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

May 17th, the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival.

From the morning onwards, the atmosphere in Cannes became extraordinary. The Promenade de la Cité was packed with journalists, film fans, and tourists from all over the world. On both sides of the red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals, photographers had already secured the best spots, their long lenses and tripods ready and waiting.

At 3 p.m., Yang Guangming was preparing in his hotel room.

The black suit was custom-made in Italy, perfectly tailored and accentuating his tall and straight figure. A white shirt and a simple black bow tie, devoid of excessive embellishment, gave him a clean and sharp look. He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his collar; the young man in the mirror had a calm and composed gaze.

"Guangming, are you ready?" Duan Yunfeng's voice came from outside the door.

"Okay." Yang Guangming opened the door.

Duan Yunfeng and Huang Bo have changed into formal suits. As assistant directors and team members, they also need to accompany the team to the opening ceremony.

"Where are the others?" Yang Guangming asked.

"They're all waiting in the lobby downstairs," Duan Yunfeng said. "Teacher Chen and the others are all ready."

Yang Guangming nodded and went downstairs with Duan Yunfeng.

The film crew had all arrived in the hotel lobby.

Chen Daoming, in a classic black evening tuxedo, exuded both elegance and authority. Xi Meijuan's champagne-colored gown was graceful and sophisticated, perfectly complementing her gentle demeanor. Siqin Gaowa's deep purple velvet dress was dignified and imposing. Zhou Xun's light green short dress was fresh and lively, perfectly suited to her age and temperament.

Gu Changwei also wore a suit, but he focused more on practicality and ease of movement.

"Is everyone ready?" Yang Guangming looked around at everyone.

Everyone nodded, their eyes filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.

"Let's go then. The car is already at the door," Duan Yunfeng said.

Three Mercedes-Benz cars were parked in front of the hotel, and everyone got into the cars one by one.

The car slowly drove towards the Palais des Festivals, and the closer it got, the denser the crowd became. Police were maintaining order and had created a special lane for vehicles attending the opening ceremony.

Upon arriving at the red carpet entrance, many filmmakers were already waiting to enter. The flashes from the cameras were clearly visible even in daylight.

"The crew of 'A Separation,' please come this way." After checking the list, the staff guided them to the starting point of the red carpet.

With a calm expression, Yang Guangming said to his team members, "Relax, smile, and enjoy the process. We are here representing Chinese cinema, and we want to show our best side."

Everyone nodded, straightened their clothes, and stepped onto the red carpet.

Instantly, a flood of flashes came from the cameras.

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

"The youngest Chinese director!"

"Chen Daoming! Xi Meijuan!"

Reporters shouted in various languages, and cameras were pointed at them.

Yang Guangming walked at the front with a composed gait. He wore a faint smile and nodded to the reporters and audience on both sides. Chen Daoming and Xi Meijuan walked on either side of him, with Siqin Gaowa, Zhou Xun, and Gu Changwei following behind.

The red carpet wasn't long, but they walked very slowly. Reporters kept asking them to stop for photos and pose.

Zhou Xun was a little stiff at first, but encouraged by Yang Guangming's gaze, she gradually relaxed and revealed a natural smile.

"Director Yang! Look this way!"

"Teacher Chen! Over here!"

"Zhou Xun! Look here!"

Shouts rose and fell. Although "A Separation" had not yet premiered, as the only film by a new director in the main competition at Cannes, coupled with Yang Guangming's own newsworthiness, they attracted a lot of attention.

In the center of the red carpet, Yang Guangming stopped and had his team members line up for reporters to take photos.

The flashes were so intense it was blinding, but everyone was at their best.

After taking the photos, they continued walking towards the entrance of the Palais des Festivals.

Just then, an even bigger commotion broke out nearby.

Zhang Yimou's film crew also walked the red carpet.

Zhang Yimou was still wearing a baseball cap, but had changed into a formal suit. Gong Li stunned the audience in a bright red cheongsam-style dress. Li Baotian, Sun Chun, Li Xuejian, and others followed closely behind.

