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

In December, Beijing is already deep into winter.

Yang Guangming's life also settled into a regular rhythm. The post-production of "Love Letter" proceeded step by step, with editing work mostly completed and color grading and music composition progressing simultaneously.

Zuo Xiaoqing is in very good condition recently.

She has now fully adapted to life at the Beijing Film Academy. She is keeping up with her academic classes and excelling in her professional courses. Her teachers have praised her to Yang Guangming more than once, saying, "Xiaoqing is a quick learner and a hard worker; she will definitely be a great actress in the future."

Yang Guangming was pleased to hear this.

Their routine had become established. From Monday to Thursday, Zuo Xiaoqing stayed in the school dormitory, focusing on her classes and training. After class on Friday afternoon, she would go straight back to the courtyard house to spend the weekend with Yang Guangming, and then return to school on Monday morning.

This way, they have their own space but can also enjoy time together, which makes them both very happy.

Zuo Xiaoqing was indeed happy when Chen Hong wasn't around.

It's not that she and Chen Hong had any conflicts; in fact, they got along quite politely. But when it comes to relationships, is there really such a thing as true magnanimity? For Zuo Xiaoqing, being able to enjoy a sunny weekend all to herself, without having to share her time and attention with anyone, was the most pleasant life.

On Wednesday, Yang Guangming sat in the editing room, watching the sample footage of "Love Letter" on the monitor. In the scene, Zuo Xiaoqing, who played Su Shu, stood in the snow, watching the train disappear into the distance. Snowflakes landed on her eyelashes; her eyes were bright, but without tears.

"This is really good." Editor Li exclaimed from the side, "Director Yang, the emotions in this scene are just right."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Then let's go with this version."

The editing work has been going on for more than half a month, and the progress is going more smoothly than expected. Every afternoon, Yang Guangming spends his time in the editing room, working with Editor Li to polish every shot frame by frame.

Editor Li is now completely convinced of Yang Guangming's talent. This young director has an extremely precise grasp of pacing; he knows exactly when to linger for a few more seconds and when to cut decisively. What's even more remarkable is that he's never stubborn, willing to listen to advice, yet his final judgment is remarkably accurate.

"Director Yang, at this pace, the rough cut should be finished in another week." Editor Li checked the time. "It's almost eight o'clock, is that about it for today?"

Yang Guangming glanced at the monitor and nodded: "That's a wrap."

Stepping out of the editing room, it was already pitch black outside. In Beijing on a winter night, the air was dry and cold, and my breath turned into white mist.

Duan Yunfeng's car was waiting downstairs.

"Back to the courtyard house?" Duan Yunfeng asked.

The sunlight nodded.

Duan Yunfeng nodded and started the car.

The car drove through the streets of Beijing at night. The streetlights were dim, and most of the shops along the street were closed, with only a few snack shops and video arcades still lit up. The flow of bicycles was much sparser than during the day, and occasionally a few buses would pass by, their windows casting a dim yellow light.

Yang Guangming leaned back in his seat, watching the street scene flash by outside the window, and pondered his plans for the next few days.

Post-production on "Love Letter" is progressing smoothly and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A Valentine's Day release has been confirmed, and promotional plans are also in development.

Meanwhile, Charles is working tirelessly on Oscar campaigns for "A Separation." He's also heading to the US in a few days for promotional activities.

Academically, although he's busy, he can manage. Both Professor Wang Shuyan and Professor Xie Fei are very supportive, allowing him to flexibly adjust his course schedule according to his work commitments.

Everything is proceeding according to plan.

On Friday afternoon, Yang Guangming finished his work in the editing room early and drove to Beijing Film Academy to pick up Zuo Xiaoqing.

He parked his car not far from the school gate and leaned against the door, waiting. The winter sun was weak and didn't feel warm on him, but he was in a good mood.

A short while later, Zuo Xiaoqing appeared at the school gate.

She was wearing a beige down jacket and a red scarf. Her hair was a bit longer than when she first started school, tied in a simple ponytail. Seeing Yang Guangming, her eyes lit up immediately, and she jogged over.

