Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 455 You Belong to the Country, and You Belong to Me (Two chapters combined as a bonus chapter for the Alliance Leader's sequel, Ruofeng)

The Olympic Games opening ceremony team and the military leading troops in battle share a highly similar core spirit. In essence, both rely on strict organizational discipline and a shared mission to unite collective strength and achieve strategic goals in key battles.

Just as the military needs political commissars to maintain morale during pre-battle mobilization, in-battle motivation, and post-battle debriefing, the opening ceremony directing team must also act as the ideological bond for this "artistic iron army."

Setbacks during rehearsals are like tactical failures on the battlefield. Without timely emotional support and belief rebuilding, even the most exquisite skills can be ruined by a collapse in morale.

After a disappointing first rehearsal at the end of May, Lu Kuan boosted morale with the actors' relaxation techniques and an inspiring speech, encouraging them to move forward.

After two months of arduous training and sprint, the team has basically acquired combat capabilities, but still needs to refine the details.

So today, Political Commissars Lu and Zhang continued to mobilize everyone during this critical time.

This kind of work is no less important than art direction.

The actors of "The Ancient Charm of Qin" are taking a temporary break and awaiting arrangements from the directing team.

But other programs don't offer, or rather, they don't want, a chance to rest. Since July, the Bird's Nest has been a sleepless night, with rehearsals lasting until the early hours of the morning every night.

This is to prevent secret filming and leaks, and also to ensure that some light-based programs can truly be seen at night.

Around nine o'clock in the evening, the clouds above the Bird's Nest suddenly pressed down even lower, and muffled thunder rolled in the distance like war drums.

Lu Kuan was standing in front of the command platform, just picking up the walkie-talkie to coordinate the next rehearsal, when a drop of cold rain hit his brow bone.

The downpour came without warning.

But the rehearsal team has gotten used to it over the past month. The dancers rehearsing "Silk Road" scattered with screams, their skirts, shaped like flying apsaras from Dunhuang, leaving ink marks in the puddles.

Lu Kuan grabbed his raincoat and rushed to the center of the venue. He wanted to personally check the LED screens that were suspected of being damaged by the "Great Qin Rhyme" performance yesterday, to ensure that the waterproofing was in place, and to replace them as needed after the rain stopped.

The tight budget forced everyone to tighten their belts and cut all unnecessary expenses. There are still three rehearsals starting tomorrow, and it's impossible to replace all the spare LEDs at once.

Zhang Yimou's voice came from behind, mixed with the sound of rain: "All cast and crew members, return to the rehearsal room, be careful! Be careful!" He then put on a raincoat and followed to the middle of the venue.

"Control panel! Control panel, power outage, water is rising!" Wang, a member of the emergency repair team, shouted a few words on the walkie-talkie. More than a dozen repairmen opened their tool bags and pulled out waterproof tape, multimeters, spare modules, and other items all at once.

The rain was heavy and the wind was strong. The road was wide and he was tall. His raincoat was flapping loudly in the wind. He simply squatted down and said, "It's the same old problem, isn't it?"

"Yes, there's nothing we can do." Master Wang's face was grave. He quickly used a rubber scraper to clean the water accumulated at the joints of the modules and then pried open the waterproof cover of the faulty module.

"Director Lu, these parts all need to be replaced; there's no time to delay."

With the beam of a flashlight, one could faintly see the green copper rust formed by oxidation of the contacts.

He'd become quite the expert through experience: "The interfaces of modules B21 and B22 are leaking. How about we try a reinforced connector with double sealing rings?"

Master Wang was speechless. He knew it wasn't that the director was stingy; it was just that they didn't know how many more days of rain would fall in the coming week, and since it was just a rehearsal, they wanted to save money wherever possible.

But even with dress rehearsals, there are audiences, media, and leaders present. You can't have the entire LED display covered in black patches like alopecia areata, can you?

The biggest challenge in organizing the Olympics lies in coordinating too many details with limited resources, while also providing a proper account to all parties involved, without any mishaps.

Old Mouzi trudged over, asking, "The drainage team has gone to move the equipment; they'll be there soon. How's the situation here?"

"It looks like these few pieces won't last until the end." Boss Lu smiled bitterly, then looked up and saw six drainage workers in orange work clothes arriving twenty meters away.

Two people coordinated using explosion-proof walkie-talkies to insert the water pipe into the ground screen inspection well, while the other four people used super absorbent polymer blankets to block the direction of water flow.

As the pump station started up, water flowed along the diversion channel toward the external drainage outlet.

The walkie-talkie clipped to Boss Lu's collar rang. It was a staff member from the director's command center: "Director Lu, the family is looking for you. The family is looking for you."

"Okay! Wait a minute!"

"Wait!" He picked up the walkie-talkie again: "Have the technical team send over three sets of IP68 protection kits!"

The rain was so loud that he had to repeat the instructions several times in a hurry.

In the distance, workers were using hot air guns to dry damp modules, and white mist rose briefly in the rain before dissipating.

Lu Kuan and Zhang Yimou looked at the scene with great concern and asked anxiously, "Why hasn't the water receded yet?"

"It's clogged! It must be the drain hole that's clogged." Master Wang said decisively, "Otherwise, such a powerful machine with natural drainage would have been cleared long ago."

The drainage holes in the southeast corner are so wide that you can feel them with your eyes closed. He immediately shoved the flashlight into Zhang Yimou's hand: "Director Zhang, let's help out too."

"Let's go, let's go to the area under the railing first."

In some areas, the floodwaters have reached above ankle level, and with the onslaught of strong winds and heavy rain, walking has become quite difficult.

Fortunately, Lu Kuan was young and strong, and Zhang Yimou was also in good health. The two squatted under the railing, and at this moment, they no longer had any of the airs of great directors.

