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

Chen Zhiyun and Aunt Peng were surprisingly efficient.

Two days later, Aunt Peng called, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement: "Guangming, I have great news for you! 'Entering the New Era' has been approved! The directors approved it on the spot after hearing it, saying that this song is much better than the one they chose before!"

Yang Guangming was watching the sample of "Love Letter" in the editing room when he heard this and was happy for her: "That's great, Aunt Peng, congratulations."

"Congratulations? I should be thanking you." Aunt Peng paused, then added, "By the way, your mother's song passed too. We've discussed it and decided to go to the production team together tomorrow to officially report. Are you free these next couple of days? The production team would like to meet you."

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised: "See me?"

“Yes, that’s right.” Aunt Peng’s tone was matter-of-fact. “They were all very surprised when they heard that you wrote these two songs. The director, Zhang Hai, personally told me that he wanted to thank you in person. And…”

She paused, a hint of a smile in her voice: "He still wants to hear you sing."

The sunlight was bright and clear.

This is to assess his potential to appear on the Spring Festival Gala.

Although Aunt Peng and Chen Zhiyun both praised his voice and singing skills, seeing is believing. As the director, Zhang Hai definitely needed to see and hear for himself before making a final judgment.

"Okay," Yang Guangming agreed. "When?"

"Let's meet on CCTV at 3 PM the day after tomorrow. Is that convenient?"

Yang Guangming mentally calculated the time. He was originally going to check on the color grading progress of "Love Letter" the day after tomorrow afternoon, but that could be adjusted.

"Convenient, I'll be there on time."

"That's great!" Aunt Peng said happily. "See you the day after tomorrow. Oh, and your mother should come too, so the three of us can go together."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming continued watching the sample videos.

Editor Li, standing nearby, asked with a smile, "Director Yang, are you going to be on the Spring Festival Gala?"

"Not necessarily, just going to meet someone." Yang Guangming said calmly, "Let's continue, play this part again."

The editing work continued until 8 p.m.

When they returned to the courtyard house, Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing were chatting on a stone bench. Chen Hong hadn't been too busy these past few days and had specially adjusted her schedule to return to Beijing to spend time with Yang Guangming.

After spending some time together, the atmosphere between the two had become much more natural. Chen Hong was eager to befriend them, while Zuo Xiaoqing, being young, was too shy to refuse. In addition, they both genuinely liked Yang Guangming, and gradually they found their rhythm in their interactions.

"Guangming is back." Chen Hong stood up. "Are you hungry? There's still some food warming up in the kitchen."

"It's alright." Yang Guangming walked over and sat down between the two. "What were you talking about?"

"We were talking about the Spring Festival Gala," Zuo Xiaoqing interjected. "Sister Chen Hong said you might be on the Spring Festival Gala, is that true?"

"I'm not sure yet. I'll go for the interview the day after tomorrow."

"An interview?" Zuo Xiaoqing blinked. "Guangming needs an interview to get on the Spring Festival Gala?"

"Of course," Chen Hong explained with a smile. "The Spring Festival Gala is the biggest stage in the country, and every program has to go through layers of review. Although Guangming is a Palme d'Or winner, the directing team still needs to see and hear him sing for the Spring Festival Gala."

Zuo Xiaoqing looked at Yang Guangming with admiration in her eyes: "Brother Guangming will definitely be fine. You sing so well, they'll definitely fight over you after they hear you sing."

Yang Guangming smiled but didn't say anything.

Chen Hong looked at him, her eyes gentle. She had never heard Yang Guangming sing, but she believed Zuo Xiaoqing's words. This man had so many surprising qualities; one more wouldn't be surprising.

"Oh, right," Chen Hong said, remembering something, "Guangming, what song are you planning to sing? Is it a new song you wrote yourself?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "I have that idea. Singing new songs will be more effective on the Spring Festival Gala stage."

"Have you thought it through?"

"I have a general idea, but I still need to refine it."

Actually, he had already thought it through.

Where Has the Time Gone?

This song became a nationwide hit in later generations. Its simple lyrics and heartfelt melody fully express the love of parents for their children and the gratitude of children for their parents. Singing this song on the Spring Festival Gala would be perfectly fitting.

Moreover, his mother taught him vocal music from a young age, hoping he would have a stage to showcase his talents. Singing this song is also a way for him to express his gratitude to his mother.

If things are settled by the day after tomorrow, he will release this song.

Two days later, at 2:30 pm.

Yang Guangming and his mother Chen Zhiyun went out together and took a car to CCTV.

