Chapter 315: Begin

At the welcome banquet, cups clashed and toasts flew back and forth—what a lively scene.

"I'm looking forward to Liu Yifei winning Best Actress at the awards ceremony in a few days."

Liu Liu Dehua raised his glass and said in a joking tone.

"Thank you, Hua-ge. I'm looking forward to it too." Liu Liu Yifei gave a sweet smile.

Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt in their eyes.

The jury chairman offering blessings now—surely that was just "looking forward to it" in the literal sense, right? After all, the final deliberations hadn't even started yet.

Lin Nan sized up Luo Jin, Watching Shu Chang, and the third person. "You three as well—I hope we all get what we wish for."

At that moment, Li An picked up the thread, speaking with a self-deprecating tone:

"If nothing unexpected happens, next year's Golden Horse jury chairman will be me. The organizing committee approached me about it a while back, and I agreed."

Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Li An.

"Congratulations, Director Li." Everyone at the table said it in unison.

Li An looked at Lin Nan with a slight smile.

"If Lin Dao doesn't have a suitable work next year, why not come serve as an awards presenter?"

Lin Nan paused for a moment, then shook his head with a light chuckle. "It's too early to talk about next year. I can't guarantee my schedule—wouldn't want to hold things up."

"Mm, we'll talk about it next year then. Come, everyone hurry and try this local specialty dish that just came out…" Li An nodded and changed the subject very naturally.

The welcome banquet continued, but Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, and the others were all thinking about Li An's invitation.

Because according to Golden Horse tradition, those invited to be awards presenters were mostly winners of major awards from the previous edition or a few editions prior.

…………

At dusk, the welcome banquet ended.

Large numbers of entertainment industry figures checked into several nearby major hotels one after another.

Actors and stars from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the mainland gathered in small groups to socialize—it looked like things would run very late.

A film festival isn't just about the awards—it's the best time to build connections, find resources, and seek opportunities.

As it happened, Lin Nan was the "hunting" target for many people.

Less than an hour after returning to his room, six groups had already come looking for him—from the mainland, Hong Kong circles, and Taiwan.

All of them inviting Lin Nan to evening events—various parties, receptions, social gatherings…

"Look, that person from Taiwan even said outright that there are plenty of actresses who admire you. Quite a few directors and producers have already gone."

Zhu Zhu Yawen tossed out a pair of sixes, teasing Lin Nan, and Luo Jin played a pair of eights in response.

"I think Lao Zhu's been getting a bit cocky lately—Lin Dao could teach him a lesson. You'd agree, right? Liu Yifei."

The moment the words landed, Zhu Zhu Yawen turned his head and saw Liu Liu Yifei, wearing a face mask, walking over with Watching Shu Chang.

"I think it's certain people themselves who really want to go," Liu Liu Yifei mercilessly exposed Zhu Zhu Yawen.

"Ahem, I was just joking, just joking—don't take it seriously."

Lin Nan tossed down a pair of aces and joined in the teasing:

"If you want to go, then go. But you're in unfamiliar territory here—be careful not to get into trouble.

We don't want to attend a Golden Horse and go back with some juicy scandal about you, Mr. Zhu. How would the mainland media react?"

"Hey, I was wrong—pretend I never said anything, alright? You two lovebirds, let me off the hook…"

Lin Nan tossed down the last poker card in his hand and won the round.

"Everyone get some rest early—you all have brand events tomorrow. Especially you, Liu Qianqian—you need to get up early."

"Mm, got it." Liu Liu Yifei sighed. Getting up early…

Seeing that Lin Nan had spoken, Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin got up as well, and everyone prepared to head back to their own rooms.

…………

The next day, the Golden Horse officially opened, and the atmosphere grew much stronger.

Nearly all the Chinese-language films from the past year could be seen here.

"So I've become a lonely bachelor now?"

Watching Liu Liu Yifei and her assistants get into the car, Lin Nan quipped to himself.

All four leads had gone to attend brand events, leaving only him alone.

"Let's go check out the film exhibition." Lin Nan left the hotel with two others.

It wasn't just Chinese-language films here—Southeast Asian films were plentiful too. After all, the Chinese-language film market was second only to North America!

……

Jackie Chan truly lived up to his reputation as a seasoned veteran—while browsing the exhibition, Lin Nan heard the big brother's gossip.

The day before, right after arriving, he'd been invited to a party.

Throughout the whole event, the big brother's arms were almost never empty of female stars.

Whether it was Lin Chi-ling or some young actress named Sui Tang, they were all over him, and he was in great spirits.

