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

May 28th, the last day of the Cannes Film Festival.

Afternoon sunlight streamed into the hotel suite through the gaps in the curtains, cutting bright bands of light across the dark carpet. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee, as well as an indescribable tension and anticipation.

The core members of the "A Separation" crew gathered in Yang Guangming's suite. The living room sofa and chairs were full of people, including Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Siqin Gaowa, Zhou Xun, Gu Changwei, Duan Yunfeng, and Huang Bo. Everyone was there.

Several cups of coffee, now cold, sat on the coffee table, and a few cigarette butts lay in the ashtray—the ones Gu Changwei and Duan Yunfeng had smoked. Yang Guangming himself didn't usually smoke, but he didn't mind others smoking in his room.

Everyone is waiting.

Waiting for that crucial phone call.

According to the Cannes Film Festival's rules, if the jury decides to award a film, they will formally notify the film's creative team on the afternoon of the awards ceremony, inviting them to attend the closing ceremony and awards presentation that evening. Not receiving this call means leaving empty-handed and disappointed.

It's 2 PM. As is customary, notification calls usually come between 2 PM and 4 PM.

Time ticked by, and the room remained quiet. Occasionally, someone would pick up their cup to take a sip of water or adjust their posture, but no one spoke. Even the usually cheerful Siqin Gaowa was now quietly leaning back on the sofa, her fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of her teacup.

Zhou Xun sat on a single sofa next to Yang Guangming, her gaze occasionally drifting to the telephone on the table. Today, she wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans, her hair tied in a ponytail, and she had no makeup on, looking like a girl next door.

"Director," she finally couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "aren't you nervous?"

All eyes were on Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming sat comfortably on the main sofa, his posture relaxed and composed. Today he wore a light blue Oxford shirt, the cuffs casually rolled up to his forearms, and his face wore his usual calm smile.

"To be honest, I'm not nervous." His voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

Zhou Xun blinked: "Why? Everyone's incredibly nervous."

Yang Guangming smiled and glanced at everyone present: "Because we're guaranteed at least one award. And if there's an award, we'll definitely get a call."

These words eased the tension in the room somewhat.

Xi Meijuan asked curiously, "Guangming, are you so sure? Everyone outside is saying we have a chance at the Palme d'Or, but there are too many variables when it comes to awards."

“Professor Xi is right,” Chen Daoming continued, his voice calm and rational. “Judging is not an arithmetic problem; it’s not that having the most supporters guarantees an award. There are nine people on the judging panel, and each of them has their own preferences and stances. The final result is often the product of multi-party negotiation and compromise.”

Yang Guangming nodded: "Professor Chen's analysis is very insightful. That's why I said we can at least win one award, but it may not be the Palme d'Or."

He paused, then looked at Zhou Xun: "Zhou Xun just asked me why I wasn't nervous, and I can answer that for you now. It's because I've analyzed all the possibilities and am mentally prepared."

"What possibility?" Zhou Xun pressed.

Yang Guangming sat up straight and began to analyze methodically: "First of all, our film received high praise at Cannes, ranked first in the festival's daily publication, and received very positive feedback from the media and critics. This gives us the confidence to compete for the top award."

"but."

He then changed the subject, saying, "As Professor Chen said, judging awards is not an arithmetic problem. In the history of Cannes, there are many examples of films with high scores in the festival's daily publication going home empty-handed. The jury's tastes, political considerations, the art of balancing, and even the personal relationships between the jury members can all influence the final result."

Siqin Gaowa couldn't help but interject: "So, how confident are we about this film?"

"To be honest, I'm only about 50% sure about winning the Palme d'Or," Yang Guangming frankly admitted. "Our strengths lie in the high quality of our film, its profound subject matter, and the superb acting, which perfectly aligns with Cannes' preference for auteur films and humanistic concerns. But our weaknesses are also obvious—I'm too young, it's my first time directing a feature film, and while Chinese films are valued at Cannes, they are not mainstream."

He continued his analysis: "There are also strong calls for Chen and Siqin to win Best Actor and Actress, but according to Cannes tradition, it is difficult for a film to win multiple prestigious awards at the same time. Unless the jury president strongly supports it, or multiple jury members reach an overwhelming consensus."

“And us,” Yang Guangming shrugged, “this is my first time attending Cannes. I don’t know the jury president or any of the other jury members. At most, we’ll be treated fairly and professionally, but we can’t expect any special treatment.”

