Who was Director Sang?
Director Sang Huaining was a renowned national treasure-level director in the country. While his films were few, they were of the highest quality, with almost every one of his works winning awards. Not only did his films win awards, but Director Sang also had his own unique method of coaching actors, having nurtured numerous award-winning actors and actresses.
Anyone who had played a leading role in his films had had a smooth sailing career thereafter. After being coached by him, they never have to worry about not having roles to play.
Take the early example of Actor Sun, the leading actor in ‘The Great River.’ When Director Sang chose him as the male lead, he was merely a film student who had not yet graduated, barely more than a newcomer.
However, with his role as Lin Jiang in ‘The Great River,’ he directly won Best Actor at two highly prestigious film festivals, catapulting him from obscurity to a double-award-winning actor with just one film.
A few years ago, a former popular flower actress whose reputation plummeted due to an ugly divorce scandal became a ‘Sang’s Lady’ after catching Director Sang’s attention. The film they collaborated on the previous year swept various awards when it was released, and the actress successfully transformed from a mere traffic celebrity to a true actress.
It was no exaggeration to say that the name Sang Huaining was like a golden signboard in the entertainment industry. Whether actors, directors, or other staff, everyone in the industry wanted the opportunity to work with him. Being appreciated by him was an extremely fortunate event.
However, the old master was already seventy-three years old this year. Although still in good health, his energy was not what it used to be. He had always produced few works, with the filming time for each ranging from two to three years.
His longest filming period took four and a half years to complete, and it was also the film that won him a Lifetime Achievement Award at the most prestigious international film festival.
He was an excellent director and a respected figure in the film industry.
After transmigrating into this world, Ye Zhou repeatedly watched his films. The more he watched, the more he realized the profound depth of this veteran director’s skills. Each viewing left Ye Zhou greatly enlightened.
The only time Ye Zhou met Director Sang was at the Golden Lemon Film Festival awards ceremony. Director Sang was seated in the front row, and even from a distance, Ye Zhou could sense the gentle and humble demeanor of the veteran director.
At the time, Ye Zhou was persuaded by Assistant Director Meng to go greet Director Sang, but as he approached, he noticed the weariness on the director’s face and decided not to disturb him, only observing from afar as the veteran director left.
Originally, Ye Zhou had thought that if he had the chance to meet this big shot again, he would definitely ask Director Sang for an autograph as a keepsake. But who would have thought that the opportunity would present itself in this unexpected way?
At this thought, even the usually carefree Ye Zhou couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. He stared at Geng Bochuan, as if trying to discern whether his earlier statement was a joke or serious.
Geng Bochuan found Ye Zhou’s reaction somewhat amusing, but he could understand the man’s excitement – after all, it was Director Sang Huaining.
When he initially received the audition notice from Director Sang, Geng Bochuan was ecstatic. He was unable to sleep for several days after learning he had been chosen to collaborate with the master director. Although only a supporting role, it was more exciting for Geng Bochuan than any leading role.
The reason was simple – the director was Sang Huaining.
“Director Sang is already seventy-three this year. His son passed away in a car accident, and his grandson chose to pursue medicine instead of the film industry. Originally, Director Sang planned to retire after completing ‘Spring Record,’ but a while ago, an old friend suddenly approached him, requesting his help in filming a documentary about his late wife…”
Geng Bochuan proceeded to recount in detail the events that transpired during his time with the crew. Initially, Ye Zhou was merely listening, but he found himself increasingly captivated, to the point where even after Geng Bochuan had finished speaking, Ye Zhou still couldn’t snap out of his thoughts for a long time.
It turned out that Director Sang had an old friend outside the industry with whom he shared a close relationship. However, years ago, this friend became reclusive for several years after the passing of his wife, unwilling to communicate with the outside world.
In their youth, this friend and his wife helped Director Sang a lot. Thus, when the friend approached him with a request years later, Director Sang could not refuse, nor did he wish to.
However, due to his old age and having just completed the filming of ‘Spring Record,’ Director Sang no longer possessed the boundless energy of his younger years. He worried that his condition might not allow him to independently complete this film, which encompassed far too much content. Director Sang did not want any regrets or flaws marring this project, so he decided to seek a suitable director to collaborate on the film.
