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

After finalizing the investment share for "Love" with Han Sanping, Yang Guangming did not linger at the factory.

They also need to communicate with Hong Kong Island as soon as possible, since the Asian film company is an important part of his strategy.

Back in his study in the courtyard house, he dialed the direct line to Nansun Shi's office in Hong Kong.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Shi Nansheng's efficient voice came through: "Hello, this is Shi Nansheng from Asian Cinema."

"Mr. Shi, it's me, Guangming."

"Young Master Ming?" Shi Nansheng's voice immediately became friendly. "What made you decide to call? Is there any progress on the new movie?"

Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair, speaking calmly: "I just finished talking with Director Han of Beijing Film Studio, and the investment ratio for the new film 'Love' has been finalized. Beijing Film Studio will get 30%, Qiming Studio 40%, and Asia Film Studio 30%."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone; Shi Nansheng was clearly processing the information quickly.

“Thirty percent… Bright, this share is ideal for Asian films.” Her voice revealed satisfaction. “However, I remember you mentioned before that introducing Asian film investment was for long-term co-production planning?”

“That’s exactly right,” Yang Guangming explained. “This collaboration is a trial balloon. With this start, we can continue this model for future co-productions.”

In the future, Hong Kong films produced in Asian film industries, as long as the subject matter is suitable and can be co-produced, can enter the mainland market through this method without occupying import quotas.

Nansun Shi took a deep breath: "I understand what you mean. This is indeed a strategic move for Asian cinema. Although the Hong Kong film market is prosperous, its capacity is limited. If we can open up the mainland market, the development space will be completely different."

She paused, her voice becoming more serious: "Mr. Ming, I admire your long-term planning this time. It's not just about investing in one film; you're paving the way for the future of Asian cinema."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "I just think that film cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong should be more in-depth and institutionalized. Co-productions are a good direction. They can not only allow Hong Kong films to gain a larger market, but also promote exchanges between filmmakers from both places. Moreover, this is in line with the policies of the authorities."

“Completely agree,” Shi Nansheng affirmed. “So, what kind of cooperation is needed from the Asian film sector regarding the co-production procedures for ‘Love’?”

"Regarding the formalities, Beijing Film Studio will take the lead in handling them, as they are more familiar with the process. As for Asian Films, they may need to provide some company qualification documents, as well as a list of the Hong Kong production team. I will have Duan Yunfeng liaise with you on the specifics."

"No problem, I'll have someone coordinate." Shi Nansheng readily agreed. "By the way, when does filming start? Do you need any actors or technical staff from Hong Kong?"

"Filming is tentatively scheduled to begin in early August, with the main shooting location in Beijing. As for the cast, we've already confirmed Lan Tianye and Qin Yi, and for another important role, I plan to cast Xi Meijuan. They're all mainland actors, so their acting styles will be more consistent." Yang Guangming paused for a moment, "However, we can consider doing post-production in Hong Kong Island, as the technology there is more advanced."

“Okay, I’ve got it. Just let me know if you need anything.” Shi Nansheng said sincerely, “Mr. Ming, to be honest, ever since ATV was acquired, your family has put a lot of pressure on me to manage Asian films. But now that I see how well you plan and how far you have in your vision, and with you at the helm, I have a lot of confidence in the company’s future.”

"I have no doubt about Mr. Shi's abilities. We just need to cooperate and get things done."

After exchanging a few more words about the specific details of the film's preparation, Yang Guangming hung up the phone.

He walked to the window, looked at the lush greenery in the yard, and began to plan his next move.

Once the investment share was determined, the formal project approval process for "Love" immediately commenced.

Legal representatives from Qiming Studio, Beijing Film Studio, and Asia Films met intensively over the next week to draft and sign a joint investment agreement. The agreement clarified key terms such as the investment ratios of each party, profit sharing, copyright ownership, and decision-making mechanisms.

As the director and screenwriter, Yang Guangming retained the final creative decision-making power.

Commercial and distribution matters are decided by a production committee composed of the three parties.

In the producer section, Yang Guangming insisted on including the names of Han Sanping and Duan Yunfeng. Han Sanping represented Beijing Film Studio, while Duan Yunfeng represented Qiming Studio and Asian Film. This arrangement not only demonstrated respect for all parties but also fully utilized the abilities and resources of both individuals.

