Chapter 58: The Shining Berlin Belongs to Liang Kongxiang's Era...

Li Tao | Who will win the Golden Bear and Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival?

Berlin has been bustling these past few days. All the attention and traffic is concentrated here. Berlin, you're so lucky!

1L

To be honest, I never imagined I'd see [The Box], [Snowflake], and [Pear] all at the same event in my lifetime. Even more shocking, that guy from Zaiying Pictures was there too! A playboy spending a Berlin night with three rumored girlfriends... What genius came up with this script?

2L

What rumored girlfriend? Have you forgotten how he sucked the blood of [the box] last year? It's hilarious. The two of them are just hating each other.

3L

Where's the hatred? I thought Jiang seemed very focused on [Xiangzi]. Who dared to watch the opening ceremony red carpet and the media conference? Jiang's eyes never left [Xiangzi]. I remember a foreign actor greeted Xiangzi, and Jiang shook her hand for her. How terrifying! What kind of relationship would allow someone to do that? The key point is that [Xiangzi] seemed to give him a helpless look before extending her hand to shake hands with the actor. Also, during the filming of the xx interview, the bottom left corner of the video showed [Xiangzi] and Jiang, seemingly Jiang introducing [Xiangzi] to the Oscar-winning director… Logically speaking, Xiangzi isn't even an actress from the Zaiying Group, so why would Jiang go to such lengths to help her?

Reply: Seriously? Holy crap, why is there absolutely no buzz on the trending topics? I need to watch it again.

4L

This post is supposed to be discussing Berlin, so why is it going through a "box" structure?

Reply: Sorry, I, the original poster, am also jumping around in this gossip field. Nobody cares about Berlin anymore.

5L

Here comes the serious answer: For the Golden Bear for Best Feature Film, I'm optimistic about Japan's *Inoue Nozomi*. For the Silver Bear for Best Actor, I think it will go to Felix Percy from the US. I'm not paying much attention to the other awards. I don't know what awards the two Chinese films are aiming for. If it's the Golden Bear, forget about it. As for the Silver Bear, it depends on which specific award it's for. Cao Lengyu's film seems to be aiming for the Golden Bear for Best Story, while *The Box* is definitely aiming for Best Actor. Tian Lei's film will have an even tougher time winning the Golden Bear. It tries to create an ensemble story, but every actor is vying for screen time, making it difficult for the final film to stand out.

Reply: Yes, but Tian Lei's skill level is still there, just not as high as before, but he can still easily outperform some directors. However, "The Parade" had two female leads, but isn't only one nominee allowed for Best Actress?

6L

Where are the Golden Bear and Silver Bear dreams in "The Parade"? Lei Zi is really making a fool of himself on any stage he can possibly be. He hasn't made a good film in years; now he's just relying on his past achievements. While other big-name directors are going to Cannes, he's even in doubt at Berlin. "The Brilliant Journey" has an alarmingly high score in the festival's daily publication, with a total of 4 points and a 3.5 rating, tying for first place with "Inoue no Omo". "The Parade" only has hype, no quality. How dare they criticize other films?

7L

Upstairs, sorry, but the movie you were talking about that only had volume and no quality was just recalled from Berlin. Seriously, you bastard.

8L

ah? ? ? ? ?

9L

ah? ? ? ? ? ? ?

1xx86L

What the hell do you mean? What about "The Brilliant Past"?

*

At night, a private plane landed at Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

Liang Kongxiang, wearing sunglasses and a mask, exited the plane one after the other with Jiang Jiaoming. The cold wind whipped her hair, making her slightly curly hair messy. She wrapped her long coat tighter and got into the back seat of the Maybach. Jiang Jiaoming followed closely behind, closed the car door, and drove to the hotel arranged by the organizers.

“The Parade has also been recalled,” Liang Kongxiang said. She wasn’t very familiar with the Berlin Film Festival, but there were very few big prizes, so it was unlikely that a film from the same country would occupy two important awards. “So it’s hard to say whether The Parade or The Brilliant Past will win a satisfactory award, is that right?”

"Mm." Liang Kongxiang nodded. The awards ceremony was tomorrow, and thinking about it now wouldn't change anything, so she might as well relax and face tomorrow. She set an alarm for early morning, sent Chen Yun her room number, and waited for the stylist to arrive.

