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

Mid-November, Northeast China.

Yang Guangming stood by the window of the guesthouse, looking at the gray sky outside. The old locust tree in the courtyard had lost all its leaves, its bare branches stretching towards the sky, as if waiting for something.

He had been waiting here for three days.

Three days ago, the film crew moved from Beijing to this small northeastern city to shoot the most important scene in "Love Letter"—the final farewell between the male and female Su Shu in the snow.

The weather forecast predicted heavy snow, but it seemed Mother Nature was deliberately testing his patience. The first day after his arrival was sunny and blindingly bright. The second day was cloudy, but still no snow. The third day was overcast, and the temperature dropped, but the snow still wouldn't fall.

"Director Yang." The assistant director pushed open the door and came in, carrying two cups of hot water. "The weather station asked again and said there's a high probability of snow tonight or tomorrow."

Yang Guangming took the water glass and nodded: "Then let's wait a little longer."

The assistant director sighed and sat down opposite him: "Director Yang, what if this snow doesn't start soon? Will our filming schedule be affected?"

"No." Yang Guangming looked out the window. "I have a feeling it will rain today."

The assistant director, observing his calm expression, secretly admired him. Any other director would have been frantic by now. But Yang Guangming hadn't rushed him from day one, simply telling the crew to stay put, rest when they needed to, and prepare when they needed to.

This kind of composure is not something everyone possesses.

As the two were talking, the door was pushed open.

Zuo Xiaoqing came in wrapped in a thick military overcoat, her face red from the cold, but her eyes were bright.

"Guangming, it's snowing!"

Yang Guangming and the assistant director stood up at the same time and walked to the window.

Sure enough, fine snowflakes began to fall from the sky. At first, there were only a few scattered snowflakes, but soon they became denser and larger. In less than ten minutes, the outside world was shrouded in a vast expanse of white.

"Great!" The assistant director slapped his thigh excitedly. "I'll go tell the crew right away and get ready immediately!"

He dashed out like a gust of wind.

Only Yang Guangming and Zuo Xiaoqing remained in the room.

Zuo Xiaoqing walked to his side, looked at the snow falling heavier and heavier outside the window, and said softly, "This snow fell especially for you."

Yang Guangming smiled and put his arm around her shoulder: "It's also for our movie."

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder without saying a word. The two stood there quietly, watching the snowflakes fall and turn the whole world white.

An hour later, the crew arrived at the filming location—an abandoned train station on the outskirts of the city.

This was a spot personally chosen by Yang Guangming. The railway tracks were long abandoned, and withered grass grew between the sleepers, but the platform remained, as did the small Russian-style waiting room. After the snowfall, the whole scene possessed a desolate yet beautiful aesthetic.

Hou Yong had already set up the camera and was adjusting the angle. Huo Tingxiao was leading the art team in the final cleanup—actually, not much cleanup was needed, as the snow itself was the best decoration.

Yang Guangming changed into his costume, a navy blue woolen overcoat with a gray scarf around his neck. Zuo Xiaoqing gently and carefully adjusted his collar.

"Are you cold?" she asked.

"I'm not cold," Yang Guangming shook his head. "And you?"

"A little, but I can bear it." Zuo Xiaoqing smiled. "This is our film, we have to film it well no matter how cold it is."

As Yang Guangming looked at her, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

This scene is the most emotionally intense in the entire film—the male Su Shu is moving to the south because his father is being transferred for work. On the day of his departure, the female Su Shu comes to see him off. The two stand on the snow-covered platform, without embracing, without kissing, and without even much conversation.

Only a few brief farewells.

"Then I'm leaving," said the male Su Shu.

"Mm." Su Shu nodded.

Take care.

"You too."

Then the male Su Shu turned and got on the train. As the train started moving, the female Su Shu suddenly took a few steps after it, but eventually stopped and just stood in the snow, watching the train go further and further away.

Many years later, she learned that Su Shu had drawn her portrait on the back of the library card that day, intending to give it to her personally. But he ultimately didn't take it out; instead, he simply slipped the card into a book in the library.

The challenge of this scene lies in "restraint." There are no lines to express emotions, no exaggerated movements; all emotions must be conveyed through eyes, facial expressions, and subtle body language.

"On your marks!" The assistant director's voice rang out through the snow. "Scene 98, Shot 1, Action!"

Snowflakes are falling.

