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

Jiaozuo Film and Television City, the film crew of "The Great Biography of Sun Tzu".

Jing Tian scrolled through news about Wang Xuan in Berlin online, her eyes filled with joy, and a faint smile always playing on her lips.

"This film received good ratings in Berlin, so it should have a chance to win an award."

Zhao Shanshan said the things the young lady wanted to hear.

"Berlin is his lucky place, and I believe he can bring back another trophy."

"With your blessing, it will definitely work."

Seeing that the young lady was in high spirits, Zhao Shanshan said some nice things, but in her heart she didn't think much of it. Winning an award wasn't that easy.

"Sister Shanshan, you're right. I should send out more congratulatory messages."

Jing Tian quickly finished her lunch, grabbed her phone, and ran to the van to send a message.

···

Five days after the opening ceremony, Wang Xuan began to pay attention to phone calls and invitations.

As is customary, films that are eligible for awards will be invited again to attend the closing ceremony awards presentation; this is an open secret.

buzzing~

The phone vibrated.

Wang Xuan's nerves tensed instantly, but when he saw that it was a message from Jing Tian, ​​he gradually relaxed.

Upon seeing the thoughtful words, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

...

During the jury's selection of the winners, Berlin hosts numerous red carpet events and award ceremonies.

On her birthday, Zhang Ziyi attended the "European Rising Star Award" ceremony. While presenting the award to the winner, she casually mentioned that it was her birthday.

The guests and judges present were all respectable people. They sang her a birthday song, completely stealing the spotlight from the winners.

For films selected for the main competition, the organizers will arrange a variety of frequent events, including global media meetings, industry forums, and exclusive media interviews.

Lu Yang was the one who went last time, no wonder he always looked so weak, we misunderstood him.

This time it was Wang Xuan's turn, and he realized how tiring it really was.

On the 7th day, the "Mei Lanfang" crew arrived late, landing in Berlin.

Director Chen lives up to his reputation, maintaining his confidence as always.

When asked by reporters why he arrived in Berlin so late, was it because he lacked confidence in winning the award?

These words seemed to provoke Director Chen: "I have confidence in my film, and I'm quite confident it will win awards..."

Chen Hong, who was standing to the side, probably thought it was too arrogant, and added, "The final result depends on the jury's preference."

...

Wang Xuan received another invitation to the Berlin premiere of "Mei Lanfang".

When you're out and about, you definitely have to go and support them.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating, and a light drizzle started, making the premiere's red carpet event a bit rushed.

When Wang Xuan and his group arrived, the screening room was already bustling with noise.

The title of Palme d'Or director is indeed effective; even Dieter Kosslick, the chairman of the Berlin Film Festival, came to show his support.

Wang Xuan also saw Maran Karmitz, president of the MK2 Group, talking with the judges of the main competition.

The other person had obviously seen him too, but glanced at him and then looked away, displaying an extremely arrogant attitude.

Chen Hong, arm in arm with Director Chen, strolled among the guests, showing great respect for etiquette.

"Director Wang, thank you for coming to support us."

Director Chen walked over slowly, with a relaxed air about him.

"Director Chen, you're too kind. I'm here with a learning attitude."

Wang Xuan smiled as he carried the sedan chair, trying his best not to look at Chen Hong beside him, whose dress partially revealed her breasts.

Director Chen was very satisfied with Wang Xuan's attitude: "I wish you success in Berlin."

"Thank you, you too."

Director Chen nodded naturally and went to chat with Li Xuejian and Ge You.

···

The film was shown.

The film is 147 minutes long, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause at the end.

Director Chen delivered a speech on stage and then gave an interview.

During the Q&A session, some judges from the panoramic unit couldn't wait to give their evaluations:

"It reminds me of 'Farewell My Concubine,' and the film has a chance to win the Golden Bear."

Upon hearing this, many people in the audience gasped. Although he wasn't a judge for the main competition, his qualifications were still quite impressive.

Director Chen's smile, which had been faint, began to falter.

The media present were already thinking about tomorrow's headlines, especially after seeing the president of MK2 in attendance, which basically confirmed that the film was a strong contender for the Golden Bear.

···

"A captivating, sensorially overwhelming film..." - Berlin Daily

"A dignified and beautiful portrait of the East..." - Le Monde

"Visually stunning, like a flowing traditional Chinese painting." (The Guardian)

"..."

···

The program gave it a score of 2.8, second only to "The River London" and "The Hunt".

Looking at the media reports, Wang Xuan began to doubt whether his memory was faulty.

Regardless of word-of-mouth or critic reviews, the film is clearly a contender for the Golden Bear.

"I used to think they were just talking big in China, but now it seems they really have a chance to win a big prize," Ge You remarked.

"Director Chen certainly has the talent to win awards. The first half of 'Mei Lanfang' is excellent, but the second half..."

Li Xuejian hesitated, but Wang Xuan and Ge You both knew what he wanted to say. Due to Director Chen's seniority, no one in China dared to bring it up; and due to cultural differences abroad, it was rarely reported by the media.

"Boss, the invitation to the Mei Lanfang banquet has just arrived."

Wang Xuan and the others exchanged glances. The premiere had just ended, and they couldn't wait to hold a banquet. They were really aiming for the grand prize.

"Please change your clothes, teachers."

Wang Xuan smiled and said to Ge You and Li Xuejian.

It had been raining in Berlin for several days, so the film crew stayed in their hotel, dressed in comfortable casual clothes.

The Adlon Hotel's Winter Garden Hall is where past Golden Bear winners have held their celebration banquets.

This is also the venue for tonight's "Mei Lanfang" gala dinner.

Director Chen, with a rosy complexion, held up a wine glass to greet the guests, trying his best to be considerate of everyone and not neglecting anyone.

Wang Xuan, the protagonist of this book, felt incredibly frustrated seeing a supporting character who had only appeared in one chapter acting arrogantly.

I won't go into details.

"Wang Xuan, why are you here all alone?"

Wang Xuan, who was engrossed in eating, looked up and saw La Peikang walking by with a wine glass in his hand.

"Boss, how's the harvest these past few days?"

Wang Xuan changed the subject; he couldn't very well say that he didn't want to see the supporting characters showing off.

"It's alright, the domestic art film market is just so-so."

La Peikang took a sip of red wine and said in a voice too soft for those around him to hear:

"You can see the momentum of 'Mei Lanfang,' right? MK2's efforts made it a top contender for the Golden Bear in just two days."

"This massive advertising campaign must have cost a fortune in lobbying, right?"

"I don't know the exact amount, but it's definitely a lot."

Seeing that Wang Xuan showed no sign of regret, Lapekang chatted for a while, telling him to calm down and focus on accumulating experience regardless of the outcome.

Wang Xuan nodded, looking like he had learned something.

Looking at the triumphant Director Chen in the crowd, he wished he could move the time forward to the closing ceremony.