In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

A few days after the wrap party, Yang Guangming completely relaxed.

I sleep until I naturally wake up every day, read books at home, listen to music, and occasionally ask Zuo Xiaoqing to go for a walk in the park or to see a movie.

The young girl has a heavy training schedule and doesn't have much time to come out, but every time they meet, the atmosphere between them becomes warmer and more natural.

Zuo Xiaoqing was no longer as shy as she had been at first, and gradually she was able to chat and laugh with him normally, though the admiration in her eyes remained clear and unwavering. Yang Guangming was very patient with her and took great care of her.

The two spent time alone together and grew increasingly intimate. Zuo Xiaoqing had completely opened up to him, but considering Zuo Xiaoqing's age, Yang Guangming still restrained himself from taking the final step.

Besides that, everything else I wanted to do, everything I could do, I did in my infatuation... At the most tender age, a girl like a flower bud, it was already the ultimate experience, enough to make one's soul ache.

He knew the girl's thoughts and admired her purity and beauty. However, sixteen was indeed too young. This final step could wait; he wasn't in a hurry.

After nearly a week of leisurely days, Yang Guangming began to consider his next plans.

The film is finished, but editing, post-production, submission for censorship, and the Venice Film Festival, which Jiang Wen is eagerly anticipating, all still require time. As the male lead and investor, he will naturally continue to keep an eye on these matters, but he doesn't need to be too involved in the specifics.

His focus needs to shift back to his studies and future development.

The original owner's dream was to attend a performing arts academy and become a star. Yang Guangming inherited this body and also gained firsthand experience and interest in acting, but his perspective honed through several lifetimes allowed him to see things more comprehensively and with a longer-term vision.

Actors may seem glamorous, but they are also subject to many constraints. The success or failure of a production largely depends on the director, script, and production team. A pure actor is more like a finely crafted chess piece, placed on a chessboard designed by others.

The director, on the other hand, is the one who designs the chessboard and makes the moves.

Yang Guangming enjoys a sense of control and the creative process of fully presenting his ideas and aesthetics.

On the set of "In the Heat of the Sun," he was not only an actor but also an investor, and even influenced Jiang Wen's filming methods and cost awareness to some extent. This sense of participation and influence made him feel more interested than simply acting.

Therefore, he wanted to study directing.

By systematically learning film language, narrative techniques, and camera work, and understanding the entire industry process, one can better create their own works in the future, or at least have more professional judgment and a stronger voice when investing in and participating in film projects.

However, the reality was that the Beijing Film Academy did not enroll students in its directing department every year during that period. He checked the records and also confirmed with his father that a directing undergraduate class had been enrolled in 1993, and there was no directing department enrollment plan in 1994. The next enrollment would not be until 1995.

He is currently a junior in high school. According to the normal schedule, he should have graduated from high school in 1995, just in time for the directing department to recruit students.

But he didn't want to waste another year of high school.

Having lived several lifetimes, he had long been tired of the routine student life. Although he had a good starting point in this life, he longed to enter a wider world as soon as possible and do more of what he wanted to do.

Skipping a grade to take the college entrance examination is a viable option.

The original owner of this body had excellent grades and a solid foundation. He, however, had integrated memories from several lifetimes, including experiences of profound knowledge and even becoming a top scientist in one of his previous lives. High school knowledge was child's play for him. With a little review, getting into any university in the country wouldn't be a problem.

The challenge lies in choosing a major.

In 1994, the Beijing Film Academy's directing department did not admit students. Since he wanted to study directing, he could only enter other related majors first and then look for opportunities.

Performing arts is an option.

With his physical appearance and recent experience playing the male lead in Jiang Wen's film, he was almost certain to pass the entrance exam for the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy in 1994.

After entering the acting department, he could audit classes in the directing department, or even try to transfer to another department. Even if he couldn't transfer, he could still systematically learn acting, while also self-studying directing knowledge, and using the resources and connections of the Beijing Film Academy to pave the way for his future career transition.

Having figured out the direction, Yang Guangming felt at ease.

He made a special phone call to his father and told him all about his thoughts.

After listening, Yang Hongwen pondered for a long time.

