As soon as these two names were mentioned, there was a sudden commotion in the venue. This commotion did not originate from within the venue but from the journalists, media, and stars waiting outside who were closely monitoring the situation inside.
Indeed, the film by Ye Zhou and his team was good, but this was the prestigious Gold Jade Film Festival. With other nominated films being equally outstanding, the competition was fierce, and the outcome was somewhat unexpected.
Moreover, Ye Zhou himself had a bad reputation for various reasons and had been frequently targeted and boycotted. The critics from the outside had recently put pressure on the organizers. Most people thought that in such circumstances, even if the organizers included this film in the nominations out of respect for Director Sang, they would need to carefully consider the consequences of awarding it. It was clear to anyone with a bit of sense that awarding Ye Zhou at this time was definitely not a good idea.
But sometimes things happen in mysterious ways. Surprisingly, the organizers resisted the external pressure and awarded the prize to Ye Zhou and Sang Huaining.
If Sang Huaining had been present at the awards ceremony, the controversy might not have been so great. However, as Director Sang had passed away, only the young director Ye Zhou, who was not yet thirty years old, was there to accept the award.
Although nominally it was a shared award, the deceased could not benefit from it, and it was obviously Ye Zhou who stood to gain the most from this prize.
Many people were stunned by this outcome, not just the audience at the venue, but also those watching the live broadcast of the awards ceremony from all over the country.
Before each award ceremony at the Gold Jade Film Festival, there would be online voting where netizens could vote for their favorite person or film likely to win the award based on their preferences. This time was no exception. Among the other three films alongside “The Most Beautiful,” the directors of the two films received far more votes and support than Ye Zhou.
No one expected the organizers to be so straightforward and directly award the trophy to Ye Zhou and the late Director Sang.
Perhaps some had considered this possibility, but their aversion to Ye Zhou prevented them from contemplating such an outcome.
Amidst the uproar and commotion, Ye Zhou stood up and walked calmly onto the stage. From the moment he stood in the center of the stage, all the lights around the stage went out, leaving only a spotlight shining directly on the spot where Ye Zhou stood.
Ye Zhou stood under the light, facing a microphone, with countless colleagues in front of him and thousands of unseen audience members beyond the cameras. He wasn’t nervous, nor was he as excited as the previous newcomers who had won awards. He simply stood there, his eyes devoid of anxiety or panic, exuding a calmness as bright as the stars in the night sky. If you looked closely, you could easily see the unwavering confidence and endless courage shining from his eyes, completely unmasked.
Insults, doubts, baseless speculations, and malicious intent surrounded him. But he had never been afraid. Leaning slightly forward, Ye Zhou moved closer to the microphone, ensuring that every word he was about to say would easily reach the venue and every corner of the country.
“Hello, everyone, I am Ye Zhou.”
“I am delighted to receive recognition from the judges of the Golden Jade Film Festival. This award surprises me but doesn’t leave me astonished.”
“When Director Sang was still with us, we researched a lot of materials together and visited many old acquaintances to complete this film.”
“‘The Most Beautiful’ is not just a film; it represents many things. If I must summarize it, borrowing a phrase frequently mentioned by Director Sang would be the most fitting.”
“Of all the things in the world, only love endures forever.”
After these brief words of gratitude, Ye Zhou raised the trophy, lightly chuckled, and said, “Consider this award as me receiving it on behalf of Director Sang.” As he turned to leave the stage, a commotion was heard from outside. Suddenly, a girl in her early twenties stood up in the fan zone section at the back of the venue. She looked excited and shouted at the top of her voice, “Director Ye, what do you mean by saying you are receiving the award on behalf of Director Sang? Are you admitting that your skills are insufficient to stand on this stage, let alone to win an award?”
Ye Zhou hesitated for a moment, turned to look in her direction, paused his steps to leave the stage, and walked back to the microphone.
“I have great confidence in my directing skills,” Ye Zhou replied calmly. His response sparked another uproar in the venue. What did Ye Zhou mean by that? Was he truly provoked into losing his senses and impulsively making derogatory comments about Director Sang?
The girl, satisfied with the answer, showed a hint of mockery and disdain in her eyes. She continued to be aggressive and asked, “So, are you implying that Director Sang’s skills are inferior to yours?”
Ye Zhou looked at her as if he couldn’t detect the blatant malice in her words. He spoke calmly, “This film is not only Director Sang’s dedication but also the effort of me and the entire crew of 123 people.”
“Do you know how much time we spent searching for old footage, visiting old acquaintances? Let me tell you, it was 236 days.”
“Do you know how long it took us to set up a stage and film a six-second shot due to technical issues? Let me tell you, it was six months.”
“Do you know how little rest Director Sang, I, and all the staff members had on average each day since the beginning of this film? Let me tell you, it was less than six hours.”
“You’re not a director. Perhaps you may not understand that for a few seconds, even a shot that may not even be used, we can repeat the scene over a hundred times.”
