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

When the news of "Love" winning the award reached China, it caused an even bigger sensation than last year.

At 6:00 AM, the first news item on CCTV's "Morning News" was about Cannes: "The 49th Cannes Film Festival closed last night, with the Chinese film 'Amour' winning a record-breaking five major awards, including the Palme d'Or. This is the best result ever achieved by a Chinese film at an A-list international film festival..."

The host announced in a solemn tone: "Director Yang Guangming, only eighteen years old, won the Palme d'Or last year with 'A Separation,' and this year he has won the same honor again with 'Love.' He also won the Best Director award. The film's stars, Lan Tianye and Qin Yi, won Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively. This is a rare occurrence in the history of the Cannes Film Festival—a single film winning five awards..."

The scene shifts to a clip from the Cannes Film Festival awards ceremony. Yang Guangming delivers his speech in French, Lan Tianye and Qin Yi embrace and weep, and the entire audience erupts in applause…

At 7:00 a.m., CCTV's "Oriental Horizon" devoted a full ten minutes to in-depth coverage of the Cannes Film Festival.

The host interviewed several people from the film industry.

In an interview, renowned director Zhang Yimou said, "Yang Guangming's success is not accidental. He has talent and ability, but more importantly, he has his own way of thinking and perseverance. I haven't seen the film 'Love' yet, but judging from the response at Cannes, it is definitely a masterpiece. I am proud of him."

Renowned actress Gong Li said, "I met and chatted with Yang Guangming in Cannes. Although he is young, he has a very profound understanding of film. He respects actors and knows how to guide them. The fact that Lan Tianye and Qin Yi's performances were able to conquer Cannes is inseparable from his directing skills."

In an interview, Liu Guodian, president of the Beijing Film Academy, smiled broadly: "Yang Guangming is a student of our Beijing Film Academy. He won the Best Actor award at Venice the year before last, the Palme d'Or last year, and five awards at Cannes this year. This is the pride of Beijing Film Academy and the pride of Chinese cinema. His success proves the achievements of Chinese film education and also demonstrates the talent and potential of China's young filmmakers."

The entertainment sections of major newspapers were filled with Cannes news.

The People's Daily overseas edition headline reads: "Sunshine Ming wins the Cannes Palme d'Or for the second consecutive year, marking another glorious achievement for Chinese cinema!"

The Guangming Daily headline reads: "Love: A masterpiece about love and dignity!"

The Youth Daily headline reads: "Eighteen-year-old director conquers Cannes, Chinese youth makes history!"

The Beijing Youth Daily headline reads: "Five Awards! Chinese Cinema Achieves a Grand Slam at Cannes!"

Southern Weekly devoted an entire page to an in-depth report titled: "Yang Guangming: The Mozart of the Film Industry!"

The report stated: "Last year, when Yang Ming won the Palme d'Or at the age of seventeen, some people questioned whether he was just a flash in the pan genius."

This year, he gave the most powerful answer with "Love".

This film, about aging, death, and the nature of love, uses calm and restrained cinematography to capture the deepest aspects of human emotion.

It brought tears to the eyes of everyone at Cannes, leaving them deeply moved. Five awards were the highest recognition Cannes could bestow upon this film. And Yang Guangming, at eighteen, winning the Palme d'Or twice—a record that will likely remain unbroken for many years to come.

Discussions about "Love" have flooded various online forums.

"Five major awards! My goodness! Yang Guangming is amazing!"

"The Palme d'Or + Best Director + Best Actor and Actress + Best Screenplay, what kind of divine combination is this?"

"It's said that this movie is about love in old age, starring Lan Tianye and Qin Yi, so it must be very touching."

"When will it be released? I want to see it! I absolutely have to see it!"

"Sunshine is so bright! Forever God!"

Of course, there are also dissenting voices.

"Winning the Palme d'Or twice in a row? That seems too unbelievable! Is there some kind of inside story?"

