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

Over the next few days, Zuo Xiaoqing was completely immersed in the happiness of being in love, and she lived with Yang Guangming as she had wished.

Although Yang Guangming still had to go to class during the day, the two of them always spent their evenings together. Watching movies, chatting, or doing nothing at all, just reading books together, Zuo Xiaoqing felt incredibly content.

Zuo Xiaoqing's body and mind quickly adapted to the intimate relationship. The way she looked at Yang Guangming was full of undisguised admiration and attachment.

Yang Guangming showered her with even more care. He provided meticulous care in daily life, patient guidance in her profession, and gentle emotional responses. Zuo Xiaoqing felt like the happiest person in the world.

However, happy times are always short-lived.

On March 16th, Zuo Xiaoqing received a call from home. Her parents inquired about the exam and were delighted to learn that she had passed the third round, but immediately urged her to come home as soon as possible.

"Qingqing, now that you've finished your exams, come back quickly." Zuo Xiaoqing's mother was already urging her on the phone. "You've been away for half a month, and your parents are worried about you. Come back and focus on your studies; that's the most important thing."

Zuo Xiaoqing looked at Yang Guangming, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Yang Guangming nodded to her, indicating that she should agree first.

"Mom, I know... I'll book a ticket to go back the day after tomorrow," Zuo Xiaoqing reluctantly agreed.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Zuo Xiaoqing hung up the phone.

After hanging up the receiver, Zuo Xiaoqing threw herself into Yang Guangming's arms, her eyes reddening: "I don't want to go..."

Yang Guangming patted her on the back: "You have to go back eventually. Your parents are right, academic studies are the key. You suffered from academics last year, you can't afford to make the same mistake this year."

"But I want to be with you..." Zuo Xiaoqing's voice was trembling with tears.

"It's not like we'll never see each other again," Yang Guangming comforted her. "Go back and study hard. After the college entrance exam, when you receive your acceptance letter, you'll be a college student. Then you can come to Beijing and stay as long as you want."

Zuo Xiaoqing looked up, her eyes blurry with tears: "Really?"

"Really." Yang Guangming wiped away her tears. "I promise. Once you get into Beijing Film Academy, we'll be alumni, and we'll have plenty of opportunities to meet."

These words gave Zuo Xiaoqing hope. She nodded vigorously: "Yes! I will definitely pass the exam! I want to be your classmate!"

For the next two days, Zuo Xiaoqing cherished every minute and second with the sunshine. She was like a fledgling bird about to leave the nest, filled with longing.

Yang Guangming accompanied her to buy some Beijing specialties for her family, and also went to the mall to buy her new clothes and school supplies.

"Take this money." Yang Guangming handed her an envelope containing two thousand yuan. "Go back and buy some good food to replenish your nutrition. Don't be too frugal; your health is the most important thing."

Yang Guangming dared not give too much, lest Zuo Xiaoqing's parents find out.

Fortunately, Zuo Xiaoqing is still a student, so her expenses are not high. In addition, her family's financial situation is good, so this amount of money is enough for her daily needs.

Zuo Xiaoqing wanted to decline, but Yang Guangming's attitude was firm: "Listen to me. You're mine now, it's only right that I take care of you."

These words made Zuo Xiaoqing feel incredibly sweet inside, and she obediently accepted them.

On the morning of March 18th, Huang Bo drove, and Yang Guangming personally took Zuo Xiaoqing to the train station.

The moment of parting finally arrived.

On the platform, Zuo Xiaoqing hugged Yang Guangming tightly, tears streaming down her face.

“Brother Guangming, I will think of you every day…you must think of me too.” She said, her voice choked with emotion.

"I will." Yang Guangming patted her back gently. "Be careful on the road, and call me when you get home."

"Um……"

The train whistles, urging passengers to board.

Zuo Xiaoqing finally kissed Yang Guangming's lips, then dragged her luggage and got into the car, looking back every few steps.