Silence fell in the room once more. Yang Guangming's analysis was calm and objective, stripping away the glamour and expectations to reveal the cruel and complex core of the award mechanism.

Zhou Xun then asked, "Since there's no preferential treatment, why are you so confident that you'll win the award, director?"

Yang Guangming smiled, this time with a hint of slyness: "Because we can at least win the Camera d'Or."

"The Golden Camera Award?" Gu Changwei understood immediately. "That's no problem. This award is also called the Best Directorial Debut Award."

“Yes.” Yang Guangming nodded. “This award is for the first film in the main competition and all other sections. This year, in the main competition, only ‘A Separation’ is a director’s debut. And with such high praise, winning this award is almost a certainty.”

He looked around at everyone and said, "If there's a prize, you'll definitely get a call. So I'm really not nervous—I know the call will come."

These words were like a gentle breeze, dispelling the tension that had been building up in the room. Everyone's expressions relaxed, and some even smiled.

Xi Meijuan said with a smile, "Guangming, how is your brain structured? You can still analyze things so clearly at a time like this."

“Exactly!” Siqin Gaowa said cheerfully. “Who cares about the award? Winning an award is all that matters! This is our first time in Cannes, and to be able to go back with an award is already a huge victory!”

Chen Daoming nodded slightly: "The Golden Camera Award is quite prestigious; it's an affirmation of a director's talent. Winning this award is definitely worth celebrating."

Yang Guangming actually had another consideration in mind that he didn't say aloud.

Before the awards were announced, he had instructed Duan Yunfeng to conduct low-key but effective public relations for the awards through the French film distribution giant Pathé.

To increase his chances of winning the Palme d'Or, he sold the European distribution rights for "A Separation" to a company with significant influence in France for $2.8 million.

One of the conditions of the deal was that Pathé promised to do everything in its power to campaign for the film's Palme d'Or. In order to secure the European distribution rights for this critically acclaimed film ahead of schedule, they even abandoned negotiations to secure the rights to two other highly anticipated films.

The specific negotiations were all conducted by Duan Yunfeng under the instructions of Yang Guangming.

Although Yang Guangming is young, he is no stranger to the ins and outs of film festival award public relations—he learned a lot about this from his memories of previous lives.

Duan Yunfeng demonstrated excellent execution skills, completing all preparatory work as instructed.

Selling European rights ahead of schedule was just one part of the work. Yang Guangming also leveraged Pathé's connections to establish relationships with several influential film critics and media figures, arranging numerous informal meetings and exchanges. This work was carried out discreetly, without fanfare, but rather subtly and effectively.

Yang Guangming did everything he could; the rest was up to the judges and luck. He told himself that no matter the outcome, he had at least tried his best.

But he couldn't reveal these behind-the-scenes details publicly. This was not only to protect trade secrets, but also to maintain the purity of cinematic art—at least on the surface.

"Director," Zhou Xun's voice interrupted his thoughts, "If... I mean, if we really won the Palme d'Or, what would you say?"

Yang Guangming looked at her; the girl's eyes sparkled, filled with curiosity and anticipation.

"If we could really get it... that would be wonderful!"

Yang Guangming casually said immediately, "I will definitely be overjoyed. I will give my speech in French. I want to thank Cannes, the jury, and every member of the crew. I also want to give special thanks to the Beijing Film Academy, the Beijing Film Studio, my teacher Xie Fei, and producer Han Sanping."

He paused, then added, "Of course, the most important thing is to thank the audience. Movies are made for the audience, and their recognition is the greatest reward."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the phone on the table rang, before Yang Guangming's wonderful daydream had even ended.

The shrill ringing of the phone shattered the quiet room, startling everyone and drawing their attention to the black telephone.

Yang Guangming glanced at Duan Yunfeng. Duan Yunfeng immediately stood up, walked to the phone, took a deep breath, and picked up the receiver.

"Hello, this is Director Yang Guangming's room."

The room was so quiet you could hear everyone breathing. All eyes were fixed on Duan Yunfeng, trying to glean information from his facial expression.

Duan Yunfeng listened to the phone, his expression shifting from tense to calm, and then to barely suppressed joy. He nodded repeatedly, "Okay, I understand. Yes, we will be there on time. Thank you, thank you very much!"

After hanging up the phone, Duan Yunfeng turned around with a bright smile on his face.

