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Chapter 160

"How are the wedding preparations going?"

Su Xiao asked.

"That's about it."

Zhang Liangying said.

"Simple is best; we don't like things to be too complicated."

"I really envy you guys."

Su Xiao said softly.

"To find someone who understands and supports you."

"You'll have it too."

Li Jun said.

"Su Xiao, you are very talented, and you will meet someone who understands you."

Su Xiao smiled but didn't say anything.

Her heart is filled with movies; there's no room for anything else right now.

After finishing her late-night snack, Zhang Liangying didn't leave immediately but stayed to keep them company while they worked.

She sat on the sofa in the corner, revising the arrangement of the new album on her laptop.

Occasionally, when I looked up and saw Li Jun and Su Xiao discussing intently, I felt reassured.

This is the life they have chosen: spending most of their time creating and finding warmth in each other's company.

At two o'clock in the morning, Su Xiao finally couldn't hold on any longer and fell asleep on the sofa.

Li Jun covered her with a blanket, then walked over to Zhang Liangying.

Are you tired?

He asked softly.

"Not tired."

Zhang Liangying closed her laptop.

"Watching you work is a pleasure."

The way you focus is very attractive.

Li Jun smiled and sat down next to her: "After the wedding, I want to take a break for a while."

Just the two of us, going somewhere quiet, doing nothing, just staying there.

"OK."

Zhang Liangying leaned on his shoulder.

"Go to Yunnan? Or go back to southern Anhui? Or just go to Yunyang and see the Yangtze River."

"Anything is fine. As long as you're here, anywhere is fine."

The BJ outside the window gradually quieted down.

The city is asleep, but many people are awake, creating, chasing dreams, and striving for the light in their hearts.

And they are two of them.

October 1st, Beijing Film Academy.

The small auditorium was simply decorated:

White gauze curtains, elegant floral arrangements, and Lin Mo's ink painting as a backdrop.

It wasn't luxuriously decorated, but it was full of artistic flair.

The guests arrived one after another, and they were all familiar faces.

Nicholas Tse and Qin Hailu arrived together, both dressed in proper formal attire.

"Director Li, congratulations!"

Nicholas Tse and Li Jun hugged.

"Finally, we've achieved our goal."

"Thank you for coming."

Li Jun said.

Qin Hailu held Zhang Liangying's hand and said, "Liangying, you look so beautiful today."

Zhang Liangying wore a simple white cheongsam-style dress, her hair loosely tied up, and a pair of pearl earrings, looking elegant and graceful.

She smiled and hugged Qin Hailu.

Kent Chan flew in from Hong Kong and specially ordered a Chinese-style suit: "Xiao Li, Liang Ying, congratulations."

I'm so happy to see you two together.

Cheng Guoqiang walked in, supported by his wife. Although he was still using a cane, he was in good spirits: "Director Li, Miss Zhang, I wish you a long and happy life together."

Su Xiao, Lin Mo, and Su He, three young people, stood together, somewhat reserved, but their eyes were full of sincere blessings.

Wang Zhonglei arrived last. He was dressed very formally today and was carrying a gift box: "Director Li, Ms. Zhang, congratulations. This is a small token of my appreciation."

Li Jun opened the gift box, inside were a pair of exquisite cufflinks shaped like movie reels and a pair of earrings shaped like musical notes.

"This was specially designed and is a combination of film and music."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"I hope you like it."

"Thank you, Mr. Wang."

Zhang Liangying accepted the gift.

The wedding officially began at 10:00 AM.

There was no priest, no elaborate rituals.

Li Jun and Zhang Liangying stood on the stage, facing all the guests.

"Today, we are here to fulfill the most important promise of our lives in the simplest way."

Li Jun spoke first, his voice trembling slightly, but firm.

"Liangying, meeting you is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me."

You taught me to believe, to persevere, and to find my own path amidst the light and shadow.

I want to spend the rest of my life walking with you through every step of the way.

Tears streamed down Zhang Liangying's face. She wiped them away, smiled, and said, "Li Jun, I'm lucky too."

You made me understand that love is not about possession, but about letting go;

It's not about grand gestures, but about a steady, enduring flow.

I want to spend the rest of my life with you, seeing all the beautiful scenery and hearing all the sounds.

Then, the two exchanged rings.

It wasn't a new purchase; it was one of those platinum rings I'd been wearing for a few months.

But now, it has taken on a new meaning.

