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

On stage, Goldberg's opening remarks were nearing their end.

In her signature exaggerated tone, she said, "Alright, enough chit-chat, let's begin the awards ceremony! The first award of the night is Best Original Screenplay!"

Yang Guangming's fingers tightened slightly.

"A Separation" is also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

On stage, two award presenters walked onto the stage. They were a long-time collaborator—renowned screenwriter Nora Ephron and her old friend Woody Allen. Applause erupted from the audience as soon as they appeared.

Woody Allen, still as reserved as ever, stood in front of the microphone, adjusted his glasses, and said, "Nora, don't you think it's a bit ironic that we're here to present this award? We've been writing screenplays for so many years and haven't won a single Oscar."

Nora Ephron laughed: "That's why we're here to present this award, so at least we can touch the little golden statuette."

Laughter erupted from the audience.

Yang Guangming laughed along. These two are legendary screenwriters in Hollywood, and their sense of humor is truly first-rate.

Woody Allen opened the envelope, glanced at it, and then handed it to Nora Ephron: "You read it, I'm afraid I'll misread it."

Nora Ephron took the envelope and cleared her throat: "The nominees for Best Original Screenplay at the 68th Academy Awards are—"

Clips of the nominated films began playing on the big screen.

Several films include: Christopher McQuarrie in *The Usual Suspects*; Randall Wallace in *Braveheart*; Stephen J. Revere, Christopher Wilkinson, and Oliver Stone in *Nixon*; Joss Whedon and Andrew Stanton in *Toy Story*; and Sunny in *A Separation*.

The scene shifts to Yang Guangming. He sits calmly in his seat, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Nora Ephron unfolded the list of winners in her hand, glanced at it, then looked up with a bright smile: "The winner is—"

She paused, then read aloud:
"A Farewell, the Sun Shines Brightly!"

Applause erupted instantly.

Yang Guangming was stunned for a moment.

He knew that "A Separation" was a strong contender for Best Original Screenplay, and Charles had also said it was highly regarded within the industry. But actually hearing his name called out by the presenter still felt surreal.

"Guangming, it's you!" Chen Daoming nudged him, his face showing rare excitement.

Xi Meijuan clapped beside her, her eyes slightly red.

Yang Guangming stood up, hugged Chen Daoming next to him, shook hands with Xi Meijuan, and then turned to give high-fives to Wang Xueqi and Siqin Gaowa in the back row. Then he straightened his suit and walked steadily towards the stage.

Flashes of light came from all directions, and applause continued unabated.

He walked onto the stage, shook hands with Nora Ephron, and hugged Woody Allen. Woody Allen patted him on the back and whispered in his ear, "Young man, congratulations. The script is really good."

"Thank you."

Yang Guangming took the little golden statuette from Nora Ephron; it was heavy, heavier than he had imagined.

He walked to the microphone and looked at the audience. Hundreds of familiar faces—Tom Hanks, Mel Gibson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Redford… these legendary figures he had only seen on screen—were all watching him.

Yang Guangming took a deep breath and began his acceptance speech.

"Thank you, thank you everyone." His voice was steady, with a subtle magnetism. "First of all, I want to thank the Academy Committee and the Academy members for their recognition of this script."

He paused, then continued, “When I was writing this script, I spent three whole months in a small room in Beijing. At that time, I was thinking, what kind of story can touch people’s hearts? Later I found that what touches people the most are always the simplest things—love, responsibility, choices, and the pain that those choices bring.”

The audience quieted down, and many people listened attentively.

"I want to thank my parents."

Yang Guangming looked at the camera and said, "They taught me what love and responsibility are. Every emotion in this movie stems from the feelings they gave me."

Thank you to the entire cast and crew of "A Separation".

His gaze swept across the audience, searching for Chen Daoming and the others. "The performances of Teacher Chen Daoming, Teacher Xi Meijuan, Teacher Wang Xueqi, and Teacher Siqin Gaowa brought my script to life. Without them, there would be no film."

Applause erupted again, and the camera cut to the four lead actors. Chen Daoming nodded slightly, Xi Meijuan's eyes reddened, Wang Xueqi clapped vigorously, and Siqin Gaowa smiled brightly.

"Finally, I'd like to say a few words." Yang Guangming looked at the camera, a youthful smile on his face. "I'm only eighteen, and this is just the beginning. In the future, I will make more and better films and tell more and better stories. Thank you everyone!"

He raised the little golden statuette and waved to the audience.

The applause was thunderous.

Yang Guangming stepped off the stage and, guided by staff, went to the backstage interview area. Dozens of media outlets had already gathered there, and their flashes went off instantly upon his appearance.

