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Chapter 150

"I see."

The father nodded and said nothing more. The two of them sat there, watching the night view of Beijing.

The tea has gone cold, but my heart is warm.

The flight landed at Berlin Tegel Airport at 3 p.m. local time.

As soon as I stepped out of the cabin, a blast of cold air hit me. January in Berlin is colder than in Beijing; it's a damp, bone-chilling cold.

The sky was leaden gray, and the low-hanging clouds looked as if snow might fall at any moment.

The person who came to pick me up at the airport was a translator and assistant arranged by the film festival organizing committee, a Chinese student studying film studies at the University of Berlin named Xiaolin.

The young man, in his early twenties and wearing black-rimmed glasses, was very excited to see Li Jun and his group.

"Director Li! Professor Xie! Professor Qin! Welcome to Berlin!"

Xiaolin's Chinese had a slight Northeastern accent: "The car is waiting outside. I'll take you to the hotel first."

There are no official events today, so you can rest and adjust to the time difference.

While loading the luggage into the car, Li Jun noticed that there were film festival promotional posters everywhere in the airport.

The film titles were in German, English, and French, and the posters were designed in various styles, creating an artistic and international atmosphere.

On the way to the hotel, Xiaolin enthusiastically introduced: "Our hotel is near Potsdamer Platz, just a ten-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals."

This area is especially lively during the film festival, filled with cinemas, cafes, bars, and various film market booths.

The car drove through the streets of Berlin.

The city's architecture has a unique character, a blend of classical and modern, scars and new life.

Along the way, you can see well-preserved Baroque churches as well as modern buildings full of design sense;

There are historical sites commemorating World War II, as well as museums showcasing contemporary German art.

"Berlin is a city with a lot of history."

Kobayashi said.

"Holding a film festival here is particularly suitable."

The hotel is a long-established five-star hotel, and the lobby already has banners and signs for the film festival.

Upon checking in, Li Jun met several filmmakers from other countries.

A French director was having a heated discussion in French, a Japanese producer was checking the schedule at the front desk, and several actors with Latin American features were taking a group photo.

Everything reminded him: This is the international stage.

The room was on the eighth floor, and the window faced Potsdamer Platz.

After putting down his luggage, Li Jun walked to the window.

Temporary facilities for the film festival have been set up in the square, with red ticket booths, a huge electronic screen, and pedestrians wearing down jackets of various colors coming and going.

In the distance, the architectural outline of the Berlin Film Palace is clearly visible in the twilight.

My phone vibrated; it was a message from Zhang Liangying: "Have you arrived?"

"We've arrived. We're at the hotel."

"I've arrived too, at another hotel. Shall we have dinner together tonight?"

"it is good."

We agreed to meet at a restaurant near the hotel at 7 o'clock.

Li Jun took a shower, changed his clothes, and went downstairs ten minutes early.

The restaurant is a traditional German restaurant with wooden decor, warm yellow lighting, and the aroma of roasted pork knuckle and beer wafting in the air.

Zhang Liangying has arrived and is sitting by the window.

She wore a beige turtleneck sweater, her hair loosely tied up, exuding an indescribable gentleness in the winter night of a foreign land.

"How's the time difference?" she asked.

"It was alright, I slept for a while on the plane."

Li Jun sat down.

"And you?"

"I'm used to it, I fly all the time."

Zhang Liangying pushed the menu over.

"What would you like to eat? The roasted pork knuckle here is very famous."

"You order, I'm not familiar with German food."

Zhang Liangying skillfully ordered her food in German and also ordered two glasses of dark beer.

After the waiter left, she smiled and said, "I've given small concerts in Berlin before, so I'm quite familiar with this place."

No wonder.

Li Jun looked at her.

"You're always more amazing than I imagined."

"Likewise, we still owe you a lot."

Zhang Liangying blinked.

"Director Li has even entered the main competition in Berlin."

The dishes were served quickly.

The roasted pork knuckle has a crispy skin and tender meat, served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, a truly hearty German flavor.

The dark beer has a rich, full-bodied flavor with a malty aroma.

As they ate and chatted, the topic naturally turned to the film festival.

"Your movie premiere is the day after tomorrow?"

Zhang Liangying asked.

"Yes, 2 PM, in the main hall of the cinema."

Are you nervous?

"nervous."

Li Jun spoke frankly.

"I was much more nervous than when 'Bodyguards and Assassins' premiered."

Back then, we were only facing the domestic market; now, we're facing the eyes of the whole world.

"But your movie is good enough."

Zhang Liangying held his hand.

