Chapter 40
Chapter 40: Dealing with Reporters
Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales
“It was unexpected and surprising that we got this big of an award.” Han Jing delivered her speech first. Her tone was full of exhilaration.
This is my first time receiving such a prestigious acknowledgement after breaking out of my acting career. I want to say to my team that you have worked hard. Your sweat helped blossom the greatest glory.”
She paused to look at Yun Xiangxiang that was standing beside her, “But the one I want to thank the most would be my leading leady standing beside me. She gave the film its soul.
It was her tenacity, will, and hard work that gave me the tools to polish the film even more. I’ve learned a great deal from her, even if she is only seventeen. Half of this glory it belongs to you.”
Han Jing handed the mic over to Yun Xiangxiang, “I did not expect to get any awards last year. That was why I couldn’t tell who to thank. I thought about how many people I should thank and the order I should thank them when Teacher Han was giving her speech. I was halfway through my thoughts before she passed the mic to me. But now I’ve forgotten it all.”
Yun Xiangxiang’s innocent smile caused the audience to burst into laughter.
Although I forgot the order, my feelings of gratitude are still as overwhelming as ever.”
Yun Xiangxiang spoke slowly, “I was very lucky that I met Teacher Han and the script for “University Dream.” Teacher Han said that half of the glory belongs to me. That is a bit of an overstatement. The strength of a fortress wall lies upon every single brick. This glory belongs to all of us who contributed to building it.
Of course, I must thank the judges and everyone in the film festival the most. They recognized and acknowledged us in getting this award. Lastly, here’s an advertisement. Do remember to go to the theatres to watch “University Dream” that will start airing from the Eighth of July. Any guidance and criticisms are welcome.”
The film festival came to a closure amidst the applause after its big climax.
Yun Xiangxiang didn’t sequester herself like last year. They would have a live press conference as the team that got the greatest glory. Various media companies were bustling in.
“Yun Xiangxiang, do you have any comments on missing the award for the actress in the best leading role in both nominations?” The reporter’s question were always painfully sharp.
Yun Xiangxiang answered seriously, “The revolution is still yet to succeed. We still need to work hard.”
“Yun Xiangxiang, rumor has it that you requested a break for two semesters to shoot this film. Which one do you think is more important: your studies or shooting a film?”
“Why do I have to choose? Can’t they both be equally important?” Yun Xiangxiang answered easily, “Don’t ask me why did I choose to shoot the film instead of going to class if I think they are both important. My results for the national college entrance exam will give you the answer in two days.”
Seems like you’re very confident about your results. From what we know, you didn’t register for Huaying or Theatre Academy. Can you shed some light on your ideal university?”
“What does this have to do with film?” Yun Xiangxiang countered.
“It has nothing to do with movies. It has something to do with you though,” The reporter answered as a matter-of-factly.
“That will be my personal business. Sorry, I can’t answer your question,” Yun Xiangxiang smiled nonchalantly at the camera.
The reporters did not expect a seventeen year old girl to be this crafty and were stumped. However, there were a lot of reporters. They wasted no time and continued, “Then talk about the content of the film.”
“A film can’t be explained this easily. Go to the theatres on July 8th if you are so curious. I can treat you guys.” Yun Xiangxiang answered jokingly.
Reporters, “…”
Can this conversation even continue amicably?
“Yun Xiangxiang, can you talk about the reason you shot a film that revolves around this kind of theme?”
A young female reporter squeezed to the front of the throng and asked, “I am curious as to why a young and gorgeous girl like you would shoot such a difficult film. I believe that our audience is as curious as I am.”
“Because it is incredible.” Yun Xiangxiang no longer evaded the question. She answered it truthfully, “Growing up protected; living in the world of academia. They did not experience any storms in life and took everything for granted. I hope that more people will know how precious a chance to learn can be.”
“When we think that we are suffering from schoolwork, a lot of people are despairing because they are not able to go to school. Those who have the privilege of being able to go to school should cherish it more. They should work harder in their studies.”
What Yun Xiangxiang said changed the atmosphere of the topic. Yun Xiangxiang answered the reporters who asked serious questions patiently after that.
The reporters noticed that Yun Xiangxiang wasn’t the kind of person that would put them off if they didn’t ask any stupid questions.
Yun Xiangxiang was also a humorous person who knew how to moderate the atmosphere too. She wouldn’t let any awkward silences interrupt the session.
Yun Xiangxiang and Han Jing took part in various activities in the film festival after they finished the Q&A session on a pleasant note. It was already midnight when they returned to the hotel. Han Jing informed her that there would be a recording of an interview session in the film channel tomorrow morning.
Yun Xiangxiang agreed to it since she had nothing to do in the morning.
The film needed more publicity as it had not aired yet. They now had a marketing gimmick with their film getting awarded as best film.
They won the biggest award in the film festival last night. Moreover, they were nominated five times and acquired two awards. With slight procedure, it was easy to attain a striking space on the entertainment section of the newspaper that day in addition to the contribution of Yun Xiangxiang’s beauty.
“Xiangxiang, show me your trophy, quick.” Song Meng and Li Xiangling was already waiting for her at the hotel. They surrounded her once they saw her.
Yun Xiangxiang handed the trophy over to them. She removed her makeup then took a bath. She applied a mask before wiping her hair. The recording for the show was ten in the morning. She could afford to sleep in.
“I envy the people that can get awards.” Song Meng delivered the supper they prepared earlier. “You must be hungry. We prepared this specially for you.”
It was bird’s nest broth. Yun Xiangxiang was feeling hungry. Having a bird’s nest broth at this hour was just right.
“Will you two go out to have fun tomorrow? I need to go for a recording for a programme.” Yun Xiangxiang took a sip of the broth before saying that to the girls.
“Programme recording? Can we go?” Song Meng was very interested in this.
Li Xiangling was fine either way.
“Sure.” Yun Xiangxiang nodded. Bringing people along was quite normal.
“Then we will go with you tomorrow. I wanna see what a TV station looks like.” Song Meng was suddenly galvanised, “What time will it be? Do I need to wake up early?”
“Ten o’clock. We will be going out at nine thirty,” Yun Xiangxiang said, “You still need to wake up early if you want to have the hotel’s breakfast.
The hotel’s breakfast was served from seven to nine. A five star hotel’s breakfast could make someone’s head spin with how lavish it was. Song Meng was willing to wake up early just for the hotel’s breakfast. Her bad habit of skipping breakfast was snuffed out in an instant.
“Alright, alright. I’ll go to sleep now.” Song Meng yawned and went into her room.
The three of them were living in a suite with a room for each of them.
“Is there anything, Xiangling?” Yun Xiangxiang asked Li Xiangling who didn’t move from her spot.