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Upon returning to China from Bangkok, Suning went straight to the post-production center in Jinan without taking any rest.

This place boasts the Shandong Film Group's top-of-the-line editing studio, color grading studio, and sound mixing studio.

Although the technical work, such as editing, music composition, sound design, and color grading, was handled by the experienced post-production team of Shandong Film & Television, as the director and core creator, Su Ning needed to participate in every key decision throughout the process.

So he spent all his time in the editing room, working with the editor to review every single clip, pinpointing the editing points frame by frame, and grasping the rhythm and flow of the entire film.

In the sound studio, he demanded that the sound designers reproduce and create those subtle sounds to the extreme.

For example, the masseuse's tense breathing, the sound of fingers rubbing against skin, the killer's suppressed footsteps, and even the protagonist Amin's heart pounding like a drum—these sound elements are carefully woven together to create a suffocating atmosphere of tension.

During the color grading process, he insisted on a sense of "cold luxury".

The apartment's interior is decorated in cool metallic tones and low-saturation luxury, creating a stark contrast with the warm, vibrant, and high-saturation atmosphere of Bangkok's streets. This visually reinforces the conflict between the inner and outer worlds and the protagonist's psychological pressure.

Throughout the entire process, Suning seemed tireless, maintaining extremely high standards for every detail.

His aesthetic judgment and understanding of the core of the script surprised the Shandong Film and Television post-production team, who had worked with him for many years.

This doesn't sound like a novice director fresh out of school; it sounds more like a seasoned veteran who has been in the industry for many years.

The sound designer, Lao Li, has worked at Shandong Film & Television for over 20 years and has witnessed countless top-notch projects.

He took off his headphones, rubbed his slightly swollen ears, turned around, and looked the excessively young director Su Ning up and down with an incredulous gaze.

Finally, Old Li couldn't help but speak first, "Director Su, there's a question I've been holding back for a long time, and I really can't help but ask: have you really never systematically studied film and television production? Didn't you get your degree from some film school abroad?"

Su Ning shook her head, her tone as calm as if she were talking about someone else's business, "I really haven't studied it. Around this time last year, I had just received my admission letter from Zhejiang University and finished military training. I was just thinking that my university life was about to begin. But then I went out for a walk and got hit by a car."

"Huh?!" Old Li was stunned, and the editor Da Liu and the colorist A Zhe also looked at each other in bewilderment.

"You're really unlucky." Old Li didn't know what to say for a moment, so he could only offer a dry word of comfort.

“That’s right.” Su Ning shrugged, her tone becoming more relaxed, as if she were talking about a trivial matter from the past. “I’ve been lying down for quite a while, and I can’t remember a lot of things. It feels like my life has been forcibly formatted, and I have to start all over again.”

"So, I thought I had to do something, I couldn't just let it go like this. This film, 'The Massage Therapist,' is... well, the first shot in my comeback."

Editor Liu Cixin suddenly slapped his thigh and laughed, "Director Su! Don't worry! With the quality of our film, the story, the pacing, and the performances of Teacher Liu and Teacher Mei, this comeback is absolutely fantastic! If the market doesn't recognize it, then there's no justice in the world!"

“Exactly!” Colorist Zhe nodded vigorously. “The suspense and that sophisticated dark humor are just too good! I even suspect you’ve secretly studied photography in so many of the compositions!”

Old Li put his headphones back on and fast-forwarded a few seconds. "Especially Director Su, your requirements for sound—where to be quiet, where to emphasize which sound—you know it all perfectly! This is unlike a novice. Director Su, this is talent! The talent to make a living this way!"

……

Just as the post-production work was reaching its most critical stage, Director Kong actually took two days out of the intense filming of "Battle of Changsha" and rushed back to Jinan.

He was really worried and wanted to see for himself how Suning's "hands-on" project had turned out.

In the company's internal screening room, Kong Sheng watched the initial cut of "The Massage Therapist," which had not yet undergone fine color grading and audio mixing.

For nearly an hour and a half, he leaned forward the entire time, his expression focused, and he hardly said a word.

The screening ended and the lights came on.

Director Kong remained silent for a moment before slowly turning his head to look at Su Ning, who appeared slightly nervous beside him, his eyes filled with disbelief, surprise, and admiration.

"Kid..." Kong Sheng's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible excitement, "You...you're really directing for the first time?"

