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

The recording work progressed rapidly over the next few days.

Yang Guangming has an exceptionally good voice and solid singing skills. Most singers might need to record a song dozens, even hundreds of times. But he only needs two or three takes to achieve a perfect result.

Sometimes, Zhang Yadong felt that the first take was already very good, but Yang Guangming was not satisfied and insisted on doing it again.

"Director Yang, your standards are too high," Zhang Yadong exclaimed. "I've recorded so many singers, but I've never seen anyone as meticulous as you."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Since we're going to record, let's record it to the best of our ability. Otherwise, we'll be letting down these great songs and all the hard work we've put in these past few days."

Zhang Yadong was moved and devoted himself even more to his work.

On April 25th, all twelve songs were recorded.

Including the preliminary preparations, it only took ten days.

Zhang Yadong could hardly believe it: "Director Yang, your speed is record-breaking! I've been recording for so many years, and I've never seen anyone record so fast and so well!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Old Zhang, you've worked hard. I'll need your help with the mixing next."

Having worked together for so many days, we could be considered ordinary friends, and we became much more casual with each other, no longer using formal terms of address.

"No trouble at all!" Zhang Yadong waved his hands repeatedly. "It's truly my honor to produce this album for you. I'll definitely do a good job with the mixing and make sure it produces the best results."

Over the next few days, Zhang Yadong and recording engineer Wang began their intensive mixing work.

Mixing is the process of combining recorded multitrack audio into a final stereo version, requiring extremely precise adjustments. The volume, timbre, and spatial positioning of each instrument, as well as the details, emotions, and harmonic coordination of each vocal, must be meticulously considered and refined.

Yang Guangming goes to the recording studio every day to listen to the mixing effects with Zhang Yadong and offer his opinions.

"This string section could be emphasized a bit more."

"The vocals in this chorus could have a little reverb added to create a more spacious feel."

"The guitar volume during this interlude can be lowered a bit; it shouldn't be too loud."

Zhang Yadong listened, adjusted his notes, and sighed as he spoke.

Yang Guangming's ears are incredibly sharp; he can detect even the slightest difference. Sometimes, when someone adjusts a tiny parameter, Yang Guangming can immediately sense it and provide accurate feedback.

"Director Yang, your ears are amazing!" Zhang Yadong exclaimed sincerely.

Yang Guangming laughed: "Don't flatter me, you're the professional."

The mixing was completed on April 30th.

Zhang Yadong burned the final versions of the twelve songs onto a CD and handed it to Yang Guangming.

"Director Yang, listen to this and see if there's anything else that needs adjusting."

Yang Guangming put the CD into the player and pressed play.

The first song is titled "Too Softhearted".

As the melody began, he closed his eyes and listened quietly.

The second poem is "Norwegian Wood".

The third song is titled "The Moon Caused the Trouble".

The fourth song is titled "The Rain Keeps Falling".

After listening to all twelve songs, he opened his eyes and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Old Zhang, you've worked hard. I'm very satisfied with this version."

Zhang Yadong breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face: "I'm glad you're satisfied. To be honest, this is the album I've put the most effort into. I poured all my heart and soul into every song."

Yang Guangming stood up and shook his hand: "Old Zhang, thanks."

Zhang Yadong is actually a bit shy, and he was a little embarrassed after hearing Yang Guangming's words: "Don't say that, it's because your songs are well-written and well-sung. I just did some auxiliary work."

The two smiled at each other.

Chen Zhiyun watched from the sidelines, feeling a warmth in her heart. During this time, she would visit the site whenever she had free time, but she generally didn't offer any opinions.

“Mingming, now that the album is finished, shouldn’t we start thinking about music videos?” she asked.

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and nodded: "Yes, we really need to consider music videos. Since we're going to release this album, we still need to shoot music videos. At least a few of the main tracks should have music videos."

In this era, songs were primarily broadcast on television as music videos. To facilitate the promotion of hit songs on television, it was essential to record music videos.

Zhang Yadong chimed in, "Director Yang, shooting a music video requires a director and a filming crew. Do you have any ideas?"

Yang Guangming laughed: "I'm the director myself, so of course I'll shoot the music video myself. As for the filming team, the Beijing Film Studio has one ready-made; we can just borrow it."