Lu Kuan's trousers were covered in mud at the knees, and the walkie-talkie antenna clipped to his back waist was sticking out crookedly, looking like a pencil stuck on a construction site supervisor's hard hat.

Zhang Yimou was no less impressive; his shirt collar was stained with mottled coffee stains from the muddy water sprayed from the drain hole, and he was even thinner, looking somewhat unsteady.

Just as the old man and the young man were walking toward the drain, the family members who had just been on the walkie-talkie also braved the wind and rain to get off the command platform.

Liu Yifei came to deliver a change of clothes to her fiancé.

As July arrived, Lu Kuan returned home every three or four weeks, which was the night he unexpectedly saw Da Tian Tian's naked body and spent time with Xiao Liu.

Liu Yifei would usually come to see him every four or five days, taking away his dirty clothes, underwear, and socks, somewhat like a "prison visit".

With the continuous torrential rain these past few days, she had been worried about him, so she told Ah Fei and drove over by herself that evening.

She was wearing a large raincoat and holding the IP68 waterproof case that Lu Kuan had just asked for on the walkie-talkie.

Everyone at the Bird's Nest was busy with their own tasks, so she decided to lend a hand.

Anyway, her boyfriend had used his position to give her the identity of a staff member, so no one was worried that the director's family member would leak secrets.

Liu Yifei hunched over and lowered her center of gravity as she walked forward, rainwater flowing down her raincoat and forming silvery lines that pelted the steps.

She carefully avoided the puddles, but a gust of wind still soaked her trouser legs, and her sneakers immediately became soaked with water, making a squelching sound with every step.

The girl squinted and looked in the direction the staff member had pointed, searching for her fiancé.

Along the way, the Bird's Nest in the torrential rain looked like an isolated island forged from steel.

At the entrance of the passage, two young girls from a Peking Opera troupe were using hair dryers to dry their soaked water sleeves. The hot air, carrying the scent of rouge, wafted over, and the water droplets from the hem of their costumes created a dense drumbeat.
Turning past the passageway in Zone B, the young members of the martial arts team were carrying moisture-proof mats. Their bare upper bodies were steaming with heat, and rainwater was streaming down their bodies, like glazing a bronze statue.
There was also a group of dancers hiding under the steel frame. The girls put their wet dance shoes over mineral water bottles and stuffed the toes of the shoes with tissues to absorb the water.

A girl with a ponytail was putting a band-aid on her blistered toe when she saw Liu Yifei passing by. She looked up and smiled sweetly, and quickly called her friends over to take a look.

Liu Yifei couldn't quite describe her feelings. The isolated island in front of her just moments ago seemed to have turned into an anthill that had been doused with water.

Whether it's the general director, creative director, visual effects supervisor like Marvin, technical director like Lin Ying, or countless actors and support staff.

Everyone, regardless of their background, is contributing to this arduous and extraordinary battle in their own way.

This Olympics is not a battle fought by one person, but a glimmer of light held up by millions of worn-out hands in the pouring rain, including her family members and the people of the whole country who are eagerly anticipating it.

Liu Yifei, filled with emotion and having gone through countless hardships, arrived at the southeast corner, and was almost amused by the scene before her—

Two internationally renowned directors are squatting by the drainage ditch in almost mirror images, their necks craning forward in a strikingly similar manner, looking just like two maintenance workers caught red-handed by the property management.

Her fiancé was reaching into the drain with a ferocious expression, prying and pulling at something. The veins on the back of his hand were bulging, a stark contrast to his elegant posture holding a microphone at the Berlin Film Palace.
Zhang Yimou, not wanting to admit his age, used a waterproof flashlight in his mouth to illuminate the way for him. His puffed-out cheeks revealed deep nasolabial folds, making him appear more real than any of the weathered scenes in his films.

"Teachers, do you need any help?"

Lu Kuan turned around, looking bewildered. Seeing his tall and imposing fiancée, he didn't bother with any formalities or pleasantries, but simply handed her the flashlight from his waist.
"Find the right angle for this drain hole."

"Director Zhang, go to the other side, let's pull it together. It looks like some kind of calfskin used by shadow puppeteers. This stuff is too resistant to being soaked, and we can't just poke it directly."

Old Zhang gritted his teeth, reached down, and tightened his grip on the obstruction.

"one two Three!"

The blockage in the drain hole finally loosened, making a muffled "thump" sound.

"Holy crap!" Lu Kuan was caught off guard and was thrown backward by the inertia, landing hard on his backside in the puddle, splashing water all over his girlfriend's pants.

Zhang Yimou, finding humor in the hardship, couldn't help but tease him: "This young man has never done farm work before, so he was a bit too reckless."

Mr. Lu smiled and tried to save face: "It only happens once every ten days or half a month to see a beautiful woman. I just wanted to show off a bit."

"Stop joking!" Xiao Liu pulled him up with both hands. Lu Kuan looked around at the water, and with everyone working together, they managed to get through the night raid.

"Every hurdle is difficult, but we'll overcome it. Director Zhang, let's go back first. There's nothing else we can do to help."

"Let's go, don't let Yifei get wet. I'll go get the flashlight for Lao Wang."

Lu Kuan handed the waterproof case his girlfriend had brought to the staff. The rain gradually subsided, and fine water droplets dripped from the steel frame of the Bird's Nest, creating tiny ripples in the puddles.

Lu Kuan put his arm around Liu Yifei's shoulder, and the two of them walked forward, stepping through puddles.

Her hair was still dripping wet, and tiny water droplets clung to her eyelashes, shimmering faintly under the light.

The girl tilted her head back and laughed in his arms: "What are you looking at?"

"It's beautiful, isn't it? You've come at a bad time, just in time for the downpour."