Gu Changwei was retained as director of photography. Having worked with him on "A Separation," Yang Guangming greatly admired Gu Changwei's calm and restrained visual style, believing it was very suitable for a film like "Love," which was emotionally restrained and required delicate lighting to create atmosphere.

The art director was Huo Tingxiao. This young but talented art director just won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Art Direction last year for "The Lanterns". He has great ideas for the grasp of details and the creation of spatial atmosphere.

Other core positions, such as recording, editing, and costume, have also been filled by selected candidates, most of whom are professionals who have worked with us before or have an excellent reputation in the industry.

The entire team is almost the same as that of "A Separation," with only minor adjustments made to suit the characteristics of the new film. Such a team has low setup costs, high synergy, and can maximize both shooting efficiency and quality.

The most important thing next is to determine the cast.

Yang Guangming chose Xi Meijuan for the role of the daughter almost without hesitation.

In "A Separation", Xi Meijuan's portrayal of the wife Gao Min, with her restrained, struggling yet powerful performance, left a deep impression on Yang Guangming.

The daughter in "Love" also needs to express her emotions in a delicate and nuanced way, showing her love for her parents while also portraying her complex feelings when faced with her father's difficult decision—moral disapproval, emotional understanding, and ultimately, helpless acceptance.

This is a challenging role, but Yang Guangming believes that Xi Meijuan can handle it, and Xi Meijuan's temperament is also very suitable for the role.

He personally called Xi Meijuan.

"Mr. Xi, this is Guangming. I'm calling to discuss a new project with you."

Yang Guangming briefly introduced the story outline of "Love" and the character of the daughter.

Xi Meijuan listened intently on the other end of the phone. "This subject matter... is very heavy, but very powerful. The role of the daughter, caught between her parents and facing a choice between life and death, is indeed a great test for an actor. Such a good role, and it's Director Yang's new film, such a good opportunity, I would never miss it."

Yang Guangming said sincerely, "Thank you for your trust, Teacher Xi. I admire your handling of complex emotions in 'A Separation'. I think you are the only one who can play this role."

Xi Meijuan was more interested in the script and asked, "Can I take a look at the script first? Give me more time so I can prepare better."

"Of course, I'll have someone send it to you tomorrow."

"Okay, then I'll prepare and wait for Director Yang's call at any time."

Two days later, Xi Meijuan called Yang Guangming. Her voice was hoarse, clearly from crying.

“Director Yang, I’ve read the script… I’ve been reading it all afternoon, and it’s making me feel so choked up.” She paused. “This story is so real, so cruel. My mother passed away a couple of years ago; she was also bedridden for a long time after being sick, so it really resonates with me.”

Yang Guangming listened quietly.

“I will definitely play this role well,” Xi Meijuan said firmly. “Although it will be painful to play, this story is worth telling. I need some time to adjust my emotions, but it won’t delay filming.”

"Thank you, Teacher Xi," Yang Guangming said sincerely. "During filming, I will pay attention to the pace and try my best not to put too much emotional pressure on everyone."

"I'm definitely fine with everything on my end. The director can arrange whatever he wants," Xi Meijuan said softly. "By the way, I heard that Lan Tianye has been cast as the male lead?"

"Yes, Director Han has already extended the invitation, and Teacher Lan has agreed."

"That's great. Teacher Lan's skill in acting out these kinds of inner monologues is absolutely top-notch. And the female lead?"

"Teacher Qin Yi."

Xi Meijuan's voice came from the other end of the phone, praising, "Teacher Qin Yi... is truly a divine casting choice. Her elegant, resilient yet slightly fragile temperament is perfect for this role. Guangming, your pairing is absolutely brilliant."

"It depends on whether the teachers are willing to come out of retirement," Yang Guangming said with a smile.

In fact, Han Sanping acted very quickly.

While Yang Guangming was preparing for his new film, Han Sanping, on behalf of the Beijing Film Studio, formally sent an invitation to Lan Tianye and Qin Yi, along with a synopsis of the script for "Love".

Although the two veteran artists were advanced in years and rarely took on roles, the invitation from the Palme d'Or director carried significant weight. Furthermore, with Han Sanping personally intervening and displaying a sincere attitude, both expressed their willingness to read the script first. A week later, Han Sanping brought good news to Yang Guangming.