He had perfected the style of neither initiating nor refusing to the extreme.

Whether the big brother had committed the mistake every man makes was unknown, but his hands and mouth had certainly had their fill of tofu.

Running into Huang Bo at the exhibition was quite a surprise for Lin Nan—and Zeng Zeng Zhiwei's daughter was with him too.

"Shouldn't you be using your time to memorize your script instead of wandering around out here?"

"Isn't this just to relax a bit? Memorizing the script roughly is enough—what matters is the mindset. For hosting a major film festival ceremony, how could there possibly be zero mistakes? You have to rely on your ability to adapt on the spot!"

Talking about this, Huang Bo got fired up—he was very confident in his ability to think on his feet.

"Hello, Lin Dao. I'm Ceng Zeng Baoyi. I'll be hosting the awards ceremony together with Teacher Huang Bo."

Lin Nan nodded in response. He didn't know her well.

"Oh, right. What about Liu Yifei and the others?"

"Brand events. They're swamped."

"Busy? My dear Lin Dao, go ask around at the Golden Horse — which actress wouldn't want to be as busy as her? Not a single one!

And this is only after she's turned down countless scripts and endorsements. Enough to make anyone jealous! Tsk tsk tsk…" Huang Bo was running his mouth again.

Ceng Zeng Baoyi nearby found an excuse to slip away, not wanting to disturb the two of them.

You could tell Huang Bo was still a little worked up.

This was the first time in many years that a mainland artist was hosting the Golden Horse Awards ceremony — hugely significant, and the higher-ups were taking it very seriously.

"Wrap things up and head back quick. You can't miss the premiere of 'Lost in Thailand.'"

"Relax, I'm one of the leads. How could I possibly miss it?"

Lin Nan and Huang Bo took a turn around the festival. How to put it — when it came to young actors, Hong Kong Island didn't seem to have as many as Taiwan Island.

He spotted several Taiwanese actors with real talent, like Zhang Zhang Rongrong, half Chinese, half French.

……

Lin Nan and the others didn't walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony.

That was generally the home turf of non-competing film crews and the actors and stars who came specifically for the red carpet.

Only the closing ceremony red carpet was the most important occasion — not to be missed.

At the very least, the brands backing Liu Yifei and the others had prepared a great deal for it.

"One jewelry exhibition, one fashion show… six or seven scattered here and there, that's all that's left. Not as many as back at Cannes."

Liu Liu Yifei counted on her fingers for Lin Nan. She had just showered, and on her bare face, not a single flaw could be found — impossibly fair and dewy.

"Once you're done with all that, it'll be about time for the awards ceremony."

Lin Nan had his arm around Miss Liu's slender waist, speaking softly.

He saw the news on his phone. He'd only been in Taiwan Province two or three days, and the mainland film market had already changed dramatically.

'Life of Pi's' daily box office had completed three consecutive leaps.

15.1 million on day one, 20.8 million on day two, doubling straight to 41 million on day three, and staying above 40 million on day four as well.

Without a doubt, this was another film with both critical acclaim and box office success.

And the release of 'Life of Pi' also brought 'Cold War' to a halt.

Its 250 million box office had set a new record for Hong Kong police-and-criminal films.

This time the production company had kept its composure too, only now throwing the celebration banquet.

Unlike those old Hong Kong films that celebrated the moment they passed 100 million and then immediately tanked at the box office — there's something almost mystical about it!

……

Over the next few days, Liu Liu Yifei, Watching Shu Chang, and also Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin were running back and forth between various events, with extremely high exposure.

Most stars were the same — rushing to wrap up these commercial activities before the closing ceremony.

Just as Liu Liu Dehua had said, after the opening ceremony, the five final-round judges had completely "vanished."

As the awards ceremony drew closer, Taiwanese media were all predicting which films would take which awards.

Lin Nan's 'Bad Genius' sat on 8 nominations — the most and the front-runner — followed by Lou Ye's 'Mystery,' with 7 nominations.

These two films were both the media's top favorites, and the fiercest competitors against each other.

As a major mainland director and film company boss, Lin Nan had been "harassed" quite a few times these days.

A slew of young Taiwanese actors — like Eddie Peng, Zhang Zhang Rongrong, Guo Guo Caijie, and so on, even that wild, uninhibited bunch — had been brought up in front of him, even introduced at events.

But how to put it — he'd only worked with a handful of Hong Kong actors, so over here he'd be even more cautious.

To date, Lin Nan had only worked with Xu Jiao Xu Jiao Enjun, and also Jin Jin Shijie from Director Lu Yang's 'Blind Cinema' and 'Brotherhood of Blades.'