Xiao Liu raised her delicate eyebrows, a dimple appearing and disappearing at the corner of her mouth: "I think I've come at the perfect time. Didn't you see the rain lessen as soon as I arrived?"

"Oh!" Boss Lu suddenly realized, "I remember now, you're also made of water, so naturally you can..."

"I'll beat you to death!" Liu Yifei lightly elbowed her boyfriend, then sighed with emotion, "You guys look so glamorous, but it's really not easy for you."

"This is nothing!" Lu Kuan optimistically counted the "eighty-one tribulations" on his fingers for her.

"Last week, the wire pulley at the Bird's Nest got stuck, and a little girl was left hanging for half an hour before she could get down. She was pale as a ghost."

“Led’s condition has been unstable. This afternoon, we had to cut a show, and it was only with great difficulty that we were able to get things settled.”

"The day before yesterday, the drumming and singing went wrong again. The circuit of the luminous drum malfunctioned in the humid environment, and the light was out of sync with the striking action. We had no choice but to use the old method of pulling the rope to calibrate it."

"And yesterday, that SBS reporter from South Korea secretly filmed us. Luckily, security caught him and didn't make him take the videotape out, otherwise it would have been a disaster!"

Of course, the SBS reporter himself was unaware that he had been targeted by a mastermind from the moment he applied to enter the venue.

Who told you to do such a beastly thing in your past life?

Liu Yifei gasped in astonishment: "According to what you're saying, I feel like..."

“That’s right, you’re right.” Boss Lu laughed nonchalantly, but he was more worried than anyone else: “Up to now, no one has dared to guarantee that there won’t be any problems.”

The two stood at the bottom of the command center building, the young director squinting at the dark night sky.

"There are still eight days left, and three rehearsals. I hope each one will be better than the last."

It would be incredibly difficult to come up with problems for such a large-scale cultural performance of this scale and difficulty.

In the last 48 hours of his previous life, countless inexplicable problems arose, including the high failure rate of the Flying Wire Five Rings LED lights, the Li Ning ignition failure and drift, and the death and jamming of the scroll axis.

Everything that could be prevented has been done to the extreme. If any problems arise, the only solution is for the production team to use their quick thinking and resourcefulness to deal with them.

Lu Kuan glanced at his watch, then reached out and touched his girlfriend to check if her clothes were wet.

"You can go back first. The people from the meteorological office are coming to a meeting later, so they don't have time to keep you company today."

Sometimes when Liu Yifei comes over, if the rehearsal goes smoothly, the directing team can take a half-hour break, and the two of them can take a walk and chat in the Bird's Nest, or lean on the railing to watch the sunset, which is a little romantic.

However, such opportunities are rare, and there are simply too many problems.

"I'll stay a little longer. My sister Chunru's plane arrives in Beiping tomorrow. My mother and I will take her sightseeing for the next few days, so I won't be coming over."

Lu Kuan slapped his forehead: "How could I forget about that! Is the house all tidied up?"

Xiao Liu rolled her eyes at him: "By the time you remember, it'll be too late. Don't worry, I'll take care of you meticulously."

"Sister Chunru, along with her parents, husband, and children, the whole family came to watch the Olympics this time."

"Great, that's good."

At Lu Kuan's suggestion, Liu, the leader of the Beijing Organizing Committee, decided to invite Ms. Iris Chang to be the final torchbearer outside the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing.

On the afternoon of August 8th, Iris Chang will start from the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City, pass the torch northward along the central axis to Tiananmen Square, hand it over to Olympic champion Xu Haifeng, who will then enter the Bird's Nest stadium and, after passing several distinguished athletes, hand it over to Li Ning, followed by the lighting ceremony.

My girlfriend, with her bright and beautiful eyes, pitifully asked to stay a little longer, and even the washing machine couldn't bear to send her away.

Under the immense pressure before the opening ceremony, having a soulmate by his side, even just sitting quietly by his side watching him, must be a source of comfort.

For him, a time traveler, it seems that there are fewer and fewer things he cannot control now, but earthquakes and the Olympics are both among them.

To some extent, it really is about doing your best and leaving the rest to fate.

The director's room was full of people, including members of the creative team and the weather office staff who had been temporarily summoned.

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games established a dedicated meteorological service team in 2003. The joint team, composed of the Central Meteorological Observatory, the Beijing Meteorological Bureau, and the military meteorological department, completed the most sophisticated "weather escort" project in the history of Chinese meteorology over five years.

"Director Zhang, there's only one week left. You've seen the situation today. If things are still like this on the 8th, the cultural performance will be in a rather passive position."

The head of the meteorological team is Zhang Qiang, 54 years old, a meteorology professor who graduated from Yenching University.

"Director Lu, I understand how you feel, but given the current situation, I cannot give you a definite answer."

Zhang Qiang also looked rather haggard, and spoke in a serious tone: "Artificial rain suppression is still an experimental technology, and its success rate depends on cloud conditions. If there is severe convective weather or systemic rainfall at that time, the intervention effect will be limited."

Before Lu Kuan could even frown and ask, she pushed a document over to him.

Having dealt with him for so long, Zhang Qiang knew his temperament very well.

That was truly like the rumored training of actors, pushing the team to the brink of destruction.

It's an exaggeration to say that they won't be able to leave today if we don't immediately eliminate the possibility of successful intervention, but they will definitely be worn down to a pulp.

The creative team all crowded around to look, and Zhang Qiang patiently explained, "Based on current estimates, the probability of rain on the 8th is around 25%."

"Starting tomorrow, our meteorological office will conduct monitoring through high-density automatic stations set up every 5 kilometers within the Fifth Ring Road, and provide cloud images every 15 minutes in conjunction with two meteorological satellites."

