Huayu 2015, the Artist of Light and Shadow

……

What is happiness?

When what you gain exceeds your original expectations, you will feel a strong sense of happiness.

At that moment, Lu Yunzhou felt that being a director was such a wonderful thing.

In particular, the feeling of happiness from gaining both fame and fortune while receiving additional rewards from the system is simply unparalleled.

"Ah Kun, I'm currently working with producer Jiang Bing from Kiwi Fruit on a film. Next, he'll be preparing an inspirational variety show about idol training, debut, and continuous self-improvement."

"If you're interested, I can help you get into this show."

Lu Yunzhou introduced Cai Xukun to several ways to debut, but Cai Xukun didn't seem interested in any of them.

There was nothing he could do but accept Cai Xukun's predetermined fate and send him into the variety show "Idol Producer," which would make him incredibly popular in another time and space.

"Is it an inspirational variety show about idol training and debut?"

Upon hearing the concept of the variety show, Cai Xukun's eyes lit up, and he became extremely interested: "Brother, this variety show is interesting and it really resonates with my life experiences. Can you really help me get a role in it?"

Fate is like a deck of cards.

Others can help shuffle the cards, but you can only play them yourself.

Lu Yunzhou could help Cai Xukun shuffle the cards better, but Cai Xukun might break up the four Aces into single cards.

There's nothing we can do about it.

"Don't worry, as long as you're willing, I'll give you face, it shouldn't be a big problem." Lu Yunzhou felt that he still had that kind of face.

Especially after he won an award at the Busan International Film Festival.

The kiwi platform will definitely treat him like a precious gem, fearing that he might switch to Tencent or Youku.

"Thank you, brother. I'll toast you with coffee instead of alcohol."

For Cai Xukun, "Idol Producer" was like a challenge he was destined to face; he simply couldn't resist its allure.

"Take good care of yourself while you're abroad."

"Don't go to nightclubs, don't smoke tobacco, and don't mess around with Korean trainees. Keep yourself clean and virtuous. You need to understand that you are different from them; you are destined to become a superstar."

Lu Yunzhou showed great optimism about Cai Xukun's future, even going so far as to help him avoid some potential scandals in the future.

This moved Cai Xukun to tears.

Because Lu Yunzhou won a short film award at a film festival, had a very good relationship with top celebrity Tang Yan, and also gained the friendship of Wang Xiaoshuai, a leading figure of the sixth generation of Chinese directors.

Once he returns to China, if he makes good use of these connections, he only needs a few works to break through and become a leading figure in the domestic film and television industry.

In this situation, as Lu Yunzhou's good brother before he became successful, he would definitely have a bright future as long as Lu Yunzhou was willing to help him.

Lu Yunzhou was clearly helping him plan his future!

"Brother, you've come all this way, let me treat you to Korean BBQ. It's one of the few delicious foods in Korea."

As a second-generation rich kid, Cai Xukun is not short of money, and he really wants to pursue his musical dreams.

Sometimes, things don't go as planned.

……

Cai Xukun stayed in Busan for one night and left the next day.

The following day was the closing ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival, which was also the awards ceremony.

Tang Yan took Lu Yunzhou's hand and walked down the red carpet together.

Tang Yan wore a low-cut evening gown paired with a sparkling diamond necklace, attracting the attention of many reporters and media as soon as she appeared.

The flash was absolutely dazzling.

After all, Ms. Tang was the biggest highlight of the Busan International Film Festival and the actress who attracted the most attention from the audience.

But to be honest, Tang Yan didn't really want to wear this diamond necklace because the brand sponsor of this diamond necklace is called [Tongling Jewelry].

That's right, they are the biggest client of the drama "Diamond Lover".

"Diamond Lover" was tailor-made for this brand. After Tang Yan played the female lead in the drama, she immediately began an in-depth collaboration with Tongling Jewelry.

Although Tongling Jewelry offered a good endorsement fee and treated Tang Yan very well, they even arranged for her to attend the diamond industry's Oscars in Belgium after the Busan International Film Festival.

They have even reserved the title of "Belgian Diamond Art Master" for Tang Yan.

But when this company is mentioned, Tang Yan can't help but think of the news that she was overshadowed by Dilraba Dilmurat during the broadcast of "Diamond Lover" two months ago, and her mood is never very good.

In addition, the low-cut evening gown that Tang Yan wore today was custom-made for her by the famous accessible luxury brand Coach.

The watch on his wrist belongs to Jaeger-LeCoultre.

From beginning to end, apart from her body, which belonged to Tang Yan herself, she didn't own any of her accessories; they were all sponsored by brands.

What is a top-tier female celebrity?

The moment she appears, you can smell the money.

"Little Boat Bro, what are our chances of winning the prize?"

Being shortlisted for an award was already an unexpected joy for Tang Yan, but sometimes, people just can't help but want more.

"100%!"

