Abstract Art Award Winner

As the final few plot segments come to an end.

The huge photography studio was no longer filled with oppression, but with a settled clamor and a weary excitement.

The final image on the monitor of Lu Bingkun being pinned down by the police is frozen in time.

Zhou Le's voice, coming through the loudspeaker, carried a hint of hoarseness and a reassuring, penetrating quality:

"Cut! 'All or Nothing'! Wrap-up!"

"oh--!!!"

"Filming is finished!!"

"Liberation is here!!!"

Instantly, a deafening roar of cheers, applause, and whistles nearly lifted the roof off the stadium!
Emotions that had been suppressed for too long burst forth like a flood breaking through a dam.

The prop master threw away the fake blood pack in his hand, the lighting technician excitedly shook the light stand, and the extras hugged each other, shouting and jumping, their faces still covered with "scar" makeup, but their smiles were incredibly bright.

Zhou Le was sandwiched between Zhou Ye and Meng Ziyi, one on each side, and his face showed an indescribable sense of relief.

Zhou Le was quickly surrounded by an excited crowd.

The assistant director, executive producer, action director... all rushed up to hug him tightly and pat him on the back.

His signature, swollen belly, which had swelled up for the role, became the focus of everyone's playful teasing; everyone who came had to give it a pat.

They euphemistically call it "sharing the joy."

"Director Zhou! Awesome!"

"This belly! It's worth it! It's like a medal for my work injury!"

"Manager Lu! You've finally been brought to justice! Hahaha!"

Zhou Le laughed loudly, letting everyone "vent," his gaze sweeping over the familiar and proud faces.

These past few months, spent struggling in the humid, sticky air of the border region and amidst a depressing and cruel storyline, all the hardships, arguments, sweat, and even tears have transformed into pure joy at this moment.

"Alright, alright! If you keep filming, it'll really turn into a workplace injury!"

Zhou Le smiled as she protected her stomach, her eyes shining brightly.

"Tonight! At the hotel! Wrap party! We'll drink until we drop! It's on me!"

"Long live Director Zhou!" The cheers rose another notch.

The wrap party was naturally organized by the staff.

Zhou Le only needed to give the orders and pay the money.

Taking a break, he dialed a number from a temporary dressing room set up on set, calling a senior executive he knew at Tencent Video.

Old Chen's cheerful voice came from the other end of the phone, and the background noise seemed to be coming from a high-end restaurant.

"Hey? Director Zhou! Congratulations on wrapping up filming! Just from the noise you guys are making with 'All or Nothing,' it's incredible! Everyone in the industry is saying you guys even played the police in the movie? Hahahaha!"

Old Chen was clearly well-informed.

Zhou Le laughed as well: "President Chen, you're quick with your news. But let's get down to business. Is there any progress on that Peach Blossom Valley idea I mentioned to you before?"

"It's promising! It absolutely is promising!" Old Chen immediately perked up. "Our platform wholeheartedly supports the project that Director Zhou wants to work on! We've discussed the model internally, and it's very innovative! Relaxed feel, authentic social interaction, and a slice-of-life vibe—the market is currently lacking in these areas!"

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming more pragmatic: "But Director Zhou, even brothers should keep clear accounts. The platform needs to make a living too, right? We can work together like this: you provide the core creative ideas and execution of the production team, and also bear a portion of the production costs. It's a deep partnership where we share the risks and the benefits."

The platform will handle the overall planning and packaging, post-launch promotion and marketing, and most importantly, merchant recruitment! Don't worry about that, we'll take care of it! With your current influence and the novelty of this project, recruitment will definitely be a huge success!

Zhou Le listened, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table: "Hmm, that makes sense. So what exactly do you need me to do?"

"Celebrities!" Old Chen said bluntly, "The core regular guests, especially those who can generate buzz, have audience appeal, and resonate with you, you have to personally approach them."

"The platform will also send a few people in." He paused, then added, "Director Zhou, you understand. The platform invests money and resources, so they need to promote their own people, mentor newcomers, and add some fresh blood and buzz. That... is that alright?"

Zhou Le replied almost without hesitation: "No problem. It's only natural for the platform to promote people. You can decide on any list you want. I don't care."

"Haha, Director Zhou, you're so straightforward!" Old Chen laughed heartily. "I knew working with you would be so much easier! By the way, do you have any preliminary candidates in mind? That way, we can do some background checks beforehand to see if there's anyone... um... we need to avoid? Like who doesn't get along with whom, or who has a grudge against whom?"

Several names flashed through Zhou Le's mind in an instant, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Initial idea... Meng Ziyi is one of them."

