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

Early morning of May 15th, at the international departure hall of Beijing Capital International Airport.

When Yang Guangming and his group appeared in the hall, they caused quite a stir.

Chen Daoming wore a dark gray casual suit and sunglasses, exuding a composed and mature aura. Xi Meijuan wore a beige suit, radiating elegance and sophistication. Siqin Gaowa opted for a comfortable cotton-linen long-sleeved shirt and trousers, her understated style conveying a sense of strength. Zhou Xun, the youngest, wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans, topped with a denim jacket, radiating youthful energy.

Gu Changwei carried a camera bag, while Duan Yunfeng and Huang Bo were responsible for coordinating the luggage and procedures.

Yang Guangming, as the director and core member of the team, was dressed in a simple white shirt and khaki pants, looking clean and refreshing. He walked calmly at the front with a faint smile on his face.

"It's the crew of 'A Separation'!"

"Sunshine Bright! Chen Daoming!"

Are they going to Cannes?

Some passengers waiting for their flights recognized them and cast curious and envious glances. Several young people took out their notebooks to ask for autographs, but were politely stopped by airport staff.

Duan Yunfeng had already arranged everything, and everyone quickly checked in and checked their luggage through the VIP channel.

"Guangming, this way." Duan Yunfeng led everyone to the first-class lounge.

There were already some travelers in the lounge, and they all took a second look when they saw this group of Chinese people with a distinctive air come in.

Yang Guangming chose a seat by the window, and Huang Bo immediately went to get a drink.

"Relax, everyone. The flight is quite long, so it's a good time to rest," Yang Guangming said to everyone.

Chen Daoming sat down in front of him and took off his sunglasses: "This is my first time going to Cannes. I didn't have the chance when I was young, but now I'm doing this thanks to you."

"You're too kind, Professor Chen. It's all thanks to the movie," Yang Guangming said with a smile.

Xi Meijuan sipped her tea elegantly: "The climate in Cannes should be warmer than in Beijing, right? I brought a few light jackets."

"It's a Mediterranean climate, around 20 degrees Celsius in May, which is very comfortable," Yang Guangming said. "You can wear short sleeves during the day when the sun is out, and just add a jacket at night."

Zhou Xun looked around nervously; this was her first time abroad.

Siqin Gaowa noticed her unease and patted her on the shoulder: "Don't be nervous, just think of it as going to learn and broaden your horizons. It's already a victory that our film can go to Cannes."

"Yes, I know." Zhou Xun nodded and took a deep breath.

Gu Changwei and Yang Guangming discussed the fellow photographers they might meet at Cannes. As the director of photography, he was also looking forward to this exchange.

After resting for about half an hour, the boarding announcement came on.

The group got up and headed to the boarding gate. The first-class seats were spacious and comfortable, and the flight attendants were warm and attentive.

After the plane took off, Yang Guangming watched the city silhouette gradually shrink outside the window, feeling calm and expectant.

Cannes, the temple of world cinema. His films will be subjected to the most rigorous scrutiny and judgment there.

But that's exactly what he wanted.

"Guangming, get some sleep," Chen Daoming said from the side. "You'll be busy when you get there."

Yang Guangming nodded and lowered the seat back.

But he didn't fall asleep immediately. Instead, he recalled every step of the process of creating "A Separation," from its conception to its completion. How long the script was polished, how the casting was repeatedly considered, every detail during filming, every adjustment in post-production...

He was convinced that the film was the best he could have done.

The rest is up to the judges, the audience, and time.

The plane flew smoothly at an altitude of 10,000 meters, with a vast sea of ​​clouds outside the window.

Yang Guangming closed his eyes and gradually drifted into a light sleep.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he felt someone gently touch his arm. He opened his eyes and saw the flight attendant's smiling face.

"Sir, it's lunchtime. Would you like to eat now?"

Yang Guangming glanced at his watch; they had been flying for over three hours.

"OK, thanks."

Lunch was a fusion of Chinese and Western options, and Yang Ming ordered Chinese food. It was a simple meal of rice, two meat dishes, and one vegetable dish, and the taste was quite palatable.

After the meal, he got up and walked around the cabin a few steps to stretch his muscles.

Chen Daoming was reading a book, Xi Meijuan was reading a magazine, Siqin Gaowa was already asleep, and Zhou Xun was listening to music with headphones on, staring blankly out the window.

