Huayu02 started by making films.

Philip winked with satisfaction, intending to give the adaptation rights to Han Yi, but Han Yi ultimately bought them for a friendly price of $50,000.

The secretary drafted the contract, Han Yi signed it, and Philip stamped it.

It was almost noon when Philip glanced at the clock and said, "Stay for lunch. I have some questions I'd like to discuss with you, the young Cannes Best New Director."

Han Yi readily agreed.

At the dinner table, Philip was being fed by his assistant while chatting with Han Yi.

The two engaged in a heated discussion about "The Second Breath," with Philip suggesting that the adapted film title should be "Untouchable," while Han Yi insisted that "Intouchable" would be better.

Finally, the little argument ended with Han Yi saying, "Old Fei, I'm the director."

Before parting, Philippe specially presented Han Yi with two bottles of 1982 vintage champagne from Perrier-Jouët, to commemorate this "lasting friendship between Chinese and French friends".

……

The entrance to Beijing Film Academy on the 30th.

Han Yi, carrying a shoulder bag and wearing sunglasses, looked up at the banner hanging above the school gate—"Warmly congratulate Han Yi, a student from the Department of Literature of our school, on winning two awards at Cannes: Best New Director and Palme d'Or for Short Film!"

The three characters "Department of Literature" are particularly eye-catching, not only enlarged and bolded, but also so dark in ink that they could almost be written as a separate line of slogans.

The banner stretched all the way, almost reaching into the territory of the neighboring Central Academy of Drama.

Han Yi thought to himself: This must have been arranged by Teacher Dai on purpose.

Before he even stepped into the school gate, several reporters who had been waiting outside rushed towards him. The one in the lead shoved a microphone at Han Yi, followed closely by a photographer carrying a camera.

"Director Han Yi! What are your thoughts on winning two awards at Cannes?"

Han Yi glanced at the Sina logo on the microphone and asked, "How did you know I was coming back today?"

It's not surprising that reporters often stake out the entrance of the Beijing Film Academy; during the art entrance exams a couple of months ago, the school gate was completely blocked by them. But that reporter replied:

"Director Han, I've been waiting here ever since the Cannes awards ceremony ended. Yesterday I saw the teacher who was with you going back to school, but he didn't say when you would arrive, so I just decided to wait here."

Han Yi mentally gave him a thumbs up: He's very dedicated.

He nodded to the reporter, then turned and strode quickly into the school, calling out to the security guard's office, "Uncle Qin! We've got a job! Quickly stop the reporter!"

Upon hearing the commotion, Grandpa Qin rushed out of the security room, a riot control fork in his hand, and shouted to Han Yi, "Go inside quickly, leave the outside to me!"

Then he shouted at the group of reporters, "I can't control what happens outside the school, but if you dare to step inside, I'll be acting in self-defense!"

The duck that was about to be caught flew away, and the reporters were on the verge of tears, but dared not force their way in.

Meanwhile, Han Yi had barely stepped into the school gate when he saw Old Du sitting by the viewing pond, eagerly waiting. As soon as Han Yi approached, Old Du immediately stood up and called out:

"Yi-ge! Director Han! You're finally back!"

His voice was loud and clear, drawing the attention of those around him.

Han Yi stepped forward, and the two embraced tightly. Then, arm in arm, they walked towards the Literature Department.

"Brother Yi, where's the trophy? Show it to me so I can see it!" Old Du asked with a chuckle.

Han Yi took two trophies out of his bag and handed them over. Old Du held one in each hand, pressed them against his face, and looked as if he wanted to swallow the trophies whole.

Upon arriving at the Literature Department office, Han Yi handed the trophy to Professor Dai, asking him to make a copy to keep on display in the department.

Teacher Dai nodded with a smile and then asked, "Han Yi, did you bring the copy back?"

"I printed an extra copy in Cannes to bring back for my collection."

Teacher Dai laughed even harder, the wrinkles around her eyes crinkling: "I've already talked to Lao Yuan, we'll show it in the cinema when you get back, and invite students from other departments to watch it too. What do you think?"