"Sister Meng? Sure! With her around, we'll never have to worry about trending topics! She's got a natural talent for generating buzz!" Old Chen immediately agreed.

"Guo Qiling".

"Young Master! Great! You've got jokes, you're popular with the audience, and you can liven up the atmosphere!"

"Tian Xiwei".

"Little Sweet Bean! She's currently very popular and has a great rapport with the audience! Perfect!"

"Yin Zheng."

"Teacher Yin Zheng? No problem either!"

Old Chen was overjoyed on the other end of the phone. The people Zhou Le had chosen covered popularity, variety show sense, audience appeal, and talent—it was simply a golden combination!

He asked impatiently, "Is there more? Director Zhou, please continue!"

"Let's keep these core members for now," Zhou Le said. "The platform can assign your people to the remaining positions, or we can find a few more interesting individuals. As for taboos," Zhou Le said casually, "I don't have any major taboos, as long as they're not lawbreakers who commit murder or arson, anything else is fine."

Old Chen grinned from ear to ear on the other end of the phone: "Director Zhou! So insightful! Absolutely insightful! Don't worry, the people on the platform will be carefully selected, they won't cause you any trouble! Leave the investment promotion to me, you can focus on your preparations!"

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Le leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh of relief.

The name Peach Blossom Village was also suggested by the other party; Zhou Le originally wanted to use Peach Blossom Spring.

However, in Lao Chen's description, which was full of business calculations yet brimming with enthusiasm, it seemed to become clearer and more feasible.

A tranquil haven far from the hustle and bustle, a group of people with diverse personalities, experiencing real life and clashes.

It felt like a hole had been torn open in the stuffy air, letting in a fresh breeze.

As night fell, the banquet hall of the best hotel in the area was booked by the crew of "All or Nothing," and it was brightly lit and bustling with people.

A huge backdrop proclaiming "Good Luck on Filming" was surrounded by a crowd of people taking photos.

The air was no longer filled with the smells of sweat and blood from the film set, but with the aroma of delicious food, the bubbles of champagne, and boisterous laughter.

Zhou Le changed out of the tight-fitting clothes that belonged to Manager Lu and put on a comfortable dark casual outfit, but her conspicuous belly still proclaimed the results of her months-long work injury.

Holding a wine glass, he moved through the crowd, receiving congratulations from all directions.

Yi Yangqianxi's makeup was finally removed, revealing his originally handsome but slightly tired face. He was wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans and was surrounded by several young actors. Meng Ziyi, on the other hand, was like a butterfly, wearing a bright red dress, holding a glass of champagne, and chatting and laughing as she moved between the tables. Her exquisite makeup sparkled under the lights, showing no trace of Anna's despair and gloom.

When she saw Zhou Le walking over, her eyes lit up, and she gracefully swayed towards him in her high heels.

"Director Zhou! Congratulations on wrapping up filming!" Her voice was sweet, with a hint of barely perceptible coquettishness. "I, Anna, am finally free! Look at my hair," she touched her thick, long hair with concern, "it still hurts from all that pulling!" She was referring to the scene where she was forced to put her head down.

Zhou Le smiled and clinked glasses with her: "Teacher Meng has made great progress this time, especially those tears, they were so genuine."

Meng Ziyi blushed slightly, gave him a reproachful glare, and then laughed: "That's right! Don't you know who directed the film! But Director Zhou," she glanced at Zhou Le's noticeably protruding belly and winked mischievously, "how are you planning to handle this workplace injury? Are you going to play a big boss in your next film?"

Zhou Le looked down at his stomach and sighed helplessly, "Deal with it? It has to be done! Starting tomorrow, no, starting tonight!" His tone was resolute as he grabbed a glass of lemonade from a passing waiter's tray. "See? Goodbye alcohol! Goodbye braised pork! Goodbye fried dough sticks! Manager Lu is offline, Zhou Le needs to return as soon as possible!"

He picked up his chopsticks and looked at the table full of delicious-looking dishes.

His eyes were filled with a poignant longing, but in the end he only picked up a small piece of cucumber salad, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed it with gritted teeth.

"Pfft!" Meng Ziyi and the people next to her couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Director Zhou, you have a long way to go!" someone joked.

"For work!" Zhou Le said bitterly, holding up his lemonade as if making a vow, "I have to lose this weight!"

After the climax of the wrap party, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Some of the young actors and staff went to karaoke bars to continue their partying.

Zhou Le and the others did not go; they simply asked the staff to make sure everyone had a good time.

The next day, the actors and staff left one after another.

Zhou Le and Guo Qiling stayed behind.

They needed to represent the film crew and have dinner with several local leaders who had provided significant support.

