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Chapter 165

Finally, these creations are strung together to form a theme about human creativity.

Li Jun's eyes lit up: "This is a great idea. It can be made into a documentary series or a feature film. We can call it 'The Creators'."

"The Creator".

Zhang Liangying repeated.

"Good name. We'll work on it slowly after the baby is born."

"it is good."

And so, on a summer afternoon during her pregnancy, the two planned their future masterpiece.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm dappled patterns on the manuscript.

The child is moving again, as if responding to the parents' conversation.

This moment is quiet and perfect.

In August, "The Craftsmanship Remains the Same" completed its final cut and entered the mixing stage.

Su He moved a simple mixing set to his home so that Li Jun could work while taking care of Zhang Liangying.

Sound mixing is the final and most meticulous step in filmmaking.

To achieve a perfect blend of vibrant colors, ambient sounds, and background music, adjust the volume, timbre, and spatial feel of each audio track.

Li Jun and Su He often worked until late at night, listening to and adjusting the music over and over again.

"Could you emphasize the sound of Shen Mo repairing the porcelain a little more?"

Li Jun asked.

"I want the audience to hear that extreme focus."

"I'll give it a try."

Suzhou River adjusts parameters.

"Amplify the sound of the brush rubbing, but lower the frequency to make it sound deeper."

Then add a very faint, almost inaudible heartbeat sound—not a real heartbeat, but a simulated, rhythmic pulse.

"Okay, play it for me."

The adjusted sound is indeed better. That focused, immersive, almost sacred atmosphere is conveyed through the sound.

o

When the mixing was halfway through, Zhang Liangying entered her seventh month of pregnancy.

During the prenatal checkup, the doctor reminded me to rest and avoid overexertion.

Li Jun immediately adjusted his work schedule, working only six hours a day and spending the rest of his time with Zhang Liangying.

"You don't need to slow down for me."

Zhang Liangying said.

"Movies are also important."

"The movie is important, but you are more important."

Li Jun held her hand.

"Besides, it's better to take it slow. Just like kintsugi, you can't rush it."

In early September, all post-production work on "The Craftsman's Spirit" was completed.

The final cut is two hours and five minutes long, and Li Jun is very satisfied.

He plans to submit the application for review in mid-September, and if all goes well, it can be released in November.

But right now, there's something even more important: Zhang Liangying's due date is at the end of September, and the baby could arrive at any time.

September 20th, 3:00 AM.

Li Jun was woken up by Zhang Liangying: "Li Jun, I think I'm going into labor."

He immediately snapped out of it and jumped out of bed: "How long have the contractions been going on?"

"It started half an hour ago, and now it's getting denser."

Zhang Liangying's voice was relatively calm, but her hands were trembling.

Li Jun quickly packed her hospital bag, which was already prepared and placed at the door.

Then they helped Zhang Liangying downstairs and drove her to the hospital.

Beijing was quiet in the early morning; the streets were deserted, and the traffic lights flashed monotonously.

Li Jun drove very steadily, but his palms were sweaty.

"take it easy."

Instead, it was Zhang Liangying who comforted him.

"The doctor said everything is normal and everything will go smoothly."

"I'm not nervous."

Li Jun said, but his voice betrayed him.

By the time I arrived at the hospital, the contractions were already occurring every five minutes.

After the examination, the doctor said, "Your cervix is ​​dilated to three centimeters; you can go to the delivery room now."

Zhang Liangying was wheeled into the delivery room, and Li Jun changed into a sterile gown and followed her in.

He held her hand, looking at her pale face from the pain, and felt a pang in his heart.

"If it hurts, grab my hand."

He said.

"Um."

Zhang Liangying nodded, her forehead covered in sweat.

The labor lasted longer than expected.

From 3 a.m. to 10 a.m., Zhang Liangying endured intense labor pains for seven hours, but remained strong, following the doctor's instructions on breathing and pushing.

Li Jun stayed by her side the whole time, wiping her sweat, feeding her water, and offering words of encouragement.

"Think about our children."

He whispered in her ear, "Think about what he looks like, think about how we took him to the movies, to concerts, and taught him about the world."

Zhang Liangying gripped his hand tightly and nodded vigorously.

At 10:23 a.m., a loud cry broke the silence of the house.

"It's a girl!"

The nurse said.

"Six pounds and eight ounces, very healthy!"

Li Jun looked at the little life that was being held, its body covered in red, and crying loudly, and tears welled up in his eyes.

That's his daughter, his daughter with Zhang Liangying.

The nurse placed the child against Zhang Liangying's chest.

Zhang Liangying smiled weakly, gently touching her daughter's face with her fingers: "Baby, I'm your mother."