Zhang Yadong was taken aback, then laughed: "How could I forget? You're a big director. Making music videos is really too easy for you."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Which songs should we choose as the main tracks? 'Too Softhearted,' 'Norwegian Wood,' 'The Moon Caused the Trouble,' and 'At Least I Still Have You' are all worth making music videos for. I personally really like the songs 'Wild Geese' and 'Night in Ulaanbaatar,' and I also plan to make music videos for those."

Zhang Yadong nodded: "These songs are indeed suitable as the main tracks. Director Yang, how do you plan to film them?"

Yang Guangming pondered for a while, and some images floated into his mind.

"Too Softhearted" could be made into an urban romance story that is simple, direct, and emotionally genuine.

"Norwegian Wood" could be made into an art-house short film, with visual appeal and evocative atmosphere.

"The Moon Caused the Trouble" could be made into a romantic love story, light and heartwarming.

The love story told in "At Least I Still Have You" is best presented through the movie "Love". Editing some clips from this movie and interspersing some of his singing clips will create a very good presentation.

He plans to film "Wild Geese" and "Night in Ulaanbaatar" on the grasslands. There won't be enough time to film before he leaves for Cannes. He plans to consider filming the music videos for these two songs after he returns from the film festival.

After seeing Zhang Yadong off, Yang Guangming returned to his study and began planning the filming of the music video.

He first called Han Sanping.

"Director Han, there's something I'd like to ask you for help with."

Han Sanping's voice came through the receiver: "Guangming, you speak."

Yang Guangming briefly recounted the process of recording the album and shooting the music video.

After listening, Han Sanping laughed: "That's great! Recording albums and shooting music videos, this is the path to becoming a pop star! The Beijing Film Studio will fully support you. Just let us know what you need!"

Yang Guangming smiled: "Thank you, Director Han. I need a filming team: a photographer, a lighting technician, an art director, and a post-production editor. We'll probably shoot about six music videos, and we'll try to shoot as many as possible before we leave for Cannes on the 5th."

"No problem!" Han Sanping readily agreed. "The Beijing Film Studio has no shortage of people. I'll pick the best for you, and I guarantee a great result!"

"That's great. Director Han, we'll wait for your news."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming began to ponder the specific details of the music video again.

Six songs, six stories.

He wanted to cast Chen Hong as the lead in "Too Softhearted". Her temperament was very suitable for the role of a modern urban woman, and the two of them had great chemistry, making filming a smooth process.

He wanted to cast Zuo Xiaoqing as the lead in "Norwegian Wood." Her pure and innocent temperament perfectly matched the song's artistic style.

"The Moon Caused the Trouble" could be starred by Gao Yuanyuan. The young girl is youthful and lively, and is very suitable for this kind of light and romantic story.

"At Least I Still Have You" is the simplest song to edit together clips from "Love" and then intersperse his singing performance.

"Wild Geese" and "Night in Ulaanbaatar" require filming on the grasslands, which should be done after returning from Cannes. He still needs to think about how to film them.

Zuo Xiaoqing, Chen Hong, and Gao Yuanyuan all happen to be in Beijing. The music videos for the four songs, "Too Softhearted," "The Moon Caused the Trouble," "Norwegian Wood," and "At Least I Still Have You," are relatively simple to film. He aims to finish filming the music videos for these four songs before heading to Cannes.

Around 8 p.m., Yang Guangming returned to the courtyard house.

As soon as the car came to a stop, he saw Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing come out to greet him. The two stood at the door, one wearing a light purple loungewear set and the other a pink nightgown, looking like they had stepped out of a painting in the dim light.

"You're back?" Chen Hong greeted her with a smile. "Have you eaten?"

"We ate something at the recording studio." Yang Guangming put his arm around their waists and walked inside together. "Old Zhang treated us to a boxed lunch, it wasn't very good."

Zuo Xiaoqing smiled and said, "Brother Guangming is a big director now, he can't just eat boxed lunches."

"So what if he's a big director? He's just a normal person too." Yang Guangming gently pinched her cheek.

The three entered the living room and sat down on the sofa. Wu Fang brought in hot tea and then quietly withdrew.

Chen Hong leaned on his shoulder and asked softly, "How's the recording going? Is it going smoothly?"

“It went very smoothly.” Yang Guangming nodded. “All twelve songs have been recorded and the mixing is complete. Zhang Yadong said this is the album he has put the most effort into, and he has poured his heart and soul into every song.”

Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes sparkled: "Brother Guangming, can we hear it?"

"Tomorrow then," Yang Guangming said, putting his arm around her. "It's too late today, and I have something important to tell you."

Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing exchanged a glance and then sat up straight.

Yang Guangming looked at the two of them and smiled: "Don't be nervous, it's a good thing."

He briefly explained the filming plan for the music video.

"I want Honghong to play the female lead in the music video for 'Too Softhearted'. It's an urban romance story, simple and direct, with genuine emotions, and your temperament is perfect for it."

Chen Hong was stunned for a moment, then a smile bloomed on her face: "Really? You want me to act?"

“Of course it’s true.” Yang Guangming looked at her. “We work well together, so filming was easy.”

Chen Hong smiled even more broadly and kissed him on the cheek: "Thank you, Guangming."

Zuo Xiaoqing watched from the side, a smile on her face, but a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

Yang Guangming noticed and put his arm around her: "Don't rush, you're in too. You'll be the female lead in the 'The Moon Caused the Trouble' music video. It's a light and romantic love story, you're perfect for this kind of role."

Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes lit up immediately: "Really, Brother Guangming?"

“Of course it’s true,” Yang Guangming said with a smile. “There’s also the music video for ‘Norwegian Wood,’ which I’m planning to have Gao Yuanyuan star in. It’s an artistic style with a lot of atmosphere, and her temperament is a perfect fit.”

Zuo Xiaoqing's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure: "Gao Yuanyuan? Didn't she go back to school?"

Yang Guangming said, "I remember hearing her say that she is going to take the entrance exam for Beijing Film Academy this year. She passed the art exam in March and is now preparing for the college entrance exam. I will call her tomorrow and ask her to come out and talk. She is from Beijing, so it will only take two or three days at most. It shouldn't have any impact on her. The main thing is that her temperament is really suitable for this music video."

Chen Hong listened from the side, her eyes flickering slightly, but she didn't say anything.

Zuo Xiaoqing was silent for a few seconds, then asked softly, "What about Fan Bingbing?"

“She also took the entrance exam for the Beijing Film Academy this year, and I heard she passed,” Yang Guangming said. “However, her family lives in another city, so we won’t let her make the trip. We’ll let Gao Yuanyuan come first this time, and Bingbing will have a chance later.”

Zuo Xiaoqing said "Oh" and didn't say anything more.

Chen Hong glanced at Zuo Xiaoqing, then at Yang Guangming, and changed the subject with a smile: "What about 'At Least I Still Have You'? How are you going to film that?"

“This one is the simplest,” Yang Guangming said. “It’s a compilation of clips from ‘Love’ with interspersed shots of me singing. This movie is about love in old age, which fits the theme of ‘At Least I Still Have You’ perfectly.”

Chen Hong nodded: "That's definitely suitable. The performance of Teacher Lan Tianye and Teacher Qin Yi, paired with this song, will surely be particularly moving."

“Yes, that’s what I think too,” Yang Guangming said. “As for ‘Wild Geese’ and ‘Night in Ulaanbaatar,’ those two require filming on the grasslands, and there’s no time for that now. We’ll talk about it when we get back from Cannes.”

Zuo Xiaoqing looked up: "Brother Guangming, when are you going to Cannes?" "I'm leaving on May 5th," Yang Guangming said. "I'll finish filming the music video these next few days, then I'll have to leave for Cannes soon."

Chen Hong did the math: "The time is quite tight. Four music videos: 'Too Softhearted,' 'The Moon Caused the Trouble,' 'Norwegian Wood,' and 'At Least I Still Have You.' Can we finish filming them in four days?"

“There’s enough time.” Yang Guangming said confidently. “The music video doesn’t need to be too long, just three or four minutes per song, and you’re all professional actors. Besides, we have a professional filming team. Director Han said that Beijing Film Studio will fully support us. We’ll provide the cinematographer, lighting technician, and art director whoever you need.”

Chen Hong was relieved: "That's good."

Zuo Xiaoqing smiled and said, "Brother Guangming, I will definitely perform well."

Looking at the two women, Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

“Then it’s settled.” He stood up. “I’ll call Gao Yuanyuan and ask her to come out and talk to me when I have time. You guys get some rest, and we’ll start preparing for the music video tomorrow.”

Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing also stood up.

Zuo Xiaoqing hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "Brother Guangming, about Gao Yuanyuan... do you want me to go with you?"

Yang Guangming looked at her and knew what she was worried about.

“No need.” He said gently, “It’s just to talk about work and have a meal. You two wait for me at home.”

Zuo Xiaoqing nodded and said nothing more.

Chen Hong walked over and took Yang Guangming's arm: "Guangming, will you stay with me tonight?"

Yang Guangming looked at Zuo Xiaoqing.

Zuo Xiaoqing smiled and said, "Brother Guangming, go ahead. I'm a little tired and want to go to sleep early."

Seeing the desolation in her eyes, Yang Guangming felt a pang of pity. But he also knew that it was impossible to be completely impartial.

"Okay." He walked over and gently kissed Zuo Xiaoqing on the forehead. "Goodnight, Xiaoqing."

Goodnight, Brother Guangming.

Zuo Xiaoqing turned and went back to her room, her back view looking somewhat lonely.

Chen Hong held Yang Guangming's hand and said softly, "She's still not quite used to it."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Take your time."

The two returned to Chen Hong's room and closed the door.

Chen Hong leaned against Yang Guangming's chest, remained silent for a while, and then suddenly asked, "Guangming, what do you think of Gao Yuanyuan?"

Yang Guangming was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

"But... what if she refuses?" Chen Hong looked up at him.

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and chose to play dumb. "Probably not. She's currently preparing for the Beijing Film Academy entrance exam and needs exposure. Besides, 'Love Letter' has just been released across Asia, and although her role isn't large, it's very memorable. Taking on another music video would only benefit her."

Chen Hong nodded, then asked softly, "And... what happened after she arrived?"

Yang Guangming looked at her and understood what she was asking.

“Honghong.” He held her hand. “Gao Yuanyuan is only sixteen or seventeen years old this year, still a high school student. I asked her to shoot the music video purely because she is suitable for the role.”

Chen Hong smiled and said, "I know. I just... wanted to ask in advance."

She paused, then continued, "You saw Xiaoqing's reaction when she heard Gao Yuanyuan's name today. She cares about these things more than I do."

Yang Guangming was silent for a few seconds, then said, "You are all very important to me."

Chen Hong leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "I know. That's why I'll keep an eye on Xiaoqing for you and make sure she doesn't overthink things."

Yang Guangming looked down at her, feeling a little touched.

“Honghong, you’re always so thoughtful.”

Chen Hong laughed: "What if I'm immature? Leave you? I can't do that."

She looked up and gently kissed his lips: "So I can only be more sensible, to make myself and others feel better."

The lights were soft, and the night was gentle.

That night, the two talked a lot. They talked about Chen Hong's work in Hong Kong, Zuo Xiaoqing's studies at the Beijing Film Academy, and Yang Guangming's future plans.

They didn't fall asleep in each other's arms until very late.

The next morning at nine o'clock, when Yang Guangming got up, Chen Hong was no longer by his side.

After he finished washing up, he went out of his room and saw Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing sitting in the courtyard drinking tea.

The two were talking about something, but when they saw the sun coming out, they both smiled.

"Good morning, Brother Guangming." Zuo Xiaoqing waved, "Come and have some tea. Sister Chen Hong brewed Longjing tea, it smells especially good."

Yang Guangming walked over and sat down between the two.

Chen Hong poured him a cup of tea and asked softly, "Did you call Gao Yuanyuan today?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "Okay, I'll call her later. Let's have lunch together and talk about the music video."

Zuo Xiaoqing lowered her head and drank her tea without saying a word.

Chen Hong glanced at her and smiled at Yang Guangming, saying, "Do you want Xiaoqing to come with you? Girls are easy to talk to, and Xiaoqing and Gao Yuanyuan have worked together on set, so they're not strangers."

Yang Guangming looked at Zuo Xiaoqing.

Zuo Xiaoqing looked up, hesitated for a moment, and then shook her head: "No, thank you. Guangming is talking about serious matters, and it would be awkward for me to speak if I were there. Besides... I have to go to school today, and I have class this afternoon."

Chen Hong looked at her, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

Yang Guangming nodded: "Alright. Be careful on your way, Huang Bo will take you."

"Okay," Zuo Xiaoqing replied.

