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

Before the Oscar buzz had completely died down, the news of Yang Guangming's nomination at the Cannes Film Festival once again thrust him into the center of public attention.

On the morning of April 11, Yang Ming was woken up by the vibration of his mobile phone.

He picked up his phone and saw that the screen was covered with missed calls and text message notifications. There were calls from Han Sanping, Shi Nansheng, teachers from the school, and many unfamiliar numbers.

After such a busy period, Yang Guangming decided to take a break over the weekend, so he deliberately silenced his phone and left it aside.

He had put the phone on silent, but before he could check them all, it rang again.

It was Shi Nansheng calling.

"Young Master Ming! Have you seen the news?" Shi Nansheng's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Yang Guangming rubbed his eyes: "I just woke up, I haven't looked yet."

"The Cannes Film Festival shortlist has been announced! 'Love' has made it into the main competition!" Shi Nansheng laughed heartily. "I knew it would be a sure thing! Congratulations, Ming Shao!"

Yang Guangming wasn't surprised, but he still smiled and said, "Thank you for informing me, Mr. Shi."

Shi Nansheng continued, "Young Master Ming, you probably haven't had a chance to see the reports from the major media outlets yet, have you?"

"Not yet, what's wrong?"

"Take a look for yourself." Shi Nansheng's tone was somewhat subtle. "Some of the media's comments are quite interesting."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming turned on the TV and tuned to the city's morning news.

The host announced in a standard announcer's tone: "The 49th Cannes International Film Festival announced its main competition lineup yesterday, and 'Love,' the new film by young Chinese director Yang Guangming, is prominently featured. This marks Yang Guangming's second consecutive year being nominated for the Cannes main competition, following his Palme d'Or win last year for 'A Separation.'"

The scene switches to a reporter's interview.

A film critic said to the camera, "Director Yang Guangming's selection for the Cannes main competition for two consecutive years speaks volumes about his talent. But to be honest, I personally think his choice this time was not very wise."

The reporter asked, "Why do you say that?"

The commentator explained, "In the history of the Cannes Film Festival, there has never been a precedent of a director winning the Palme d'Or two years in a row. It's extremely difficult, almost an impossible miracle. The jury will intentionally or unintentionally avoid such a 'repeat win' unless the film's quality far surpasses that of the other competing films; otherwise, it won't happen."

Another film critic also appeared on camera: "If director Yang Guangming had chosen to participate in the Berlin Film Festival or the Venice Film Festival, his chances of winning an award would have been much higher. Berlin focuses more on social issues, while Venice focuses more on visual style. His film 'Amour' would have been very competitive at both festivals. But he chose Cannes, which is indeed surprising."

The reporter then interviewed several passersby.

A middle-aged man said, "Yang Guangming, I know him, a genius director. But do you think he can win the award this time? I doubt it. Who wins awards every year?"

A young woman said, "I don't care if he wins an award or not, I will watch all his movies. 'A Separation' is so good, and 'Love Letter' is also very good. I believe he will not disappoint me."

Yang Guangming looked at these reports with a blank expression.

He changed the channel again, this time to entertainment news.

The host exclaimed in an exaggerated tone, "Director Yang is back at Cannes! Will he create another miracle, or will he return empty-handed? Industry insiders generally believe that the possibility of him winning the Palme d'Or again is extremely slim. But some film fans say they will always believe in Director Yang's talent."

Yang Guangming turned off the TV and leaned against the headboard.

He had anticipated the media's reaction.

Being nominated for the Cannes Film Festival's main competition for two consecutive years is indeed rare. As for winning the Palme d'Or twice, that's even more difficult. In the nearly fifty years that the Cannes Film Festival has been held, no director has ever achieved this.

But that's exactly the record he wants to challenge.

He had originally thought so himself, but with Charles's help and public relations efforts, it became possible. If this miracle could truly be accomplished, the film's influence would undoubtedly increase significantly.

The phone rang again.

This time it's Han Sanping's turn.

"Guangming, did you see the news?" Han Sanping's voice was tinged with laughter.

Yang Guangming smiled: "Director Han, you've also taken note?"

"Of course we're paying attention! This is a film from our Beijing Film Studio!" Han Sanping laughed. "Don't take what those media outlets say to heart. What do they know? Whether a film is good or not depends on the quality of the work itself. I've seen the finished product of 'Love,' and I'm confident!"

"Thank you, Director Han."

"No need to thank me, I'm just telling the truth." Han Sanping paused. "By the way, what are your plans for the future? How about holding a press conference or something?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "No need for now. We've been too high-profile lately. Let's wait for the results from Cannes."

