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

At 9 p.m., the convoy departed from the Capital Cinema and headed towards Xicheng.

The courtyard house, bathed in sunlight, was already prepared.

Wu Fang and the housekeepers arranged all the rooms, providing tea, snacks, fruit, and drinks. Lanterns were hung in the courtyard, casting a warm yellow glow on the blue brick floor, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere.

The first group to arrive included friends from mainland China such as Jiang Wen, Feng Xiaogang, Wang Shuo, Liu Xiaoqing, and Xu Qing. They knew the place well and immediately found places to relax upon arrival.

"It's so much more comfortable here, young master." Jiang Wen plopped down in the armchair in the tea room and let out a long sigh. "Today's events were exhausting."

"But you know what, the effect is really good." Feng Xiaogang sat across from him and lit a cigarette. "I've observed that the media and audience reactions have been very enthusiastic. This battle for Bright Dairy can be considered a successful start. With such a sensational publicity, the box office performance is sure to be good."

Wang Shuo sipped his tea leisurely: "The key is that the film itself is excellent. No matter how much you promote it, if the film isn't good, it's all for nothing. The film 'A Separation' is indeed of high quality."

Liu Xiaoqing and Xu Qing rested on the sofa on the other side, chatting quietly.

“Honghong looks so beautiful today,” Liu Xiaoqing said with a smile. “Standing next to Guangming, they are a perfect match.”

Xu Qing nodded: "They seem to have great chemistry. But Guangming is only seventeen, that age difference..."

“Age isn’t a problem,” Liu Xiaoqing blinked. “The key is the feeling. I think Guangming treats Honghong very differently, and Honghong’s gaze towards Guangming is different too.”

Just then, the second group of guests arrived.

Friends from Hong Kong Island, including Nansun Shi, Tsui Hark, Leslie Cheung, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Sammo Hung, visited the courtyard house accompanied by Yang Guangming and Chen Hong.

Upon entering, everyone was immediately drawn to the exquisite and comfortable courtyard.

"Young Master Ming, your courtyard is amazing," Shi Nansheng exclaimed. "The combination of classical and modern styles is so wonderful; your taste is impeccable."

"Mr. Shi, you flatter me. I just wanted some peace and quiet," Yang Guangming said modestly.

Tsui Hark was very interested in the display cabinet in the tea room and went over to examine the tea sets and antiques on display. Leslie Cheung, on the other hand, sat quietly in a chair by the window, looking at the night view of the bamboo forest outside.

Jackie Chan, being an outgoing person, quickly struck up a conversation with Jiang Wen and Feng Xiaogang. Although they came from different film backgrounds, they shared a passion for film and soon found common ground.

Jet Li and Sammo Hung were more interested in the architectural structure of the courtyard and, accompanied by Wu Fang, toured the various rooms.

As the hostess, Chen Hong thoughtfully entertained all her friends. She was naturally sociable and familiar with the place, quickly making everyone feel at home.

"Honghong, how are you adjusting to life on Hong Kong Island these days?" Shi Nansheng asked with concern, holding Chen Hong's hand.

"It's great. Mr. Shi takes good care of me, and my friends are also very concerned about me," Chen Hong said with a smile. "It's just that I'm a bit busy with work; my new movie will be promoting soon."

“Being busy is a good thing.” Shi Nansheng patted her hand. “This is your first film as the female lead since you came to Hong Kong Island, so it’s very important to you. Moreover, this film is also the first exclusive production of Asian cinema. Whether it can be a hit or not is of great significance.”

On the other side, Yang Guangming was chatting with Tsui Hark and Leslie Cheung.

"Guangming, what are your next plans?" Tsui Hark asked. "After the Palme d'Or, the pressure must be considerable."

"There is definitely pressure, but it is also a driving force," Yang Guangming answered honestly. "I am still a student at Beijing Film Academy, and my primary task is to complete my studies. As for the new project, it is still in the planning stage, so there is no rush."

“That’s a great mindset,” Tsui Hark nodded. “Many directors rush to make their next film as soon as they win an award, which makes them more likely to make a mistake. Take some time to reflect and think things through before you start.”

Leslie Cheung, however, was more concerned with the creative process itself: "Did you write the script for 'A Separation' yourself?"