Yang Guangming walked over to Zhou Xun and asked softly, "How are you? Are you adjusting well?"

Zhou Xun took off her headphones, a little embarrassed: "It's okay, it just feels a bit...unreal. A few months ago, I was singing in a nightclub, and now I'm in first class on my way to Cannes."

“That’s life, full of unexpected twists and turns.” Yang Guangming sat down in the empty seat next to her. “Seize the opportunity, and then strive to make yourself worthy of it. You did it.”

Zhou Xun's eyes lit up: "Thank you, director. Without you, I might still be in a nightclub, not knowing where my future lies."

"It's your own talent and hard work." Yang Guangming said earnestly, "You portrayed the character Li Mei exceptionally well. Cannes is just the beginning; you have a long road ahead of you."

Zhou Xun nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with determination.

Yang Guangming got up and returned to his seat, continuing to close his eyes and rest.

After about ten hours of flight, an announcement came over the intercom that the plane was about to land at Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport in France.

Everyone woke up, tidied their clothes, and prepared to disembark.

Sunlight streamed through the porthole, revealing the azure Mediterranean Sea and the winding coastline. Nice Airport, situated by the sea, boasts beautiful scenery.

The plane landed smoothly.

Baggage claim, customs clearance—everything went smoothly. Stepping out of the airport, the warm, humid air of the Mediterranean coast greeted me, a stark contrast to Beijing's dry climate.

The convoy of cars that Duan Yunfeng had arranged in advance was already waiting. There were three black Mercedes-Benz sedans, and the drivers were all locals who could speak basic English.

"Welcome to France." The lead driver was a polite French man in his fifties.

Everyone got into the car, which drove out of the airport and along the coastal road to Cannes.

The French Riviera in May is breathtakingly beautiful. To the left lies the azure Mediterranean Sea, its surface shimmering with golden sunlight. To the right, a town nestled against the hillside, its bright orange-red rooftops standing out vividly against the backdrop of lush greenery.

"So beautiful," Xi Meijuan couldn't help but exclaim.

“Yes, no wonder the film festival was held here.” Chen Daoming also looked out the window.

After driving for about half an hour, the outline of Cannes gradually came into view. The famous Promenade de la Corniche, the Palais des Festivals, the numerous marinas…

The hotel booked by Sunshine Ming is located near the old town of Cannes. It's a historic yet modernly renovated five-star hotel. Although not in the most bustling seaside area, the environment is tranquil, and it's only a ten-minute walk to the Palais des Festivals.

The hotel manager personally greeted them at the door; he already knew that the Chinese film crew from the Cannes main competition had arrived.

“Welcome, Mr. Yang. Your team has booked six rooms, all of which are ready.” The manager’s English had a heavy French accent, but was fluent.

"Thank you," Yang Guangming nodded in thanks.

Regarding room allocation, Yang Guangming has a suite by himself, Chen Daoming and Gu Changwei each have a single room, Xi Meijuan and Siqin Gaowa share a twin suite, Zhou Xun has a room by herself, and Duan Yunfeng and Huang Bo share a room.

This arrangement wasn't made to save money, but because rooms were in short supply.

After putting away their luggage, everyone gathered in the bright and sunny living room of the suite.

"Everyone, let's adjust to the time difference and rest today," Yang Guangming said. "Tomorrow morning we'll go to the film festival organizing committee to register and pick up our credentials and materials. The afternoon is free time to get familiar with the environment. The day after tomorrow is the opening ceremony, and we'll be walking the red carpet."

He paused, then looked at everyone: "I think everyone has prepared their red carpet attire, right?"

Everyone nodded. Before coming, Yang Guangming had already asked Duan Yunfeng to arrange a costume consultant to tailor-make red carpet dresses for each of the main cast members.

Chen Daoming wore a classic black evening gown, Xi Meijuan chose a champagne-colored floor-length dress, and Siqin Gaowa wore a deep purple velvet gown, exuding solemnity and elegance. Zhou Xun, the youngest, was dressed in a refreshing light green short dress, lively yet elegant.

Yang Guangming prepared two suits for himself: a classic black one for the opening ceremony and a dark blue one for the film premiere.

"That's good." Yang Guangming continued, "The film premiere is scheduled for five days from now. In the meantime, we may attend some official events and receptions, as well as some media interviews. Lao Duan will give everyone a detailed schedule."

Duan Yunfeng immediately took out the prepared folders and distributed them to everyone.

