Chapter 118: Loss and Excitement

"Ding-ling-ling—" The shrill ring of the telephone cut through the silence of the room.

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on that black landline. Zhou Xun grabbed Li Youbin's arm, her fingernails almost digging into the flesh: "It's here, it's here!"

Xiang Fei took a deep breath and picked up the receiver amidst everyone's burning stares: "Hello?"

"Mr. Xiang," came the voice of a committee staff member from the other end of the line, "The cast and crew of 'Shoplifters' are requested to attend the award banquet tomorrow night at seven."

The air in the room froze for a second.

"Thank you." Xiang Fei slowly hung up the phone, the corners of his mouth beginning to rise uncontrollably.

"How is it?" Mei Yanfang stamped her feet anxiously, "What did they say?"

Xiang Fei suddenly jumped up: "We've been invited to the award banquet!"

"Ahhh!" Zhou Xun screamed first, throwing herself at Chen Daoming, "Brother Daoming! We have a chance!"

Teacher Li Qiming stood up with his cane: "Children, don't get too happy too soon; perhaps it's just..."

"No!" Han Shanping interrupted her excitedly, "According to custom, this is a signal of a nomination for a major award!"

At two in the morning, no one felt sleepy. Wang Zhiwen paced back and forth in the room: "What do you think, what award will it be?"

"Best Picture is impossible..." Li Youbin held an unlit cigarette in his mouth, "Europeans have always..."

"Pah, pah, pah!" Mei Yanfang snatched the cigarette from him, "Don't say such gloomy words! What if it's the Golden Bear?"

Chen Daoming sat by the window, gazing at the Berlin night view: "Never thought..."

Zhou Huimin gently held Xiang Fei's hand: "Nervous?"

Xiang Fei shook his head, yet found his palms were covered in sweat.

At five in the afternoon the next day, the hotel corridor was in chaos.

"Where is my bow tie?" Chen Daoming was covered in sweat.

Zhou Xun chased out holding a gown: "Brother Daoming! You're wearing the wrong shoes! One black, one brown!"

Li Youbin muttered in front of the mirror: "Why does this suit feel so tight..."

"Because you've gained five jin!" Mei Yanfang complained while applying lipstick.

Xiang Fei helped Teacher Li Qiming adjust his shawl: "Teacher, you look truly beautiful today."

The old man smiled and patted his hand: "Child, regardless of the result, we have already won."

At seven in the evening, the red carpet at the Berlin Film Palace.

"Aven! This way!" The flashes of international media went off one after another.

Mei Yanfang dealt with the reporters fluently in English, Zhou Huimin waved elegantly, and Chen Daoming kept a stern face pretending to be serious—actually because he was so nervous his face had gone stiff.

When taking their seats, Han Shanping whispered: "Our seats are in the third row, very good."

Wang Zhiwen counted: "Oh my god, Spielberg is sitting right behind us!"

The award ceremony began, and awards were announced one by one.

"Best Cinematography... 'Roma'!"

"Best Screenplay... 'Cold War'!"

Every time the host opened an envelope, Zhou Xun would tightly squeeze Li Youbin's thigh, causing him to grit his teeth in pain but dare not make a sound.

"Next is the Best Actor award..."

Chen Daoming's back instantly straightened, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knees.

"The winner is... Dangming Chen, 'Shoplifters'!"

"Huh?" Chen Daoming stood like a wooden chicken, until Li Youbin suddenly pushed him: "Old Chen! It's you! Hurry up and go on stage!"

Stumbling up to the stage, Chen Daoming accepted the heavy trophy, his hands shaking so much he could barely hold it.

"Thank you, Berlin... thank you, Director Xiang Fei..." he choked, "This award belongs to all Chinese actors..."

Before everyone could snap out of their joy, another heavy bomb dropped.

"Best Actress... Anita Mui, 'Shoplifters'!"

"What? Me?" Mei Yanfang's eyes widened, then she burst into her signature laughter, "Hahaha! I told you I could do it!"

She rushed onto the stage in a hurry, almost tripping over her gown: "Thank you to the judges for appreciating my acting! Although I started as a singer..."

Beneath the stage, kind laughter and applause rang out.

When Teacher Li Qiming's name was called, the entire audience stood up to applaud.

"This veteran artist conquered us with superb acting..." the host introduced him this way.

Zhou Huimin supported Li Qiming as he slowly walked onto the stage; when the old man accepted the trophy, he said in Chinese: "Film is my life; thank you for making my life so wonderful."

"Best Director... Paweł Pawlikowski, 'Cold War'."

The smile on Xiang Fei's face froze for an instant, but he quickly regained his composure.

"It's okay," Han Shanping comforted him in a low voice, "The Golden Bear is still coming."

Mei Yanfang leaned over: "Ah Fei, don't be discouraged..."

Xiang Fei waved his hand: "To have come this far, I am already very satisfied."

Finally, the main event arrived. The entire hall was silent; even the sound of breathing could be clearly heard.

"The winner of the Golden Bear Award for the 36th Berlin International Film Festival is..."

The host deliberately dragged out the tone, and Zhou Xun almost tore Li Youbin's suit sleeve.

"'Shoplifters', China!"

"Whoa—" The area where the Chinese delegation sat instantly exploded.

"We won!" Zhou Xun cried out and threw herself at Wang Zhiwen.

"The Golden Bear! It really is the Golden Bear!" Li Youbin jumped up like a child.

Chen Daoming covered his face with both hands, tears seeping through his fingers.

Xiang Fei sat stunned in his chair until Zhou Huimin hugged him tightly: "Darling, we did it!"

On stage, Han Shanping was so excited he spoke incoherently: "This is a historic moment for Chinese cinema..."

When it was Xiang Fei's turn to speak, he scanned the filmmakers from various countries in the audience, his voice steady and powerful:

"Thank you, Berlin, for letting the world see the brilliance of Chinese cinema. This award belongs to everyone who has struggled for Chinese-language films. Cinema has no borders; the radiance of humanity is forever connected."

At midnight, the celebration banquet was in full swing with clinking glasses.

"Xiang Fei!" Chen Daoming raised a glass of champagne and approached, "I toast to you!"

Anita Mui, her cheeks already flushed from drinking, said: "Do you know? Three Hollywood producers approached me to discuss cooperation!"

Teacher Li Qiming was surrounded by directors from various countries seeking advice on acting, while Zhou Huimin helped translate nearby.

Han Shanping put his arm around Xiang Fei's shoulder: "Kid, after returning home, get ready to receive the 'Five Ones Project' award!"

Xiang Fei looked out the window as celebratory fireworks bloomed in the Berlin night sky. At this moment, Chinese-language cinema truly took center stage on the world platform.