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

Mid-August, BJ.

Yang Guangming has had a rare period of leisure lately.

The promotional work for the album "18" was proceeding smoothly under Yan Pingsheng's management. Although he didn't need to do too many promotional appearances, the occasional appearances on important programs, along with media interview requests, still took up a considerable amount of his time.

Zuo Xiaoqing was on summer vacation and spent every day by his side. Chen Hong would occasionally fly back from Hong Kong Island to stay for a few days before leaving again. The three of them had gradually gotten used to this way of getting along, and their days were peaceful and fulfilling.

That afternoon, Yang Guangming was sitting in the courtyard drinking tea when his phone rang.

The caller ID showed Han Sanping.

"Bright future!" Han Sanping's voice on the other end of the phone was filled with undisguised joy. "Good news! The box office statistics for 'Love' in mainland China are in!"

Yang Guangming put down his teacup and said calmly, "Director Han, please speak."

"Eighty-eight million!" Han Sanping's voice rose eight octaves. "Guangming, eighty-eight million! For an art film to gross this much is simply a miracle!"

Yang Guangming smiled: "It's even better than 'A Separation,' it's really good."

"Not bad? This is more than just not bad, it's a huge success!" Han Sanping exclaimed excitedly. "You have no idea how many people in the industry are talking about this right now. An art film about love in old age, without any commercial elements or grand scenes, relying purely on emotion to move the audience, has grossed nearly 90 million! What does that mean? This is a phenomenon!"

Yang Guangming was also very happy to hear Han Sanping's excitement.

"A Separation" grossed over 70 million yuan at the Chinese box office, setting a record for art-house films at the time. "Amour" was able to go even further on that basis, indicating that audiences are becoming more accepting of this type of high-quality art-house film, and also demonstrating the significant influence of the Palme d'Or's five awards.

"Director Han, thank you for your hard work," Yang Guangming said sincerely. "You've put a lot of effort into the publicity and distribution during this period."

"It's not hard work at all!" Han Sanping laughed. "It's my honor to produce for a director like you. Guangming, you have no idea how much everyone at the Beijing Film Studio treasures you now. You've brought so much prestige and success to the studio!"

After chatting for a few more minutes, Han Sanping changed the subject and began to inquire about Yang Guangming's next plan.

"Guangming, do you have any ideas for your next film?" Han Sanping asked expectantly. "I know you just finished your album and music video, but shouldn't we start preparing for the movie too? You just won five Cannes awards, and your popularity is at its peak. It's the perfect time to strike while the iron is hot."

Yang Guangming remained silent for a few seconds.

Han Sanping continued, "Don't worry, just ask, and we'll provide manpower, funding, and equipment. Beijing Film Studio will give you our full support. Whatever you want to film, we'll film it!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Director Han, don't be in a hurry. I do have some ideas, but they're not ready yet."

"It's good that you have an idea, it's good that you have an idea!" Han Sanping said repeatedly. "Then take your time to think it over, and let me know whenever you've made up your mind. There's no rush, good things come to those who wait."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair, looking at the grape trellis above his head.

He has many options for what to make his next film.

Any one of the classic works from the original timeline could be an excellent subject. But now he has to consider not only "what to film," but also "when to film."

His workload has increased a bit in the last two years.

From "A Separation" to "Love" and then to "Love Letter," he filmed three movies back-to-back, interspersed with Cannes, the Spring Festival Gala, record releases, music videos, and more. Although he is young and energetic, such high-intensity work definitely requires him to catch his breath.

Moreover, he also has studies to attend.

Although the school has been very lenient with him, with Dean Liu and Director Xie Fei saying that he can focus on his creative work and not to worry too much about his studies, he is still a student after all and cannot be completely ignored.

More importantly, the album's popularity is only just beginning.

Sales of his album "18" are still climbing, his six music videos are being played on television, and his songs are occupying the top spots on various charts.

In this situation, announcements, invitations, and interviews just wouldn't stop. Even if he didn't want to leave, Yan Pingsheng needed his cooperation from time to time.

At this point, it's really unrealistic to immerse oneself in a film crew and film for several months straight.

After thinking it over, Yang Guangming decided to slow down.

Not in a hurry.

Take it easy.

He has plenty of time and good scripts.

The most important thing now is to enjoy this rare holiday, spend time with the people around me, and also finish up the album promotion work.

As for the next movie, we'll talk about it after the hype surrounding this album has died down.

In the evening, Zuo Xiaoqing returned from outside.

She was wearing a light pink dress, her hair was tied in a ponytail, she was carrying a bag of fruit, and she had a smile on her face.

"Brother Guangming, I bought peaches, they're really sweet!" She walked over to Yang Guangming and put the bag on the stone table.