"Director Kong, you personally brought me into the industry, so you should know me best, right?"

Director Kong let out a long sigh of relief and patted Su Ning on the shoulder forcefully: "I'm impressed! I'm truly impressed! The camera language, the pacing, the atmosphere... especially the guidance and exploration of the actors' performances, the things in Teacher Mei's eyes, and Teacher Liu's sinister charm are all absolutely amazing!"

He stood up, paced back and forth a couple of times, as if still processing the shock in his heart: "I always thought you had talent, you were a good prospect. But I never expected that this isn't just talent, this is genius! A born director! This film, let alone a newcomer, many established directors couldn't make it to this level! Especially the suspense and psychological pressure, you captured it so perfectly!"

Director Kong's high praise put Suning's mind at ease, and a great sense of accomplishment welled up inside him.

Receiving such generous praise from the demanding Director Kong is more gratifying than any award.

"Is there anything else I need to coordinate later?" Director Kong asked directly, his tone changing involuntarily.

"That's pretty much it. The rest of the team can handle it," Su Ning replied.

"Okay! Then leave it to them with peace of mind. You should go home and get some rest! You look so tired!" Director Kong looked at the dark circles under Su Ning's eyes, and his tone returned to that of a caring elder.

……

After entrusting the remaining finishing work entirely to a trustworthy team, Suning finally embarked on its journey back to Qingdao.

This time, he was truly exhausted, both physically and mentally, but his spirit was unusually high and satisfied.

The past two months of intense work felt like a long and exciting dream.

When he stood at his doorstep again, dragging his suitcase, and smelled that familiar scent of home, an indescribable sense of peace instantly enveloped him.

I opened the door, and my parents seemed to be home.

Upon seeing their son return, the two immediately broke into the purest smiles.

Suning is back!

"Are you hungry? Are you tired? Why have you lost weight again?"

They were content to see their son return safely.

They are content as long as their children know to come home safely when they are tired.

At dinner, the table was filled with Suning's favorite dishes, and seafood was plentiful.

His parents kept putting food on his plate, asking about his well-being and chatting about everyday things and interesting things at the market, never mentioning his work.

After finishing the meal, a strong sense of fatigue finally overwhelmed me.

Suning fell into a deep sleep almost as soon as she touched her bed, forgetting to even take a shower.

Su Daqiang and Wang Xiuying tiptoed to their son's bedroom door. Looking at their son sleeping soundly on the bed, even snoring slightly, they smiled at each other, their eyes filled with endless love and contentment.

"Let him get some sleep," Wang Xiuying said softly.

"Okay, I'll go to the market first thing tomorrow morning to buy the freshest mackerel and make dumplings for him," Su Daqiang replied softly, gently closing the door behind him.

The moonlight outside the window is as clear as water, and the house is peaceful and serene.

For Suning, who has been working hard outside and going through a creative battle, this simple and warm daily routine is the best healing and reward.

All the grand and magnificent events ultimately merge into this bowl of the warmest human warmth.

……

In late summer and early autumn, the sun is still intense, but the most scorching heat has subsided.

Another school year is about to begin, and the air seems to be filled with a sense of new hope.

After a period of rest, although she spent most of her time working on post-production for the film and spending time with her parents, Su Ning still felt that she had fully recovered both physically and mentally.

The moment to return to school finally arrived, and this time, his feelings were completely different from those of a year ago when he was lost and amnesiac.

Seeing her parents still busy at the seafood market every day, working from dawn till dusk, Su Ning had an idea.

He approached his parents and earnestly suggested, "Dad, Mom, I'd like to drive myself to school this time. Why don't you come along? We can take this opportunity to go to Hangzhou for a few days and relax."

He paused, his tone gentle yet firm: "A year ago, such a big thing happened in our family, and everyone was feeling down. Now that everything is getting better, we should go out for a walk and clear our minds."

Upon hearing this, Su Daqiang and Wang Xiuying hesitated.

Su Daqiang rubbed his hands together: "Driving myself? That would be too tiring! Taking the high-speed rail is so fast and convenient. Besides, the stall has been closed for several days, which means a lot of losses..."

Wang Xiuying chimed in, "Yeah! Su Ning, why would we follow you to school? We'd just be causing you trouble."