The atmosphere inside the private room was completely different from that outside.

More refined dishes were served on the round table, and the wine was replaced with vintage Moutai.

The air was filled with a faint smell of tobacco and more composed laughter.

Zhou Le wore a polite but somewhat formulaic smile as he toasted with several leaders, making polite remarks about thanking the local government for its support and promoting film and television tourism.

Guo Qiling, standing to the side, also toned down his usual joking and became more composed and tactful, responding appropriately and offering toasts at the right time, demonstrating the shrewdness of the young master.

"Director Zhou is young and promising! This film is profound and has social significance!" A leader patted Zhou Le on the shoulder, speaking earnestly.

"It was thanks to the strong support of all the leaders that this task was successfully completed."

Zhou Le raised his glass, his smile impeccable, but a hint of weariness was hidden in his eyes.

This kind of socializing is more tiring than filming a full-day movie.

After several rounds of drinks and pleasantries, the conversation had become quite lively.

Zhou Le excused himself to go to the restroom and temporarily left the private room.

The long, carpeted corridor became much quieter.

He leaned against the cold wall, rubbed his throbbing temples, and let out a long sigh, as if to expel all the air he had just inhaled during the social gathering.

My phone vibrated; it was a message from Meng Ziyi with only a room number.

Looking at the string of numbers, Zhou Le felt a slight fatigue from dealing with his superiors, which seemed to be replaced by another subtle emotion.

He put away his phone, straightened his clothes, put on a polite smile again, and pushed open the door back into the noisy private room.

Late at night, the hotel's hustle and bustle finally subsided completely.

After seeing off the last leader, Zhou Le politely declined Guo Qiling's suggestion to have another drink. Back at the hotel, he pressed the button for that familiar floor. The elevator ascended smoothly, and the mirror reflected his slightly tired but bright-eyed face.

Standing in front of the room door, he raised his hand and knocked three times gently.

The door was opened almost immediately, letting in warm yellow light and the fresh scent of shower gel.

Meng Ziyi wore a soft white bathrobe from the hotel, her hair was wet and loose, and her cheeks, without makeup, had a natural blush. She looked less radiant than she did in front of the camera, but more relaxed and genuine.

"The leaders finally let you come back?" She leaned against the door frame, her voice slightly hoarse from her recent shower, her eyes sparkling with a hint of teasing.

Zhou Le didn't say anything, but squeezed in sideways, closed the door behind him, and the "click" of the lock was particularly clear in the quiet room.

He pressed her against the door, lowered his head, and his nose almost touched her forehead. The sweet scent of her after-shower instantly enveloped him, dispelling the lingering smell of alcohol and the annoyance of the social engagement.

"You look very tired." Meng Ziyi looked up, the collar of her bathrobe slightly open, revealing a small section of her delicate collarbone.

Her fingers lightly brushed against the buttons of Zhou Le's shirt, her fingertips feeling slightly cool and damp.

Zhou Le's Adam's apple bobbed as he grabbed her mischievous hand, his palm burning hot. "What do you think?" His voice deepened, tinged with suppressed hoarseness. His other hand caressed her smooth, delicate cheek, his thumb gently stroking her slightly parted lips. His gaze was deep, as if he were examining a precious artifact or admiring a painting.

Meng Ziyi didn't flinch; instead, she met his gaze with a faint smile playing on her lips, like a cunning cat.

She tilted her head slightly, her warm breath brushing against his palm: "So... which problem does Director Zhou want to solve now?" Her voice was as light as a feather, yet it held a hook.

The air temperature rose silently.

Soon the rustling sound of fabric rubbing together was amplified infinitely in the quiet room.

The air was as thick as honey that couldn't be melted.

"Sister Meng, I think I'm alright."

Meng Ziyi gazed at him with hazy eyes, her red lips slightly parted, but she did not answer.

She simply lifted her leg and rubbed her smooth ankle against it, silently urging him on.

Just at this critical moment, Zhou Le's phone, which was on the bedside table, vibrated untimely and persistently.

The buzzing sound seemed particularly jarring in the erotic stillness.

Both of them froze at the same time.

Zhou Le frowned, cursed under his breath, and propped himself up to reach for his phone.

Meng Ziyi hooked her arms around his neck and pulled him back forcefully. Her red lips silenced all his dissatisfaction, and her voice was indistinct and alluring: "Never mind Manager Zhou, you haven't punished me for my mistake yet."

Zhou Le's eyes darkened, and his last shred of reason was completely overwhelmed.

He abandoned the phone, letting it vibrate in vain.

The phone screen stubbornly lit up and then went out in the dark.

The caller ID showed the name flashing by: Dilraba. (End of Chapter)