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

December 12, Beijing Capital International Airport.

Yang Guangming stood in front of the security checkpoint, dragging his suitcase.

Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing both came to see him off.

Chen Hong stepped forward and straightened his collar: "Take good care of yourself, don't overwork yourself."

"Ah."

Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes were a little red, and she held onto his sleeve tightly, refusing to let go: "Brother Guangming, you have to come back soon."

Yang Guangming smiled and patted her head: "At most a month, it'll be quick. Study hard at school, I'll check your homework when you get back."

Zuo Xiaoqing nodded vigorously.

Yang Guangming hugged the two of them one by one, then turned and walked into the security checkpoint.

Halfway there, he turned around and saw the two people still standing there, waving at him.

He waved and then turned and left.

The plane pierced through the clouds and flew towards the other side of the ocean.

Fifteen hours later, the plane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Charles was already waiting at the exit. Seeing Yang Guangming, he quickly came to greet him and gave him a big hug.

"Yang! You're finally here!" He patted Yang Guangming on the back. "Was the journey alright?"

"I'm okay, just a little tired." Yang Guangming let go of him. "How are you feeling?"

“Let’s talk as we walk.” Charles took his luggage, and the two walked out together.

In the car, Charles gave a detailed explanation of the situation.

"A Separation" has already been screened in more than a dozen cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Film critics have given it high praise, with The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times both giving it positive reviews. Now the most important thing is to win awards.

He took out a list and handed it to Yang Guangming: "This is a list of members of the academy who have voting rights. The ones I circled are the key figures in this public relations effort. There are a few who are key members of the judging panel, and you need to meet them in person."

Yang Guangming took the list and looked at it carefully.

The list was densely packed with names; he had heard of some, but was seeing most for the first time. Charles had circled about twenty or thirty people.

"Do we need to meet with all these people?" he asked.

“You don’t necessarily have to meet them all, but it’s best to meet with the key ones,” Charles said.

Yang Guangming nodded: "Okay, you make the arrangements."

“Don’t worry, everything is arranged,” Charles said with a smile. “Starting tomorrow, we’ll meet two or three people every day. We’ll eat, drink tea, and chat. We don’t need to talk about movies, just your understanding of film and your creative philosophy. You’re very approachable and persuasive, so I don’t think it will be a problem for you.”

The sunlight clearly understood his meaning.

His mental strength is most effective in such situations. As long as he can communicate with people face-to-face, he can win their favor and even make them feel like close friends.

This is why he dared to come to the United States at this time.

For the next two weeks, Yang Guangming began an intensive public relations campaign.

Besides various gatherings, Charles would arrange private meetings with key targets, meeting with two or three college members every day, sometimes for lunch, sometimes for dinner, and sometimes just for a cup of coffee.

He never talks about "A Separation" or about winning awards; he only talks about movies, art, and life.

But his mental strength played a huge role in this situation.

The first person I met was Robert Redford.

The old director was only polite at first, but his attitude changed after less than half an hour of chatting.

“Yang, your understanding of film surprises me,” he said earnestly. “Especially your pursuit of ‘truth,’ which is exactly the same as my thinking when I was young. I watched ‘A Separation,’ and the restrained emotions and the observation of life were truly remarkable.”

Yang Guangming humbly replied, "Mr. Redford, you flatter me. I still have much to learn from you."

“No, you don’t need to learn from anyone.” Redford shook his head. “You’ve already found your own path, just keep going.”

As they parted, he held Yang Guangming's hand and said, "Don't worry, I will strongly recommend your movie to all my friends. I hope we can be friends in the future."

The second person I met was Francis Coppola.

Coppola chatted with Yang Guangming for the entire afternoon, from "The Godfather" to "Apocalypse Now," from film technology to the philosophy of life.

“Yang, do you know?” he said earnestly, “When I watched ‘A Separation,’ it reminded me of the days when I was young and filming ‘The Godfather.’ That dedication to detail and control over emotions is really similar.”

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Mr. Coppola, you flatter me too much."

“It’s not flattery, it’s the truth.” Coppola patted him on the shoulder. “Keep up the good work. I heard you’ve made another great film. See you at Cannes next year.”