"Yang! Look this way!"

"Director Yang, congratulations!"

What was it like to win your first Oscar?

Yang Guangming stood at the interview table, smiling as he answered reporters' questions. His English was fluent, his demeanor natural, his answers concise and powerful, and he occasionally added a touch of humor, eliciting laughter from the reporters.

After the interview, he took the Oscar and returned to the audience.

Chen Daoming was the first to greet him, shaking his hand: "Guangming, congratulations! That's wonderful!"

Xi Meijuan also came over, her eyes still red: "Guangming, I'm so happy for you."

Wang Xueqi and Siqin Gaowa also gathered around, and Siqin Gaowa gave him a big hug: "Amazing, Director Yang! You've really brought glory to Chinese cinema!"

Yang Guangming smiled as he accepted everyone's congratulations, then returned to his seat.

Best Original Screenplay was a pleasant surprise, but Best Foreign Language Film is the award that "A Separation" is most confident of winning. If it can also win Best Foreign Language Film, then tonight will be truly perfect.

On stage, the awards ceremony continued.

Best makeup, best costume design, best art direction... awards were presented one after another, and the winners went on stage to give their acceptance speeches. Some were moved to tears, while others were humorous and witty.

Yang Guangming remained calm, but he was silently waiting in his heart.

Finally, it's time for the Best Foreign Language Film segment.

The award presenters were two heavyweight figures – director Steven Spielberg and actress Uma Thurman.

The two walked onto the stage, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Spielberg stood in front of the microphone and smiled: "Uma, do you know what special meaning this Best Foreign Language Film award has for me?"

Uma Thurman asked curiously, "What does it mean?"

Spielberg said seriously, "Because this is the only Oscar I haven't won. I've never made a foreign language film."

Laughter erupted from the audience.

Uma Thurman laughed and said, "Then you can have some fun tonight and present this award."

Spielberg nodded. "Yes, at least we can touch the trophy." He took the envelope. "Okay, let's take a look at the nominees."

Clips of the nominated films began playing on the big screen.

The Antonia Family, Netherlands.

Love in a Delicatessen, Algeria.

"A Perfect Match" (also known as "The Moon Shines Brightly"), Brazil.

"New Paradise Star Scout", Italy.

A Separation, China.

The scene shifts to bright sunlight. He sits in his seat, his expression calm, but his eyes focused.

Spielberg opened the envelope, glanced at it, and then handed it to Uma Thurman: "You read it. I'm afraid I'll get too excited and misread it."

Uma Thurman took the envelope, glanced at it, then looked up with a bright smile:

"The winner is—'A Separation,' China!"

Thunderous applause erupted.

Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat.

He stood up, this time clearly more excited than before.

Chen Daoming patted his shoulder hard, Xi Meijuan held his hand, and Wang Xueqi and Siqin Gaowa stood up and hugged him.

"Guangming, well done!" Siqin Gaowa's voice was choked with emotion.

Yang Guangming took a deep breath and walked back onto the stage.

This is the second time he has walked this road tonight.

He shook hands with Spielberg and hugged Uma Thurman. Looking him in the eyes, Spielberg said earnestly, "Young man, I've seen your films; they're excellent. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you in the future."

"Thank you, Mr. Spielberg."

Yang Guangming stood in front of the microphone, holding the little golden statuette in his hand, looking at the audience below the stage.

This time, his remarks were more composed.

"Thank you," he said. "Thank you to the Academy Committee and the Academy members for recognizing 'A Separation'."

He paused, then continued, "This film tells a story about a moral dilemma. When emotions and laws, love and responsibility conflict, how should we choose? There is no standard answer to this question, but it is worth pondering for everyone."

The audience listened quietly.

"I want to thank my production team, the Beijing Film Studio, and everyone who supported this film." His gaze swept across the audience. "Special thanks to my four leading actors—Chen Daoming, Xi Meijuan, Wang Xueqi, and Siqin Gaowa. Your superb performances gave this story a soul."

The camera then cuts back to the four main actors. Chen Daoming nods slightly, Xi Meijuan has tears in her eyes, Wang Xueqi smiles, and Siqin Gaowa applauds enthusiastically.

"Finally," Yang Guangming said, looking at the camera with a sincere smile, "film is an art form without borders. Tonight's award belongs to everyone who loves film. Thank you all!"

He raised the little golden statuette and waved to the audience.

The applause lasted for a long time.

When they returned to the backstage interview area, the reporters became even more enthusiastic.