When the two Chinese film crews met on the red carpet, the reporters went even crazier.

"Director Zhang! Director Yang! Let's take a picture together!"

"Two Chinese film crews! Please stand together!"

Zhang Yimou and Yang Guangming exchanged a smile and stood together cooperatively. Members of both film crews also stood in two rows for reporters to take photos.

This scene became one of the highlights of the opening ceremony's red carpet.

Two Chinese film directors, one older and one younger, appeared together on the Cannes red carpet, symbolizing the passing of the torch between generations in Chinese cinema.

After taking the photos, Zhang Yimou said to Yang Guangming, "See you inside in a bit."

"Okay, Director Zhang."

The two film crews entered the film festival palace one after the other.

The palace hall was resplendent with gold and dazzling crystal chandeliers. Filmmakers, stars, directors, and producers from all over the world gathered together, their languages ​​mingling and the air filled with the scent of perfume.

Yang Guangming and his group were led to their seating area. As a film nominated for the main competition, their seats were relatively close to the front.

Shortly after we sat down, director Hou Xiaoxian also brought in the crew of "Good Men and Good Women".

Hou Hsiao-hsien is a representative figure of the Taiwan New Cinema Movement. He is known for his profound historical concerns and long-take aesthetics. He has a large body of work and is already an internationally renowned director.

Yang Guangming stood up and greeted him, "Director Hou, hello, I'm Yang Guangming."

Hou Xiaoxian was somewhat surprised that Yang Guangming was so young, but he quickly smiled and said, "Director Yang, hello, I'm really looking forward to your movie."

"Thank you, Director Hou. I'm also really looking forward to 'Good Men, Good Women'."

The two exchanged a few words. Hou Xiaoxian didn't talk much, but he was gentle and approachable.

The gathering of three Chinese film crews in Cannes was captured by numerous media outlets.

The opening ceremony officially began at 5 p.m.

The festival president delivered a welcoming address, greeting filmmakers from around the world. The jury president then led the jury members on stage; this year's jury president is a veteran French director, and the members include American actors, British screenwriters, Italian producers, and more—a truly impressive lineup.

The opening film was a French film, and before the screening, the director and lead actor gave brief speeches on stage.

Sunlight watched all this quietly. This is Cannes, the pinnacle of world cinema. To be seated here is itself a form of recognition.

The opening ceremony lasted two hours. A short reception followed the screening.

Yang Guangming and his team actively engaged with filmmakers from various countries. He was fluent in English and could communicate in basic French, so there were no communication barriers.

Many people are curious about this young Chinese director, asking about his films and his background. Yang Guangming answers politely, neither overly humble nor boastful.

Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, and others also exchanged ideas with colleagues who were interested in them. Siqin Gaowa's cheerful personality was very popular, and although Zhou Xun's English was not fluent, she was able to communicate using simple vocabulary and gestures.

Gu Changwei met several internationally renowned photographers and had a very congenial conversation.

Halfway through the party, Zhang Yimou walked over with a wine glass in his hand.

"How are you feeling?" he asked Yang Guangming.

“Great, the atmosphere is fantastic,” Yang Guangming replied.

“Starting tomorrow, there will be a lot of events. Media interviews, forums, parties... it will be quite busy,” Zhang Yimou said, drawing on his own experience. “The most important thing is to stay in shape and not let these events wear you down. The film is the core.”

"Thank you for the reminder, Director Zhang. I will pay attention." Yang Guangming nodded.

When is your movie premiere?

"Five days later, afternoon session."

Zhang Yimou thought for a moment and said, "I have a media interview that afternoon, so I'll finish it early and bring the whole crew to support you."

"That's great," Yang Guangming said sincerely.

The two clinked glasses.

After the party, everyone returned to the hotel.

Although it was just the opening ceremony, everyone was a bit tired. The tension on the red carpet and the social obligations at the reception both required energy.

Back in his room, Yang Guangming took off his suit and changed into his pajamas.

