### Chapter 7: In Berlin
Sure enough, within a few days, Lin Nan received a call from Director Li.
That day, Wang Jinghua mentioned that Li Yang had sent the film to Berlin, and this call was about that.
Li Yang even asked if Lin Nan wanted to come over and have some fun when the time came, saying he could cover Lin Nan's accommodations.
Lin Nan said he'd consider it and call back later, leaving Li Yang with his hotel contact information.
Lin Nan remembered the director's unique promotional style, carrying self-printed posters everywhere. During a previous film festival, his contact information was almost left out of the festival directory, nearly making him an "unregistered participant."
In this call, Lin Nan specifically reminded Li Yang about this, but Li Yang jokingly scolded him for underestimating him.
Lin Nan was tempted; he could visit during the award days, which would be around the Chinese New Year.
As for the travel expenses, such a showy event would likely be funded by his father, who would surely want to boast about it for a while.
Lin Nan took the time to buy a new phone, a Nokia 7650 this year, which cost all of the fee he earned from Director Li's film and another couple of thousand on top.
It was given to him by his father when he returned home, looking noticeably skinnier, with an extra month of living expenses.
He spent it all on the phone, Nokia's first model in China with a built-in digital camera.
To Lin Nan, this phone couldn't compare to future models, but at this point, it was a rare item, especially with its camera feature.
After getting a phone card, before he could call his father, Zhu Yawen took it to play with.
When Lin Nan found him, Zhu Yawen was taking pictures of himself and a female classmate, aiming the phone and snapping away.
He even checked if the angle was right and if they were in the shot.
"Can't you just be satisfied? You're getting addicted to this," Lin Nan complained.
"Wait a bit, I want to take one with Zhou Yang too." Zhu Yawen ignored Lin Nan's urging, waving to Zhou Yang in the distance.
They had a lot of fun, eventually pulling Lin Nan in as well. It truly created a memorable atmosphere.
Such moments were worth cherishing as part of their campus life.
Despite the distractions of campus life, students were still hustling between school and outside opportunities, seeking paths in magazine shoots, drama groups, and even small roles.
With the country joining the WTO last year, the film industry became more vibrant.
A professor published a paper stating: "Further market opening presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the film industry..."
The film industry, among the most impacted sectors, should adopt a positive attitude.
Lin Nan knew that the fastest-growing twenty years were beginning.
In mid-December, "Hero" premiered, dominating media and newspapers with its coverage.
Director Zhang's first commercial blockbuster exceeded expectations with its star-studded cast and vibrant visual style, creating a box office miracle.
Lin Nan watched it with Zhu Yawen, Zhou Yang, Jiang Yi Yan, and other classmates and alumni seated farther away.
From the start, everyone was captivated by the colors, and the appearance of major stars: Nameless, Broken Sword, Flying Snow...
When the Qin King summoned Nameless, recounting the assassination attempts by the three assassins, the grand narrative unfolded...
"Grand, majestic, this is an epic masterpiece," Zhu Yawen mumbled continuously beside Lin Nan, with the entire theater filled with praise.
A group of film academy students were mesmerized, imagining themselves in the film.
Leaving the cinema, Lin Nan couldn't escape the chatter, "I want to be in Director Zhang's film," Jiang Yi Yan and Zhou Yang chirped.
"Linzi, why haven't you said anything?" Zhu Yawen asked, draping an arm over Lin Nan's shoulder.
Lin Nan glanced at him, "What can I say? Damn, that was amazing!"
In retrospect, "Hero" was a groundbreaking masterpiece, setting a precedent for domestic blockbusters. By any measure, it was a success.
But media feedback wasn't all positive; critics and some viewers lambasted it for being overly mystical, pretentious, and melodramatic, with accusations of justifying a tyrannical ruler.
Lin Nan cursed a bit upon hearing Zhu Yawen mention this.
So what if it was the First Emperor? Without him, there wouldn't be a unified China.
But Lin Nan was resigned to the fact that at this time, the First Emperor was still despised, Zhu Yuanzhang still mocked, and the Ming Dynasty infamous for its secret police.
In contrast, "Yongzheng Dynasty" and "Kangxi Dynasty" painted the Qing Dynasty in a favorable light.
Oddly, foreigners highly praised "Hero."
A month later, domestic box office hit 200 million, and global box office reached 150 million USD.
With these figures publicized, the ridicule subsided somewhat.
But the film industry was ablaze, especially China Film Group, various film companies, and eager top directors.
Lin Nan went home for winter break, receiving another call from Li Yang, inviting him to Berlin again.