Yang Guangming stood on the platform, the old green train behind him. He wore a navy blue woolen overcoat, a corner of his scarf fluttering in the wind. His gaze fell on Zuo Xiaoqing across from him, then shifted away, then returned to her.

Zuo Xiaoqing was wearing thick winter clothes, her hair covered in snowflakes. She looked at the bright sunlight, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just lowered her eyes.

silence.

The train whistle sounded.

"Then I'm leaving," Yang Guangming said. His voice was very soft, mostly drowned out by the sound of the wind and snow.

Zuo Xiaoqing looked up at him and nodded: "Mm."

Another silence followed.

Yang Guangming looked at her, his eyes filled with many emotions—reluctance, longing, and youthful stubbornness. He wanted to say something, but in the end, he just pursed his lips and turned to walk towards the train.

"You," Zuo Xiaoqing suddenly spoke.

Yang Guangming stopped walking, but did not turn around.

"Take care," Zuo Xiaoqing said softly.

Yang Guangming paused for two seconds, then nodded and continued walking forward.

He boarded the train and entered the carriage. Through the frosty window, he saw Zuo Xiaoqing still standing on the platform, motionless, like a snowman.

The train slowly started moving.

Zuo Xiaoqing suddenly took a few steps to catch up, but the train was getting faster and faster, and she couldn't keep up. She stopped, stood in the snow, and watched the train disappear into the distance.

Snowflakes landed on her eyelashes and into her eyes. Her eyes were bright, but without tears.

The assistant director was very satisfied with the performance and shouted "Cut!" with a smile on his face.

Yang Guangming got off the train and strode towards Zuo Xiaoqing. She was still standing there, somewhat lost in thought.

"Are you alright?" Yang Guangming held her hand and found it was icy cold.

Zuo Xiaoqing then came to her senses and smiled at him: "It's nothing, I just got a little too into character."

Yang Guangming looked carefully into her eyes, making sure she wasn't forcing it, before nodding: "That was very good. The emotion was spot on."

Hou Yong also came over to watch the playback. The monitor had recorded their entire performance. The snow-covered platform, the silent farewell, the girl chasing after the train as it drove away—every shot was as beautiful as an oil painting.

"Perfect," Hou Yong exclaimed. "Director Yang, this is truly perfect."

Yang Guangming watched the replay twice and nodded, "That's it."

A cheer erupted from the crew.

This scene was the most emotionally intense in the entire film, and also the most difficult to film. Surprisingly, it was done in one take, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Over the next few days, the crew worked diligently to film other snow scenes in Northeast China.

The weather cooperated; the snow stopped after a day and a night, but the snow remained. Yang Guangming led the crew to several outdoor locations and filmed all the necessary shots.

The final scene was filmed in a birch forest.

That was the only time that male Su Shu and female Su Shu went out alone—the two were assigned by their teacher to go on a field trip in the mountains, but they got lost and wandered in the snow for an entire afternoon. By the time they finally found their way, it was almost dark.

This scene has almost no dialogue, only a long shot of the two walking side by side in the snow.

Wearing thick winter clothes, Yang Guangming and Zuo Xiaoqing trudged through the snow, their steps uneven. Hou Yong followed behind, carrying a camera, the lens steadily tracking their backs.

The snow-covered ground was quiet, with only the crunching sound of footsteps and the whistling of the wind through the treetops.

Yang Guangming occasionally glanced at Zuo Xiaoqing. Zuo Xiaoqing felt his gaze and turned her head back. They looked at each other, then simultaneously looked away and continued walking.

The camera followed them until their figures disappeared at the edge of the birch forest.

"Pass."

Yang Guangming and Zuo Xiaoqing emerged from the woods, their faces red from the cold, but their eyes shone with light.

"Is this the last one?" Zuo Xiaoqing asked softly.

Yang Guangming nodded: "Filming is finished."

Yes, filming has wrapped.

The entire filming schedule has been completed, a few days ahead of schedule.

In the evening, the crew held a simple wrap party at the guesthouse canteen. There was no alcohol—Yang Ming didn't allow it—but the food was plentiful, including steaming stews, braised pork, scrambled eggs, and a large pot of sauerkraut with pork belly.

Everyone enjoyed the meal and chatted about the interesting things that had happened recently.

Huo Tingxiao recounted how he almost slipped and fell in the snow a couple of days ago, breaking a prop and nearly giving him a heart attack. Hou Yong mentioned that after filming a scene, they discovered the camera was covered in snow and almost thought it was broken. Everyone burst into laughter.