"Have you been waiting long?" She asked, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed from the cold wind.

"Just arrived." Yang Guangming opened the passenger door. "Get in, it's cold outside."

Zuo Xiaoqing got into the car, and Yang Guangming walked around to the driver's seat and started the engine. Warm air blew out gently, and the temperature inside the car quickly rose.

"How was this week?" Yang Guangming asked as he drove.

Yang Guangming had already turned eighteen and got his driver's license as soon as possible. Although Duan Yunfeng or Huang Bo drove most of the time, he would occasionally drive himself, which was more convenient.

“It’s great.” Zuo Xiaoqing took off her scarf and put it on her lap. “Teacher Liu praised me, saying that I did a very good job on the skit assignment last week. By the way, our class is going to rehearse a scene next week, and the teacher asked me to play the female lead.”

"Oh? What play?"

“Sifeng from Thunderstorm.” Zuo Xiaoqing said this with a hint of pride in her eyes. “My teacher said my temperament was suitable.”

Yang Guangming laughed: "Sifeng is not an easy role to play; she has a lot of lines to say."

"I know, so I need to prepare well this week." Zuo Xiaoqing turned to look at him. "Brother Guangming, are you free this weekend? Could you help me rehearse the lines?"

“Of course I’m free.” Yang Guangming nodded. “I’d also like to see your current level.”

Zuo Xiaoqing smiled happily.

The car headed towards the courtyard house. When they passed the vegetable market, at Zuo Xiaoqing's request, Yang Guangming stopped the car, and the two of them went to buy some vegetables together.

Zuo Xiaoqing can now cook some simple home-style dishes. Although her skills are average, she enjoys cooking. Yang Guangming is not picky and gives her a lot of encouragement. Whatever she cooks, Yang Guangming eats it and occasionally praises her, which makes Zuo Xiaoqing even more enthusiastic.

By the time we got back to the courtyard house, it was already dark.

Zuo Xiaoqing went to the kitchen to busy herself, while Yang Guangming went to the study to handle some emails. Back in Hong Kong, her father's business was growing bigger and bigger, and there were more and more things that required his attention. Although he didn't have to worry about the specifics, Yang Hongwen would still consult with him on some major decisions and rely on him to make the final decision.

Dinner consisted of two dishes and a soup: scrambled eggs with tomatoes, stir-fried shredded potatoes, and seaweed and egg drop soup. Simple, but piping hot and comforting.

After dinner, the two snuggled up on the sofa to watch TV.

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder, holding a hot water bottle in her arms. Neither of them paid attention to what TV drama was playing; they were simply enjoying their quiet time together.

“Brother Guangming,” Zuo Xiaoqing suddenly spoke.

"Ok?"

Do you think... I'll be able to act in good movies in the future?

Yang Guangming looked down at her: "Of course you can. Why are you suddenly asking this?"

“I do think about it sometimes,” Zuo Xiaoqing said softly. “You’re already a Palme d’Or winner, and you’ll definitely become more and more amazing in the future. I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up with you, and then… I won’t be good enough for you.”

Yang Guangming put his arm around her shoulder and said, "Don't overthink it. You're only a freshman now, you have a long way to go. By the time you graduate, you might already be a very successful actress."

"really?"

"Really. I have a good eye for people, you'll definitely succeed."

Zuo Xiaoqing raised her head, looked into his eyes, and then smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescents.

She didn't say anything more, but just moved even closer.

The two had a very fulfilling weekend.

On Saturday morning, Yang Guangming accompanied Zuo Xiaoqing to rehearse. Sifeng in "Thunderstorm" is a complex character, possessing both girlish innocence and a tragic fate. Zuo Xiaoqing's understanding was fairly accurate, but she was still somewhat awkward in handling some details. Yang Guangming patiently explained the scene to her, going over the lines line by line and adjusting each movement one by one.

Zuo Xiaoqing studied very diligently, repeating the exercises twice if once wasn't enough, and three times if twice wasn't enough. By the afternoon, she was much better than when she first started.

