Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 186, Section 184: A Movie Queen

Saturday, May 9, 1998.

Spring in Beijing is already showing signs of getting a bit hot, but inside and outside the Centennial Hall of Beijing University in Haiding District, there is a vibrant atmosphere where youth and art intertwine.

The closing ceremony and awards ceremony of the 5th Beijing College Student Film Festival will be held here.

Compared to other more official and established film awards, the College Student Film Festival stands out in the industry with its unique youthful perspective, academic background, and direct voting from university students—the future main consumer group of films—and its influence has been rising year by year. It represents the aesthetic preferences of the younger generation and is often a barometer of market potential.

Anyway, that's how the official propaganda is.

As evening approached, the red carpet area in front of the Centennial Hall was already packed with students from various universities, media reporters, and movie fans.

The flashes of light were like restless fireflies on a summer night, rising and falling in waves.

A black Audi slowly came to a stop at the starting point of the red carpet.

The car door opened, and Wang Sheng got out first.

Today he was wearing a well-tailored dark gray casual suit, without a tie, and a simple white T-shirt underneath. He looked less sharp in the business world and more casual and youthful.

He was tall and handsome, and his appearance immediately drew a stir and cheers from the students on both sides of the red carpet.

"Wang Sheng! It's Wang Sheng!"

Wow! He's even more handsome than in the newspaper!

"Brother Sheng, look here!"

"Chief Helmsman!"

The students of the Beijing Film Academy shouted loudly.

With a smile on his face, Wang Sheng calmly waved to both sides, then turned around gentlemanly and reached his hand into the car.

A hand wearing an exquisite watch and with fair skin gently rested on his palm.

Immediately afterwards, Li Xiaoran gracefully leaned out.

She was clearly dressed up carefully tonight, wearing a champagne-colored one-shoulder dress that accentuated her beautiful figure, the hem of which swayed lightly.

Her makeup was fresh and elegant, with a soft dusty rose lip color. Her long hair was pulled back, revealing her slender neck and beautiful collarbone. Small diamond stud earrings adorned her earlobes, sparkling under the flashlight.

With a perfectly sweet smile on her face, she affectionately took Wang Sheng's arm.

"Li Xiaoran! It's Weiwei!"

"Xiaoran is so beautiful!"

"She's so pale!"

The two walked side by side on the red carpet, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, instantly becoming the focus of the entire event.

The media cameras were pointed at them relentlessly, and the students shouted excitedly.

Li Xiaoran occasionally turned slightly to the side to pose for photos, displaying graceful demeanor and clearly enjoying the moment when she was the center of attention.

Wang Sheng appeared more reserved, his steps steady, his gaze calmly sweeping over the enthusiastic young faces. Occasionally, he would whisper a word to Li Xiaoran, eliciting a soft laugh from her, creating a harmonious and pleasing scene.

After walking the red carpet and signing their names on the autograph board, the two were led by staff to the inner lounge.

Han Sanping had already arrived and was exchanging pleasantries with several film academy professors and the organizing committee leaders.

Upon seeing Wang Sheng, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Han Sanping's eyes, and he beckoned him over.

"Director Han."

Wang Sheng led Li Xiaoran over.

"It's good that you're here." Han Sanping patted him on the shoulder, his voice low but weighty: "Tonight, the audience here are the future of Chinese cinema and its potential driving force. The approval of university students is sometimes more valuable than the comments of old scholars. '30 Days' is a commercial success, but receiving recognition here has a different meaning. Do you understand?"

Wang Sheng nodded: "Understood, we need to connect with young audiences and build a strong brand image."

"Hmm." Han Sanping glanced at the radiant Li Xiaoran and a rare smile appeared on his face: "Xiaoran is in good spirits today, very good."

Li Xiaoran smiled sweetly: "Thank you, Director Han."

Han Sanping lowered his voice and said to Wang Sheng, "Zhou Xingxing is definitely not coming, so you guys are the face of the '30 Days' crew. Relax during the awards ceremony later; these are awards for university students, so keep it a bit more innocent." Wang Sheng understood. Han Sanping had specifically instructed him to come and "hold the fort," not just to show his face, but also to leverage his and '30 Days' current popularity to solidify the Beijing Film Studio and Shengying Media's position in the hearts of the younger generation, transforming commercial success into a more lasting cultural influence.

This nomination for "Best Director" is, to some extent, a tacit understanding—it is both an award and a mutual need.

The awards ceremony officially began at the main venue of the Centennial Hall.