When Director Sang asked Geng Bochuan to recommend someone, he naturally suggested Ye Zhou, the person who had profoundly influenced and helped him the most.
This led to Geng Bochuan’s visit and conversation with Ye Zhou today.
Having collaborated for an extended period, just as Ye Zhou understood Geng Bochuan’s habits during filming, Geng Bochuan also knew Ye Zhou well, aware of his tendency to become lost in thought. Therefore, he did not interrupt.
Finally, Ye Zhou snapped out of his contemplation, belatedly realizing what had transpired. He shook his head apologetically, “Sorry, Ah Chuan, I spaced out.”
Geng Bochuan didn’t mind at all. He shook his head, retrieved a piece of paper from his bag, and said as he wrote, “Ye-ge, this is a rare opportunity. When the news spread, everyone was scrambling for it. These are Director Sang’s contact information and address.”
“Recommending you to Director Sang was the limit of what I could do. The rest is up to you, Ge.”
The words rang true. Even if Ye Zhou was not physically present, he could imagine that for a highly respected veteran director like Director Sang, once the news spread about him collaborating with someone on a film, it would cause a stir throughout the entire directors’ circle.
Though Ye Zhou had been in this world for a while and his films’ box office performance was decent, in terms of experience and qualifications, he was far from reaching the level required to collaborate with the veteran director. Ye Zhou was well aware of this fact.
For Geng Bochuan to mention Ye Zhou’s name to Director Sang and even convince the director to give Ye Zhou an opportunity for personal communication was already incredibly remarkable.
Ye Zhou carefully kept the paper with Director Sang’s contact information, patting Geng Bochuan’s shoulder with a serious and solemn expression, “Ah Chuan, I accept this kindness. If there’s ever an opportunity for me to return the favor, just say the word.”
Geng Bochuan laughed heartily, shaking his head vigorously, “Ge, you don’t need to be so formal with me. With our relationship, do you think I will be polite to you?”
After chatting for a while longer, Ye Zhou treated Geng Bochuan to lunch at a nearby private restaurant with excellent taste and privacy. Only then did he see Geng Bochuan off.
Back home, Ye Zhou took out the note, feeling the rising warmth in his palm as excitement welled up within him. Sang Huaining! This was Sang Huaining! He had the opportunity to communicate with his idol!
Antarctica? Antarctica could wait; the chance to collaborate with Director Sang was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
First, Ye Zhou called Jiang Tingyuan to inform him about this matter.
Upon hearing that Ye Zhou didn’t want to go to Antarctica, Jiang Tingyuan naturally had no objections and happily agreed. He even thoughtfully mentioned that the things prepared for the Antarctica trip a few days ago could be left as they are for now. They could go on a trip to Antarctica together after Ye Zhou finishes his work, considering it as not having wasted their efforts.
Ye Zhou, touched by Mr. Jiang’s wholehearted support for his career, was immediately grateful and couldn’t help but think to himself, “Ah, my amazing boyfriend!” “My boyfriend is the best, no arguments accepted!” “Why is my boyfriend so understanding!” Jiang Tingyuan’s thoughtfulness made Ye Zhou feel slightly guilty. Ye Zhou was already feeling embarrassed about the decision to go to Antarctica. After all, leaving Jiang Tingyuan alone at home like an empty-nest elderly person seemed too cruel!
Instead of blaming him, Jiang Tingyuan joined in the preparations and helped him select and prepare a lot of equipment. Just when everything was almost ready, Ye Zhou suddenly said he wouldn’t go, which seemed heartless, shameless, and unreasonable.
Feeling that this was unacceptable, Ye Zhou decided he needed to treat Jiang Tingyuan better since he had been so good to him. With that in mind, Ye Zhou carefully put away the small note, took out his phone, and typed a few words in the browser.
Question: [What can I do to make my boyfriend happy?]
The network speed wasn’t great, and the page took over ten seconds to load. Ye Zhou anxiously waited for the answer. However, the moment the page loaded and he saw the top response, his mind went blank.
Answer: [Take a shower, lie down, and eat well.]
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Please consider supporting the author directly.
You can also follow me on Ko-fi to get the latest updates on my translation progress and new projects. I appreciate your love and feedback.