"Starting from the early morning of the 8th, aircraft, rockets and anti-aircraft guns will be deployed at 26 test sites in the surrounding area, ready to carry out artificial rain suppression at any time."

Lu Kuan frowned and said, "You guys..."

"Director Lu! This has really been tested to its limit. The concentration of silver iodide catalyst needs to be strictly controlled. It's impossible to operate with an unlimited dosage."

Liu Yifei sat in the corner wearing her boyfriend's suit jacket, watching him being relentlessly criticized by Zhang Qiang, which was quite amusing.

Mr. Lu smiled helplessly and said, "Alright, Director Zhang, your work is so thorough, I really can't find a single fault with it."

Zhang Qiang was also helpless: "Director Lu, I have to admit that your presence has greatly increased the enthusiasm of all of us comrades."

"Hey! What are you talking about? Do you think I can go deep-sea fishing? We're two separate departments." The director, who occasionally transforms into a tyrant on set, vehemently denied it.

Zhang Qiang said with a serious expression, "It's almost there. In short, Xiao Zheng from our office was very scared after you scolded him last time, and he didn't dare to come this time."

Everyone in the conference room laughed. Zhang Yimou finally managed to swallow a mouthful of strong tea and gave him a teasing look.

The two often take turns playing the good cop and the bad cop, but when some people get serious, they can't take off the bad cop mask.

Xiao Liu listened with a smile, finding the work atmosphere harmonious and interesting.

Looking at everyone, their hair was messy and their expressions were dejected, like the Red Army soldiers who had just completed the Long March of 25,000 li. It hadn't been easy for any of them.

Lu Kuan sighed inwardly; he was just habitually trying to make sure there were no problems with the weather.

In his previous life, Beiping was cloudy with no rain. He didn't know whether it was because it didn't rain or because the artificial rain suppression work was effective. Now, he could only push the relevant work to its limit.

Logically speaking, departments such as torch relay, weather forecasting, and security should be on par with the creative team and the directing team.

However, in meetings large and small, Leader Liu subtly positioned this director as the commander-in-chief, granting him authority to manage and intervene in all matters, big and small.

This is actually a much higher status than Zhang Yimou's previous life.

However, after getting to know him, everyone was quite impressed with the chief director and the great artist. Those who could get to the Organizing Committee were all elites, and it was easy to see who had the ability and who was just a fool.

"Xiao Zheng is a good comrade. I think she is quite mature in her work, so I spoke a bit harshly. I didn't expect that she is a female college graduate who just graduated this year."

Mr. Lu, rubbing his nose, tried to smooth things over: "Please have Director Zhang apologize to her on my behalf. Oh, and by the way—"

Lu Kuan took out an Olympic commemorative notebook from the cabinet behind him, then took a pen and walked to the corner.

Zhang Qiang and the others watched with curiosity, and Liu Yifei, the person involved, was also quite surprised. Why did she suddenly turn to me while we were chatting?
"Director Zhang, this is my family member, Xiao Liu. Last time I overheard some of the girls chatting and they all said they liked her."

"Let Xiao Liu write her a blessing, as my way of apologizing, okay?"

"Sure, that's great!" Zhang Qiang replied with a smile, walked over to shake hands with Liu Yifei and greeted her, "You're the chief director, how come you bring your family to work? Your relationship is so good!"

Mr. Lu vehemently denied it: "How could that be? I haven't been home for several days. This person is just bringing me clothes. They'll leave as soon as the rain stops."

Liu Yifei smiled but didn't say anything. In public, she always presented herself as a gentle and demure girlfriend, giving men plenty of face.

She sat on a folding chair in the corner, her boyfriend's dark gray suit loosely draped over his shoulders, the cuffs falling to her slender wrists, making her skin appear as smooth and lustrous as glazed porcelain.

Xiao Liu took the notebook: "What should I write?"

"I hope Xiao Zheng finds a boyfriend soon!" Lu Kuan offered a bad suggestion, which drew another round of chuckles from everyone.

Liu Yifei frowned and glared at her fiancé before earnestly writing on the title page. A stray strand of hair slipped from behind her ear and swayed gently beside her cheek.

Her right ring finger habitually rested against the edge of the paper, her nails were neatly trimmed and clean, without any fancy manicures, and she looked as simple and pure as a little white flower.

Everyone watched quietly as this heartwarming scene unfolded amidst the tense atmosphere, listening to the soft rustling of Liu Yifei's pen.

Just now, this well-known top female celebrity was probably sitting silently in the corner, like a wife waiting for her husband to come home.

Curious, Lu Kuan picked up her blessing and read it aloud with an air of self-importance:

"Wishing Xiao Zheng good health and all the best, and wishing the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics a complete success!"

"Wow! You're being way too arrogant. I wouldn't even dare write that last sentence when writing for someone else. Do you think you're Boss Liu?"

"Hahaha!"

The office erupted in laughter again, and Zhang Yimou joined in the fun, teasing, "You can't lead others, but you can lead yourself, can you?"

"that is!"

Xiao Liu covered her mouth and laughed, then playfully raised her eyebrows at him, a dimple flashing across her lips, her smiling face with childlike, rounded lines.

The sound of rain outside the window gradually subsided, but the atmosphere in the conference room became increasingly reassuring.

At a time when everyone is on edge, seeing the director, who is under the most pressure, still joke around so lightly can help relieve stress.

Perhaps only Lu Kuan himself knows the anxiety and urgency he felt at that moment.

At 10 p.m., Lu Kuan dropped his girlfriend off at the Bird's Nest parking lot.

The steel frame of the Bird's Nest cast crisscrossing shadows under the moonlight, like a giant net enveloping the lovers.

Liu Yifei stood under the streetlight at the entrance, the light casting long shadows of the two of them. She reached out and straightened her boyfriend's wrinkled collar, her fingertips touching the sunburnt skin on his neck.

