Huayu02 started by making films.

Liu Yifei suddenly realized, "Oh, I see. Where is my senior?"

Before she could finish speaking, Gao Qiang walked in with a disc and said to Liu Yifei:

"This is what Brother Yi asked me to do: a video copy of Maggie Cheung's crying scene in 'Comrades: Almost a Love Story.' He asked me to pass it on to you, saying that watching it more would be helpful."

Liu Yifei took the disc and asked, "Has senior already gone to Venice?"

Gao Qiang nodded.

Liu Yifei didn't say anything more and silently put the disc into the laptop. Shu Chang also came over, and the two of them huddled together in a corner, quietly watching the screen.

......

The plane took off from Beijing Airport and transited through Paris.

There were seven people on the trip: Han Shanping took Jiang Wen and Lu Taro to sell the film "Looking for a Gun", while Han Yi went with Fan Xiaopang, Chen Chen, and Jiang Wu.

After arriving at the transit lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Han Yi had other plans and instructed Chen Chen and the others to wait there first.

Han Yi took a taxi alone to BNP Paribas to handle the final matters related to funds for the June World Cup.

After paying all taxes and fees, and giving the professional manager a cut, Han Yi's balance in his French bank account finally settled at $3000 million.

On the morning of the 26th, Han Yi boarded a flight to Venice, Italy.

After the plane landed at Marco Polo Airport, Han Yi immediately took a water taxi and headed straight to Lido Island, the venue for the film festival.

As he sat on the yacht, gazing at the approaching island silhouettes in the distance, he couldn't help but sigh, "Italy, Italy, you've become a fence-sitter, enjoying the benefits of both sides."

As is well known, Italy's performance in both World Wars was quite controversial, and many military relics are still preserved on the island.

Lido Island is not large and is mainly divided into three areas: Lido in the north, Maramoco in the center, and Alberoni in the south.

The yacht slowly docked at Lido Marina, not far from the main venue of this year's film festival—the Venice Cinema Palace.

After arriving at the hotel, Han Yi went to Chen Chen's room to catch up on sleep. He woke up in the evening.

Chen Chen shook him awake: "Han Yi, the film festival opens tomorrow, shall we go to St. Mark's Square first?"

"You go with Little Fatty, I have something to do." Han Yi perked up and got up to change his clothes.

"What's up? Do you know anyone here?"

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 10 ...

Han Yi pushed open the door, turned back and smiled: "Familiar with what? I do know a few in Cannes. I'll find a way to get in through the back door."

He went straight downstairs and dialed the number of Robert, whom he had met in Cannes, on the way.

The call was answered quickly: "Hey Luo, how's your film doing in France lately?"

"Han! I was just about to contact you! I saw your movie poster, 'Selaginella'? That's the name of a plant!" Robert's voice was filled with excitement.

"You've come to Venice too?"

"Of course! French audiences have already been influenced by my art, and this time I'm going to bring my talent to Venice," Robert joked.

"Alright, stop joking," Han Yi interrupted with a smile. "Let's meet at the 'Old Friends Restaurant'."

"Han, I brought someone with me..."

"Who?"

"That Italian girl from last time, I'm with her now." Robert lowered his voice.

Han Yi's heart skipped a beat: he was just worried about not being able to find a reliable Italian translator, and this was exactly what he needed without any effort.

"Bring them along, let's exchange ideas about art."

After hanging up the phone, Han Yi had already arrived at the restaurant entrance. The five Chinese characters "Old Friends Restaurant" on the signboard were particularly eye-catching. This was a Sino-Italian fusion restaurant run by a Wenzhou boss on Lido Island, specializing in seafood.

Just as I found a seat, I saw Robert lead the Italian woman who was making art films into the room.

Han Yi raised his hand and gestured, "Old Luo, over here!"

Robert quickly stepped forward, and the two embraced. Han Yi also learned the girl's full name: Sophia.

The three sat down, enjoying seafood and champagne while boasting.

Han Yi learned that Robert brought Sofia to Venice not to sell the film, but to let film fans at the Venice Film Festival experience the artistic level of Woodpecker Studios. Upon hearing this, Han Yi smiled and applauded the two of them.

After a few rounds of drinks, Han Yi got down to business: "Sofia, your Italian must be fluent, right?"

Sofia put down the crab claw and blinked. "What's wrong, Han? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Well, a friend of mine is the president of this year's jury. She's not very fluent in Italian and is worried she might get into trouble with local journalists while in Venice. If you have time, could you teach her some common phrases to use?"

Robert exclaimed, "Is that Gong Li? Oh my god! Han, you actually know her!"

Han Yi was speechless: "She and I are from the same place, is it strange that we know each other?"

Sofia, however, seemed a little doubtful: "Han, aren't official film festival events all conducted in English? We shouldn't be worried, right?"

As is well known, the level of English proficiency in Italy is at an intermediate level, ranking near the bottom compared to other European countries.

Han Yi shook his head: "Sofia, you should know the overall English proficiency level in Italy, right?"

Sofia was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter: "I understand! Don't worry, I'd be happy to help. Please be sure to introduce me to Ms. Gong Li!"

"no problem."

After dinner, Han Yi first called Tian Zhuangzhuang and learned that he was drinking with Marco Müller, the film festival's selector, so he didn't disturb him, but instead got Gong Li's contact information from him.

After several phone calls, they finally agreed to meet at Lido Beach.

As dusk approached, the setting sun cast its golden rays, bathing the entire beach in a soft glow, with gentle waves lapping against the shimmering surface.

Han Yi spotted Gong Li from afar.

A black tulle dress reached her ankles, a wide-brimmed hat covered her face, and her gaze behind sunglasses was unclear. Standing at 1.7 meters tall, she exuded an aura of Mother Earth.

Han Yi jogged forward and greeted her with a smile, "Hello, Sister Gong Li, I'm Han Yi."

Gong Li took off her sunglasses, looked Han Yi up and down, and chuckled, teasingly saying, "So you're Han Yi. You're even younger than I thought."

She tilted her head slightly, the sea breeze ruffling her hat brim. "You specifically asked to meet me here, surely you don't want me to pull strings for you, do you?"

Han Yi smiled shyly, "It's not what you think, Sister Gong Li. Listen to me, it's like this..."

The two walked side by side along the beach, and Han Yi recounted the whole story in detail, the implication being nothing more than—

"We are both Chinese, and we are both connected to this year's Venice Film Festival. You are the jury president, and I am a competing director. In principle, we shouldn't meet privately before the closing ceremony. But I'm worried about the varying levels of English proficiency among the local Italian journalists."

In case they deliberately ask tricky questions during the film festival, you might find it difficult to respond. So, after much thought, I asked someone to find an Italian girl named Sofia. She's not a participant, and she can teach you some common Italian phrases to use, which is a good extra precaution.

After saying that, Han Yi stopped and looked at her.

Gong Li stood on the darkening beach, silent for a moment, then suddenly raised her eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny: "I didn't expect Director Han to be so considerate? What's his motive for being so thoughtful towards me?"

As she spoke, she pulled Han Yi to a corner of a sand dune, standing face to face with him, her gaze fixed directly on his face: "Han Yi, you're helping me so much, is it so I can win you some kind of award?"

Gong Li is tall for a woman, and with that aura she has cultivated over the years, Han Yi remained completely still when they were close by.

Han Yi thought to himself, "By now, she should have broken up with Zhang Yimou. Huang took over, and they've been married for several years, but I don't know if they've divorced. But none of that matters. Kou can go, so can I? — No, I can't go."

Han Yi shook his head subconsciously.