"Director Yang! How does it feel to win two awards?"

"Director Yang, do you have any expectations for Best Director?"

Yang Guangming answered each question calmly and with a sincere smile.

After the interview, he returned to the audience. Chen Daoming and the others were already waiting, each with a proud smile on their face.

"Guangming, you've really made history this time," Chen Daoming exclaimed.

Siqin Gaowa laughed and said, "Two major awards! Best Foreign Language Film! Best Original Screenplay! Tonight, Chinese films are shining brightly at the Oscars!" Xi Meijuan was very excited and looked at Yang Guangming: "Guangming, let's keep up the good work, and maybe we can get a nomination for Best Director too."

Yang Guangming had never harbored such fantasies, but he wouldn't say anything discouraging at this time; at least theoretically, there was still hope.

Several smaller awards were presented, followed by the Best Director award.

Although Charles said the competition for Best Director was too fierce and that being nominated was a victory in itself, apart from Yang Guangming, everyone else still couldn't help but have a glimmer of hope.

What if?
When the presenter announced that the winner was Mel Gibson from "Braveheart," Yang Guangming sincerely applauded to congratulate him.

Mel Gibson truly deserves this award; Braveheart is a masterpiece.

After Best Director, it's time for Best Picture.

When the presenter announced the last award—Best Picture winner Braveheart—the entire audience erupted in applause.

The 68th Academy Awards ceremony has concluded successfully.

Around 11 p.m., Yang Guangming and his group stepped out of the Hollywood & Highland Center. The night sky outside was dotted with stars. Beverly Hills was ablaze with lights, and the movie city was even more enchanting in the night.

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

"Yang! That's fantastic! Two awards!" Charles's voice trembled with excitement. "Best Foreign Language Film! Best Original Screenplay! This is a historic victory!"

Yang Guangming patted him on the back: "Chuck, you've worked hard. Without you, there would be no today."

"It's because your film is so good!" Charles released him, his expression excited. "Yang, do you know? You are the youngest winner of the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in history! And the youngest winner of the Best Original Screenplay Oscar! You've made history!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Thank you, Chuck."

Chen Daoming and the others watched from the sidelines, all with smiles on their faces.

Siqin Gaowa walked over and took Yang Guangming's hand: "Guangming, what are the plans next? Do you want to go celebrate?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "We're all qualified to attend the Vanity Fair dinner. Charles, is it open to everyone?"

Charles nodded: "Yes, both winners and nominees can attend. Our entire cast and crew can go."

"Alright, let's go together." Yang Guangming looked at everyone. "Let's have a good celebration tonight."

The motorcade drove to the location of the Vanity Fair dinner—a private club in Beverly Hills.

Luxury cars were parked all the way to the roadside, and a red carpet stretched from the entrance. Flashbulbs went off constantly, and reporters shouted incessantly.

Yang Guangming got out of the car first, holding two small golden statuettes in his hands.

Instantly, a flood of flashes came from the cameras.

"Yang! Look this way!"

"Congratulations, Director Yang!"

"Yang, take a picture with the little golden statue!"

Yang Guangming complied with the reporters' requests, holding up the little golden statuette and smiling.

Chen Daoming and the others got out of the car one after another. Although the four Chinese actors didn't have any Oscars in their hands, each of them wore a proud smile.

The reporters also enthusiastically took photos of them.

"Chen! Look this way!"

"Xi! Over here!"

All four cooperated well, smiling and greeting each other.

Stepping into the clubhouse, the atmosphere became even more lively.

The enormous banquet hall was filled with round tables and sofas. Hollywood stars, dressed in evening gowns and suits, were everywhere, clinking glasses and laughing.

As soon as Yang Guangming entered, he immediately became the center of attention.

"Yang! Congratulations!" a familiar voice rang out.

Yang Guangming turned his head and saw Mel Gibson walking over with a wine glass in his hand.

"Mr. Gibson, thank you." Yang Guangming clinked glasses with him.

Mel Gibson looked at him with admiration in his eyes: "Young man, you've really shone tonight. Winning two major awards at such a young age, that's remarkable!"

Yang Guangming said, "You are the real winner tonight, and you are the one who should be envied."

Mel Gibson laughed, “Everyone knows you’re a genius. You just need to keep making your movies, make more good films, and one day you’ll surpass me.”

The two chatted for a while, then Mel Gibson was called away. Just as Yang Ming was about to catch his breath, someone else approached.

It's Francis Coppola.

“Yang, congratulations.” Coppola hugged him. “I knew you would win. Two major awards, well deserved.”