"How can a Chinese film win five awards? Were the jury bribed?"

But these doubts were quickly drowned out by a greater voice of support.

"Have you seen the movie? If you haven't, don't talk nonsense!"

"The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most impartial film festivals. How could there be any inside story? Even if there were, with such limited experience, Yang Guangming would only be the one being suppressed."

"Yang Guangming's talent is widely recognized, and his films deserve these awards!"

On May 22, after handling all matters in Cannes, Yang Guangming and his entourage boarded a flight back to China.

The atmosphere in first class was relaxed and pleasant.

Lan Tianye leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, a faint smile playing on his lips. Qin Yi flipped through a magazine, occasionally exchanging a few words with Xi Meijuan beside her. Xi Meijuan, a satisfied smile on her face, chatted with Qin Yi about their plans after returning to China. Gu Changwei scribbled in his notebook, seemingly struck by some inspiration.

Han Sanping sat next to Yang Guangming, occasionally taking a phone call to handle domestic affairs.

After each phone call, he would excitedly tell Yang Guangming, "Another leader called to congratulate me!"

"Another media outlet wants to interview me!"

Yang Guangming quietly watched the sea of ​​clouds outside the window, feeling very peaceful.

This trip to Cannes yielded far more results than expected. The five awards are not only a recognition of "Amour" but also a great encouragement to his directing career. More importantly, the international rights sales were impressive, generating $24 million in revenue. With the retained domestic and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan rights, total revenue is expected to exceed $30 million.

This is nothing short of a miracle for an art film with an investment of less than three million RMB.

Having learned from last year's experience, he knew this was just the beginning. Back home, even more work awaited him: preparations for the domestic release, media interviews, his studies, and the filming of music videos for "Wild Geese" and "Night in Ulaanbaatar"...

The plane pierced through the clouds and flew smoothly at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

Yang Ming closed his eyes, letting himself immerse himself in a moment of tranquility.

At 3 p.m., the plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Stepping out of the plane, the familiar air rushed towards me. May in Beijing was already quite hot; under the bright sunshine, I took a deep breath, feeling the familiar scent of home.

The group headed towards the customs checkpoint. Duan Yunfeng pushed a luggage cart with several specially made boxes on it, containing five heavy trophies.

As they walked out of customs and into the arrival hall, the scene before them stunned everyone.

Outside the arrival gate, a dense crowd nearly filled the entire hall. Cameras and video recorders were everywhere, and a forest of handheld recorders and notebooks filled the air. Besides reporters from major media outlets, there were countless fans, film school students, and ordinary citizens who had come after hearing the news.

"They're out! They're out!"

"Sunshine! Look this way!"

"The Palme d'Or! Where is the Palme d'Or trophy?"

Shouts, camera shutters, and the commotion of the crowd blended together, and the intense flashes of light almost turned the sky into daylight.

Airport security personnel maintaining order appeared exceptionally tense and busy.

Yang Guangming walked at the front, wearing a light gray polo shirt and dark casual pants, with a faint smile on his face. He walked with a leisurely pace, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd.

Han Sanping and Duan Yunfeng walked on either side, trying their best to block the way and create a passage.

Staff from the Beijing Film Studio had arrived early, accompanied by several security personnel, and it took them a lot of effort to squeeze their way to the front.

"Guangming! Director Han!" the head of the publicity department called out loudly, "This way! We've arranged a special passage!"

Escorted by staff, the group struggled through the crowd to reach the VIP lounge specially arranged by the airport.

But the reporters wouldn't give up, and they flocked to the door of the lounge, demanding interviews.

Han Sanping and Yang Guangming discussed for a few minutes and decided to hold a brief press conference at the airport.

The door to the lounge opened, and Yang Guangming and his group walked out. Reporters immediately swarmed forward, but were kept at a certain distance by security personnel.

