Chapter 16: Unexpected Outcomes

On the 17th, the final day of screenings, Cao Yang’s film "Alone by the Sea at Night" was chosen to be shown. This day held special significance, and having a film screened on this day carried a prestigious title—“the closing highlight.”

Cao Yang, however, did not desire this honor.

A few days earlier, upon learning that his film had been selected as the closing highlight, Tian Zhuangzhuang sighed and, with a hint of regret, explained to Cao Yang that when two films were neck-and-neck for a major award, the one that narrowly lost often received some form of compensation from the organizing committee.

Perhaps Cao Yang’s film had lost out to another in the race for the top prize, and the committee’s way of making amends was to grant it the coveted closing slot.

Moreover, the committee had specially arranged a screening hall with 500 seats, a clear sign of their sincerity.

Initially, Cao Yang worried that if the turnout was poor—say only a few dozen in a 500-seat hall—it would be terribly awkward.

Yet, contrary to his fears, half an hour before the screening, he watched the bustling crowd and quietly asked Cheng Jianye to tally the attendance—it was already eighty percent full.

Such a “high-end event” was something Cao Yang had never experienced in his past life, but on reflection, it made sense. The committee certainly wouldn’t tarnish their reputation; films chosen as the closing highlight were never mediocre, and those two words alone were the best advertisement.

Old Tian had introduced Cao Yang to many contacts, and a good number of film industry professionals had come to show their support.

Wang Xiaoshuai was also present, accompanied by two young associates, along with Gao Yuanyuan and Xun Ge’er. At this time, Da Meiyuan had yet to develop the allure she would later possess; her cherubic face still held a youthful innocence, as fresh and pure as a girl-next-door.

Everyone maintained a polite demeanor on the surface. Wang Xiaoshuai and his group quickly took their seats, prepared to watch the film.

Cao Yang went to greet the arriving guests—Jiao Xiongpíng came with directors Lin Zhengsheng and Zhang Zhen, taking seats beside Wang Xiaoshuai. It was clear the people on either side were acquainted.

Gao Yuanyuan sat next to Xun Ge’er and whispered, “I heard Cao Yang is only a junior in college, so young. How did his first film get into the official competition?”

Xun Ge’er glanced around and replied softly, “Didn’t you see Tian Zhuangzhuang? I hear he’s been on set the whole time.”

“You mean…”

“I said nothing.”

Nearby, Cui Lin and Li Bin, who had accompanied Wang Xiaoshuai, engaged in similar murmured conversations and reached the conclusion that Cao Yang had been put forward as the face of the project, but in reality, it was Tian Zhuangzhuang’s work. Because he was blacklisted, this was the workaround.

The masters always make their grand entrance last.

As the screening time approached, Cao Yang noticed Xie Fei arriving with several foreigners.

After introductions, Cao Yang learned that among them were not only the jury president but also the chairman of the Berlin Film Festival committee, with the rest all members of the jury.

Jiao Xiongpíng whispered their identities to Wang Xiaoshuai, who was visibly envious.

Yesterday, Wang had been thrilled that Xie Fei attended the premiere of his own film, but now, comparing the two, he thought better of measuring himself against such greatness—there was simply no contest.

Gao Yuanyuan overheard Jiao’s words and whispered to Xun Ge’er, “This is seriously impressive—the jury president and the committee chairman both present.”

Xun Ge’er, equally envious, glanced up several times and nodded, “Definitely high profile.”

Last year, domestic media had named the so-called “Four Dan Actresses,” and Xun Ge’er was among them. Like the others, she wanted to prove herself through awards.

But resources are limited; the top-tier opportunities had their fixed collaborators, and the chances she received were always second-tier.

Xun Ge’er was troubled. With Xiao Yanzi’s massive popularity and Guo Ji Zhang’s imminent international breakthrough, and Xu Jinglei’s connections in Beijing’s film scene, her own resources were the weakest.

“Is this what it means to have academic circles’ connections? How fortunate it would be to enter that world,” she murmured to herself.

