Chapter 85: The College Student Film Festival Returns

For this major production, Wu Xiang spent nearly two months just on the preparations. To be honest, that's already a short period and highly efficient—many historical epics require much longer. Take "The Romance of Three Kingdoms," or even "The Assassin of Qin," both had nearly a year of preparatory work.

Yet, those two months weren't devoted solely to the new film. There were plenty of other matters to attend to. Wu Xiang and the crew of "First Intimate Contact" also had to participate in a film festival—naturally, the Yanjing University Student Film Festival.

This time, the closing ceremony was held on May 8th.

"First Intimate Contact" was featured at the festival, and the crew was invited—obviously, they were there to receive awards.

Returning to the festival, things felt a little different: more people, a larger venue, and, crucially, a simple red carpet walk—just enough to brighten things up. Wu Xiang’s group was quite impressive in numbers; since they were local, no elaborate preparations were needed. Everyone remained genuine and unpretentious, and whoever could make it did.

Even Kun returned, for he was nominated, and not only had Wu Xiang invited him, but Zhao Baogang, director of the "Like Fog, Like Rain, Like Wind" crew, strongly encouraged his attendance—for the simple reason that it would benefit the television drama's publicity.

Everyone gathered once more, though the atmosphere felt subtly changed. Xiao Ming’s gaze toward Kun had shifted, something even Wu Xiang could notice. But it was festival day, and as public figures, it was best to entertain the crowd.

“…The Seventh Yanjing University Student Film Festival, Best Newcomer Award: Huang Yi! ‘First Intimate Contact’!”

“Ah?! Is it me?” Hai Qing jumped up in disbelief. She had no idea—Wu Xiang hadn’t told her, hoping to surprise her.

Hai Qing had just changed her stage name, but her ID still read Huang Yi, so the award presenters naturally called her by that name. This caused a bit of confusion: few knew who Huang Yi was, so while Hai Qing received her award, it did little to raise her profile—but that’s a story for another time.

“Hahaha…” She laughed gleefully, and Wu Xiang, naturally, went up to congratulate her with an embrace.

“Stay calm up there, don’t embarrass yourself in your speech,” Wu Xiang teased, mischievously.

But Hai Qing wasn’t about to be fooled by him: “Go to hell! It’s your fault! I wasn’t prepared at all!”

She whispered this, surrounded by the group, then composed herself and went up to accept the award.

“I’d like to thank the university students, the teachers and classmates at the film academy, my parents…” As she spoke, Hai Qing began to cry.

She truly hadn’t prepared, dressed simply in jeans and a white shirt, with those famously dreaded Oreo sneakers. Most attendees at the university film festival dressed similarly, for it wasn’t an especially grand occasion. Yet Hai Qing’s heartfelt emotion drew considerable applause, even though few knew who she played in "First Intimate Contact."

Clapping filled the hall, though most were puzzled, but applause was due.

Hai Qing’s first award was a resounding success. In fact, the Best Newcomer Award was a new addition to the festival’s seventh edition. Hai Qing would be forever recorded in the festival’s annals as its very first recipient.

With the newcomer award given, the other prizes followed: Best Feature Film went to Huang Jianxin’s "Tell Me Your Secret," which had ties to Wu Xiang—operated by Yu Dong’s Bona, earning Yu Dong a tidy fifty thousand before "First Intimate Contact."

Other awards: Best Director went to Lu Xuechang for "A Very Summer Day." Jiang Wu and Jiang Shan took Best Actor and Actress, and the Jury Special Prize went to Chen Guoxing’s "Born to Fly." As the awards neared their end, Wu Xiang’s turn came.

“…Special Award for Artistic Innovation: Wu Xiang, ‘First Intimate Contact’!”

Wu Xiang already knew about this—what kind of award was this, so unwieldy in name, and seemingly lacking prestige?