She didn't wear a long gown to this awards ceremony. The stylist chose a white, fitted dress with a Chinese style for her, put her hair up, and wore round jade earrings, giving her a soft and neat beauty.

Upon arriving at the venue, numerous cameras followed her car, with shutter sounds and flashes going off incessantly.

As soon as the car came to a stop, Jiang Jiaoming opened the car door and got out first, standing aside to help Liang Kongxiang out, while Cao Lengyu, Xiang Hang, and Wang Jianbai got out from the other side of the car.

The media reporters outside the red fence suddenly erupted in screams, crowding forward and shouting Liang Kongxiang's name, with all eyes focused on her.

The young Black man holding the gimbal camera pointed it at Liang Kongxiang and Jiang Jiaoming. Warm golden light shone on her, and she smiled slightly at the camera before turning to wave to the flood of people.

The previously noisy crowd screamed and shouted, and the entire venue became abuzz with excitement because of her arrival. This white pearl landed in the gloomy Berlin, making everything light and sparkling.

The temperature was low today, and there was no heating outside the venue. Large areas of Liang Kongxiang's skin on her shoulders and back were exposed. She breathed out softly and touched her cheek with the back of her hand; it was icy cold.

Jiang Jiaoming squeezed her hand and took off his coat to put it on her, but Liang Kongxiang stopped him: "We'll be in the audience soon, it's okay."

Seeing her insistence, Jiang Jiaoming simply pulled her hands into his palms and warmed them, teasingly saying, "That's true, they'll get hot when the lottery is drawn."

There were many cameras in the venue, broadcasting live globally. Jiang Jiaoming didn't try to steal the spotlight; upon seeing the cameras, he let go of Liang Kongxiang, and the two maintained a slight distance in front of others.

Cao Lengyu remained silent the whole way, and Liang Kongxiang wanted to tease her: "So quiet, have you been thinking through the acceptance speeches for every award?"

“Yes,” Cao Lengyu took a deep breath and looked at her, “There are too many trophies, I don’t know which one to choose, so I might as well think about them all.”

"Don't be nervous," Liang Kongxiang patted her shoulder, implying, "Tian Lei is the one who should be nervous."

"Hmm." Cao Lengyu glanced at the far right of the audience seats, where Tian Lei, Zhuang Yexue, and Geng Jiali had already taken their seats.

As soon as Liang Kongxiang entered the venue, she noticed Zhuang Yexue and exchanged a quick glance. Zhuang Yexue's expression was indifferent, and she showed no intention of greeting her. Liang Kongxiang also only glanced at her before looking away.

She sat down with the crew in the middle of the third row, with Jiang Jiaoming on her left and Cao Lengyu on her right.

After the other film crews took their seats one after another, the entire first and second floors of the venue were full. Suddenly, the stage screen switched to the theme poster of the awards ceremony. The venue was silent for a moment, and then applause broke out.

Liang Kongxiang suddenly felt Jiang Jiaoming lean slightly to the side. She turned her head, and Jiang Jiaoming looked at her, moved his hand to hers resting on her thigh, gently squeezed it, and whispered, "It's about to begin."

Two women and one man walked out slowly amidst lights and applause, gave a brief self-introduction and opening remarks, and then began to present the trophies.

The previous awards were all Golden Bears, and there is only one Best Picture award, which is given to the best film in each genre.

Liang Kongxiang knew that Cao Lengyu outwardly had no hope for this award, but it would be a lie to say that she didn't yearn for it. She watched the judges on the stage holding the inscription cards and announcing the Golden Bear for Best Film into the microphone, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Cao Lengyu's focused gaze, and her heart jumped into her throat.

Liang Kongxiang raised her hand to clap, but leaned to the side and gently touched Cao Lengyu's shoulder, looking at her: "Maybe he'll be the best director."

"Let's not make any assumptions," Cao Lengyu said in a flat tone, "it would be surprising if Xiaodao didn't win the award."

"Think positively," Liang Kongxiang joked.

While the two were talking, the Best Director award had already been given out.

