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

Filming for this movie was completed last year, and it underwent repeated revisions and censorship, leaving Jiang Wen exhausted. By the time it finally passed censorship, he no longer had the energy to hold a grand premiere.

Yang Guangming and Han Sanping had a pleasant collaboration and still chose Beijing Film Studio for distribution.

After discussing with the distribution staff, Han Sanping decided to simplify the process: after the review was approved, there would be a concentrated promotion on major media outlets, and then the film would be released directly.

The release date is set for July 20th, which is a bit earlier than in the original timeline.

As the lead actor in the film, Yang Guangming needs to cooperate with the promotion. Although his main identity is now that of a director, the title of Venice Best Actor still has high promotional value.

The publishing company arranged several interviews for him with mainstream media outlets.

The first interview came from CCTV's movie channel.

The interview took place in a bright and sunny courtyard house. The reporter was a woman in her thirties, professional yet approachable.

"Guangming, first of all, congratulations on 'A Separation' winning the Palme d'Or. But today we mainly want to talk about 'In the Heat of the Sun.' This was your big-screen debut. You were only sixteen years old when you were filming it. What led you to participate in this film?"

Yang Guangming sat relaxed in the armchair in the tea room: "At that time, Director Jiang Wen was looking for investment for her film. She introduced me to me through a friend. I had read the original novel and liked it very much. I personally wanted to participate in this film."

Later, during casting, Director Jiang felt that my image and temperament were a good fit for the role of Ma Xiaojun, so he invited me to give it a try. Unexpectedly, after the audition, he thought I was quite suitable, and that's how I got the part.

"Is it stressful to act in a movie for the first time, especially as the male lead?"

Yang Guangming frankly said, "It was my first time acting in a movie, and such an important role at that, so the pressure was really immense. Fortunately, Director Jiang is very experienced and gave me a lot of guidance, and the crew members also took good care of me."

The reporter nodded: "The film won two major awards at Venice. How did you feel when you won the Best Actor award?"

"It's unexpected, but also an honor," Yang Guangming smiled. "I really didn't expect it at the time. Receiving this award feels more like recognition of the entire film; I was just lucky to be a part of it."

"You're always so modest," the reporter said with a smile. "Now that the movie is finally going to be released in China, are you looking forward to the audience's reaction?"

"Of course I'm looking forward to it. This film tells the story of youthful memories from a specific era. Although the historical context is different, the emotions and confusion of youth are universal. I hope the audience can find resonance in the film."

"From Venice Best Actor to Palme d'Or Director, your roles have changed rapidly. Will you focus more on directing or acting in the future?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "At this stage, directing will probably take up more of my time. Because directing allows me to express my ideas more fully. But I won't give up acting either. If I come across a suitable role, I will still act. The two are not contradictory; they are both part of the filmmaking process."

The interview lasted for more than forty minutes, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

In the following days, interviews with Yang Guangming were conducted by mainstream media outlets such as the Kyoto Youth Daily, China Film News, and Southern Weekly. Yang Guangming answered each question earnestly and sincerely, winning the favor of the reporters.

These interviews were published one after another before the film's release, generating considerable buzz for the film.

On July 20th, "In the Heat of the Sun" was released nationwide.

Thanks to effective pre-release promotion, coupled with the celebrity appeal of Jiang Wen and Yang Guangming, the film achieved impressive box office results on its opening day. Although its screening schedule wasn't extensive, its occupancy rate was high.

When audiences entered the cinema, they were presented with a youth film that was different from what they had imagined.

There is no deliberate embellishment, no cheap sentimentality; what we see is simply the true state of a group of teenagers in that special era—restless, confused, growing wildly, yet radiating pure vitality.

Yang Guangming's portrayal of Ma Xiaojun has become the focus of much discussion.

This character is not perfect and even has many flaws: impulsive, belligerent, ignorant, and has a limited understanding of sex and love.

But Yang Guangming's performance gave the character a unique charm. His naiveté perfectly matched the character's naiveté, and that awkward sincerity touched many people.

Most media reviews also gave it a positive rating.

