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Chapter 151

Su He, who was listening nearby, blushed with excitement.

The subsequent group interview with the media was arranged in a small hall of the cinema. Dozens of international media outlets crowded there, bombarding each other with questions.

"Director Li, why did you choose such a quiet theme?"

"Because in a noisy era, quiet is itself a kind of power."

"The film features prominent elements of Chinese painting. What did you want to express through these elements?"

"Chinese painting emphasizes 'leaving blank space,' and so does film. Some things don't need to be fully explained; they should be left for the audience to experience."

Are you confident of winning the award?

"Being shortlisted is already an honor. The rest is up to the judging panel."

The group interview lasted for an hour. After it ended, Li Jun returned to his hotel, feeling like he had just fought a battle—exhausted both physically and mentally, yet exhilarated.

Yuan Tao was waiting for him in the room, holding a stack of printed social media feedback.

"Li Jun, take a look."

Yuan Tao's voice was trembling.

"Twitter, Facebook, Instagram — all rave reviews! The Hollywood Reporter just published a review, giving it four and a half stars! They say it's the most poetic film of this year's Berlin Film Festival."

;;

Li Jun took the printed manuscripts and flipped through them page by page.

English, German, French, Spanish—although he couldn't understand any of the languages, he could understand the words of praise, the exclamation marks, and words like "brilliant" and "poetic."

"There are even more powerful ones."

Yuan Tao said.

"The artistic director of the Cannes Film Festival just contacted me and said he would like to invite 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers' to participate in the Un Certain Regard section in Cannes in May."

Although it's not part of the main competition, it's still a top honor!

Li Jun was stunned. The Berlin tournament was still ongoing, and the Cannes invitation had already arrived?

"Should I answer?" Yuan Tao asked.

"Answer it." Li Jun said without hesitation, "Why not?"

"Okay! I'll reply right away!" Yuan Tao excitedly started sending emails.

Li Jun walked to the window and looked at the gloomy sky over Berlin.

At that moment, he suddenly understood what "the stage of the world" meant.

His films have truly been seen by the world.

Moreover, it was understood.

On the seventh day of the film festival, the competition became fierce.

The main competition section features 24 films, with "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" consistently ranking among the top three in terms of critical acclaim.

Media predictions suggest it is one of the most likely films to win Best Director or the Jury Prize.

Li Jun has been very busy these past few days.

In addition to participating in various events for their own films, they also watch other films in competition, attend forums, and give interviews.

He watched a family drama film by an Iranian director, an epic about the slums of Brazil, and a historical reflection film from Poland.

Each one has a unique perspective and power.

This made him realize more clearly that the Berlin Film Festival is a highly competitive arena, and simply being nominated is already a victory.

Zhang Liangying's album launch was a great success.

In a small hall at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, she sang several of the main songs from "Wrinkles of Time." German media praised her highly, saying that her voice "has both the ethereal quality of the East and the technical control of the West."

After the press conference, the two had some rare free time and visited the Berlin Wall ruins together.

That famous "East Side Gallery" is covered with graffiti works from all over the world.

The most famous is the painting "Brothers Kiss," a portrait of embracing and kissing, full of irony and a sense of historical absurdity.

Li Jun stood in front of the graffiti, speechless for a long time.

"What are you thinking about?" Zhang Liangying asked.

"Think about history, think about memory, think about how art records and resists."

Li Jun said.

"The Berlin Wall fell more than 30 years ago, but these graffiti are still there, still speaking."

Just like movies and music, the works of art often outlive their creators.

"So you make movies so that your work will live on for a longer time?"

"It's to ensure that some things are not forgotten."

Li Jun said.

"Just like Lin Shen paints landscapes on paper, not for himself, but so that those mountains, those waters, and those beautiful things that disappeared in the war can be remembered."

Zhang Liangying nodded and squeezed his hand.

The wind in Berlin was cold, but my palms were warm.

The closing ceremony and awards ceremony were held on the last day of the film festival.

At 5 p.m., the red carpet was rolled out again at the cinema palace.

This is the most grand night of the film festival, with the main creators of all the competing films in attendance, along with jury members and film industry celebrities from various countries.

Li Jun wore a formal black tuxedo today, and Nicholas Tse and Qin Hailu also attended in formal attire. Jane Zhang, as a performing guest, will sing a special version of the film festival's theme song at the awards ceremony.

The red carpet was dazzling with stars.

Li Jun saw many familiar faces. This year's jury president was Italian national treasure director Bernardo Bertolucci, and the members included Villeneuve, a German actress, a South Korean director, and an African writer. They received exceptionally enthusiastic applause as they walked the red carpet.