The daughter seemed to understand. Her crying gradually subsided, and she opened her eyes. Although a newborn's vision is still blurry, her eyes were bright, as if they held stars.

"Her eyes look like yours."

Li Jun said, his voice choked with emotion.

"Your nose looks like yours."

Zhang Liangying said.

The two looked at their daughter, then at each other, laughed, and then cried.

Those were tears of joy, tears of new life, tears of all the hard work, waiting, and anticipation finally turning into reality.

The daughter was named Li Shengying.

The sound comes from Zhang Liangying's music, and the image comes from Li Jun's film.

Between sound and image, there is their love, their art, and the continuation of their lives.

"What's your nickname?" Zhang Liangying asked.

"Let's call her Nuannuan."

Li Jun said.

"The warmth in 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' is a gentle warmth. I hope her life will always be warm."

"Warm and cozy."

Zhang Liangying called softly, and her daughter in her arms stirred, as if in response.

After Nuannuan was born, Li Jun's life changed completely.

He turned down all work to stay home and take care of the new mother.

Changing diapers, feeding, burping, and soothing to sleep—things he had never done before have now become part of his daily routine.

Although it was hectic and chaotic, I enjoyed it.

"I didn't expect Director Li to be so skilled at changing diapers."

Zhang Liangying leaned against the bed, watching Li Jun clumsily but earnestly change her daughter's diaper.

Practice makes perfect.

Li Jun smiled.

"Moreover, this is something more important than making movies."

Nuannuan is a very well-behaved baby. She sleeps after eating her fill, and when she wakes up, she opens her big eyes to look at the world.

She especially loves listening to sounds—the sound of her father editing movies, her mother humming songs, and even the various everyday sounds in the house.

Whenever Li Jun plays a clip from "The Heart of a Craftsman," Nuannuan quiets down, as if she's listening.

"She might become a sound artist in the future."

Su He joked when he came to visit Nuan Nuan.

"Or a film director."

Lin Mo said.

"Or a singer."

Zhang Liangying smiled.

"Or it could be her."

Li Jun held his daughter and said softly.

"Nuan Nuan, just be yourself."

Mom and Dad will always love you and support you.

During my postpartum period, many friends came to visit me.

Nicholas Tse and Qin Hailu arrived together, bringing various baby supplies.

Nicholas Tse held Nuan Nuan in his arms, his movements a little stiff, but his eyes were gentle: "Little princess, welcome to this world."

Qin Hailu's eyes welled up with tears: "It's so wonderful. New life, new hope."

Kent Chan flew in from Hong Kong and gave Nuan Nuan a large red envelope: "Xiao Li, Liang Ying, congratulations. This is the most precious work of your lives."

Mr. and Mrs. Cheng Guoqiang also came.

Cheng Guoqiang can walk very steadily now. He made a small rocking horse for Nuannuan, with exquisite craftsmanship: "I made this, I hope Nuannuan likes it."

Wang Zhonglei brought a lot of supplements, and was a little embarrassed: "I'm not very good at buying baby stuff, so I brought some things that are good for new mothers."

Su Xiao, Lin Mo, and Su He, three young people, came together and surrounded Nuan Nuan, as if they were looking at some rare animal.

"She's so small."

Su Xiao was amazed.

"But his eyes are so bright," Lin Mo said.

"She's listening to us."

Su He said softly.

"Listen, her breathing rhythm has changed."

Nuannuan was indeed listening.

She stared wide-eyed at the people surrounding her, neither crying nor making a fuss, as if she were getting to know the world.

Zhang Liangying leaned against the headboard, watching this scene, and felt a warmth in her heart.

These people and these friendships are the most precious treasures she and Li Jun have accumulated over the years.

After her postpartum period ended, Li Jun returned to work.

The submission of "The Craftsman's Heart" went smoothly and it obtained a public screening license.

The release date is set for November 15th, a little later than originally planned, but this avoids the fierce competition during the National Day holiday and gives the film more time for promotion.

The publicity strategy has been decided:

They don't rely on celebrity endorsements or commercial appeal; instead, they emphasize craftsmanship and the father-son legacy.

Wang Zhonglei contacted several arts and crafts associations and traditional cultural institutions, planning a series of cross-disciplinary activities, including film screenings, kintsugi exhibitions, and master lectures.

"We want to make the film a cultural event."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"It's not just about selling tickets, it's about spreading a set of values."

Li Jun agreed. The significance of this film truly transcends the film itself.

At the end of October, a warm full moon.

Li Jun and Zhang Liangying held a small full-moon celebration at home, inviting only their closest relatives and friends.

Nuan Nuan was wearing a red Chinese-style outfit and was being held by everyone in turns. She wasn't shy at all and was all smiles.

At the full moon celebration, Li Jun announced a decision: "From today onwards, I will only make one film per year."