"I believe you'll be fine with the academic subjects if you skip a grade and take the college entrance exam."

Yang Hongwen slowly said, "But if you want to study directing, the Beijing Film Academy didn't recruit students in 1994... Taking the acting exam first is a compromise."

However, Mingming, you need to think clearly that although acting and directing are related majors, their learning focuses and ways of thinking are still very different.

Once you're in the acting department, you have to follow the department's curriculum; you might not have as much free time to study directing.

"Dad, I know."

Yang Guangming nodded, "But I've checked, and the Beijing Film Academy's course schedule is relatively flexible, especially for the third and fourth years, with more opportunities for practical experience and more independent time."

I can start by studying directing theory on my own, building a solid foundation in acting during my first two years, while also attending directing classes and interacting with professors and senior students. During this process, I can explore the possibility of applying to switch majors.

If all else fails, I can pursue directing studies after graduation. The important thing is to first get into this industry and this environment.

Looking into his son's calm eyes, Yang Hongwen knew that his decision was not impulsive but rather the result of careful consideration.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, Dad supports you,” Yang Hongwen finally said. “You can attend the acting training class anytime, and I’ll arrange for the best teachers to provide you with targeted tutoring. Do you need a tutor for your academic subjects?”

"No need, I can handle it myself." Yang Guangming smiled confidently. "I can just go through the high school material when I have time. I'll focus on preparing for the art exam."

“Okay. The art exams are usually after the Spring Festival, so you have more than a month to prepare.” Yang Hongwen gave him the greatest encouragement. “Prepare well and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Even if you don’t get in this year, you can try for the directing department next year. You’re still young.”

Despite saying that, Yang Hongwen knew in his heart that it would be strange if his son couldn't pass the exam, given his son's qualifications.

Once things were settled, Yang Guangming's lifestyle immediately changed.

He revised his schedule. Mornings were dedicated to reviewing high school academic subjects, primarily humanities subjects like Chinese, mathematics, English, politics, and history. For him, these subjects were ridiculously easy; a quick glance through the textbooks and notes, and a few past college entrance exam papers were enough to give him confidence. He focused more on organizing the knowledge framework, ensuring his answers were formatted correctly, and adapting to the exam's question types and pace.

In the afternoons and evenings, he would spend his time in his father's acting training classes.

Yang Hongwen's "Hongyun Performing Arts Training Center" has already gained some fame in Beijing. It has a good teaching staff, including retired professors from the Central Academy of Drama and Beijing Film Academy, as well as middle-aged actors active on the stage or in the film and television industry.

Yang Guangming is a "regular" here, having been immersed in the environment since childhood, and has a very solid foundation. But now, in preparation for the Beijing Film Academy entrance exam, his training is more targeted.

Vocal music, dialogue, physical expression, and performance – each of the four aspects was meticulously refined.

His vocal coach was personally supervised by his mother, Chen Zhiyun. Chen Zhiyun is a professor in the vocal and opera department, so her level of expertise is beyond question.

She selected several songs for her son that suited his vocal range and temperament. The melodies were beautiful, and the emotions were subtle and profound. These songs showcased his vocal control without being overly technical or vulgar.

With a little practice, in Chen Zhiyun's own words, she would be qualified to perform at the Spring Festival Gala; she would be more than qualified for the art college entrance exam.

In terms of dialogue, Yang Guangming selected the classic "To be or not to be" monologue from Shakespeare's Hamlet, as well as a line from Zhou Chong's Thunderstorm, full of youthful passion and confusion.

One foreign language and one Chinese language, one classical and one modern, can fully demonstrate his linguistic proficiency and emotional expressiveness.

In his physical training class, in addition to maintaining basic dance and martial arts skills, he also specially prepared an original skit that blends opera movements with modern dance elements to showcase the expressiveness and plasticity of the body.

In the most crucial performance segment, Yang Guangming was actually the most relaxed.

Having just endured four months of intensive filming for "In the Heat of the Sun," working tirelessly under Jiang Wen's rigorous demands, his understanding and practical skills in acting far surpass those of ordinary art students. His relaxed, natural demeanor in front of the camera, yet his ability to precisely convey complex emotions, is comparable to many veteran actors.

