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

Yang Guangming looked at the trophy in his hand and then at the audience.

He could see Chen Daoming's encouraging gaze, Zhou Xun's excited expression, and Zhang Yimou's gratified smile.

He spoke in fluent French:

"Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival, thank you to the jury. This award is the greatest encouragement and recognition for a new filmmaker."

His voice was clear and steady, completely devoid of the awkwardness and nervousness one would expect from a seventeen-year-old.

"I want to thank my team. Thank you to teachers Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Siqin Gaowa, Zhou Xun, Wang Xueqi, Lan Tianye, Li Baotian, and all the actors, you gave life and soul to the characters. Thank you to director of photography Gu Changwei, art director Huo Tingxiao, and all the behind-the-scenes staff, you created the visual and auditory world of this film."

He paused, then continued in French:

“I want to thank my teacher, Professor Xie Fei of the Beijing Film Academy. It is his guidance and trust that gave me the opportunity to turn the story in my mind into reality. I want to thank the Beijing Film Studio and producer Han Sanping. Without your support, this film would not have been possible. I want to thank my family for their understanding and support of my choices.”

Finally, he switched back to Chinese, addressing the Chinese media:

"This award belongs to all Chinese filmmakers. We will continue to work hard to make more powerful, heartwarming, and thought-provoking films. Thank you everyone."

After the speech, applause rang out again, even more enthusiastic than before.

Yang Guangming bowed in thanks and walked off the stage with the trophy. When he returned to his seat, Zhou Xun was the first to rush up and hug him, followed by Siqin Gaowa and Xi Meijuan, each expressing their joy and congratulations with hugs and handshakes.

Chen Daoming patted him on the shoulder and said only one sentence: "That's a good start."

The awards ceremony continued.

Next up was the Best Actress award. As the presenter announced the winner's name, Siqin Gaowa maintained a smile, but Yang Guangming still caught a fleeting glimpse of disappointment in her eyes.

Not her.

The award went to a French actress whose performance in the film was truly outstanding, and the award was well-deserved.

The Best Actor award followed closely behind. Chen Daoming sat up straight, his expression still composed, but his hands on his knees clenched slightly.

The award presenter opened the envelope and read out the name—it was an Italian actor.

Chen Daoming let out a soft breath and relaxed. He turned to Yang Guangming, smiled, and shook his head, meaning "It's okay."

As the director, Yang Guangming still felt a little regretful—Chen Daoming's performance in "A Separation" was entirely deserving of any honor.

But he also understands the rules of Cannes. It's rare for a film to win multiple awards at the same time, unless there are special circumstances.

The award goes to the Jury Prize.

When the presenter announced that the winner was Zhang Yimou's "Shanghai Triad," the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Zhang Yimou stood up, embraced Gong Li and others, and then walked onto the stage.

He accepted the trophy and delivered his acceptance speech in simple but fluent English, thanking Cannes, the team, and Chinese cinema.

Yang Guangming clapped enthusiastically from below the stage. He knew that this award might not be a big deal for Zhang Yimou, but it was at least an affirmation. Moreover, after winning the Jury Prize, "Shake It Off" was basically out of the running for higher awards.

When Zhang Yimou returned to his seat, he glanced back at Yang Guangming. Their eyes met, and they both understood the meaning in each other's eyes—now, it was time to see what "A Separation" would bring.

Now, only three major awards remain: the Jury Prize, the Best Director Award, and the highest honor—the Palme d'Or.

The atmosphere on set grew increasingly tense. The lights seemed to dim, and everyone's attention was focused on the stage.

The Jury Grand Prize was awarded first.

The award presenter was the jury president himself. The veteran French director walked onto the stage, holding an envelope in his hand, his expression serious.

“The Jury Prize is an award for films that have achieved outstanding artistic success and demonstrated extraordinary courage in their exploration,” he said. “This year, two films impressed the jury so much that we could not choose between them.”

These words caused a stir in the room. A double yolk? That's not common in Cannes.