"Alright," Han Sanping nodded. "Then you should get some rest and recharge. We'll be fighting again in Cannes in May!"

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming got up and washed up.

Stepping out of the bedroom, Chen Zhiyun heard the television playing in the living room. Her father, Yang Hongwen, was sitting on the sofa watching the news. He had just returned to Beijing from Hong Kong Island yesterday and had several important meetings to attend to; he would likely stay home for a few more days.

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

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

His photo flashed across the television screen, along with clips from "A Separation" and "Love Letter".

The host solemnly announced, "Last year, Yang Guangming made Chinese film history with 'A Separation,' becoming the youngest director to win the Palme d'Or. This year, he returns to Cannes with his new film, 'Love.' This film, starring veteran artists Lan Tianye and Qin Yi, tells a story about love and dignity."

The scene then switches to an interview with Lan Tianye.

The veteran artist smiled kindly at the camera: "Guangming is a truly good director. His understanding of art and his grasp of emotions are exceptional. When we were filming 'Love,' he explained the scenes to us in great detail and with great precision. In all my decades of acting, this is the first time I've encountered a director like him."

Qin Yi also said in an interview: "Although Yang Guangming is young, his maturity surprised me. He knows how to respect actors and how to guide them. Working with him is a pleasure."

Yang Guangming smiled as he looked at these images.

Chen Zhiyun held her son's hand and said softly, "Mingming, after reading these reports, I feel a little uneasy."

Yang Guangming turned to look at her: "Mom, what's wrong?"

Chen Zhiyun sighed: "Those media outlets are all saying you made the wrong choice this time, saying you shouldn't have gone to Cannes. Mom felt uncomfortable hearing that."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Mom, don't take it to heart. That's just how the media is; they love to create buzz. I know what they're saying, but I have my own thoughts."

Yang Hongwen said from the side, "Our son has his own opinions, so don't worry about him."

Chen Zhiyun nodded: "I know, I just feel sorry for him. He's so hardworking and outstanding, why do those people have the right to gossip about him?"

Yang Guangming put his arm around his mother's shoulder: "Mom, I don't care what they say. What I care about is the movie itself and the audience's opinion. As long as the movie is well made, nothing else matters."

Chen Zhiyun looked at her son, her eyes a little red, but her face was filled with a proud smile.

"Mom knows." She patted her son's hand. "Mom just cares about you too much."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "I know."

The family watched TV for a while, and then ate breakfast together.

At the dinner table, Yang Hongwen asked about the upcoming arrangements.

"Have you set the dates for Cannes in May?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "It's settled, we'll leave on May 5th. The film festival starts on May 9th, so we'll go a few days early."

Are all the main creators of "Love" going?

“Teachers Lan Tianye and Qin Yi are getting on in years, so they might not be able to go. I’m trying to talk to them and persuade them to participate,” Yang Guangming said. “The two teachers might have a chance to win an award, so I’ll try to convince them to participate. Besides the two teachers, cinematographer Gu Changwei and producer Han Sanping will also be going.” Chen Zhiyun asked with concern, “So what are your plans for this period of time? Are you preparing for another new film?”

Yang Guangming shook his head: "We'll put the new movie on hold for now. I'll take this month off to rest and spend time with you and Dad."

Chen Zhiyun's eyes lit up: "Really?"

“Really.” Yang Guangming smiled. “I’ve been too busy this year and haven’t had a chance to spend much time with you. This month, I’m not going anywhere; I’m just staying at home.”

Chen Zhiyun was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay! Mom will make you something delicious!"

Yang Hongwen smiled, but didn't say anything. His eyes were full of relief as he looked at his son.

After breakfast, Yang Guangming returned to his study and began to deal with the backlog of things from the past few days.

He received many emails, some work-related and some personal. He replied to them one by one, methodically and systematically.

After dealing with the emails, he turned on his computer and browsed online comments.

Discussions about "Amour" being nominated for Cannes have flooded various online forums.

Some people questioned: "Isn't Yang Guangming taking too much of a risk this time?"

Some people stood by him, saying, "What do you know? When has Yang Guangming ever let us down? I believe in him!"

One person remained neutral: "Being nominated is already a great achievement; whether you win an award depends on luck. Anyway, I'll go see this movie."

One analyst commented, "From a subject matter perspective, 'Amour' is indeed very competitive. Themes of the elderly, love, and dignity are all elements that Cannes likes. But winning again is really too difficult; I think winning the Jury Prize would be quite good."

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

These comments included support, skepticism, and analysis. But regardless, at least everyone was paying attention and discussing it.

This is enough.

