Chapter 844: I will remember this night (1.54 million words updated!)

Huang Zhongjing and Mrs. Huang also attended tonight's awards ceremony.

From its release to the awards season, the film *Storm Calmer No. 1* has kept Long Yan in the spotlight.

After *Late Spring* brought a company like Long Yan, which focuses primarily on commercial films, into the mainstream view, they have now welcomed *Storm Calmer No. 1*.

Both films were directed by Liu Bige and starred Lu Yan He.

However, after this film, Liu Bige set up his own shop. Even though Long Yan still holds shares, he is ultimately no longer a Long Yan director; he decides what projects to do next himself. And after Liu Bige left Long Yan, Lu Yan He's cooperation with Long Yan is limited to just one more film, *Burning Fire 3*.

Today, the performance of *Storm Calmer No. 1* has completely exceeded Long Yan's expectations, from winning at Venice to its box office performance at home and abroad, and then being selected by China to be submitted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film...

Everything is just as Chen Ziyan said when she tried to persuade Mrs. Huang: even if *Storm Calmer No. 1* were shot as a commercial film, the commercial returns might not necessarily be higher than shooting it according to Liu Bige's vision.

An auteur director like Liu Bige is rare and hard to find. If a film company encounters one and doesn't cultivate them well or help them build their personal brand, it would be a great pity. Directors who can shoot commercial films are not rare, but auteur directors who can sell tickets are extremely rare.

If *Late Spring* still had an element of luck, the fact that he could shoot a film like *Even Faking Death Won't Work*, which is very "un-film festival," in a way that was unconventional and full of style, while also achieving box office success, is enough to prove that Liu Bige's talent is not just for self-appreciation and that there are fans willing to pay for it.

And after his third film, *Dragon Gate Inn*, when Liu Bige's fourth film, *Storm Calmer No. 1*, was released, everyone was surprised that Liu Bige is actually a director who dabbles in all kinds of subject matter.

In four films, the themes and subjects have never repeated.

Yet every film has achieved success.

Nowadays, Liu Bige's status as a major director is firmly established.

If Huang Zhongjing hadn't made the decisive move to help Liu Bige set up his own film production company early on, I'm afraid Liu Bige and Long Yan would have stopped cooperating entirely after *Storm Calmer No. 1*.

At least now Liu Bige's company has Long Yan's capital injection and shares; in other words, there is still a sense of shared history.

Therefore, at the moment, Long Yan is vigorously supporting *Storm Calmer No. 1* in its push for the Oscars in North America, even providing a lot of public relations funding, also to ease the cooperative relationship with Liu Bige.

Huang Zhongjing has been meeting with Liu Bige almost every day during this period.

It can be said that in order to win over this young director, who can actually be said to have been cultivated by him single-handedly, Huang Zhongjing has racked his brains these days, talking about film art, talking about the behind-the-scenes production of each previous film, and when mentioning the films Liu Bige is going to produce next, he generously states that no matter what Liu Bige wants to do, Long Yan will fully support it.

Actually, Liu Bige had already talked to Lu Yan He about this matter.

Liu Bige did not want to make a clean break with Long Yan from now on—

Lu Yan He reminded him that even with Liu Bige's current status and influence, as long as he is willing, plenty of companies in China would be willing to support him in shooting his next project. But all crows are black under the sun; at least Long Yan's "blackness" is in places they can see, and they haven't played dirty tricks behind his back. Whatever project Liu Bige does later, he needs company investment, including post-production and distribution, which are things Liu Bige's own company lacks. Rather than cooperating with strangers, Long Yan is already one of the top companies in the country. As long as they don't interfere with his creation or escalate this biggest conflict, they can continue to cooperate.

Therefore, Liu Bige did not really intend to draw a line with Long Yan. And Liu Bige is happy to see Huang Zhongjing willing to repair the relationship at this time.

Lu Yan He knows very well that although Liu Bige has directed four works and all have had decent results, Liu Bige and he have the same problem: no matter how outstanding their achievements are, it cannot change the fact that their foundations are still shallow.

If Liu Bige really got angry and drew a line with Long Yan, never to interact again, then no matter how amiable or even fawning Huang Zhongjing is now to repair the relationship, the blow and retaliation from Long Yan would be that much more fierce at that time. Not to mention anything else, the release schedule of the film, the theater screenings, the film's promotion—there are too many places where Long Yan could mess with him.

Furthermore, in the eyes of others, Liu Bige is, after all, a director cultivated by Long Yan. If it came to that point, it's really not certain that the majority of people in the industry would support Liu Bige. You say Long Yan interferes with Liu Bige's creative direction? To be fair, which film company doesn't interfere with a director's creative direction? Even the biggest directors are constrained by film companies.

It's impossible to sort out the rights and wrongs.

Still the same saying, Liu Bige's foundation is still shallow, and there is no need to let himself reach that point.

But Lu Yan He is different.

His cooperation with Long Yan is purely in the capacity of an actor.

Moreover, the connections and energy Lu Yan He possesses in the entertainment industry are far beyond what Liu Bige can compare to.

He doesn't need to maintain a harmonious relationship with Long Yan. Especially after he single-handedly "saved" the box office of the *Burning Fire* series in overseas theaters, the words he previously used to accuse Long Yan of being "short-sighted" in front of Huang Zhongjing and Mrs. Huang have also become "well-founded" and "aimed at the target."

Huang Zhongjing has always been very respectful to Lu Yan He.

Mrs. Huang's face, however, still looked a bit awkward, as if she was not very willing to bow her head and admit defeat to Lu Yan He just like that.

Lu Yan He doesn't know how the conflict between the two of them gradually came to the surface and gradually grew larger and larger.

Huang Zhongjing wished Lu Yan He success in winning an award tonight, and turning his head, he saw Wen Shengming and immediately added: "It would be best if, like in Venice, another tie is announced."

Lu Yan He smiled and said, "The Feihong Awards have never had a tie in their history, right?"

"Not yet," Huang Zhongjing said, "Maybe you will be the first to create history."