This time, Lin Nan gladly accepted, with travel expenses funded by his father, who proudly spread the news among neighbors.
Lin Nan realized his phone could have covered a round trip to Berlin.
In late January, Lin Nan boarded a flight from the capital to Berlin.
On February 1st, Lin Nan arrived in Berlin, personally picked up by Li Yang.
"Director, why did you come yourself?"
Lin Nan was touched, but Li Yang joked, "Hiring someone to pick you up costs money."
Lin Nan was speechless.
"Just kidding. Let's go try the sausages here. I used to work in Germany, know the place well," Li Yang said, leading Lin Nan to a Mercedes.
The driver, a fellow Chinese, drove while Li Yang and Lin Nan sat in the back.
"I have some industry contacts here who told me there's a good chance of winning, but let's stay calm. The main goal is to sell the film, winning is a bonus," Li Yang said nonchalantly.
But Lin Nan could tell he cared.
"You're an investor and a film student. Visiting here is worthwhile. The 'Hero' crew is also here, with much grander arrangements, even flying in a charter," Li Yang said, sounding a bit envious.
"But based on Berlin's preferences, Director Zhang's 'Hero' might not be favored over your 'Blind Shaft,' don't you think?" Lin Nan smiled.
Li Yang then scrutinized Lin Nan, "Didn't expect you to see so far. Those students back at school might not have your breadth of vision."
There was a time when Chinese cinema faced a choice: emulate Hollywood or align with Europe.
They chose the latter. Among Europe's three major film festivals, each has its tastes: artistic, commercial, and complex realism.
At the hotel, Lin Nan, Li Yang, and a few others had a meal.
Germany boasts over 1,500 types of sausages; trying three a day would last nearly two years without repetition. Lin Nan enjoyed a sausage feast.
On February 6th, the film festival officially began.
Films from around the world gathered here, with most not competing but seeking buyers.
Buyers and sellers scouted each other.
Li Yang told Lin Nan he had found several potential buyers, still negotiating prices.
"Hold off until the awards are announced," was Lin Nan's advice.
Li Yang understood this maximizes profit, especially if they win.
As days passed, competing films were viewed and scored, leading to the final moments.
That day, anticipation peaked.
Director Zhang's "Hero" won the Alfred Bauer Silver Bear Award, far from expectations. It was an award for pioneering new cinematic perspectives.
Li Yang, as both director and screenwriter, won the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution, a ranked award, not a consolation prize.
Lin Nan didn't care about the main Golden Bear, the Jury Grand Prix Silver Bear, or the Best Director Silver Bear.
He only remembered Li Yang, excited, hugging him before going on stage. Whether he spoke German or English wasn't clear, but Lin Nan heard his name in Chinese and responded instinctively.
People around turned to look at him. Li Yang raised the trophy towards Lin Nan on stage.
For the first time, so many strangers focused on him, smiling and applauding. Lin Nan also clapped, making the atmosphere even more lively.
Back at the hotel, everyone was joyful, "Tomorrow, domestic media will surely report on this. Director Li, you overshadowed Director Zhang."
Lin Nan congratulated Li Yang, ready to return home as the new term approached.
"I'll stay a few more days to sell at a good price. Initially, I was going to accept all overseas investment, but your 100,000 yuan made me determined to mortgage my house. Now, with this award, we must make all the profit we deserve."
Li Yang was in high spirits, an award guaranteeing substantial earnings.
"I'll wait for your good news at school."
"Just wait, ha-ha."
The plane landed in the capital, Lin Nan disembarked with his suitcase.
"Taxi, to the film academy," he directed a cab, heading straight to school.
Turning on his phone, he saw several missed calls from Zhu Yawen, Zhou Yang, his father, and some unknown numbers.
Arriving at school, the youthful atmosphere was refreshing.
The term had started two days ago, but Lin Nan had called ahead to get leave.
Back at the dormitory, he encountered Zhu Yawen before entering.
"Linzi, you really went to Berlin, you dog!"
Zhu Yawen punched him playfully, "You're famous now."
"What happened
?" Lin Nan asked, pretending ignorance.
"Xinhua News already reported it. Your 'Blind Shaft' won the Silver Bear. The director thanked you on stage, and there's even a silly photo of you."
Lin Nan was speechless. Was he really just dazedly snapped in a photo?
Taking the newspaper from Zhu Yawen, he felt relieved. He didn't look silly, just expressionless.
Yesterday afternoon, the contract was signed.
Thanks to the first person who rewarded this book, Bu Han Er Li Zhi Nian.
If there are any typos, please let me know, I'll fix them as soon as possible.
(End of Chapter)