His voice trembled slightly with excitement, "The film festival organizing committee has officially notified us that the crew of 'A Separation' has been invited to attend tonight's closing ceremony and awards ceremony!"

After a brief silence, cheers erupted in the room.

"That's great!" Siqin Gaowa was the first to stand up and applaud enthusiastically.

Xi Meijuan's eyes were slightly red as she tightly gripped Chen Daoming's hand beside her. Although Chen Daoming maintained his usual composure, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

Zhou Xun jumped up from the sofa, hugged Gu Changwei next to her, and laughed and shouted. Gu Changwei was infected by her joy and also showed a rare hearty smile.

Huang Bo rubbed his hands together excitedly and looked at Yang Guangming: "Guangming, we did it!"

Yang Guangming sat on the sofa, a calm and gratified smile on his face. He had long anticipated this outcome, but when it actually happened, a warm feeling still welled up in his heart.

“Quiet down.” He raised his hand, waiting for everyone to calm down a bit before continuing, “Receiving the notification is only the first step. Now, what we need to do is prepare for tonight’s awards ceremony.”

He looked at Duan Yunfeng: "Old Duan, notify the other staff and tell them to get ready. Dresses, makeup, vehicle arrangements—every detail must be perfect."

"Understood, I'll arrange it right away," Duan Yunfeng replied immediately.

"Everyone, go back to your rooms and get ready," Yang Guangming instructed everyone. "We'll meet in the hotel lobby at 6 p.m. Remember, no matter what award we win, we must walk the red carpet and enter the Palais des Festivals in our best condition."

Everyone nodded and left the room with excitement and anticipation.

In the end, only Yang Guangming and Huang Bo remained. Huang Bo asked softly, "Guangming, what do you need me to do?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Why don't you go and help Lao Duan coordinate things? There are a lot of things to do tonight, and he can't handle it all by himself."

"Okay." Huang Bo nodded and left the room.

The room finally quieted down. Yang Guangming walked to the window, drew back the curtains, and looked out at the afternoon street scene in Cannes. The promenade was bustling with tourists, and the Palais des Festivals in the distance gleamed in the sunlight.

Just then, the phone rang again.

Yang Guangming walked over and answered: "Hello?"

"Guangming, it's me." Zhang Yimou's voice came from the other end of the phone. "You've received the notification, haven't you?"

"I've received it, Director Zhang," Yang Guangming replied. "And you guys?"

“We received it too.” Zhang Yimou sounded in a good mood. “At least we’ll get an award. My film didn’t receive high praise, so it certainly won’t be a big award, but at least we won’t go home empty-handed.”

Yang Guangming sincerely said, "Congratulations, Director Zhang. You are too modest. I think it will definitely be a big award. My hunch has always been right."

"Congratulations to you both," Zhang Yimou said with a smile. "You're young, you have many opportunities. At our age, it's good enough if we can even make an appearance in Cannes. By the way, let's talk when we meet tonight. Both of our Chinese film crews need to bring their best spirits and energy."

"must."

Not long after hanging up with Zhang Yimou, director Hou Xiaoxian also called. Although he was somewhat disappointed that he hadn't received any notification about "Good Men, Good Women," he still generously congratulated Yang Guangming.

"Director Yang, welcome to visit Taiwan sometime. We're heading back soon, see you next time," Hou Xiaoxian said on the phone. "Your film is amazing, congratulations in advance on winning the big award."

"Thank you, Director Hou. You are welcome to visit Kyoto sometime."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming stood in the room, feeling a complex mix of emotions. There was anticipation, nervousness, and a sense of calm before things settled down.

The afternoon passed quickly. Duan Yunfeng and Huang Bo were busy coordinating various preparations. The costume consultant was invited to the hotel to make final adjustments and checks for each member of the main cast. Makeup artists and hairstylists moved between rooms to ensure everyone looked their best.

Yang Guangming chose a custom-made dark blue suit. The cut was perfect, the fabric exquisite—neither too formal nor too overly so. A white shirt and a simple black bow tie completed the clean and sharp look, devoid of any unnecessary embellishments.

He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his collar. The boy in the mirror had a calm and composed gaze. His seventeen-year-old face still bore the features of youth, but the light in his eyes transcended the boundaries of age.

Chen Hong called from China.

"Guangming, I just saw the news that you've been notified about the awards ceremony tonight!" Her voice was full of excitement and anticipation.