A film review in the Chinese Film News stated: "Yang Guangming's performance in 'In the Heat of the Sun' is simply stunning. He perfectly captured the chaotic state of adolescence in a specific era—both yearning for and imitating adulthood, yet retaining a childlike innocence and clumsiness. The Venice Film Festival Best Actor award is well-deserved!"

The Kyoto Entertainment News, on the other hand, focused more on the topicality of Yang Guangming himself: "From top scorer in the college entrance examination to Venice Film Festival Best Actor, and then to Palme d'Or director, Yang Guangming is writing the most legendary page in the history of Chinese cinema."

"In the Heat of the Sun" allowed audiences to see his talent as an actor, rather than just the media-created image of a genius.

The response from ordinary viewers was also very enthusiastic.

In movie theaters, laughter and sighs can often be heard from the audience. Those memories of youth and the confusion of growing up transcend time and touch the hearts of everyone.

With the release of the film, Yang Guangming's popularity reached a new height.

If before, his name appeared more often in the culture section and entertainment headlines, as a symbol of a "genius director," now he has a concrete image.

On the streets and alleys, many people can recognize his face. When you go to a restaurant, people will come up to ask for his autograph; when you walk down the street, people will point and say, "Look, that's Yang Guangming, the one who played Ma Xiaojun!"

The attention that comes with fame is a price he must pay.

Fortunately, the courtyard house is in a secluded location with adequate security measures, making it difficult for ordinary fans and the media to disturb his life.

After its release, "In the Heat of the Sun" saw a continuous rise in box office revenue. Although as an art film, it couldn't possibly have the explosive power of American blockbusters, it was still a remarkable achievement among films of its genre.

Jiang Wen was finally freed from the agonizing ordeal of the long interrogation and was in high spirits. She invited Yang Guangming for drinks.

The two of them sat in the courtyard of the traditional courtyard house, enjoying a few side dishes and drinking Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor).

"Young Master, this is a toast to you." Jiang Wen raised his glass, his tone sincere. "Without you, this film wouldn't have been finished, let alone won any awards. I, Jiang Wen, have never admired many people in my life, but you are one of them."

Yang Guangming clinked glasses with him: "Old Jiang, you flatter me. The film's success is thanks to your excellent directing."

"Don't give me that." Jiang Wen downed her drink in one gulp and wiped her mouth. "I know what's going on. You're the one who found the most crucial investment, you're the one who put the show on the line, and even the overseas rights selling for so much money is inseparable from your efforts. I, Jiang Wen, am not an ungrateful person."

He poured himself another glass and looked at Yang Guangming: "I heard your new film starts shooting in August? And Gu Changwei is still the cinematographer?"

"Yes, the new movie is tentatively titled 'Love,' and it's about an elderly couple."

Jiang Wen nodded: "The subject matter is quite profound. Who's been cast as the lead?"

"Lan Tianye, Qin Yi, Xi Meijuan."

Jiang Wen's eyes widened: "Wow, this cast... they're all veteran actors. Young Master, you're aiming for another award."

"Let's take good photos first." Yang Guangming smiled. "Whether we win an award or not depends on fate."

"You're being too modest," Jiang Wen shook her head. "But you're right, when making a movie, you have to be true to yourself first. Come on, have another drink."

The two drank and chatted, talking about everything from movies to life, until late at night.

After seeing Jiang Wen off, Yang Guangming stood in the courtyard, looking at the stars in the night sky.

In July and August, the night breeze in Beijing is slightly cool. In a few days, filming for "Love" will begin.

This will be his second film as a director, and a key step in his plan to win Cannes again.

There was pressure, of course, but he felt more anticipation.

On August 1st, filming for "Love" officially began in Beijing.

There was no grand opening ceremony; the main cast and crew took a group photo, and then filming began immediately.

The first scene is set in an old residential building in Chaoyang District. This building has been transformed into the home of the retired Peking Opera artist and piano teacher in the play.