Yang Guangming sincerely said, "Mr. Coppola, thank you for your support during this time."

Coppola waved his hand: "I support you because you deserve it. By the way, what are the plans for the future?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "After the Cannes Film Festival, we might start preparing a new project. The specifics haven't been decided yet."

“Okay, let me know when you’ve made a decision. I’m very interested,” Coppola said earnestly. “Let’s work together sometime.”

"That's great." Yang Guangming smiled.

After Coppola left, several more people came over to greet Yang Guangming. There were directors, actors, and producers; everyone spoke highly of him and expressed their desire to work with him.

Yang Guangming dealt with each situation calmly and composedly.

In another corner of the banquet hall, Chen Daoming and his group chatted with several Hollywood actors. Siqin Gaowa's hearty laughter occasionally drifted over, drawing laughter from those around her.

Charles walked over with a wine glass in his hand and stood next to Yang Guangming.

"Yang, you're the star tonight," he said with a smile. "See? Everyone wants to get to know you."

Yang Guangming shook his head: "It's just tonight. The sun will rise as usual tomorrow, and I still have to continue brainstorming for my new movie."

Charles looked at him with admiration in his eyes: "Your attitude is so rare. I've seen too many people who get carried away after winning an award. But you, it's like nothing happened."

Yang Guangming laughed: "Chuck, this is just the beginning. My ambitions are huge, and there's still a long way to go."

Charles nodded and clinked glasses with him.

The dinner lasted until after 2 a.m.

Yang Guangming drank quite a bit, but his mind remained clear. He chatted with many people, exchanged contact information, and heard many sincere compliments.

After leaving the club, Charles arranged for a car to take them back to the hotel. In the car, Chen Daoming and the others were a little tired and leaned back in their seats to rest with their eyes closed.

As Yang Guangming gazed at the night view outside the window, his heart remained unsettled for a long time.

Oscars, two major awards.

This was something he never dared to even imagine in his previous life.

Back at the hotel, Yang Guangming took a shower, lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep.

He picked up the two small golden figures from the bedside table and examined them carefully under the lamp.

A gleaming golden statuette, the Oscar trophy, the ultimate dream of filmmakers.

Now, he has two.

He put the little golden statue back on the bedside table and picked up his phone.

It was already past 3 a.m., which should be afternoon in Beijing. He had a lot of missed calls to return, so he thought for a moment and decided to call his mother back first.

The call was answered quickly.

"Mingming!" Chen Zhiyun's voice came through the receiver, filled with barely suppressed excitement, "Mom watched the broadcast, and you won two awards! Best Foreign Language Film! Best Original Screenplay!"

Chen Zhiyun's voice choked with emotion, "Mingming, Mom is so proud of you. Really, so proud."

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart: "Mom, thank you. Without your support and encouragement, I wouldn't be where I am today."

“Silly child, it’s all because of your own hard work.” Chen Zhiyun paused. “Your dad is here too; he wants to talk to you.”

Yang Hongwen's voice came from the other end of the phone: "Son, Dad watched the broadcast, well done."

These were just a few words, but Yang Guangming could hear the pride in his father's voice.

"Thank you, Dad," Yang Guangming said.

Yang Hongwen said a few more words, then the phone was returned to Chen Zhiyun. The mother and son chatted for more than ten minutes. Chen Zhiyun told him to rest well and take care of himself, then hung up the phone.

Yang Guangming called Chen Hong back.

The phone rang a few times before being answered.

"Guangming!" Chen Hong's voice was filled with laughter. "Congratulations! Two major awards! Xiaoqing and I watched the broadcast together, and we were so happy!"

Yang Guangming heard Zuo Xiaoqing's voice on the other end of the phone: "Brother Guangming! You're amazing!"

"How are things over there?" Yang Guangming asked.

"Everything's fine," Chen Hong said with a smile. "We happened to be together today, so we watched the broadcast together. Xiaoqing even cried when you won the Best Original Screenplay award."

Zuo Xiaoqing snatched the phone: "Brother Guangming, you're amazing! Sister Chen Hong and I have been cheering you on!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Thank you all. I'll celebrate properly when I get back."

"Okay, I'll wait for you to come back." Chen Hong took the phone. "Guangming, get some rest. You have a bunch of interviews tomorrow, right? Don't overwork yourself."

"I know. You should all get some rest too."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming called Han Sanping, Shi Nansheng, and others back.

Everyone was excited, and everyone offered their congratulations.

It was almost 4 a.m. when I finished the call.

Yang Guangming finally put down his phone and closed his eyes.

He slept soundly that night. (End of Chapter)