“Do you know all this, understand it, have a clear picture? No, you know nothing, understand nothing, have no clarity about it.”
Ye Zhou paused, his voice steady, as he continued, “So… what do you truly know about ‘The Most Beautiful’, about Director Sang, about me?”
As Ye Zhou spoke, his tone and emotions remained composed, highlighting the authenticity and seriousness of his words and the data he presented. The girl blushed with embarrassment, sweat starting to form on her forehead, yet she tried to salvage the situation, insisting, “Filmmaking is indeed tough, and money isn’t easy to earn. Director Ye, please don’t change the subject to seek sympathy. Please answer my question directly!”
Before Ye Zhou could respond, a voice, old but firm, spoke up ahead of him.
“If you are unwilling to hear his explanation, then allow me to answer your question.” The speaker was an elderly man with white hair. He appeared to be quite advanced in age, dressed in a dark gray Tang suit, holding a cane in his hand. Despite his age, the man exuded a powerful aura and presence.
The girl, still discontent after being interrupted, seemed about to say something, but was forcefully pulled back by her companion who had entered with her, tugging at her sleeve and gesturing urgently for her to stop speaking.
The man who had just spoken might not be familiar to the younger generation, but among the older generation, he was certainly a well-known figure. His name was Huo Song. He was the first director in the country to be nominated seven times for the prestigious Olive Award for Best Director on a global scale and the first to win the Olive Award for Best Director three times.
Just two years ago, Mr. Huo earned his fourth award at the Olive Film Festival, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his frequent international award wins, Mr. Huo also served as the honorary president of the Huaxia1华夏 (Huá xià) – old name for China Film Academy and as the chief judge for several authoritative film festivals, including the Gold Jade Film Festival.
Challenging a legendary figure like Mr. Huo was akin to courting disaster, as he held such esteemed status in the industry that even a single word from him could drown the girl in a sea of reproach.
Huo Song ascended the stage with his cane, approached Ye Zhou, patted his shoulder, gestured for him to move aside, and indicated that he should hand over the microphone. Initially hesitant to comply, Ye Zhou was intimidated by Mr. Huo’s stern gaze and took two steps back to make way for him, standing next to him in a meek manner, a stark contrast to his previous composure, resembling a startled quail.
Adjusting the microphone, Huo Song directed his sharp gaze towards the girl who had sought out Ye Zhou and asked, “I am Huaining’s master, having guided and mentored him in various respects. Shouldn’t I be qualified to answer this question?”
“Huaining has been by my side since he was fifteen. His filming style, camera techniques, and his skill in directing actors were all taught by me. I have watched him progress and grow, witnessing his breakthroughs time and time again.”
“He has given me many surprises, and as an old man, I have witnessed each of his advancements and growth.”
“Though I did not wish to bring up Huaining’s matters after he left, his meticulous nature was evident during my last visit to the hospital. He held my hand and told me he was worried.”
Despite Mr. Huo’s advancing age and continued dignity, when speaking about his beloved and accomplished disciple, his emotions could no longer be concealed, rendering him unable to maintain his usual calm demeanor.
“I thought he couldn’t let go of the movie, so I asked him, I said, ‘If you are worried about your movie, then as your master, even if I have to sacrifice my old bones, I will help you finish it.’”
“But to my surprise, Huaining laughed.” Huo Song wiped the ridges around his eyes with his hand and said slowly, “He said, ‘Master, I’m not worried about the movie. With Xiao Zhou around, he will definitely be able to finish the movie well.’”
“I said, if you’re not worried about the movie, then what are you worried about?”
“He sadly smiled and patted my hand, saying, ‘I’m worried about Xiao Zhou, the child. What if after the movie is released, he is criticized by others and I’m not around to protect him?’”
Upon hearing this familiar conversation, Xiao Zhou couldn’t hold back anymore, and his eyes immediately turned red.
Just a short while ago, he had heard a similar conversation from Director Tang Bo, and now, in a matter of days, he heard it again from Old Master Huo’s mouth.
The care and love from Director Sang made Xiao Zhou feel both sour and bitter, causing intense discomfort in his heart.
“You all say that Xiao Zhou was able to participate in the Golden Jade Film Festival because of Huaining’s influence and that the award he received was also riding on Huaining’s coattails. Therefore, today I also want to take this opportunity to ask you all, have you really watched this movie seriously?”
Although Huo Song spoke softly, each word pierced into the hearts of everyone present, especially those who had previously criticized Xiao Zhou behind his back. When now faced with Old Master Huo’s direct question, they all felt embarrassed.
“What’s most ridiculous and sad to me is that outsiders can’t see it clearly, but how come there are people among us who have been working in the film industry for so many years and still don’t understand? Isn’t that right, Director Qian?”
The one being called out without hesitation was none other than Qian Jun, who had openly insinuated in interviews that Xiao Zhou’s nomination was just luck.