The set design was completed ahead of schedule. The room was not large, but it revealed the owner's taste and lifestyle in every detail: there were Peking Opera masks and calligraphy works on the walls, an old-fashioned piano in the corner, and both sheet music and opera scripts on the bookshelf. Several potted plants were growing on the balcony.

Yang Guangming arrived very early and checked the camera positions and lighting with Gu Changwei.

"This scene is set in everyday life, so we need to capture the texture of life," Yang Guangming instructed Gu Changwei. "The lighting should be softer, use more natural light, and avoid overly dramatic lighting."

Gu Changwei nodded: "Understood. I want to use long shots, following them from the kitchen to the living room, to show the rhythm of their daily lives."

"Okay, let's give it a try."

At 9:00 AM sharp, Lan Tianye and Qin Yi arrived at the film set on time.

Both veteran artists made thorough preparations. Lan Tianye specifically consulted teachers at the Peking Opera Theatre to learn some basic Peking Opera movements and singing techniques for his role. Qin Yi spent a long time observing the condition of stroke patients, studying how to express emotions through her eyes and subtle facial expressions.

The first scene is simple: in the morning, the husband is preparing breakfast in the kitchen while the wife plays the piano in the living room. It's a simple dialogue, an everyday interaction, but the goal is to capture the tacit understanding and warmth between the couple.

"Teacher Lan, Teacher Qin, let's go through the scene first, no rush to film," Yang Guangming said to the two lead actors.

Lan Tianye and Qin Yi nodded and got into the zone.

The cameras weren't on, but everyone held their breath.

Lan Tianye, who plays Lu Wenyuan, is dressed in a casual dark blue shirt, frying eggs and heating milk in the kitchen with practiced ease. Qin Yi, who plays Su Jing, sits at the piano, playing Schumann's "Träumerei".

Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on her white hair and the piano keys, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

When the music ended, Lu Wenyuan came out carrying breakfast.

"Jing, breakfast is ready."

Su Jing turned her head and smiled gently at him: "The eggs were cooked perfectly today."

“That’s right, I’ve been practicing for decades,” Lu Wenyuan said humorously.

The two sat down at the dining table and chatted about their plans for the day—going to the bookstore to buy newly arrived sheet music, as an old friend was coming to visit in the afternoon.

Simple conversations, ordinary daily life, yet they reveal the warmth of decades of mutual support and affection.

After the play was performed once, Yang Guangming applauded.

"That's wonderful, both teachers." He sincerely praised, "That's exactly the state of mind, deep affection in the ordinary."

Lan Tianye laughed and said, "When you get old, you'll realize that life is all about these trivialities. A love that shakes the heavens and earth can't compare to the warmth of a breakfast."

Qin Yi nodded in agreement: "I talked to Lao Lan, and we both felt that the hardest part of this play is 'not acting.' The more ordinary and real it is, the more touching it will be."

“Yes, that’s right, we shouldn’t act.” Yang Guangming agreed. “Let’s just live authentically in this space. The camera will record, not perform.”

Filming has officially begun.

Gu Changwei's camera moved slowly, following the camera from the kitchen to the living room, capturing every subtle movement and expression. Yang Guangming sat behind the monitor, intently watching the footage.

The first one is approved.

But he felt it could have been better.

“One more thing. Ms. Lan, when you're frying eggs, you can hum a couple of lines from a play, just hum casually, it doesn't have to be too clear. Ms. Qin, when you hear your husband humming a play while you're playing the piano, you can smile, just a natural smile.”

Article 2, Article 3...

There's no rush. This kind of drama needs time to be polished, to bring out the most authentic feel of life.

When they got to the sixth take, he finally yelled "Cut!"

The footage on the monitor was warm, peaceful, and full of life. The interaction between the two elderly people was so natural, as if they had actually lived together for decades.

"Perfect," Gu Changwei murmured in admiration.

Yang Guangming nodded and walked up to the two teachers: "That's great, this is exactly the feeling I wanted."

Lan Tianye wiped his hands: "Director, it's a good thing you have high standards. We're not afraid of shooting a few more takes, we're just afraid of not being able to shoot what you want."