Holding a megaphone, Han Sanping announced loudly, "Dear media friends, thank you for your enthusiasm! We understand your feelings, but this is an airport, and in order not to disrupt order, we have decided to hold a brief press conference here to answer a few of your most pressing questions. The time will be limited to ten minutes, so please maintain order!"

Duan Yunfeng carefully took the five trophies out of the box and handed them to Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming held two trophies in each hand, while Duan Yunfeng helped him hold one. The five trophies gleamed golden under the lights of the airport terminal.

Instantly, a flood of flashes came, so dense that it was hard to open one's eyes.

The photojournalists shouted, "Director Yang! Raise it higher!"

Look this way!

"Displaying all five trophies together!"

Yang Guangming cooperatively raised the trophy, smiling, and let the flashes of the cameras bombard him.

This moment was captured by countless films and cameras, becoming the front-page photo of almost every newspaper the following day.

The brief press conference began, and reporters bombarded the press with questions.

A reporter from CCTV's movie channel got the first question: "Director Yang, first of all, congratulations on making history for you and your team at Cannes! What would you like to say to the audience in China right now?"

Speaking into the microphone, Yang Guangming's voice was clear and steady: "What I want to say most is thank you all for your support and attention. This award belongs to everyone who poured their heart and soul into 'Love,' and also to all the audiences who have always cared about Chinese films. We will continue to work hard to tell Chinese stories through film and convey universal human emotions."

A reporter from the Kyoto Entertainment News asked, "As a director who has won the Palme d'Or twice, what do you think is the biggest change in your life?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and replied, "Changes? Probably not much has changed. I am still me, still a student at the Beijing Film Academy, and still love making movies. Honors are an encouragement, but also a responsibility. They remind me that I must live up to this recognition and continue to make powerful and heartwarming works."

A reporter from the Beijing News asked, "Mr. Lan Tianye and Ms. Qin Yi, you won Best Actor and Best Actress at Cannes, a historic breakthrough for Chinese actors. Could you share your feelings at this moment?"

Lan Tianye calmly replied, "My feelings? Happy, very happy. But more than anything, I feel grateful. I'm grateful to Director Yang for giving us this role, grateful for the hard work of everyone in the crew, and grateful for the support of the audience. This award doesn't belong to me alone; it belongs to all outstanding Chinese actors."

Qin Yi gently replied, "At my age, being able to move people with my performances and win international awards is the greatest happiness for me as an actress. Thank you, Director Yang, and thank you to everyone who loves this film."

The reporter then asked Han Sanping, "Director Han, as the producer, what achievements has 'Love' made in the international copyright sales this time?"

Han Sanping was beaming, but answered cautiously: "The specific figures are still being tallied, but it can be said that the results are very encouraging. This proves that good art films also have huge market value. Beijing Film Studio will continue to support outstanding directors like Yang Guangming, and will continue to promote Chinese films to the world."

Ten minutes passed quickly.

The press conference finally ended after repeated urging from the airport staff. Yang Guangming and his entourage finally broke through the crowd and boarded the minibus arranged by the Beijing Film Studio.

The car drove away from the airport and headed towards the city. Everyone inside breathed a sigh of relief.

"My God..." Xi Meijuan patted her chest, "This scene is even more exaggerated than last year!"

Han Sanping laughed and said, "Of course it's an exaggeration! Last year it was one Palme d'Or, this year it's five! How can you compare them?"

Lan Tianye laughed too: "This is the first time in my life I've experienced something like this. I'm almost seventy years old, and I've become a big star."

Everyone laughed.

The car first took Lan Tianye and Qin Yi back to their residence, and Yang Guangming personally saw them off when they got out of the car.

"Teacher Lan, Teacher Qin, please take a good rest these next few days. We'll need your help with the promotional activities for the film's release later."

Lan Tianye waved his hand: "It's not hard work, it's an honor. Guangming, you should also get some rest. You'll be busy all the way ahead."