“Times have really changed. Nowadays, some directors don’t focus on their own films, don’t strive to improve their skills, but instead envy and try to sabotage the more talented young people. They are willing to ruin the future of these young talents, even at the cost of their own reputation. Do they have no shame, no sense of embarrassment?”
If anyone else in the industry besides Huo Song had said these words, Qian Jun would have definitely argued with them. But now, faced with Huo Song’s remarks, Qian Jun could only wish he could disappear into the ground at that moment!
Sitting there awkwardly, Qian Jun couldn’t help but notice that a camera was suddenly pointed directly at his face, seemingly aiming to capture his current expression.
Feeling nauseous inside, Qian Jun dared not say a word in response, because based on his understanding of Old Master Huo, if he kept quiet, the old master might eventually change the subject and let him off the hook. But if he dared to speak up, the old master might just publicly humiliate him and expose him in front of everyone.
Embarrassing! If this content were to be broadcasted, Qian Jun might as well forget about staying in this circle in the future, let alone directing those damn movies. Who would give him money to make films now!
Although his own abilities were not that outstanding, Qian Jun still had a certain level of foresight, which allowed him to smoothly navigate the industry without any major setbacks.
After addressing Qian Jun, Old Master Huo then singled out a few directors and top executives who had been causing trouble recently and associated them with Qian Jun.
Having named all these individuals, Old Master Huo then turned to Xiao Zhou, pulling him forward and, with a tone filled with a mix of disappointment and reproach, said unreservedly, “And you, while others may not know right from wrong, surely you cannot be unaware.”
“You know the truth but keep it to yourself, what good does that do? I know you don’t want Huaining to have any regrets. But perhaps you don’t realize, Huaining’s regrets disappeared long ago when he saw you working tirelessly and racking your brains for the movie.”
“He believes in you, knowing that you will do everything possible to make this movie great. Whether the movie ends up perfect or not, he has no regrets anymore.”
A shiver ran down Xiao Zhou’s body, emotions swirling inside him. In a daze, it seemed like something elusive and untouchable was finally becoming clear and breaking apart.
Old Master Huo patted his head, held his hand, pulled him forward, and addressed everyone in the audience and in front of the camera, “Many people say Ye Zhou’s achievements today are because of Huaining, and winning the award today.”
“For those who think that way, go watch the movie in theaters again. If you pay attention, you will see that what you think is Sang’s style is actually… just someone’s elaborate imitation.”
Old Master Huo held Xiao Zhou’s hand tightly, speaking solemnly, “Even if you can’t see it now, that’s okay. I believe that given some time, maybe not too long, he will once again stand on a stage and even higher, farther stages to prove to you that he can, that he deserves it, that this is rightly his.”
For the first time in the history of the Golden Jade Awards ceremony, the ceremony was extended by twenty minutes, and this valuable time extension resulted in the highest viewership ratings since its inception.
Fortunately, the Best Director award was the last award of the ceremony, so the unexpected twenty minutes did not disrupt the original plan of the ceremony but only added a little to the overall duration.
After the Golden Jade Film Festival awards ceremony, the previously aggressive online criticism suddenly quieted down, and there were even apologetic comments appearing under Xiao Zhou’s Weibo posts.
However, true online critics never truly repent. Compared to the overwhelming insults before, the apologies were few and quickly disappeared.
Just when everyone thought things had passed, a new twist occurred on a morning a few days later.
Early that morning, a new trending topic suddenly appeared on Weibo, and it skyrocketed to the top three rankings in just two short hours.
#Apology to Director Ye Zhou#
Clicking into this Weibo post, it was discovered that the first person to introduce this topic was a blogger named ‘Flying Melon.’
Carefully summarizing Ye Zhou’s progress from “A Farce” to “The Most Beautiful” and highlighting the remarkable classic scenes, Flying Melon carried out a frame-by-frame analysis of the differences in detail handling between Director Sang Huaining and Ye Zhou in “The Most Beautiful,” distinguishing and organizing them into a lengthy two-thousand-word essay.
Flying Melon confessed that the repeated criticism of Xiao Zhou over the years was not because his movies were truly bad but because they had made a mistake and had included some screenshots of past transactions and conversations with investors.
At the end of the article, Flying Melon wrote:
“I deeply regret all that I have done in these past years, and I apologize for the harsh words I used. You are a very talented director, and though I hate to admit it, I believe I have found the courage to start anew by looking up to you.”
“Director Ye Zhou, I’m sorry.
And thank you.”
Thank you for finally waking me up from my haze, thank you for helping me rediscover my true self, and most of all, thank you for giving me the courage to overthrow and rebuild, to start afresh.
Keep moving forward, don’t look back. Your future is filled with starlight, with a clear path at your feet, and brightness wherever your gaze falls.
Please… keep moving forward courageously and with determination.
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