They are used to thrift and busyness; a long trip plus a few days without doing business is quite a luxury for them.

Su Ning had anticipated his parents' reaction. He smiled and explained, "Dad, Mom, what's so tiring about driving? Dad and I will take turns driving; it'll be like a drive. The shop lost a little money, but do we really need that much? You've worked hard your whole lives; it's time to enjoy yourself. Hangzhou's West Lake is so beautiful; don't you want to see what 'paradise on earth' is like? Besides, I'll be gone for several months; don't you want to spend a few more days with me?" His last sentence precisely touched the softest part of his parents' hearts.

Looking into my son's expectant eyes, I thought of the gloom of this time last year and the tremendous changes and achievements my son has made in the past year.

Su Daqiang and Wang Xiuying exchanged a glance, and the reluctance and hesitation in their hearts were instantly replaced by love and relief for their son.

"Alright!" Su Daqiang slapped his thigh, his spirits rising. "Let's listen to our son! We'll go out and see the world! We'll close the stall for as many days as we want!"

Wang Xiuying smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothing out: "Okay! Mom will prepare more food for you to take with you, so you can eat on the way! Let's also go see West Lake!"

……

Once the decision was made, the family immediately began preparations with great enthusiasm.

Wang Xiuying prepared a large box of food, including boiled tea eggs, braised beef, washed fruit, and various snacks, as if she were not going to school but going on a long expedition.

Su Daqiang thoroughly inspected and cleaned his son's Mercedes-Benz inside and out, filled it with gas, and even went out of his way to buy the latest road map.

The weather was fine on the day we set off.

The brand-new Mercedes-Benz drove out of the familiar alleyway, carrying the family's expectations and laughter, and onto the highway leading to Hangzhou.

Su Ning sat in the driver's seat first, her father Su Daqiang in the passenger seat, and her mother Wang Xiuying in the back seat, curiously looking at the scenery rushing past outside the window, their faces filled with a happy smile of novelty and satisfaction.

Relaxing music played inside the car as the family chatted and talked casually.

Suning and Su Daqiang took turns driving, resting at the service area every two or three hours to eat some food prepared by their mother and stretch their legs.

Along the way, the scenery gradually transitioned from the plains of the north to the water towns of the south, with the fields becoming increasingly lush and the rivers and lakes becoming more numerous.

Looking out the window, Su Daqiang couldn't help but sigh, "The South is so watery! And the greenery is so lush too."

Wang Xiuying kept taking photos with her phone, recording what she saw and heard along the way.

Without the burdens of life and the shadow of amnesia, this journey became exceptionally easy and enjoyable.

They talked about fun things Suning did when he was a child, about their neighbors in the market, and occasionally, with a sense of relief, they would mention the changes that happened last year, but more than anything, they talked about their hopes for the future.

The wheels rolled on, heading south.

The train carriage was filled with the warmth of home and the hope of moving towards a new life.

For Su Daqiang and his wife, this was not just a trip to send their son to school, but also a healing experience for their family relationship and a rare moment of relaxation and reward.

Looking at their confident, composed, and well-organized son beside them, they felt an unprecedented sense of peace and pride.

……

After a pleasant ten-hour drive, covering a distance of nearly 800 kilometers, the Suning family finally arrived in Hangzhou, known as "paradise on earth".

As the car exited the highway and entered the city, the beautiful scenery of West Lake, the clean streets, and the vibrant modern atmosphere immediately brightened Su Daqiang and Wang Xiuying's eyes, and the fatigue of the journey seemed to lessen considerably.

"Hangzhou is just different! So clean! So beautiful!" Wang Xiuying exclaimed, leaning against the car window.

Su Daqiang nodded repeatedly, looking at the rows of tall buildings and tree-lined streets outside the car with great curiosity in his eyes.

Logically, the next step should be to head straight to Zhejiang University to complete the enrollment procedures and then help the son settle into his dormitory.

However, instead of driving towards Zhejiang University, Suning set the navigation to a high-end residential community in Xihu District, near Zhejiang University's Zijingang Campus.

"Suning, did we take the wrong turn? This doesn't seem to be the way to school." Wang Xiuying was the first to notice something was wrong.

“That’s right, Mom. Let’s not go to school yet.” Su Ning said calmly, as if stating something perfectly natural. “Let’s go somewhere else first.”