On Sunday, the two went to see a movie and then took a walk around Houhai Lake. Houhai wasn't crowded in winter, and a thin layer of ice had formed on the lake. They walked hand-in-hand, exchanging a few words occasionally, but mostly just walking quietly.

For Zuo Xiaoqing, such days were indeed very pleasant.

For Yang Guangming, this peaceful life is also a kind of enjoyment. No need for social engagements, no need to be busy, just being with someone he likes, doing the simplest things.

On Monday morning, Yang Guangming drove Zuo Xiaoqing back to school, then drove himself to the Beijing Film Studio. Editor Li was already waiting in the editing room.

"Director Yang, I've re-edited yesterday's sample footage. Take a look." Editor Li pushed the tape into the machine and pointed to the screen. "I shortened this part by two seconds; the rhythm feels more comfortable now."

Yang Guangming looked at it carefully and nodded: "Indeed. Your feeling is right, let's do it this way."

The two continued working.

The editing of "Love Letter" is nearing completion, with only minor adjustments remaining. Yang Guangming has high standards, while Editor Li is highly experienced; the two are working together more and more seamlessly, resulting in high efficiency.

Around four o'clock in the afternoon, Yang Guangming was preparing to finish work and go home when his phone rang.

The caller ID shows my home number.

"Mom?" he answered the phone.

"Mingming, come home for dinner tonight," Chen Zhiyun's voice came from the other end of the phone. "We have guests at home, you can introduce them to them."

"What guest?"

“Your Aunt Peng,” Chen Zhiyun said with a smile, “we just finished rehearsing for the Spring Festival Gala and came back to discuss some things. It’s good that you’re back too, so let’s have a meal together.”

Yang Guangming's heart stirred.

Ms. Peng—he was certainly familiar with that name. A renowned soprano, she would soon be a frequent figure in national and international news. He never imagined his mother had a personal relationship with her.

“Okay, Mom, I’ll go back right away,” Yang Guangming replied.

After hanging up the phone, he gave Editor Li a few instructions, packed his things, and left the editing room.

Duan Yunfeng drove him back to the villa.

The car drove into the villa area and stopped in front of the familiar house.

Yang Guangming got out of the car, Duan Yunfeng said goodbye, and drove away.

Pushing open the door, a wave of warmth washed over me. The living room lights were on, and I could hear my mother, Chen Zhiyun, talking to another woman.

"Mingming's back?" Chen Zhiyun came out of the living room with a smile on her face. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet." Yang Guangming changed his shoes. "Mom, are we having guests?"

"Yes, your Aunt Peng is here." Chen Zhiyun lowered her voice. "We're talking about the Spring Festival Gala."

Yang Guangming's heart stirred.

Aunt Peng?

He walked into the living room and saw an elegant middle-aged woman sitting on the sofa. She looked to be in her thirties or forties, wearing a simple and stylish dark sweater, with dignified features and gentle yet bright eyes.

It was indeed that famous female singer.

In the original timeline, she would have frequently appeared in national and international news. However, now she is focused on her singing career and is one of the top singers in the country.

"Hello, Aunt Peng." Yang Guangming greeted her proactively, his attitude natural.

Aunt Peng looked up and saw Yang Guangming. Her eyes lit up: "Wow, you look even more energetic in person than in the newspaper!"

She stood up, looked Yang Guangming up and down, her eyes full of admiration: "The Palme d'Or winner, the youngest international director in our country, I've finally met you today."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Aunt Peng, you're too kind. You're the real artist. I've been watching you sing on TV since I was a child."

"This child is so good with words," Aunt Peng said with a smile.

Chen Zhiyun laughed from the side, "Alright, you two stop praising each other. Mingming, sit down, you can listen to something too."

Yang Guangming sat down on the sofa.

Chen Zhiyun poured him a cup of tea and explained, "Your Aunt Peng and I just finished rehearsing for the Spring Festival Gala today, and we came back to chat for a while. We're both going to be on the Spring Festival Gala this year, and we'll both have solo performances."

"That's great!" Yang Guangming picked up his teacup. "Mom, didn't you say you didn't want to go? Why did you change your mind?"