She leaned against the steel railing, moonlight filtering through the glass roof and casting dappled patterns on her face. Liu Yifei tilted her head, surveying the road, her dimples appearing and disappearing as she suppressed a laugh.

"Washing Machine, you're so dark and skinny now, and you've almost grown a full beard. You're no longer a good match for me. What should I do?"

Boss Lu confidently declared, "I have money!"

"What's the use of money? I'm a looks-obsessed guy. You're like a wild man now, I don't want you anymore." "No?" Washing Machine wondered, "Didn't you say on the show the other day that talent is the most important thing when looking for a boyfriend?"

Liu Yifei covered her mouth and laughed, "You believe that? If you weren't handsome, who would have paid any attention to you back then? I was just after your body!"

"You little rascal, Liu Xiaolv! Every time we have such in-depth and thorough discussions, it turns out your thinking is so superficial?"

"Get lost!" Liu Yifei was always caught off guard by crude remarks from all angles. With a sigh, she stood on tiptoe and cupped her boyfriend's face in her hands.

"Take care of yourself. You belong not only to the country, but also to me."

Lu Kuan smiled and said, "So cheesy."

As the night dew grew thicker, the moonlight cast a cold glow on the steel frame of the bird's nest. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled the person into his arms.

The scent of jasmine in the girl's hair mingled with the fresh smell of grass after the rain, entwining in the breaths of the two lovers as they embraced, creating a warm and tender atmosphere.

The stars tonight are not those of last night; for whom do I stand in the wind and dew all night?
-
As August arrives and the Olympics are just eight days away, the entire nation is immersed in the exhilarating atmosphere of realizing a century-old dream.

Every day, citizens spontaneously took photos in front of the countdown clocks in the streets and alleys of Beiping, and Tiananmen Square was crowded with domestic and foreign tourists.

Taxi drivers uniformly changed their seat covers to those with Fuwa (mascots of the 2008 Beijing Olympics) patterns and practiced "Welcome to Beijing" using the short English phrases they had just learned.
The community's patrol team of middle-aged women wear red armbands, and they wipe the trash cans so clean you can see your reflection in them.

The largest number of foreign journalists and tourists since the reform and opening up were able to enter the land of China and witness the grandeur of the empire at dawn in the ancient capital.

The entire Swiss spectator group stayed at the Fragrant Hills Hotel, while an elderly Japanese woman strolled around Panjiayuan Market, waving a small flag and searching for Olympic commemorative badges.

The Parisian newspaper Le Figaro joked that even douzhi (fermented mung bean juice) has been labeled organic, showing that the Chinese have taken the concept of "saving face" to the molecular level.

The media in various countries presents a strange division: while CNN repeatedly broadcasts air quality data, Germany's ARD television is broadcasting live footage of citizens jogging in the Olympic Forest Park.
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported with concern that "security is far stricter than in Athens," but then switched the camera to show Brazilian tourists cheering at the camera while holding up kebabs.

On this ancient yet newly born land, the world is observing China through countless prisms, each prism refracting a different spectrum, yet miraculously piecing together a complete mirror of the times.

At 2:30 p.m. on August 7, 2008, the press conference of the Organizing Committee of the 29th Beijing Olympic Games was held in the main press center.

Zhang Heping, Director of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies Department, Wang Hui, Director of the News and Publicity Department, Lu Kuan, Chief Director of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, Zhang Yimou, and others attended the press conference to answer questions related to the opening ceremony.

The event brought together top international media outlets, including the BBC, CNN, The New York Times, AFP, Reuters, Associated Press, NHK (Japan), KBS (South Korea), and ARD (Germany).

It is worth mentioning that, through its connections with CJ Entertainment, South Korea's KBS successfully replaced SBS, which had failed in its leak attempt, as the officially designated media outlet.

New York Times reporter: "Lu, there have been frequent heavy rains in Beiping recently, and there have been some mistakes and omissions in the dress rehearsals a few days ago. How is the preparation for the opening ceremony performance going?"

Lu Kuan smiled and replied, "In fact, it's impossible to guarantee 100% success for such a large-scale gala with nearly 20,000 participants. We will do our best, thank you."

BBC reporter: "We have recently observed that security on the streets of Beiping has become increasingly tight. Does this excessively undermine the Olympic spirit and restrict the freedom of tourists?"

Zhang Heping explained, "This is for everyone's safety. Beiping hopes to provide every foreign friend with a good environment for their visit. Please forgive any inconvenience caused."

The BBC reporter persisted: "But we have received numerous complaints about unpleasant experiences. For example, foreign journalists have to go through three security checks to enter the venue, and even the bottled water provided by the authorities has to be tasted on the spot. When tourists take photos in Wangfujing, plainclothes police officers will come up to check the contents of their cameras."

Does this mean that the University of Tokyo lacks confidence in its own security environment? Or does this "impregnable" security send a "not welcome" signal to the world?

Zhang Heping listened to the simultaneous interpretation with a slightly somber expression. Lu Kuan, who was beside him, exchanged a glance with him and took the microphone voluntarily.

"As your Western proverb says, freedom is not about being unrestrained, but about soaring within rules."

He pointed to the posters of previous Olympic Games hanging on the scene: "After the Munich massacre in 1972, all host countries were looking for a balance. We did not want to repeat the mistakes of the Atlanta Olympic bombing, nor did we want to replicate the accident in Sydney where the Olympic Village caught fire due to security oversights."

"This... Locke, two years ago in your British capital, terrorists used beverage bottles to carry out the tragic subway bombings."

Lu Kuan paused, noticing the reporter's unnatural expression, and then spoke with increasing conviction: "As the host country, ensuring the personal safety of every athlete and spectator is a solemn commitment our country makes to the international community."

