Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

Mei Lanfang's popularity in Berlin had already reached China.

Previously, many netizens often used "The Promise" to mock Chen Kaige for falling from grace, and even suspected that "Farewell My Concubine" was his father's work.

After Mei Lanfang received rave reviews in Berlin, netizens instantly changed their attitudes and offered their congratulations.

"It still has to be Director Kaige. He has the foundation, and no one can compare to him when it comes to making biographical films."

"A master who occasionally makes a mistake, a standard-bearer of domestic cultural films."

···

Wang Xuan scrolled through the news flying around online. Director Chen was truly confident and eager to wash away the shame of "The Promise." He said that the audience hadn't understood it for 20 years, but in his heart, he cared more than anyone else.

But if they return empty-handed, the praise will turn into insults.

As the closing ceremony drew closer, Wang Xuan grew anxious. Waiting for news was indeed agonizing, and he even experienced auditory hallucinations several times.

buzzing~

The phone vibrated, and Wang Xuan, thinking it was Jing Tian calling, answered it immediately.

Only after hearing the English spoken on the other end did I realize what was happening.

"Yes, it's me."

Ge You and Li Xuejian had even become desensitized, playing chess without even looking up.

During this period, Wang Xuan received many official calls, all about event arrangements, and the two of them had gotten used to it.

"Okay, thank you."

After hanging up the phone, Wang Xuan calmed down, and his previous anxiety turned into a sense of peace.

"Get your dresses ready, we're going to walk the closing ceremony red carpet."

Ge You looked up abruptly, instantly realizing what had happened: "The phone call just now..."

"Yes, it's what you call a 'hidden rules' phone call."

"Good, good, good, wish us a great start and may we win gold and silver medals," Li Xuejian said with a smile.

The Berlin Film Festival does not have a Best Supporting Actor award; both the Best Actor and the Second Best Actor are eligible to compete for the Silver Bear.

···

In the penthouse suite of the Adlon Hotel, Chen Kaige began to panic, losing his usual composure.

"Haven't you received a call yet?"

"Not yet, there are still two days left, let's wait a little longer," Chen Hong said softly, comforting herself as well.

[Mei Lanfang] If he had no success, the more praise he received now, the harsher the criticism would have been immediately.

She glanced at Director Chen, knowing that with his pride, he might not be able to handle the provocation.

Suddenly, Director Chen asked, almost as if possessed, "Has Wang Xuan received it?"

He had seen [The Hunt], the subject matter was good, the filming was decent, and it had a certain chance of winning an award.

"I don't know, you'd have to ask someone at China Film Group."

The couple were talking when Lapekang walked in excitedly.

"Wang Xuan has received an invitation to the awards ceremony, what about your side..."

He was halfway through his sentence when he sensed something was wrong with the couple's expressions, and he knew the answer from their faces.

But Lapekang wanted to hear a definite answer: Mei Lanfang was a top contender for the grand prize, and with MK2 lobbying him, how could he not have received an invitation?

Seeing Chen Hong shaking her head, he ultimately didn't ask.

Director Chen's last hope was shattered; his face turned pale, and he murmured softly:

"Is there no chance left?"

"Let's wait a little longer, it's not the last minute yet. Even if we don't win any awards, we'll still go to the awards ceremony. It's the proper respect that nominated films deserve."

Chen Hong held Director Chen's hand and coaxed him.

She knew this proud man was capable of making some irrational moves.

Two days passed quickly.

During this time, Zhang Ziyi and Li Min both came over to subtly probe, but judging from Director Chen's expression, they knew the outcome.

The atmosphere at the Berlin Film Festival has reached its climax, and tonight will be the night to witness the birth of the Golden Bear.

With the closing ceremony and red carpet about to begin, the "Mei Lanfang" production team still hadn't received the phone call they were hoping for.

"Book the tickets, we're leaving tonight," Director Chen said coldly, gritting his teeth.

"Kaige, don't be impulsive. Let's at least wait until the awards ceremony is over before we leave," Chen Hong advised.

"Haven't I been humiliated enough? Do you want me to be disgraced in front of the whole world's media?"

Chen Hong wanted to persuade them further, saying that as a nominated film, leaving prematurely at this point would be extremely rude.

But seeing Director Chen's expression, she wisely kept quiet.

The Mei Lanfang crew left in a sorry state, leaving only Zhang Ziyi behind, who still had to walk the red carpet.

···

The closing ceremony red carpet has arrived.

Jiang Wenli has endorsements, so she doesn't have to worry about dresses or jewelry.

Ge You and Li Xuejian were both prepared, wearing Zhongshan suits.

Guan Xiaotong was dressed like a lucky doll, which was very festive.

Wang Xuan did not accept any endorsements. After the shortlist was announced, some brands approached him, but he turned them down because he found it troublesome.

He was dressed in a well-fitting suit, which accentuated his muscular physique.

"Director Wang, I'm entrusting Xiaotong to your care."

"Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on her."

Wang Xuan took Guan Xiaotong's hand and got into the limousine.

The closing ceremony's red carpet is inextricably linked to the film festival, attracting second only to the films in the main competition in terms of buzz and attention.

Media, film enthusiasts, and movie fans from all over the world were all waiting outside the red carpet, with their cameras and microphones set up.

Domestic portal websites such as Sina and Sohu, as well as state media, are all providing live text and image coverage.

With a 7-hour time difference, it's already past midnight in China.

Industry insiders and film fans stayed up all night following news from the Berlin Film Festival.

After all, there were two film crews nominated, and both had good reputations. "Mei Lanfang" was even the biggest contender for the Golden Bear.

In the waiting area, Wang Xuan and his group stood out; at a glance, they were mostly blond-haired, blue-eyed white people.

In the latter half of the red carpet, staff came over to remind [Hunting] that it was time to walk the red carpet.

The group walked to the entrance of the red carpet, and at that moment, the Iranian film "About Eli" was about to finish its interview.

Half a minute later, the red carpet host began the introductions:

"Next up on the red carpet is the Chinese film crew for 'The Hunt,' directed by Xuan Wang, last year's Silver Bear winner for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival. We welcome him back to Berlin as a director..."

Wang Xuan maintained a smile, while the cameras around him flashed wildly.

"Go, Director Wang!"

Hearing the familiar voices, which belonged to media from China, Wang Xuan waved to them.

Women are indeed natural experts on the red carpet. Jiang Wenli appeared poised and graceful, her every move so composed, while Guan Xiaotong was not intimidated at all, striking a pose with her hands on her hips.

The host briefly interviewed Wang Xuan, and then the group continued walking.

The Berlin Palace was bustling with noise and was about to be full.

The [Hunting] character is in a good position, in the middle of the fourth row.

The group sat down one by one. Wang Xuan sat by the aisle, next to Guan Xiaotong, who was a chatterbox and asked all sorts of questions like a curious child.

···

Outside, the red carpet has almost been taken down, and the domestic media have yet to see the "Mei Lanfang" production crew.

"Why don't we see Director Chen and the others? Did they not receive an invitation?"

"Impossible. Zhang Ziyi just walked over. I guess Director Chen and the others don't want to leave."

"..."