"Yes, the material is drawn from some social news and stories from our surroundings."

"It's very well written, especially the complexity of the characters, which is very realistic." Leslie Cheung said earnestly, "The most difficult thing in acting is to play a real person. Characters have strengths and weaknesses, they struggle and make mistakes. Your script gives actors a lot of room to maneuver."

"It's because the actors performed so well." Yang Guangming looked at Chen Daoming not far away. "Teacher Chen and the others' understanding of the characters exceeded my expectations."

Chen Daoming seemed to sense their gazes and walked over with a teacup in his hand.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"They're praising Teacher Chen's acting," Yang Guangming said with a smile.

Chen Daoming shook his head: "It's because the director did a good job. Guangming knew exactly what he wanted on set, which is the biggest help for an actor."

Tsui Hark has great respect for Chen Daoming: "Mr. Chen's performance is truly superb. I had heard of your great name in Hong Kong, and after seeing your performance today, I am deeply impressed."

"Director Tsui, you flatter me. I've seen many of your films; they all have a unique style." Chen Daoming shook hands with Tsui Hark.

The group chatted about the working relationship between actors and directors, and the more they talked, the more they clicked. Although Leslie Cheung didn't talk much, every time he spoke, he was very insightful, and his understanding of acting made Chen Daoming nod frequently in agreement.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wen and Jackie Chan had already discussed the possibility of cooperation.

"Brother, what are your filming plans for the future?" Jiang Wen asked.

"We're shooting a Hollywood movie in the second half of the year, and then an action film in Hong Kong." Jackie Chan asked, "What about Director Jiang? What new projects do you have after 'In the Heat of the Sun'?"

"It's still in the planning stages." Jiang Wen took a sip of her drink. "However, I'm very interested in action comedy, and I'd like to give it a try if I have the chance."

“Great, let’s talk about it.” Jackie Chan became interested. “The mainland market is getting bigger and bigger, and co-productions are the trend.”

Feng Xiaogang and Wang Shuo also joined the discussion. Although they have different styles, they share a consensus on the film market: Chinese films are becoming increasingly difficult, and the emergence of young directors like Yang Guangming may bring about new changes.

The party lasted until late at night.

They drank tea and wine, chatting about movies, life, and the future. It was a rare occasion for filmmakers from mainland China and Hong Kong to gather together. There were no barriers, no distance, only a shared love and anticipation for film.

At one o'clock in the morning, the guests began to leave one after another.

Nansun Shi, Tsui Hark, Leslie Cheung, and others will be flying back to Hong Kong Island tomorrow, and Yang Guangming and Chen Hong personally saw them off at the door.

“Guangming, let’s keep in touch.” Shi Nansheng shook his hand. “Asia Films is our own company, and I really look forward to working with a great director like you.”

"Of course, Mr. Shi, please take care."

Tsui Hark shook hands firmly with Yang Guangming: "I look forward to your visit to Hong Kong Island, and I also look forward to working with you." "Yes, Director Tsui."

Before leaving, Leslie Cheung smiled at Yang Guangming and Chen Hong and said, "Take care. I look forward to seeing you again."

"Take care, brother."

After seeing off our friends from Hong Kong Island, our friends from the mainland also left one after another. Jiang Wen, Feng Xiaogang, and others had drunk a bit too much and were still humming songs as their driver picked them up.

Finally, only Yang Guangming and Chen Hong, along with Wu Fang and the housekeeper, remained in the courtyard.

A cool night breeze dispelled the summer's sweltering heat. The soft glow of lanterns cast a gentle glow on the ground in the courtyard, and the bamboo leaves rustled softly.

"Are you tired today?" Yang Guangming asked Chen Hong.

"It's alright." Chen Hong smiled. "I'm very happy to see so many friends, and the movie is being well received."

The two stood side by side in the courtyard, looking at the stars in the night sky.

"Are you going back to Hong Kong Island the day after tomorrow?" Yang Guangming asked.

"Yes, my flight is the day after tomorrow morning." Chen Hong nodded. "The movie 'The Golden Age' is about to be released, and I need to go back to promote it."

"So rushed."

"It's work," Chen Hong turned to look at him. "And you? What are your plans for the future?"