Aunt Peng was already waiting at the door. Seeing the mother and son get out of the car, she quickly went to greet them.

"Zhiyun, Guangming, you're here." Aunt Peng took Chen Zhiyun's arm. "Director Zhang is waiting in the conference room. Let's go in."

The three entered the building, walked through a long corridor, and arrived at the door of a conference room.

Aunt Peng knocked on the door and went inside.

There were four or five people sitting in the conference room. The one in the lead was a middle-aged man in his fifties with a square face, thick eyebrows, and shrewd yet gentle eyes. He was Zhang Hai, the chief director of the Spring Festival Gala.

Upon seeing the three enter, Zhang Hai stood up and warmly greeted them.

"Teacher Peng, Teacher Chen, welcome, welcome." He shook hands with the two of them, then looked at Yang Guangming with a scrutinizing yet enthusiastic gaze. "This must be Director Yang, right? I've heard so much about you, the Palme d'Or winner. It's great to finally meet you today."

Yang Guangming politely shook hands with him: "Director Zhang, you're too kind. Just call me Guangming."

Zhang Haiben greeted him with a smile, "Come on, Director Yang, please have a seat."

The group sat down, and the staff served them tea.

Zhang Hai didn't rush to talk about business, but instead chatted with Yang Guangming about movies first.

“I’ve seen ‘A Separation,’ and it’s so well made.” He said sincerely, “The restrained emotions and the realistic texture are absolutely masterful. I have a few friends in the film industry, and they all speak highly of you.”

Yang Guangming humbly replied, "Director Zhang, you flatter me. There is still much I need to learn."

"You're too modest, too modest," Zhang Hai laughed heartily, then got to the point, "The two songs you wrote for Teacher Peng and Teacher Chen are of exceptionally high quality. I listened to them and found them excellent; they were truly impressive. I've also heard that your singing skills are superb?"

Aunt Peng chimed in from the side: "Director Zhang, I'm not bragging, but Guangming's voice is a gift from God. I've heard him sing with my own ears, and it's absolutely top-notch."

Chen Zhiyun nodded, her eyes filled with pride: "He has been learning vocal music from me since he was a child, so he has a solid foundation."

Zhang Hai became interested: "Could you sing a song live today? To be honest, I'm a cautious person. I can't just listen to what others say; I have to hear it with my own ears to feel at ease."

Yang Guangming nodded: "No problem. What would Director Zhang like to hear?"

"Let's sing your song 'China in the Lights,' I personally love it, the melody is so beautiful."

Yang Guangming stood up and walked to the piano in the corner of the conference room.

It was an upright piano with a good tone. He opened the lid, tested a few notes, and then looked at Zhang Hai: "Director Zhang, I'll begin."

Zhang Hai nodded, and the meeting room fell silent.

Yang Guangming took a deep breath and placed his fingers on the piano keys.

A gentle melody flowed out.

He began to sing:

"The city streets are already shimmering with lights, and the community is filled with warm joy..."

As soon as the voice came out, Zhang Hai's eyes lit up instantly.

What kind of sound was that?
Clear, warm, magnetic, and captivating. Every word was pronounced clearly, every sound landing steadily on the line. What was most remarkable was the emotion—not deliberate sentimentality, but a natural and profound affection, as if he had truly seen those scenes and truly felt those emotions.

Aunt Peng and Chen Zhiyun exchanged a glance and both smiled.

They knew this would happen.

Yang Guangming continued singing, his fingers dancing smoothly across the piano keys.

"Sailing ships returning to port sweep past the lighthouse, footsteps chasing dreams intertwine under the moonlight. Fireworks in the square tell a story of the festival, the starry sky rises with the grandeur of the era..."

In the chorus, his voice became more expansive:
"China illuminated by lights, youthful and graceful. China illuminated by lights, with a vast and open heart..."

After the music ended, the conference room was quiet for a few seconds.

Then Zhang Hai led the applause.

"That's wonderful! That's wonderful!" He stood up, walked over to Yang Guangming, and excitedly shook his hand. "Director Yang, your voice is amazing! Absolutely amazing!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Director Zhang, you flatter me."

"No flattery, not at all!" Zhang Hai said earnestly. "I've been working on the Spring Festival Gala for so many years and have seen countless singers. But a voice like yours is absolutely unique! And you sing so relaxed and naturally, without any trace of deliberate performance."

He turned to Chen Zhiyun: "Teacher Chen, your son is truly a genius! He can win the Palme d'Or for his movies, write songs at this level, and sing so well. If he were on the Spring Festival Gala, the show would be absolutely amazing!"