The rest of the time I spend with my family, work as a producer, and mentor new talent.

Everyone was somewhat surprised.

"Aren't you at the peak of your creative output?"

Chen Zeshi asked.

Why reduce production?

"Because I've figured it out."

Li Jun held Nuannuan in his arms and looked at Zhang Liangying.

"Movies are important, but life is more important."

I want to spend more time watching Nuannuan grow up, watching Liangying grow old, and also spending time experiencing life slowly with myself.

Moreover, releasing one film a year allows for greater focus and dedication.

Zhang Liangying held his hand, tears welling in her eyes.

She knew that this decision was for her and Nuannuan's sake.

"and,"

Li Jun continued.

"I want to focus more on New Sprouts Pictures and nurture young directors like Su Xiao."

"My individual strength is limited, but if it can help more people make good films, then that would be even more meaningful."

Everyone fell silent, then applauded.

"Director Li, I support you."

Su Xiao said.

"I will work hard and live up to your expectations."

"Let's do it together."

Lin Mo and Su He spoke at the same time.

Nuannuan stirred in her father's arms and made babbling sounds, as if in agreement.

After the full moon celebration, life entered a new phase.

Li Jun works six hours a day and spends the rest of his time with his family.

In the morning, I handled film promotion and New Sprout Pictures matters; in the afternoon, I spent time with Nuannuan; and in the evening, I took a walk and chatted with Zhang Liangying.

On weekends, the family goes to the park, the museum, a concert, and a movie.

Simple, yet fulfilling.

Zhang Liangying has also resumed work, but at a slower pace.

She records songs and writes scores in her home studio, sometimes working with Nuannuan in her arms.

Nuan Nuan seems to have a great sense of music. She will quiet down when she hears her mother singing, and she will dance when she hears music with a strong rhythm.

"She might have musical talent."

Zhang Liangying said to Li Jun.

"He might also have a talent for film."

When Li Jun plays clips from "The Craftsman's Spirit Remains True to Its Original Aspiration," Nuannuan stares at the screen.

"Perhaps both."

Zhang Liangying smiled.

"It's all about sound and image."

In early November, the promotion of "Craftsmanship as Before" was fully launched.

The trailer received a very positive response after its release.

Many people were drawn to the film's themes: in this fast-paced era, craftsmanship has become a rare commodity, and the father-son relationship remains a timeless topic.

In media interviews, Li Jun mentioned Nuan Nuan several times: "When I was filming this movie, I hadn't become a father yet."

But now that I have a daughter, I have a deeper understanding of inheritance.

Inheritance is not only about passing on skills, but also about passing on values ​​and love.

I hope that when Nuannuan grows up, she will understand the films her father made—the films about beauty, about time, and about things worth holding onto.

These words touched many viewers.

People discovered that Li Jun is not only a good director, but also a good father and a good husband. His image became more three-dimensional and believable.

On November 15th, "The Craftsman's Spirit" was released nationwide.

On its opening day, the show had an 18% screening rate, an 85% occupancy rate, and grossed 20 million yuan.

This is a great start for an art film without big stars or grand scenes.

Word of mouth spread quickly.

One viewer commented, "It made me cry. It made me miss my dad."

"In this fast-paced era, we need slow-paced films like this."

"Zhao Wenhua's acting was superb; every glance was full of emotion."

"Zhou Yuan's growth is evident. From 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' to 'The Craftsman's Heart,' he has become a true actor."

"The movie visuals are so beautiful, every frame could be a wallpaper."

"The sound design is amazing; even with your eyes closed, it's a great movie."

It received an initial rating of 8.6 on Douban, 9.3 on Maoyan, and 9.4 on Taopiaopiao. Professional film reviews also mostly gave it positive reviews.

The film review in Film World stated: "Li Jun completed his auteur construction with 'The Craftsman's Heart,' which is quiet, profound, and full of Eastern aesthetic wisdom."

He is no longer a simple narrator, but a philosopher who thinks through the lens.

The Southern Weekly commented: "This film shows us another possibility for Chinese films."

It's not about pandering to the market or imitating the West; it's about being rooted in our own culture, telling our own story, and expressing our own values.

Box office revenue is steadily increasing.

It grossed over 100 million yuan in its first week of release.

Two weeks later, it broke 200 million.

Three weeks, over 300 million —

The final box office grossed 380 million, making it the highest-grossing art film of the year.

More importantly, the film sparked social discussions about the preservation of traditional crafts, the improvement of father-son relationships, the value of a slower pace of life, and what true success really is.

Many arts and crafts associations have contacted New Sprout Films, wanting to collaborate on exhibitions and lectures.

Many schools organize students to watch the film as part of their traditional cultural education.

Many families started a conversation about inheritance because of this movie.