"Now, I hereby declare you officially husband and wife."

As an elder, Chen Zeshi served as the officiant at the wedding.

"You can kiss now."

Li Jun and Zhang Liangying shared a kiss amidst applause. It was light, yet deep.

The wedding luncheon was held at a restaurant near the school.

Simple home-style dishes, but the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Everyone raised their glasses in toasts, chatting and laughing.

Nicholas Tse stood up to offer a toast: "I've known Director Li for two years, from 'Bodyguards and Assassins' to 'Dream of the Mountains and Rivers,' watching him grow from a talented new director into an international filmmaker."

But what I admire most about him is not his achievements, but his perseverance—his persistence in making the movies he wants to make and in loving the people he wants to love.

Director Li, Liangying, I wish you eternal happiness.

Qin Hailu also stood up: "As Wanrong, I experienced a profound love story in the movie."

But seeing you two in real life, I finally understand what true love is: mutual understanding, mutual support, and walking side by side on your respective artistic paths. Best wishes to you both.

Su Xiao, speaking on behalf of the younger generation, said: "Director Li is my mentor and also my teacher."

He made me believe that in this restless era, there are still people who insist on making films with warmth.

Ms. Zhang's music has also given me a lot of inspiration. You two are a model of artistic partnership.

May you create many more wonderful works and live the most beautiful lives.

The blessings were offered round after round. Glasses of wine were drunk one after another.

The wedding ended at 3 p.m.

The guests left one by one, until only Li Jun and Zhang Liangying remained.

They walked hand in hand on the campus of the film academy.

The autumn sun was warm, and the sycamore leaves began to turn yellow. When the wind blew, they fell down in a rustling sound.

"Do you remember the first time we met here?" Zhang Liangying asked.

"Remember.

At that time, I thought:

The girl's voice was like light.

"Back then, I never imagined I would marry you."

"6

"I never imagined I would be able to marry you."

The two smiled at each other and continued walking.

Li Jun stopped in front of the music department's teaching building.

The building is still the same building, but the ivy has turned red, like a burning flame.

"I remember the days when I took classes here."

He said.

"Back then, I always thought about making great movies, winning big awards, and becoming famous."

Now I have all of these things, but the most precious thing is meeting you.

"Me too."

Zhang Liangying leaned on his shoulder.

"I've been singing for so many years, won awards, and held concerts, but the most precious thing is meeting you."

As the sun set, their shadows stretched long.

In the distance, the hustle and bustle of the city could be faintly heard. But in this corner of the campus, it was very quiet.

Like an empty shot in a movie, like a rest in music.

But within the quiet, there was a deep sense of happiness.

After the wedding, Li Jun and Zhang Liangying went to Yunnan.

Instead of choosing popular tourist attractions, they went to a small town called "Shaxi".

This is a post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, which retains the original Bai ethnic minority dwellings and stone-paved roads.

There were very few people, and it was very quiet.

I rented an old house with a small courtyard where I planted flowers and bamboo.

I sleep until I naturally wake up every day, then go for a walk in town, ride my bike in the fields, or just relax by the river.

I didn't take any photos or use my phone; I just stayed there.

One afternoon, the two sat on a rock by the river, watching the clear water flow slowly.

"It's so quiet here."

Zhang Liangying said.

"So quiet that I could hear my own heartbeat."

"Um.

""

Li Jun held her hand.

"Sometimes I feel that we are too busy, so busy that we have forgotten what life itself is."

"But now we remember."

The river reflects the blue sky and white clouds, and occasionally a bird flies by, its shadow flashing across the water.

"Li Jun, what are you thinking about?" Zhang Liangying asked.

"I'm thinking about my next movie," Li Jun said honestly. "Even though I'm supposed to be resting, my mind just won't stop."

"What genre?"

"About inheritance."

Li Jun said.

"Mountains and Rivers in Dreams" is a legacy of painters from the Republic of China era, while "Spring River Warmth" is a legacy of life in a small town.

I want to make a film about the passing down of a craft, for example, an old craftsman whose craft is about to be lost, a young man who wants to learn it, but there are many conflicts and struggles in between.

"A story like Master Cheng's?"

"Yes, but deeper."

Li Jun's eyes lit up.

"I want to explore what value those traditional crafts, those things that require time and patience, still have in the age of industrialization and digitalization."

How should they be passed down?