He stood on the balcony, looking at the Cannes night view. The Palais des Festivals was still brightly lit, and the crowds on the Boulevard de la Cité were still thronging the streets.

The opening ceremony has ended, but the real competition of the film festival has just begun.

Over the next ten days or so, the films participating in each section will be screened, compete, and judged here.

His song "A Separation" will be released in five days.

His phone rang; it was a call from a domestic media outlet requesting an interview. Yang Guangming answered a few questions briefly, then declined further interviews, citing the need for rest.

He needs to conserve his energy to face the challenges ahead.

After washing up, Yang Guangming lay in bed, but did not fall asleep immediately.

He turned on his computer and checked his emails. Several were from the European distribution company, regarding the latest arrangements for the film's promotion. Another email was from Han Sanping, inquiring about the opening ceremony.

Yang Guangming replied to each one.

……

The Cannes Film Festival activities unfolded intensively over the next few days.

Yang Guangming and his team participated in numerous official events and media interviews. As the youngest director in the Cannes main competition, Yang Guangming became one of the focuses of media attention.

He has been interviewed by authoritative international film media outlets such as France's Cahiers du Cinéma, the UK's Sight & Sound, and the US's Variety. The questions ranged from filmmaking to personal experiences, from the current state of Chinese cinema to international perspectives.

Yang Guangming answered questions fluently, with a humble attitude but clear viewpoints, winning him much praise.

"He doesn't seem like a seventeen-year-old at all; he's not even eighteen yet," a French journalist remarked after the interview. "He's mature in his thinking, knowledgeable, and has a profound understanding of film."

In addition to media interviews, Yang Guangming also participated in numerous film forums and dialogues. His exchanges with directors, screenwriters, and producers from various countries proved invaluable.

Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Siqin Gaowa, and others are also busy with their own lives. As well-known actors, they have their own social circles and activity schedules. Zhou Xun, on the other hand, is like a sponge, absorbing all new knowledge and experience.

Gu Changwei participated in a photography masterclass and exchanged technical insights with his peers.

Everyone on the team is learning and growing on the international stage of Cannes.

Yang Guangming also took the time to watch the premiere of Zhang Yimou and Hou Xiaoxian's movie.

The premiere of "Shanghai Triad" was scheduled for the afternoon of the third day of the film festival. Yang Guangming arrived at the cinema early and found it already packed.

The film tells the story of gangster feuds in 1930s Shanghai. Zhang Yimou's signature strong colors and grand narrative, coupled with the wonderful performances of Gong Li, Li Baotian and others, make for a well-made film.

The applause lasted for two or three minutes after the screening. However, Yang Guangming noticed that some international film critics did not appear enthusiastic.

At the subsequent media conference, a reporter asked Zhang Yimou, "Director, this film seems to be more dramatic in style compared to your previous works. Was this intentional?"

Zhang Yimou replied, "Every film has its own life and way of expression. This film aims to show the struggles of humanity and the vicissitudes of fate in a specific era."

However, Yang Guangming sensed from some details that this film might not fare well at Cannes. Its overly dramatic style and relatively simple narrative might not align with the Cannes jury's recent preference for auteur films and those with greater humanistic depth.

In the original timeline, this film won the Jury Prize, and Yang Guangming sincerely hopes that Director Zhang's film will continue to win awards.

Hou Xiaoxian's "Good Men and Good Women" premiered on the morning of the fourth day.

This film continues Hou Hsiao-hsien's consistently profound style, featuring long takes, historical concern, and deep reflections on social changes in Taiwan. While its artistic merit is high, the slow narrative pace makes it less accessible to the average viewer.

The applause after the screening was polite but not enthusiastic. Some audience members left midway through.

Media reviews are sharply divided; those who like it consider it a masterpiece, while those who dislike it find it too obscure and dull.

After watching the two films, Yang Guangming gained a clearer understanding of his own work.

"A Separation" is neither as dramatic as "Shanghai Triad" nor as heavy and slow as "Good Men, Good Women." It is calm and restrained, focusing on a specific moral dilemma and exploring universal human issues. This style may be more in line with Cannes' tastes.

