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

The next morning, Yang Ming was awakened by the sound of firecrackers outside his window.

He opened his eyes and listened for a while while lying in bed. A series of crisp, crackling sounds came from afar, occasionally mixed with the laughter of children. Spring Festival in Beijing is always this lively.

The clock on the bedside table pointed to 7:30. He had slept for a full eight hours, a rare good night's sleep.

Yang Guangming sat up and glanced at his work phone. He had turned it off on New Year's Eve and only now remembered to check it.

The screen was densely packed with text messages and missed call notifications. He quickly scrolled through them; there were messages from Han Sanping, Shi Nansheng, teachers and classmates from school, and many unfamiliar numbers.

He first opened the text message sent by Shi Nansheng.

"Ming Shao, your performance at the Spring Festival Gala was amazing! My family and I were moved to tears. Congratulations!"

He then opened Han Sanping's text messages.

"Guangming, you sang so well! This song is definitely going to be a hit! Give me a call when you have time."

Yang Guangming smiled, put down his phone, and got up to wash up.

Stepping out of the bedroom, the sound of a television came from the living room. Chen Zhiyun and Yang Hongwen were already sitting on the sofa, watching the morning news.

Seeing her son come out, Chen Zhiyun immediately waved: "Mingming, come and see!"

Yang Guangming walked over and sat down next to his mother.

The television was broadcasting CCTV's morning news. The host spoke in a solemn yet warm tone: "During the Spring Festival Gala, young director Yang Guangming's performance of the song 'Where Has the Time Gone?' moved countless viewers. With its simple lyrics and heartfelt melody, the song expresses the love of parents for their children and the gratitude of children for their parents..."

The scene shifts to a clip from the Spring Festival Gala. Yang Guangming sits at the piano, the light soft, his voice clear and warm.

"The old tree in front of the door sprouts new buds, and the withered tree in the yard blooms again..."

Chen Zhiyun's eyes reddened again. She held her son's hand, without saying a word.

Yang Hongwen whispered from the side, "You sang really well."

The news broadcast continued. The reporter interviewed several citizens on the street.

A middle-aged woman wiped away her tears and said, "I cried after watching the Spring Festival Gala. It made me think of my parents. They are no longer here. I really regret not spending more time with them."

A young girl said, "After watching the Spring Festival Gala, I called my mom and said 'I love you.' My mom cried on the other end of the phone. Thank you, Yang Guangming, for giving me the courage to say those words."

Another elderly man gave a thumbs-up to the camera: "This song is well-written and well-sung! Young people today should listen to more songs like this!"

Yang Guangming watched quietly, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

He knew the song would touch people, but he didn't expect the Spring Festival Gala to have such a huge and rapid impact.

Chen Zhiyun wiped away her tears and turned to look at her son: "Mingming, Mom received a lot of phone calls, all from old friends. They all said you sing well and that they envy me for having such a good son."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Mom, this is all thanks to you. If you hadn't taught me vocal music since I was little, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to stand on the Spring Festival Gala stage."

"I'm so happy!" Chen Zhiyun patted his hand. "Mom's life has been worthwhile."

Yang Hongwen coughed beside him and said, "Alright, stop getting sentimental. Let's eat, the dumplings are getting cold."

Breakfast was dumplings again, along with a few side dishes. Yang Guangming ate quickly, still thinking about today's plans.

After finishing his meal, he returned to his study and turned on his computer.

The online discussion has exploded.

The comment sections of major forums and news websites are flooded with posts about the Spring Festival Gala and the song "Where Has the Time Gone".

"The only program on the Spring Festival Gala that made me cry."

"What kind of genius is Yang Guangming! He's a great director, a great actor, and he sings so well too!"

"That voice was absolutely amazing! After listening to it, I searched for the song and found out that he wrote it himself!"

“My dad never watches the Spring Festival Gala, but he happened to see it while channel surfing last night. He sat there and listened to the whole song without saying a word. Later I saw him secretly wiping away tears.”

"I strongly urge Sunshine Ming to release an album! I want to buy it!"

Yang Guangming looked at each one with a smile on his lips.

He opened a forum and saw a poll post: "Which program was the best in this year's Spring Festival Gala?" More than 3,000 people had already voted, and "Where Has the Time Gone?" was at the top of the list with more than 40% of the votes.

He opened another music forum and found that someone had already transcribed last night's recording into audio and uploaded it online. The comments section already had several pages of text.

"Playing it on repeat, I cry every time I hear it."

"I need a high-definition version! I need the audio tape! I need the album!"

"This voice is so captivating; you can't forget it after just one listen."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and then called Shi Nansheng.

"Mr. Shi, Happy New Year."

"Ming Shao! Happy New Year!" Shi Nansheng's voice came through the receiver, tinged with laughter. "I was just about to call you! The Spring Festival Gala performance was fantastic! Do you know what's going on online right now?"