Wen Shengming: "The Feihong Awards don't have ties."

Huang Zhongjing: "No matter who wins, the award is ours. We are family, no need to speak as two."

Lu Yan He smiled, thinking to himself: Who is family with you?

Speak human words to humans, speak ghost words to ghosts.

In this kind of occasion, this principle applies to everyone.

Lu Yan He caught a glimpse of Mrs. Huang's expression out of the corner of his eye; she seemed to really want to say something, but for some reason, she kept silent, maintaining a forced smile.

He thought to himself, could it be that Huang Zhongjing was afraid she would say something unpleasant, so he specifically instructed her not to speak in front of him?

Lu Yan He felt that this possibility was not non-existent.

He also didn't understand why, when he first came into contact with Mrs. Huang, he felt she was a very capable and competent career woman; how did she gradually show signs of being short-sighted and petty later on?

Especially regarding his affairs. Lu Yan He thought about it left and right and couldn't understand how he, a "top seller" who starred in big-selling films like *Late Spring*, *Storm Calmer No. 1*, and the *Burning Fire* series, and even wrote *Dragon Gate Inn* for them to shoot, was viewed by her as an "eyesore" that needed to be eliminated.

It can only be said that absolute interests cannot absolutely move people.

Lu Yan He felt that he hadn't moved Mrs. Huang.

The value he carried only moved Huang Zhongjing.

Zhang Yuezhen accompanied Chen Pinhe, laughing and chatting with everyone along the way.

In such social occasions, she has always stayed by Chen Pinhe's side, playing the role of "not declaring sovereignty, but sovereignty is on me."

She caught a glimpse of Lu Yan He's side out of the corner of her eye and said to Chen Pinhe, "The *Storm Calmer No. 1* crew is over there. Do you want to go over and say hello to them later?"

Chen Pinhe said, "Wen Shengming is over there, of course we have to go."

Zhang Yuezhen nodded.

"It is appropriate to go and say hello to a senior."

Just as the two were about to go over, Zhang Yuezhen suddenly saw a figure.

She immediately pulled Chen Pinhe.

Chen Pinhe looked over and was also stunned.

It was actually Zheng Ximo.

Zheng Ximo did not receive a nomination for Best Director today, and he and they had not had a very pleasant time, so when the Feihong Awards invited the *The Pianist* crew to attend the awards ceremony and register the list, Zhang Yuezhen did not put Zheng Ximo's name on the *The Pianist* crew list.

How could he come?

Zheng Ximo's appearance could be called an "uninvited guest."

Zhang Yuezhen and Chen Pinhe looked at each other.

Chen Pinhe: "Who invited him?"

"I don't know," Zhang Yuezhen said, "Perhaps it was Northern Lights Films."

Chen Pinhe's brow darkened slightly.

"He won't talk nonsense later, will he?"

"It's fine. What he wants to say and can say, he has already said. Whatever else he says will just be rehashing old arguments. As long as we don't retort and don't speak, the wind will be on our side." Zhang Yuezhen's handling of the dispute with Zheng Ximo previously could indeed be said to have turned the tide single-handedly, helping Chen Pinhe win back a round in the public opinion field.

Chen Pinhe was very clear about this. He nodded and said, "Zheng Ximo signed with Northern Lights Films; there must be Lu Yan He's matchmaking behind it. If Lu Yan He reached some deal with Zheng Ximo behind the scenes, letting Zheng Ximo keep coming out to bite me, that would be very troublesome."

"Troublesome is troublesome, but there is a limit to what Zheng Ximo can do, unless he fabricates facts and spreads rumors later," Zhang Yuezhen said, "If it really reaches that point, we'll talk then."

Chen Pinhe frowned slightly.

He heard what Zhang Yuezhen meant.

——Unless he fabricates facts and spreads rumors later.

What does that mean?

Does it mean that when he was cooperating with Zheng Ximo, he really was a "drama bully"?

Zhang Yuezhen had never said such things in front of him, nor had she ever revealed such meaning. Chen Pinhe really didn't know what to say. He subconsciously pondered, did he act too excessively? However, why did no one point out that he was doing something wrong when he was on set? He just, as the lead actor, put forward some of his own opinions about the film. Neither Zheng Ximo nor Zhang Yuezhen said anything on the spot.

Even if Zheng Ximo had refuted him on the spot, saying it was wrong?

Chen Pinhe really didn't look down on Zheng Ximo. It wasn't because of anything else, but during the cooperation process, Chen Pinhe didn't feel that Zheng Ximo was a very talented director. On set, he was rather timid and had no strong opinions. Many times, it required Chen Pinhe to make decisions on certain things.

Of course, Chen Pinhe also admitted that he indeed had many ideas and designs for his character.

In the end, this film was completely edited into his one-man show, retaining his most complete character arc; that was indeed his request.

But isn't that what an actor should do?

Which actor doesn't protect their character?

Chen Pinhe let out a breath.

To this day, he still feels that even if his behavior objectively constituted being a "drama bully," he was doing it for the good of the film.

From the results, his performance was indeed the most acclaimed.

Zheng Ximo also saw them.

The gazes of both sides gathered and intertwined in the crowd.

Chen Pinhe and Zhang Yuezhen did not take the initiative to nod and say hello, and Zheng Ximo just took his eyes away faintly and went to the other side.

Zhang Yuezhen was a bit angry: "No matter what, this film was also invested in by us, which gave him the opportunity to shoot it, and we even took this film to Venice to win an award. What kind of attitude is this?"

Chen Pinhe: "Forget it, don't worry about him."

Zhang Yuezhen said: "When we shoot films later, we really should take a good look at people, look at their character."

"Director Zheng Ximo, *The Pianist* is his work."

Wang Xiao, who appeared in the inner venue, was dressed in a suit and leather shoes, high-spirited, with a tall and straight figure. At first glance, he looked like a young male actor, not inferior at all, but when everyone heard that he was the person currently in charge of Northern Lights Films, they all showed surprise.

Such a young helmsman is indeed rare.