But he didn't say it out loud; he just quietly prepared for his movie premiere.

The night before the premiere, Yang Guangming held a team meeting in his hotel room.

"Tomorrow is the premiere of our movie." He looked at the team members sitting around him. "You've all worked hard during this time. No matter what the outcome is tomorrow, we've come this far, which is a victory in itself. Let's all take it easy."

Chen Daoming nodded: "Director Yang put a lot of effort into this film, and it is also the result of the joint efforts of all of us. Being able to come to Cannes is already an affirmation of our work."

“Yes,” Xi Meijuan said. “After so many years of acting, this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to come to Cannes. It’s a very precious experience.”

Siqin Gaowa said cheerfully, "Whether we win an award or not, we have done our best and that's enough."

Zhou Xun looked a little nervous, but her eyes were firm: "I believe in our film."

As the director of photography, Gu Changwei paid more attention to technical details: "The cinema equipment used for the screening is very good, and the picture and sound effects should be presented at their best."

Looking at everyone, Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart.

"Okay, then let's be in top form for tomorrow's premiere."

After the meeting, Yang Guangming told everyone to get some rest.

But he couldn't sleep, so he went to the hotel garden alone.

On a May night in Cannes, a gentle breeze blows, and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers and the scent of the sea.

He sat on a bench, looking at the stars in the night sky.

His film will premiere in Cannes tomorrow.

The world's most demanding film critics, most seasoned filmmakers, and most discerning audiences will see "A Separation" for the first time.

He recalled every day and night of filming, every adjustment made in post-production, and the hard work everyone put in.

This film is like his child. Now he wants to expose it to the world's scrutiny.

Are you nervous?
A little.

But more than anything, he felt anticipation and hoped for success. Even with all the effort he had put in, he still hoped for a positive outcome. He believed in the power of this film and its ability to touch people's hearts.

My phone vibrated; it was a text message from Chen Hong: "Premiere tomorrow, good luck. I'll be waiting for your triumphant return from China."

Yang Guangming replied, "Thank you, I will."

Zuo Xiaoqing also sent a text message: "Brother Guangming, tomorrow is your big day! Although I can't be there in person, my heart is with you! Keep going! You're the best!"

Yang Guangming smiled and replied, "Study hard, I'll check your homework when I get back."

He put away his phone and got up to return to the hotel.

Tomorrow will be a decisive day.

The premiere of "A Separation" will be held at 2 PM on May 22nd.

Outside the Lumière Hall, the largest screening room at the Palais des Festivals, a large number of media and audience members had already gathered. As the last Chinese film to be screened in the main competition, coupled with the newsworthiness of the film itself, this premiere attracted considerable attention.

Yang Guangming and his team arrived an hour early to make final preparations in the lounge.

Everyone had changed into formal attire and was in high spirits.

"There are more reporters than I expected," Duan Yunfeng said to Yang Guangming as he came in from outside. "Many mainstream international media outlets are here, as well as quite a few film critics."

"Have Director Zhang and Director Hou's teams arrived yet?" Yang Guangming asked.

"Director Zhang said he would definitely come and promised to come as soon as possible to show his support. Director Hou has also confirmed that he will come."

Yang Guangming nodded. The presence of these two veteran directors was the greatest support he could receive.

The premiere officially began at 2:30 p.m.

Yang Guangming led his team onto the red carpet—a short red carpet specially laid out for the premiere of the film, running from the lounge to the entrance of the screening room.

The flashes of light came again like a tidal wave.

"Director Yang! What are your expectations for the premiere?"

"Mr. Chen Daoming, is this your first time in Cannes?"

"Ms. Xi Meijuan, what are your thoughts on this film?"

Reporters bombarded him with questions, which Yang Guangming and others answered briefly before entering the screening room.

The hall was already full. The front row held members of the film festival jury, filmmakers from various countries, media reporters, and film critics. The back row consisted of ordinary audience members and film enthusiasts.