She found her seat, leaned against the window, and looked at the bright sunlight on the platform. He stood there, waving at her, his figure still so conspicuous in the crowd.

The train slowly started moving, and Yang Guangming's figure grew smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared from sight.

Zuo Xiaoqing sat back down, clutching the backpack Yang Guangming had bought for her, and tears welled up in her eyes again. Although they had just parted, her heart was already filled with anticipation for their future reunion.

It's only March now, and there are still four months until the end of the college entrance examination. She feels that it's an incredibly long time and doesn't know how she will get through it.

Guangming said that once she gets into university, they can be together more often.

To achieve this goal, she must study hard.

After seeing Zuo Xiaoqing off, Yang Guangming's life returned to normal.

Chen Hong is having a good time filming in Hong Kong Island, and their daily phone calls are filled with stories from the set and expressions of longing. Yang Guangming occasionally flies over for a day or two, but spends most of his time in Beijing.

He continued attending classes while simultaneously beginning to seriously conceive his next film project. With the experience gained from "A Separation," he had more confidence in his directing abilities and a clearer understanding of what he wanted to express.

April has quietly arrived.

As spring arrives and flowers bloom, the crabapple and magnolia trees in the courtyard house burst into bloom, filling the garden with fragrance.

April 10th, morning.

Yang Guangming was in a small classroom in the directing department, listening to Professor Xie Fei analyze the poetic cinematic language of a Soviet film. Only the two of them were in the classroom, the atmosphere focused and absorbed.

Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the classroom door.

Xie Fei stopped explaining and frowned: "Who is it? Come in."

The door was pushed open, and a young teaching assistant from the directing department walked in, his face beaming with excitement: "Director Xie, Guangming, excuse me. I just received a notification from the school's publicity department that there is urgent news to convey."

"What news?" Xie Fei asked.

The teaching assistant looked at Yang Guangming, her voice excited: "It's news about the Cannes Film Festival! The list of nominees for the main competition of the 48th Cannes International Film Festival has just been announced!"

Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat. Xie Fei immediately sat up straight: "What was the result?"

"Three Chinese films have been nominated!" The teaching assistant's voice trembled slightly. "Zhang Yimou's 'Shanghai Triad,' Hou Xiaoxian's 'Good Men, Good Women,' and..."

He paused, then looked intently at Yang Guangming: "And there's also Yang Guangming's film, 'A Separation'!"

After he finished speaking, the small classroom was quiet for a few seconds.

Xie Fei slammed his hand on the table and burst into laughter: "Great! Excellent! Congratulations, Guangming! Your directorial debut has been nominated for the Cannes main competition! That's an amazing achievement!"

Although Yang Guangming had expected it, hearing the confirmation with his own ears still stirred a surge of emotion within him. Cannes, one of the highest temples of world cinema. His film had received recognition.

"Thank you, teacher." He remained as composed as ever, but the light in his eyes betrayed his inner joy.

The teaching assistant continued, "The list was released this morning, and the domestic media should be getting the news soon. The school's publicity department has received many interview requests from the media, all wanting to interview Guangming. Dean Liu asked me to ask if Guangming would be willing to be interviewed?"

Xie Fei looked at Yang Guangming: "It's your decision. It's a good thing, but it's also quite annoying when the media swarms in."

After a moment's thought, Yang Guangming nodded and said, "We can accept a joint interview from several authoritative media outlets to give a unified response, so we don't have to deal with them one by one. Please let the school arrange the time and place."

"Okay, I'll get back to you right away!" The teaching assistant left excitedly.

Xie Fei looked at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with satisfaction and pride: "Guangming, your start is truly dazzling. Venice Film Festival Best Actor, Cannes Film Festival Nominated Director... and you're only eighteen this year. You're a force to be reckoned with, a force to be reckoned with indeed."

"It's all thanks to the teachers' excellent guidance and the hard work of everyone in the crew," Yang Guangming said modestly.