Yang Guangming looked at Zhou Xun and said, "Zhou Xun, this is your first time in Cannes and your first time attending an international film festival. You may be a little nervous, but remember, you are part of the film, one of the creators. Stand up straight and be confident."

"I will, Director," Zhou Xun said earnestly.

"Alright, everyone, go back to your rooms and rest. Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant at seven o'clock."

After everyone left, Yang Guangming stood alone on the balcony of the suite.

The hotel is located halfway up a hill, overlooking Cannes and the bay in the distance. In the evenings of May, the setting sun paints the sea gold, and yachts are scattered like white pearls in the harbor.

This small town is world-renowned for its film festival, which gathers elites from the global film industry every May, becoming a stage for dreams and glory.

His film will be screened here.

Yang Ming took a deep breath, feeling the gentle caress of the Mediterranean evening breeze.

Just then, the phone in the room rang.

He went back to his room and answered the phone; it was Duan Yunfeng's voice.

"Guangming, I just received news that director Zhang Yimou's film crew has also arrived in Cannes, on the same day as us. Their flight is two hours later than ours, so they should be arriving at the hotel soon."

"Oh? Which hotel are they staying at?"

"The Carlton Hotel on the waterfront promenade is not the same as ours."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "I understand. If we meet tomorrow, I'll say hello."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming went back to the balcony.

Zhang Yimou, Hou Xiaoxian, and him.

It's rare for three Chinese-language films to be simultaneously nominated for the Cannes Film Festival's main competition. The media has already begun comparing them, and starting tomorrow, they will truly be on the same stage in Cannes.

Competition is inevitable, but Yang Guangming prefers to see it as an opportunity for Chinese films to collectively showcase their strength.

At 7 p.m., everyone dined at the hotel restaurant.

The restaurant is Mediterranean in style, with white walls, blue decorations, and a view of the garden at night from the windows. The food is mainly seafood and French cuisine, which everyone enjoyed.

"These snails taste pretty good," Chen Daoming commented after trying the French-style baked snails.

"I prefer this fish soup." Xi Meijuan sipped her bouillabaisse.

Zhou Xun stared blankly at a plate of salad, clearly not yet fully accustomed to Western food.

Yang Guangming asked the waiter to add another serving of pasta for her.

"Eating can be a problem when you're abroad," Siqin Gaowa said with a smile. "But when in Rome, do as the Romans do, and it's good to try something new."

After dinner, everyone went back to their rooms. The long flight and jet lag had left everyone exhausted.

After washing up, Yang Ming lay in bed but couldn't fall asleep. The night view of Cannes outside the window was serene and beautiful; the small city was about to come alive because of the film festival.

And he was ready.

At nine o'clock the next morning, Yang Guangming and his group gathered in the hotel lobby to head to the film festival organizing committee to register.

Everyone's mental state has recovered well, and the fatigue from jet lag has lessened considerably.

"The weather is so nice today," Xi Meijuan said, looking at the bright sunshine outside the window.

In May, Cannes is sunny but not scorching, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, making it very comfortable.

The group walked to the Palais des Festivals.

The streets of Cannes are narrow, lined with typical southern French architecture, brightly colored, and balconies overflowing with flowers. Film festival posters and various movie advertisements are already visible on the streets.

The Film Festival Palace, located at the end of the waterfront promenade, is a modern building with glass curtain walls that shimmer in the sunlight. The opening ceremony is tomorrow, so it's relatively quiet here today.

The organizing committee's offices are located in an annex building on the side of the Film Festival Palace. A queue has already formed at the entrance, with filmmakers from all over the world waiting to complete their paperwork.

When Yang Guangming and his entourage appeared, they attracted a lot of attention. While Asian faces are not uncommon in Cannes, such a complete Chinese film crew still garnered attention.

"Are you Chinese?"

Which movie?

"It might be the crew of that film 'A Separation,' the one with the youngest director."

Whispers arose in various languages.

Yang Guangming appeared calm and led his team in queuing, while Duan Yunfeng was responsible for communicating with the staff.

Just then, another group of Chinese people walked into the hall.

Leading the group was Zhang Yimou, dressed simply in a jacket and trousers, wearing his signature baseball cap. Beside him was Gong Li, in a simple black dress, sunglasses obscuring half her face, yet exuding exceptional elegance. Behind them followed Li Baotian, Sun Chun, Li Xuejian, and others.

