Chapter 19: Now, I Have Arrived

Amidst the applause, Cao Yang took the stage.

The award presenter chattered on for a while, then laughed and patted Cao Yang’s arm. The language was unfamiliar, and Cao Yang could only smile in response.

When the presenter finished speaking, Cao Yang repeated “Thank you” several times, shook hands, and accepted the Silver Bear.

It felt about the same as the one Li Xiaoran had received.

Cao Yang thought to himself haphazardly—he hadn’t prepared a speech in advance, believing that just winning a Berlin Best Actress award would be enough. He had never dared to hope for a grand prize.

It seemed the school had put in a lot of effort, and Teacher Xie Fei hadn’t spared any trouble either. This was turning into quite the showcase for Chinese-language films.

“Thank you to the jury and the film festival. This is my first film, and there are many I must thank: my teacher Mr. Situ, my mentor Director Tian Zhuangzhuang, my parents, and my lead actress Ms. Li Xiaoran.”

“Last year, my schoolmate Director Zhang Yi won the Jury Grand Prize here. I was very envious then, wondering when I might stand on this stage. Now, I am here!”

The applause surged like a tide.

Holding up the Silver Bear, Cao Yang concluded, “Finally, thanks to my alma mater, the Beijing Film Academy. This is a student practice film, strongly supported by the school. I am proud to be a student of the Beijing Film Academy.”

Well, in the end, Cao Yang couldn’t resist giving a little shout-out to the school. After all, they had supported the film all the way to the Berlin Film Festival. This was mutual benefit, not mere flattery.

The school should be very pleased now.

He hoped next time the school could be even more supportive—he would take their advertisement all the way to Venice and Cannes.

The final Golden Bear went to “Intimacy,” keeping the grand prize in Europe, but even so, with so many awards given to Chinese-language films, controversy would be inevitable the next day.

However, there was precedent.

At the 56th Venice Film Festival in 1999, the top Golden Lion was awarded to the National Master’s “Not One Less,” and the Silver Lion for Best Director went to Zhang Yuan’s “Going Home for New Year.”

The impact then was even greater.

After the awards ceremony, the winners couldn’t leave yet; a press conference awaited.

Cao Yang and Li Xiaoran were interviewed together. The questions were routine and predictable. The journalists were insiders of the festival, focusing mostly on the film itself, avoiding provocative questions designed for sensationalism.

Back at the hotel, it was already 11 p.m. in Berlin. Cao Yang wanted to call home to share the good news but first calculated the time to avoid calling at an inconvenient hour.

Berlin was in the Central European Time zone (UTC+1), while China was in the China Standard Time zone (UTC+8), but the difference wasn’t simply seven hours due to daylight saving and standard time.

During daylight saving time, the difference was six hours; in standard time, it was seven.

It was February, standard time, so at 11 p.m. in Berlin, it was 6 a.m. in China—too early to call. He decided to wait.

Then, there was a knock at the door.

Cao Yang opened it to find Zhao Tiantian standing outside.

“Tiantian, is something wrong?”

“Director Cao, may I come in and sit for a while?”

Cao Yang immediately understood her intention.

To be honest, Cao Yang wasn’t above indulging in simple pleasures, but there were some boundaries—particularly when it came to an investor’s woman. It was best not to get involved, lest it ruin his reputation.

Imagine an investor spending money to support a mistress, and yet you, who have received funds, betray that trust by getting involved with the woman. A bad reputation would discourage future investments.

“Tiantian, it’s too late tonight. I still need to report to Mr. Feng. If you have something to say, let’s talk tomorrow, okay?”

Cao Yang deliberately mentioned the coal boss, implying the gravity of the matter.

After sending Zhao Tiantian away, barely two minutes passed before another knock sounded.

Still persistent?

Cao Yang opened the door again, preparing to refuse firmly, but it was Li Xiaoran.

“Disappointed to see it’s me?” she teased, entering naturally as if no distance existed.

“You saw it all?”

“Couldn’t sleep, went out for a walk, and just happened to see a certain actress knocking on the door of a famous director named Cao.”

Yeah, right, Cao Yang didn’t respond.

“My agent asked when I’m returning to China—tomorrow or with the crew,” Li Xiaoran suddenly asked. “What’s your suggestion?”

What suggestion could he offer?

You’ve got your award, nothing left to do. Come if you want, stay if you want.

“Cao Yang, let’s stay here. You promised me we’d go to that seaside town, watch the sea together, stroll the beach, and grow old slowly.”

Li Xiaoran rested her head on Cao Yang’s shoulder, arms wrapped around him, whispering softly, “Have you forgotten all that?”

“Ugh…”

Here we go again. Didn’t she say she was almost recovered?

Cao Yang was stunned. Was he trapped?

Seeing his face change, Li Xiaoran chuckled.

“Alright, don’t blame yourself so easily. Maybe I’m willing. Look, I’m abroad, you’re abroad. Just think of it as you coming to find me. I’ll have my wish fulfilled—maybe then I can get back into character.”

Cao Yang thought for a moment and asked, “Isn’t this taking advantage of the situation?”

“No.”

“I’m helping you fulfill your wish?” Cao Yang took off his coat.

“Yes. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you in this foreign land?” Li Xiaoran shrugged off her jacket.

“Mmm…”

What else was there to say? You miss me; I’m drawn to beauty. That’s it—truly feeling each other’s delicate and wild sides.

At their age—early twenties—they craved the next thrill while still able to fight off temptation. This night was destined to be sleepless.

Many more were also awake—among them, entertainment reporter Li Chang, who had been following the Berlin news closely. At 3:27 a.m., he sent a triumphant “Yes!” then rushed to Editor-in-Chief Hu’s office.

He shook the editor, who was dozing on the sofa, excitedly shouting, “We’ve got it! We’ve got it!”

The editor jolted awake, sitting up instantly. “Got it? Best actress?”

“Best actress! Berlin Best Actress, Li Xiaoran took the prize—the first from the Mainland!”

“Publish it! Front page headline! Get it out fast!” The editor waved grandly and asked, “Have you confirmed with Berlin?”

“Already arranged. They’ll send photos by email immediately.”

“Good, get on it.”

The editor opened his computer, logged into the international network with a special account, and scrolled through Berlin Film Festival news.

“Damn! Wang Xiaoshuai got Best Director?”

The editor paused, then strode out of his private office, beckoning intern Xiao Li to follow.

Back in the office, the editor showed Xiao Li the screen and whispered, “You’ll send a text update on the layout as an intern reporter.”

Xiao Li’s innocent, bright eyes, unspoiled by the world, didn’t ask why and nodded to comply. He thought the editor was mentoring him and felt grateful.

The editor felt everything was under control. He sat down, crossed his legs, and leisurely sipped his coffee—delightful…

Then suddenly:

“Damn! Jury Grand Prize? Is this fake news?”

Even a seasoned journalist like him doubted it was a foreign fabrication.