Upon entering the cinema's main hall, the atmosphere was even more tense than during the opening ceremony.

Everyone knows that the next two hours will determine the fate of many people.

The awards ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM.

First, there was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to an elderly German director.

Next up are Best First Feature, Best Documentary, and Best Short Film —

As the awards were announced, applause, cheers, and expressions of disappointment mingled.

The awards in the main competition are presented from the last to the first.

Best screenplay went to a Polish film, best actress to a Brazilian film, and best actor to an Iranian film.

Li Jun sat in the audience, his palms sweating. Xie Tingfeng gently patted his shoulder, and Qin Hailu gave him an encouraging look.

Best Director Award. The presenter was Villeneuve.

The winner of the Silver Bear for Best Director is—

Villeneuve opened the envelope, glanced at it, and smiled.

"Li Jun, *Dreams of Mountains and Rivers*, China!"

There was thunderous applause.

Li Jun was stunned. It wasn't until Xie Tingfeng nudged him that he reacted and stood up.

The road to the stage is both short and long.

He could hear the applause around him, see the flashes of the cameras, and see Zhang Liangying clapping excitedly from below the stage.

He walked onto the stage and received the Silver Bear trophy from Villeneuve. The trophy was heavy; it was a silver Berlin bear.

"Thanks."

Li Jun spoke in English, his voice trembling slightly.

"Thank you to the jury and the film festival committee. This award is not only an affirmation of me personally, but also of my entire team, including Nicholas Tse, Qin Hailu, and all the staff."

He paused for a moment: "The Dream of Mountains and Rivers is a film about memory."

During filming, I often thought: What exactly is a movie?

Now I think that film is a container of time, a way to resist forgetting.

In this age of information overload and fleeting nature, we need such a container more than ever, and we need to remember what should not be forgotten.

Applause erupted again.

"at last,"

Li Jun looked in the direction of Zhang Liangying below the stage.

"Thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported me. This award belongs to you."

He bowed and stepped down from the stage.

When he returned to his seat, Nicholas Tse and Qin Hailu hugged him. Zhang Liangying had tears in her eyes.

The awards ceremony continues.

The top prize, the Golden Bear, was awarded to a French film, a social drama about immigration.

Although there are some regrets, Li Jun is already very satisfied. The Silver Bear Award and Best Director are among the best results achieved by Chinese directors at the Berlin Film Festival.

After the closing ceremony, there was an official banquet. Li Jun was congratulated by many people, and glasses were clinked again and again.

Bertolucci walked over specifically and said, "Lee, your film reminds me of the films I made when I was young."

That purity, that poetry, is precious. Keep it.

"Thank you, Master."

Villeneuve was also there: "I've said before that I like your films. Congratulations."

"Thank you for your vote."

"I didn't vote, so I need to avoid any appearance of impropriety."

Villeneuve blinked.

"But I want to vote for you."

Halfway through the banquet, Li Jun slipped out and went to the terrace outside the cinema.

Berlin was cold on a winter night, but the air was crisp. In the distance, the lights of the Berlin TV Tower twinkled in the night sky.

Zhang Liangying followed him out and draped a coat over his shoulders.

"Are you cold?" she asked.

"It's not cold."

Li Jun looked at the Silver Bear Trophy in his hand.

"Liangying, I feel like I'm dreaming."

"It's not a dream, it's what you deserve."

Zhang Liangying said.

"Li Jun, this is just the beginning. You have a long road ahead of you."

"I know."

Li Jun looked at her.

"But with you by my side, I have nothing to fear."

Zhang Liangying smiled, but tears streamed down her face.

Li Jun reached out and wiped away her tears, and then, on the terrace of the Berlin Film Palace that winter night, he kissed her.

A very light kiss, but very deep.

Like a still frame in a movie, like amber of time, like a moment where all beautiful things are frozen in time.

The sounds of music and laughter from a banquet could be heard in the distance.

And they, in this corner, have found their own quiet eternity.

It was already late February when I returned to BJ from Berlin.

The airport exit was packed with media and fans. When Li Jun walked out holding the Silver Bear trophy, flashbulbs went off everywhere, and cheers were deafening.

"Director Li! Congratulations!"

"To bring glory to the nation!"

When will "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" be released?

The bodyguards arranged by Yuan Tao escorted them out of the crowd. Once in the car, Li Jun finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"This scene is even more exaggerated than Berlin," Nicholas Tse laughed.

"Domestic media outlets are going stir-crazy."

Qin Hailu said.

"When the news of Berlin winning the award came back, it was trending on social media for three days."

Indeed, when Li Jun opened his phone, social media was full of discussions about winning the Berlin award.