Yang Guangming spotted Zhang Yimou and Gong Li, who were sitting in the middle of the fifth row. Hou Xiaoxian was also there, sitting on the other side. There were also some other Chinese filmmakers he recognized or didn't know.

Yang Guangming nodded to them and then sat down in his seat.

The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up.

The dragon logo appeared, followed by the opening credits of Beijing Film Studio and Qiming Studio.

The movie begins.

The first shot is of a street in the early morning, with bicycles and noisy voices, bringing to mind the urban atmosphere of the 1990s.

Next, we see Li Da (played by Chen Daoming) getting up, washing up, and preparing breakfast in his daily routine. The camera work is calm and restrained, with no excessive music to enhance the scene, only the sounds of reality.

The wife, Gao Min (played by Xi Meijuan), is busy in the kitchen. The two have a brief conversation about the father's (played by Lan Tianye) illness, their daughter Li Mei's (played by Zhou Xun) studies, and their plans to immigrate.

The dialogue is bland, but the audience can sense the undercurrents beneath the calm surface.

Li Mei, the daughter, sat at the dining table, quietly eating her breakfast, but her eyes kept drifting towards her parents, filled with an observation and worry beyond her years.

Yang Guangming stared intently at the screen while using his peripheral vision to observe the audience's reactions.

The audience was quiet and focused.

As the film progresses, the conflicts gradually emerge.

Li Da's father suffers from Alzheimer's disease and needs care. Gao Min wants to immigrate, believing it's for her daughter's future. Li Da hesitates, understanding his wife's thoughts on one hand, but unable to let go of his father on the other.

The maid (played by Siqin Gaowa) is a devout Muslim, hardworking but poor. Her husband (played by Wang Xueqi) is unemployed and an alcoholic, and the family is in debt.

The arrival of the maid initially seemed like a solution to the problem. She took meticulous care of the elderly, cooking and cleaning, and everything was done in an orderly manner.

But as the plot unfolds, problems arise.

An elderly person went missing, and the maid was injured in a car accident while searching for them. The question of liability arose.

Li Da and Gao Min disagreed. Li Da believed the maid should be dismissed and replaced. Gao Min argued that the maid's injury was a work-related injury and that the maid should be held responsible.

Arguments, cold wars, and cracks appear in family relationships.

The maid's husband came to cause trouble and demanded compensation. The conflict escalated.

Legal proceedings have begun; courtroom drama unfolds.

Siqin Gaowa's explosive performance in court stunned the entire audience. From her initial tense statement to her panic when pressed by her lawyer, to her final complete breakdown and accusation, the emotions built up layer by layer with overwhelming power.

In the screening room, many audience members had tears in their eyes.

Yang Guangming noticed that even a veteran director like Zhang Yimou had a solemn expression.

The movie continues, and Li Da finally makes his choice.

Late at night, his last conversation with Gao Min in the living room. There was no fierce argument, only an utterly exhausted calm, and the desolate feeling of deciding to part ways.

Chen Daoming and Xi Meijuan's performances were restrained yet profound, with all their emotions conveyed through their eyes and subtle movements.

Li Mei, the daughter, listened to everything from behind the door, tears silently streaming down her face. Zhou Xun's performance was delicate and moving; she portrayed the helplessness and pain of a teenage girl facing the collapse of her family perfectly.

In the final scene, Li Da is alone in the silent room of his father's now empty house.

The camera slowly pans across the old objects in the room, finally settling on Li Da's figure standing by the window. Outside, the city sky is gray and hazy, and his silhouette appears lonely and heavy.

The music began softly, not a sentimental melody, but simple piano notes, carrying a faint sadness and a sense of relief.

Subtitles appear.

The movie has ended.

The screening room was completely silent.

Yang Guangming's heart was in her throat.

Then, applause broke out.

First came scattered applause, then it quickly spread, eventually coalescing into sustained and enthusiastic applause. The audience rose to their feet and saluted the creators.

The applause lasted for a full fifteen minutes.

Yang Guangming saw that Zhang Yimou was clapping vigorously, Hou Xiaoxian was also clapping, and several members of the judging panel were also clapping.