Chen Hong sat quietly next to Yang Guangming, eating her meal. Her hand was under the table, gently holding Yang Guangming's hand.

She's leaving tomorrow.

She went back to Hong Kong Island. A ton of work awaited her there.

Yang Guangming held her hand without saying a word.

After the party, the two returned to Chen Hong's room.

Zuo Xiaoqing knew that Chen Hong was leaving tomorrow, so she tacitly refrained from coming to find Yang Guangming.

The room was nicely heated, a stark contrast to the icy landscape outside. Chen Hong took off her coat, sat on the edge of the bed, and watched Yang Guangming pour hot water.

"Light," she whispered to him.

Yang Guangming handed her the hot water and sat down next to her.

Chen Hong held her water glass, head down, and remained silent for a while before saying, "I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Ah."

"I don't know when we'll meet again after this departure."

Yang Guangming put his arm around her shoulder and said, "After I'm done with this busy period, I'll come to Hong Kong Island to see you."

Chen Hong looked up at him, her eyes slightly red: "Really?"

"real."

Chen Hong leaned on his shoulder and didn't say anything more.

The room was quiet, with only the slight hissing of the radiator.

After a long silence, Chen Hong said softly, "This period of time has been the happiest time of my life in recent years."

Sunlight gently stroked her hair.

“Working with you every day, eating together, chatting together. I don’t have to think about those messy things, I don’t have to deal with those social obligations.” Her voice was a little choked up. “Sometimes I even think, why don’t I just stay in Beijing? Who cares about career, who cares about future prospects.”

Yang Guangming didn't say anything, but simply hugged her tighter.

“But I know it won’t work,” Chen Hong continued, “I’ve come this far with great difficulty, and I can’t give up halfway. Besides, I also want to become someone who is worthy of you.”

Yang Guangming looked down at her and said, "You have always been worthy of me."

Chen Hong shook her head and smiled: "I know myself. You're a Palme d'Or winner, a genius. If I weren't hardworking and excellent enough, how could I stand beside you?"

She paused, then said softly, "So I'm going back to work, to keep striving. So that one day, when I stand beside you, I can say with confidence that I am worthy of you because of my own abilities."

As Yang Guangming looked at her, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him.

He had long known of this woman's independence and clear-headedness. It was precisely this independence and clear-headedness that made him respect and like her.

"Okay," he said. "I'll wait for you."

Chen Hong smiled, but as she smiled, tears fell from her eyes.

She wiped away her tears, stood up, and took a small box out of her suitcase.

"This is for you." She handed the box to Yang Guangming.

When the sunlight opened, it revealed a silver necklace with a pendant shaped like a small film reel.

“I saw this on Hong Kong Island and thought it would suit you perfectly. You can wear it when you're filming movies in the future.”

Looking at the necklace, Yang Guangming felt a warm feeling in his heart.

“Help me put it on,” he said.

Chen Hong picked up the necklace, went behind him, and gently fastened it for him.

After putting it on, she went back to the front, examined it carefully, and nodded in satisfaction: "It looks good."

Holding the small film pendant, Yang Guangming said earnestly, "I will wear it the whole time when I'm filming."

Chen Hong's eyes reddened again.

That night, the two talked until very late. They talked about movies, the future, and their childhoods.

Chen Hong talked about her childhood in her hometown in Zhejiang, how she got into the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and how she struggled to adapt when she first went to Hong Kong. Yang Guangming listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a word or two.

It's late at night, and the snow has started falling again outside the window.

The two embraced and slept, spending their last night in Northeast China amidst the falling snow.

The next morning, Yang Guangming took Chen Hong to the airport. Chen Hong dragged her suitcase and walked into the waiting hall side by side with Yang Guangming.

After completing the check-in process, there was still an hour before takeoff.

The two sat hand in hand on chairs in the corner of the waiting area.

"Call me when you arrive," Yang Guangming reminded him.

"Ah."

"Don't push yourself too hard when you get back, take care of your health."

"know."

"Contact me anytime if you need anything. No matter what it is."

Chen Hong turned to look at him and laughed: "When did you become so long-winded?"

Yang Guangming laughed too: "I learned it from you."

Chen Hong leaned gently on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

The announcement came over the loudspeaker: boarding has begun.

Chen Hong stood up, and Yang Guangming also stood up.

The two stood facing each other, silent for a few seconds.