"Security is never a shackle that restricts freedom, but rather the cornerstone that safeguards dreams."

Applause suddenly erupted in the room. Reporters from CNN and BBC glanced at it expressionlessly; it was KBS from South Korea.

Who the hell are you from?

The Western journalists, who had been deliberately trying to make things difficult, had intended to seize the initiative and create some news topics. However, seeing that the IOC press officers present were all calm and silent, and that Zhang Heping had answered a few questions briefly, they did not step forward again.

Only the director, who speaks fluent English and doesn't need a translator, calmly answers all sorts of tricky questions.

The CNN reporter at the scene watched helplessly as this tough guy, who three years ago had spoken at length about Chinese people's faith on "Larry King Live" and received a standing ovation at the Oscars, became the talk of the town.

Forget it, this is a tricky situation, better get out of here.

The press conference concluded successfully. The director, who appeared confident and composed when facing questions about the Olympic Games opening ceremony, wore a sour face backstage.

"Hey? What time is it? You're telling me the scroll track is jammed? Get it fixed right now!"

Zhang Yimou quickly came over and asked with concern, "Is the third group in charge having problems again?"

The director, who had just been handling reporters from various countries with ease, suddenly revealed his true colors: "It's not the original segment. The east-west direction has changed and there's a problem. Director Zhang, you go back first. I'll go to Director Zhang's office."

Zhang Yimou looked haggard but resolute: "Okay, I'll go handle it first."

The weather was so stuffy it was hard to breathe. Lu Kuan unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, not caring whether Western reporters would photograph his disheveled appearance, and left the main press center alone.

Not far away, about fifty meters away, Liu Yifei, Afei, and Zhang Chunru had just come out of the International Broadcasting Center, chatting and laughing, obviously having just finished their interviews.

"The road is wide!" The fully armed female celebrity spotted her fiancé at a glance and excitedly blurted out, attracting the attention of Chinese and foreign reporters around her.

Fortunately, visitors are not allowed to enter the press center, otherwise it would definitely cause traffic congestion.

Distracted, Lu Kuan turned to see the three approaching and excitedly hugged Zhang Chunru: "You just finished your interview too?"

Iris Chang attended the press conference for the final torchbearers in Beiping, and she was the only foreigner among the final torchbearers.

However, considering her writings, including "The Sky of History," and the donations she received from North American Chinese communities and charitable organizations after the earthquake, no one would scrutinize her nationality.

What's important is the Chinese red flowing through the body.

“Yes, there aren’t too many reporters. I heard that all the major media outlets are here to compete with you.” Iris Chang looked Lu Kuan up and down like an older sister, whom she hadn’t seen for two months.

"How did you lose so much weight?"

Liu Yifei laughed and said, "It would have been funny if you had seen him a few days ago. His beard made him look like a wild man. He only tidied himself up today because of the interview."

Female fighters like Iris Chang rarely talked about taking care of their health; instead, she said with admiration, "With great power comes great responsibility; this is his mission!"

Each generation has its own mission. This was Zhang Chunru’s belief and practice, starting with her grandfather who served in Taicang during the Battle of Shanghai.

Lu Kuan smiled wearily, feeling encouraged every time he saw her, inspired by a pioneer who had torn apart the darkness of the world.

"Sister Chunru, I'm so sorry I haven't had time to spend with you these past few days."

"These are all minor matters; we'll wait and see tomorrow's performance."

Xiao Liu interjected with a smile, "I told Sister Chunru about getting the marriage certificate, and I'll ask them to stay until next month."

"That's great!" Lu Kuan exclaimed with delight. "Let's take a break after the Olympics and stay in Beiping for a while longer!"

Iris Chang nodded: "I'm here to visit several universities in China. My parents and Douglas will go back first, and I'll stay in China for a while."

Her next goal is to become a bridge for communication between Chinese and Western cultures, leveraging her dual identity as a Chinese American.

It's called a bridge, but it's more like a one-way output.

After all, since the reform and opening up, China has become familiar with the West. Now it is necessary for the world to see and hear our presence and voice.

Only after achieving this step can we discuss the issue of cultural discourse power.

Zhang Chunru is recognized by many scholars and academic organizations abroad, and she is also a beloved leader in China and the Chinese community, as evidenced by the response to this donation.

She is more of an "international citizen" than Lu Kuan, and can play a greater role in matters of cross-cultural exchange.

Liu Yifei's phoenix eyes lingered on her boyfriend, reluctant to leave. She tentatively asked, "Aren't you going home tonight? How about we go to the Bird's Nest with you first? We can go back together afterwards."

"I have an IC card. Sister Chunru is a torchbearer, and Afei is your security personnel. It's not against the rules!"

Boss Lu smiled and said, "Let's go, let's let power be a little willful just this once more."

After all three rehearsals were completed, he was able to go home and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, he will start monitoring the weather at six in the morning and continue preparing until the opening ceremony in the evening.

After signing the papers with Zhang Heping, the group arrived at the Bird's Nest, which had been closed for rest and repairs since the last rehearsal yesterday.

"Xiao Lu, let's not go in. Let's just look at the Bird's Nest from the stands. It's my first time here."

"Okay." Boss Lu didn't care about them now and strode into the conference room.

All the opening ceremony coordinators were present, waiting for his final starting pistol.

Although Leader Liu did not attend in person, Liu Jinming, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, was present. Upon seeing him enter, he stood up solemnly and said, "Comrade Lu Kuan, I'm here to hear your work assignments."

"Yes, please give me more instructions, sir."

Without wasting any words, Boss Lu stood up to the side of the conference table without hesitation.

Actually, there's not much to say today. I've already said everything that needed to be said: encouragement, motivation, and even provocation.