Su Daqiang's heart skipped a beat, a bad feeling creeping over him: "Where do we go first? Don't do anything rash!"

The car quickly entered a high-end residential area with an elegant environment and tight security.

Led by the property management staff, they took the elevator directly to the upper floor and entered a luxurious five-bedroom, two-living-room penthouse model apartment with excellent views.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the distant outline of West Lake and the city skyline are faintly visible; the interior space is spacious and bright, with exquisite decoration and complete furniture and appliances.

"Dad, Mom, what do you think of this house?" Su Ning asked casually as she looked around.

Su Daqiang and Wang Xiuying were so stunned by the house's luxury and grandeur that they were speechless.

Wang Xiuying touched the smooth marble countertop and murmured, "This... how much does this house cost...? Just looking at it is enough..."

Suning smiled and said directly to the sales manager next to him, "This one is fine. It's a ready-built apartment? Can we move in as soon as possible?"

The sales manager beamed: "Sir, you have excellent taste! This is the best location in the building, fully furnished and ready to move in. All the paperwork is in order. Once you pay and get the keys, we can arrange for housekeeping and initial cleaning. You can move in as early as three days later!"

"Su Ning! Are you crazy!" Su Daqiang finally reacted, his voice rising eight octaves as he grabbed his son's arm. "Why are you looking at this house? We just came to send you to school, we'll stay in a hotel for a few days and then go back! Why are you buying a house? How much will this cost?! You..."

He was so anxious that he could barely speak, feeling that his son's idea was simply out of the ordinary.

Wang Xiuying panicked too: "Yes! Su Ning! This won't do! You still have to go to school, who will live in such a big house? It's such a waste! No way! Absolutely not!"

Despite her parents' fierce opposition, Su Ning remained unusually calm.

He patted his father's hand, his tone steady and firm: "Dad, Mom, don't worry. Listen to me, I'll be studying in Hangzhou for the next four years, so I'll definitely need a stable place to live. Dormitory conditions are limited and inconvenient. Besides,"

He looked at his parents with sincere eyes, "When you and Fan Lin come to visit me or come to play in the future, you can't always stay in hotels, can you? This is our home in Hangzhou. Besides, buying a house in Hangzhou is a kind of investment, and it won't lose you anything."

After saying that, he didn't give his parents a chance to object. He took out the black bank card and handed it to the sales manager: "Swipe the card. Full payment."

The whole process was smooth and seamless, without the slightest hesitation.

The sales manager, barely suppressing his excitement, took the card with both hands and quickly went to complete the formalities.

Su Daqiang and Wang Xiuying stared at their son in disbelief, as if they were seeing him for the first time.

They watched as their son calmly signed the document, set the password, and took the receipt printed by the POS machine...

The whole process exuded a strong sense of confidence and control.

It was only at this moment that they clearly realized that their son had really changed since he lost his memory in the car accident a year ago.

He is no longer the boy who needed their constant care and whose personality still carried a touch of immaturity and dependence. Instead, he has become very opinionated, decisive, and even somewhat "domineering".

This change is not just about acquiring enormous wealth, but also a complete transformation of one's temperament from the inside out.

They suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity, but more than that, they felt an indescribable shock and a hidden sense of pride.

Although this way of spending money still makes them feel the pinch and think they are "wasteful".

“You kid! You’re really something now…” Su opened his mouth, but all his words of advice turned into a helpless yet proud sigh, “Fine! Fine, you’re so headstrong now, we can’t control you. It’s just that you’re spending money too fast.”

Wang Xiuying slowly recovered from her shock. Looking at her son's tall figure and the expansive scenery outside the window, she felt a mix of emotions and could only sigh helplessly in the end.

The formalities were completed quickly, and the keys were handed over to Suning.

Holding the heavy bunch of keys, standing in the empty yet infinitely possible house, Su Ning smiled at her still somewhat dazed parents:

"Dad, Mom, this is our home in Hangzhou from now on. Let's go eat first, then go buy some groceries! We need to fill this place up!"

"Does Fan Lin know you've returned to school?"

"I've already told her! She'll be coming to Hangzhou to see me in a few days."

"That's alright! With Fan Lin here, this house won't be wasted."

"Dad, Mom, don't worry! Houses in first- and second-tier cities have great potential; consider it an investment for us."

"..."

...(End of chapter)