After watching his impromptu skits, the performance teacher at the training class praised him repeatedly: "Guangming, with your level, you'll definitely have no problem participating in the art exam. Many graduates' performances don't have the same quality as yours."

Yang Guangming simply smiled modestly. He knew his strengths and understood that the art exams valued not only existing acting skills, but also potential, temperament, and whether one possessed the qualities to become a good actor.

To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, his father, Yang Hongwen, used his connections to help him get in touch with two teachers from the Beijing Film Academy's acting department. Although he didn't explicitly say he would "take care" of them, the brief exchange gave Yang Guangming a more intuitive understanding of the exam.

Time flew by amidst the busy preparations. Before we knew it, it was the end of January, and the Lunar New Year was just around the corner.

Zuo Xiaoqing finished her pre-Lunar New Year training camp and took a short winter break. She immediately went to find Yang Guangming.

The two met at a quiet coffee shop. Zuo Xiaoqing took off her sportswear and put on a light yellow sweater with white trousers, looking as fresh as a tender bud in early spring. She had cut her hair short, a neat, ear-length bob that accentuated her delicate face and bright, sparkling eyes.

"Brother Guangming, are you going to take the art exam this year?" Zuo Xiaoqing asked with concern, holding a hot coffee.

"Yeah, I'm preparing to apply to the Beijing Film Academy's acting department." Yang Guangming stirred his coffee. "What about you? What are your plans for the gymnastics team?"

"There's the National Championships after the Spring Festival, and the training schedule is very heavy." Zuo Xiaoqing took a small sip of coffee, her eyes somewhat unfocused. "I probably... can't train for much longer. My coach said that my physical condition, my height has grown too fast, and after my developmental period, it will be difficult for me to achieve better results."

There was a hint of disappointment in her voice. Having trained in gymnastics since childhood, which occupied almost her entire childhood and adolescence, it was inevitable that she would feel lost when suddenly faced with the reality of possible retirement.

Yang Guangming looked at her and asked, "So what do you think? Do you still want to continue practicing?"

Zuo Xiaoqing was silent for a while, then shook her head: "I like it, but I know competitive sports are cruel. I don't want to wait until I'm riddled with injuries before leaving. Maybe... it's time to consider changing direction."

She looked up at Yang Guangming, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Brother Guangming, what do you think... I can do in the future? Can I study acting like you?"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Of course you can. You have a good image, a background in dance, and strong physical expression, which gives you an advantage in studying acting. However, this path is not easy and requires hard work."

“I’m not afraid of hardship,” Zuo Xiaoqing said immediately, her eyes hardening. “I just… don’t know if I can do it.”

"How will you know if you don't try?" Yang Guangming encouraged. "You can first find a professional teacher to evaluate you and see if you have potential. If you are interested, you can prepare for the art exam next year. If you have this plan, I can arrange it for you."

Even if you don't study acting, your foundation will still be useful in other art-related fields.

Zuo Xiaoqing nodded vigorously, as if she had found the right direction: "Okay! I'll listen to you."

Looking at her radiant face, Yang Guangming felt a surge of tenderness in his heart. This girl was well-behaved, sensible, and innocent. He was willing to offer her guidance and support at this turning point in her life, to help her navigate things more smoothly.

The New Year arrives amidst the sound of firecrackers.

The Yang family had an exceptionally lively New Year celebration.

Business on Hong Kong Island is booming, and even the plan to acquire ATV is showing some promise. Yang Hongwen is busy, but full of energy. Chen Zhiyun is worried about her son's art exams and college entrance exams, but she is also full of expectations. Yang Guangming himself is calm and composed, with everything under control.

On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Yang Hongwen flew back to Hong Kong Island. Qiming Capital's investment business was gradually expanding, and he needed to be personally overseeing it. Yang Guangming and Chen Zhiyun stayed in Beijing to continue their final preparations for the art college entrance exams.

In late February, the Beijing Film Academy took the lead in starting enrollment for its art-related majors.

Accompanied by Duan Yunfeng, Yang Guangming went to the Beijing Film Academy's registration site. The registration site was bustling with people, a gathering of handsome men and beautiful women, all brimming with youthful energy and harboring dreams of becoming stars.

