Chapter 17: The Award Ceremony

She embodies the allure of both Eastern and Western women, not only showcasing the gentleness and elegance of Eastern femininity but also blending in the confidence and independence typical of Western women, creating a unique beauty all her own.

Her temperament is as gentle and pure as jade, like a beauty stepped out from a classical painting, every smile and frown exuding charm and grace.

In the film, she uses delicate expressions and movements to vividly portray the inner world of her character, drawing the audience deeply into her emotions.

She is Li Xiaoran, the leading lady of "Alone by the Seaside at Night."

The festival program gave the film a high score of 3.2, ranking it second.

Good news came one after another: Cao Yang received official notice from the organizing committee inviting him and the crew to stay for tomorrow’s closing ceremony.

When Cao Yang shared the news, the entire group erupted in cheers—it meant at least one award was secured.

Though expected, Old Tian couldn’t help but grin widely, punching Cao Yang’s shoulder, “Well done, kid, you really pulled it off!”

Li Xiaoran’s agent, Sister Chen, after her initial excitement, began pondering which brand of dress to select for Li Xiaoran tomorrow.

Since the program’s scores were announced, previously indifferent women’s fashion brands had been eagerly reaching out with offers.

Li Chang, a reporter from New Groom Entertainment, slammed his palm on the desk after taking a call, startling his coworkers working late.

Ignoring their surprise, he stood up excitedly and strode toward the editor-in-chief’s office, knocking hastily and entering, exclaiming, “Boss, I just got news from Berlin! This year, three Chinese-language films have been invited to the closing ceremony!”

Editor Hu looked up in surprise. “Three? All in the main competition?”

Li Chang nodded. “Yes, I specifically asked—they’re all in the main competition.”

Now truly shocked, Editor Hu thought: The main competition at the Berlin Film Festival only has a few awards, no technical ones—almost all are major prizes.

And this is one of Europe’s Big Three festivals, Berlin!

Anyone unfamiliar with it might mistake it for a Chinese film festival. How could this be possible?

Recalling earlier information, Editor Hu asked, “Could these be the films by Wang Xiaoshuai or Tian Zhuangzhuang?”

Li Chang paused, quickly pulling out a note and reading aloud: “Cao Yang’s ‘Alone by the Seaside at Night,’ Wang Xiaoshuai’s ‘Seventeen-Year-Old Bicycle,’ and Wanwan’s ‘Love You, Love Me.’”

Editor Hu slapped his forehead and sighed, “How do we report this? Wang Xiaoshuai’s film didn’t pass censorship and went to the festival without approval, and Tian Zhuangzhuang is still banned from directing.”

Li Chang reminded him, “Boss, the director of ‘Alone by the Seaside at Night’ is Cao Yang, not Tian Zhuangzhuang. When this film didn’t win, we avoided reporting to stay out of trouble, but now it’s clearly in line for an award—this is the Berlin Film Festival.”

After thinking it over, Editor Hu picked up the phone and started making calls.

After hanging up, he made several more calls before stopping.

Noticing Li Chang’s curious gaze, Editor Hu explained, “I spoke to friends at the State Administration. They only know the film passed censorship through the proper channels at the Youth Film Studio, but because Tian Zhuangzhuang is involved, they advised caution in reporting—better to wait for Beijing Film Academy’s reaction first.”

“Beijing Film Academy?”

Li Chang’s expression shifted. “Boss, haven’t you thought about calling them to see what’s going on?”

Editor Hu shot Li Chang a sharp look, as if to say, “Why didn’t you say that sooner?”

He then called a friend at the directing department of the Beijing Film Academy.

After hanging up, Editor Hu sat silently, tapping his fingers on the desk. Li Chang finally asked, “Boss?”

Editor Hu made up his mind and instructed Li Chang, “It’s confirmed—no problems. Don’t report yet. Start drafting press releases focusing on two angles: one, for the Best Actress—find her background details quickly; two, for Cao Yang—how to praise him, you know the drill. Try to get thorough information on him.”

Then he stood up and slammed the desk, “Once the Berlin awards are finalized, I want everything released immediately.”

Since everyone was still watching and waiting, if they reported too early, it would give other media time to prepare. It was better to hold back, prepare thoroughly, and then release everything at once tomorrow to seize the spotlight completely.

February 18th was the Berlin Film Festival closing ceremony.

This time, fewer crews attended, allowing more time on the red carpet, with dedicated photo and interview zones.

Cao Yang walked the red carpet alongside Li Xiaoran.

Li Xiaoran wore a jewel-blue velvet gown with a deep V-neck, the waistline’s pleats sculpting a sleek and elegant silhouette, making her look tall and graceful.

Holding Li Xiaoran’s cold hand, Cao Yang thought, being a female star wasn’t easy—no matter how cold the weather, they had to wear revealing dresses that emphasized their figure. It must be really tough.

As they passed the photo zone, many photographers shouted “Li!” Li Xiaoran awkwardly struck a few poses, still unaccustomed to such occasions.

It seemed that through the festival program and the film itself, Li Xiaoran had gained some recognition.

After finishing the rather stiff walk down the red carpet, Cao Yang asked, “Are you cold?”

Li Xiaoran’s lips trembled slightly as she squeezed his hand tighter. “Yes, cold.”

Inside the theater, they found their seats where Old Tian and Zhao Tiantian had already arrived.

Soon the festival president gave the opening remarks, the jury members appeared, and the jury president took on the role of host.

The festival had many events: besides the main competition, there were various spotlight categories and short film awards. After all these were presented, the atmosphere shifted—the moment for the main competition awards had finally arrived.

“The winner of Best New Actress is Angelica Lee, for ‘Love You, Love Me.’”

Amid applause, Cao Yang saw a female actor from Wanwan’s team stand up—quite promising, a good start.

“The winner of Best New Actor is Zhang Zhen, for ‘Love You, Love Me.’”

Everyone on Wanwan’s side was stunned. Best New Actor? Zhang Zhen? Was this a mistake?

Zhang Zhen debuted at fifteen, acted in Wong Kar-wai’s “Happy Together” and Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” attending Cannes and the Oscars. How could he still qualify as a newcomer?

When Zhang Zhen went on stage to accept his award, Jiao Xiongpíng and director Lin Zhengsheng looked displeased. Giving both Best New Actor and Actress to the same film meant other awards were now uncertain.

What were these newcomer awards?

They weren’t permanent categories; they were consolation prizes with a nod to connections—if you have broad ties, you get some face, but the real big awards are limited, so you get a taste but not the full feast.

Who says the Germans don’t know how to be flexible?

Next came the first major award.

The host chatted briefly with the presenter, who announced the Best Actress award.

Cao Yang glanced at Li Xiaoran beside him; her hands trembled nervously as she whispered to herself, eyes fixed on the stage.

He touched her arm gently, reminding her, “Don’t be afraid. If you can’t remember your speech in English, just speak in Chinese.”

“What?”

“...Li Xiaoran, for ‘Alone by the Seaside at Night.’”

A roar of applause surged through the hall.