"I'm looking into it now," Yang Guangming said. "Mr. Shi, I'd like to ask if our company has any plans to release a record?"

Shi Nansheng paused for a second, then smiled and said, "Mr. Ming, you finally asked about this! I was thinking about this last night. Your song is so popular right now, it would be a shame not to release an album. And it's not just this song, didn't you write two other songs? They've been very well received too!"

Yang Guangming nodded: "I'll think about it. We can talk in detail after I'm done with this busy period."

"Okay, okay! Whenever you're free is fine!" Shi Nansheng was very happy. "By the way, the box office data should be available today. I'll let you know as soon as it's out."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Mr. Shi."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming continued browsing information online.

He saw that some media outlets had already published an article titled "Yang Guangming: From Palme d'Or-winning director to singer who moved the nation."

The article provides a detailed account of his experiences over the past few years: winning the Venice Film Festival Best Actor award, the Cannes Palme d'Or, filming his new movie "Amour," the release of the movie "Love Letter," and his performance at last night's Spring Festival Gala.

The article concludes: "Yang Guangming has proven with his talent that he is not only a genius director who can make movies, but also possesses a beautiful voice that can move people's hearts. His musical talent is equally amazing. We have reason to believe that this is just the beginning, and he will bring us more surprises in the future."

After reading it, Yang Guangming smiled and closed the webpage.

He recalled the feeling of standing on the Spring Festival Gala stage, the blurry faces in the audience, and the warm feeling that welled up in his heart when he sang the last song.

He wrote this song for his parents.

It is also written for all parents in the world.

Now it seems that everyone has understood what he was trying to express.

At 2 p.m., Yang Guangming was reading in his study when his phone rang.

It was Shi Nansheng calling.

"Young Master Ming! The data is in!" Shi Nansheng's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Yang Guangming put down his book: "President Shi, please speak."

Nansun Shi spoke quickly, “The figure for Japan is equivalent to 12 million RMB! The figure for South Korea is also equivalent to over 7 million RMB! The figure for Hong Kong is 2.3 million HKD on the first day! The data for Taiwan is not yet fully compiled, but the attendance rate is also very high!”

Yang Guangming was stunned for a moment.

He knew that Love Letter would do well at the box office, but the number still exceeded his expectations.

"Mr. Shi, are you sure the data is accurate?"

"Of course I'm sure! I've been staying in the office the whole time, just waiting for the data!" Shi Nansheng laughed. "Young Master Ming, you're going to make history! A romance film released simultaneously across Asia, breaking box office records for Chinese-language romance films in various regions! This is an amazing achievement!"

Yang Guangming quickly did the math in his head. Based on this trend, the total box office revenue across the entire Asian market was expected to exceed 300 million.

"Mr. Shi, thank you for your hard work," Yang Guangming said. "You're still busy even during the Chinese New Year."

"Not at all! I'm overjoyed to see these results!" Shi Nansheng laughed. "Ming Shao, you should get some rest. The publicity work still needs your help. I have to go now, I have a bunch of calls to make!"

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming sat in his chair, stunned for a long while.

The door was pushed open, and Chen Zhiyun poked her head in: "Mingming, whose call was that?"

“Mr. Shi,” Yang Guangming looked up, “Mom, the opening day box office figures for ‘Love Letter’ are out.”

Chen Zhiyun walked in and sat down opposite him: "How much?"

Yang Guangming recited the data.

Chen Zhiyun was overjoyed to hear this. She stood up, walked to her son, and hugged him tightly.

"Mingming, Mom is proud of you."

Yang Guangming patted his mother on the back: "Mom, this is just the beginning."

Chen Zhiyun let go of him. "Mom will go tell your dad that he's going to Hong Kong Island soon. Let him be happy to hear this news."

She walked briskly out of the study, her footsteps light and quick.

In the evening, the mother and son sat in front of the television.

The evening news broadcast began. The anchor, in a solemn voice, reported on major domestic and international events.

When the cultural news segment started, the camera switched.

"The romance film 'Love Letter,' directed by and starring young director Yang Guangming, was released simultaneously across Asia yesterday, setting multiple box office records on its opening day."

The scene showed a long line outside the movie theater, with expectant faces.

The reporter interviewed several audience members who had just finished watching the movie.

A young girl, her eyes red with tears, said, "It's so beautiful! I cried several times! Sunshine is amazing!"

One young man commented earnestly: "This is a real love story. It's not melodramatic or sentimental, but it's incredibly moving."

Another middle-aged couple said to the camera, "We watched it with our child. After the movie, our child shared a lot of their feelings with us. Thank you for the film."

Chen Zhiyun watched TV, her smile impossible to hide.

Looking at these scenes, Yang Guangming felt joyful.

The movie was finished, it was released, and the audience liked it.