The appearance of the bright sunlight caused a small commotion.

He was wearing a simple black down jacket, jeans, and sneakers, but his outstanding height and appearance, as well as his calm and composed demeanor, still made him stand out from the crowd.

Yang Guangming filled out the registration form and submitted his ID card, academic certificate, photo, and other materials. The registration went smoothly, and he received his admission ticket for the preliminary test, scheduled for three days later.

On the day of the preliminary examination, the capital city was still chilly in early spring.

Yang Guangming, still dressed casually, arrived at the Beijing Film Academy campus half an hour early. A large number of candidates and parents had already gathered outside the examination hall, and the atmosphere was tense and anxious.

He found the audition room for the acting department and waited in line. He was surrounded by people his age; some were reciting their lines repeatedly, some were stretching, and some were so nervous that their faces turned pale.

Yang Guangming stood quietly, adjusting his breathing and composure. He wasn't deliberately trying to be low-key, nor was he ostentatious; he simply exuded a natural, prepared, relaxed confidence.

After the preliminary test began, nothing unexpected happened and everything went smoothly.

Stepping out of the examination hall, the spring sunshine warmed him. He knew he had passed the preliminary exam, and his score must have been quite good.

Sure enough, two days later the list of candidates for the re-examination was announced, and Yang Guangming's name was among the top names.

The second round of interviews is similar to the first round, but with higher requirements and a more comprehensive assessment. In addition to the four main components, it also includes impromptu skit collaboration and Q&A sessions with examiners.

For the impromptu skit, Yang Guangming drew the topic "Rainy night, train station, waiting".

He collaborated with two other randomly assigned candidates.

Yang Guangming quickly grasped the core theme of "waiting," portraying a young man anxiously waiting for his lover due to a misunderstanding. He vividly conveyed the emotions of worry, self-blame, and anticipation, and skillfully engaged the other two slightly nervous candidates, making the entire skit complete and dramatic.

During the Q&A session with the examiners, the questions were no longer limited to professional knowledge, but also included understanding of performance, personal experience, and future plans.

"Why did you want to study acting? Was it because of your family background, or because you acted in a film directed by Jiang Wen?" a female examiner asked.

After a moment's thought, Yang Guangming replied, "Both factors have an impact, but the most important thing is that I enjoy it myself. Acting allows me to experience different lives and express rich emotions, which is a wonderful creative process. My family provided me with an environment and enlightenment, and director Jiang Wen's plays gave me practice and confidence, but what ultimately led me to the examination room was my own love for acting and my desire to learn systematically."

"If you get accepted, what are your expectations for university life?"

"I hope to build a solid professional foundation on this excellent platform of Beijing Film Academy, learn systematically from the teachers, and exchange ideas with my classmates."

Yang Guangming's answer was sincere and pragmatic, demonstrating both his own opinions and his humility and eagerness to learn.

After the second round of interviews, Yang Guangming felt he had performed better than in the first round.

A week later, the notification for the third round of auditions arrived. Those who made it to the third round were already among the best of the best.

The third round of examinations featured an even larger panel of examiners, including department heads and senior professors.

The exam formats are also more diverse, including impromptu performances, music sensitivity tests, image association and expression, and comprehensive knowledge Q&A, aiming to comprehensively assess students' imagination, sensitivity, comprehension, expressiveness, and cultural literacy.

The theme of the impromptu performance is "Loss".

Yang Guangming's performance was delicate, restrained, and full of inner tension. It expressed the melancholy of "loss" and the faint sadness of the passage of time in a subtle and moving way, winning the approving glances of the examiners.

The music sensitivity test involved playing a fast-paced, conflict-filled piece of modern music.

Yang Guangming closed his eyes to listen, and then used body language to improvise the emotions he felt—struggle, restraint, breakthrough, brief tranquility, and surging again… His dance moves were not standard dance steps, but they were highly consistent with the emotions of the music and full of primal expressiveness.

Image association: The examiner showed a black and white photograph: a lonely old tree in a barren field.

