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

As Yan Pingsheng predicted, the news of Billboard's top-ranked billboard caused a sensation in China.

The next morning, the front page of the Beijing Entertainment News featured a striking headline: "Sunshine Makes History! 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' Tops Billboard!"

The editor deliberately chose bold red font, and the entire page was almost filled with this news. The accompanying picture was a large photo of Yang Guangming at his concert in Los Angeles. He had his eyes closed, was holding a microphone, and had a vast blue sea of ​​light behind him.

The report stated: "According to the latest Billboard charts, the song 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' from the album '18' by Chinese young artist Yang Guangming ranked number one, becoming the first Chinese-language number one single in Billboard history."

This marks the first time an Asian artist has topped the Billboard charts, a milestone moment for Chinese music on the world stage.

The article devotes considerable space to a detailed review of Sunshine Ming's performance in Los Angeles, and the reporter also interviewed several American audience members who watched the show live.

A middle-aged audience member named John said to the camera, "I've never heard music like this before. Although I don't understand the lyrics, the emotions touched me deeply. I cried, I don't know why, I just cried."

His eyes were still a little red as he said this, as if he was still immersed in the emotions of that night.

Another Chinese audience member expressed his feelings in slightly broken Chinese: "When 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' started playing, I was completely stunned. At that moment, I suddenly missed home so much, I missed my parents, I missed the alley where I lived when I was a child, and even the old locust tree at the entrance of the alley appeared clearly in my mind. Yang Guangming's singing brought my soul back to my hometown."

The Southern Metropolis Daily's headline was even more direct and exaggerated—"Sunshine Conquers North America! Billboard Tops the Charts, Chinese Rank Number One!"

The report described it with an almost excited tone: "This week's latest Billboard charts have once again become Sunshine Ming's personal showcase."

"Night in Ulaanbaatar" topped the charts, becoming the first Chinese-language single to reach number one on Billboard. "Wild Geese" ranked fourth, "At Least I Still Have You" ranked eighteenth... Five songs simultaneously broke into the top thirty, an unprecedented achievement for an Asian singer, truly groundbreaking.

Industry insiders have remarked that Yang Guangming is rewriting the history of world music brick by brick with his singing.

Xinmin Evening News took a different approach, offering a rather in-depth analysis from a cultural perspective: "Yang Guangming's success once again eloquently proves the enduring charm of Chinese culture."

His singing voice contains the unique subtlety and deep emotion of the East, the vastness and desolation of the grasslands, the tranquility and serenity of mountains and rivers, and the warmth and life of the human world.

This sentiment is universal, transcending language and national borders, resonating with everyone. The Billboard charter is not only an honor for Yang Guangming personally, but also a significant achievement in promoting Chinese culture abroad, something we should all be proud of.

The internet was in an uproar.

The major forums are full of discussion threads about Billboard's top-ranked listings. The homepage is almost flooded with the three words "Sunshine Ming". If you click on any section, all you see are various exclamation marks and exclamations.

"Number one! Number one! Number one on the bulletin board! Yangguangming is amazing! I was so excited I screamed in the dorm!"

"This is the first time a Chinese-language song has reached number one on Billboard! What an incredible feat! I never even dared to dream of this before!"

"I hereby declare that from this day forward, Yang Guangming is my god! Who agrees? Who disagrees?"

"What a treasure Yang Guangming is! He makes great movies, sings so well, and now he's conquered North America, taking the Billboard number one spot! Is there anything he can't do? Tell us!"

"I strongly demand that Sunshine Open World Tour! I want to go! I'd sell a kidney to go!"

"Calm down, upstairs. Selling a kidney isn't necessary, but I have to go on the tour! I'll do it even if it drives me crazy trying to buy tickets!"

Amidst the jubilation, a rational voice emerged: "Yang Guangming's success is not accidental. His music blends Eastern aesthetics with Western techniques, possessing both distinct national characteristics and a broad international perspective. This is true cultural export, not the kind of sensationalist display that panders to the West."

The comment was followed by a long string of likes: "That's right! This is the image of China we should show the world—not the sensational and stereotypical one, but the modern, affectionate, and humane one. Yang Guangming has done what many people want to do but haven't been able to."

Zuo Xiaoqing once again became the envy of her classmates at school.

During breaks, her seat is always surrounded by a group of people. Sometimes there are so many that students in the back rows have to stand on tiptoe to squeeze in. Everyone bombards her with all sorts of questions, their eyes full of curiosity and excitement.