"The movie will be released nationwide tomorrow. I'll keep an eye on the box office and reviews." Yang Guang seemed a little helpless. "Then I'll go back to school. After all, I'm still a student, and final exams are coming up soon."

Chen Hong laughed: "I almost forgot, you're still a student."

“Yes, I’m a student.” Yang Guangming smiled as well. “But this semester, I’ve taken a lot of leave.”

"Let's go inside, it's chilly outside," Yang Guangming said.

The two went inside.

For the next two days, Chen Hong stayed at the courtyard house. She accompanied Yang Guangming to two media interviews. Although they didn't spend much time together, their understanding of each other deepened.

On the morning of June 7th, Chen Hong was to fly back to Hong Kong Island.

Duan Yunfeng drove her to the airport. Yang Guangming didn't come with her this time, but before she got in the car, he handed her a small, beautifully packaged box.

"Be careful on the road. Call me when you arrive."

Chen Hong took the box, but did not open it on the spot. She simply held it in her hand and nodded.

The car drove away from the courtyard and headed towards the airport.

Yang Guangming stood at the door until the car disappeared from sight before turning back.

He turned on the TV and tuned to the movie channel. The screen was showing the trailer for "A Separation" and news about its premiere. Switching to other channels, most of them also had related reports.

The Palme d'Or, coupled with a grand premiere and numerous celebrity appearances, garnered immense attention for the film nationwide.

Starting June 6th, "A Separation" will be released simultaneously in major cities across the country.

Thanks to effective pre-release promotion, the film's quality, and its Palme d'Or win, the film achieved high attendance on its opening day.

Although this is a serious art film, its subject matter is close to real life, and the issues it explores are not obscure or difficult to understand, thus attracting audiences of all ages.

In cinemas, it's common to see audience members leaving the screening room with red eyes.

Media reviews were predominantly positive, with film critics analyzing the film's merits from various angles, while ordinary viewers discussed the moral dilemmas and characters' fates on the streets.

In an era when film box office statistics were not yet perfect or timely, it was difficult to obtain timely and accurate box office figures.

However, based on the occupancy rates and screening schedules reported by various cinemas, Han Sanping and Beijing Film Studio believe that the film's box office performance should be considered quite good.

Sure enough, the preliminary box office figures after two weeks of release are in: approximately 48 million RMB nationwide.

According to experts, the film's box office revenue might reach 70 million after its theatrical run ends.

In an era when the average box office for a film was only a few million, this was an astonishing figure. While it couldn't compare to the box office of later commercial blockbusters, it was a tremendous success for an art film.

More importantly, the film had already recouped its costs and made a huge profit through overseas copyright sales, and its domestic box office revenue was almost entirely pure profit. As one of the producers, Beijing Film Studio received a substantial share, and Han Sanping's prestige within the studio reached new heights.

Yang Guangming himself wasn't too concerned about the box office numbers. He was more interested in the audience's reaction and the discussions the film sparked. From media reports and letters from viewers, he saw the film's true impact—it made more people think about timeless topics like morality, responsibility, and family.

The school's final exams ended at the end of June.

Yang Guangming passed all his subjects with excellent grades. Although he had been absent for a long time this semester, his teachers were understanding and supportive.

Summer vacation has begun, but he doesn't have much time to rest.

The overseas release of "A Separation" has begun. With the help of Fox Searchlight, the film was released in North American art-house theaters, receiving positive reviews and box office success. In Europe, Pathé's promotional efforts were also effective, resulting in successful releases in France, Germany, Italy, and other countries.

Yang Guangming began brainstorming his next project.

Occasionally, he would receive calls from Chen Hong from Hong Kong Island. The two would talk about work, life, and movies.

After its release in Hong Kong, "The Golden Age" was a box office success, and Chen Hong's performance was well-received and garnered significant attention.

Having achieved success in her career, her voice on the phone is always light and gentle.

In early July, Yang Guangming went to Hong Kong Island, ostensibly to discuss the next steps with Asia Film Company, since the company had been operating under his direction since its inception. In reality, work could have been discussed over the phone; Yang Guangming's trip to Hong Kong Island was primarily to spend a few days with Chen Hong.

They ate together, watched movies, took walks, and spent time together; the days they spent together were always hard to part with. (End of Chapter)