Qin Yi also laughed and said, "Yes, some directors these days cheer as soon as they get it right in one take, but they haven't really grasped the essence at all. Your seriousness makes us feel more at ease."

The first day of filming went smoothly.

Yang Guangming originally planned to film for a month and a half, but at this pace, it could probably be completed in a month. However, he doesn't intend to rush the work; he'd rather go slower to ensure the quality of each scene.

The filming proceeded smoothly over the next few days.

Xi Meijuan joined the crew on the third day. She plays Lu Xiaoyun, the daughter, a successful lawyer who is independent and rational, but also shows vulnerability and struggle when faced with her parents' predicament.

Her first scene was about going home to visit her parents on the weekend.

The key to this scene is to show the close yet generation-gap relationship between the daughter and her parents.

She cares about her parents, but can't truly understand the values ​​of their world; she loves them, but their different life philosophies also cause friction.

Xi Meijuan's performance is delicate and nuanced. When facing her parents, she displays both the competence of a professional woman and the gentleness of a daughter; when talking about her decision to divorce, she appears resolute, but under her father's disapproving gaze, a hint of unease and grievance is revealed.

"Meijuan acted so well," Qin Yi said to Yang Guangming during a break. "She captured the struggle between tradition and modernity perfectly."

Yang Guangming nodded: "She is a very dedicated actress. She does a lot of preparation for every scene." Zuo Xiaoqing arrived on the tenth day of filming.

On the morning of August 15th, the train carrying Zuo Xiaoqing arrived at BJ Station.

Yang Guangming was filming and couldn't pick her up at the station in person, so Duan Yunfeng drove her to the courtyard house.

Zuo Xiaoqing put down her luggage; she couldn't wait a moment longer.

"Brother Duan, where is Brother Guangming filming? Can I go and see him?" she asked eagerly.

Duan Yunfeng checked the time: "If we go now, they should be filming. Why don't you rest for a bit and see them after they finish work tonight?"

"No, I want to see Brother Guangming right now," Zuo Xiaoqing insisted. "I promise I won't disturb you; I'll just watch from the side."

Duan Yunfeng couldn't refuse her, so he had no choice but to take her to the film set.

The filming location was in a quiet hutong in Dongcheng District. The production crew rented a small courtyard as the filming location for the daughter's home in the drama.

When Zuo Xiaoqing arrived, Yang Guangming was giving Xi Meijuan acting instructions.

She stood at the gate of the courtyard, not daring to go in, and just watched from afar.

Yang Guangming, dressed in a simple white T-shirt and jeans, was holding a script and gesturing to Xi Meijuan. He was focused, his eyes were bright, and he exuded an aura of control over the entire scene.

Zuo Xiaoqing was mesmerized.

After not seeing him for several months, she felt that Brother Guangming seemed to have matured a bit. On set, he was different from his usual gentle self, exuding an air of authority and professionalism.

She suddenly remembered the first time she saw him on the film set. Back then, he was still a green young man, and although he had a unique temperament, he didn't have the calm and powerful aura he had now.

time flies.

After Yang Guangming finished explaining the play, he turned around and saw Zuo Xiaoqing at the gate of the courtyard.

He paused for a moment, then smiled at her, nodded, and gestured for her to wait.

Then he returned to the monitor and shouted, "Action!"

This scene depicts an argument between a daughter and her father. The father doesn't understand why his daughter wants a divorce, believing it's irresponsible towards the family; the daughter, on the other hand, thinks her father's thinking is too traditional and he can't understand modern views on marriage.

Lan Tianye and Xi Meijuan's performances were incredibly powerful. The father's anger, disappointment, and incomprehension, and the daughter's grievances, perseverance, and pain clashed intensely in the small living room.

Zuo Xiaoqing was completely absorbed in the performance. Although she didn't understand acting, she could feel the genuine emotional impact.

After one take, Yang Guangming shouted "Cut!"

He stood up and walked to Zuo Xiaoqing's side.

"When did you arrive?" he asked softly.

"Just arrived." Zuo Xiaoqing looked at him, her eyes sparkling. "Brother Guangming, you look so handsome when you're working."

