Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

To celebrate, Wang Xuan and Lu Yang drank at the hotel.

Halfway through their drinks, their mood was disrupted by a phone call.

The people from China Film Group who came to Berlin to buy films organized a meeting and invited the two of them to participate.

Wang Xuan couldn't refuse China Film Group's offer of face, unless he didn't want to continue working in the Chinese film and television industry.

When the two arrived, they ran into Wang Xiaoshuai and his group.

"Hello, Director Wang."

Lu Yang took the initiative to call for help.

Wang Xuan watched in silence. He had learned about the character of these big directors after being ignored when he took the initiative to greet them last time.

"Director Lu, President Wang," Wang Xiaoshuai greeted them proactively.

The way Wang Xuan is referred to is interesting; it probably reflects a change in attitude after people learned that he is not only an actor but also an investor.

Independent filmmakers like Wang Xiaoshuai, who make niche art films, sometimes have to go around looking for film companies to invest in them.

If you can get to know a wealthy and powerful young man, you will naturally take the initiative.

"Director Wang." Wang Xuan nodded politely.

Led inside by a waiter, the people from China Film Group discussed the film festival's achievements in a private room, their smiles impossible to hide.

Upon seeing Wang Xuan, Wang Xiaoshuai, and the others being led in, the person sitting in the main seat stood up with a smile:

"First of all, congratulations to everyone for being invited to the awards ceremony. A trophy is a given."

It's normal for people from China Film Group to know the news in advance, after all, they are a major client of the film festival.

Wang Xiaoshuai was very surprised that [Buried Alive] made it to the end.

After everyone was seated, the person sitting in the main seat looked at Wang Xuan and Lu Yang and introduced himself:

"You two may not know me. My name is Lai Peikang, and I'm in charge of overseas distribution, importing and exporting co-productions..."

No wonder Wang Xuan looked familiar; this man was the person who took over the reins of China Film Group after Han Sanping stepped down. It's always good to establish a good relationship beforehand.

The infamous Zuo Shandiao, a legendary figure in Chinese entertainment novels, had just taken over as chairman of China Film Group at this time.

Wang Xuan introduced himself: "Hello Chairman Lai, my name is Wang Xuan, and I am a student in the Department of Performing Arts at Taipei Film Academy."

"..."

After a few pleasantries and a few drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

"Left Right" is different from "Buried Alive". The former only passed the project approval review and did not apply for a release permit after filming was completed. Moreover, some of the clips shown at the Berlin Film Festival were inconsistent with the script submitted for review.

The only problem with "Buried" is that the distributor for its release has not yet been determined.

At the dinner table, when the topic of "Buried" was raised in Berlin, everyone was optimistic that it could win a major award, or at least be considered for Best Screenplay.

The plot and perspective are so novel, which is rarely seen in previous films.

"There are some voices of resistance online in China, but China Film Group will ask the relevant departments to downplay them," La Peikang said casually.

The domestic distribution rights for "Buried Alive" were naturally handed over to China Film Group Corporation, which can be considered a kind of exchange, but Wang Xuan benefited from it.

China Film Group has its own cinema chain, so scheduling screenings is just a matter of a word for them.

Over the course of the meal, Wang Xuan and the vice chairman developed a much closer relationship, which would provide some assistance should he go overseas to develop his career in the future.

Wang Xiaoshuai, on the other hand, took the initiative to strike up a conversation a few times, subtly inquiring about what kind of business Wang Xuan's family was in; he was clearly eyeing him.

February 16th arrived, the closing ceremony took place, and the atmosphere of the film festival reached its climax.

The eyes of filmmakers worldwide are focused on this; tonight is the night to witness the results.

Wang Xuan changed into a fitted suit early in the morning, and at 1.83 meters tall, he looked radiant.

Lu Yang looked at Wang Xuan, who was dressed in a sharp suit, and felt extremely envious.

"Being handsome is one thing, but being tall and strong means he looks good in anything."

"You're too thin, your clothes don't fit you properly. You'll be fine if you eat more." Wang Xuan didn't know how to comfort him.

"Forget it, people can gain weight, but they can't change their face."

Lu Yang straightened his tie in front of the mirror, his face glowing with happiness; the joy of good fortune was palpable.

···

As the closing ceremony approached, some filmmakers sold their rights and left, but many more stayed to witness the birth of the Golden Bear Award.

Media reporters from all over the world lined both sides of the red carpet at the closing ceremony.

The female celebrities on the red carpet vied for attention, turning their heads repeatedly as they basked in the flashing lights of the cameras.

Film crews who received invitations for unspoken rules, filmmakers who stayed to attend the awards ceremony, invited award presenters, the jury... all walked the red carpet one after another.

There are many people in the Chinese film industry, but Shu Qi stood out in her outfit. She wore a bright red off-shoulder dress and her hair was styled in an updo, making her look both elegant and charming.

Wang Xiaoshuai, dressed in a black suit, appeared with the main cast of "Left Right".

Johnnie To led the male and female leads of "Sparrow," Chen Dahua and Kelly Lin, onto the stage.

Upon entering the waiting area, compared to the relative obscurity of the opening ceremony, more people took the initiative to greet Wang Xuan.

During the screenings of "Buried Alive" in Berlin, Wang Xuan's acting skills have been evident to all, and many people have been captivated.

"Wang, can you tell me how you overcame the challenge of performing in a confined space?"

A French filmmaker approached me and struck up a conversation.

"It's very simple. I told myself in my heart, I want to come to Berlin, and this belief kept me going and I kept filming."

Wang Xuan made a joke, half-jokingly and half-seriously.

"Haha, that's an interesting answer. I hope to see your work at Cannes."

"I will go."

"Then I'll look forward to it. Good luck tonight."

"The same to you."

···

Later in the day, the cast and crew of "Buried" were notified that they would be walking the red carpet.

Wang Xuan and Lu Yang walked the red carpet and were stopped by the host for an interview.

"Wang, how did you come up with this filming method?"

"Because of local customs and current social news, the script for 'being buried alive' came about."

Are you hoping to win an award tonight?

"Having come this far, it would be a lie to say there was no result. Let's hope for a good outcome."

"Good luck to you tonight."

"Thanks."

···

Stepping into the cinema, it was instantly bustling with noise.

The banquet hall, which can accommodate 1,600 people, is almost full, with only the middle seats remaining empty.

Led by the staff, Wang Xuan and Lu Yang took their seats in the fifth row, on the left side of the aisle, next to the [Left and Right] film crew.

The two groups nodded to each other as a greeting.

The awards ceremony began at 8 p.m. Berlin time.

Jury president Scott Scythes took the stage to speak, outlining the spirit of the Berlin Film Festival in a lengthy ten-minute speech, before the awards ceremony officially began.

The short film category was presented first, followed by the Teddy Bear Award, the Crystal Bear Award, the Honorary Golden Bear...

[Left and Right] received the Special Mention Award at the film festival. It's a small award, but there will definitely be more later.

The main competition section always receives the most attention and is of utmost concern to filmmakers.

After the awards for the other categories were presented, two hours had passed, and it was finally time for the main event.