In the film industry, behind-the-scenes managers are often paved with experience.

Wang Xiao was clearly a young man who hadn't reached thirty yet; he probably hadn't graduated from university for many years.

Everyone's first reaction was, how did someone so young get to this position?

Of course, soon there were people who knew the inside story who whispered that the young man was the son-in-law of Northern Lights boss Lin Desheng.

Those who heard this immediately showed a look of sudden realization.

Wang Xiao naturally could see the changes in everyone's various expressions.

He was already used to such scenes.

Wang Xiao couldn't say he didn't mind, but the facts were set; he couldn't hang a sign on his chest and show himself to others with the words "relying on myself."

Having a background is having a background; at least he had been the Youth Association President at Zhenhua University for so long.

His mentality certainly had a side of being a "favored child of heaven," and it had also been tempered in his experience.

Wang Xiao remained calm and accompanied Zheng Ximo to deal with and socialize with the various big shots at the scene.

On this occasion today, his task was very clear: to make connections, to use Zheng Ximo to build Northern Lights Films' image of respecting film creators, and to release a signal.

Northern Lights has a big name, but Northern Lights Films is a newborn baby, and there are times when it needs the people present to "help it grow."

"Senior!" Lu Yan He hugged Wang Xiao with a full face of smiles, "After going around in circles, we actually became peers."

Wang Xiao also smiled and said, "You are the thigh."

Lu Yan He: "If I had known you were willing to do this, I would have poached you to Linghe."

This was a joke, and also a polite remark.

Wang Xiao said: "It's okay, we must find projects to cooperate on in the future; I will work for you all the same."

Lu Yan He nodded and said, "That can be done."

These words were said quite politely, as if the two hadn't communicated for a long time before this.

These words were of course also said for the people around to hear.

The communication between him and Wang Xiao had never stopped.

Many of Linghe's film and television projects had investment from Northern Lights, including Northern Lights Films.

The reason the shares could be left to them was, first, the shared history of long-term cooperation, and second, Wang Xiao's personal relationship with Lu Yan He as the person in charge of Northern Lights Films was far beyond what others at Northern Lights could compare to.

Li Zhibai taking on the literary film *The Traveler of Humanity* directed by Zheng Ximo also had the matchmaking of Lu Yan He, Chen Ziyan, and others behind it.

Otherwise, how could it be so easy to invite Li Zhibai.

If one were to carefully study the projects that several actors participated in, one would find that, in fact, although many projects that actors participated in seemed to come from different producers and different directors, in reality, they all belonged to the same capital camp that had intricate connections with each other.

Lu Yan He, Li Zhibai, and Wang Xiao, Linghe, and Northern Lights, these of course did not belong to the same capital camp, but because of the connections between these people, they absolutely belonged to the same interest camp.

The entertainment industry is also a society of human relationships.

Human relationships are not always a derogatory term; to some extent, it means "credibility."

Li Zhibai trusts Lu Yan He, Lu Yan He trusts Wang Xiao, Wang Xiao, because of his trust in Lu Yan He, signed Zheng Ximo under Chen Ziyan's suggestion, and then made Li Zhibai the male lead of Zheng Ximo's new film.

This is a circle of human relationships.

Is it necessarily terrible?

Not necessarily.

Wang Xiao pulled Lu Yan He to the side and whispered, "I read the email you replied to me before. Do you really think the prospects for online movies are unclear?"

"Currently very unclear," Lu Yan He said, "But if it's to nurture a team, I think it can be done."

Wang Xiao said: "Northern Lights Films' positioning is indeed a bit blurry right now. I have also communicated with Mr. Lin. Whether to make Northern Lights Films a traditional film production company or as a supplementary business segment for Northern Lights, Mr. Lin hasn't thought it through yet."

"Because Northern Lights Films started too late," Lu Yan He said, "Actually, every video platform is laying out its film segment. Although the net profit of the film segment is not conspicuous, you also know that for any large media company, film itself has broader strategic significance, especially for financial reports and the market economy of the entire group; it is the lever that can pry the earth. It's not that Mr. Lin hasn't thought about the positioning; it's that the film industry itself is one that requires heavy spending and has minimal returns. For Northern Lights, if Northern Lights Films cannot challenge traditional film companies and truly conquer the film market to get a share, then it might as well just hang there as a business segment, watch the market, and wait for the opportunity."

Wang Xiao nodded: "What you said is the same as what I thought, but I still want to make something out of it."

"Actually, you have the best platform resources by relying on Northern Lights Video," Lu Yan He smiled, "Ma Zhiyuan's *Scandalous* before is a good example. Films don't necessarily need high investment to get big returns. As long as resources are used on the cutting edge and topics are used, you can also attract attention. But if I were doing *Scandalous*, I wouldn't just make this quick money. Like the Jump Up Theater, the profit of each of its plays might not exceed one million, but it has more than forty plays every year. Added together, the profit is equally considerable. The key is brand building; the audience is retained."

Wang Xiao: "You mean, it's not that I can't do online movies, but I can't do it the way it was done in the past?"

Lu Yan He nodded: "Online movies have already left an impression of being crudely made in the minds of the audience. This is a foundation-destroying thing. *Scandalous* relied on Ma Zhiyuan, a former top-tier star, and a theme that fit him, bringing huge attention and making everyone want to join in the fun. If you can make a brand, a column, or a series for Northern Lights Films' online movies—for example, a thriller theme like *Seventeen Layers* that attracts audiences who love a certain type of theme—it might not be impossible to do. Don't the online movies on video platforms basically focus on thrillers and horror? Because after the big waves wash away the sand, it is found that this type has a fixed audience base in the sinking market and is always profitable. But the problem is still that no one wants to make these films better. The upper limit is limited, and it hasn't rolled up, so the impression on the audience remains at the stage of being crudely made."

Wang Xiao nodded.

"I understand what you mean. I'll go ponder it."