Yang Guangming gazed for a moment, then slowly began to speak, describing a story about perseverance, time, loneliness, and vitality. His language was beautiful, his imagery rich, and his writing demonstrated his excellent literary skills and imagination.

The comprehensive knowledge-based Q&A covered a wide range of topics, including literature, history, film, and current events. Yang Guangming handled the questions with ease, and many of his insights even impressed the examiners.

When all the exams were over, Yang Guangming walked out of the third exam room with a sense of peace in his heart.

The result is no suspense.

In mid-March, the Beijing Film Academy announced the list of those who passed the professional examination.

Yang Guangming's name is at the top of the list for the acting department, and his professional scores have reached a new high in recent years. This means that as long as his college entrance examination scores reach the undergraduate admission line for arts majors, he will be officially admitted to the acting department of Beijing Film Academy.

Upon learning the results, the Yang family was overjoyed.

Chen Zhiyun was overjoyed and immediately called Yang Hongwen in Hong Kong.

Yang Hongwen laughed loudly on the other end of the phone, saying "good" several times, and immediately expressed that he wanted to celebrate properly.

Yang Guangming himself remained calm. This was entirely expected. Passing the art exam was only the first step. Next, he needed to concentrate on the academic college entrance exam.

He formally submitted his application to skip a grade to the school, providing relevant supporting materials—mainly his excellent first-year high school transcript and the certificate for ranking first nationwide in the Beijing Film Academy's professional examination. After verification and review, the school approved his request to skip a grade and enter the senior year of high school.

It was already late March, with just over three months left until the college entrance examination in July. Senior high school courses had already entered the full review stage.

Yang Guangming transferred to a top-tier senior class for humanities. His arrival caused a minor sensation. After all, a high school sophomore skipping a grade to take the college entrance exam, and already ranking first in the performance department at Beijing Film Academy, was legendary in itself.

But Yang Guangming quickly dispelled everyone's doubts with his abilities. In the first mock exam, he ranked first in the grade.

In subjects like Chinese, history, and politics, which require extensive memorization and comprehension, his demonstrated knowledge and depth of thought astonished both teachers and classmates. His performance in mathematics and English was even more remarkable, achieving perfect scores with clear and agile problem-solving strategies.

He is extremely efficient at learning. He listens attentively in class, completes his homework and reviews in the shortest amount of time after class, and then focuses his energy on filling in the gaps in his knowledge and targeted training.

He even took the time to compile study notes and problem-solving techniques for key and difficult points, and shared them with classmates he got along well with, which earned him everyone's respect and goodwill.

When Zuo Xiaoqing heard about his skipping a grade in the college entrance examination, she was surprised but even more impressed.

In her spare time, she began to think more seriously about her future, privately reading some introductory books on acting and occasionally asking Yang Guangming for advice. Yang Guangming always answered her patiently and recommended some DVDs and plays suitable for beginners.

Four months flew by in the midst of intense review.

The National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) will be held on July 7th, 8th, and 9th.

Parents gathered outside the examination hall, creating a somber atmosphere.

Yang Guangming refused his parents' company and went to the examination center alone. He was calm, as if he were completing a task he had prepared long ago.

The exam papers were handed out, I read the questions, answered them, and my pen traced a smooth path across the paper.

Reading comprehension and composition in Chinese, formula calculation in mathematics, reading comprehension and cloze tests in English, argumentation and analysis in politics and history... all the questions are clear and easy to understand in his eyes, and he answers them smoothly.

After finishing the last exam, I stepped out of the examination hall, the scorching summer sun hitting me in the face. Around me, there were cheers of relief, cries of joy, or silence from the other examinees. Yang Guangming took a deep breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment at the end of a phase of his life.

My high school career has officially come to an end.

He didn't bother checking the answers or estimating his score; it was pointless. He knew he had done well; he'd just wait for the official notification for his exact score.

The following days were a period of complete relaxation. He accompanied his mother shopping, watched a few movies with Zuo Xiaoqing, and occasionally met up with Ning Jing and Tao Hong. Ning Jing had taken on a new role, and Tao Hong was also looking for work; everyone was busy, but when they got together, it was still lively and enjoyable.