Yang Guangming picked up a peach, looked at it, then put it down and put his arm around her waist: "Where did you go this afternoon?"

"I went shopping with my classmates." Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder. "We spent the whole afternoon shopping and bought quite a few things. I also bought you a few clothes."

Zuo Xiaoqing nodded and asked, "Didn't you say that the box office results for 'Love' in mainland China would be released in the next few days? Is there any news?"

"Old Han just told me this afternoon," Yang Guangming said truthfully, "88 million in the mainland."

Zuo Xiaoqing's eyes lit up immediately: "So many! Brother Guangming, you're amazing!"

"It's alright," Yang Guangming smiled.

"What do you mean 'not bad'!" Zuo Xiaoqing said seriously, "An art film that makes 88 million is 'not bad'? Brother Guangming, your standards are too high!"

Seeing her earnest expression, Yang Guangming couldn't help but laugh: "Alright, alright, I was being too modest. So, how do you suggest we celebrate?"

Zuo Xiaoqing thought for a moment and said, "I'll cook for you tonight and make you something delicious!"

"You cook?" Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised. "You can cook?"

"I'm learning," Zuo Xiaoqing said a little shyly. "I might not be doing very well, but I will try my best."

As Yang Guangming looked at her, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

"Okay." Yang Guangming was willing to offer encouragement. "Then I'll look forward to tasting your cooking."

That evening, Zuo Xiaoqing indeed cooked.

She worked in the kitchen for over an hour, with a chef guiding her, and finally served three dishes and a soup: scrambled eggs with tomatoes, shredded pork with green peppers, stir-fried bok choy, and a bowl of seaweed and egg drop soup.

The presentation was so-so, but the taste was surprisingly good. Even though there was a chef giving me pointers, this good start gave me the motivation.

Yang Guangming ate very attentively, praising each dish. Zuo Xiaoqing sat opposite him, watching him eat with a satisfied smile on her face.

In mid-August, Yang Guangming received a phone call from Fan Bingbing.

On the other end of the phone, Fan Bingbing's voice was full of joy: "Director Yang! I received my admission letter from Beijing Film Academy!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Congratulations, Bingbing."

"Thank you, Director Yang!" Fan Bingbing's voice trembled with excitement. "I can finally call you 'senior' openly! When I start school, we'll be alumni!"

Yang Guangming chuckled at her words: "Yes, fellow alumnus. When are you coming to Beijing?" "In the next few days!" Fan Bingbing replied. "I want to get there as soon as possible to familiarize myself with the environment. Director Yang, can I see you when I arrive? I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Yang Guangming roughly guessed what it was about.

“Okay,” he said. “Call me when you arrive and I’ll arrange a time.”

"Thank you, Director Yang!" Fan Bingbing said repeatedly. "I won't bother you any longer. I'll call you when I arrive!"

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair, reminiscing about the days he spent on the set of "Love Letter" a year ago.

Back then, Fan Bingbing was lively and energetic, always chattering. She almost cried after six takes, but in the blink of an eye, she could smile with her eyes crinkling. She said she wanted to apply to the Beijing Film Academy, that she wanted to be his junior, and that she wanted to be his leading lady in the future.

Now, she has actually passed the exam.

Yang Guangming felt a mix of emotions.

This girl's perseverance and determination are truly remarkable.

Two days later, Fan Bingbing called again.

She had arrived in Beijing and was staying at a hotel. Yang Guangming arranged to meet her at a coffee shop the following afternoon.

At 2 p.m. the next day, Yang Guangming appeared at the coffee shop right on time.

This is a small shop near Houhai Lake, with a quiet environment and not many customers. Yang Guangming asked for a secluded corner, ordered two cups of coffee, and waited for Fan Bingbing to arrive.

Not long after, the door to the cafe was pushed open, and a girl walked in.

Fan Bingbing has changed quite a bit in the past six months.

She had grown taller, her features had matured, and her baby fat had begun to fade, revealing a delicate and beautiful profile. She was wearing a light yellow dress, her hair was down, and she looked much more mature than when we first met a year ago.

But those eyes were still so bright, with the liveliness and playfulness unique to young girls.

Seeing the bright sunlight, her eyes lit up, and she quickly walked over.

"Director Yang!" She sat down opposite him, a bright smile spreading across her face. "It's so good to see you again!"

Yang Guangming smiled: "Bingbing, long time no see. How are you doing in Beijing these past few days? How are you adjusting?"

“It’s great!” Fan Bingbing nodded. “My mom came with me, and we’re staying in a hotel for now. We’re planning to rent a place in a suitable location. I’ve been looking around these past few days to get familiar with the area.”