The jury president opened the envelope and announced: "The winners of the Grand Jury Prize at the 48th Cannes Film Festival are: 'Underground,' directed by Emir Kusturica; and 'The Gaze of Ulysses,' directed by Theo Angelopoulos."

There was thunderous applause.

Kusturica and Angelopoulos went on stage to accept their awards. Both are masters of the international film industry, and while their wins were somewhat unexpected, they were also quite reasonable.

Yang Guangming sat in the audience, quickly analyzing the situation in his mind.

In the original timeline, "Underground" won the Palme d'Or, and "Ulysses' Gaze" won the Jury Prize.

The situation has changed now—Underground won the Jury Prize, so it's unlikely to win the Palme d'Or.

Meanwhile, "Ulysses' Gaze," as a joint winner of the Grand Jury Prize, has essentially withdrawn from the competition for the Palme d'Or.

The rest are "A Separation" and a few other films.

Best Director is next.

The presenter announced the winner as a French director. His film received positive reviews during the festival, but not the highest. His win means he has also dropped out of the Palme d'Or competition.

Now, only one award remains—the Palme d'Or.

The atmosphere reached its peak. All the lights were focused on the stage, and the music became solemn and stirring.

The festival president himself went on stage to present the Palme d'Or. This man in his seventies is a key figure at Cannes, having witnessed the glory of countless films and filmmakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice boomed through the microphone, "we have come to the most important moment of the evening—the presentation of the Palme d'Or."

He looked around the audience, his gaze sweeping over every expectant face.

"The Palme d'Or is the highest honor at the Cannes Film Festival. It represents the highest tribute to the art of film and the greatest affirmation of the creativity of filmmakers. Films that win the Palme d'Or must not only be technically perfect and artistically daring to explore, but also touch people's hearts spiritually and resonate with their thoughts."

He paused, then slowly opened the golden envelope in his hand.

The entire place was so quiet you could hear someone breathing.

Yang Guangming could feel his heart racing and Zhou Xun gripping his arm tightly.

Chen Daoming held his breath, and Xi Meijuan's hands trembled slightly.

At this moment, time seemed to stretch out.

The film festival chairman took out a card, glanced at it, and smiled. He looked up, his gaze sweeping towards the audience in the direction of the "A Separation" film crew.

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

He read it clearly:

"A Separation," directed by Yang Guangming!

The moment the words were spoken, deafening applause and cheers erupted from the audience.

Zhou Xun cried out "Ah!" and tears welled up instantly.

Siqin Gaowa stood up abruptly, clapped vigorously, and shouted, "Great! Excellent!" Xi Meijuan covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. Chen Daoming took a deep breath and then revealed a relieved and gratified smile.

Zhang Yimou, sitting in the front row, turned around and gave Yang Guangming a thumbs up.

The spotlight shone on Yang Guangming.

He sat there, momentarily lost in thought.

The Golden Palm.

He actually won the Palme d'Or.

At seventeen, her first film won the highest honor at Cannes.

This is more than just an award; it's the beginning of a legend.

He stood up, and his team members rushed to hug him. Chen Daoming patted him hard on the back and said only one sentence: "Go, this is your moment."

Yang Guangming straightened his suit, took a deep breath, and strode towards the stage.

The road wasn't long, but he walked exceptionally slowly. He could feel countless eyes watching him, the flashes of cameras, and the weight of history at that moment.

As he stepped onto the stage, the film festival chairman handed him the golden palm leaf trophy. The trophy was heavy, not only because of the weight of the metal, but also because of the weight of honor.

“Congratulations, young man,” the film festival chairman said in English. “You have made history.”

“Thank you, Chairman,” Yang Guangming replied in French.

He walked to the microphone and looked down at the audience. The Lumière Hall was packed, and everyone was watching him—the young Chinese man who had made Cannes history.

He raised the trophy and began his speech in clear and firm French:

"Thank you Cannes, thank you to the jury. This honor has exceeded all my expectations."

His voice echoed in the quiet hall.