Jiang Wen would call him from time to time to update him on the latest progress. With ample funding, the film's post-production and festival submissions went smoothly, and the film had already been submitted to the 51st Venice Film Festival.

The days spent waiting for college entrance exam results and university admission notices were leisurely yet slightly anxious. But for Yang Guangming, the anxiety was minimal; he was more focused on planning his life after being admitted.

July 15th, morning.

Yang Guangming was reading at home when the phone in the living room suddenly rang.

Mother Chen Zhiyun was preparing lunch in the kitchen when Yang Guangming got up to pick her up.

"Hello, hello."

“Guangming! It’s me, Jiang Wen!” Jiang Wen’s loud and excited voice came from the other end of the phone. The background was a bit noisy, as if he wasn’t the only one there.

"Director Jiang, what's wrong? Why are you so happy?" Yang Guangming asked with a smile.

"Great news! Fantastic news!" Jiang Wen's voice trembled with excitement. "Just received the news! The 51st Venice International Film Festival has announced its main competition nominees! Our film, 'In the Heat of the Sun,' has been nominated!"

Yang Guangming paused slightly in the hand holding the receiver.

Although he had expected it, and knew that the film would be a huge success in Venice in the original timeline, hearing the news from Jiang Wen's own mouth still warmed his heart and filled him with a heartfelt joy.

"Really? Are you sure?" Yang Guangming confirmed, his voice tinged with amusement.

"It's absolutely true! The official notification has arrived! Our film, representing mainland China, has been shortlisted for the main competition!" Jiang Wen practically roared, "Bright future! We've succeeded!"

One can imagine how overjoyed Jiang Wen was on the other end of the phone.

This debut film, which embodies his entire heart and soul and has gone through many twists and turns, has finally gained recognition at the world's top film festivals and stepped onto the red carpet of the international stage. This is not just a competition for awards, but also an affirmation of his art.

"That's wonderful! Director Jiang, congratulations! Congratulations everyone!" Yang Guangming said sincerely, "This is an honor that you and the entire crew deserve!"

"Without you, this film wouldn't have made it to Venice! It might not even have been completed!" Jiang Wen said excitedly. "Guangming, you deserve half the credit! I, Old Jiang, will remember this!"

"Director Jiang, you're too kind. It's the result of everyone's joint efforts," Yang Guangming said modestly, then changed the subject, "Such a joyous occasion must be celebrated! Director Jiang, why don't you gather the main cast and crew in Beijing, as well as friends like Wang Shuo, Feng Xiaogang, and Sister Xiaoqing who helped out, and I'll treat everyone to lunch to celebrate!"

"Haha, that's exactly what I've been waiting for!" Jiang Wen laughed. "I'll call people right now! You decide on the place, let me know when it's ready! We absolutely have to have a good drink tonight!"

"Okay, I'll arrange it right away. I'll treat everyone to a big meal at a fancy restaurant at noon. I'll call you when it's booked."

After hanging up Jiang Wen's call, Yang Guangming's smile widened.

He walked to the kitchen door and said to his mother, "Mom, I won't be home for lunch. Director Jiang's film has been selected for the Venice Film Festival, in the main competition. I'll treat them to a celebratory meal."

Chen Zhiyun was chopping vegetables when she heard this and turned around in surprise: "Really? We've been shortlisted for Venice? That's an international award! That's wonderful! You should go, we should celebrate! But drink less!"

"Okay, Mom," Yang Guangming replied, returning to the living room, picking up his mobile phone, and dialing Duan Yunfeng's number.

Duan Yunfeng was sent to Hong Kong Island by Sunshine Capital some time ago to learn and assist at Qiming Capital. On the one hand, it was to improve his abilities, and on the other hand, Sunshine Capital intended to cultivate him into a capable assistant for its future affairs in mainland China.

He studied for half a year, and after a while, he returned not long ago.

The phone rang a few times before being answered.

"Old Duan, it's me."

"Guangming, what are the arrangements?" Duan Yunfeng's voice was as calm and capable as ever, with more confidence and knowledge than before he went to Hong Kong.