Lu Yan He said again: "In addition, although your resources are limited and your funds are not enough for you to open many films, like Director Zheng Ximo's new film, if Northern Lights Films can really open up the situation in low-cost literary films, then Li Zhibai can also be a start. I believe many idol actors hope to step into the film circle. The threshold of other film companies is so high; Northern Lights Films can completely match and form a team. As for shooting funds, many idol actors have capital support behind them. In short, your resources are limited, but the resources you can mobilize and exchange, on the Northern Lights platform, I think are huge."

Wang Xiao understood and nodded.

"Furthermore, since the Jump Up Theater can succeed in the drama segment, why can't it succeed in the film segment?" Lu Yan He smiled.

"I am indeed subscribing to the magazine *Jump Up* now, but the novels in your magazine are too popular."

The director of *Upstairs*, Huang Beng, complained to Lu Yan He after seeing him.

"I liked several novels and wanted to buy the film adaptation rights, but they were all snatched up by others."

Lu Yan He said: "Director, sorry, indeed, the novels in *Jump Up* are quite popular now. Many companies, producers, directors, and screenwriters are watching them, especially many authors; their new works are basically sent to people who pay attention to them before they are even published, and the adaptation rights are taken in advance. Director Huang, if you have authors you particularly like and pay attention to, you can tell us, and we will send them to you as soon as they have new works, without waiting for the day the magazine is published to see them."

Huang Beng: "I was wondering why every novel I liked was snatched away so quickly. So there is this set of rules."

He said: "Then I won't be polite with you. There are really a few authors whose stories I find to my taste."

Huang Beng, a director who looked overly "immortal," didn't be polite with Lu Yan He either and immediately told Lu Yan He the names of several people.

Lu Yan He immediately sent them to Chen Siqi.

Huang Beng: "You snatched my favorite actor, Teacher Liu Teli, to shoot *Home Alone*, making Teacher Liu Teli have no time to act in my play. Are you going to compensate me with an actor?"

"Huh?" Lu Yan He was stunned.

"I have a role, how about inviting you to make a cameo?" He winked at Lu Yan He.

This director, who dressed like a Daoist priest every day, had no demeanor of a famous director at all, but rather like a swindling fortune teller.

Lu Yan He couldn't help but laugh.

"Director Huang, what kind of cameo role?"

Huang Beng said: "Hehe, a sweeping monk."

"Ah?" Lu Yan He was stunned.

Huang Beng: "How about it? Make a cameo, three days is enough."

Lu Yan He was between laughter and tears.

"I have to see the script first," he said, "I don't even know what kind of role a sweeping monk is."

Huang Beng: "A hermit master."

"Wu Xia theme?"

"Yes, Republican-era Wu Xia," Huang Beng nodded, "Because the protagonists are all newcomers, there is no way, I can only invite you to stand on the stage, lest the theaters won't give screenings when it is released."

Lu Yan He actually quite likes this director, Huang Beng.

His *Upstairs* allowed Liu Teli to win the Best Actor award, and after acting for many years, he finally entered the market's first tier.

This director's style is that the local flavor is particularly strong and particularly authentic.

It's just that Lu Yan He really doesn't dare to make random cameos now.

He said to Huang Beng: "Director, you show me the script first. If the role is suitable, I will make a cameo. I'm just afraid that I can't play that role. I'm still young; I can't play every role."

Huang Beng: "If you say that, how are other actors supposed to live?"

"You'd better let me live first," Lu Yan He said helplessly, "You are praising me to death like this, how can I mix?"

Huang Beng patted his own mouth.

"Consider my mouth bald," he said, "Then I will send you the script later."

"Okay," Lu Yan He nodded.

Huang Beng suddenly remembered something and said: "By the way, I heard that you and Chen Pinhe are at odds?"

"Ah? What's wrong?" Lu Yan He asked.

Huang Beng said: "In this film of mine, there is a role I also wanted to ask him to cameo in, but I don't know if he will agree. Do you mind?"

Lu Yan He pondered for a moment and said: "He is a troublesome person; I don't want to get involved with him."

Huang Beng: "That's fine, I understand. You look at the script first. You give me a word; if you are willing to come, I won't look for him."

Chatting with old friends and getting to know new friends, by the time Lu Yan He took his seat, it was already twenty minutes later.

What surprised Lu Yan He was that his seat was actually separated from Chen Pinhe's seat by only one person, Wen Shengming.

It was way too close.

Lu Yan He's team never confirms seats or rankings with event organizers.

Not fussy.

Lu Yan He used to think this was one of his virtues.

He suddenly felt that sometimes, confirming the seat in advance is not a bad thing.

Don't let them arrange him with Chen Pinhe one day.

When Lu Yan He sat down, Chen Pinhe had already sat down.

Wen Shengming hadn't come over yet, and the seat between the two was empty.

So, as soon as Lu Yan He sat down, he turned his head to the left and started chatting enthusiastically with Liu Bige, who was sitting to his left.

Liu Bige was surprised by Lu Yan He's sudden enthusiasm—they were old friends, suddenly being so enthusiastic, he would only feel a little flustered.

However, Liu Bige caught a glimpse of Chen Pinhe behind Lu Yan He's head out of the corner of his eye and reacted.

Liu Bige raised his eyebrows at Lu Yan He.

Lu Yan He said: "Actually, Miao Yue should have come today."

Liu Bige said: "Miao Yue's mother is having surgery today; she has to accompany her."

Lu Yan He was stunned upon hearing this and asked: "What kind of surgery?"

"A small tumor, benign, don't worry," Liu Bige said.

Lu Yan He breathed a sigh of relief.

Liu Bige said: "Actually, I have also been pondering a story recently."

"What story?" Lu Yan He asked.

"Your story," Liu Bige said.

"Ah?" Lu Yan He raised his eyebrows.

"I always feel that your story is quite suitable to be made into a film; it's too legendary."

"Forget it," Lu Yan He shook his head, "What is suitable about my story to be made into a film? Everything has been smooth sailing, and I haven't encountered any setbacks; it's just a big cool text."

"Heh!" Liu Bige opened his eyes wide in surprise, "It's really a long time to see; this is the first time I've heard someone say their life is a big cool text."