Fearing that Liang Kongxiang might overthink things, Cao Lengyu comforted her, "Can't you try not to think too much about it? Your second solo film being nominated for the European Film Awards is already a great achievement."

What she said made sense. Liang Kongxiang nodded: "That's right. I'm also more open-minded. It's my second film as a non-professional actor, and I'm competing for Best Actor with world-class actors. I should be satisfied."

Before he could finish speaking, he was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a speaker.

Both of them were stunned for a moment, but Liang Kongxiang was the first to react. She pulled Cao Lengyu's wrist and stood up, letting out a rare cheer and clapping enthusiastically at Cao Lengyu. She laughed and said, "What are you standing there for? Director Cao, it's your turn to receive the award."

She felt so exhilarated that she forgot to look at Tian Lei's expression.

Seeing her stunned expression, Liang Kongxiang was genuinely happy and whispered to Jiang Jiaoming, "Those who give good fortune will receive good fortune in return."

"Hmm." Jiang Jiaoming touched her slightly sweaty palms, not revealing her nervousness, and said, "Good fortune comes to those who give it."

"It's alright, there's still a long road ahead." She knew Jiang Jiaoming was comforting her, because according to the pattern of previous film festivals, a film would most likely only win one award. Since Cao Lengyu won Best Screenplay, her chances of winning Best Actress would be much smaller.

The judges changed to a woman with a sly smile on her face. She exclaimed "wow!" and said in English, "Next, I will reveal the award that everyone is eagerly anticipating."

With a slight smile, she gently revealed the suspense in a steady and powerful voice: "The Brilliant Past, Liang Kongxiang."

"Ahhhhh!!!" As soon as the words were spoken, the audience erupted in cheers and applause. At the same time, background music from flutes and drums began to play, and the large screen on the stage played a clip of Liang Kongxiang standing under the golden sun shower. Another screen was connected to a camera on site, which was filming Liang Kongxiang in real time below the stage.

She leaned back in the red row of chairs, seemingly stunned for a moment. The man next to her, however, remained calm, as if it were expected, and smiled as he whispered something in her ear in Chinese, his lips seemingly lip-syncing to "Best Actress."

Liang Kongxiang snapped out of her daze, and amidst the thunderous cheers, she stood up with a smile and hugged everyone around her.

Cao Lengyu's blood was boiling, almost bursting through her skin. She hugged Liang Kongxiang tightly, her emotions never so openly displayed. Feeling a lump in her throat and unable to speak, she quickly swallowed. After releasing her, she gazed at Liang Kongxiang's face for a few seconds and whispered, "Congratulations."

Liang Kongxiang clasped her hand, and amidst the noisy awards ceremony, her thoughts suddenly drifted back to that night when they escaped the filthy bar hand in hand, running swiftly under the sycamore trees. At that time, they were almost at their wits' end, and no one could have imagined that, just three years later, they would break through the encirclement again with their work and stand on a wider stage.

When they embrace, their chests are pressed together, as if two hearts filled with the purest dreams are pressed tightly together. No more words are needed; just a brief five-second embrace is enough for them to know what the other is expressing in those five silent seconds.

During the hug, she glanced over Xiang Hang's shoulder and saw Zhuang Yexue and Geng Jiali standing up on the other side of the stage. Their expressions were somewhat complicated, revealing no smiles, but they still clapped in her direction. Liang Kongxiang smiled back at them.

The last person Liang Kongxiang embraced was Jiang Jiaoming.

He stood beside her, waiting for her to hug everyone first. He was wearing a black suit today, his posture upright. After she finished hugging the others, he raised his eyebrows and slowly opened his arms. "Let your husband hug the best actress."

Liang Kongxiang stared at him for a few seconds, smiled helplessly, and then reached out to hug him. However, instead of wrapping her arms around his back, she tightly wrapped them around his waist. Ignoring her makeup, she buried her face in his chest and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Feeling his chest vibrate as if he was laughing, Liang Kongxiang looked up and met his teasing gaze.

“If we keep hugging like this, we’ll be on the front page again,” he patted Liang Kongxiang’s head. “Go accept your award, Best Actress.”

The camera projected this scene onto the big screen, and the audience immediately erupted in cheers.