"Director Jiang's film has been selected for the main competition at the Venice Film Festival. I'm treating the main cast and crew and some friends to lunch to celebrate. Could you book a place for me? It needs to be high-class, quiet, and have a large private room."

Duan Yunfeng pondered for a moment and immediately said, "Understood. Time is tight, I'll contact them right away. What do you think of the Tan Family Hall at the Beijing Hotel? Their Tan Family cuisine is a representative of official cuisine, and the environment, dishes, and service are all top-notch. The private rooms are also large and private enough. I'll try to see if I can make a reservation."

The Tan Family Hall at the Beijing Hotel was indeed one of the top banquet venues in Beijing during that era, renowned for its exquisite official cuisine and long history, which perfectly suited the scale and atmosphere of this celebration.

"Okay, let's go with that place. Try your best to secure it. If it requires using connections, you handle it directly," Yang Guangming instructed.

With Duan Yunfeng's current abilities and the experience he gained in Hong Kong, he should be able to handle this kind of situation with ease.

"Okay, leave it to me. I'll let you know as soon as it's ordered." Duan Yunfeng agreed readily.

Yang Guangming hung up the phone, feeling cheerful. He walked to the window and looked out at the bright summer sun and lush trees.

The film's selection for Venice is the best reward for all the hard work and dedication of the past few months.

This not only signifies international recognition of the film's artistic value, but also immense commercial potential—overseas copyright prices will soar, and domestic release anticipation and box office returns will significantly increase. His one million dollar investment will yield a very substantial return.

More importantly, this earned him, and his father Yang Hongwen, significant prestige and capital within the domestic cultural sphere and beyond. The investors behind a film that wins an award at an international film festival will naturally be viewed with greater respect.

About twenty minutes later, Duan Yunfeng called back.

"Guangming, it's all set. The largest private room, 'Yihetang,' in the Tan Family Hall of the Beijing Hotel, at noon. I've already confirmed the menu and drinks with the hotel manager, and they've been prepared to the highest standards. Is there anything else you need to add?"

Very efficient. Yang Guangming was very satisfied: "Great, Lao Duan. Let's do it your way, we'll leave at eleven."

"Understood. I'll be downstairs at 11 o'clock sharp."

Yang Guangming put down the phone, glanced at his watch, and saw it was almost 10:30. He went back to his room, changed his clothes, and dressed neatly and appropriately, neither too casual nor overly formal.

At exactly 11:00, Duan Yunfeng drove his black Mercedes-Benz W14 and stopped downstairs on time.

Yang Guangming greeted his mother, went downstairs, and got into the car.

The air conditioning inside the car was on full blast, keeping out the summer heat. Duan Yunfeng was dressed in a well-fitting shirt and trousers, his hair was neatly combed, and he looked energetic and capable, a far cry from the assistant who was mainly responsible for household chores six months ago.

"Are you adjusting well to life on Hong Kong Island?" Yang Guangming asked casually.

"At first, everything felt new and exciting, but I gradually got used to it. I've learned a lot during this time, mainly broadening my horizons," Duan Yunfeng replied, his voice filled with gratitude as he smoothly drove the car out of the residential area. "Thank you, Guangming, for giving me this opportunity."

“It’s because you’re willing to learn and capable.” Yang Guangming smiled. “In the future, as my assistant in mainland China, you will be responsible for arranging and handling many things.”

"My current abilities and vision are still somewhat lacking. I will learn on the job and strive to do my job well," Duan Yunfeng said solemnly.

A black tiger-head motorcycle sped through the streets of Beijing in the summer of the 1990s. Bicycles flowed like a river, and the lush foliage of the Chinese scholar trees along the roadside cast patches of shade. In the distance, construction cranes dotted the construction site, showcasing the city's vibrant and thriving development.

The car passed through Tiananmen Square and headed towards Wangfujing.

Turning onto East Chang'an Avenue, the imposing Beijing Hotel building comes into view.

Duan Yunfeng parked the car smoothly in front of the Beijing Hotel. The doorman immediately stepped forward and respectfully opened the car door.

Yang Guangming got out of the car, straightened his clothes, and nodded to Duan Yunfeng: "Let's go, Lao Duan, let's celebrate properly today." (End of this chapter)