I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

In the private club, Xu Fan and Chen Hong walked side by side into the elegant room they had booked in advance.

The room was carefully decorated by the two, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere. On the long dining table were a glass of fine, fragrant red wine and a delicately cooked black pepper steak. Several elegant white candles stood quietly, their warm candlelight slowly spreading out, dispelling the hustle and bustle and creating a peaceful and relaxing ambiance.

Looking at the heartwarming scene before him, Xu Fan said with a hint of hesitation, "Ah Hong, it's just a video call with Cheng Shengtong, there's no need to make such a big deal out of it."

Chen Hong smiled gently, raised her hand to straighten her clothes, her eyes soft and calm: "We are all busy and rarely get together. Let's take this opportunity to chat, comfort each other and relax. It's more comfortable to be a little lively."

Hearing this, Xu Fan nodded in relief, casually taking off her light outer coat to reveal a simple and elegant silk shirt underneath. The clean lines of the shirt accentuated her gentle and quiet temperament, making her appear more relaxed and at ease than before, a far cry from her usual reserved and rigid demeanor.

Chen Hong wore a light apricot-colored elegant long dress, the style of which was dignified and generous, and every move she made showed her composure and poise.

"Then I'll make a video call. I think he'll be free now." Chen Hong took out her phone, her expression natural and open, without the slightest hint of pretense.

Xu Fan responded softly, his fingertips lightly touching the cool glass, a faint smile on his face, his mind at peace.

The video call connected quickly and smoothly. Cheng Sheng, who was on the other end of the line, had just finished his busy work and still looked a little tired. But when he saw the two gentle and elegant women on the screen, his fatigue instantly disappeared. His eyes relaxed and his tone became friendly and approachable: "Sister Hong, Sister Xu, the place you've decorated here is so elegant. It makes people feel at ease."

Chen Hong placed her phone steadily on the table stand, adjusted it to a suitable angle so that Cheng Sheng could clearly see the scenery inside the room and the two of them. She smiled softly and said, "It's rare for the two of us sisters to have a leisurely get-together, so I thought I'd create a comfortable atmosphere and share this leisure with you."

Cheng Sheng looked at the two women with gentle eyes, feeling warm inside as he gazed at their relaxed and at ease appearance. He said softly, "I've been busy with the film crew lately, running around all day, and haven't had a chance to chat with you two sisters for a long time. I wonder if everything is going well for you both?"

Xu Fan spoke first, her voice gentle and considerate: "We are all well. Knowing that you work hard all day, I thought I would find a quiet place to chat with you for a while and relieve your fatigue." After speaking, she picked up the decanter and slowly filled the glass with red wine, her movements elegant and composed, showing her gentle demeanor.

Chen Hong picked up the conversation, offering her heartfelt advice: "Yes, don't work too hard in your career. It's most important to balance work and rest. Today we specially ordered your favorite steak. Even though you can't be here in person, it's like we're having a meal together from afar."

These heartwarming words touched Cheng Sheng deeply, filling him with gratitude: "Thank you both for thinking of me so much. It's truly kind of you. Once I've finished my work, I will definitely host a banquet for you both so we can have a good chat."

From then on, the three chatted leisurely across the screen, the atmosphere harmonious and warm.

Chen Hong chatted about everyday anecdotes in the entertainment industry, her words light and humorous; Xu Fan occasionally chimed in softly, her eyes gentle and serene; Cheng Sheng listened patiently while also slowly recounting the daily trivialities of preparing for filming, occasionally cracking jokes and laughing, their interactions harmonious and seamless.

There was no deliberate flirting or extraneous ambiguity throughout; only the sincere care between close friends and the comfortable understanding between acquaintances.

The candlelight flickered gently, and the aroma of wine lingered in the room. People on both sides of the screen shed their weariness and found a rare sense of comfort and warmth in this peaceful and tranquil conversation.

After chatting for about half an hour, Cheng Sheng glanced at the time and said softly, "Sister Hong, Sister Xu, I still have some work to finish, so I won't disturb your gathering any longer. Please enjoy your meal and relax." "Go and get back to your business. Remember to balance work and rest, and don't stay up late," Chen Hong kindly reminded him.

Xu Fan softly echoed, "No matter how busy you are with work, don't neglect your health. Let's keep in touch and get together often in our spare time."

After saying goodbye and hanging up the video call, Chen Hong raised her hand to pick up a glass of red wine and looked at Xu Fan beside her with a smile: "Isn't it especially comfortable and relaxing to chat and get along like this?"

Xu Fan's brows relaxed, and he smiled as he raised his glass to gently clink it with hers, his eyes full of leisure and contentment: "Indeed, it's been a long time since I've felt so at ease and relaxed, without any worries on my mind."

The warm candlelight gently spilled into the room as the two sipped fine wine and chatted softly about everyday life. The years passed peacefully and serenely, filled with gentle tranquility.

……

Just as the entire internet was eagerly anticipating Chen Kaige's new film's debut at the Venice Film Festival, hoping he would win international awards and bring glory to the Chinese film industry, a bombshell announcement suddenly broke out, instantly soaring to the top of the trending search lists on major platforms with unparalleled speed in its rise in popularity.

This trending topic directly refers to Chen Kaige and his new film, which was successfully shortlisted for the main competition at the Venice Film Festival.

An insider revealed that the film, which has already qualified for the competition, has still not passed the official review of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

The news caused a huge uproar in the entertainment industry, and everyone was shocked.

Many people were puzzled: where did Chen Kaige get the confidence to submit a film that had not yet passed censorship to an overseas film festival?
Everyone secretly wondered if he wasn't afraid that the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television would directly ban the film, or even impose a severe penalty of banning him from directing in the industry.
Those in the industry are well aware of past precedents. In the past, some directors made the same mistake and ended up being banned from directing for three years and their works were completely excluded from mainland cinemas.

Chen Kaige, one of the top three directors in China, has openly committed such a violation, which has left many people in the industry speechless. Many people said that his actions were too impulsive and that he had lost his sense of proportion.

Only those in the industry who are familiar with the inside story can understand Chen Kai's helplessness in taking this risky step.

For a long time, rumors have never stopped, with some questioning whether the classic film "Farewell My Concubine" was actually directed and created by Chen Kaige himself, or that it was a work inherited from his late father.

Beset by countless controversies, he desperately wanted a real international award to prove his superb directing skills, completely shatter the rumors, and silence the gossip.

Chen Kai genuinely wanted to complete the formal review process and submit his film for the competition safely. However, the film's subject matter was niche and sensitive, involving many celebrities' hidden pasts, and some scenes were quite explicit, which was itself a challenge for the review process. (End of Chapter)