"Xiaoqing, did you see the news about Director Yang's Billboard number one ranking? It's number one! Number one in history! Did you congratulate him?"

"Xiaoqing, what are Director Yang's plans for the future? Will he hold a concert? Where will it be? Will it be in Beijing? Can you give us a hint?"

"Xiaoqing, could you please get me an autograph? Just one! I'm begging you! I've never asked anyone for anything before!"

"Me too! I want one too! Just sign it on the album cover! I've already bought the album, I'm just waiting for the autograph!"

Zuo Xiaoqing felt a little embarrassed by the question, but her heart was filled with sweetness, like a piece of candy that wouldn't melt away. She knew that these classmates genuinely liked Yang Guangming's songs and were truly happy for him.

During the break, she found a quiet corner and called Yang Guangming, her voice filled with undisguised joy: "Brother Guangming, everyone in our school is talking about your billboard sponsorship! I couldn't even rest properly during the break today, I was surrounded by people asking all sorts of questions, I didn't even have time to go to the bathroom."

Gao Yuanyuan also called.

She has already started school, and on the campus of Beijing Film Academy, you can hear people talking about Yang Guangming every day.

While queuing for food in the cafeteria, running on the playground, or waiting for the teacher to arrive in the classroom—the words "Sunshine Bright" seemed to grow wings and fly to every corner of the campus, filling even the air with an exciting atmosphere.

"Director Yang, congratulations!" Her voice was full of sincerity, with a clear, student-like quality. "I saw the news, it's number one on Billboard! You're amazing! Our whole class is talking about it, and our acting teacher even mentioned it in class, saying it's a source of pride for Chinese music."

Yang Guangming's tone was gentle: "Yuanyuan, thank you. How's school? Are you settling in?"

“It’s great,” Gao Yuanyuan said, her voice filled with the youthful energy of a student, and she spoke a little faster than usual. “The courses at Beijing Film Academy are very demanding, but the teachers are all very nice and teach very solid material. My acting teacher said my foundation is good, but I need to keep working hard and not be arrogant. By the way, sometimes when I’m walking on campus, people recognize me and say they’ve seen my music video.”

"Isn't that a good thing? It means you've become famous." Yang Guangming said casually, as if he were talking about something perfectly ordinary.

Gao Yuanyuan was a little embarrassed, and her voice unconsciously lowered: "But I'm not used to it. Sometimes when I go to the cafeteria, people stare at me and whisper about something. I know they don't mean any harm, but I still feel a little... uncomfortable, and I don't even know where to put my chopsticks."

Yang Ming's tone softened, as if she were comforting a somewhat bewildered little sister: "You'll get used to it eventually. You're a public figure now, so it's normal for people to recognize you. But don't worry too much about it. Just live your life as usual. Eat when you're hungry, go to class when you're tired, and hang out with your friends when you're happy. Over time, everyone will get used to it, and you'll get used to it too."

"Mm," Gao Yuanyuan replied, her voice filled with a hint of relief. "Director Yang, I understand. By the way, Bingbing asked me to tell you that she misses you terribly and wants you to come visit us when you have time. She was pouting as she said this, looking all wronged."

Yang Guangming smiled, the image of Fan Bingbing's mischievous face flashing through his mind: "Okay, I got it. Tell her to focus on her studies and stop thinking about me. If she fails her exams, I won't let her off the hook."

Fan Bingbing's call followed almost seamlessly.

After being admitted to the Beijing Film Academy, she was completely unleashed. She was as excited as a bird just released from its cage, chattering incessantly at a rapid-fire pace.

"Director Yang! I saw the news! Number one on Billboard! You're amazing! I admire you so much! I'm completely in awe of you!" Her voice was crisp and bright, and you could almost picture her beaming through the microphone.

Yang Guangming was amused by her rapid-fire voice, and couldn't help but smile: "Bingbing, how many times have you said that? You say it every time you call. Can't you come up with a new word?"

"I can't say it enough!" Fan Bingbing said confidently, her tone brimming with a fearless spirit. "You're my boss, you're awesome, so I'm awesome! It's an honor! Now I walk around the school with a swagger, telling everyone I meet that Yang Guangming is my boss! If anyone doesn't believe me, I just show them our photo together, and they immediately shut up, their eyes widening like saucers!"