After finishing her tea, Zuo Xiaoqing went back to her room to pack her things, preparing to go to school. Chen Hong also got up, saying she was going to the kitchen to check the lunch menu.

Yang Guangming returned to his study, picked up the phone, and dialed the number Gao Yuanyuan had left.

The phone rang a few times before being answered.

"Hello?" A gentle female voice came from inside; it was Gao Yuanyuan.

"Yuanyuan, this is Yang Guangming."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, then Gao Yuanyuan's surprised voice came through: "Director Yang? Is it really you?"

Yang Guangming smiled: "It's me. Yuanyuan, how have you been lately?"

"It's great." Gao Yuanyuan's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement. "It's just that I have to prepare for the college entrance examination, doing practice questions every day, which is a bit tiring."

Gao Yuanyuan was surprised that Yang Guangming would call her, and her heart pounded.

"The hardship is temporary; once you get into university, everything will be alright," Yang Guangming said. "By the way, did you pass the art exam?"

"Yes!" Gao Yuanyuan said happily, "I took the exam in March and passed. As long as my academic score is high enough, I can get into Beijing Film Academy in the fall."

"Then congratulations in advance!" Yang Guangming said with a smile.

Gao Yuanyuan was a little embarrassed: "Director Yang, please don't say that. My academic performance is just average, and I don't even know if I can pass the exam."

Yang Guangming said gently, "You're working so hard, you'll definitely be fine."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then Gao Yuanyuan asked softly, "Director Yang, is there something you need from me?"

Yang Guangming briefly explained the MV project.

"...I'd like you to play the female lead in 'Norwegian Wood.' Would you be willing?"

There was another silence on the other end of the phone.

Yang Guangming thought she was hesitating and was about to speak when he heard Gao Yuanyuan's voice, tinged with a sob: "Director Yang, I'm willing, of course I'm willing."

"Why are you crying?" Yang Guangming asked, somewhat surprised.

"No... I'm just so happy." Gao Yuanyuan sniffed. "I thought that after filming 'Love Letter,' I might not have the chance to work with you again. I didn't expect you to contact me again..."

Yang Guangming's heart softened: "How could that be? I've told you, you're very talented, and you'll have plenty of opportunities in the future."

"Thank you, Director Yang." Gao Yuanyuan's voice regained its usual gentleness. "When should I go? Is there anything I need to prepare?"

"Are you free at noon today? Let's have lunch together and chat."

"Yes! I'm free!" Gao Yuanyuan immediately agreed.

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Okay, then I'll arrange a car to pick you up at twelve o'clock. Let's eat and chat."

"Okay, Director Yang, I'll be waiting for you."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming sat at his desk, looking out the window.

Gao Yuanyuan's reaction moved him. This girl, quiet and gentle, remembered every act of kindness clearly.

He recalled that on the set of "Love Letter," Gao Yuanyuan would always sit quietly in a corner, rehearsing her lines over and over again, never complaining or saying she was tired. After filming wrapped, she would quietly put away the script and leave alone.

He was only sixteen years old at the time, but he already exuded a quiet power.

The door was gently pushed open, and Chen Hong came in carrying a cup of hot milk.

"Finished the call?" She put the milk on the table.

Yang Guangming nodded: "We're done playing. We've arranged to have lunch together and chat."

Chen Hong sat down beside him and asked softly, "What did she say?"

"I was so excited, I almost cried." Yang Guangming smiled. "I thought we wouldn't have a chance to work together again."

Chen Hong was silent for a few seconds, then said, "That child is quite thoughtful."

Yang Guangming looked at her and asked, "Honghong, is there anything you want to say?"

Chen Hong shook her head: "It's nothing. It's just... Guangming, is your feeling for her really just admiration?"

Yang Guangming paused for a moment, then said seriously, "Honghong, she's only sixteen. What would it look like if I had any feelings for her now?"

Chen Hong looked into his eyes, and after a while, nodded: "I believe you."

She stood up, walked to the door, then turned back: "Guangming, I don't mean to interfere. I just want you to know that no matter what happens in the future, Xiaoqing and I will always be by your side."

She pushed open the door and went out, leaving Yang Guangming alone in the study.

Yang Guangming picked up the milk and drank it slowly.

The sunlight outside the window was bright, and the persimmon tree leaves swayed gently in the breeze. (End of Chapter)