To be fair, it was his own doing—especially the notorious "student leader" incident. Last year’s major awards—Golden Rooster, Hundred Flowers, Huabiao—had all considered "The Great Flood," for its quality, theme, and box office. But after his controversy, judges hesitated.

As it’s said: don’t court disaster and disaster won’t come.

Now, with the storm past, Wu Xiang was winning awards again, though this one was somewhat artsy, a bit offbeat—fitting for Wu Xiang.

The next awards carried more weight.

“Most Popular Actress Among University Students: Zhang Jingchu, ‘First Intimate Contact’!”

Howls and applause erupted.

Zhang Jingchu beamed, her large eyes curving prettily.

Wu Xiang had informed her in advance, so she was prepared; naturally, they embraced.

“Thank you, everyone…” With her beauty and sweet voice, Zhang Jingchu drew another round of enthusiastic cheers.

Hai Qing shot Wu Xiang a sidelong glance, pouting slightly, as if to ask why he’d hugged Zhang Jingchu so tightly.

Wu Xiang hurriedly put on an innocent face—what did he do?

Luckily, Hai Qing was in good spirits, having won an award, and let it go.

“The Seventh Yanjing University Student Film Festival, Most Popular Actor Among University Students is… Chen Kun! ‘First Intimate Contact’!”

“Me?!” Chen Kun was stunned—no one had told him, and he hadn’t prepared! But—

Seeing Hai Qing’s reaction earlier, Chen Kun quickly realized Wu Xiang was behind it.

“You’re too much, really…” Chen Kun hugged Wu Xiang, but also gave his back a sound pat.

“Cough, cough…” Wu Xiang had gone a bit too far. “Brother, I admit my fault, alright?”

“Haha! Never mind, I’ll forgive you this time!” For some reason, Chen Kun could never stay angry with Wu Xiang, and this time, his mood was especially good.

He went up to accept his award—the festival’s equivalent of Best Actor. Kun had won it at such a young age, quite an achievement, and naturally, he delivered his acceptance speech.

“Thank you, thank you to the festival committee, to the university students, to the film academy, and to my mother.” Chen Kun paused, then added, “Special thanks to the director, Wu Xiang. Some of you may not know, he’s actually a year younger than me. He calls me ‘brother,’ but in reality, he’s helped me tremendously!”

The audience fell silent, eager for a story.

“I’m not a confident person—I’ve always doubted myself. I even considered working in interior design once.”

Laughter filled the hall—a delightful anecdote.

“It’s true!” Chen Kun laughed.

The atmosphere was lively, and the host was happy to let Chen Kun continue, since there was time.

But Chen Kun felt it was enough. Smiling, he concluded, “He told me not to give up on my goals, to tell myself I can do it, to have confidence. You could say he pushed me to where I am now, and I’m grateful to him. Now, I want to tell all the university students out there: you can do it, too! Believe in yourselves! Don’t give up your convictions easily!”

Cheers and applause resounded, the speech met with prolonged ovation.

As Chen Kun returned to the "First Intimate Contact" crew, Wu Xiang rushed up, “My goodness, Kun, I never knew I meant so much to you…”

But Chen Kun, smiling, cut him off, “You know, that score between us isn’t settled yet. I said earlier, I’m not someone who gives up easily, remember?”

Wu Xiang wiped his brow—so he holds grudges, then.

But this could wait, for the festival’s final award was about to be presented.

“The Seventh University Student Film Festival, Most Popular Film Among University Students is…”

Who would it be?

“…Bathing!”

Applause thundered, though Wu Xiang’s group was disheartened—they’d hoped to win, thinking students would prefer romance. Why such enthusiasm for bathing? Was it because of National Hygiene Month?

Wu Xiang already knew the result. His analysis: the film had won awards abroad, its quality assured; students today are attuned to social realities—recent protests proved it. A film depicting ordinary lives, with concern for special groups, would naturally surpass romance in appeal.

But it didn’t matter—if not this time, then the next; opportunities abound!