Yang Guangming was both amused and exasperated. "Alright, alright, focus on your studies and stop showing off. Studying acting requires dedication, not just empty words. If you keep bragging, you'll fail your courses later, and then you'll be left holding the bag."

"Okay, okay!" Fan Bingbing laughed, her tone slightly coquettish. "Director Yang, when are you coming to visit us at school? Yuanyuan and I miss you so much. I think the food in our school cafeteria is delicious, just as good as any restaurant outside. I'll treat you to a meal when you come! I've saved up my allowance!"

"Let's wait a while. I'm in too much of a spotlight right now, and there's always a bunch of reporters blocking the school, like spies. It's actually quieter for me to stay at home. Once this storm passes, I'll definitely go back to school to teach and see you all."

"Alright then." Fan Bingbing said with a hint of regret, her excitement waning slightly. "Director Yang, you absolutely have to come! So many of my classmates want to meet you! Some of the girls said they'd treat me to a month's worth of meals in the school cafeteria if I could get you here!"

Yang Guangming was amused by her: "Okay, definitely." It was late November 1996.

In late autumn in Beijing, ginkgo leaves carpeted the ground in gold, and the air already carried the chill of early winter.

The 19th Hundred Flowers Awards for Popular Films is about to be held. This year's awards ceremony will be held in Kunming, a city with a spring-like climate all year round and flowers in full bloom. At this time of year, the north is already experiencing cold winds, while Kunming remains warm and spring-like, which is quite fitting for the lively atmosphere of the awards ceremony.

Yang Guangming's three films—"A Separation," "Love," and "Love Letter"—have all been nominated for awards.

All three of his film crews were invited by the organizing committee, and as the director of all three films, he was certain he would attend.

Because the submission period for "A Separation" missed the 1995 Golden Rooster Awards, it was submitted for the 1996 Hundred Flowers Awards and the following year's Golden Rooster Awards, along with "Love" and "Love Letter," which were filmed later.

This coincidence created a rare scene where three works competed on the same stage.

It is unprecedented in the history of the Hundred Flowers Awards for a director to have three films competing for the same award.

In particular, the two major works, "A Separation" and "Love," which have won international awards, are competing for domestic awards, which makes the main creators of both production teams feel somewhat subtle and complicated.

When chatting privately, people inevitably discuss who has a better chance of winning, half-jokingly and half-seriously, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and subtle.

"Hitting yourself"—this is a media joke that has been repeatedly quoted in various entertainment sections and has almost become a meme.

But Yang Guangming took it very lightly, even somewhat indifferently.

He told the three film crews, "Being nominated is an honor. As for who wins the award, that's the judges' business, not something we can control. We just need to focus on acting well and making a good film, and let the rest take its course. Don't think too much about it; thinking too much will only make you tired."

That being said, the competitive landscape remains, like a silent undercurrent.

The films "Amour," "A Separation," and "Love Letter" are all nominated for Best Feature Film. The three works are very different in style and each has its own strengths, so the judges will probably have to think hard.

In the Best Actor category, Lan Tianye, the male lead in "Love", and Chen Daoming, the male lead in "A Separation", were both nominated.

Both are recognized as accomplished actors. Lan Tianye is highly respected, his performance is steady and restrained, possessing a profound depth honed by years of experience, and he has already won the Cannes Best Actor award for this role. Chen Daoming is in his prime, his acting is exquisite and sharp, every gesture and movement brimming with emotion. Both have their own strengths, making it difficult to choose between them.

The competition for Best Actress is even fiercer, making it arguably the biggest highlight of this year's Hundred Flowers Awards.

Qin Yi, the female lead in "Love", Xi Meijuan, the female lead in "A Separation", and Chen Hong, the female lead in "Love Letter", were all nominated. All three actresses starred in works directed by Yang Guangming, generating a lot of buzz.

Qin Yi's performance was subtle and profound; every frown and smile was full of drama, vividly portraying the character's inner turmoil. She has already won the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress award for this role. Xi Meijuan's acting was delicate and nuanced; every micro-expression withstood the test of the big screen. Chen Hong's performance in "Love Letter" was lively and natural, clear as water, perfectly capturing the innocence and deep affection of a young girl. Three roles, three styles—who will ultimately prevail remains to be seen, and the suspense is left until the very last moment.

It is worth mentioning that, due to her nationality, the production team did not nominate Siqin Gaowa for the lead role in "A Separation" after careful consideration.