State media issued a press release, calling it "a new breakthrough in the artistry of Chinese films";

Film media outlets have conducted in-depth analyses, exploring the aesthetic value of "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers"; while ordinary netizens are eagerly anticipating the film's release.

"When is the premiere scheduled?" Li Jun asked Yuan Tao.

"BJ premiere on April 15th."

Then it was released simultaneously in art-house cinemas nationwide.

Yuan Tao said.

"In addition, we accepted the invitation to the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and we'll be going to France in May."

"it is good."

"besides,"

Yuan Tao paused.

"Wang Zhonglei contacted me."

Li Jun was taken aback: "Him?"

He said he wanted to see you.

"What is it?"

"He didn't say anything specific, but his tone was very sincere."

Yuan Tao said.

"I guess it's related to 'Beauty in Troubled Times'."

That movie flopped both at the box office and with critics, and the investors are demanding accountability.

Li Jun was silent for a moment, then said, "Let's set a time."

Two days later, Li Jun met Wang Zhonglei at a teahouse.

Wang Zhonglei looked much older after just a few months.

His hair was mostly white, his eye bags were heavy, and the suit he wore looked somewhat empty on him.

"Director Li, congratulations on winning the Berlin Award."

He spoke first, his voice hoarse.

"Thanks."

Li Jun poured him some tea.

"What does Mr. Wang want to see me about?"

Wang Zhonglei picked up the teacup, his hand trembling slightly.

He took a sip, put down the cup, and took a deep breath.

"Director Li, I'm here to apologize."

He said.

"For all that has happened before."

Li Jun didn't speak, waiting for him to continue.

"The Beauty in Troubled Times — a complete failure."

The box office revenue was less than a third of the cost, the word-of-mouth was terrible, and the investors are going to sue me.

Wang Zhonglei said with a wry smile.

"My whole life has been spent scheming, fighting, and thinking about how to make money and how to win."

I thought this was just the rule of the game in the film industry.

He paused for a moment: "But your success made me realize that I was wrong."

Movies are not games; they are art forms with clear distinctions between good and bad.

Good movies are visible to the audience and remembered by time.

A bad movie, no matter how much hype it gets, is still garbage.

"So you came to me just to say this?"

Li Jun asked.

Not entirely.

Wang Zhonglei took a document out of his bag.

"This is the equity transfer agreement for 'Huayi Xinsheng.' I want to sell the company to you."

Li Jun was stunned.

"The company still has some money in its accounts, a few IPs, and some project resources. Although they're not worth much, it's better than going bankrupt."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"I know you might not appreciate it, but this is the only compensation I can offer."

Here, at least these things can be used for good.

Li Jun flipped through the agreement. The price was very low, practically free.

"What are you planning to do in the future?" he asked.

"Go back to my hometown and start a small business."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"I don't deserve to stay in the film industry anymore."

Li Jun closed the agreement and pushed it back.

"Mr. Wang, I can't accept this."

Wang Zhonglei looked up, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "You still won't forgive me?"

"It's not a matter of forgiveness or not."

Li Jun said.

"But your path shouldn't end like this."

He looked at Wang Zhonglei: "You've been making films for so many years, you have experience, connections, and resources. It's just that you're going in the wrong direction. Why not change direction and start over?"

"How can I change it? I'm already like this—"

"If you'd like,"

Li Jun said.

"I can invest in you to start a new company."

We don't make commercial blockbusters; we make low-budget art films and serve as an incubator for new directors.

You'll be the producer, and I'll be the art director. Together, we'll provide a platform for talented but underserved young people.

.

Wang Zhonglei was stunned and speechless for a long time.

"Why—why?"

He finally asked.

"Because the film industry needs different people doing different things."

Li Jun said.

"I'll make my art films, you'll focus on nurturing new talent, and Wang Zhonglei will make his commercial blockbusters. Only when all the films are made with heart can this industry be healthy."

Wang Zhonglei's eyes reddened. He lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly.

"Director Li—I—"

"No need to answer now, think about it."

Li Jun stood up.

"If you've made up your mind, contact me."

The sun was shining brightly as I stepped out of the teahouse.

Spring has arrived in Beijing, and the magnolia flowers along the roadside are beginning to bloom.

Li Jun took a deep breath; the air smelled of spring.

My phone vibrated; it was Zhang Liangying.

"Have you finished meeting with Wang Zhonglei?"

""

"How is it?"

"We've given him a new option," Li Jun said. "I don't know if he'll accept it."

"I'm not surprised you did this," Zhang Liangying smiled. "Because that's just the kind of person you are. Li Jun, you can hold everyone in your heart, even those who have hurt you."

"I just feel that everyone should have a second chance."