"Director Zhang!" Yang Guangming greeted him first.

Zhang Yimou turned his head, saw Yang Guangming, and smiled: "Guangming! What a coincidence, you're here to report for duty today too."

The two shook hands. Although they had spoken on the phone before, this was their first meeting in Cannes.

"Hello Director Zhang, hello Teacher Gong Li." Yang Guangming nodded to Gong Li.

Gong Li took off her sunglasses and smiled in response: "Director Yang, congratulations on being nominated. I'm really looking forward to your film."

"Thank you, I'm also really looking forward to Director Zhang's 'Shake It Up'."

Li Baotian stepped forward. He played the male lead in Zhang Yimou's film and also played the judge in "A Separation".

"Guangming, Teacher Chen, Teacher Xi, Teacher Siqin, Xiao Zhou, we meet again." Li Baotian greeted everyone with a smile.

Chen Daoming and others also went up to greet Zhang Yimou's crew. Although they didn't know each other, as fellow Chinese filmmakers, they naturally felt a sense of kinship upon meeting in a foreign land.

"Which hotel are you staying at?" Zhang Yimou asked.

“It’s in the old town, an old-fashioned hotel,” Yang Guangming replied.

“We’re at Carlton. It’s closer to the Palais des Festivals, which makes things easier,” Zhang Yimou said, then invited, “If you’re free tonight, how about we have dinner together? Our Chinese film crew is getting together in Cannes.”

Yang Guangming looked at his team and nodded: "Okay, we'll follow Director Zhang's arrangements."

“Then it’s settled. Seven o’clock tonight, at the Carlton Hotel’s restaurant, it’s on me,” Zhang Yimou said readily.

The two film crews chatted amiably while waiting in line. Media reporters noticed the scene and quickly raised their cameras to take pictures. The meeting of two of China's top film directors in Cannes was news in itself.

After completing the formalities, everyone received their film festival credentials—a lanyard and a name tag with their photo, name, and identification. Yang Guangming's identification was "director," Chen Daoming and others were "actors," and Gu Changwei was "director of photography."

The accreditation is the pass to all events in Cannes; only by wearing it can one officially enter the world of the film festival.

"Alright, see you tonight." Zhang Yimou left with his team; they had a pre-arranged media interview to attend.

Yang Guangming and his group walked out of the organizing committee building and stood in the square in front of the Film Festival Palace.

The azure Mediterranean Sea is right in front of you, the seaside promenade is bustling with tourists, and palm trees sway in the breeze.

"Director Zhang is very easygoing," Zhou Xun said.

“Yes, he doesn’t have the airs of a big director at all,” Xi Meijuan agreed.

Watching Zhang Yimou's departing figure, Yang Guangming felt a surge of emotion. It was a strange feeling to see this iconic figure of Chinese cinema standing on the same stage as a newcomer director like himself.

But he quickly snapped out of his thoughts.

"You're free this afternoon. You can explore Cannes, do some shopping, or just relax at the hotel. But please be careful and stay in touch," Yang Guangming told the team.

Everyone was very excited. Having come to the world-famous Cannes, they naturally wanted to see everything.

Zhou Xun asked cautiously, "Director, can I go to the beach?"

"Of course, let Huang Bo go with you. It'll be good to have company," Yang Guangming specifically instructed.

Huang Bo nodded: "Okay, Guangming."

Everyone split into several groups and dispersed. Yang Guangming and Duan Yunfeng returned to the hotel; he still had some work to do.

At noon, he and Duan Yunfeng had a simple lunch at the hotel restaurant, and then returned to their room to rest.

At 3 p.m., Yang Guangming received a phone call from Hou Xiaoxian's assistant, inviting him to a gathering of Chinese filmmakers the following afternoon.

Yang Guangming noted down the time and place and agreed.

At 6:30 p.m., Yang Guangming led his team to the Carlton Hotel.

The Carlton is one of the most famous hotels in Cannes, located in a prime location on the Promenade de la Corniche. It boasts a long history and is known for its luxury and elegance. Many celebrities and filmmakers choose to stay here.

The restaurant is in a typical Mediterranean style, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the beach and the sea.

Zhang Yimou has already booked a long table by the window, which can accommodate two film crews.

When Yang Guangming and his group arrived, Zhang Yimou's film crew was already there.

Besides the few I met this morning, there were also other key members of the film's creative team.