Lu Yunzhou had already received the reward from the system.

Therefore, winning the award was no longer a question for him.

"So confident?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Yan turned her head and glanced at Lu Yunzhou in surprise.

A confident man is truly radiant.

"Brother Xiaochuan, I've arranged for my own photographer over there. Could I get a little closer to you in a bit so we can take a picture together?"

Young, handsome, and incredibly talented, Lu Yunzhou is a uniquely charming man, standing out in the entire entertainment industry, and even in the whole world.

At least for this moment, Lu Yunzhou belonged entirely to himself. Tang Yan planned to take this photo back to China and release a press release about it.

Even if I don't win an award, it's fine.

"Of course, no problem."

This moment was not only Tang Yan's highlight, but also Lu Yunzhou's debut battle, making it very memorable.

At Tang Yan's prompting, the two walked together to a certain area and stood still for a moment.

Lu Yunzhou stood with his hands in his pockets, his chin slightly raised, and his lips pursed. Although his face was expressionless, he exuded an indescribable coldness.

Tang Yan, holding up her long skirt, swayed gracefully and deliberately took a half step back, resting her shoulder on Lu Yunzhou's chest.

At this moment, Tang Yan revealed a genuine, uncontrollable smile, sweet and elegant.

She already had a feeling that the internet would soon be praising them as a "golden couple."

If others don't praise her, she can pay to do so... Anyway, her acting career is now completely tied to Lu Yunzhou.

Every director has their own muse.

But not every female celebrity is lucky enough to meet a director who appreciates her.

……

Awards ceremony.

"The Best Short Film Award at this year's Busan International Film Festival goes to 'Dream,' directed by Lu Yunzhou. Congratulations to director Lu Yunzhou!"

The host announced that Lu Yunzhou had won the award.

Lu Yunzhou was a complete newcomer to the international film festival; no one had ever heard of him before.

However, as Lu Yunzhou stood up...

The second movement of the "Pathétique Sonata" began playing from the speakers.

On the screen, the elegant and intellectual Ms. Tang stands under a street lamp, her eyes revealing a gentle and expectant look.

"So it turns out he directed this short film."

"That clip of Teacher Tang has gone viral online."

"Many people rewatched the TV series 'Diamond Lover' starring Teacher Tang, and after watching it, they all cursed online. They all said that the director was a fraudster."

"I have no objection to him winning the award."

The audience suddenly realized what was going on, and then a mischievous smile appeared on their faces.

A conman is the best compliment an audience can give a director!

……

After receiving the award, Lu Yunzhou gave the safest, template acceptance speech into the microphone, thanking the film festival organizing committee and the staff of the short film. Finally, he thought for a moment and added one more sentence.

"I hope we can all find our own ray of light in life."

This single closing remark drew thunderous applause from the entire audience.

Tang Yan looked at Lu Yunzhou's relaxed and carefree appearance, her eyes shining, and gently clapped her hands.

After Lu Yunzhou came down, Tang Yan hurriedly asked, "Little Boat Brother, how does it feel to win an award? Are you especially excited?"

"fine."

Lu Yunzhou didn't feel anything special at all.

While others put in a lot of effort, even painstaking work, to make a short film, he only spent a week making it a small test.

The initial funding was provided by Cai Xukun.

The subsequent investment was provided by the wealthy woman, Tang Yan.

The awards PR was handled with the help of the G20 organizing committee.

From beginning to end, he only did what a director should do.

Everyone who worked with him on this project benefited.

As the son of a businessman from Wenzhou, he deeply understood one principle.

You can't keep all the benefits of a project yourself; you have to share the profits so that others are motivated to work together to make the project a success.

Clearly, the theory his parents taught him was very effective.

……

And the moment the Busan International Film Festival award winners were announced.

— Tang Yan's starring role in a short film wins Best Short Film at the Busan International Film Festival, making her the first top-tier actress among the post-85 generation to win an international film festival award.

— "Tang Yan crowned a goddess at the Busan International Film Festival! Dressed in Coach haute couture and ethereal jewelry, she became the most beautiful star on the red carpet."

—From Idol Drama Queen to International Film Festival Award Winner: Tang Yan's Transformation Through Her Work

Similar press releases quickly went viral across the internet.

On one hand, it was released by Tang Yan's own publicity team.

In addition, brand partners like Tongling Jewelry are putting in even more effort.

Because of the hit drama "Diamond Lover," the mutual comparison and disparagement between Tang Yan and Dilraba made their company famous.

Tang Yan winning the award at this moment will greatly benefit their brand's awareness.

In no time, the entire internet was flooded with news of Tang Yan winning the award.

……

"My husband, Lao Tang, has really made something of himself."

"A while ago, someone spread rumors that her short film might win an award at the Busan International Film Festival, and I even mocked her. I told her not to try to take shortcuts, or she'd be easily fooled."

"I can't believe she actually won the award this time!"