This has sparked some discussion and regret at the moment. Many film critics believe that her performance also deserves a nomination, but Yang Guangming respects the production team's decision and has not said anything more.

In the Best Supporting Actor category, Wang Xueqi for "A Separation" and Lan Tianye for "Love" were both nominated.

Lan Tianye was nominated for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, which is rare in the history of the Hundred Flowers Awards, demonstrating that his performances in both works were highly recognized by the judges.

The 1996 Hundred Flowers Awards had only six categories, making it concise yet fiercely competitive. Yang Guangming's three films almost covered all the major nominations, occupying half of the nomination list, which was unprecedented in the history of the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Yang Guangming received a formal invitation from the organizers early this morning. He will be attending the awards ceremony in Kunming at the end of the month with members of three film crews.

After news of Yang Guangming's confirmed participation spread, the media once again focused their spotlight on him, with various headlines flooding the media.

Can Yang Guangming achieve new heights?

With three films competing on the same stage, will Sunshine Films emerge as the biggest winner?

"Can Chen Hong, who is nominated for Best Actress at the Hundred Flowers Awards for the first time, beat her predecessors Qin Yi and Xi Meijuan?"

Speculation, analysis, and predictions flooded newspaper pages and cultural forums like snowflakes, and even newsstands on the street prominently displayed this issue of the magazine. Film fans were divided into different camps, debating endlessly online and in real life, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

In the courtyard, the late autumn sun shone through the branches of the ginkgo tree, and Chen Hong was packing her luggage inside.

She squatted on the bedroom floor, carefully placing neatly folded clothes into her suitcase, her movements gentle and focused, pausing occasionally to think about what else was missing. Yang Guangming leaned against the doorframe, hands in his pockets, watching her busy figure with a gentle gaze.

"Are you nervous?" he asked.

Chen Hong paused for a moment, without turning around, but her shoulders tensed slightly: "A little, after all, this is my first nomination for an important award."

“It’s normal.” Yang Guangming walked over, squatted down beside her, and said in a very soft voice, “Anyone would be nervous when nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress for the first time. It would be abnormal not to be nervous.”

Chen Hong turned her head and looked at him, a hint of inquiry in her eyes: "Aren't you nervous? All three of your films have been nominated, the media is watching you, and people ask you questions wherever you go."

Yang Guangming laughed, a nonchalant laugh: "Why am I nervous? I wasn't even nominated for an acting award. Besides, 'A Separation' and 'Love' have already won the Palme d'Or, which is the world's top honor. The Hundred Flowers Award is just icing on the cake; it's not that important whether we win or not."

Chen Hong glared at him, a hint of reproach in her voice: "You really are..."

"What really happened?" Yang Guangming asked with a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"It's really speechless." Chen Hong lowered her head and continued packing her luggage, but the corners of her mouth involuntarily curved up, revealing a faint smile.

Yang Guangming reached out and gently took her hand.

Chen Hong's hands were slightly cool, with slender fingers, distinct knuckles, and thin calluses on his palms. He held them very lightly, as if he were holding a fragile piece of porcelain.

“Honghong”.

Yang Guangming's voice was deep and gentle, "Regardless of whether you win an award this time, in my heart, you are the best actor, and that will not change because of any award."

Your competitors this time are too strong—Qin Yi won the Cannes Best Actress award, which is a world-class honor; Xi Meijuan's performance also absolutely deserves a Best Actress award, as her character has a very rich sense of layering.

Your performance was very good, I've always thought it was very good, but the role in "Love Letter" didn't offer enough room for you to develop your character, and your screen time was relatively thin. In this respect, you definitely had a clear disadvantage.

So don't put too much pressure on yourself. Being able to compete for the Best Actress award alongside these two highly respected teachers is already a remarkable achievement. Many people would kill for that opportunity.

Chen Hong looked up at him.

The late autumn sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on her profile and creating a soft halo. Her eyes held light, tenderness, and a gentle emotion, like a lake ruffled by a light breeze.

"Thank you for your comfort." Her voice carried a soft smile. "I'm not as fragile as you think. I know I probably won't win this trophy; the gap is there, and I'm aware of it. But since I received a nomination, it's natural to have some expectations, isn't it? Don't worry, I'm clear-headed."

Yang Guangming held her hand tightly, said nothing, and just smiled.

The ginkgo leaves outside the window drifted gently down in the wind, carpeting the ground in a golden hue. (End of Chapter)