"Film is a universal language; it transcends national borders and connects hearts. 'A Separation' tells a Chinese story, but the issues it explores—morality, responsibility, religion, choice, and humanity—are universal. This award is an affirmation of this universality and a tribute to film as a shared spiritual treasure of humanity."

He paused, his gaze drifting towards the film crew of "A Separation":

"This award belongs to the entire team. Without Chen Daoming's profound and restrained performance, Xi Meijuan's delicate and complex emotional expression, Siqin Gaowa's shocking and sincere outburst, Zhou Xun's pure and keen observation, and the dedication and talent of all the actors, this film would not have its soul."

Without the visual world created by cinematographer Gu Changwei, the realistic space constructed by art director Huo Tingxiao, and the professionalism and dedication of all the behind-the-scenes staff, this film would lack its substance.

He switched back to Chinese, his tone becoming even more affectionate:
"I would like to express my special thanks to my mentor, Professor Xie Fei of the Beijing Film Academy. He guided me to complete my directorial debut and taught me that film is not only a technique, but also an art and a philosophy. Teacher, this trophy is half yours."

The Chinese media section in the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Sunshine continues:
"I want to thank Beijing Film Studio and producer Han Sanping. When the film needed support the most, it was Beijing Film Studio that extended a helping hand, and it was Director Han who placed his trust in it. Chinese cinema needs such vision and breadth of mind, and it needs such supporters and promoters. I also want to thank my parents for their understanding and support of my choices. Although they initially hoped that I would take a more conventional path, when I decided to pursue my film dream, they chose to let go and trust me."

Finally, he looked at the camera, as if addressing the entire world:
"This award is an encouragement to all filmmakers who persist in creating and expressing themselves. Film should not be an appendage to entertainment, nor a tool for preaching. Film should be a platform for reflection, a resonance of emotions, a bridge of understanding, and a beacon of hope."

He raised the Palme d'Or trophy:

"We will continue our efforts to tell Chinese stories through film and to explore common human themes through film. Through film, the world sees China; and through film, China sees the world. Thank you!"

After the speech, thunderous applause erupted and lasted for a long time.

Yang Guangming bowed in thanks, took the trophy, and walked off the stage. Back in his seat, he was surrounded by his team members. Everyone wanted to touch the Palme d'Or trophy, and everyone wanted to say a word to him.

Zhou Xun cried and said, "Director, we did it, we really did it."

Siqin Gaowa shouted, "Guangming, you've truly made history! A seventeen-year-old Palme d'Or winner—that's one of a kind in the world!"

Xi Meijuan wiped away her tears: "That's wonderful, that's wonderful!"

Chen Daoming grasped his hand and shook it vigorously: "Guangming, congratulations, you are a genius! You deserve it!"

Gu Changwei was unusually excited: "This film deserves the Palme d'Or!"

Zhang Yimou, who was in the front row, came over and sincerely congratulated him: "Guangming, congratulations! Chinese cinema has taken another big step forward!"

I expressed my gratitude to Yang Guangming, my heart filled with warmth and emotion.

He knew that in this day and age, this award didn't just belong to him personally, but to the entire team and to Chinese cinema. It was a starting point, a symbol, a signal—Chinese cinema was going global and gaining recognition and respect from the world.

The awards ceremony concluded with solemn music. But for the crew of "A Separation," the night was just beginning.

As is customary, the creative team of the Palme d'Or-winning film is required to give a group interview to the media. Duan Yunfeng had already arranged an interview room, which was already packed with reporters from all over the world.

When Yang Guangming and his team entered the interview room, the flashbulbs were as bright as day. Questions came flooding in, a mix of languages.

"Director Yang, as the youngest Palme d'Or winner, how are you feeling right now?"

"Mr. Chen Daoming, although you didn't win the Best Actor award, your film won the Palme d'Or. What are your thoughts on that?"

"Ms. Siqin Gaowa, your performance has been highly praised. How would you rate your performance in the film?"

"Ms. Zhou Xun, this is your first film, and it has received such high honors. What are your expectations for the future?"