Then Chen Hong stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

"I'm leaving." Her voice was muffled on Yang Guangming's shoulder.

Yang Guangming gently patted her back: "Have a safe journey."

Chen Hong let go of him, took a step back, looked at him, her eyes were red, but she had a smile on her face.

Goodbye, light.

"Goodbye."

She turned around, dragging her suitcase toward the security checkpoint. Halfway there, she turned back and waved to Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming stood still and waved.

Yang Guangming didn't turn and leave until her figure disappeared at the security checkpoint and until the announcement in the waiting hall came on again.

As I stepped out of the terminal, it started snowing again.

Snowflakes landed on his shoulders and in his hair. He didn't brush them off, but simply looked up at the gray sky.

Another farewell.

But he knew this was not the end, only a temporary separation.

The car drove away from the airport, through the snow-covered city, and towards the hotel. Tomorrow, the film crew will also be returning to Beijing.

But at this moment, he just wanted to sit quietly by himself for a while, letting the snow bury all his emotions deep inside.

On his third day back in Beijing, Yang Guangming plunged into the editing room.

Although filming for "Love Letter" has wrapped up smoothly, post-production work has only just begun. Editing, color grading, music composition, and sound effects—each aspect requires time and effort.

The editing room was located in the post-production center of Beijing Film Studio. It was a small room, but fully equipped. Yang Guangming attended classes at school every morning and worked here in the afternoons and evenings.

The editor, surnamed Li, was a veteran editor at the Beijing Film Studio, highly experienced but stubborn. During their first collaboration, he was somewhat dismissive of the young director, Yang Guangming, thinking that a sixteen or seventeen-year-old couldn't possibly understand editing.
But after working together for a few days, his attitude completely changed.

Now that Yang Guangming has achieved great success, the situation is naturally very different.

Since their first collaboration, he has been completely convinced of Yang Guangming's abilities, and their cooperation has become increasingly seamless.

Editing is a tedious and meticulous process. Dozens of hours of footage need to be edited into an hour and a half of film, and every frame must be carefully selected.

Yang Guangming has very high standards for editing. He doesn't want flashy editing, fast cuts, or fancy transitions. What he wants is "transparent" editing—editing that allows the audience to be completely immersed in the story and not even notice the editing.

"When the emotion is right, linger for a few more seconds. When the emotion has passed, cut it decisively." This is how he instructed editor Li. "For this film, the rhythm of editing is the rhythm of emotion."

Editor Li wholeheartedly agreed.

During breaks from work, Yang Guangming would also check on the post-production progress of his previous film, "Love".

The editing of "Love" is complete, and sound effects and color grading are currently being done. The most senior team from Beijing Film Studio is in charge of post-production, and Han Sanping is personally overseeing the progress.

"Guangming, don't worry." Han Sanping patted his chest and assured him, "I'll personally oversee 'Love' and guarantee it will be completed on time and to a high standard. You can focus on 'Love Letter' and neither of them will be neglected."

Yang Guangming was very grateful for Han Sanping's support, but he also knew he couldn't completely abandon the project. Every few days, he would visit the post-production studio of "Love" to discuss his ideas with the sound engineers and colorists.

After a busy week, Yang Guangming was watching a sample clip in the editing room when his phone rang.

The caller ID showed Charles Rosen.

Yang Guangming answered the phone: "Chuck, hello."

"Yang! I finally got in touch with you!" Charles's voice came from across the ocean, brimming with excitement. "I heard your new film has wrapped up filming?"

Yang Guangming laughed: "You're well-informed. Filming just wrapped up a few days ago, and they're currently doing post-production."

"That's fantastic! I've been wanting to call you for a while, but I knew you were filming in Northeast China, so I didn't dare bother you." Charles paused. "Yang, what I wanted to ask is, is your film 'Love' finished yet?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Your call came at the right time. Post-production is all done, and the final cut has just come out."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, then Charles's excited voice came through: "Great! Yang, I have to see this movie right away! I'll book my flight right now and fly to Beijing tomorrow!"

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "So soon?"

"Of course I'm anxious! Do you know how long I've been waiting for this movie?" Charles's voice was filled with barely suppressed anticipation. "I've been waiting ever since you told me about this project. Now that it's finally finished, I don't want to wait another minute!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Okay, then come on over. Call me when you arrive and I'll come pick you up."

“No need to answer, just tell me the address,” Charles said eagerly. “Yang, I can’t wait to see your new work. I have a feeling it will be a masterpiece.”