Yang Guangming smiled and ruffled her hair: "You must be tired from your journey."

"It wasn't hard work, I just took a nap and we arrived." Zuo Xiaoqing grabbed his hand. "I missed you so much."

Yang Guangming looked around; the staff were all busy, and no one was paying attention to them.

"I miss you too," he said softly, "but I have to get back to work now. You go back to the courtyard and rest first, I'll come find you after I finish work tonight."

Zuo Xiaoqing shook her head: "I'm not tired. I want to watch you work here. I promise to be quiet and not disturb you."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, then go sit over there and don't make a sound."

He asked the stagehand to bring Zuo Xiaoqing a chair and place it not far from the monitor.

Zuo Xiaoqing obediently sat down and watched Yang Guangming work intently.

Over the next two hours, she saw a completely different Guangming Ge.

On set, he was a man of few words, but every word he uttered was precise and effective. He had extremely high standards for acting, meticulously adjusting every glance and gesture until it was perfect. He also had strict control over the details of cinematography, lighting, and props, often making adjustments himself.

But he never lost his temper; he always pointed out problems and offered suggestions in a calm tone. The staff respected and trusted him, and the atmosphere on set was professional and efficient.

Zuo Xiaoqing watched intently. She suddenly understood why Brother Guangming had achieved such amazing success in such a short time. It wasn't just talent, but also this extreme focus and dedication.

At 6:30 p.m., Yang Guangming announced that work was done.

He walked over to Zuo Xiaoqing and asked, "You've been watching all afternoon, are you bored?"

“It’s not boring at all.” Zuo Xiaoqing stood up and took his arm. “Brother Guangming, you’re amazing. So many people on set listen to you.”

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "That's because everyone wants to make a good movie."

The two got into Duan Yunfeng's car and returned to the courtyard house.

On the way, Zuo Xiaoqing chattered on about her experiences over the past few months.

"My college entrance exam results are out! I scored 423! That's more than 60 points above the undergraduate admission line for arts!" she said excitedly. "I also received my admission letter from Beijing Film Academy. I'll be reporting for duty on September 1st."

"That's wonderful." Yang Guangming was genuinely happy for her. "You've worked hard this year."

"It's not hard work. Just thinking about being in the same school as you makes it all worthwhile." Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder. "Brother Guangming, when will your movie be released?"

"As for this one, it will probably have to wait until next year. Post-production takes time, and it also needs to be submitted for review and participate in film festivals."

"Can I take a look first?"

"Of course, I'll show you the finished film first."

Back at the courtyard house, Wu Fang had already prepared dinner.

During the meal, Zuo Xiaoqing asked, "Brother Guangming, can I stay here until the start of the semester? I'll be living at school after that."

“Of course,” Yang Guangming said. “You can stay in your original room. Sister Wu will take care of you. I’m quite busy with filming these days, so I really can’t be with you every day.”

"It's okay, you go ahead with your work. I'll come to see you on set when I have time, so as not to disturb your work," Zuo Xiaoqing said sensibly.

After dinner, the two took a walk in the yard.

In August, the nights in Beijing were much cooler. Cicadas chirped in the courtyard, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and grass.

Zuo Xiaoqing took Yang Guangming's arm, and the two embraced quietly, with only the sound of cicadas in the courtyard.

After a long silence, Yang Guangming said softly, "During this time, you should prepare well for school. Beijing Film Academy is a good place; you'll like it there."

"Okay." Zuo Xiaoqing nodded. "I will study hard and not let you down."

“You’re not learning for me, you’re learning for yourself.” Yang Guangming said earnestly, “Acting is the future career you’ve chosen, so you need to build a solid foundation.”

"I see."

Night was falling.

Tonight, Yang Guangming and his girlfriend, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, went to bed early.

In the days that followed, Zuo Xiaoqing temporarily stayed in the courtyard house.

She wakes up naturally every day, eats breakfast prepared by Wu Fang, then reads, practices her skills, and occasionally strolls around the Beijing Film Academy campus to familiarize herself with the environment in advance.