"Guangming, sit here." Zhang Yimou beckoned.

Yang Guangming arranged for his team members to sit down. He sat next to Zhang Yimou, and opposite Gong Li.

The waiter handed over the menu, and Zhang Yimou ordered several signature dishes, then let everyone choose their favorite dishes.

"How does it feel to be in Cannes?" Zhang Yimou asked Yang Guangming.

“Very good, the climate is pleasant and the atmosphere is great,” Yang Guangming replied.

"Is this your first time in Cannes?"

"Yes. Director Zhang must have come here many times."

Zhang Yimou smiled and said, "This is the third time."

He paused, then looked at Yang Guangming: "You are more talented than me. You were nominated for the main competition with your first directorial effort. You have a very high starting point."

"Director Zhang, you flatter me. I was just lucky," Yang Guangming said modestly.

Gong Li, who was listening nearby, smiled and said, "Guangming, there's no need to be so modest. Director Xie Fei mentioned you to me, saying that you are the most talented student he has ever seen."

"Teacher Xie has high expectations for me, and I'm afraid of letting him down," Yang Guangming said.

“Definitely not.” Zhang Yimou said seriously, “I’ve heard about your script, and I think this film is very powerful. Cannes likes films with depth and humanistic concern, and you’ve chosen a very good subject matter.”

The conversation turned to the film itself, and the atmosphere became even more lively.

As a member of both production teams, Li Baotian became the best bridge for discussion.

"Mr. Yasuda is really running between two places this time," someone joked.

Li Baotian smiled and said, "They are both good movies, and it is my honor to participate. Director Zhang's 'Shanghai Triad' is a grand narrative about gangster feuds in Shanghai. Guangming's 'A Separation' is a delicate and profound exploration of family moral dilemmas. They are two different styles, but both are good works."

“Speaking of style,” Zhang Yimou looked at Yang Guangming, “what are your considerations for the visual style of your films? I’ve seen some stills, and they seem very calm and restrained.”

Yang Guangming put down his knife and fork and answered seriously: "I want an observer's perspective, calm, objective, and not sentimental. Use more fixed camera positions and long takes, reduce editing, and give the audience more time to observe the characters' subtle expressions and movements."

“This style is very suitable for the subject matter of your film,” Zhang Yimou nodded. “However, it places high demands on the actors’ performances, which cannot be compensated for by editing and camera movement.”

"Yes, so I'm very lucky to have such excellent actors as Teacher Chen, Teacher Xi, and Teacher Siqin." Yang Guangming looked at the actors in his crew.

Chen Daoming nodded slightly, Xi Meijuan smiled, and Siqin Gaowa said cheerfully, "It's because the director has high standards that he forced us to come out of this."

Everyone laughed.

Dinner proceeded in a pleasant atmosphere. Members of both film crews chatted, discussing films, Cannes, and the future of Chinese cinema.

Gong Li and Xi Meijuan chatted about acting; both are accomplished actresses and had much in common. Zhou Xun listened quietly to her seniors' conversation, her eyes shining with eagerness to learn.

Gu Changwei and Zhang Yimou's director of photography, Lü Yue, also had a very pleasant conversation, exchanging technical insights with each other.

At the end of dinner, Zhang Yimou raised his glass: "Come on, let's toast to the great achievements of Chinese films at Cannes!"

Everyone raised their glasses.

“And a toast to the friendship and cooperation of all of us!” Yang Guangming added.

The clinking of glasses echoed through the restaurant.

After dinner, the group left the Carlton Hotel. Cannes was brightly lit at night, and the Promenade de la Corniche was still bustling with tourists.

"See you at the opening ceremony tomorrow." Zhang Yimou shook hands with Yang Guangming to say goodbye.

"See you tomorrow, Director Zhang."

The two film crews parted ways at the hotel entrance and returned to their respective accommodations.

On the way back to the hotel, Chen Daoming said to Yang Guangming, "Director Zhang is a nice person, very sincere."

"Yes, they are very supportive of the younger generation."

Back at the hotel, Yang Guangming told everyone to get some rest so they could conserve their energy for tomorrow's opening ceremony.

He couldn't sleep, so he went out onto the balcony and looked at the night view of Cannes.

The film festival will officially open tomorrow.

Red carpet, flashing lights, and the global media spotlight.

His film career is about to enter its most crucial phase. (End of Chapter)