I hope I won't let you down.

"No, I have faith in you."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming called Duan Yunfeng and asked him to prepare for picking him up at the airport the next day.

He continued watching the sample footage, but his mind had already wandered off.

Charles's excitement was understandable. As president of Fox Searchlight, Charles had always been looking for art films with international impact. The successful collaboration on "A Separation" had forged a deep trust and friendship between the two.

Now, "Love" has been completed.

If this film can truly achieve the glory it desires at Cannes, it will be a huge boost to the collaboration between the two parties and to Yang Guangming's personal career.

But the premise is that the movie itself is good enough.

Yang Guangming believes he has made a good film, but the final evaluation should be left to the audience, the judges, and time.

The following afternoon, Yang Guangming arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport on time.

Charles's flight arrived on time. When he appeared at the exit, Yang Guangming almost didn't recognize him.

Charles wore a dark gray coat and a deep red scarf, his hair was neatly combed, but his eyes showed the fatigue of a long flight, as well as a hint of barely concealed excitement.

"Yang!" Seeing Yang Guangming, Charles quickly walked over and gave him a big hug. "Long time no see!"

Yang Guangming patted him on the back: "Chuck, welcome to BJ. How was your trip?"

“It went smoothly, just took too long.” Charles released him, looking him up and down. “You look much more energetic than you did in Cannes. How are you, tired from the new film?”

"It's alright, I'm used to it." Yang Guangming smiled. "Let's go, the car's outside. Shall we go to the hotel to drop off our luggage first?"

Charles waved his hand: "No, let's go see a movie first. Leave the luggage in the car, and go back to the hotel after the movie."

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "Aren't you tired? Take a rest before you go."

"Not tired at all, I'm full of energy!" Charles's eyes lit up. "Yang, you have no idea how much I've been thinking about your new movie the whole way here. Now that we're here, I don't want to waste a single second. Let's watch the movie first, and then rest!"

Seeing his eagerness, Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Okay, let's go straight to the Beijing Film Studio."

In the car, Charles kept asking about the progress of "Love".

"Who composed the music? How was the editing?" He asked very detailed questions, leaving no stone unturned.

Yang Guangming answered them one by one.

After listening, Charles remained silent for a moment, then said, "Yang, I trust your judgment and your aesthetic sense. But I still want to see it with my own eyes. It's not that I don't trust you, it's that I want to experience it as soon as possible."

“I understand.” Yang Guangming nodded. “To be honest, I also wanted you to be the first person to see it.”

Charles looked at him, a hint of emotion in his eyes: "Yang, thank you."

The car drove towards the Beijing Film Studio.

Han Sanping was already waiting in the screening room. When he saw Yang Guangming and Charles come in, he went up to them warmly.

"Mr. Charles, welcome, welcome!" Han Sanping shook Charles's hand. "I heard you flew all the way from America to see 'Love,' how thoughtful of you!"

Charles smiled politely: "Director Han, you're too kind. I must see Yang's film as soon as possible. It's a promise I made to my friend, and it's also my expectation for a good movie."

The three exchanged a few pleasantries and then went into the screening room.

This is a small screening room with only about twenty seats, but the equipment is very professional. The screen isn't large, but the picture quality is clear and the sound is excellent.

Sunshine made the staff begin the screening.

The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up.

"Love" has begun.

Charles sat in the best seat, his hands folded on his lap, his eyes fixed on the screen.

Yang Guangming sat next to him, also watching the screen.

He had watched this movie many times, and he was familiar with every frame.

The film unfolds slowly.

Lan Tianye plays an elderly Peking Opera artist, and Qin Yi plays a retired piano teacher. Their performances are restrained yet profound, without dramatic emotional outbursts, only subtle interactions in daily life.

After his wife suffered a stroke, the husband decided to take care of her himself. In the beginning, the two could still find joy in their hardships; the husband would sing opera for his wife, and she would respond with her eyes. But as her condition worsened, everything changed.

The daughter's involvement brought new conflicts. She wanted to send her mother to a nursing home, but her father firmly disagreed.

"She is my wife, the only person I have ever loved in my life. I promised her that we would be together, in sickness and in health." Lan Tianye's lines were spoken softly, but carried a heavy weight.

Charles stared at the screen without moving, his eyes unblinking.

The movie continues.