Chen Zhiyun smiled broadly, but still said modestly, "Director Zhang, don't praise him. This kid is just a little clever, nothing special."

“This isn’t just cleverness,” Zhang Hai said seriously. “This is real skill!” He pulled Yang Guangming back to his seat, chatted for a while, and then got down to business.

"Director Yang, I won't beat around the bush," Zhang Hai said bluntly. "I'd like to formally invite you to perform a solo song at this year's Spring Festival Gala. Would that be alright?"

Yang Guangming did not answer immediately.

He glanced at his mother, Chen Zhiyun, whose eyes were full of expectation. He then looked at Aunt Peng, who was also nodding at him.

“Director Zhang, I’m very grateful for your invitation,” Yang Guangming said, “but there are some things I need to explain to you first.”

"Please speak."

"I'm going to the United States in a few days to promote 'A Separation' for the Oscars. This trip might last for almost a month. Also, my new movie 'Love Letter' will be released on Valentine's Day, February 14th, and after returning to China, I will have to do promotions throughout Asia. This year, Chinese New Year is on February 18th, so there will definitely be a time conflict."

After listening, Zhang Haiben remained silent for a few seconds, then asked, "Can the publicity be adjusted?"

“Some things I can do, some things I can’t,” Yang Guangming said frankly. “For example, the timing of award campaigns in the United States is fixed and cannot be changed. I also need to participate in the promotion of a movie’s release.”

Zhang Hai thought for a moment and asked, "If I were to ask you to perform on the Spring Festival Gala, how much rehearsal time would you need?"

Yang Guangming didn't answer, but looked at Aunt Peng instead.

Aunt Peng chimed in, "Director Zhang, Guangming doesn't know much about the Spring Festival Gala rehearsals. I've talked to him about it. For singing programs, especially solo performances, the rehearsal intensity isn't that high. Once the songs are decided, you can just go back and practice until you're familiar with them. As for playing with the band, it usually only takes two or three sessions. The dress rehearsals are mainly about getting to know your positions and the stage, so it doesn't take much time."

Zhang Hai nodded: "Teacher Peng is right. Director Yang, if you are willing to participate, I can try to shorten your rehearsal time. You don't need to follow the orchestral chorus and dress rehearsal from beginning to end. You can just take a few days to come over after you return from the United States."

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, your status is special. A Palme d'Or-winning director performing on the Spring Festival Gala is a topic of great interest in itself. Coupled with your excellent singing skills, the program's success is guaranteed. As for the time conflict, we can coordinate to minimize any impact on your film's promotion."

Yang Guangming listened attentively, making plans in his mind.

If it's really possible to compress rehearsal time as Zhang Hai suggested, then it's not something we can't consider.

Moreover, his mother's gaze made it impossible for him to refuse.

Although Chen Zhiyun didn't speak, the anticipation in her eyes was impossible to hide. She had been teaching him vocal music since he was little, hoping he would have a stage to showcase his talents. If he could perform on the Spring Festival Gala and let audiences across the country hear his voice, it would be the greatest comfort for his mother.

Yang Guangming made a decision: "Director Zhang, if the time really allows, I'm willing to go."

Zhang Haiben's eyes lit up: "Really?"

“Really.” Yang Guangming nodded. “But I have a request.”

"Please speak."

"I want to sing songs I wrote myself."

Zhang Hai smiled: "That's great! We'd love to hear such high-quality songs written by you. Do you have the sheet music? Let us take a look."

Yang Guangming took a piece of paper out of his bag and handed it over.

"This is a song I just prepared, called 'Where Has the Time Gone'."

Zhang Hai took it and examined it carefully.

Aunt Peng and Chen Zhiyun also went over to take a look.

The meeting room fell silent, with only the rustling of papers turning.

After a long while, Zhang Hai looked up, his eyes filled with amazement.

“These lyrics…this melody…” His voice was tinged with excitement, “Director Yang, this song is perfect for the Spring Festival Gala!”

Zhang Haiben looked down at it again and hummed a melody softly.

He hummed a few lines, then looked up, his eyes shining even brighter: "Excellent! Excellent! This song is simple, heartfelt, and warm, yet not sentimental. It sings of parents' love for their children and children's gratitude to their parents, which perfectly matches the tone of the Spring Festival Gala!"

Aunt Peng also praised the song, saying, "This song is really well written. The lyrics are simple, but every line is very touching. The melody is also catchy, and you can remember it after listening to it once."