She paused, her eyes curving into crescents: "The thought of getting into Beijing Film Academy soon and becoming your classmate makes me so excited!"

Yang Guangming pushed the coffee in front of her: "Have some coffee, and talk slowly."

Fan Bingbing picked up her cup, took a sip, then put it down and said seriously, "Director Yang, I've come to see you today because I have something important to discuss with you."

"what's up?"

Fan Bingbing took out a stack of documents from her bag and handed them to Yang Guangming.

“Director Yang, look.” She pointed to the documents, “These are all the agencies that have contacted me this past year. There are agencies from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. They all said they wanted to sign me, and they promised me a lot of things, like making me the leading lady, putting me in big productions, and making me a big star…”

Yang Guangming flipped through the information and found that there were indeed quite a few. Several well-known mainland companies, as well as several Hong Kong and Taiwan companies, were on the list.

"What are you thinking?" Yang Guangming asked.

Fan Bingbing looked at him and said earnestly, "Director Yang, do you still remember what you said to me on set a year ago?"

The sunlight nodded.

Of course he remembers.

At that time, Fan Bingbing said she wanted to apply to the Beijing Film Academy, but was afraid she wouldn't pass. He told her that once she got into the Beijing Film Academy, he would have her sign with his agency and make her his leading lady.

“I’ve always remembered it.” Fan Bingbing’s voice was soft but earnest. “Throughout this year, every time someone came to me, I said I wasn’t considering it for the time being. My mom asked me which company I wanted to sign with, and I said I’d wait until I got into Beijing Film Academy. Actually, I had already decided in my heart that as long as you still wanted me, I would only sign with you.”

She looked up at Yang Guangming, her eyes sparkling: "Director Yang, do you still stand by what you said before?"

Yang Guangming looked at her and remained silent for a few seconds.

“It counts,” he said.

Fan Bingbing was stunned for a moment, and then her eyes slowly reddened.

She blinked hard, forcing back the heat, then flashed a big smile: "Thank you, Director Yang!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "No need to thank me. I always keep my word."

He paused, then continued, "But Bingbing, you need to think this through. Signing with me might not be as good as you expect. Although Asian Films has a talent agency business, it mainly targets the Hong Kong market. If you sign with me, it might not be as glamorous as those big companies promise."

Fan Bingbing shook her head: "Director Yang, I don't care about those things."

Her tone was firm: "I just want to work with you. Not because you can give me any resources, but because I trust you and feel safe with you. If I sign with another company, they might just sell me out."

And I've always kept in mind everything you taught me. You said to do everything seriously, you said acting is an expression of emotion, not just a release of emotion, you said to believe in yourself. These words are more important than any promise.

Yang Guangming was touched by her earnest expression.

“Okay,” he said. “Since you’ve thought it through, it’s settled then. I’ll have someone from Asian Films come over to sign a management contract with you.”

Fan Bingbing nodded vigorously, her smile as bright as the sun.

The two chatted for a while longer, then Fan Bingbing suddenly remembered something and asked, "Director Yang, what about Sister Yuanyuan? How is she doing?"

Yang Guangming said, "She also got into the Beijing Film Academy this year, you should know that, right?"

Fan Bingbing nodded: "I know! I specifically asked her, and she said she also passed the exam, and her academic scores were much higher than mine. That's amazing!"

She paused for a moment, then said, "Director Yang, does Sister Yuanyuan have a management company now? I keep in touch with her often, and she told me that after filming your music video, many people contacted her, even more than she contacted me."

Yang Guangming was stunned for a moment.

He had never actually asked Gao Yuanyuan about this.

When Gao Yuanyuan was filming the music video on the grassland last time, she did mention that some people had approached her, but she declined, saying she wanted to focus on preparing for the college entrance examination. Now that the college entrance examination is over and she has been admitted to the Beijing Film Academy, especially after filming the music video, her popularity has been so high that she should definitely consider signing a management contract.

“It hasn’t been signed yet,” Yang Guangming said. “I’ll ask her later.”

Fan Bingbing had her own ideas and pleaded, "Director Yang, please sign Sister Yuanyuan too! If we're both on the same team, we can work together on your films in the future!"

Seeing her excited expression, Yang Guangming smiled and said, "You certainly know how to think of others."

"Sister Yuanyuan is so good to me!" Fan Bingbing said earnestly. "We've always kept in touch, and she often encourages me. We've agreed to act together in the future. Director Yang, please sign her too!"

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, I'll ask her."

Fan Bingbing was so happy she almost jumped up: "That's great! From now on, we'll be fellow disciples!"

Seeing her so happy warmed Yang Guangming's heart. (End of Chapter)