Zhang Liangying listened quietly, then said, "You always manage to find the most touching angle."

"Because life itself is beautiful."

Li Jun said.

"All we need to do is find it and record it."

After spending ten days in Shaxi, they went to Dali.

Instead of visiting the ancient city, we went to a small village by Erhai Lake.

I rented an electric scooter and rode it slowly along the coastal road.

The wind brushed against my face, carrying the scent of the lake.

One evening, they watched the sunset by Erhai Lake.

As the sun slowly sank behind the Cangshan Mountains, the sky changed from golden yellow to orange-red, and then to deep purple.

The lake reflected the sky, like an overturned palette.

"So beautiful."

Zhang Liangying said softly.

"Um.

""

Li Jun put his arm around her shoulder.

"Li Jun, how about we come out and spend some time like this every year from now on?"

Zhang Liangying said.

"Just the two of us, away from all work and all the noise, just staying quietly."

"it is good."

Li Jun nodded.

No matter how busy you are, you should always make time for this.

"besides,"

Zhang Liangying turned to face him.

"I want a child."

Li Jun was stunned: "Now?"

"Not now, but in the plan."

Zhang Liangying blushed.

"I think our children will grow up in love, see their parents doing what they love, and become good people."

Li Jun's heart was filled with something warm and full.

"it is good."

He pulled Zhang Liangying into his arms.

"We'll have children when we're ready."

Then, together we taught him about the world, through movies, music, and love.

As the sun completely set, the stars began to appear.

The night at Erhai Lake is very quiet, with only the sounds of water and wind.

The two walked slowly back to their lodgings in the darkness.

Holding hands, as if we've already walked this path our whole lives, and will continue to do so.

After their honeymoon, they returned to Beijing.

Life returned to normal, but some things were different; they were now husband and wife, a family.

Li Jun returned to work.

The post-production of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" has entered its final stage, and it is ready to be submitted for review. It is scheduled to be released at the end of the year.

New Sprout Pictures' second project is also in preparation. It's a story about the inheritance of Peking Opera, and Su Xiao recommended a young director.

Zhang Liangying's studio was officially established, and its name is "Between Light and Shadow".

Production has begun on her first project, the album "Between Sound and Shadow," and she plans to hold a small concert at the end of the year to combine film and music.

Life is busy but fulfilling.

One evening, the two were cooking at home.

Li Jun chopped vegetables, and Zhang Liangying cooked them; they worked together seamlessly.

"Wang Zhonglei told me today that a Hollywood production company wants to buy the remake rights to 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers'."

Li Jun said.

"A remake? An American version?"

"Yes. But I'm not really keen on selling."

Why?

"Because that is our story, the story of the East."

Li Jun said.

"Some things lose their flavor when they're remade. Like Sichuan cuisine, when it's made in America, it becomes General Tso's Chicken, and it's no longer the original taste."

Zhang Liangying laughed: "So you refused?"

"Not yet. I said I needed to think about it." Li Jun paused. "I was thinking, maybe we could collaborate, but not on a remake, but on a co-creation. To make a story about a dialogue between Eastern and Western art."

"That's a good idea," Zhang Liangying nodded. "Art is inherently interconnected, but the ways of expression are different. If we can find that connection, it will be very interesting."

"Hmm. I'll think about it carefully after I'm done with this busy period."

The food was served, and the two sat facing each other. It was a simple meal of three dishes and a soup, but they ate with great relish.

Outside the window, the autumn night in Beijing is very quiet. In the distance, there are scattered lights, like fallen stars.

They found their place in this city, in this home.

They also found each other.

"Li Jun," Zhang Liangying suddenly said, "thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for making me a better person," Zhang Liangying said earnestly. "Before I met you, I was just a singer. After I met you, I became a person with direction and strength."

"I also want to thank you." Li Jun held her hand. "Before I met you, I was just a moviemaker. After I met you, I became a loving person with a family."

The two exchanged a smile and continued eating.

After dinner, they sat on the balcony, looking at the city's night view.

"I'll be busy again tomorrow," Zhang Liangying said.

"Yeah. But I'm not afraid," Li Jun said. "Because I know that no matter how busy I am, you'll be waiting for me when I get home."

"I will always wait for you."

As night deepened, the city grew quieter.

And they, on this small balcony, in this big city, have found their own quiet happiness.

The road ahead is long, and there are many movies to be made, many songs to be sung, and many stories to be told.