Now, let's reiterate the key points one last time, making sure everyone remembers them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the three dress rehearsals since July 31st have been very successful. Even though there have been some minor oversights, we are on the right track overall."

"If it weren't for the torrential rain the day before yesterday that caused some black spots to appear on the LED, I think it would have been a perfect performance. Thank you so much everyone!"

There was no applause in the meeting room; everyone looked at him nervously, unsure of their own feelings.

Excitement, trepidation, hesitation, worry, fear, and exhilaration...

Boss Lu paused for a moment, then said, "Alright, let's proceed with our routine 'roll call'."

His primary concern, of course, is LED.

"Mr. Lin, how's the final inspection of the 60,000 LED screens going?"

Lin Ying replied with a serious expression: "Modules 21-22 in Zone B have been replaced with double-sealed reinforced connectors. All 47 spare modules in Zone C that were affected by moisture have passed the tests. Currently, the overall failure rate is controlled within 0.3%."

Lu Kuan nodded: "Wire system?"

"All 32 sets of pulleys have been rust-proofed, the spare steel cables have passed the strength test, and the emergency plan for high wind speeds has been practiced three times."

"Communication support?"

"Full-band interference shielding has been tested, backup relay station signal has been tested, and all UAV shortwave radios are in place. No problems!"

Fireworks display, countdown preparation, scroll installation, ground projection, main torch system...

There were more than 10 major programs and over 40 minor programs, and each one was confirmed to be correct.

Lu Kuan's expression softened slightly, and he turned to Zhang Yimou: "Director Zhang, why don't you say a few words to everyone?"

Zhang Yimou nodded heavily, his voice slightly hoarse: "Comrades, brothers and sisters, you have all been involved in Olympic affairs since 04 or 05."

"But I started in 02, when the country won the bid to host the Olympics."

Zhang Yimou rubbed the thermos in his hand: "The defeat in Athens and the Waterloo in the bidding could not defeat me. Just like a director always says that the play is the most important thing, I think that as long as I can achieve the goal, I would be happy to be a bricklayer."

"But comrades, the grand show we're about to present to the world tomorrow is bigger than the sky itself!"

"After preparing for so long, this is the last hurdle. Director Lu and I earnestly request everyone to join hands and stand guard for the country and the Olympics until the very end!"

Zhang Yimou clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect to the crowd: "I am very fortunate to have traveled with everyone on this journey. Thank you!"

A round of applause erupted in the conference room. Everyone's eyes were red, and they clapped until their hands were numb, but they didn't stop.

Those sunburned, peeling necks, blistered hands, and bruised collarbones from the wires—all these now resonate like strings, vibrating at the same frequency amidst the applause.

Seeing this scene, Liu Jinming, from the Organizing Committee, knew he couldn't ask for more, so he gave some simple instructions and left.

Each department went to carry out their orders, leaving only about twenty creative team members behind. Their anxiety would likely continue until the very last moment.

Lu Kuan and Zhang Yimou exchanged a glance, both feeling that they couldn't let everyone continue to suffer such mental exhaustion. Talking and nagging were no longer helpful, and they shouldn't push people to the brink of collapse.

Tomorrow is the final battle!
Boss Lu gave his senior a wink, and the two went outside the office, just as Liu Yifei and the others arrived.

After exchanging greetings, Lu Kuan said helplessly, "Let's all get some rest early tonight. We should all go home and rest. There's no need for the last night."

"That's right, the key is them..." Zhang Yimou said with a wry smile.

Liu Yifei suddenly spoke up: "Director Zhang, I have an idea."

The girl pointed curiously to the red temple not far away: "We just passed by that temple of the goddess. I've always heard that there's something special about it. It would be nice to take everyone there for a look and pray for blessings."

Zhang Yimou's eyes lit up, he patted Lu Kuan's arm, and the two whispered a few words before entering the conference room.

"Everyone!" Boss Lu clapped his hands, and the noisy, urgent discussion came to an abrupt halt.

"Have you all heard of the Beiding Niangniang Temple next door? It's really effective. Since security is tight around here now, shall we go check it out?"

To ensure absolute security for the opening ceremony the following day, surrounding landmarks such as the Water Cube, Bird's Nest Cultural Center, and Beiping Convention and Exhibition Center were cordoned off as restricted areas, allowing visitors to take photos from a distance.

Lin Ying smiled wryly and said, "Is the end of science metaphysics?"

Zhang Yimou chimed in, playing the straight man: "You young people don't know about this yet; it's been a while."

He said cryptically, "The Bird's Nest and Water Cube had already started construction before the 04 Olympic team was even fully assembled."

“We Chinese people value symmetry. The Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube were originally designed to be built symmetrically with respect to Tianchen East Road.”

"According to the plan, this Beiding Niangniang Temple is to be demolished."

Zhang Yimou, like a storyteller, slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "But on the very day of the demolition, something terrible happened!"

Liu Yifei, who offered the suggestion, listened with even greater interest. She had only heard Jing Tian mention it casually, but she never expected there to be such a profound truth in it.
Zhang Yimou said seriously, "I just heard that on the day the demolition was scheduled, the sky was clear but suddenly a strong wind blew up, creating a dust storm that left the entire construction site in a mess, and some people were even seriously injured."

"That night, the construction sites of the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube suddenly lost power. After the power went out, the surroundings were pitch black, except for the light coming from the Beiding Niangniang Temple."

Marvin asked in surprise, "And then what happened?"

"Later, the higher authorities gave the order to move the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube one kilometer to the north, and also renovate the Beiding Temple. The subsequent construction went very smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei immediately opened her eyes wide and looked at Lu Kuan. To this day, she still doesn't understand where his premonition of the earthquake came from.

Is there really such a thing as metaphysics?
"Whether this is true or not, let's all stop worrying. The rain has stopped, let's go for a walk and relax." Lu Kuan clapped his hands with a smile.