Qin Yi held Yang Guangming's hand and said softly, "Guangming, thank you for taking care of me during this time. I'm getting old, and I was a little worried about traveling. But you've arranged everything so well that I don't have to worry about anything. I feel at ease with you."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Teacher Qin, this is what I should do. Please get some rest, and I'll see you in a few days."

After dropping off the two elderly people, the minibus continued towards the sunny courtyard house.

The car stopped at the entrance of the alley. When Yang Guangming got out, he found that a number of people had already gathered in the alley. There were neighbors, movie fans, and a few reporters.

When Yang Guangming got off the bus, everyone applauded.

"Director Yang, congratulations!"

"Director Yang, you're amazing!"

"Director Yang, we support you!"

Yang Guangming smiled and nodded to everyone, then, escorted by Duan Yunfeng, entered the courtyard.

The courtyard gate closed, instantly shutting out the noise outside.

The crabapple blossoms in the courtyard are in full bloom, their pink and white petals exuding a wonderful fragrance.

Wu Fang was already waiting in the yard. When she saw Yang Guangming come in, she quickly went to greet him, her eyes a little red.

"Young Master Ming, you're finally back! The news about you is all over the TV. I watch it every day and I get so excited every time."

Yang Guangming smiled: "Sister Wu, I'm back now."

Wu Fang asked, "Are you hungry? The kitchen has prepared your favorite dishes: Longjing shrimp, braised pork with preserved mustard greens, and tomato beef brisket soup. Wash your face and you can eat right away."

"Okay, thank you, Sister Wu."

Yang Ming returned to his room. The room was spotless, with several books and a potted plant on the desk. Sunlight streamed in through the window, making the whole room warm and bright.

He washed his face, changed into comfortable loungewear, and then went to the dining room.

Zuo Xiaoqing had just entered the room when she saw him come in, and she stood up.

"Brother Guangming."

Yang Guangming walked over and gently kissed her forehead.

"Xiaoqing, I miss you."

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "I miss you too. I see you on the news on TV every day, but I can't see you in person."

The two sat down and began to eat dinner. The chef's skills were as good as ever; the braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens was fatty but not greasy, and the tomato and beef brisket soup was sweet and sour and appetizing.

Zuo Xiaoqing put food on his plate: "Eat more, you must not have eaten well in Cannes these past few days."

Yang Guangming laughed and said, "French food is actually quite delicious, but I still can't get used to it. It's okay to eat it once in a while, but I don't like it if I eat it often."

The two chatted as they ate. Zuo Xiaoqing asked about the details of Cannes, and Yang Guangming recounted them in detail. When he talked about the awards ceremony, Zuo Xiaoqing listened intently.

“Brother Guangming, you didn’t see it. We were all glued to the TV that night, so nervous,” Zuo Xiaoqing said. “We were ecstatic when they won the first Best Screenplay award. We never expected there would be Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, and the Palme d’Or! We screamed every time an award was given out. By the end, our voices were hoarse.”

Yang Guangming smiled: "Really?"

“Of course!” Zuo Xiaoqing’s eyes lit up.

After finishing their meal, the two went to the courtyard and sat under the grape trellis to drink tea.

A cool night breeze carried the faint fragrance of crabapple blossoms. A few stars twinkled in the sky above.

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on Yang Guangming's shoulder and whispered, "Brother Guangming, what are your plans for the future?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment: "I'll rest for a few days first, and then start preparing for the MV shooting. The songs 'Wild Geese' and 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' need to be filmed on location in the grasslands. After I finish these, 'Love' should be released soon, and I'll definitely have to spend a few days promoting it."

Zuo Xiaoqing asked, "Do you need my help with the music video shooting?"

Yang Guangming nodded: "Of course we need to. Chen Hong has been very busy with work lately, so we won't let her come back. I think you're quite suitable for the female lead in 'Wild Geese.' As for who would be suitable for the female lead in 'Night in Ulaanbaatar,' I still need to think about it."