"Otherwise?" Lu Yan He said, "Which actor is like me? When I first started acting, I met a director whose first work won the Venice International Film Festival Jury Grand Prize. *Late Spring* was the first film I starred in, and it won such great honor. Do you say I am smooth sailing?"

Liu Bige: "... I originally wanted to scold you for being shameless, but if I scolded you like that, I feel like I've brought myself into it too."

Lu Yan He nodded, "You are right."

Liu Bige: "But do you really think you are smooth sailing? Everyone sees you as an inspirational legend."

"I just have a low starting point, but basically all my efforts have been rewarded. If this isn't called smooth sailing, then I think I am too greedy," Lu Yan He said, "Does one have to be born with a golden spoon in their mouth to be called smooth sailing?"

Liu Bige: "Look, what you said sounds very much like film dialogue."

"I don't mind you writing these lines into your script," Lu Yan He said, "But don't adapt my story into a film."

"Fine," Liu Bige sighed, "After finishing *Storm Calmer No. 1*, I suddenly really don't have any good ideas."

"Rest for a while, then. Once you are rested, you will naturally have ideas," Lu Yan He said, "You have been running continuously for the past few years, without even catching your breath between projects; you will definitely encounter creative dilemmas."

"Then why haven't you encountered them?" Liu Bige asked suspiciously.

Lu Yan He smiled, "Because I am a genius; every day there are many stories appearing in my mind, and I don't need to struggle to find them at all."

Liu Bige nodded and said: "Also."

He actually agreed just like that.

Lu Yan He: "You suddenly saying 'also' so seriously at this time makes me look like a very arrogant person."

"If I said you were shameless at this time, then I would really be quite shameless," Liu Bige also laughed, "I suddenly feel that you and Siqi doing the magazine *Jump Up* is also quite awesome. Is it a precaution? As the best-selling magazine in China now, so many people are looking for stories in this magazine; I am subscribing to every issue."

Lu Yan He: "It's just an unintentional act that grew into a shade. At that time, we had just graduated from high school, and I hadn't even started acting yet. Where would I have such long-term thoughts?"

"I can only say that God is helping you in your acting career," Liu Bige said, "It's enviable. Miao Yue said that every month there are companies taking novels published in *Jump Up* and asking her to adapt them into scripts. Nearly one-third of the projects are stories found in *Jump Up*."

"That can't be helped. Now *Jump Up* is almost the only platform that can stably produce short stories and novellas. Either it's a traditional literary magazine, but the novels in traditional literary magazines are not commercial enough. This is a vacuum area in the story market. Although web novels are popular, they are all big long series, which cannot keep up with the needs of various platforms to lay out boutique short dramas, and even less can they keep up with the needs of film companies for film stories," Lu Yan He said, "We didn't expect *Jump Up* to reach this step."

Liu Bige: "The most critical thing is that it also gathered a group of authors who are best at writing stories in China."

"Because there is no other platform," Lu Yan He said, "When print media was prosperous in the past, how many short stories emerged? The current number is just one or two out of ten."

The two chatted while watching the awards ceremony. As the awards were given out one by one, time passed quickly.

The Best Director award was presented before the Best Actor award.

Near the time of the award, Liu Bige suddenly stopped talking.

He was nervous.

Liu Bige has directed so many films, and so far, he has not received recognition from the Feihong Awards.

To some extent, he is a director who blooms outside the wall but is fragrant inside.

The recognition given to him by domestic awards is far less than that given by international awards.

This is related to his shallow qualifications on the one hand, and his bad luck every time on the other.

In recent years, to be fair, domestic films have exploded a bit violently. Whether it is art films, commercial films, or films like *Storm Calmer No. 1* that have achieved good results in both, there are very many. Liu Bige not winning an award is really not because he is looked down upon; it's because the competitive environment is too rolled up.

This time, Liu Bige's biggest competitors are *Life* director Yu Qin, *Mud* director Hua Yun, and *Neon* director Zou Yunzhi.

These three films, the former was shortlisted for the Venice International Film Festival together with *Storm Calmer No. 1*, and the latter two are award-winning works of the Hexi Film Festival.

Five nominees, four from the four major international film festivals, and the last one is Shen Yi, the director of the mainstream film *Red Sun*, which has exploded at the box office this year and has good audience reputation.

Similarly, it is a nomination pattern where it is reasonable for anyone to win.

To be fair, five years ago, such a situation wouldn't have appeared. When could Chinese films have so many films emerging at international film festivals in one year? It would be good to have one or two in a year.

Overall, Lu Yan He feels that Liu Bige has the greatest hope.

On the one hand, Liu Bige has been nominated several times, and his qualifications have accumulated here. On the other hand, *Storm Calmer No. 1* is the work with the best comprehensive artistic achievement and box office reputation among all nominated films.

Lu Yan He also held his breath, listening to the presenter read out the winner's name.

"*Storm Calmer No. 1*, Liu Bige!"

Lu Yan He was the first to clench his fists in surprise.

He turned to look at Liu Bige, whose body was relaxed, and he let out a long breath.

"Won the award!" Lu Yan He smiled and squeezed Liu Bige's arm, "Hurry up and go on stage to receive the award."

Liu Bige grabbed Lu Yan He, hugged him, stood up, hugged Wen Shengming again, and walked to the stage. Throughout the process, he clenched his right fist.

"This award is definitely Liu Bige's, without a doubt," off-stage, on the other side, someone was comforting Yu Qin, "This year *Storm Calmer No. 1* represents Chinese films in the push for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The situation is excellent; it is impossible for the country to drag its feet at this time."

Yu Qin curled her lips.

"Forget it, how can we compare with mainstream films."

"It's okay, Director, those who understand, understand. Last year at the Venice International Film Festival, the Best Director award went to you, not him."

Yu Qin said: "The next Best Film will probably be *Storm Calmer No. 1*'s too."

"Should be."

"Really boring, dragging a group of us to accompany them in acting. I shouldn't have come."

"Director, be careful with your words."