"Chinese people believe that burning incense at temples and kowtowing to Buddhas is never a bad thing."

Marvin was the first to respond: "Then let's go! I couldn't stand it any longer. I feel like a student in China taking the college entrance exam the next day—it's so unbearable!"

Seeing that both directors, Lu Kuan and Zhang Yimou, had said so, everyone simply got up and filed out.

The area was under martial law, and the production team walked for a few minutes to reach the Beiding Niangniang Temple.

Xiao Liu, holding her boyfriend's arm, whispered, "Was what Director Zhang just said true or false? Is the Niangniang Temple really that magical?"

"It's God, do you want a child?"

"I'm serious! I'm just curious!"

Lu Kuan explained with a smile, "This is a temple built by the emperor during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty, modeled after the Bixia Temple on Mount Tai, to protect the area in the east, west, south, north and center of old Beijing."

"It is said that Jiajing's mother prayed here before giving birth to a son. Later, people in Beijing would come to burn incense and worship in the fourth month of the lunar calendar."

"Director Zhang has been involved in the Olympic construction for a long time. I don't know about this, but just take it as true!"

The girl pouted cutely, her round lips looking luscious, and her big eyes darted around, as if she were thinking about something.

Whether they were intimidated by Zhang Yimou's bluffing words or truly had fought to the last minute and wanted to place their hopes elsewhere, as the group stepped into the Beiding Niangniang Temple, they were greeted by a rich aroma of sandalwood and aged incense, all of which created a somewhat unusual atmosphere.

In the courtyard paved with blue bricks, the gnarled branches of a three-hundred-year-old cypress tree dappled the sunlight into patches of light the size of copper coins scattered across the ground.

The bronze incense burner in front of the main hall emits wisps of smoke, and the inscriptions on the burner have been polished to a shine by the worshippers' touch.

The hall was dimly lit, with only the ever-burning lamp flickering before the golden statue of Bixia Yuanjun, casting the compassionate eyes of the goddess in a dim and intermittent light.

Everyone took the incense, their faces solemn and their movements serious, and began to light, worship, and insert the incense without any taboos.

Those who know the rules follow them, while those who don't can convince themselves with a sincere heart—this is the endearing quality of the Chinese people.

There are selective and intermittent forms of superstition.

Having returned to his old profession, Boss Lu was naturally a top expert in the realm of gods and ghosts. No one spoke in the main hall, and Liu Yifei curiously observed her boyfriend's actions.

Lu Kuan took the three incense sticks and lit them over the candle flame, then gently rotated his wrist to allow the flame to evenly lick the incense sticks.

As wisps of smoke rose, he didn't rush to extinguish the flame, but waited for the incense tip to naturally turn a dark red—this was called "nurturing the incense."

Then, holding the incense sticks in his left hand and protecting the flame with his right, he raised the three sticks to his forehead and solemnly bowed three times to the statue of Bixia Yuanjun.

The first bow involves bending at the waist at a 30-degree angle, the second at a 45-degree angle, and the third almost parallel to the ground.

The hem of her robe swept over the accumulated incense ash in front of the prayer cushion. When inserting the incense sticks, she pinched the base of the stick with her thumb and forefinger. The three sticks were arranged in a straight line in the incense burner, with just enough space between them for a copper coin to pass through.

The young Taoist priest was extremely devout at this moment.

He was only human, and when human effort was exhausted, he could only turn to ghosts and gods instead of heaven to find some spiritual comfort.

Besides, I can travel to this world myself, so why should I believe or not?

Your Majesty, please protect China!

I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow, the LEDs don't have black bars, the scroll track doesn't jam, and the wire work doesn't...

Perhaps the young Taoist priest was too verbose, irritating the goddess Bixia Yuanjun; or perhaps the old lady truly couldn't understand all those obscure and strange words—

A gentle breeze suddenly swept through the hall, causing the incense sticks to burn faster and faster. Soon, the ash fell in a flurry, piling up into small, grayish-white mounds in the incense burner.

Lu Kuan, unaware of the reason, had a taut jawline like a bowstring, his Adam's apple bobbing gently with each silent prayer, concealing his usual sharpness within a devout silhouette.

Liu Yifei, who was standing next to her, was slightly taken aback.

Seeing her boyfriend's signal, she followed his instructions and went through the process herself, silently praying in her heart:
Your Majesty, you are the Empress of the Chinese people, please make the Olympics as smooth as chocolate!
I wish that Lu Kuan would love only me in his past life, this life, and the next!
And we hope our relatives and friends are also in good health!

Oh, right...

"XiXi?" Boss Lu gently patted his serious-looking girlfriend, then gestured to the crowd already waiting outside the hall, quietly reminding her:

"You've been begging for almost two minutes now, that's enough, don't make things difficult for Her Majesty."

Liu Yifei pouted cutely, sighed softly, and with a final, reverent bow to Bixia Yuanjun, the two walked out side by side.

Everyone stood in the courtyard of the Niangniang Temple, chatting and laughing in hushed tones, seemingly quite relaxed.

Dusk had quietly crept over the vermilion eaves, and the sunset, like an overturned rouge box, dyed the western sky a gradual orange-red, echoing the last ray of golden light reflected on the steel frame of the Bird's Nest in the distance.

A flock of white doves swept past the glazed roof of the Niangniang Temple, their wings cutting through the brilliant sunset as they flew towards the Olympic Forest Park.

The clouds meandered over the steel frame of the Bird's Nest, as if draping this steel fortress, which was on high alert, in a gentle veil.

Everyone remained silent, but the lingering hopes were clearly written in every pair of eyes reflecting the sunset.

We've been waiting, waiting...

May 8st arrived.

(End of this chapter)