"Don't give me that crap," Xie Fei chuckled, then said seriously, "However, being nominated is only the first step. Cannes is fiercely competitive, with many strong contenders. Zhang Yimou and Hou Xiaoxian are both internationally renowned directors. The fact that your film can compete with them is a victory in itself. Keep a calm mindset and don't dwell on the gains or losses." "I understand," Yang Guangming nodded.

Just as Xie Fei had predicted, the news spread quickly.

Around noon, Yang Guangming's phone started ringing non-stop. Jiang Wen, Han Sanping, Siqin Gaowa, Chen Daoming... all the creators and friends related to "A Separation" called to congratulate him.

Jiang Wen yelled into the phone, "Young Master! That's awesome! Cannes! And the main competition! You've already gone all out with your first film, how are we old guys supposed to compete!"

Han Sanping's voice was also full of excitement: "Guangming, I just received news from the Beijing Film Studio, it's great! Now, regardless of whether our film wins awards or not, its distribution and influence at home and abroad are secured! You've brought glory to Chinese cinema once again!"

Chen Daoming's congratulations were brief but sincere: "Guangming, congratulations. The film being nominated is already a great victory. I look forward to good news from Cannes."

Thank you, Yang Guangming.

In the afternoon, the Beijing Film Academy's publicity department arranged a small media briefing, which was held in the school's conference room.

Those present were journalists from mainstream authoritative media outlets, including People's Daily, Guangming Daily, Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, Kyoto TV, and China Film News, totaling about a dozen authoritative domestic media outlets.

Yang Guangming appeared before the media looking clean and refreshed, dressed in a simple white shirt and dark casual pants. He wore a faint smile and appeared composed.

The flashbulbs went off instantly.

The reporters' questions came in droves.

Yang Guangming first addressed a question from a CCTV reporter: "Yang Guangming, congratulations on your film 'A Separation' being selected for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival. As a new director directing your first feature film, and also a student at the Beijing Film Academy, how are you feeling right now?"

Yang Guangming spoke clearly into the microphone: "I am very happy and honored. 'A Separation' is a work that our entire team has poured their hearts and souls into. Being shortlisted for Cannes is a huge encouragement to all of us. Thank you to the jury for their recognition, and thank you to every member of the crew for their hard work."

"Three Chinese films were nominated this time, including your 'A Separation,' as well as works by directors Zhang Yimou and Hou Xiaoxian. As a newcomer, what are your thoughts on competing with two internationally renowned directors? Do you feel any pressure?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and replied, "Directors Zhang Yimou and Hou Xiaoxian are both seniors and film masters whom I greatly respect. Their works enjoy international acclaim."

I feel honored to be shortlisted alongside their work; it is both an affirmation and an encouragement.

There is pressure, of course, but more than that, it is a driving force for learning.

There are no absolute winners or losers in the art of film; each work has its unique value and expression.

"From winning the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival last year to being nominated for Best Director at Cannes this year, your roles have changed rapidly, and you have achieved remarkable success in both."

How do you balance your roles as an actor and director? Which direction will you focus on in the future?

"Actors and directors are different parts of filmmaking, but they are both essentially about expression and presentation. I enjoy the process of acting and I also love the creative process of directing."

At this stage, I am still a student, and I hope to lay a solid foundation at school, learn more, and try more things.

In the future, I might balance both, but directing will likely take on a larger role because it allows me to more fully realize my ideas.

"Your film, 'A Separation,' tells a story about moral dilemmas and family responsibilities; it's a rather heavy subject."

Why did you choose this subject matter for your directorial debut? It seems somewhat contradictory to your age and experience.

Yang Guangming smiled and said calmly, "Age may represent the length of experience, but it does not necessarily determine the depth of understanding."

The issues explored in this script—choice, responsibility, and the complexities of human nature—transcend age.

I was moved by the power of this story and felt it was worth telling, so I decided to make it into a film.