That evening, Chen Zhiyun prepared a large table of dishes, saying she wanted to celebrate for her son.

Yang Hongwen made an exception and drank two glasses of wine, and he also talked more than usual.

"Son, Dad supports you." He held up his wine glass, looking at Yang Guangming. "No matter what others say, do what you want to do. Dad believes in you."

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart and clinked glasses with his father: "Thank you, Dad."

Chen Zhiyun laughed from the side, "Alright, you two stop being so sentimental. Eat your food, it's getting cold."

The family chatted and laughed, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

In the days that followed, Yang Guangming enjoyed a rare period of leisure.

I sleep in until I naturally wake up every day, then go to the market with my mother to buy groceries, and we cook together when we get back. In the afternoon, I read a book and listen to music. In the evening, I have dinner with my parents, watch TV, and chat.

Such days are simple and beautiful.

Chen Zhiyun was overjoyed. Her son had been too busy this year and rarely had time to spend with her. Now that he finally had some free time, she wanted to shower him with all her maternal love.

She cooks different delicious meals for him every day, and shows him great care and concern. Sometimes Yang Guangming feels like a spoiled child, but his heart is warmed.

That afternoon, the mother and son sat in the courtyard of the villa drinking tea.

In April, Beijing is bursting with spring. The crabapple blossoms in the courtyard are in full bloom, their pink and white petals exuding a delightful fragrance.

Chen Zhiyun held her teacup, looking at her son with eyes full of love.

"Mingming, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Yang Guangming put down his teacup: "Mom, please speak."

Chen Zhiyun carefully considered her words before slowly saying, "Mom knows you've been idle for the past month, and it's probably hard for you to have a completely relaxing time. I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"What kind of help?"

"Record an album." Chen Zhiyun looked at him with anticipation in her eyes. "You've been learning vocal music from your mother since you were little. You have such a good voice and solid singing skills. Your mother has always wanted you to record an album as a memento."

Yang Guangming paused for a moment, then laughed: "Mom, why did you suddenly think of this?"

Chen Zhiyun sighed: "Sometimes I think that my biggest regret in this life is that I couldn't let you go further in music. I support you and am proud of you for choosing the path of directing. But your voice is truly a gift from God. It would be such a pity if you didn't record an album."

She paused, then continued, "Besides, you have free time now, and our Asia Records is in Hong Kong, so recording an album is very convenient. I thought I'd take this opportunity to record an album for you. I don't expect it to sell a lot, just to keep it as a memento. When you're old, you can listen to it and it will be a memory."

Yang Guangming's heart softened when he saw his mother's expectant eyes.

He knew this was his mother's wish.

He remembers all the effort his mother put into his artistic development from childhood. Vocal music is his mother's forte and the career she most wanted him to inherit.

Although he chose the path of directing, if he can fulfill his mother's wish and make her happy, that would be a good thing.

"Mom, let me think about it," Yang Guangming said.

Chen Zhiyun nodded: "Okay, take your time to think about it. Mom won't pressure you, I'm just giving you a suggestion."

Yang Guangming picked up his teacup and sipped slowly, but his mind was racing.

Recording an album sounds simple, but in practice, there are many things to consider.

Choosing songs, arranging music, recording, producing, and releasing each step requires time and effort.

But with the support of Asian record labels, none of these are problems.

Asia Records, a newly established company under ATV, has had a good year under the guidance of Yang Guangming. They signed several promising new artists and released a few well-received albums. Their recording equipment is new, and their team is professional; they are fully capable of producing a high-quality record.

Moreover, he has so many classic songs from later generations in his mind that he could easily put together a high-quality album by picking just ten of them.

The only question is whether he has the time and energy.

I'm going to Cannes on May 5th, so all I have is about twenty days. Is that enough time to record an album?
Yang Guangming was making plans in his mind.

If it's just recording, given his vocal abilities and singing skills, it should be quick. But the preliminary preparations, such as song selection, arrangement, and working with the band, all take time.

However, if Asia Records had prepared in advance and done all the preliminary work, he could have saved a lot of time by recording directly in the past.

With this in mind, Yang Guangming had an idea.

He looked at his mother and smiled, "Mom, I agree."

Chen Zhiyun's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Really." Yang Guangming nodded. "But there's one condition."

"What are your conditions? Tell me!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "You have to come with me to the recording. With you, a vocal professor, guiding me, I feel more at ease singing."

Chen Zhiyun was stunned for a moment, then laughed even more happily.

"Okay, okay! Mom will go with you!" She nodded repeatedly. "Mom will supervise you and make sure you can record this album well!"

The mother and son looked at each other and smiled. (End of Chapter)