Zuo Xiaoqing was very happy to hear that she would be able to play the female lead in a music video.

She leaned on Yang Guangming's shoulder and whispered, "Brother Guangming, I will try my best."

The two sat quietly for a long time without speaking.

Over the next few days, Yang Guangming began a busy schedule of interviews.

He received one interview after another from major media outlets. CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily, Guangming Daily, China Youth Daily, Beijing Youth Daily, Southern Weekly... almost all mainstream media were lining up to interview him.

Although exhausted, Yang Guangming tried his best to cooperate. He knew that these interviews were not only a focus on him personally, but also on the film industry, and the best form of publicity before the film's release.

In every interview, he repeats similar words: "Film is art, not a competition. Awards are just icing on the cake; the most important thing is the quality of the work itself. I will continue to work hard to make better films."

The reporters were amazed by his maturity and composure. How could an eighteen-year-old boy remain so clear-headed and calm in the face of such a tremendous honor?

One reporter couldn't help but ask, "Director Yang, you're so young, how do you manage to be so calm?"

Yang Guangming chose an answer that aligns with current perceptions: "Because my purpose in making films is not to win awards, but to express myself. Of course, I'm happy to win awards, but it won't change my original intention in making films. I am still me, still the person who loves to tell stories."

During the interview breaks, he also had to handle various work-related matters.

Every day, Duan Yunfeng would bring him a pile of documents to sign: copyright contracts, distribution agreements, letters of intent for cooperation... He had to carefully review each one and confirm that everything was correct before he could sign it.

Han Sanping also frequently called to discuss matters related to the domestic release of the film.

"Guangming, the tentative date is May 28th. What do you think?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "I think it's quite suitable. If the release time is too late, the hype will have already passed."

"Okay, it's settled then. It will be released nationwide on May 28th. You'll be in the spotlight during this period. I know you're very busy, but you still need to take some time to do some promotional work."

"No problem, Director Han."

Besides work, Yang Guangming also has to take time out to handle school matters.

Dean Liu and Director Xie Fei from the Beijing Film Academy both called to say that the school wanted to hold an awards ceremony for him and hoped that he could attend.

Yang Guangming agreed.

The commendation ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon of the day after tomorrow.

On this day, Yang Guangming arrived at school on time. The campus was exceptionally lively, with banners hanging everywhere. The banner hanging at the school gate read: "Warmest congratulations to our student Yang Guangming for winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes for the second consecutive time!"

Upon entering the auditorium, it was already packed. Almost the entire faculty and student body were present, along with numerous media reporters.

Yang Guangming was invited to the stage. Dean Liu personally presented him with the "Outstanding Alumni Award" trophy and certificate.

"Yang Guangming, with his talent and hard work, has won great honor for Chinese cinema and added glory to the Beijing Film Academy." Dean Liu's voice echoed in the auditorium. "He is our pride, and the pride of all Chinese filmmakers!"

The audience erupted in applause.

As Yang Guangming stood on the stage, looking at the dense crowd below and those young faces, a complex emotion welled up in his heart.

He took the microphone and began to speak:

"Thank you, Dean Liu, thank you, teachers, and students. I feel honored and deeply moved to stand here."

Two years ago, I stepped into the gates of the Beijing Film Academy, just like all my classmates, filled with a love and aspirations for film. It was the teachers at the school who taught me what film is, what art is, and what responsibility is.

The success of "Love" is not my success alone. It belongs to everyone who poured their heart and soul into this film, and to all the teachers who taught me. Without their meticulous guidance, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Honors are an encouragement, but even more so, they are a responsibility. They remind me that I must continue to work hard, create better works, and live up to everyone's expectations.

thank you all. "

Applause erupted again.

After the commendation ceremony, Yang Guangming was surrounded by his classmates, asking for autographs, photos, and questions. He answered them all patiently and gently.

He didn't leave the school until evening and returned to his courtyard house. (End of Chapter)