"Is this handsome young man the director who helped my husband win the award? He's clearly very talented!"

Talent can be recognized, right?

After six months of fierce battles, Yang Mi's fans and Tang Yan's fans are now irreconcilable enemies.

As soon as they saw that Tang Yan had won an award, they felt uneasy and had to nitpick.

"What does the award for the female lead in the short film have to do with 'naive and innocent'?"

"I just watched the short film, and Sha Baitang didn't have a single line from beginning to end. It seems the director was aware that if Sha Baitang opened his mouth, it would instantly ruin the quality of the entire short film."

"The director is the real talent."

It's absolutely impossible for Yang Mi's fans to praise Tang Yan's acting skills and say she can win awards at international film festivals.

But the fact that he won the award is already a done deal, and you can't change that by denying it.

All they could do was go crazy praising Lu Yunzhou's superb directing skills, saying he could even make an actor of Tang Yan's caliber shine.

……

At this time, Yang Mi was participating in a reality show called "Real Men".

When she saw the news online, although her face remained expressionless, her fingers, which were scrolling through her phone, paused slightly.

Immediately afterwards, she pretended nothing had happened, and inwardly sneered, "She really got a great deal."

At this point, Yang Mi instantly realized that continuing to smear Tang Yan at this critical juncture was pointless, because the short film had already been adopted by the G20 organizing committee.

At this point, criticizing Tang Yan would be tantamount to making things difficult for oneself.

She instantly changed her stance, appearing online as Tang Yan's best friend, and sent Tang Yan a blessing: "Congratulations to the world's cutest Tang Yan, hard work has finally paid off."

When Yang Mi's fans saw this, they all rushed to Yang Mi's comment section to leave messages, praising her for being beautiful and kind-hearted, and for sending her blessings to her friend as soon as she won the award.

He also praised the two of them as true best friends in the entertainment industry.

Not long after, Tang Yan suddenly posted her schedule and a photo of herself and Lu Yunzhou on the red carpet.

"Thanks to our Little Boat Bro, who spent two days guiding me through the filming of this short film, which won the Best Short Film Award at the Busan International Film Festival. Little Boat Bro is awesome!"

I will love you for ten thousand years!

After saying this, Tang Yan circled Lu Yunzhou's name and sent him a string of hearts, showing how happy she was.

However, Lu Yunzhou returned the favor with 100 large sticks, which made her dizzy and disoriented.

Their interaction was full of the joyful, playful atmosphere of good friends, completely different from Yang Mi's formulaic congratulatory messages.

At this moment, Yang Mi is arguably the most embarrassed person in the world.

Because she had just congratulated Tang Yan on "hard work pays off".

Tang Yan retorted, implying that she hadn't put in any effort at all, having simply filmed for two days with a Versailles-like air.

Anyway, everyone on the internet knows what level her acting skills are at.

However, Tang Yan won the award.

No one would really say she has no acting skills; they would just think she was unlucky before and didn't encounter a director willing to polish her shots.

And now, she has encountered it!

For an actress to find a director willing to polish her shots and create the atmosphere of light and shadow is even rarer than for a woman to meet her soulmate.

……

Filming location of "Hot Girl".

Dilraba also saw the news, but she had no interest in helping Yang Mi fight back against Tang Yan. This was a feud between bosses, and it had nothing to do with her, a working-class person.

But she stared wide-eyed at the photo of Lu Yunzhou and Tang Yan together.

Previously, when Lu Yunzhou and Tang Yan were rumored to be dating, the photos were rather blurry, but this time, high-definition images have surfaced.

"Reba, what's wrong? Do you know him?"

Reba's agent, Sister Gong, had been by her side during this time and noticed immediately that something was wrong with Reba.

"Yes. I know him."

Facing her agent, Dilraba didn't hide anything and said with a regretful expression, "Six months ago, he contacted me through one of my classmates, asking if I would be willing to be the female lead in his short film?"

"But I refused."

Six months ago, Lu Yunzhou had just transmigrated. At that time, Dilraba was still a newcomer, filming "Diamond Lover," and was in a situation where she could be replaced at any time.

Therefore, she had no interest in Lu Yunzhou's invitation and was only focused on making her own TV series.

After filming "Diamond Lover," Dilraba's career skyrocketed, and she became a second-tier star. Therefore, she has no regrets about rejecting Lu Yunzhou.

However, if what Tang Yan said is true, this short film was only shot in two days and could win an award at the Busan International Film Festival, she could have made a big splash in the industry.

"If only I hadn't refused back then?"

She couldn't resist clicking on the high-resolution group photo and zooming in.

Lu Yunzhou's cold profile and Tang Yan's completely trusting posture when she leaned on him both made her frown slightly.

"If I were standing next to him..."

The thought flashed through Reba's mind for a moment, then she suppressed it.

But that little bit of regret in my heart was like a tiny thorn, deeply embedded in my heart.