"Guangming, Teacher Lan and Teacher Qin have both read the script, and their initial intention is to take on the role!" Han Sanping couldn't hide his excitement on the phone.

Yang Guangming immediately said, "I'd like to take some time to visit you two teachers. When would be a convenient time for you?"

"As for Teacher Lan, anytime is fine; you can set the time. Teacher Qin is in Shanghai, and she said she'll come to Beijing as soon as possible so as not to cause trouble for the director and crew," Han Sanping suggested. "Why don't you see Teacher Lan first? He's in Beijing, so it's convenient for him. As for Teacher Qin, I'll accompany you on a special trip to Shanghai; it'll seem more formal. Mainly, considering the age of both teachers and the heavy workload they have, it's indeed more appropriate to visit and communicate with them in advance."

"Okay, we'll do as you say."

Yang Guangming chose to visit Teacher Lan Tianye on a Sunday afternoon.

He asked Wu Fang to prepare some fine tea and nutritional supplements, not expensive, but a token of his goodwill. He himself wore a decent casual outfit: a white shirt and dark trousers, neither overly formal nor disrespectful.

Lan Tianye lives in a quiet neighborhood in Dongcheng District, Beijing. The house is not big, but it is clean and elegant. Several calligraphy and paintings hang on the walls, and the bookshelves are full of books, exuding a strong cultural atmosphere.

The old man was seventy-eight years old, but he was in good spirits and had clear eyes. When he saw Yang Guangming, he smiled and waved, "Guangming's here, have a seat. Don't be shy, make yourself at home."

"Hello, Teacher Lan, I'm sorry to disturb your rest." Yang Guangming casually placed the gift aside.

"What do you mean by disturbing me? I'm an old man with plenty of free time." Lan Tianye pointed to the sofa. "Sit down and let's talk. You're quite remarkable now, a seventeen-year-old Palme d'Or-winning director who has brought glory to Chinese cinema on the international stage."

Yang Guangming smiled modestly: "We were lucky, but it was mainly the team's hard work."

"Don't give me that." Lan Tianye waved his hand. "With good luck, I might win an award, but not the Palme d'Or. I was also one of the actors in 'A Separation,' and the film was indeed well made—calm, restrained, and powerful. That's not luck; it's skill."

He paused, then picked up the script from the coffee table: "I've read this script too. It's very well written, especially the idea of ​​setting the male and female leads as a Peking Opera artist and a piano teacher. That's a very creative concept."

Yang Guangming listened attentively: "Do you think this setting is appropriate?"

“It’s very suitable,” Lan Tianye affirmed. “Peking Opera and piano, one Chinese and one Western, one traditional and one modern, the contrast itself is very meaningful. Moreover, the sense of ritual and dedication to art of Peking Opera actors are connected with the character’s perseverance and dignity later on.”

He opened the script and pointed to a passage: "Here, after his wife suffers a stroke, the male protagonist still sings for her every day, even though she can no longer hear... This detail is particularly good. Love is not about grand gestures, but about this kind of daily persistence, about doing something even when you know it's futile."

Yang Guangming nodded: "That's exactly what I wanted to express. When illness and aging destroy the body, in what form can love still exist?"

Lan Tianye looked at Yang Guangming with admiration in his eyes: "You're so young, yet you've thought of this much. That's impressive. I've been thinking about this role for a long time, and I'm determined to play it well."

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, Teacher Lan."

"However, I have to be upfront about this," Lan Tianye said seriously. "I'm getting older, and my energy isn't what it used to be. During filming, I need to control the pace well, and I probably can't work non-stop. I can't film too many emotionally intense scenes in one day; I need a buffer. The main reason I'm making this request is because I'm worried about my health. If something goes wrong, it will only slow down the crew."

"Don't worry about that. I will personally oversee the filming schedule, and the workload each day won't be too heavy. Your health is the most important thing," Yang Guangming solemnly promised.

"That's good." Lan Tianye smiled. "By the way, I heard that Qin Yi has been cast as the female lead?"

"Yes, Director Han has already made the contact, and Teacher Qin has also agreed. I plan to visit her in Shanghai in a couple of days."