"Careful what? I don't rely on them for food." Yu Qin has always had a strange temper; no one dared to say anything when she said that.

Yu Qin suddenly thought of something and turned to look at Wei Xue.

"It's okay, you still have hope of winning an award."

This actress, whom she found from the theater, starred in a film for the first time, which was *Life*.

Wei Xue waved her hand with a smile and said: "It's already very good to be nominated."

Yu Qin said: "You accompanied me to spend so much time shooting this film; you deserve a Best Actress award."

Wei Xue: "Director, I am already very content that you could provide me with a job when I was unemployed."

"Haven't you signed with a brokerage company yet?"

"Not yet," Wei Xue shook her head, "No one came to look for me."

Yu Qin looked at the dress Wei Xue was wearing today; indeed, it wasn't even a formal gown.

The film *Life* did not bring much popularity to Wei Xue.

The domestic box office was only 4.7 million, and the Best Director award at the Venice International Film Festival did not give this film a better box office performance.

Yu Qin said: "Later I will take you to meet Lu Yan He. His agent Chen Ziyan opened a brokerage company. If you can sign to their company, it will be good for you."

Wei Xue showed some surprise.

Yu Qin saw her expression and asked: "What's wrong? Did you think I don't have a good relationship with Lu Yan He?"

Wei Xue wanted to say "Isn't it?", after all, she seemed very unconvinced about Liu Bige winning the award for *Storm Calmer No. 1* just now.

"I just can't stand the atmosphere of these awards," Yu Qin said, "Lu Yan He is not bad. I have dealt with him many times. Knowing him for so many years, he is still a relatively decent person, although he is not pure."

"Not pure?" Wei Xue was stunned.

"He could have been a very great actor, but he acted in too many films not worth acting in, wasting his performance," Yu Qin's expression was indifferent, "You don't need to worry about these; they have nothing to do with you."

Wei Xue didn't speak; mainly, she didn't know what to say about these words.

After the Best Director award, it was Best Actress.

Although Wei Xue said "content to be nominated," she was nervous after all.

What she said about being content was not a lie. Her image was not good enough, and her acting skills were not outstanding enough; otherwise, she wouldn't have stayed in the theater acting until their troupe went bankrupt.

She originally thought it was a hurdle in her life, but she met Yu Qin at this critical moment and was picked by this great director to act in *Life*, suddenly breaking into the international stage.

Now, she was nominated for the Feihong Awards again.

It was like a dream.

Even if no brokerage company came to sign her, and she only wore a dress she bought herself that looked like a formal gown to attend the awards ceremony, appearing somewhat out of place with the surrounding crowd and looking a bit "shabby," she still felt she was lucky enough.

But this did not affect her deep down, still faintly looking forward to the possibility of getting that award from Yu Mengling and others.

"The winner is—"

Wei Xue felt a breath stuck in her throat, about to come out.

If it wasn't said, she would suffocate.

"*Hesitant Life View*, Yu Mengling!"

A breath was let out.

Dust settled.

A miracle did not happen.

When Wei Xue came back to her senses, she found that she didn't even know when she started clapping.

Clapping for others.

Lu Yan He turned to smile at Wen Shengming.

"Teacher Wen, the next award is our turn."

Wen Shengming held Lu Yan He's hand, patted it lightly, and said: "Follow the flow."

Lu Yan He nodded.

He looked at Yu Mengling on the stage. Relying on this film, she won the Best Actress award at the Pikalo Film Festival at the end of the year before last. Now, she won the Feihong Award for Best Actress for the first time. As a goddess of domestic literary films, her public popularity has been opening up more and more in recent years.

He sincerely clapped for this actress.

Lu Yan He appreciates actresses like Jiang Yuqian who work tirelessly, and also appreciates actresses like Yu Mengling who insist on being themselves.

In this era of traffic, Yu Mengling truly achieved not being moved by interests and only shooting films she wants to shoot.

After *Rouge*, her public popularity could be said to have skyrocketed overnight, but she neither participated in variety shows nor took other plays, but took a low-cost art film like *Hesitant Life View*—

No heat, low pay.

To describe it with a cliché, Yu Mengling is indeed a bit "indifferent as a chrysanthemum."

Except for what she cares about, she is unmoved by other fame and fortune.

The presenter for the Best Actor award was Ning Xiulian.

She walked onto the stage gracefully and introduced each nominated male actor.

Lu Yan He silently took a few deep breaths, letting himself return to calm.

At this time, Liu Bige, who had finished the interview in the media room, came over with the trophy.

"The winner is—" Ning Xiulian opened the envelope and took out the card.

Liu Bige bent down to prepare to sit down, eyes fixed on Ning Xiulian.

"*Storm Calmer No. 1*—"

Liu Bige stood up again instantly.

Lu Yan He had already turned to look at Wen Shengming.

Wen Shengming also turned to look over.

"Lu Yan He!"

Liu Bige raised his hands holding the trophy and certificate, letting out a cheer.

Lu Yan He also opened his mouth wide in surprise.

Wen Shengming smiled and patted his back, saying: "Congratulations, hurry up and go receive the award!"

Lu Yan He hugged Wen Shengming fiercely.

Wen Shengming's smile overflowed from the bottom of his eyes. He kept patting Lu Yan He's back, coaxing him like a child, "Alright, hurry up and go on stage."

Lu Yan He took a deep breath, raised his head, and happened to meet the eyes of Chen Pinhe, who was sitting next to Wen Shengming.

Chen Pinhe sat in his seat with an elegant and calm posture, clapping lightly, with a smile on his face.

At the moment his eyes met his, Lu Yan He instantly lowered his eyelids, covering the sharpness that was almost a physiological reaction.

He stood up, hugged Liu Bige again, and ran to the stage.

"The first acting award I won in my life was at the Feihong Awards. That was the first time I acted in a film, and the Feihong Awards gave me a huge encouragement. Now, it has given me another encouragement."

Lu Yan He took the trophy and certificate from Ning Xiulian, faced the audience, his eyes fell on everyone, smiling high-spiritedly.