The wife has completely lost her mobility and cannot take care of herself. The husband is finding it increasingly difficult to care for her, and he is physically and mentally exhausted. But he still persists, wiping his wife's body, feeding her, turning her over in bed, singing opera for her, and talking to her, even though she can no longer respond.

Finally, one day, the husband made a decision.

That morning, he bathed his wife as usual, then sat on the edge of the bed, held her hand, and whispered, "You're tired, and I'm tired too. We should both rest."

He picked up a pillow and gently placed it over his wife's face.

The wife did not struggle; it was as if she were being relieved.

Then, he went out of the bedroom, closed the door, and sat on the sofa in the living room, waiting for his daughter to arrive.

The movie ends with the daughter walking in and seeing her father sitting on the sofa, his back to her. The father doesn't turn around, but simply says softly, "She's gone."

The screen went dark.

The screening room was completely silent.

The staff turned on the lights, but Charles remained seated, motionless.

Yang Guangming didn't disturb him, but waited quietly.

Han Sanping glanced at Yang Guangming, his eyes questioning. Yang Guangming gently shook his head, signaling him to be quiet.

After a long time, Charles finally moved.

He slowly turned his head and looked at the bright sunlight.

Yang Guangming noticed that his eyes were red and there were tears in the corners of his eyes.

"Yang," Charles's voice was a little hoarse, "this movie."

He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "This is a masterpiece, a true masterpiece!"

Yang Guangming felt much relieved, but his expression remained calm: "Thank you, Chuck."

Charles stood up, paced back and forth a few times, then turned back to look at the bright sunlight.

“You know what, Yang? I’ve watched over twenty years of movies and handled hundreds of films. But there are very few movies like ‘Love’ that left me speechless for a long time after watching them.”

His voice gradually regained its former clarity and strength: "This is not an ordinary art film. It touches on the deepest parts of human emotion. Love, responsibility, dignity, death. These ultimate questions, you present them in the calmest way, yet they give the audience the most intense impact."

Han Sanping listened from the side, his smile growing brighter and brighter.

“Mr. Charles, your evaluation of this film is even higher than I expected,” he couldn’t help but interject.

Charles looked at him and said earnestly, "Director Han, my evaluation is based entirely on the quality of the film itself. I'm not flattering you, nor is it because of my personal relationship with Yang. I'm telling the truth, the truth from the bottom of my heart."

He then turned to Yang Guangming: "Yang, let me ask you a question. If you were to take this film to Cannes next year, do you think you'd be confident?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "I can't say I'm sure of success, but I think the quality of this movie is no worse than that of 'A Separation,' and it's worth a try."

"Worth a try?" Charles laughed, his smile brimming with barely suppressed excitement. "Yang, you're too modest. Let me tell you, this film is not only worth a try, it has the potential to win the Palme d'Or!"

Han Sanping's eyes lit up: "Mr. Charles, are you telling the truth?"

“Of course it’s true,” Charles said with certainty. “I’ve worked in film distribution and promotion for over a decade, and I know the tastes of international film festivals very well. The subject matter of ‘Amour,’ the acting, and the directorial skill are exactly what Cannes loves.”

He looked at Yang Guangming with burning eyes: "Yang, if you trust me, leave this film to me. I'll handle the operations, the public relations, and the promotion. I'm confident I can not only get it into the main competition, but also win awards! At least two major awards!"

Yang Guangming was deeply moved, but remained calm on the surface: "Chuck, thank you for thinking so highly of this movie. But don't rush to make a promise. Go back and think it over carefully, and make a judgment after you've calmed down."

“Calm down?” Charles shook his head. “I’m perfectly calm right now. Yang, I know what you’re worried about. You’re afraid I’ll overestimate the film’s value because of personal feelings. But let me tell you, my judgment of a film is never influenced by personal feelings. On the contrary, it’s precisely because I’m your friend that I need to be even more objective.”

He paused, then continued, “If this movie isn’t good enough, I’ll tell you the truth. I’ll say, Yang, this movie is still a bit lacking, let’s wait a bit longer. But right now, I have to tell you the truth—this movie is excellent, better than I expected. So good that I feel I must do everything I can to bring it to the world!”

Looking into his sincere eyes, Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

“Chuck, thank you,” he said sincerely.

“You’re welcome,” Charles said with a bright smile. “I should be thanking you. Thank you for making such a wonderful film and giving me the opportunity to be a part of it.”

He glanced at his watch. "Right, it's getting late. Director Han, shouldn't we have dinner? I'm starving."