Chen Zhiyun looked at her son, her eyes brimming with pride.

Zhang Haiben immediately made the decision: "Director Yang, let's sing this song! The quality of this song is definitely good enough for the Spring Festival Gala stage. Go back and prepare, and when you come back from the United States, we will arrange the chorus and rehearsal."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Okay, thank you, Director Zhang."

"No need to thank me, I should be thanking you." Zhang Haiben grasped his hand. "You gave us such a wonderful song and were even willing to perform it on the Spring Festival Gala yourself. With your Palme d'Or-winning director joining this year's Spring Festival Gala, it's sure to generate plenty of buzz."

The group chatted for a while longer about the details of the Spring Festival Gala, and Zhang Hai checked the time.

"Director Yang, I have another meeting, so I'll stop here for today." He stood up. "Teacher Peng and Teacher Chen, thank you both for your recommendations. Once Director Yang returns from the United States, we will officially begin rehearsals."

Aunt Peng and Chen Zhiyun both nodded in agreement.

It was already dark when I left CCTV.

Chen Zhiyun held her son's arm, her face beaming with smiles.

“Mingming, Mom is so happy today.” Her voice was a little emotional. “Seeing you singing in front of Director Zhang and hearing him praise you so much, the pride I feel is indescribable.”

Yang Guangming held his mother's hand tightly: "Mom, it's all thanks to your excellent teaching. Without your guidance over the years, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Chen Zhiyun shook her head: "It's all your own hard work; Mom just guided you."

She paused, then said softly, "My biggest wish in this life is to see you succeed. Now you're making good movies, writing good songs, singing good songs, and even performing on the Spring Festival Gala. I'm really... really gratified."

Yang Guangming didn't say anything, but simply held his mother's hand tighter.

Back at the courtyard house, Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing were waiting for them.

When they saw Yang Guangming return, the two of them went to greet him.

"How's it going?" Chen Hong asked. "Is it settled?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "It's settled. I'll be on the Spring Festival Gala and sing a song I wrote myself."

Zuo Xiaoqing cheered, "That's great! Brother Guangming is amazing!"

Chen Hong smiled too, her eyes full of tenderness.

In the evening, the kitchen prepared a table full of delicious dishes, and the three of them sat together and enjoyed a lively meal.

Yang Guangming was in a good mood and made an exception by having a small glass of wine. Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing also joined him for a few drinks, creating a very warm atmosphere.

After the meal, Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing sat with Yang Guangming in the courtyard, brewed a pot of tea, and slowly sipped it.

"Guangming, when do you plan to go to America?" Chen Hong asked.

“Charles is pressing us hard, so it should be in the next few days,” Yang Guangming said, “around the 12th.”

"What about promoting 'Love Letter'?"

"Keep a close eye on the publicity for 'Love Letter.' For now, you'll be in charge, and Mr. Shi will also cooperate. Once I return from the United States, I'll fully commit to it."

Chen Hong nodded: "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on it."

Zuo Xiaoqing whispered to him, "Brother Guangming, I'll miss you after you've been in America for so long."

Yang Guangming held her hand: "It'll only be a month, you'll be back soon."

"Then you have to call me every day," Zuo Xiaoqing demanded. "And don't forget Sister Chen Hong either."

Chen Hong smiled: "Xiaoqing is right, a phone call every day is essential."

Looking at the expectant eyes of the two women, Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Okay, call every day."

Night fell, and the courtyard grew quiet.

Yang Guangming looked up at the night sky; there weren't many stars, but they were very bright.

In a few days, he will fly to the United States to make a final push for "A Separation" to win an Oscar.

Then he came back to promote "Love Letter" and rehearse for the Spring Festival Gala.

He will be very busy this winter.

But it was also very fulfilling.

In early December, Charles started making more and more phone calls, sometimes two or three a day.

"Yang, you have to come!" he said urgently on the phone. "A Separation" has already had preview screenings in North America and the reviews are great. But for the awards, you have to handle it yourself! The Academy staff all want to meet you, the youngest Palme d'Or winner!"

Yang Guangming calculated the time.

The publicity for "Love Letter" has been arranged, and Chen Hong and Shi Nansheng will be keeping an eye on it. As for the Spring Festival Gala, Zhang Hai has also agreed to wait until he returns before rehearsing.

There should be enough time.

“Okay, I’ll book the tickets right away,” he said. “I’ll try to fly to New York on the 12th.”

"Great!" Charles exclaimed excitedly. "I'll come pick you up. Yang, this time we absolutely have to win the Oscar!" (End of Chapter)