"Qin Yi..." Lan Tianye sighed, "We worked together when we were young, and she's a truly excellent actress. She's the perfect fit for this role. I'm very confident that the two of us will work together."

The two then discussed their understanding of the characters and their thoughts on acting. Yang Guangming discovered that although Lan Tianye was nearly eighty years old, his mind was clear and his understanding of acting was very profound; many of his insights benefited him greatly.

After chatting for more than an hour, Yang Guangming got up to say goodbye.

As he was leaving, Lan Tianye patted him on the shoulder: "Guangming, do your best. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. Film is art, but it's also life. Relax."

"I understand, thank you, Teacher Lan."

Leaving Lan Tianye's house, I felt bright and cheerful under the sunshine. With such a veteran artist at the helm, the quality of the film's performances was guaranteed.

Next, I will visit Qin Yi in Shanghai.

Han Sanping was originally going to accompany them, but he couldn't leave due to an important meeting at the factory. Yang Guangming then asked Duan Yunfeng to arrange the itinerary, and the two flew to Shanghai.

Qin Yi lives in an old Western-style house in the western part of Shanghai. The courtyard is full of flowers and plants, lush and green, making it quiet and elegant.

This performing artist, in her seventies, still maintains an elegant demeanor. She wore a light purple cheongsam, her hair was neatly combed, and although the years have left their mark on her face, her eyes remain bright and spirited.

"Hello, Teacher Qin, I am Yang Guangming." Yang Guangming greeted respectfully.

"Please come in." Qin Yi smiled and welcomed him into the house. "I've heard about you for a long time, the youngest Palme d'Or director. Meeting you today, you are indeed a man of great talent."

The living room is decorated in an antique style, with blue and white porcelain vases and ink paintings hanging on the walls, revealing the owner's taste in every detail.

After the two sat down, the nanny brought out tea.

“I’ve read the script.” Qin Yi got straight to the point, her voice gentle but clear. “I cried three times while reading it. This story reminded me of my mother when she was ill in her later years.”

She paused, her gaze distant: "I know all too well the feeling of being physically and mentally exhausted when taking care of a sick relative. This script is very realistic, without any embellishment or deliberate sentimentality; it presents things calmly, which makes it even more powerful."

Yang Guangming nodded: "What I want to present is this kind of real, unfiltered love and pain."

Qin Yi looked at him and said earnestly, "You have a lot of courage in choosing this subject matter. You are so young, yet you have written such a script. I am really surprised."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and then slowly said, "Teacher Qin, I think movies are more than just entertainment. They should also record life and explore those issues that we all face but are unwilling to confront. Aging, illness, death, and the forms of love in these extreme situations—these topics may be heavy, but they are worth telling."

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, I think Chinese cinema needs works like this. We have classic rural films, but we should also have these kinds of films that deeply resonate with people and explore the essence of life. The Palme d'Or has given me some voice, and I want to use it to make some meaningful attempts."

Qin Yi listened quietly, her eyes gradually revealing a look of approval.

“Well said,” she said softly. “Movies should indeed have many facets. It’s rare to have such awareness and responsibility at your age.”

She picked up the script from the coffee table and turned to a page: "Here, after the wife suffers a stroke, she can only communicate with her husband through her eyes... This scene demands a very high level of acting skill. She can't speak, she can't move, all the emotions must be conveyed through her eyes."

“That’s exactly why I wanted to invite you, Teacher Qin,” Yang Guangming said sincerely. “This kind of restrained yet layered performance requires extremely high skill. I believe that only you can handle it.”

Qin Yi smiled and continued, "Has the male lead been decided?"

"It's settled, Mr. Lan Tianye."

"Lan Tianye?" Qin Yi's eyes lit up. "He'll play the husband? That's great! We haven't worked together for many years, but I know his skills are top-notch. I'm sure I can perform even better when I act alongside him."

The two chatted for over an hour, discussing everything from their understanding of the characters to the details of filming, and had a very pleasant conversation.

When Yang Guangming left Qin Yi's house, he felt much relieved. The three main actors had all been confirmed, and they were all top-tier cast members, which laid the most solid foundation for the film's success.

Upon returning to Beijing, Yang Guangming immediately threw himself into the pre-production preparations for the film.

Meanwhile, the domestic release of "In the Heat of the Sun" has finally been scheduled. (End of Chapter)