Teacher Dai's strong desire to "show off" was exactly what Han Yi wanted. He quickly nodded in agreement.

Immediately afterward, Teacher Dai made several phone calls in her office. After a brief discussion, she got up and walked with Han Yi towards the largest screening room at the Beijing Film Academy. As they walked, she gave him some instructions:

"I also invited Mr. Wang from the acting department, and he said he would bring his students along. The directing department is also joining in the fun... When you're on stage later, show the same confidence you have at the awards ceremony, so you don't get looked down upon."

Han Yi was both amused and exasperated: "Professor Dai, just you wait and see! I'll prove that our Literature Department is the true successor to the Beijing Film Academy!"

Amidst laughter and conversation, the two entered the movie theater. Old Du was adjusting the projector on stage. Han Yi stepped forward, loaded the film into the machine, and after confirming everything was correct, stood at the door with Teacher Dai to greet customers (and serve pens).

Before long, Yuan Jiaping arrived first with the photography department faculty and students. After exchanging pleasantries with Professor Dai at the entrance, he patted Han Yi on the shoulder and encouraged the students behind him:

"See? Who says only directing majors can make movies? Han Yi is the role model you should all learn from."

He first looked at Han Yi, then turned to the students and spoke earnestly.

"Don't aim too high and try to make a feature film right away. Look at Han Yi, he made a short film and still won the Palme d'Or, didn't he?"

Han Yi gazed at the photography students, their eyes clear and bright. Some were tall and imposing, others short and stocky, all capable of carrying heavy loads, especially Dao Rong in the group. He sighed inwardly:

"No wonder they're photography majors; anyone with a weaker physique couldn't carry the equipment. These are all talented!"

Han Yi smiled and said to the photography students, "I was just lucky that my short film won an award. But it wouldn't have been possible without the help of these great photographers in our department. If you ask me, Professor Yuan is the best teacher!"

Yuan Jiaping chuckled and led the students inside.

Next came Wang Jinsong (nicknamed "Monkey Rubber Band"), the vice dean of the performing arts department, who led a group of students over and smiled at Teacher Dai:

"Old Dai, I always said your Literature Department has the best feng shui. First there was Section Chief Jia, then Han Yi, each one stronger than the last!"

Teacher Dai quickly lied and said, "Old Wang, the acting department isn't bad either. How many promising talents have they produced over the years? For example... for example..."

Han Yi, having overheard two examples, knew that Teacher Dai couldn't think of a name for the moment, and quickly interrupted:

"Teacher Wang, I wanted to ask you last time how you can even make Feng Gong laugh, but unfortunately there wasn't enough time. Now that you're here, you must take a good look at the short film I made."

Wang Jinsong waved his hand, grinning from ear to ear. After some pleasantries, he led the acting students inside.

Han Yi saw Zhao Ke, Huang Shengyi, and Wang Luodan in the crowd, went up to greet them, and asked Zhao Ke, "Ke, where's Chenchen? I called her but she didn't answer. Isn't she usually with you?"

Zhao Ke said helplessly, "She's been busy changing her major lately; she's transferring to the management department. Didn't she tell you?"

"Oh, I see... I'll look for her later."

The last group consisted of students from the directing department, led by Professor Jiang Wei, who was also the director and screenwriter of the TV series "Don't Talk to Strangers".

Before Jiang Weiren arrived, his voice preceded his words: "Old Dai, you've really made the Literature Department proud! You've only taught two classes, and you've already produced a Cannes Palme d'Or winner! That's amazing!"

Teacher Dai quickly stepped forward to shake hands: "The short film, the short film, Lao Jiang, what are you saying? Aren't we all doing this for the students?"

The group entered the screening room. Han Yi noticed that Lu Taro was also among them and couldn't help but wonder: Didn't this little brat graduate long ago? What's he doing back at school?

Han Yi, walking at the back, stopped a directing student and asked, "What brings Lu Taro here?"