This is the best reward for a director.

After the news ended, Chen Zhiyun turned to look at her son: "Mingming, are you going out again tomorrow?"

"Yes, there's a promotional notice." Yang Guangming nodded. "Go this afternoon and come back tonight."

“Working even during the Lunar New Year, you can’t even have a moment to rest…” Chen Zhiyun felt a little sorry for him, but she didn’t say anything more.

Around 9 p.m., Yang Guangming returned to his study. He turned on his computer and checked the online comments.

Discussions about "Love Letter" have flooded various forums.

"I just came out of the movie theater, my eyes are swollen from crying."

"What a genius Yang Guangming is! 'A Separation' is so heavy, and 'Love Letter' is so innocent. Their styles are completely different, but they are both so well made!"

"Chen Hong is so beautiful! Zuo Xiaoqing is also very charming! Yang Guangming is unbelievably handsome! The cast of this movie is just too good!"

"What moved me the most was the last scene. When Su Shu received the library card and saw the painting on the back, I completely broke down."

"This movie reminded me of the person I had a crush on in high school. Although we didn't end up together, those memories were truly beautiful."

As Yang Guangming looked through the rows one by one, he felt very satisfied.

He opened a post titled "Did you all watch Yang Guangming's Spring Festival Gala performance and movie?"

There are already hundreds of replies below.

"I watched them all! The Spring Festival Gala made me cry, and the movie made me cry too! Is Sunshine going to make me cry all over again?!"

"His voice is absolutely amazing. You can't forget it after just one listen, it's still playing in my head right now."

"I've already bought the movie tickets, I'll be watching it again tomorrow!"

"I strongly urge Sunshine Ming to release an album! I want to buy it and listen to it every day!"

Yang Guangming couldn't help but laugh as he read the comments.

The phone rang; it was Zuo Xiaoqing calling.

"Brother Guangming!" Zuo Xiaoqing's voice came through the receiver, filled with excitement, "I saw the news! Our movie is very popular!"

Yang Guangming smiled: "How are things over there?"

"It was great! The fans were incredibly enthusiastic during our promotional trip to Singapore today!" Zuo Xiaoqing chattered excitedly. "Sister Chen Hong took us to several events; we were exhausted, but it was so much fun!"

Hearing her voice, Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart.

"Brother Guangming, I miss you." Zuo Xiaoqing's voice suddenly became softer.

"I miss you too," Yang Guangming said gently. "I'll wait for you to come back."

"Oh! By the way, Sister Chen Hong wants to talk to you."

There was a rustling sound on the other end of the phone, then Chen Hong's voice rang out: "Guangming."

“Honghong”.

Chen Hong paused for a moment, then said softly, "I really didn't expect the box office to be so good. Congratulations."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Congratulations to you too. Once this film is finished showing, you will be a true Asian superstar."

Chen Hong smiled and said, "Yes, congratulations to us. We made this movie together."

The two were silent for a few seconds, but the warmth of their tacit understanding could be felt even through the phone.

"Xiaoqing performed very well today," Chen Hong said. "She's becoming more and more like an actress."

"It's because you took good care of her."

"Of course, I'm not just a sister for nothing," Chen Hong said with a smile. "Alright, that's enough. We have to get up early tomorrow. You should get some rest."

"Okay, you all take care of yourselves too."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair.

Fireworks are blooming again outside the window.

……

Over the next few days, Yang Guangming's life was regular and fulfilling.

During the day, I run around doing a few promotional appearances to contribute to the film's publicity. In the evening, I have dinner with my mother and we chat.

Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing would call every day to report on the publicity efforts.

Good news kept coming in.

Media reviews of "Love Letter" have been increasingly positive, with some calling it "the purest love story in recent years," others "another masterpiece by Sunshine Ming after 'A Separation'," and still others "a benchmark for Chinese-language films to go global in Asia."

Yang Guangming receives countless congratulatory calls and text messages every day, but he always remains calm.

He was naturally pleased with the box office success. But he knew the real test would be word-of-mouth. A film might become a hit for a while thanks to publicity and buzz; but to endure, it depends on the quality of the work itself.

Whether "Love Letter" can become a classic remains to be seen.

On February 24th, Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing completed the first phase of their Asian promotional tour and returned to Beijing.

Yang Guangming personally went to the airport to pick them up.

Both women were wearing masks and sunglasses when they emerged from the exit, but Yang Guangming recognized them immediately. Chen Hong walked ahead, still radiant and beautiful. Zuo Xiaoqing followed behind, dressed in a simple sweatshirt and jeans, looking as pure and innocent as ever.

Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan also came back together. The two girls were very excited, chattering about what they had seen and heard on the way to promote the event.

Upon seeing Yang Guangming, Fan Bingbing was the first to run over: "Director Yang! We're back!"