Many audience members were wiping away tears.

Yang Guangming stood up and bowed to the audience. Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Siqin Gaowa, Zhou Xun, Gu Changwei, and others also stood up to express their gratitude.

The applause continued.

This already explains the problem.

The press conference following the premiere was a lively affair.

The reporters asked questions one after another, but the tone was always positive and appreciative.

A film critic from the French newspaper Le Monde asked first: "Director Yang, this film deeply moved me. How did you handle the theme of moral dilemmas? Not offering simple answers, but only presenting complex realities, is a very courageous narrative choice."

Yang Guangming replied, "Thank you. I believe that film should not be a tool for preaching, but rather a platform for presentation and reflection. The reason why moral dilemmas are dilemmas is because there is no absolute right or wrong. What I want to do is let the audience see the characters' struggles, and then think and judge for themselves."

A BBC reporter asked, "Mr. Chen Daoming, how did you interpret the character Li Da? His struggle between morality and family responsibility is very real and touching."

Chen Daoming replied: "Li Da is an ordinary person. He has human weaknesses, but also an undiminished conscience. I tried to understand his helplessness, calculations, pain, and ultimately his difficult perseverance. He is not a hero, but within his own limitations, he made what he believed to be the right choice."

A reporter from The New York Times focused on Siqin Gaowa's performance: "Ms. Siqin Gaowa, your performance was heartbreaking. How did you prepare for the role of the maid?"

Siqin Gaowa answered in Chinese, which was relayed by a translator: "I went to observe many working-class women to see how they live and how they face hardship. The maid, although poor and humble, has her dignity and faith. I wanted to portray her complexity, not just the presentation of suffering, but also the display of vitality."

Zhou Xun also received a lot of attention. A reporter from the Italian newspaper La Repubblica asked, "Ms. Zhou, you are very young, but your performance is very profound. How did you grasp the role of Li Mei, the observer?"

Zhou Xun seemed a little nervous, but answered sincerely: "Li Mei is a witness to the family's situation. She saw everything, understood everything, but was powerless to change anything. I think many people have experienced this sense of powerlessness. I tried to feel that silent pain, that numbness of being forced to mature prematurely."

The meeting lasted an hour. Yang Guangming and his team members answered various questions, ranging from creative concepts to performance details, from the current state of Chinese cinema to international exchanges.

The overall atmosphere was very positive.

After the lengthy meeting ended, Yang Guangming had just stepped out of the venue when Duan Yunfeng stopped him.

"Great news!" Duan Yunfeng exclaimed excitedly. "The scores from the festival publication are out! Both Cahiers du Cinéma and Screen have given us the highest scores! We're currently in first place among all the films in the main competition!"

Yang Guangming was startled.

The Cannes Film Festival's official publication ratings are one of the most important indicators during the festival. Cahiers du Cinéma and Screen are France's most authoritative film magazines, and their ratings directly influence a film's chances of winning awards.

"How many points exactly?" Yang Guangming asked.

"Cahiers du Cinéma gave it 3.5 out of 4, and The Screen gave it 3.7 out of 4. These are the highest scores to date!" Duan Yunfeng said excitedly.

Yang Guangming took a deep breath, trying to remain calm: "What about the reviews from other media outlets?"

"We are currently collecting feedback. However, based on initial reports, it is almost entirely positive. The Guardian called it 'the most surprising discovery of this year's Cannes,' Variety said 'a young director demonstrates masterful control,' and Corriere della Sera described it as 'a profound and restrained moral drama with impeccable acting'..."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Okay, I'll keep an eye on it."

“I understand,” Duan Yunfeng said.

At this moment, Zhang Yimou walked over.

"Guangming, congratulations!" Zhang Yimou said sincerely. "The film is very well made and very mature. I saw a depth and control in it that far exceeds your age."

"Thank you, Director Zhang." Yang Guangming remained humble.

“I’m serious, and I’m not just flattering you.” Zhang Yimou patted him on the shoulder. “Your film has the potential to win the Palme d’Or. Make the most of this opportunity.”

