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

At 2 p.m. on May 26, Yang Guangming and his entourage landed at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Stepping off the plane, the familiar atmosphere of Beijing was immediately apparent. Late May in Beijing was already quite hot; under the bright sunshine, I took a deep breath and savored the taste of home.

Duan Yunfeng walked ahead, pushing several large suitcases—containing all the film footage he had shot in the past few days, as well as some local specialties given to him by the herdsmen.

"Finally back." Zhang Yadong stretched. "The grasslands are beautiful, but Beijing is still the most comfortable."

Huo Tingxiao also smiled: "These past few days of shooting have been so worthwhile. Every frame of the footage is as beautiful as a painting."

Zuo Xiaoqing and Gao Yuanyuan walked behind, both tired but with satisfied smiles on their faces. The past few days of filming on the grassland had given them many firsts—their first time riding a horse, their first time staying in a yurt, and their first time filming under the starry sky of the grassland.

Yang Guangming turned to Gao Yuanyuan and said, "Yuanyuan, are you tired? Go back and get some rest."

Gao Yuanyuan nodded: "Brother Guangming, you should also get some rest. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "You acted well. Go back and study hard. The college entrance exam is coming soon. It's the final sprint, so you need to work harder."

"Mm." Gao Yuanyuan nodded seriously.

As the group exited the airport, three minivans were already waiting at the exit. This was arranged in advance by Duan Yunfeng; two vehicles would take the filming team, and one would take Yang Guangming and the others back to their courtyard house.

The car left the airport and headed towards the city.

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on Yang Guangming's shoulder and quickly fell asleep. The filming schedule these past few days had been very demanding; she filmed "Wild Geese" during the day and then spent her evenings watching playback with Yang Guangming, which had truly exhausted her.

Chen Hong didn't come to pick me up at the airport today. She just returned from Hong Kong Island a couple of days ago and is at home preparing dinner.

Yang Guangming gently embraced Zuo Xiaoqing, looking at the street scene outside the window.

In May, Beijing is lush and green everywhere. The locust trees along the roadside are in full bloom, and their fragrance seems to waft in through the car windows.

The car stopped at the entrance of the alley. Yang Guangming gently woke Zuo Xiaoqing: "We're here."

Zuo Xiaoqing opened her eyes and, still groggy, followed them off the bus.

As they entered the courtyard, Chen Hong came out to greet them. Seeing the three of them, a smile bloomed on her face: "You're back? You must be exhausted!"

Yang Guangming walked over and kissed her on the forehead: "You're alright. How about you? When did you arrive?"

“We arrived the day before yesterday.” Chen Hong took his arm. “We’ve prepared a welcome feast for you. Come in quickly.”

Zuo Xiaoqing walked over and hugged Chen Hong: "Sister Chen Hong."

Chen Hong patted her on the back: "You've worked hard, Xiaoqing. Go take a shower, change your clothes, and we'll eat later."

Inside the restaurant, Wu Fang had already prepared a sumptuous meal: steamed sea bass, braised prawns, sweet and sour pork ribs, water spinach with garlic, and a large bowl of tomato and egg soup.

The four sat around the dining table, eating and chatting.

When Chen Hong asked about the filming on the grassland, Zuo Xiaoqing talked about the tension of riding horses, filming under the starry sky, and the bonfire party with the herdsmen. The two became more and more excited as they talked.

Chen Hong listened with a smile in her eyes: "It seems that the filming went very smoothly. I am looking forward to the final product."

Yang Guangming nodded: "The footage is excellent, and the two actors' performances are also outstanding. With proper post-production, these two music videos will be just as good as the movie."

Over the next few days, Yang Guangming immersed himself in the intense post-production work.

In the editing room of Beijing Film Studio, he and the editors selected footage frame by frame and adjusted the rhythm again and again.

For the music video of "Wild Geese," he wanted to capture the solitude amidst the vastness, perfectly blending the grassland scenes, Zuo Xiaoqing's gaze, and shots of wild geese flying by.

"This shot is great," the editor said, pointing to the screen. "The eyes are particularly expressive."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Yes, keep it. Add another long shot in front to further enhance the feeling of her insignificance standing between heaven and earth."