"Lin Dao, long time no see."

Lin Nan ran into Li Li Bingbing, who had been doing promo for 'Resident Evil 5' recently.

Although the film wouldn't be released domestically until after New Year's, it had already premiered overseas.

She was a woman of firm resolve — because of the "certain island" business back then, she had outright refused to go to the island nation for promotion, taking a firm stance in front of foreign media.

She got hit pretty hard by attacks from that side afterward, but the move was genuinely well-played — worth praising.

"Long time no see. The fight scenes in 'Resident Evil 5' were pretty good."

"Thank you for the compliment, Lin Dao. This year my brother and I are guests, presenting Best Actress. I hope we get to hand the award to Liu Yifei."

Li Li Bingbing said with a smile, not bothering to hide it.

"Ha, I hope so too."

"Then I won't take up any more of your time, Lin Dao. I'll head off first."

Lin Nan nodded.

How to evaluate the top actresses like Li Li Bingbing?

Though they could tear into each other viciously when they clashed, they were all outstanding in their craft. Most importantly, their stance was firm.

Among the top actresses, apart from Zhou Xun, Liu Liu Yifei and Li Li Bingbing would occasionally be in touch.

They had each other's contact info — after all, they'd filmed 'The Forbidden Kingdom' together back then and gotten along fairly well.

…………

In the blink of an eye, the day of the closing ceremony arrived.

Actresses are always the most trouble.

Because their makeup and styling had to start in the morning, often taking several hours.

Many actresses, to match their gowns, couldn't even eat, for fear of showing a belly and looking unflattering.

Back when Liu Liu Xiaoli was still accompanying Liu Liu Yifei, the demands had been very strict.

Miss Liu often does this: eats little in the morning, forbids herself from eating at noon, and endures the hunger.

Lin Nan would secretly prepare chocolate or candy and stuff it into Liu Liu Yifei's hands; Liu Liu Xiaoli must know about this but simply doesn't say anything.

But now there is no need for that.

Two extra-large fruit platters sat between Liu Liu Yifei and Shu Chang while four stylists worked busily; the two of them took turns eating, one bite after another.

But once the makeup begins, they can eat no more, as their faces must remain still.

"I'm a bit nervous, Liu Qianqian."

Liu Liu Yifei set down the fork in her hand, glanced sideways at Shu Chang in the mirror, and teased with a smile:

"Nervous about what? Oh, I see. It's your first time so close to the trophy; you're worried about winning or losing! Understandable. Hehehe..."

"Hmph, as if you aren't the same."

"Actually, I'm not. I've been to Cannes; I was just a bit short, hehe."

Liu Liu Yifei stuck out her tongue and said playfully.

Shu Chang immediately choked up, rolled her eyes angrily at Liu Liu Yifei in the mirror; it was infuriating.

Lin Nan, Zhu Zhu Yawen, and Luo Jin all wore pure black bespoke suits; their heights over one meter eighty made them look spirited and exceptionally eye-catching.

There is a saying that status and standing can add greatly to a person's image; though the three of them didn't need it, it remains a fact.

At this moment, the three leaned outside the door of the room where the two girls were having their makeup done, chatting idly.

Assistants and agents of other artists coming and going would all stop voluntarily to greet them, their tones respectful.

"Do you think I can win Best Actor?"

Zhu Zhu Yawen couldn't help muttering; he too felt worried about winning or losing, as if about to walk into an exam hall.

"I think it's doubtful."

"Is that how you speak, Lao Luo? Would you really pour cold water on your brother like that?"

Zhu Zhu Yawen retorted sharply at Luo Jin; the latter smiled and spread his hands, "If I said you will definitely win, would you believe me?"

"Great Director, what do you say?"

Zhu Zhu Yawen felt a bit guilty and wanted to seek comfort from Lin Nan.

"Nothing is perfect; you'll know the results tonight anyway, so what's the rush?"

"You certainly aren't in a rush; with several Golden Lions and Silver Bears at home, you probably just hope Liu Yifei can gain something, right?"

"How am I supposed to respond to you?"

Lin Nan's tone carried disappointment as he chided Zhu Zhu Yawen, then suddenly shifted his topic: "You know me well, hahaha..."

Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin immediately exchanged glances; the next moment, the former spat out three words: "Friendship over!"

"I support Lao Zhu."

"Good brother," Zhu Zhu Yawen said to Luo Jin.

But the very next second, Luo Jin looked at Lin Nan and added with a smile:

"If he breaks ties with you, then all future resources suitable for him can go to me. It's just one award; I don't care much about it anyway."