"Trust me, and trust your own judgment."

Her hands were warm, which made Li Jun feel more at ease.

"How's your album launch going? How are the preparations?"

"Everything is ready."

Zhang Liangying said.

Lionsgate helped me contact several media outlets in Berlin, as well as music magazines.

After the press conference, I will also hold a mini-concert in a small hall of the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, where I will sing a few new songs.

"The Philharmonic Concert Hall?"

Li Jun was surprised.

"The one with the golden roof?"

"Yes. It's an honor, isn't it?"

Zhang Liangying smiled.

"So you see, we're all doing what we want to do, and doing it quite well."

After dinner, the two took a walk along the street.

Berlin is quiet at night, and there are few pedestrians on the streets in winter.

Occasionally, a tram would clang past, its windows letting in a warm glow.

I passed by a bookstore that was still open, with books about the film festival displayed in the window.

Li Jun saw a German-language copy of "New Chinese Cinema," with photos of several Chinese directors on the cover, including himself.

"Look," he pointed to Zhang Liangying.

Zhang Liangying leaned closer for a look: "Mr. Li Jun, you are now an international filmmaker."

"It's just a photograph."

"But being included in this book means you've entered the international arena."

Zhang Liangying said earnestly.

"Xiao Jun, you need to know that you represent not only yourself, but also a possibility for Chinese cinema."

It was already 10 p.m. when I got back to the hotel.

The lobby was still lively, with several filmmakers drinking and chatting at the bar, speaking in a language that Li Jun couldn't understand.

"There's a welcome reception from the organizing committee tomorrow morning; you should attend."

Zhang Liangying said.

Get some rest.

"The same to you."

As they parted at the elevator, Zhang Liangying suddenly said, "Li Jun, no matter what the outcome of the screening the day after tomorrow is, you've already won."

Because this is the movie you wanted to make. That's enough.

Li Jun nodded and watched her walk into the elevator.

Back in his room, he stood by the window, gazing at the Berlin night view.

In the distance, the red lights of the Berlin TV Tower twinkled in the night sky, like the heartbeat of the city.

The film festival officially opens tomorrow.

His films are about to be scrutinized by the world.

He took a deep breath and told himself: I'm ready.

The opening ceremony of the Berlin Film Festival was held at the Palais des Festivals.

Li Jun, as a finalist in the main competition, was arranged to appear on the red carpet.

Accompanying him on the Hongmei tour were Nicholas Tse, Qin Hailu, and Chen Zezhang, who had specially flown in from Beijing.

As one of the producers of "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers", he was there to witness this moment.

The area around Red Eyebrow was packed with media and fans. Flashbulbs were blaring, and reporters were calling out his name in various languages.

Li Jun wore a custom-made stand-up collar suit, exuding composure and sophistication;

Nicholas Tse chose a dark blue suit, looking very elegant;

Qin Hailu wore a crimson cheongsam-style long dress, exuding both elegance and strength.

"Director Li! Look here!"

"Thank you, Master! This is ugly!"

"Miss Qin! Smile!"

They walked along the sides of the street, waving and posing for photos with reporters. The red-browed man wasn't long, but he walked for almost twenty minutes.

Entering the main hall of the cinema palace, the magnificent and opulent interior is truly breathtaking.

The hall has a high ceiling, crystal chandeliers, red floorboards, and huge photos of past Golden Bear winners hanging on the walls.

Filmmakers from all over the world gathered here, dressed in suits and ties, in gorgeous gowns and skirts, the air filled with the scents of perfume, cigars, and art.

The opening ceremony film was a German film about a family in their hometown after the reunification of East and West Germany.

Li Jun watched very carefully. Although the German dialogue required subtitles, the emotional transmission was universal.

After the film ended, there was enthusiastic applause, and the director and lead actors went on stage to express their gratitude.

At the opening ceremony reception, Li Jun met many filmmakers.

A master painter from Russia, a director from Iran, and a producer from Brazil.

Everyone spoke fluent English, exchanged business cards, and discussed their movies.

A French film critic recognized Li Jun: "You're the director of 'Bodyguards and Assassins'? I've seen that movie, and I really liked it."

"Thank you." Li Jun clinked glasses with him.

What was the theme of your entry this time?

"An artist about war, about perseverance and memory."

"That sounds very profound."

The Frenchman nodded.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow's screening."

Halfway through the party, Li Jun spotted Villeneuve.

This Canadian director is also a regular at the Kaibei Film Festival. Although he did not have any films competing this year, he attended as a member of the jury.