For the music video of "Night in Ulaanbaatar," he wanted to capture the longing in tranquility and the sorrow in the night. Gao Yuanyuan's stroll under the starry sky, her pause in front of the old yurt, and her glance back by the campfire—every shot had to be as beautiful as a poem.

"This shot of the starry sky is so beautiful," the editor exclaimed. "Yuanyuan standing under the starry sky, it really feels like a dream."

Yang Guangming looked at the screen, feeling quite satisfied.

Besides editing, he also had to compose music, grade colors, and add special effects. Although it was just a music video, he demanded that every frame have a cinematic quality.

The group worked together and made adjustments repeatedly.

On June 3rd, the initial cuts of the music videos for "Wild Geese" and "Night in Ulaanbaatar" were completed.

Yang Guangming read through both versions and then said, "It still needs further adjustments. Slow down the pace and add more white space."

The editor was somewhat surprised: "Director Yang, this is already very slow."

Yang Guangming shook his head: "It's not enough. This isn't a movie edit, it's a music video. The most important thing is aesthetics. These two songs aren't about speed, they're about atmosphere. We need to give the audience time to immerse themselves in them and feel those emotions."

The editor nodded and continued making adjustments.

On June 5th, the final versions of both music videos were completed.

Yang Guangming invited Zhang Yadong, Huo Tingxiao, and Gu Changwei to watch the finished film together.

The lights in the screening room dimmed.

Scenes from "Wild Geese" appeared on the screen.

A vast grassland, a winding river, and distant hills. Zuo Xiaoqing stood between heaven and earth, the wind blowing her skirt and hair. She gazed into the distance, her eyes empty, yet seemingly filled with many things.

As wild geese flew by, her thoughts drifted away with them. All those past events, all those unspoken words, transformed into silent sighs in this vast天地 (heaven and earth).

The scene shifts to sunset, with golden sunlight bathing the grassland. Zuo Xiaoqing walks in the twilight, her shadow stretching long and thin.

In the final shot, she stands in front of the yurt, gazing into the distance. The screen gradually darkens, leaving only her eyes shining.

After "Wild Geese" ends, "Night in Ulaanbaatar" follows.

Night fell, and the starry sky shone brightly. Gao Yuanyuan stood beneath the stars, gazing up at the heavens. Her eyes held longing, sorrow, and an indescribable tenderness.

The wind ruffled the hem of her dress, but she remained motionless, standing there quietly.

The scene shifts, and she pauses in front of an old yurt, her fingers gently tracing the weathered wooden door. She turns back by the campfire, the firelight flickering on her face.

In the final shot, she walks into the night, further and further away, until she disappears into the starry sky.

The screening room was quiet.

As the lights came on, Zhang Yadong was the first to speak: "Director Yang, that's great. It's even better than I expected."

Huo Tingxiao nodded in agreement: "The visuals are stunning. Every frame could be a wallpaper."

As a cinematographer, Gu Changwei understands the quality of images best: "Director Yang, although this shoot was for a music video, it was the one I put the most effort into. Your strict requirements have brought these two works to the highest level of cinematic quality."

Yang Guangming looked at the screen and felt quite satisfied.

"Okay, that's all. Thank you everyone for your hard work."

On June 6th, Yang Guangming organized all the music video materials—including the previously filmed "Too Softhearted," "The Moon Caused the Trouble," "Norwegian Wood," and "At Least I Still Have You," as well as the two newly completed works—and burned them onto a CD, preparing to have it sent to Yan Pingsheng.

Before sending it out, he called Yan Pingsheng.

"Mr. Yan, all the music videos are finished. All six have reached the highest level of film quality."

On the other end of the phone, Yan Pingsheng's voice was filled with surprise: "Young Master Ming, this is wonderful! I've been waiting for this day for so long! When can you send me the materials? I'll arrange the publicity right away!"

Yang Guangming smiled: "Don't worry, I'll have someone send it over tomorrow. You can check the quality first, and then arrange the publicity plan." "Okay! I'll fly to Beijing tomorrow!" Yan Pingsheng couldn't wait. "Young Master Ming, I'll go pick it up myself and discuss the publicity plan with you while I'm at it."