With a faint smile, Liang Kongxiang calmly lifted her evening gown, walked through the aisle between the seats, and, followed by the spotlight, walked step by step up the stairs to the awards stage.

The judges handed her the trophy, which Liang Kongxiang accepted with a slight bow and a smile, before standing on the stage to give her acceptance speech.

She stood on the world-renowned stage, holding the heavy, all-white silver bear trophy.

“In Xisa Port, we spent a total of thirty-six nights there. It was always hot and the days were longer than the nights. Everyone would rush to stand in the cooling cannons to get some fresh air, and we would often run noisily along the coastline after work. Those were dreamlike days. Like Bo Wenxiang, the protagonist of 'Brilliant Past,' we found a new way of life in a foreign land.” Holding the trophy, she seemed to be holding the soul of Bo Wenxiang that had drifted away. The character briefly embraced her, raised her hand, and together they held the increasingly hot trophy.

She smiled as she reminisced about her brief time in Xisa Port, when her eyes suddenly met those of Jiang Jiaoming, who was sitting in the audience.

He sat in the crowd, just as he had years before, when she stood on the Golden Phoenix Award stage holding her first honor, gazing at her with the same focused attention.

At that time, she held up her first trophy, and everyone thought she was extremely calm, shaping her into a new goddess who had suddenly appeared in the entertainment industry.

She stood in front of the microphone, surrounded by many unfamiliar faces: actors, directors, and media reporters. She calmly held the microphone and gave her speech. But no one knew that she was in her early twenties that year, and all of her experiences were firsts in her life. She was not a god. Even though she had a go-with-the-flow attitude towards the outcome, she was still nervous when she stood on an unfamiliar stage for the first time.

Holding the trophy that time, she felt only immense loneliness and confusion, along with a small amount of initial excitement at making a name for herself. The road ahead seemed shrouded in fog, making it impossible for her to discern her direction. When giving her acceptance speech, she appeared very calm, but no one could see the nervousness deep within her heart.

Halfway through her speech, she was suddenly stared at by an undeniable, intense gaze.

They made eye contact.

My heart felt like it was being pulled by a thin thread, plummeting straight down.

Five years later, she and Jiang Jiaoming attended the awards ceremony together again, and he was still sitting in the audience watching her.

This time, they gazed at each other across the surging crowd and the light, filled with love and dreams. She suddenly remembered many years ago, when she and he had also gazed at each other across the surging crowd on the basketball court in high school.

It turns out they've been in love for so long.

She looked past the cluster of black cameras in the front row, met Jiang Jiaoming's gaze as he slowly raised an eyebrow, and smiled, saying, "I think I'm very lucky too. I've found love and hope."

Offstage, several cameras hurriedly captured Liang Kongxiang's gaze, quickly rotating backward and fixing on the noble yet inexplicably flamboyant man in the crowd. He couldn't see any machines or people; his gaze remained fixed on the woman's face on the stage from beginning to end.

Liang Kongxiang's last words reached his ears clearly through the stadium's sound system.

Jiang Jiaoming suddenly recalled that long ago, at the awards ceremony where the Golden Phoenix reunited, she also wore a white long dress, her hair was up, revealing her smooth forehead, and wisps of hair were scattered on her cheeks. Under the spotlight, her whole body was shrouded in a layer of ethereal white mist, and every inch of her skin flowed with the light reflected from the golden cup, shining, translucent, and impossible to ignore.

She looked at him like that too, for just a second.

At a glance, Jiang Jiaoming knew that their story was about to begin.

Inside the Berlin Film Festival venue, the cheers were still deafening, and Jiang Jiaoming's love remained undisguised.

The era belonging to Liang Kongxiang has officially arrived.

End of main text.

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Author's Note: Aaaaaaaahhhhhh, the main story is finished! [crying emoji]

I love Kong Xiang and Jiao Ming, as well as every character I've written about in this story. To be honest, this is the first time I've felt so reluctant to say goodbye at the end of the main text. Writing about them felt like living with them. I really, really, really hate to part with them.

Some plot points will be explained in the sequels.

Tomorrow is supposed to be the official announcement day, you know how it is, the group will be flooded with posts again, hahaha, and then the whole internet will explode.