"Lee!" Villeneuve came over and hugged him. "Berlin welcomes you."

"Thank you. How was the review process?"

"It's tiring, but I'm determined to succeed."

Villeneuve said.

"I've seen many good movies, including yours. The organizing committee screened all the films in competition for the jury in advance."

Li Jun's heart tightened: "You've read 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers'?"

"I watched it and I really liked it."

Villeneuve said sincerely.

"That Eastern poetic and tranquil quality is quite unique among this year's entries. The sound design is particularly outstanding."

"Thank you." Li Jun breathed a sigh of relief.

"However, I cannot say more; I must remain silent."

Villeneuve blinked.

"Good luck."

After the opening ceremony, it was nearly noon when I returned to the hotel.

But Li Jun was wide awake, with tomorrow's screening weighing heavily on his mind.

He opened his laptop and watched the last ten minutes of the movie again.

Those images, those sounds, those things he poured his heart and soul into for six nights, will be displayed tomorrow in the main hall of the Kaibei Cinema Palace, facing a hundred of the most discerning eyes.

The phone rang; it was Zhang Liangying.

"Can't sleep?" she asked.

"Um.

"I'll come keep you company."

Ten minutes later, Zhang Liangying knocked on his door. She was wearing pajamas, with a cardigan draped over her shoulders, and carrying a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

"Drink a little, it'll help you sleep," she said.

The two sat on the sofa by the window, gazing at the open night view. Zhang Liangying poured herself a drink and handed one to Li Jun.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" she suddenly asked.

"I remember. You were singing on the rooftop."

"Back then, I never imagined we'd get to where we are today," Zhang Liangying said, taking a sip of her drink. "And I certainly never imagined we'd be sitting together in Kaifeng, watching your movies travel the world."

Li Jun looked at her. Under the warm light, her profile was soft, and her eyes held a gentle yet firm light.

"Liangying," he said, "thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for believing in me. You believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself."

Zhang Liangying smiled, her smile tinged with tears: "Because you are Li Jun."

Li Jun, the guy who listened to me sing on the rooftop and said he wanted to make a movie about me.

Li Jun, who started filming in a torrential downpour and said that making movies is never auspicious.

Li Jun, who never gave up in the face of all the doubts and difficulties.

She took his hand: "So tomorrow, don't be afraid. Your movie is there, your heart is there, that's enough."

Li Jun slept very well that night.

The next day at 1:30 pm, admission began in the main hall of the cinema.

The screening room, which could accommodate hundreds of people, was soon put into operation.

The front row was occupied by jury members and media from various countries, the middle row by film industry professionals, and the back row by ordinary audience members.

Li Jun and the main creative team sat in the third row, and he could feel his own heartbeat.

At exactly 2 o'clock, the lights went out.

The screen lights up, first playing the film festival's opening sequence.

Then, the dragon logo appeared, and for international screening, the organizing committee specially added the English subtitle "Pong Country Film".

The film begins.

Terraced fields shrouded in morning mist, egrets flying by. The opening credits, like a traditional Chinese ink painting: Mountains and rivers enter my dreams.

Li Jun held his breath. He could hear his own heartbeat and the soft breathing of the audience around him.

The scene where Takeshi encounters danger occurs around the tenth minute of the film.

Qin Hailu fell and pressed her hand on a bamboo stub, causing blood to seep out.

A low gasp filled the screening room.

That was the audience's response to being hit by a ping-pong ball.

During the scene where the paintings were burned, as the flames slowly consumed the landscape paintings, Li Jun noticed that several members of the judging panel in the front row leaned forward slightly, which was a sign of their immersion in the role.

The final farewell scene, with its two long takes, depicts a silent parting.

The screening room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Li Jun saw audience members wiping away tears.

The entire theater fell silent as the end credits rolled.

Then, applause broke out.

A round of applause filled with professional respect.

The audience stood up, turned to Fang Fu from the creative team, and continued to applaud.

Li Jun stood up, and Xie Tingfeng and Qin Hailu also stood up.

The three people bowed to the audience in gratitude.

The applause lasted for a full three minutes.

When the lights came on, many audience members were still standing there, seemingly not yet out of the mood of the movie.

Several film critics quickly walked over, wanting to be interviewed.

"Director Li, this movie is so beautiful!"

A German film critic exclaimed passionately.

"That Eastern aesthetic, that reflection on war, and the brilliance of humanity—a perfect blend!"

"Thank you," Li Jun replied in English.

"Sound design is revolutionary!"

Another French film critic said.

"Those natural sounds, organized into music—I've never heard a film score like this before."

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