In the days that followed, Yang Guangming met with more than a dozen academy members.

Everyone who spoke with him had a very good impression of him. Some even said on the spot that they would definitely vote for him.

After each meeting, Charles would ask him, "How was it?"

Yang Guangming would always say casually, "The chat went quite well."

Charles didn't ask any more questions, but judging from his increasingly radiant smile, he was clearly very satisfied.

Besides meeting people, Yang Guangming also attended several post-screening Q&A sessions for "A Separation".

Every time he appeared, he caused a sensation. Audience members who had seen the film were enthusiastic and sincere in their questions to him. Yang Guangming patiently answered each question, occasionally adding a humorous remark that drew laughter from the entire audience.

"You're such a smooth talker," Charles exclaimed afterward. "In all my years in public relations, I've never met anyone who can handle people better than you. Those people treated you like they were seeing an old friend; your charm is just too great!"

Yang Guangming smiled but didn't say anything.

What could he say? That he has spiritual power and is naturally suited for this kind of occasion?

All I can say is that it's talent.

December 25th, Christmas Day.

Charles hosted a party at his home, inviting many friends from the film industry. Yang Guangming attended as a VIP, dressed in a dark suit, his demeanor composed and his speech elegant.

At the party, he chatted with many people and exchanged contact information. Several actresses even took the initiative to befriend him, but Yang Guangming only responded politely and did not make any inappropriate moves.

“You’re too serious,” Charles joked. “Such a good opportunity, why not take it a step further?”

Yang Guangming shook his head: "I have a girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" Charles asked in surprise. "One or two?"

Yang Guangming looked at him without saying a word.

Charles laughed: "Alright, I won't ask anymore. But it's normal for a man like you to have a few women."

Yang Guangming didn't reply, but simply picked up his wine glass and slowly sipped it.

He thought of Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing.

Across the ocean, they must be thinking of him too.

On January 5th, Yang Guangming finished his trip to the United States and prepared to return to China.

Charles drove him to the airport, and kept talking about it on the way.

"Yang, the results this time are much better than I expected. Those key figures all have a very good impression of you. Especially Redford and Coppola, if they speak up for you, the chances of winning will be much greater."

Yang Guangming nodded: "I hope for a good outcome."

“Not just hope, it’s a certainty,” Charles said earnestly. “I have a feeling we’ll at least win Best Foreign Language Film this time. Maybe we’ll even get nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay.”

"Then I'll take your good wishes."

Upon arriving at the airport, Charles hugged him goodbye.

"Go back and get some rest. Wait for my news. The nomination list will be announced in February, and then we'll celebrate."

Yang Guangming patted him on the back: "You've worked hard, Chuck."

As the plane took off, Yang Guangming leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

It's been almost a month.

Finally, I'm going home.

On January 7, the plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing came to pick him up. Although they were both heavily armed, he recognized them at a glance.

Seeing the two of them standing together, Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

“Honghong, I’m back.” He hugged Chen Hong.

"It's good to be back." Chen Hong patted his back. "Are you tired? Go home and get some rest."

Zuo Xiaoqing took his arm, her eyes a little red: "Brother Guangming, I miss you so much."

Yang Guangming patted her head and said, "I miss you too."

The three of them walked out of the airport together, where Duan Yunfeng was already waiting in his car.

Back in the courtyard house, Yang Guangming took a shower, changed his clothes, and felt completely relaxed.

During dinner, Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing chatted back and forth, telling him about what had happened recently.

"The promotion for 'Love Letter' has already begun." Chen Hong's eyes seemed to be shining. "I've done a few appearances, and the results are pretty good. The posters have been put up, and the trailer has been broadcast on TV."

"The school's final exams are coming up soon." Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes were full of longing. "I've been studying all this time, but I've been thinking about you the whole time."

Listening to the bright sunshine warmed my heart.

"Thank you for your hard work," he said. "I'll be taking over the film's promotion now, so you can take a break."

"No need to rest." Chen Hong shook her head. "The promotion isn't over yet, let's keep going."

“Yes.” Zuo Xiaoqing nodded as well. “I want to go too. I can’t always leave you to do all the work.”