The venue was packed, filled with the vibrant energy of young students.

The host is a well-known student host from Beijing Broadcasting Institute, and his style is relaxed and lively.

Awards were presented one after another, including documentary and art exploration awards. Whenever a popular film or a familiar face took the stage, the audience would erupt in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Soon, the competition for Best Actress began.

The nomination clips were played on the big screen in turn. When the clip from "30 Days" was shown, featuring Li Xiaoran as Lin Weiwei, who was crying alone in the rain after thinking that her husband had completely forgotten her, but then smiling through her tears at his unconscious concern, a strong resonance rang out from the audience.

The award presenter was a highly respected veteran artist. He opened the envelope and read out the name:

"The Best Actress award at the 5th Beijing College Student Film Festival goes to Li Xiaoran for her role in '30 Days'! Congratulations!"

"Ah!" Li Xiaoran instantly covered her mouth, her eyes filled with unbelievable surprise. She subconsciously grabbed Wang Sheng's hand tightly.

The spotlight shone on her, and the entire audience erupted in applause.

Wang Sheng smiled and patted the back of her hand, gesturing for her to come on stage.

Li Xiaoran took a deep breath, stood up, straightened her skirt, and walked onto the stage with slightly unsteady steps, trying her best to remain calm, under the spotlight and everyone's gaze.

Her hand trembled slightly as she received the uniquely shaped, transparent trophy that symbolized "letting dreams take flight" from the veteran artist.

"Thank you! Thank you to the College Student Film Festival, thank you to all the judges, thank you to my classmates!" She spoke into the microphone, her voice slightly choked with emotion, but her smile was dazzling: "I'm really... so surprised, so happy!"

She paused, then looked at Wang Sheng in the audience: "Thank you, Director Han Sanping, thank you, Beijing Film Studio, thank you, Forbidden City Film Company... and especially thank you to all the cast and crew of '30 Days,' thank you... thank you to our director, Wang Sheng!"

The camera then focused on Wang Sheng, who was sitting in the audience, smiling and applauding for her.

"This is my first Best Actress award," Li Xiaoran said, raising the trophy with tears glistening in her eyes, yet smiling sweetly. "I will always remember this day, remember the moment I received this award on the university campus! Thank you everyone for your recognition, I will continue to work hard! Thank you!"

Her acceptance speech was sincere and emotional, filled with girlish joy, which perfectly matched the atmosphere of the College Student Film Festival and won good-natured laughter and even more enthusiastic applause from the young people in the audience.

Watching her walk off the stage holding the trophy like a happy little bird, Wang Sheng's smile deepened.

He was certainly aware of the "water" surrounding this award. The selection mechanism of the College Student Film Festival is relatively simple, and the level of competition and authority cannot be compared with the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards. It is more about encouragement and popularity.

But seeing Li Xiaoran's genuine happiness, he felt the trip was worthwhile.

As for discussions about "the water queen" and the like?

Who cares.

Just be happy.

Next, the Best Director award was announced.

"The winner of the Best Director Award at the 5th Beijing College Student Film Festival is—" The presenter deliberately dragged out the word, building suspense, before finally announcing loudly, "30 Days, Wang Sheng! Congratulations, Director Wang!"

The audience erupted in the loudest applause and cheers of the night, especially the students from the Beijing Film Academy and surrounding universities, who practically shouted their support and admiration for this young (legendary) senior.

Amid thunderous applause, Wang Sheng rose, calmly straightened his suit, and strode onto the stage.

His acceptance speech, however, was much more composed:
"Thank you to the College Student Film Festival, and thank you to all the students and judges for your support." Standing in front of the microphone, he remained calm and composed: "30 Days is a film that attempts to explore urban emotions and memories in a lighthearted way. To receive recognition from the most energetic, critical, and culture-savvy college students is of great significance to me."

His gaze swept over the young faces in the audience: "Film is the art of creating dreams, but it is also a bridge to communicate with the audience, especially young audiences. Thank you to my team, and thank you to everyone who contributed to this film. Special thanks to my leading lady, Li Xiaoran, whose performance added an indispensable brilliance to the film. I also thank Mr. Stephen Chow, who was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances; his professionalism and dedication are admirable."

"This award is an affirmation of our past efforts and an encouragement for the future. We will continue to work hard to create more works that young audiences will enjoy and that will resonate with everyone. Thank you!"

……

Li Xiaoran was extremely excited after receiving the award.

Back at my lodging that night, I was met with a stormy night, which goes without saying.

(End of this chapter)