As for whether one can handle it, I believe the key lies in understanding and sincerity, not age.

"Now that the film has been nominated, what are your plans? Will you go to Cannes in person?"

"If time and school schedules allow, I will go to Cannes. It's a grand event for filmmakers and a great opportunity for learning and exchange. The specific arrangements will need to be discussed with the film crew and the school."

The meeting lasted for an hour. Yang Guangming answered questions fluently and humbly, and his composure and knowledge impressed the veteran reporters present.

The next day, reports from major media outlets were everywhere.

Good news from Cannes: Three Chinese-language films selected for the main competition.

Sunshine: From Venice Film Festival Best Actor to Cannes Film Festival Nominated Director

"An 18-Year-Old Director's 'A Separation' Competes with International Directors"

"A genius student from Beijing Film Academy creates another miracle: his debut film enters Cannes."

The reports almost entirely focused on Yang Guangming.

In the eyes of the media, it is only natural that Zhang Yimou and Hou Xiaoxian, as internationally renowned directors, had their films nominated.

Yang Guangming, an 18-year-old student from the Beijing Film Academy, has his first feature film nominated for the Cannes main competition, which is undoubtedly more newsworthy.

The media outlets unanimously compared and analyzed the three of them.

"Zhang Yimou's 'Shanghai Triad' is a film he is good at, focusing on the gangsters and their feuds in Shanghai, with a strong visual style; Hou Xiaoxian's 'Good Men and Good Women' continues his deep historical concern and long-take aesthetics; while Yang Guangming's 'A Separation' shows a young director's calm examination and profound analysis of the moral dilemmas in contemporary society."

Three films, three styles, representing different aspects of Chinese cinema's exploration and achievements.

"Of particular note is the bright sunshine."

Last year, he applied to the Beijing Film Academy as the top scorer in the national college entrance examination, which sparked heated discussions in society; in September, he won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival, proving his acting talent; now, his directorial debut has been shortlisted for Cannes, once again proving his all-round film talent.

This young man is making his mark on the Chinese film industry at an astonishing pace.

Public opinion was in an uproar once again.

On the streets and in the alleys, during leisure time, people are talking about this young man who keeps creating miracles.

The controversy surrounding whether a top scorer should apply to the Beijing Film Academy has long since faded away. In its place is awe at his genius and boundless anticipation for his future.

On the Beijing Film Academy campus, Yang Guangming attracts attention wherever he goes.

The students looked at him with admiration and envy. Some of the younger students even regarded him as a role model and idol.

Despite the bright sunshine, she remained calm and composed. She attended classes and studied as usual, only occasionally being disturbed by the media or visitors.

He received a congratulatory call from Chen Hong in Hong Kong, her voice filled with pride. He also received a call from Zuo Xiaoqing in Shashi; the young girl was so excited on the phone that she was almost incoherent, even happier than if she had been nominated herself.

In late April, the Cannes Film Festival organizing committee sent a formal invitation to the creative team of "A Separation" to participate in the film festival in mid-May.

After discussing with Xie Fei and Han Sanping, Yang Guangming decided that he would lead the main actors—Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Siqin Gaowa, Zhou Xun, and director of photography Gu Changwei—to Cannes.

Han Sanping is too busy with factory affairs to go in person, but he will give his full support.

At the Beijing Film Academy, Dean Liu Guodian granted Yang Guangming's leave of absence. Such an experience at an international film festival is itself the best form of learning.

Yang Guangming began preparing for his trip to Cannes. There was a lot to do: itinerary planning, costume customization, promotional materials… but with the assistance of Duan Yunfeng and Huang Bo, everything was proceeding smoothly.

At the same time, the news that "A Separation" was shortlisted for Cannes has greatly stimulated the domestic film industry and the general audience's expectations for the film.

Beijing Film Studio and Qiming Studio have begun preparations for the domestic release, planning to release it in China after the Cannes Film Festival.

Everything is moving in a positive direction. (End of Chapter)