In the days that followed, Yang Guangming began a busy promotional schedule. "Love Letter" was scheduled for release on Valentine's Day, February 14th, simultaneously across Asia. It would be released on the same day in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Asian Cinema attaches great importance to this film, devoting all its resources to it, with a packed promotional schedule: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong Island, Taipei... they have to visit every city.

As the director and lead actor, Yang Guangming is the top priority for promotion. Wherever he goes, he attends press conferences, gives interviews, and meets with the audience.

Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing also ran along. Chen Hong plays the adult female lead, Lin Wei, while Zuo Xiaoqing plays the female lead during her student days; both are important characters in the film.

Wherever he goes, Yang Guangming becomes the center of attention.

The reporters' questions were varied: about movies, about the Oscars, about the Spring Festival Gala, and about him personally.

Yang Guangming dealt with each situation calmly and composedly.

"Director Yang, are you confident that 'A Separation' will win an Oscar?"

"Once the movie is finished, my task is complete. The rest is up to the judges."

"Director Yang, are you really going to be on the Spring Festival Gala?"

"If time permits, I would cherish this opportunity."

"Director Yang, what is your relationship with Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing?"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Partner, good friend."

Zuo Xiaoqing listened from the side, feeling a little sad, but she knew that was all she could say.

Chen Hong maintained a polite demeanor with a smile on her face.

On January 15th, the publicity team arrived in Tokyo.

Japan is an important market for "Love Letter," where the original novel enjoys high popularity. Nansun Shi and Toho Films arranged an intensive promotional schedule: press conferences, television interviews, fan meetings, and a large premiere.

Yang Guangming also has many fans in Japan. His film "A Separation" received good reviews when it was released in Japan, and many people remembered this young Chinese director.

At the press conference, a reporter asked, "Director Yang, why did you choose to adapt the Japanese novel 'Love Letter'?"

Yang Guangming answered through the translator: "Because I like this story. It's about unrequited love, regret, and memories. These emotions transcend national borders, and everyone can empathize with them."

Another reporter asked, "What are your thoughts on Japanese films?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Japanese cinema has a very deep tradition. Yasujiro Ozu, Akira Kurosawa, and Kenji Mizoguchi are all master directors. Their works have had a great influence on me."

These words pleased the Japanese reporters, and the atmosphere at the scene was very harmonious.

At the fan meeting that evening, Akira Kōhō fully demonstrated his powerful personal charm, which moved the Japanese fans present.

"Director Yang is so handsome!"

"I want to see 'Love Letter'!"

Zuo Xiaoqing watched from backstage, her eyes filled with admiration.

"Sister Chen Hong, Brother Guangming is very popular in Japan too."

Chen Hong smiled and said, "He's a genius; he'll be popular wherever he goes."

On January 20, the publicity team arrived in Seoul.

South Korean audiences also have high expectations for "Love Letter." "A Separation" received good reviews when it was released in South Korea, and Yang Guangming's name gained some recognition in the Korean film industry.

At the press conference, a reporter asked, "Director Yang, what are your thoughts on Korean films?"

Yang Guangming answered earnestly: "Korean films have developed rapidly in recent years, with many excellent directors and actors. I really like director Lee Chang-dong's works; 'Oasis' and 'Peppermint Candy' are masterpieces."

These words pleased the South Korean reporters, and the atmosphere at the scene was very lively.

At the fan meeting that evening, Yang Guangming said "Hello everyone," "Thank you," and "I love you" in Korean, which made the fans scream.

Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes lit up as she watched from backstage: "Sister Chen Hong, when did Brother Guangming learn Korean?"

Chen Hong was also surprised: "He probably learned it on short notice; he learns things quickly."

On January 25, the publicity team arrived in Singapore.

This is the last stop of our promotional tour in Southeast Asia; after that, we can go back home.

The intensive promotional activities over the past month have left Yang Guangming somewhat tired, but he remains in excellent spirits. At each stop, he greets everyone in the local language, making reporters and fans feel very welcome.

Nansun Shi accompanied him throughout the process and praised his performance highly.

"Young Master Ming is truly amazing; he can get along well wherever he goes. The publicity this time has been even more effective than I expected."

Chen Hong nodded: "That's just how he is; he can do anything well."