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "Okay, then come over. Let's talk face to face."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair.

The pomegranate flowers outside the window are in full bloom, as red as fire.

The six music videos were in preparation from the end of April to the beginning of June, taking more than a month to complete. This included a trip to Cannes and promotional activities for the film "Amour," but the project was ultimately finished.

Now, let's see how the market reacts.

On the afternoon of June 7th, Yan Pingsheng arrived in Beijing.

Yang Guangming personally went to the airport to pick him up. Although the two often talked on the phone, they didn't meet in person very often. Yan Pingsheng was in his early forties, of medium build, and wore gold-rimmed glasses, looking refined and capable.

"Young Master Ming!" Yan Pingsheng quickly stepped forward and shook Yang Guangming's hand. "Long time no see!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "President Yan, you've worked hard, making a special trip for this."

"It's no trouble at all!" Yan Pingsheng waved his hands repeatedly. "Your album is my most important work this year. I wouldn't feel at ease if I didn't come in person."

The two got into the car and drove towards the city.

In the car, Yan Pingsheng couldn't wait to ask about the music video. Yang Guangming briefly explained the filming process, and Yan Pingsheng listened intently.

"Filming on the grasslands? That's such a great idea!" Yan Pingsheng exclaimed. "The songs 'Wild Geese' and 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' should definitely be filmed on the grasslands. Only that sense of vastness can fully bring out the mood of the songs."

Yang Guangming nodded: "The material is indeed very good. Take a look in a bit, and you can adjust it if you're not satisfied."

"Satisfied, absolutely satisfied!" Yan Pingsheng laughed. "Young Master Ming is a top-notch director. It's a great use of his talents to personally shoot this music video. Anything produced by Young Master Ming is bound to be a masterpiece."

The car drove into the alley and stopped at the entrance of the courtyard house.

Yan Pingsheng got out of the car and looked at the quiet courtyard house with admiration in his eyes: "Young Master Ming, this place is really nice. It's so rare to have a courtyard like this in Beijing."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "If President Yan likes it, please stay a few more days."

The two entered the courtyard. Chen Hong and Zuo Xiaoqing were not there; Chen Hong had gone to Hong Kong to discuss her new film, and Zuo Xiaoqing had gone back to school. The courtyard was quiet, with only the sound of cicadas.

Yang Guangming led Yan Pingsheng into the study and put the CD containing six music videos into the player.

"Mr. Yan, please take a look first."

Yan Pingsheng nodded, his eyes already fixed on the screen.

The first song is the music video for "Too Softhearted." Chen Hong plays a white-collar worker in the city, living a monotonous life, experiencing high work pressure and relationship troubles. One night, walking home alone, she sees couples on the street and is reminded of her past love, feeling a pang of sadness. Finally, she returns home, turns on the lights, and continues her solitary life.

The scene is warm yet tinged with a touch of sadness, and Chen Hong's performance is delicate and nuanced.

Yan Pingsheng nodded repeatedly as he read.

The second song is "The Moon Caused the Trouble." Zuo Xiaoqing plays a girl who meets a boy by chance in a park; they become acquainted because of a book. Several subsequent "accidental" encounters are actually orchestrated by the boy. Finally, under the moonlight, the boy musters the courage to confess his feelings.

The visuals are bright and warm, and Yang Guangming's acting skills are beyond question. Zuo Xiaoqing's performance is equally lively and natural, exuding youthful energy.

Yan Pingsheng's eyes lit up.

The third song is "Norwegian Wood." Gao Yuanyuan plays a girl who frequents a used bookstore. There, she meets a boy, and the two become acquainted through the same book, exchanging a few brief conversations. Later, the boy disappears, but the girl continues to visit the bookstore, searching for traces of him among the books. Until one day, she finds a drawing on the back of her library card—a portrait of her drawn by the boy.

The visuals are artistic and detached, and Gao Yuanyuan's performance is restrained yet deeply affectionate, with untold stories in her eyes.

Yan Pingsheng took a deep breath.