As the director, Yang Guangming naturally became the focus of attention. He answered every question calmly, switching between English, French, and Chinese, demonstrating a maturity and wisdom beyond his years.

“This award is an affirmation of our entire team,” he said. “For me, it is more of a responsibility. As a director, I must live up to this honor and continue to make powerful and heartwarming films.”

Chen Daoming's answer was as profound and concise as ever: "The ultimate pursuit of acting is not awards, but the understanding and presentation of the character. I did my best with the character Li Da, and that's enough. The film winning the Palme d'Or is an affirmation of the entire work, which is more meaningful than individual awards."

Siqin Gaowa was even more emotional: "The role of the maid is one of the most challenging roles I have ever played. I wanted to portray her suffering, but even more so, I wanted to portray her dignity and strength. The recognition from the audience and the judges made me feel that all my efforts were worthwhile."

Zhou Xun was a little nervous, but answered sincerely: "I am very lucky to have such a good script, such a good director, and such a good team for my first movie role. Li Mei taught me a lot, and this role will be a treasure for my whole life."

The interview lasted for more than an hour. Afterwards, Yang Guangming and his team members attended the Palme d'Or celebration dinner hosted by the film festival.

The gala dinner was held at a five-star hotel next to the Palais des Festivals. It brought together all the award winners, jury members, festival committee members, and celebrities from various sectors.

When Yang Guangming walked into the banquet hall with the Palme d'Or trophy, everyone stared at him. This seventeen-year-old Chinese director became the focus of the world film industry overnight.

People kept coming over to congratulate him. The jury chairman took the initiative to come over and shake his hand: "Young man, your film has moved us all. That calm strength, that restrained emotion, is very special, very sophisticated."

"Thank you, Chairman." Yang Guangming smiled brightly. "It was the judging panel that gave us this opportunity."

“No, you earned this opportunity with your work,” the jury chairman said earnestly. “Keep making films; the world needs movies like this.”

Other judges also came over to exchange ideas. Yang Guangming noticed that several judges gave his film extremely high praise, especially commending his control over the acting and narrative pacing.

Zhang Yimou also came with his team.

He raised his glass: "Guangming, congratulations again. This Palme d'Or is very significant. A seventeen-year-old director winning the Palme d'Or, you are a true genius. This news is so sensational, I think it will spread all over the world very soon."

"Thank you, Director Zhang." Yang Guangming clinked glasses with him. "Without the pioneering efforts of seniors like you, we young people wouldn't have made such a smooth journey."

“It’s a win-win situation.” Zhang Yimou smiled. “Chinese cinema needs to carry on the tradition, but it also needs to break through. You’ve done it.”

Halfway through the dinner, senior executives from Pathé also came over to offer their congratulations.

The executive from the French distribution giant shook Yang Guangming's hand warmly and said in a low voice, "Yang, congratulations. Our cooperation has been very successful. We will now fully support the distribution and promotion in Europe."

"Thank you," Yang Guangming acknowledged. "I have faith in your professionalism."

“Of course,” the other person laughed. “A Palme d’Or film is the best form of publicity. And you, a seventeen-year-old Palme d’Or director, are even more newsworthy than the film itself. I believe everyone will be curious about what kind of film this is. I can already imagine a double success at the box office and in terms of critical acclaim.”

Yang Guangming knew in his heart that this cooperation was a win-win situation.

Pathé secured the European distribution rights in advance, and "A Separation" received strong support in awards PR thanks to Pathé's resources and connections. Although these things weren't said publicly, they were understood by both sides.

The banquet lasted until the early hours of the morning. Although exhausted, Yang Ming was in high spirits. He knew that from tonight onwards, everything would be different.

It was nearly 2 a.m. when we got back to the hotel.

But no one on the team felt tired. They gathered in the brightly lit suite, looking at the two trophies on the coffee table—the Palme d'Or and the Golden Camera—shining under the lights.

"It feels like a dream," Zhou Xun murmured. "We really won the Palme d'Or."

Siqin Gaowa poured herself a glass of red wine and raised it generously: "Come on, cheers for the Palme d'Or!"