Hou Xiaoxian also came over and said simply but forcefully, "Very good, a very good film. Chinese films need films like this."

The affirmation from the two senior directors warmed Yang Guangming's heart.

Back at the hotel, Yang Guangming told the team members to rest, while he held a short meeting with Duan Yunfeng and Huang Bo.

"It's good news that we got the highest rating in the event publication, but this is just the beginning," Yang Guangming said. "The most important thing next is awards public relations. How's the communication with the European distribution company going?"

Duan Yunfeng replied, "We've already arranged to meet tomorrow morning. They saw the movie, really liked it, and are willing to fully support our bid for the Palme d'Or."

“Okay.” Yang Guangming nodded. “Copyright sales are negotiable, but on the condition that they commit to investing resources in award public relations. The Cannes awards, especially the Palme d'Or, are not only artistic recognition, but also a guarantee of market and influence.”

“I understand,” Duan Yunfeng said. “I will clearly tell them our terms tomorrow.”

Huang Bo asked, "Guangming, our film has the highest score in the festival's daily publication. Does that mean we've secured the Palme d'Or?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment: "Judging from today's reaction, the chances are indeed very high, but being number one in the event publication ratings is not a guarantee of the Palme d'Or. It has some reference value, but not much."

The Cannes Film Festival awards are influenced by many factors, not just film quality. The jury's tastes, political factors, public relations efforts… all have an impact. Our job is to do our best in everything we can.”

The three discussed some more details, and then the meeting adjourned.

Back in his room, Yang Guangming stood on the balcony, looking at Cannes under the night sky.

The premiere was a success, the reviews were excellent, and it ranked first in the festival's daily report.

But this is only the first step.

The real test will come when the awards competition begins.

The phone rang; it was Han Sanping calling from China from overseas.

"Guangming! I just received the news! We're number one in the event program ratings! The domestic media are going crazy!" Han Sanping's voice was filled with excitement.

"Director Han, please don't get too excited. The film festival isn't over yet," Yang Guangming said as calmly as possible.

"How could I not be excited? This is the first time in the history of the Cannes Film Festival's official publication that a Chinese film has received the highest score ever! Do you know what this means?" Han Sanping's voice trembled. "It means that our film has the potential to compete for the Palme d'Or! Guangming, you have made history!"

Yang Guangming could understand Han Sanping's excitement. For Chinese cinema, receiving such recognition at a top international film festival is of great significance.

If a Chinese film can win the Palme d'Or again, it would be a very significant achievement for Han Sanping, the film's producer.

"Director Han, this is just the beginning. Next, there will be a jury screening and awards selection..."

"I know, I know," Han Sanping said, calming himself down. "But this is a remarkable achievement. I've received several calls from leaders who have expressed their concern and congratulations. Guangming, you've truly brought honor to Chinese cinema this time."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Yang Guangming hung up the phone, and his phone started ringing incessantly again.

Jiang Wen, Xie Fei, Chen Hong, Zuo Xiaoqing... all those who care about him sent their congratulations.

Yang Guangming replied to each question, but remained cautiously optimistic.

He knew that in Cannes, anything was possible.

Today's high scores and positive reviews may translate into tomorrow's awards, or they may end up with nothing.

This is the cruelty and allure of film festivals.

But in any case, his films have gained widespread recognition.

That's enough.

It was late at night, but the sun was shining brightly, and I couldn't sleep at all. When the news reached back home, the major media outlets were in an uproar.

Domestic media outlets immediately reported that "A Separation" received the highest score in the Cannes Film Festival's official publication. Major newspapers and television stations featured it as their headline story.

"Sunshine Ming's new film is stunning at Cannes and ranked number one in the festival's daily publication!"

"A Separation" has received high praise from international film critics, greatly increasing its chances of winning the Palme d'Or!

"A 17-year-old director has stunned Cannes, marking a new breakthrough for Chinese cinema!"

Public opinion erupted once again. (End of Chapter)