The fourth song was "At Least I Still Have You," which Yan Pingsheng didn't skip. The visuals were a montage of clips from "Love," interspersed with shots of Yang Guangming singing. Lan Tianye and Qin Yi's performance, coupled with their heartfelt vocals, was enough to bring tears to the eyes of viewers.

Although this music video had already been used for promotion, and Yan Pingsheng had watched it many times, he still couldn't help but be deeply moved when he watched it again.

The fifth poem is "Wild Geese." Vast grasslands, winding rivers, distant hills. Zuo Xiaoqing stands between heaven and earth, her eyes empty, yet seemingly filled with many things. Wild geese fly by, and her thoughts drift away with them.

The scene was so beautiful that Yan Pingsheng was deeply moved.

The sixth song is "Night in Ulaanbaatar." Night falls, the starry sky is dazzling. Gao Yuanyuan stands beneath the stars, looking up at the heavens. Her eyes hold longing, sorrow, and an indescribable tenderness. She walks into the night, further and further away, until finally disappearing beneath the stars.

Gao Yuanyuan looks absolutely stunning in the photos; she's breathtakingly beautiful.

After all six music videos finished playing, Yan Pingsheng sat there without saying a word for a long time.

Yang Guangming handed him the tea: "Mr. Yan, have some tea."

Yan Pingsheng took the teacup, took a sip, and then looked up at Yang Guangming.

“Young Master Ming.” His voice was a little hoarse. “I’ve been in the record industry for so many years and have seen countless music videos. But I’ve never seen one like you.”

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Mr. Yan, you flatter me."

"It's not an overstatement," Yan Pingsheng said earnestly. "Every single one of these six music videos has the highest quality cinematic feel. The visuals, performances, music, and emotions are all spot on. Especially 'Wild Geese' and 'Night in Ulaanbaatar,' they're practically blockbuster level. As expected of a Palme d'Or winner, the effect is just different; it's truly breathtaking!"

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Young Master Ming, with these six music videos, our promotion will be much easier. We can launch a full-scale campaign on TV stations, radio stations, and music channels."

Yang Guangming nodded: "President Yan, you are in full charge of the publicity. I don't know much about these things, you are the professional."

Yan Pingsheng smiled: "Don't worry, Young Master Ming, I will definitely do my best to promote this album."

The two chatted for a while longer about the promotional plan.

Yan Pingsheng, with his rich experience, quickly came up with a complete plan: first, promote the two main songs, "At Least I Still Have You" and "Too Softhearted," through television and radio, and then gradually release other songs, along with the release of music videos, to form a comprehensive publicity offensive.

"Young Master Ming, how much publicity can you provide?" Yan Pingsheng asked.

Yang Guangming thought for a moment: "Time is limited. I still have my studies and film projects. But I can make time to attend important announcements."

Yan Pingsheng nodded: "That's good. We don't need a lot, but quality. You just need to attend a few of the most important announcements, and we'll take care of the rest."

And that was the end of it.

That evening, Yang Guangming treated Yan Pingsheng to dinner and then took him back to his hotel.

On June 8th, Yan Pingsheng flew back to Hong Kong Island with a CD containing six music videos.

In the days that followed, Yang Guangming had a rare moment of leisure.

The film "Love" has been in theaters for ten days. Although its box office performance is not as explosive as that of "Love Letter", it is still a very good result for an art film.

Han Sanping called to deliver the good news: "Guangming! The domestic box office of 'Love' has exceeded 40 million! That's higher than 'A Separation'!"

Yang Guangming was not surprised: "Director Han, thank you for your hard work."

"It's no trouble at all!" Han Sanping laughed. "This is all I can do, so I'll definitely do it well. By the way, what are the plans for the future? Are you preparing for a new movie?"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "I'm still considering it. Let's talk about it during summer vacation."

"Okay, I'll wait for your message."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair.

The pomegranate blossoms outside the window are even more vibrant, though some have already begun to fade. Summer has truly arrived.

After Yan Pingsheng returned to Hong Kong Island, Asia Records officially launched the promotional plan for the album "18". (End of this chapter)