Everyone raised their glasses.

"cheers!"

The clinking of glasses echoed through the room.

Chen Daoming put down his wine glass, looked at Yang Guangming, and said earnestly, "Guangming, this Palme d'Or is both an honor and a pressure for you. In the future, everyone will judge your work by higher standards, but you are a genius, I believe in you, and everyone will believe in you!"

"I understand." Yang Guangming nodded. "So I will work even harder and live up to this honor and everyone's trust in me."

"I will always believe in you." Chen Daoming smiled, "Because you are the least like a newcomer director I have ever met."

Xi Meijuan also said gently, "Guangming, this movie made me realize the possibilities of acting again. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"It was Teacher Xi who acted so well," Yang Guangming said sincerely.

As the director of photography, Gu Changwei focused more on the technical aspects: "The visual style of this film is likely to become a model for many young directors in the future. The calm and restrained observer's perspective in the film is very powerful."

"It's because Teacher Gu took the photos so well," Yang Guangming said.

They chatted for a while longer, until 3 a.m., before going back to their rooms to rest.

The sun was shining brightly, but he couldn't sleep. He stood on the balcony, looking at Cannes under the night sky. The lights of the Palais des Festivals were off, and the Promenade de la Cité was deserted. After more than ten days of hustle and bustle, the small city had finally returned to tranquility.

But his heart was in turmoil.

The Golden Palm.

This award is more than just a trophy; it's a milestone. It marks a fantastic start to his directing career and another breakthrough for Chinese cinema on the international stage.

He recalled the days and nights of filming, the repeated polishing during post-production, and everyone's dedication and hard work. All of this culminated in the greatest reward tonight.

My phone rang; it was an overseas call from China. The time in China was 10:00 AM.

When the sunlight shone through, it was Han Sanping's excited voice:

"Bright! I just got the news! The Palme d'Or! My God, it really is the Palme d'Or! The domestic media has gone crazy, all the TV stations are interrupting their broadcasts! You've made history!"

Han Sanping's voice trembled with excitement: "I've received so many calls from leaders, all congratulating and praising me! Guangming, this time you've not only brought glory to Chinese cinema, you've brought glory to the entire Chinese culture!"

Yang Guangming could understand Han Sanping's excitement. As the director of Beijing Film Studio and a film producer, this Palme d'Or was a significant achievement in his career.

"Director Han, this is all thanks to the entire team." Yang Guangming remained humble.

"I know, I know!" Han Sanping said loudly, "But you are the core, the soul! You deserve this award! By the way, when are you going back to China? We want to hold a grand celebration, a high-profile one, so that everyone knows the good news!"

"There are copyright negotiations tomorrow, and our flight is the afternoon after tomorrow, arriving in Beijing the day after that."

"Great! I'll arrange the airport pickup, I'll take care of everything!" Han Sanping was very excited. "This time, the scale of the airport pickup will definitely be much larger than the one you had when you came back from Venice! You are triumphant heroes!"

After hanging up with Han Sanping, my phone started ringing incessantly again.

Teacher Xie Fei, Dean Liu Guodian, his mother Chen Zhiyun, his father Yang Hongwen, Jiang Wen, Zuo Xiaoqing, Chen Hong, and all those who care about him sent their congratulations.

Yang Guangming replied to each message until his phone got hot.

The last text message was from Chen Hong:
"Guangming, I saw you on TV in Hong Kong. You looked so radiant standing on the stage, holding the Palme d'Or trophy. I'm so proud of you, and so happy for you. When you come back, I'll be the first to hug you!"

Yang Guangming replied:
"Okay, I'll be back."

He put away his phone and returned to his room, looking at the two trophies on the coffee table. The leaves of the golden palm trees shimmered under the light, as if telling a story about dreams and perseverance.

He knew that from this night onward, his life would enter a new phase. The future held more opportunities and more challenges; more praise and more expectations.

But he was ready.

Seventeen years old, Palme d'Or director.

This is just the beginning. (End of Chapter)