In the afternoons, she often went to the film set to watch Yang Guangming film. She kept her promise and never disturbed him, simply sitting quietly to the side like a most loyal audience member.

The crew members gradually became familiar with this pretty and well-behaved girl, and knowing that she was a friend of the director, they were all very friendly to her.

Zuo Xiaoqing also witnessed the filming process of "Love".

She witnessed the admirable acting skills of veteran artists Lan Tianye and Qin Yi.

In a scene depicting a stroke, Qin Yi is unable to move or speak, and can only express all her emotions through her eyes—pain, fear, helplessness, as well as her dependence on and love for her husband.

After that scene was filmed, the entire set fell silent, and many staff members secretly wiped away tears.

She also witnessed Xi Meijuan's brilliant performance. She perfectly portrayed the daughter's heart-wrenching pain in the face of her sick mother and stubborn father.

What she admired even more was Yang Guangming's directing ability.

He can inspire actors to perform at their best with the simplest words; he can adjust the most authentic atmosphere from the smallest details. Under his control, the entire crew operates like a precise machine, efficiently and harmoniously.

Zuo Xiaoqing secretly made up her mind that she must become an excellent actress like Teacher Xi Meijuan in the future, and live up to Brother Guangming's expectations for her.

As we entered late August, the filming of "Love" progressed faster than expected.

The filming period was originally planned to last a month and a half, but it now seems that it may be completed in less than a month.

With ample time, Yang Guangming slowed down his pace further, using the extra time to refine and polish his work repeatedly.

On August 25th, filming was in its final stages, with only a few scenes remaining.

This is the most emotionally intense scene in the entire film: the wife's condition worsens, causing her immense suffering, and after a long struggle, the husband finally makes that difficult decision.

Preparations for this scene began at 8 a.m. and filming did not officially start until 3 p.m.

The sun shone brightly, emptying the set except for essential staff. He needed absolute quiet to allow the actors to fully immerse themselves in their emotions.

Lan Tianye and Qin Yi have already gotten into the swing of things.

Qin Yi lay on the hospital bed, her eyes half-open, her breathing weak. Her performance had transcended technique, becoming entirely the character herself—an old woman tormented by illness, stripped of her dignity, and yearning only for release.

Lan Tianye sat on the edge of the bed, holding her hand. His eyes were incredibly complex: there was love, reluctance, pain, and struggle, which ultimately turned into a calm resoluteness.

Throughout the entire filming process, no one spoke. The only sounds were the faint hum of the camera and the actors' suppressed breathing.

One take.

When Yang Guangming shouted "Pass!", his voice was a little hoarse.

The set was completely silent. Several seconds passed before anyone began to move.

Lan Tianye slowly released Qin Yi's hand and remained silent for a long time. Qin Yi also sat up from the bed, her eyes red-rimmed.

Yang Guangming walked over and gently hugged the two teachers.

"Thank you for your hard work." That was all he could say.

Lan Tianye shook his head and didn't speak. Qin Yi wiped away her tears and said softly, "Filming this movie...it makes me feel so choked up."

“But it’s well worth it,” Lan Tianye replied.

With the final scene filmed, the main filming of "Love" officially wrapped up.

That evening, he hosted a banquet in the courtyard to entertain the main cast and crew.

We didn't order any fancy delicacies, just simple home-style dishes and drinks. But the atmosphere was great, and everyone was very relaxed.

After having a few drinks, Lan Tianye remarked, "Of all the films I've made over the years, this one was the most tiring, but also the most enjoyable. Guangming, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Qin Yi also raised her glass: "It's been a long time since I've encountered such a challenging role. Although the process was painful, it was very enjoyable as an actress."

Xi Meijuan said with a smile, "It is my honor to work with both of you. After filming this drama, I feel that I have grown again."

Yang Guangming toasted everyone, expressing his gratitude for their contributions.

After the banquet, he stood alone in the courtyard, looking at the night sky.

The second film is finished. Next comes post-production, then submission for censorship, and finally, participation in next year's film festival…

The road ahead is still long.

But he was full of confidence. (End of Chapter)