Once everyone was seated, the film began.

Shortly after, soft whispers arose.

“The lead actress is so beautiful, she’s so pitiful.”

Gao Yuanyuan shifted closer to Xun Ge’er, entwining her arm, her expression heavy with emotion as she stared at the screen.

Xun Ge’er fixed her gaze on the film, thoughts swirling—Is this really Li Xiaoran? Could it be? How could Li Xiaoran have such acting skills?

She knew Li Xiaoran well; they had worked together last year on “Like Mist, Like Rain, Like Wind.” Did she not know her acting ability?

Why such a drastic transformation?

“Yes, curse that old bald bastard! That old scoundrel is inhuman—such a captivating sister, yet he never sought her out…”

As the film unfolded, the murmurs continued in the hall. The foreigners’ comments translated roughly to:

“Wow, she’s so enchanting.”

“I think I’m in love with her.”

“Don’t be sad, sister.”

“Yes, let’s curse his bald head together.”

“Her singing is beautiful.”

“The way she smokes is so sexy.”

“She’s so pitiful.”

“…”

Watching the audience’s reactions, Cao Yang couldn’t help but smile softly and leaned toward Li Xiaoran, whispering, “Did you hear that? They’re all discussing you along with the story.”

What was this? It was the audience’s temporary immersion, their involuntary emotional response aligning with the lead character’s feelings— the highest praise for an actor’s craft.

When Li Xiaoran’s character awoke on the beach and walked away alone, just as the credits rolled, the murmurs grew louder.

Gao Yuanyuan, red-eyed, looked at Xun Ge’er, “She’s dreaming. The deceitful director who toyed with her feelings hasn’t repented. She’s deceiving herself—she’s so pitiful.”

Xun Ge’er took a deep breath, quickly detaching herself from the emotion, and looked toward Li Xiaoran sitting in the front row. A rush of chaotic thoughts flooded her mind:

Her acting is truly remarkable!

I could never achieve this effect!

She is truly lucky!

She has her signature work now!

She might become the Berlin Best Actress!

She could become the great leading lady… I envy her so much.

Jiao Xiongpíng was silent for a moment, then said to Wang Xiaoshuai, “The Best Actress award might already be decided.”

Wang Xiaoshuai shook his head, his voice low, answering indirectly, “This isn’t Tian Zhuangzhuang’s style; this is Cao Yang’s film.”

Then he added, “Not simple at all.”

Cui Lin and Li Bin, who had come with Wang Xiaoshuai, overheard this and exchanged looks. Cui Lin slowly said, “So it really was Director Cao…”

Li Bin nodded, “Director Wang should know Director Tian well. If he says it isn’t his style, then it likely isn’t.”

Both were impressed by the young director’s talent.

Even minutes after the film ended, the discussion in the hall continued. Suddenly, from somewhere, applause broke out, as if someone had triggered a switch. The clapping grew louder and soon filled the entire auditorium.

Cao Yang and Tian Zhuangzhuang accompanied Xie Fei and the others as they left. Before departing, Xie Fei patted Cao Yang on the shoulder and said, “Stay and wait for the notice.”

It was as if he said everything and nothing at once.

Such a vexing riddle.

As Jiao Xiongpíng left, he smiled and said, “Director Cao, you’re young and promising. When shall we collaborate?”

When Wang Xiaoshuai departed, he said, “The film is excellent, the actors are great, and so are you.”

Xun Ge’er made a point to shake Cao Yang’s hand, saying, “Director Cao, I’m Zhou Xun. I really enjoyed your film and hope to have a chance to work with you.”

She also embraced Li Xiaoran beside her, “Xiaoran, long time no see. Your performance was wonderful.”

Gao Yuanyuan followed suit, “Director Cao, I really love this film of yours and hope to work with you someday.”

She too embraced Li Xiaoran, “Sister, your acting is amazing—beautiful, strong, and captivating.”

The premiere concluded with great success.