Gao Yuanyuan also came over and said softly, "Director Yang, thank you for coming to pick us up."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "You've all worked hard. Get in the car."

The group got into the car and drove out of the airport.

In the car, Chen Hong leaned on Yang Guangming's shoulder and whispered, "I'm exhausted. We've been to seven cities, and every day it's either a press conference or an interview."

Sitting on the other side, Zuo Xiaoqing also said, "But I gained a lot. I learned a lot, and Sister Chen Hong taught me a lot."

Fan Bingbing leaned out from the back seat: "Director Yang, we went to so many places, and there were so many fans everywhere! They even gave us gifts!"

Gao Yuanyuan sat quietly, but her eyes were bright, and she was clearly very happy.

As Yang Guangming listened to their lively chatter, he felt a warmth in his heart.

Back at the courtyard house, Wu Fang had already prepared a welcome feast. The food was plentiful, all of which were dishes that everyone loved.

Chen Hong took a shower and changed her clothes. When she came out, she was wearing pajamas and her hair was still wet. Zuo Xiaoqing also changed into comfortable clothes, and the two sat down at the dining table.

Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan sat on the other side, chatting with Yang Guangming about interesting things that happened during the publicity.

Fan Bingbing recounted meeting a movie fan in Taiwan, a university student who grabbed her hand and said she cried after watching the trailer and insisted on waiting for the film's release. Gao Yuanyuan recounted an interview in Singapore where a reporter asked her about her future plans, and she almost misspoke due to nervousness.

Yang Guangming listened attentively, occasionally interjecting a word or two, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

After dinner, Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan said goodbye and returned to their lodgings. Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing stayed behind.

The three people sat in the living room, drinking tea and chatting.

When asked about her upcoming plans, Chen Hong said, "President Shi said that after 'Love Letter' finishes its run in theaters, he might give me a new role. Nothing is decided yet."

Zuo Xiaoqing also said, "School is about to start, and I need to go back to class."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Go to class when you need to go to class, go to work when you need to go to work. Don't let anything interfere with your studies."

Chen Hong looked at him and asked softly, "And you? What are your plans for the future?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment: "Post-production of 'Love' is finished, and the finished film should be available in March. Then, depending on the situation, we might consider preparing for a new project."

Chen Hong nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder, feeling a little sleepy. Yang Guangming gently put his arm around her, making her more comfortable.

Chen Hong felt a pang of sadness watching this scene, but quickly recovered. She stood up and said, "I'm going to the restroom. You two talk."

After she left, Zuo Xiaoqing looked up at Yang Guangming and said, "Brother Guangming, Sister Chen Hong seems a little unhappy."

Yang Guangming patted her head: "It's okay, she'll adjust."

Zuo Xiaoqing said softly, "I don't want her to be unhappy."

Yang Guangming looked at her, feeling a deep sense of emotion. This girl had truly grown up and learned to use cunning.

"Don't worry." He could only play dumb. "She'll understand."

As night deepened, Yang Guangming accompanied Zuo Xiaoqing back to her room to rest.

February 28th marks half a month since the release of "Love Letter".

Box office data from various regions are being released one after another:

The film's box office revenue in mainland China has exceeded 70 million RMB, and it is expected to surpass 100 million RMB.

The reason why the domestic film box office is so good is not only because this movie is so wonderful, but also mainly because Yang Guangming's several movies have been successful in a row. Many movie fans will habitually watch his movies.

The box office in Hong Kong Island has already exceeded HK$15 million, and it's a foregone conclusion that it will surpass HK$20 million.

The film grossed over 50 million NT dollars at the box office in Taiwan, causing quite a stir on the island.

The film's box office in Japan has surpassed 90 million RMB, exceeding the total box office of the film in its previous life and setting a new record for Chinese-language films in Japan.

The film's box office in South Korea surpassed 1.5 million viewers, also setting a record.

Box office results in Southeast Asian countries were also very good, far exceeding expectations.

Shi Nansheng called, her voice brimming with excitement: "Ming Shao, congratulations! 'Love Letter' has grossed over 200 million RMB in total across Asia! This is an unprecedented achievement for a Chinese-language romance film!"

Yang Guangming was also very happy, but his tone remained calm: "Thank you, President Shi, you've worked hard."

"It's not hard work at all!" Shi Nansheng laughed. "Your film is excellent, which makes distribution much easier for us. By the way, what are your plans for the future? How about making another one?"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "President Shi, don't rush, let me catch my breath."

Nansun Shi laughed and said, "Alright, alright, take your time to rest. Let me know as soon as you have a new project."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming stood by the window, looking at the spring scenery in the yard.

On the last day of February, the weather in Beijing was beginning to warm up. Tender green buds were sprouting on several trees in the yard. In another month, spring would truly arrive.

Love Letter was a success.

The post-production of "Love" has also been completed.

1996 was a great start. (End of Chapter)