"Yes, I received it." Yang Guangming said gently, "I'm preparing now."

"I wish I could be by your side," Chen Hong's voice trailed off, "but it's too far away."

"It's okay," Yang Guangming comforted her. "I'll bring you the trophy when I get back."

“You can definitely do it!” Chen Hong said firmly. “I believe in you, and I believe in ‘A Separation.’ It’s the best movie I’ve ever seen, and it will definitely receive the recognition it deserves.”

Sunshine Ming felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you. Take good care of yourself back home, and don't overwork yourself while filming."

"I know. You too, don't overwork yourself."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Yang Guangming hung up the phone. He went to his desk, turned on his computer, and checked his emails.

Several emails were from Pathé, concerning arrangements and follow-up publicity plans after tonight's awards ceremony.

Another letter was sent by Han Sanping from China; its content was brief but powerful:

"Guangming, no matter the outcome, you have already made history. Go all out and have no regrets. We are waiting for your triumphant return back home. - Han Sanping"

Yang Guangming replied to each message and then shut down his computer.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, he began his final preparations. He washed up, changed into a suit, and fixed his hair. In the mirror, he already looked every bit the mature director.

At 5:30, he left his room and went to the hotel lobby.

The other members have arrived one after another, and everyone has changed into their formal attire.

Duan Yunfeng and Huang Bo, as team members, also changed into appropriate formal attire.

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

Everyone nodded, their eyes filled with anticipation, nervousness, but even more so with determination.

Yang Guangming could read a lot in their eyes, as well as everyone's recognition and pride in the film "A Separation".

Yang Guangming spoke slowly, his voice clear and steady: "Regardless of tonight's outcome, we have come this far. Our film has gained international recognition, and we ourselves have grown and benefited in the process. This in itself is a victory."

He paused, then continued, "So relax and enjoy the process. We're here representing Chinese cinema, and we want to show our best. But more importantly, we need to be true to ourselves and to this film."

Everyone nodded silently.

"Alright, let's go then," Yang Guangming said finally.

The convoy was already waiting at the hotel entrance. Three Mercedes-Benz sedans gleamed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Everyone boarded the vehicles one by one. Yang Guangming, Chen Daoming, and Xi Meijuan rode in the first vehicle, Siqin Gaowa, Zhou Xun, and Gu Changwei rode in the second vehicle, and Duan Yunfeng, Huang Bo, and other staff members rode in the third vehicle.

The car slowly drove toward the Palais des Festivals.

The closer they got to the destination, the denser the crowds became. Although the closing ceremony's red carpet wasn't as grand as the opening ceremony, it still attracted many media and film fans. Police were maintaining order and clearing a dedicated lane for vehicles attending the awards ceremony.

Upon arriving at the entrance to the red carpet, many filmmakers were already waiting to enter.

Yang Guangming spotted Zhang Yimou's film crew; their convoy was just ahead. Zhang Yimou wasn't wearing his baseball cap today, but a formal suit, making him look exceptionally sharp. Gong Li, in a stunning gold gown, was as breathtaking as ever.

The encounter between the two Chinese film crews at the red carpet entrance naturally caused another stir. Reporters frantically pressed their shutters, their cameras switching back and forth between Zhang Yimou and Yang Guangming.

"Director Zhang, Director Yang, please take a picture together!"

"Two Chinese directors, 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 was captured by countless cameras. Two generations of Chinese film directors stood side by side on the stage of the Cannes closing ceremony, symbolizing inheritance and hope.

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

"Thank you, Director Zhang, you too."

The two film crews walked the red carpet one after the other.

The closing ceremony's red carpet was shorter than the opening ceremony's, but the atmosphere was far more solemn. Everyone knew that this was not just a red carpet show, but the prelude to a battle for honor. Behind every smiling face, there might be tension and anticipation; every wave might be a mask for inner trepidation.

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

Flashes of light flooded the evening sky.

"Director Yang! Are you confident about winning the award tonight?"

"Mr. Chen Daoming, are you looking forward to the Best Actor award?"

"Ms. Siqin Gaowa, do you think your performance deserves an award?"

Reporters bombarded him with questions, but Yang Guangming and the others simply smiled and responded without stopping for interviews. The formal interviews were scheduled to take place after the awards ceremony.

The red carpet was short and soon came to an end. The group entered the Palais des Festivals and arrived at the main venue for the awards ceremony—the Lumière Hall.