Zuo Xiaoqing listened quietly from the side, feeling both proud and somewhat emotional.

Brother Guangming is so outstanding that she sometimes feels unworthy of him.

But every time she sees his gentle eyes and hears his encouraging words, her confidence is strengthened.

With hard work, one day she will be able to stand beside him, her radiance no less than anyone else's.

On January 28th, the publicity team returned to Beijing.

Yang Guangming can finally catch his breath.

But after only two days of rest, the Spring Festival Gala production team called.

"Director Yang, you're back? That's great! We should start arranging rehearsals now."

Yang Guangming calculated the time and realized there were still twenty days until the Spring Festival, so it was indeed time to start preparing.

"Okay, I'll go tomorrow."

The following afternoon, Yang Guangming appeared on CCTV right on time.

Zhang Hai personally received him and took him to meet the music director and band conductor.

"Director Yang, we've already arranged the music for this song. Please listen to it." Zhang Hai handed him a cassette tape.

Yang Guangming took it and listened to it once in the tape recorder.

The arrangement is very professional, preserving the original simplicity and deep emotion of the song while adding a grand feel suitable for the Spring Festival Gala stage.

“Very good.” He nodded. “Use this version.”

Over the next few days, Yang Guangming began intensive rehearsals.

First, we played with the band. The band is national-level, very skilled, and the collaboration went smoothly. After two takes, we were already very in sync.

Then came the rehearsal. The Spring Festival Gala stage is huge, so you have to move around and find your place in front of the camera. Although it was Yang Guangming's first time on the Spring Festival Gala, he was used to being on film sets and was very camera-savvy, so the rehearsal went smoothly.

Zhang Hai followed along the whole time, and the more he looked, the more satisfied he became.

"Director Yang, you're in such great shape. Many veteran actors still get nervous when they perform on the Spring Festival Gala, but you're even more relaxed than them."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "I got used to it from making movies."

During a break in rehearsals, he also ran into Aunt Peng and his mother, Chen Zhiyun.

Both of them were rehearsing, each preparing their own songs. Seeing Yang Guangming, they were both very happy.

"Guangming, how are you? Are you adjusting well?" Aunt Peng asked.

"It's pretty good, easier than I expected," Yang Guangming said.

Chen Zhiyun held her son's hand, her eyes filled with pride: "Mom watched your rehearsal, it was really good."

Yang Guangming gripped his mother's hand tightly: "Mom, you saw it?"

"I watched it, I watched it secretly," Chen Zhiyun said with a smile. "Director Zhang gave me the green light and let me watch it from the audience for a while."

The mother and son looked at each other and smiled.

On February 10th, the Spring Festival Gala held its first dress rehearsal.

Yang Guangming put on his custom-made performance outfit—a dark blue suit, simple and elegant, not flashy but very high-quality.

Standing on the huge Spring Festival Gala stage, facing the empty audience seats, he took a deep breath.

As the piano music began, he started to sing:

"The old tree in front of the door sprouts new buds, and the withered tree in the yard blooms again. Half a lifetime has passed, and so many words are hidden in my full head of white hair..."

The sound echoed in the huge studio.

The staff members below the stage listened quietly, and some of them quietly had tears in their eyes.

When the music ended, applause broke out.

Zhang Hai walked over and excitedly shook his hand: "Director Yang, that's wonderful! This song, this performance, is definitely a highlight of this year's Spring Festival Gala!"

Chen Zhiyun was also in the audience. She seemed to be thinking about something, and her eyes welled up with tears.

After the rehearsal, Chen Zhiyun held her son's hand, feeling quite emotional, and remained speechless for a long time.

"Mom," Yang Guangming called softly.

Chen Zhiyun looked up, her eyes red-rimmed, but with a smile on her face: "Mingming, Mom's life has been worthwhile."

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart and hugged his mother.

February 12th, second rehearsal.

February 14th, the third rehearsal.

Every rehearsal went smoothly, and Yang Guangming's performance improved with each rehearsal. Zhang Hai's evaluation of him also rose higher and higher.

"Director Yang, you were born for the stage." He said earnestly, "If you have the chance in the future, please come to the Spring Festival Gala more often."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "I'll definitely come if I have the chance." (End of Chapter)