let's eat something first, then rest for a bit," Yang Guangming said. "I need to go to the Beijing Film Academy this afternoon to register and complete the enrollment procedures."

Chen Hong nodded: "Go and do your work, don't worry about me. I'm just tidying up my things."

Lunch was prepared by Wu Fang; it was light and delicious, perfect for the stomach after a long flight.

After lunch, Yang Guangming took a half-hour nap before getting up to go out.

He changed into a simple white casual shirt and dark trousers, looking clean and neat. The teacher had reminded him to bring the trophy, which he certainly couldn't forget.

Duan Yunfeng had already driven the car to the entrance. Yang Guangming, holding the trophy, got into the car.

"Go to Beijing Film Academy," he ordered.

The black Mercedes-Benz with a tiger-head grille sped out of the alley, merging into the slightly languid afternoon traffic of Beijing, heading towards the Beijing Film Academy. (End of Chapter)