"But I originally thought that the person going on stage to receive the award tonight was not me," Lu Yan He took a deep breath, "I believe everyone who has acted with Teacher Wen Shengming understands what I am saying. When I thought I was really an acting genius, encountering such a big mountain, I was like Sun Wukong jumping out of a stone, encountering the Five Finger Mountain that I couldn't flip out of. His performance was like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, making me feel my own insignificance."

Wen Shengming waved his hand off-stage.

A round of applause broke out off-stage.

"Of course, I am not saying that I acted worse than Teacher Wen, and Teacher Wen wouldn't allow me to say that, because good performance is always the mutual achievement of opponents," Lu Yan He said, "In *Storm Calmer No. 1*, I completed a transformation in my own performance technique, and it also gave me a new understanding of performance. Teacher Wen gave me more than just guidance; it was a kind of tolerance that allowed me to completely let go and try. No matter how I acted, I didn't have to worry about him not being able to catch it. Therefore, in the film, a different me appeared."

"This requires trust, tolerance, affirmation, and support," Lu Yan He turned to look at Liu Bige, "This also completely needs to thank you, Liu Bige. After acting for so many years, only you would still stimulate me on set with criticism, accusations, provocation, and even humiliation. Only you understand what kind of destination I want to reach with every change I make. Therefore, in this film, I didn't act with peace of mind at all. I was like Sun Wukong locked in an alchemy furnace, suffering a lot of mental torture in every scene. Fortunately, in the end, I also practiced my fiery eyes."

"As an actor who is always called a genius, I always feel embarrassed while feeling carried away. Fortunately, on this road, there are always some fellow travelers who are truly walking by my side, reminding me that I am not standing on a sacred mountain, but walking on the road. No matter what, I must keep my feet on the ground."

"Teacher Wen, on the day of the wrap, you told me that you would always watch me. For a long time, I didn't understand what this meant."

Lu Yan He caught a glimpse of Chen Pinhe's face out of the corner of his eye, and a sudden inexplicable heartache hit him, which made him pause suddenly. He forcibly endured this heartache, but tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.

"Fortunately, I didn't wait until a long time later to understand," Lu Yan He smiled, "Thank you for appearing in my film life."

Lu Yan He bowed deeply and left the stage.

This was an acceptance speech with a very high "Wen content."

No one expected it.

Lu Yan He rarely used such a long acceptance speech to thank an opponent actor in a play.

Or rather, before this, it had almost never happened.

And today, at this time, at this moment, Lu Yan He, after having broken away from the "newcomer period" and becoming the most representative Chinese actor internationally, suddenly delivered a speech comparable to "the emotion and moving feelings that only appear in the newcomer period," which was somewhat surprising.

But at the same time, he said it so sincerely and frankly.

He calmly stated his pride and arrogance, and clearly told everyone that he had not fallen into loss.

He didn't mind expressing his gratitude to Wen Shengming in such a humble posture.

He also didn't officially thank other nominees.

At Lu Yan He's status, of course, no one would pick on his mistakes in this regard.

Those who are familiar with him, however, heard many implications from this passage.

Chen Ziyan sat in the back row, her eyes falling on that man from afar.

Like her, there was also Zhang Yuezhen.

Both of them wanted to know, at this very moment, what Chen Pinhe's mood was.

Is there even a trace of regret?

Zhang Yuezhen's fingernails had already embedded into her palms.

On the surface, she still had to maintain a smile as if nothing was wrong.

The final Best Film award also went to *Storm Calmer No. 1*.

*Storm Calmer No. 1* could be said to be the biggest winner tonight.

Indeed, just as some people said, when *Storm Calmer No. 1* was charging towards the Oscar for Best International Feature Film in North America with unstoppable force, the country would definitely not drag its feet.

Huang Zhongjing went on stage to deliver a speech, talking about the hardship behind the shooting of this film, as well as the persistence of a group of creators.

Lu Yan He was accepting media interviews backstage at that time.

Hearing the news of *Storm Calmer No. 1* winning the award, Lu Yan He cheered happily in the media interview room.

As for Huang Zhongjing's speech, Lu Yan He didn't listen—even though there was a broadcast on the scene.

The awards ceremony ended.

Lu Yan He was stopped by Yu Qin backstage.

Yu Qin introduced Wei Xue to Lu Yan He.

Just as Yu Qin said, there was no conflict between Lu Yan He and Yu Qin, and because they were both filmmakers who often met, there were places where they disagreed, and of course, there were places where they respected each other.

Yu Qin said: "She is a good actor, but lacks opportunities. In the future, if there are suitable roles, use her more; she won't let you down."

Lu Yan He didn't expect Yu Qin to say such things to him.

He had witnessed the process of Yu Qin and Ning Xiulian going from cooperation to "breaking up."

Yu Qin is not a person with a good temper or good personality.

Letting her say such things to Lu Yan He, who is not a person with personal friendship, Lu Yan He was surprised, and also left a real impression of Wei Xue.

He felt that either Wei Xue's acting was so good that Yu Qin cherished her talent, or Wei Xue was so good that Yu Qin moved real feelings.

"Okay, no problem, Sister Xue, send me your agent's contact information later, and I will send it to the people at Linghe. If there are suitable roles in the future, we will cooperate."

Wei Xue said awkwardly: "Sorry, I don't have a brokerage company yet."

Lu Yan He was stunned.

Yu Qin said: "She was an actress who acted in plays in a troupe before, and was found by me to act in films. She is not familiar with the film circle at all, and I don't mix in their circle either. You know, I shoot independent films, you... you look—"

Yu Qin stopped here, and instead, her words were stuck, as if she didn't know how to continue.

Lu Yan He realized, and then understood.

He nodded with a smile: "It's okay, it's the same. We just need to have contact information. Sister Xue, when you have time later, I invite you to come to Linghe for a tour."

Wei Xue said okay, and said thank you.

Yu Qin suddenly asked with a smile at this time: "You have been investing in literary films and art films. I don't know if my next film is looking for your investment, will you invest?"