The hall was packed. The front row held jury members, festival committee members, filmmakers from various countries, media reporters, and film critics. The back row consisted of general audience members and film enthusiasts.

The lights shone brightly, and the crowd roared. Various languages ​​mingled, and the scent of perfume filled the air. This was a feast for filmmakers, and a battleground for glory.

The cast and crew of "A Separation" were seated in the middle of the fifth row, a very good location. Zhang Yimou's cast and crew were seated two rows in front of them.

Yang Guangming also saw the creative teams of other nominated films, including Greek director Angelopoulos, Yugoslavian director Emir Kusturica, and French director Jacques Audiard.
They are all heavyweights in the international film industry.

Yang Guangming sat down in his seat, and Zhou Xun sat next to him. She was clearly a little nervous, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.

"Relax," Yang Guangming whispered to her. "Just think of it as coming to see a show."

"Hmm." Zhou Xun nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself down.

The awards ceremony began promptly at 7 p.m.

The festival chairman first took the stage to deliver a speech, thanking all participants for their contributions and reviewing the highlights of the past ten days. Then, the jury chairman led the nine jury members onto the stage.

This year's jury president is a veteran French director, and the members include American actors, British screenwriters, Italian producers, Japanese directors, and more, making for a strong and diverse lineup.

The jury president delivered a brief speech, emphasizing the Cannes Film Festival's pursuit and commitment to cinematic art, and also discussing the difficulties and reflections involved in the selection process.

“Every film nominated has its own unique value and brilliance,” he said. “Our job is not to judge which is better or worse, but to discover and pay tribute to those works that touch the heart and provoke thought. This process is full of challenges, but also full of surprises.”

The speech ended, and applause followed.

Then, the awards ceremony officially began.

The first award presented was for Best Short Film.

Yang Guangming watched quietly, soaking in the atmosphere of the awards ceremony. Applause, cheers, the winners' passionate speeches, and the polite smiles of the losers—all these elements created a vivid picture of the world of film.

Awards were announced one after another: Best Screenplay, Best Technical Contribution, and the Jury Special Award. With each award presented, some rejoiced while others were saddened.

Yang Guangming noticed that whenever a popular film won an award, the audience would erupt in particularly enthusiastic applause; while when some obscure works unexpectedly won awards, the applause was mixed with surprise and discussion.

This is Cannes, full of surprises and possibilities.

Zhou Xun asked softly, "Director, are you nervous?"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "A little, but mostly I'm looking forward to it."

He knew perfectly well that, as is customary, the most prestigious awards were usually presented later. The earlier awards were more of a warm-up and preparation.

Sure enough, after presenting a series of minor awards, the host announced that the next award to be presented was the Camera d'Or – Best First Feature Film.

The atmosphere at the scene became noticeably tense.

Yang Guangming could sense that Zhou Xun next to him was holding her breath. He could also feel Zhang Yimou in the front row slightly turning his head and glancing at him out of the corner of his eye.

The award presenter was a French actress in her fifties, with an elegant demeanor. She walked onto the stage, holding an envelope in her hand.

“Film is the starting point of dreams,” she said in fluent French. “And a debut film is where a filmmaker’s dreams begin. Every debut film carries the creator’s purest passion and bravest exploration. Tonight, we are honoring the most outstanding one of them.”

She opened the envelope, took out the card, glanced at it, and smiled.

The winner of the Camera d'Or at the 48th Cannes Film Festival is—

The brief pause whetted everyone's appetite.

Then, she clearly read out: "A Separation, directed by Yang Guangming."

The moment the words were spoken, thunderous applause erupted.

Zhou Xun suddenly grabbed Yang Guangming's arm, too excited to speak. Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Siqin Gaowa, and others also turned to look at Yang Guangming, their eyes filled with joy and congratulations.

Yang Guangming took a deep breath and stood up. He straightened his suit, nodded to his team members, and then strode towards the stage.

The spotlight followed him as the 17-year-old director calmly walked onto the Cannes stage to accept his award, under the gaze of filmmakers worldwide.

He accepted the trophy from the presenter—a golden, camera-shaped trophy that glittered under the lights.

"Thank you!" he said to the presenter in French, then turned to the microphone.

The audience fell silent, everyone waiting for the youngest winner of the Camera d'Or to give his acceptance speech. (End of Chapter)