"Damn!" Zhu Zhu Yawen pointed at Luo Jin.

"Hahaha..."

These two guys were about to make Lin Nan laugh to death.

More and more people came and went delivering meals, but none carried staple food; actors and stars were all very careful.

In the blink of an eye, noon had passed.

While the makeup artists were busy, Lin Nan and the other two had already filled their stomachs.

"About how much longer?" Lin Nan checked his watch and asked.

"Lin Dao, it will take about an hour and a half more."

"The three of you can go out for a stroll; when you return, they will surely be ready," Liu Liu Yifei spoke up.

"Alright then. We'll go downstairs for a walk first; no need to rush, as we will definitely be in the latter half of the red carpet."

"Mm."

At this hour, few could be as calm and carefree as Lin Nan.

Downstairs at the hotel, sedans from the film festival's designated brands were already in position.

"Lin Dao."

"Hello, Lin Dao."

Lin Nan actually ran into the Huayi film "Tai Chi" crew; truly unexpected.

Yang Ying, holding Feng Feng Delun's arm, got into the car.

These crews are not competing; they will be in the first half of the red carpet.

"Lin Dao, the organizers' staff notified us to depart in forty-five minutes."

Hearing the assistant's words, Lin Nan nodded. "Let's go up; they two are probably almost ready."

Today, Liu Liu Yifei and Shu Chang's outfits complemented each other perfectly.

Miss Liu wore a pure white strapless long gown embroidered with scattered pink flowers, with pale gold high heels on her feet.

Over her upper body, she wore a white casual long coat; around her neck was a rose-colored diamond necklace. Her skin was fair and tender, and her entire demeanor appeared even more elegant and saintly.

Shu Chang's gown was a pale green long dress, giving off a vibrant, youthful energy and full of ladylike grace.

"It's nearly four o'clock; we can depart."

Lin Nan knocked on the door; the two women were already ready.

"Mm, then let's go."

Not needing an assistant's help, the two of them lifted the hems of their skirts at the waist themselves and walked out one behind the other.

Lin Nan and the other two led the way ahead and walked into the elevator.

Downstairs, the media reporters grew more and more numerous.

The moment the few of them stepped out, they could hear the noisy shouts and see a sea of camera lenses.

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei, wishing you instant success."

……

One glance and you could tell they were mainland reporters, because Lin Nan found them familiar-looking.

"Thank you."

The five of them got into two cars—Lin Nan went with Liu Liu Yifei, while Zhu Zhu Yawen, Luo Jing, and Shu Chang shared the other.

When they arrived at the venue and got out of the car, each of the two ladies needed a male companion by her side.

"Give me the clutch."

Lin Nan took the bag with his right hand and interlocked fingers with his left. Miss Liu was a little nervous too—exactly like that time in Cannes.

"Quite a grip."

He teased her and earned an eye-roll in return, but the hand in his did indeed relax a little.

The car started up slowly and drove toward the venue of the awards ceremony.

For now, the Golden Horse was still the most prestigious Chinese-language film festival.

As they neared the site, from afar they could already hear all kinds of fans shouting—nothing but actors' and stars' names or nicknames.

Lin Nan caught the name Nicholas Tse—turns out the guy had quite a few fans over here.

Such a terrible film as "The Viral Factor," and it actually got nominated for Best Actor.

As the car slowly drew closer, sure enough they saw a mountain of fans and media.

By now the sky had already darkened, and the venue was ablaze with lights.

The car stopped, a staff member opened the door, and Lin Nan stepped out first, then extended his hand toward Liu Liu Yifei.

Three meters away, Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin also very gallantly helped Shu Chang down.

The "Bad Genius" crew officially made their appearance before the closing ceremony red carpet!

Camera flashes from the media kept going off nonstop. Ignoring the shouts, the five of them followed the etiquette staff to the holding area.

"Lin Dao, over here."

The moment they came over, they heard Huang Bo's voice.

Good lord, what on earth is that getup?

Hair wrapped and decorated with tinfoil, a skirt that isn't a skirt, pants that aren't pants—drop-crotch trousers?

"Haha, how does he dress like that?"

"Even more non-mainstream than you back then."

Lin Nan teased in a low voice, and that familiar feeling at the waist came right back in an instant.

"Lin Dao."

"Lin Dao."

"Director Gao."

"Director Du."

……

Greetings rose one after another; within the circle, almost no one didn't know Lin Nan.

The five final-round jurors—Andy Lau, Jiang Teacher Wenli, and others—also appeared.