"Invest," Lu Yan He nodded without hesitation, "As long as your film needs me, I will invest."

Yu Qin was slightly surprised—for Lu Yan He's unhesitating attitude.

"So straightforward?"

"Your play, must be straightforward," Lu Yan He said, "If you only need funds, if you are short of money, look for me at any time, but if you need other support, Northern Lights Films is currently doing art films, and the person in charge is my senior in university, Wang Xiao. I can also introduce you to him."

Yu Qin waved her hand upon hearing this and said: "I don't like anyone to interfere with my film, pointing fingers; I don't like it very much."

Lu Yan He smiled and said: "I understand. You open your mouth to me, and you also trust me. I won't introduce people to you casually. The ones I introduce must be reliable."

Yu Qin heard this, and then showed a half-believing expression.

Lu Yan He asked: "Do you have any other arrangements next?"

"No, why?" Yu Qin asked.

Lu Yan He said: "My senior organized a small party, not that kind of particularly big, particularly lively one. How about you and Sister Xue go with me to meet him?"

Yu Qin hesitated.

"Sister Ziyan is also there," Lu Yan He said, "Didn't Sister Xue not sign with a brokerage company yet? Let's introduce them later, and see if there is any fate for Shihuo to cooperate with Sister Xue in the future."

Yu Qin looked at Wei Xue, then at Lu Yan He, and said: "Then let's go."

Yu Qin is a director who has been shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Venice International Film Festival four times.

Her works have won Best Actress once and Best Director once.

And she herself is a director who shoots films completely without the support of mainstream film companies.

Just as she said, she took money from various film fund projects to shoot films in the early days, and later earned some money, so she started using her own money to shoot her own films. In order not to be affected by any influence, her films rarely raise funds from other film companies and foundations; they are true independent films.

Such a director, although Lu Yan He feels that her plays are very "pit" for actors—acting for half a year or a year without being able to take any other work, and the pay is very small. However, to some extent, he admires her, just like he appreciates Yu Mengling. In such a world, Lu Yan He admires people who can be consistent in words and deeds and be themselves to a certain extent.

Therefore, Lu Yan He is sincerely willing to help Yu Qin shoot films.

And it just so happens that Wang Xiao's Northern Lights Films wants to open up the situation through a category with a smaller investment volume like literary films, so Lu Yan He naturally wants to introduce Yu Qin to Wang Xiao.

As for Linghe—

Yu Qin, for Linghe, no matter what value it is, is not what Linghe needs.

The party Wang Xiao organized was indeed a small party, in a villa near the awards ceremony venue.

It was made very warm and very private, with security guards defending all around, not letting paparazzi reporters drill in.

After Lu Yan He appeared with the trophy, the whole audience was clapping and cheering.

Li Zhibai and Yan Liang, who did not attend the awards ceremony, both came here directly.

The two of them each held a bottle of champagne in their hands, "firing cannons" for him.

Chen Siqi also brought the core members of the *Jump Up* team.

Mainly copyright editors—

This is also their main battlefield.

Wen Shengming arrived earlier than him and was chatting with Chen Bige. As soon as Lu Yan He arrived, he walked over with a smile and gave him a warm, thick hug.

For so many years, as an old senior, there have been countless juniors who have expressed gratitude and thanksgiving to him, but like Lu Yan He, who has reached this position today, yet is still willing to lower his posture, from words and deeds, from actual interests, from all aspects to respect him as a teacher, there are only a handful.

Wen Shengming is a great senior, a performing artist, and also a human. How could he not be moved by Lu Yan He's sincerity?

Especially in Lu Yan He's acceptance speech, he said the words he once said in public again—

A sentence said by an old senior who has achieved success, remembered by a junior so preciously in his heart, who wouldn't be moved by that warmth?

"You kid!" Wen Shengming only said this one sentence.

Lu Yan He smiled.

"Will it be me winning the award at the Lingyun Awards next month? Teacher Wen?"

Wen Shengming: "So what if it's still you winning the award? The awards you won, your teacher I won decades ago."

Lu Yan He: "... Sigh, what am I showing off in front of you? It's really playing with a big sword in front of Guan Gong."

Wen Shengming laughed loudly.

Subsequently, Lu Yan He spent the whole night doing the work of a broker, introducing this person to that person, and that person to this person.

In the gaps, he had to drink with people.

If it weren't for having to shoot tomorrow, this would really be a night of celebration that needs to last all night.

At 2:00 AM, Lu Yan He hugged Chen Siqi in the corner and stayed warm for a while.

"I have to go soon," Lu Yan He's head rested on Chen Siqi's shoulder, "I have to start work at 10:00 AM tomorrow, can't be too late."

Chen Siqi touched his face and said: "Okay, I'll wait for you to come back tomorrow night."

Lu Yan He smiled.

"Eating dinner together?"

"Okay, what do you want to eat?" Chen Siqi asked.

Lu Yan He asked vigilantly: "Are you going to cook yourself?"

Chen Siqi rolled her eyes at him and said: "I'll bring it back from the restaurant!"

Lu Yan He smiled.

"Forget it, don't be so tired. Let's just eat outside and go back."

Chen Siqi: "When do you finish work tomorrow? You will probably be a bit tired after shooting. Are you sure you want to eat outside? Actually, I have practiced my skills recently; I have a few signature dishes."

Lu Yan He: "You know I love you, right?"

"I know," Chen Siqi touched his face again, "Are you drunk? Why did you suddenly ask me this?"

Lu Yan He: "So, we can tell the truth between us, it doesn't matter, right?"

A dangerous look appeared on Chen Siqi's face.

"Hmm?"

Lu Yan He: "How about we still eat outside and then come back?"

Chen Siqi gritted her teeth: "... If it weren't for the fact that tonight is when you are happy... Fine, we'll eat outside and then come back."

Lu Yan He buried his head in Chen Siqi's shoulder and laughed muffledly.

"Forget it, let's taste the skills you practiced. I was joking with you." ===== CHAPTER 845 =====