Chen Zhiyun is a vocal professor at the Central Conservatory of Music. She achieved this through her exceptional professional skills. Before, without any recommendations, she never imagined she could perform on the Spring Festival Gala, nor did she ever have the opportunity.

But her situation is different now. Her lover, Yang Hongwen, is now a figure registered at the highest levels. Yang Hongwen is not only one of the top tycoons in Hong Kong, but also the owner of ATV in Hong Kong. At this time, even the highest levels of government attach great importance to Yang Hongwen's united front value.

Chen Zhiyun was invited to participate in the Spring Festival Gala multiple times this year. After she explicitly refused, she finally decided to participate after being persuaded by many friends.

Chen Zhiyun sighed: "I couldn't resist the persuasion. Many friends said that this is an honor and a responsibility. Your dad also said that since the organization has arranged it, you should sing it well."

She paused, then looked at Ms. Peng: "But after today's rehearsal, we were both a little worried. The two songs chosen by the Spring Festival Gala's directing team are both adaptations of old patriotic songs. We can sing them, but we feel they lack something new. They're too bland and lack highlights."

Ms. Peng nodded and continued, "Yes. Adapting old songs is a safe bet, but it's hard to make them stand out. We both want to sing new songs, but good songs are so hard to find. These days, the new mainstream songs are either too slogan-driven or have unpleasant melodies; there are very few that can truly touch people's hearts."

She looked at Chen Zhiyun and said, "We've been discussing this for a long time today, but we still haven't come to a conclusion. Good songs are something you can only come across by chance."

Chen Zhiyun sighed, "Yes. It's difficult to create patriotic songs, and if you also demand high quality, it's really too difficult."

Both of them fell silent, their faces showing a hint of helplessness.

Guangming was aware, of course, that his mother was participating in this year's Spring Festival Gala. But this was the first time Guangming had learned that his mother and Aunt Peng had a good personal relationship.

From their conversation, Guangming learned that his mother had known Aunt Peng for several years. They had met at an industry conference, but had not had much contact before.

The relationship between the two only gradually became closer a year ago.

A year ago, at the invitation of Ms. Peng's husband, Yang Hongwen finalized two major investment projects. Following the successful collaboration, the two families naturally grew closer.

Ms. Peng and Chen Zhiyun are both going to participate in this year's Spring Festival Gala, and each of them will have a solo song. The two have just finished rehearsing for the Gala, and the songs they have temporarily chosen are all adaptations of old patriotic songs. Both of them feel that they lack a bit of originality and are not very satisfied.

The two discussed it and tried to find a decent new song. If it was good, they would prefer to sing it. However, they both knew that good songs were hard to find, and this was just a wishful thinking; they didn't have much hope.

As Yang Guangming listened to the two chatting, he slowly sipped his tea, but his mind was racing.

Since his mother had a need in her career, he decided to offer his help.

He had all the classic patriotic songs from later generations in his mind; he could pick out any two that would satisfy the two of them.

It was his mother's first time performing on the Spring Festival Gala, and as her son, since he had the ability, he naturally wanted to fulfill her wish.

Ms. Peng happened to be there too, so since he was there, he decided to play an extra song to satisfy both of them.

He put down his teacup and cleared his throat: "Mom, Aunt Peng, would you like to sing a new song?"

Chen Zhiyun looked at her son: "Yes, but it's not that easy. Good songs are something you can only come across by chance."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "I do have two songs here, which I wrote when I had some inspiration. I think they're pretty good, but I don't know if they're suitable."

Chen Zhiyun was taken aback: "You created this?"

Aunt Peng also looked surprised: "Guangming can write songs?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "I learned vocal music from my mother since I was a child, and I also learned some basic theories of songwriting. A while ago, when I was filming, I had a few days of inspiration, so I tried writing two songs. They are both in the mainstream style, and I haven't shown them to anyone yet."

Chen Zhiyun's eyes lit up: "Quick, let me see it!"

Ms. Peng also became interested: "Yes, yes, bring it here quickly! It's a song written by the Palme d'Or-winning director, I have to take a good look at it!"

Yang Guangming stood up: "Wait a moment, I'll go get it." (End of Chapter)