Han Sanping laughed heartily: "I've been prepared for a long time! Let's go to the restaurant, I've booked a private room, let's have a good drink tonight!"

The three chatted and laughed as they walked out of the screening room.

Dinner was lavish. Han Sanping specially ordered signature dishes such as Peking duck, braised sea cucumber with scallions, and steamed sea bass, and also opened a bottle of Moutai.

Charles raved about the roast duck, eating several rolls in a row. But he didn't drink much alcohol, saying he needed to stay sober as he had to catch a flight the next day.

"So soon?" Yang Guangming was a little surprised. "Why don't you stay a few more days? I'll take you to see Beijing's famous sights."

“Next time,” Charles shook his head. “I have a ton of things to do at the company. Besides, now that I’ve seen the movie, I’m even more eager to get back. I need to start working on the public relations plan as soon as possible; I can’t afford to delay.”

He raised his glass, offering tea instead of wine: "Yang, Director Han, let's have a drink. To 'Love,' to Cannes next year, and to our collaboration."

The three clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

After a few rounds of drinks, Charles became more talkative.

He began to elaborate on his public relations strategy: "The jury president for next year's Cannes Film Festival will most likely be Coppola. I've met with him a few times, and he's very interested in Asian films. When I get back, I'll have a good talk with him about my impressions of this film. I believe Coppola will appreciate it, or at least I want him to have some prior knowledge of it and perhaps even some expectations."

Because Han Sanping was present, Charles spoke more subtly. What he said was all within the normal scope of public relations, and there was nothing to hide.

As for the real public relations, he would only tell Yang Guangming this secret, and would never tell Han Sanping the truth.

Charles continued, "I've also started contacting the other jury members. A few are old friends, so we can communicate in advance. But that's all. Cannes has rules that public relations must be within reasonable limits."

Yang Guangming listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

Han Sanping listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with a few questions.

"Mr. Charles, what awards do you think 'Love' could win?" This was the question Han Sanping was most concerned about.

Charles thought for a moment: "The Palme d'Or is definitely the goal, but not the only one. If we're lucky, we could also win Best Director or Best Actor. As for the acting awards, both the lead and female leads gave excellent performances, but we'll have to see who the competition is."

He paused, then added, "The goal of public relations is to get as much recognition as possible from the jury. What awards it ultimately wins depends on the overall situation. But one thing I can guarantee is that if handled properly, 'Amour' will definitely be one of the most anticipated films at Cannes next year."

Han Sanping listened with great emotion and nodded repeatedly.

Dinner lasted for more than two hours. By the end, Charles was a little tired, but his eyes were still bright.

Yang Guangming escorted him back to his hotel.

On the way, Charles suddenly said, "Yang, you know what? Sometimes I feel that cooperating with you is definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life."

Yang Guangming turned to look at him.

Charles gazed at the night view outside the car window and continued, "It's not because you can make money, although you certainly can. It's not because you can win awards, although you can too. It's because the movies you make make me feel that my work has meaning."

He turned to look at Yang Guangming: "I do film distribution and promotion to make money, but I don't want to stop there. While making money is important, what's even more important is to bring truly good films to a wider audience. To let them be seen, remembered, and discussed gives my work another layer of meaning. Your film is that kind of film."

Yang Guangming was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Chuck, thank you. It's my good fortune to have a partner like you."

The two smiled at each other.

The next morning, Yang Guangming once again took Charles to the airport.

As they parted, Charles shook his hand and said solemnly, "Yang, I'll get started as soon as I get back. Wait for my news. Remember, no matter the outcome, you've made a fantastic film. No one can change that."

Sunshine nodded: "I got it. Have a safe trip, Chuck."

"Take care of yourself."

Charles turned and walked into the security checkpoint, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

Yang Guangming stood there for a long time.

Then he turned around, walked out of the airport, and got into his car.

"Back to Beijing Film Studio?" Duan Yunfeng asked.

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Let's go back to school first. I have classes this afternoon."

Duan Yunfeng nodded and started the car.

The car drove away from the airport and merged into the traffic. Yang Guangming gazed at the scenery flashing past the window, feeling calm and fulfilled.

The film "Love" has been completed, and Charles gave it extremely high praise.

Post-production on "Love Letter" is also progressing smoothly and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

My studies are progressing steadily; although I'm busy, I feel fulfilled.

Everything is going according to plan.

All that's left is to wait. (End of Chapter)