The red carpet was underway.

"Now walking the red carpet is the crew of "Fucheng"—director Lou Ye, Hao Lei…"

……

"Jackie Chan, Li Li Bingbing."

"The crew of 'Bai Luyuan'—director Wang Quan'an, Wu Gang, Zhang Zhang Yuqi…"

……

"Director Gao Gao Qunshu…"

……

"Hou Hsiao-hsien, Chung Chang-ki…"

Lin Nan and the others chatted with Huang Bo for quite a while.

It wasn't until only about half the people were left in the holding area that they were notified they could go on the red carpet.

"Let's go."

Lin Nan let the two girls take the middle, with the three men walking on the outside, and they stepped onto the red carpet.

"Now walking the red carpet is tonight's most anticipated crew—'Bad Genius,' with eight nominations.

Mainland box office 1.43 billion, European and American rights 83.65 million USD… the highest-grossing Chinese-language film ever!

Lin Dao Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, Zhu Zhu Yawen…"

The five of them walked slowly along the red carpet, waving from time to time to the media and the audience. Plenty of mainland media were present—Six Princess, Sina, Penguin…

After signing, the red carpet host stopped Lin Nan and the others as usual.

"As far as I know, this is Lin Dao's second time attending the Golden Horse Awards. Is there anything you'd like to say?"

"Good things come in pairs. Nine years ago, when I came for the first time, I took home two trophies.

"This is the second time, so I hope to double it—at least four trophies. Just half of the nominations."

Lin Nan finished with a smile, and from the crowd several meters away came another wave of cheers; the media grew even more excited.

Even the red-carpet host was stunned—this was the first director tonight to be so direct and high-profile; everyone else had been modest, saying things like being nominated was already enough.

"Then I wish Lin Dao gets everything he wishes for tonight."

"Thank you."

…………

Inside the venue it was extremely lively; Lin Nan and a few others were led straight to the third row in the middle.

The seat was fine, but among the people in front, behind, and to either side, there were hardly any familiar faces.

The only ones he really knew were Jackie Chan and Li Li Bingbing, who happened to be sitting close by.

"Liu Qianqian and Changchang sit in the middle, Old Zhu, you sit on the inside." Lin Nan instructed.

……

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei, tonight the crew I'm most optimistic about is yours." Jackie Chan turned his head and said with a smile.

"I'll borrow your lucky words, Big Brother. If we really win, I'll throw a celebration banquet."

"Ha-ha, good, I'll be waiting to attend your celebration banquet."

……

The guests and crews filed in one after another, and the awards gala officially began.

Lin Nan hadn't attended a Chinese-language film festival in many years and was almost unused to the opening performance.

Jay Chou, Sally Yeh, Lo Ta-yu and others took turns singing.

Songs and dances, drum performances, piano solos—every kind of act was there.

After the performances ended, the awards ceremony officially began.

Huang Bo and Ceng Zeng Baoyi walked up onto the stage.

At any film festival, the awards start from the most obscure, smallest categories.

Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary, Best Original Short Film…

They would play the nominated works on the big screen, then announce the award!

But after five or six awards had been given out, the big shots sensed something was off.

Because everyone's acceptance speeches were terrifyingly short—almost wrapped up in a sentence or two.

The winner of Best Sound Effects was about to speak.

A very small number of people noticed a staff member rushing over to Huang Bo and Ceng Zeng Baoyi on the side, quickly whispering instructions, looking a little flustered.

"What are they saying?" Liu Liu Yifei had noticed too and asked Lin Nan in a low voice.

Lin Nan said with a light laugh, "Huang Bo has a poisonous mouth—he said this kind of event tests your ability to think on your feet. Now the moment has come."

"Huh?"

"Haven't you noticed everyone's acceptance speeches are extremely short? Normally you'd be cracking jokes up there for at least five to ten minutes—that's how each segment stays tight.

But now, after several awards, the timing is way off. They'll have to think of ways to make up the time later, or it'll become an international laughingstock."

Hearing this, Liu Liu Yifei suddenly understood, and looked at Huang Bo with a hint of sympathy.

Lin Nan looked at Jackie Chan and Li Li Bingbing in the row ahead, and felt a bit of sympathy too.

He guessed those two would be notified at the last minute when they went up to present, and told to stretch out the time as much as possible.

……

"Let's see which films are nominated for Best Editing. Please look at the big screen."

On the big screen, six films were introduced one by one.

Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei and the others unconsciously focused their attention, because Bad Genius was prominently on the list.

…………

(End of chapter)