Chapter Seventy: The Premiere

When Wenrui, the once-glorious diva, appeared again, all traces of her former radiance were gone. The proud, commanding queen had plummeted in popularity after the scandalous revelations of "Knocking Down the Door." Her businesses teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, and many brands she endorsed replaced her with newcomers as her public image crumbled. Her appearances on screen and online dwindled to almost nothing under industry blacklisting. To make matters worse, some so-called friends in the circle revealed that, under the pressure of public opinion and financial strain, she had fallen into addiction at a party. The dazzling star, once envied for her looks and poise, became a pitiable soul dependent on drugs, her hard-won connections evaporating overnight, leaving her in utter misery.

She wore a white gauze dress, which, if Rongqing recalled correctly, was a two-year-old Dior piece—a sign of how far she had fallen. The torment of recent days and mounting bank debts had left her gaunt and hollow-cheeked. No amount of makeup could conceal the exhaustion in her eyes and the deep shadows beneath them.

She drifted through the set like a ghost. In this moment, her appearance perfectly matched the scene in the script where the heroine, Li Mengjie, falls into despair and madness. But now, she no longer drew any attention from the media. The days of being surrounded by admirers, of extravagant displays, were gone. She now sat silently in the studio, withdrawn and lifeless, like a broken marionette.

The seating arrangement for the premiere of "Resplendent Years" was as follows: Director Wang Zhang sat at the center before the media, with the nation’s leading actor Xie Mutian and rising star Rongqing beside him. As for Wenrui, the film’s leading lady, she was relegated to a remote corner.

Chinese and foreign media alike watched hungrily as another classic emerged from the hands of an international master. Wang Zhang’s talent and passion for film once again astonished the world. Even just from the trailer and promotional stills, the actors’ subtle expressions and performances vividly brought that bygone era to life.

"Resplendent Years" would premiere at midnight in major cinemas worldwide. The media conference preceding it placed the cast on the international stage; every seat in the press room was taken, and the host was a renowned local broadcaster.

The opening of the premiere featured a short film that immediately drew the audience’s attention. In that unadorned age, innocence and dreams built a glorious era. At the country’s most prestigious university, with willows swaying and fields of green, the silhouettes of a debate contest flashed by—Ling Fei’s assertive confidence, Chen Hao’s steady gravitas—both embodying the earnestness and essence of classical academic exchange. Gentle music played as night fell, and a frail figure appeared, so thin and solitary. On screen, the beautiful and striking Ling Fei wore a cold, bitter smile tinged with hope. When a heartless decision shattered her expectations, her frozen heart quickly raised new defenses. Whether proud, confident, aloof, or lonely, Ling Fei’s ever-changing presence and soul-stirring performance made the entire audience forget themselves.

Perhaps the film was not the greatest ever made. There were no lavish sets, but its sincerity and genuine emotion gave Director Wang the confidence to challenge the international film market. After the brief clip, even Americans, for whom the story was foreign, were moved and amazed by this glimpse of an era—one marked by integrity, nobility, and unyielding spirit.

Famed internationally as the “roaring director,” Wang Zhang this time sat with a genial smile, patiently fielding questions from reporters.

“Director Wang, in your new film, Ling Fei’s role seems disproportionately large. Does this deviate from your original script?” an American journalist pressed, sharp words striking at the film’s crucial point. In just a few minutes of the preview, the outstanding Chinese actress had clearly stolen everyone’s attention.

“What, in your view, defines a good film? Is it a logical plot, proper pacing, or is it the screen time of the actors?” Wang Zhang replied in a deep voice. To attempt to lecture an international director was, in his eyes, pure folly. “As I see it, authenticity in performance matters most. The difference between lead and supporting roles is just a word—the true power of cinema often lies in well-crafted supporting characters.”

The journalist, reining in her aggressive edge, realized that it was Ling Fei’s brilliant acting that had brought the film to life, making it seem as if she had stepped right out of that era. It was her talent that drew all eyes.

“Director Wang, there have been rumors of discord and even conflict among your cast. Did this affect the filming of ‘Resplendent Years’?” A Chinese reporter broke through the crowd, only to run straight into Wang Zhang’s cold dismissal.

“If that were true, would ‘Resplendent Years’ have finished on schedule?” Wang Zhang shot him a look of utter disdain. Sure enough, the reporter immediately berated himself for missing such a prime opportunity.

Seeing that the famed director could not be caught off guard, the reporters shifted their focus to Xie Mutian and the new star Wang Zhang so carefully protected. Surprisingly, the former superstar Wenrui, once the darling of foreign media, was now ignored entirely.

The reporters sensed the group’s guarded unity, and realized that aggressive tactics would only alienate them further. Adopting a gentler approach, they began probing for behind-the-scenes stories. Cameras flashed incessantly, and then a sharp-eyed fashion correspondent recognized the stunning Chinese girl.

“Excuse me, are you the model from the David International Fashion Show?” the female reporter asked carefully, holding her breath in anticipation. Since the dazzling summer show, the mysterious model who had stirred up a storm in the fashion world had vanished. No matter how they searched, even the most seasoned journalists could find no trace of the girl who had brought the industry to a frenzy. Even veteran reporters were captivated by her performance, her allure irresistible.

Rongqing smiled serenely, pleasure shining on her face, her manner as natural as if speaking to an old friend. “I’m surprised you still recognize me.”

That single sentence sent a wave of excitement through the American audience. Rongqing had no idea that, since her runway debut, she had ignited a dazzling craze in the fashion world. Top haute couture houses moved heaven and earth to find the legendary model. She had elevated European fashion to a new peak and created a trend that seemed impossible to surpass. Yet David, sly old fox that he was, stubbornly refused to reveal her whereabouts, no matter the bribe or threat.

“Miss Rong, will you walk the runway again?” The American reporter’s tone was now laced with respect and caution.

“Of course. I promised David—I’ll be on the runway for the autumn show. I hope you all come to watch.”

A stir and a wave of cheers erupted from the crowd. “Of course… absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it,” the American journalist replied, overcome with emotion.

This revelation about the legendary model propelled "Resplendent Years" to even greater heights.

“I hope everyone comes to see the film to judge my acting. I left modeling to pursue my passion for acting, and I hope for your support,” Rongqing said sincerely. Though she had become famous for her runway work, she intended to reach the top of the world through her greatest passion and talent.

Thunderous applause broke out from the audience—no doubts, no dissent, only respect and trust.

The premiere was a resounding success, broadcast worldwide on radio. Even before its official release, "Resplendent Years" was already ablaze with anticipation. But the focus was not on the male or female leads, but on Rongqing, whose role was not even the largest—an unprecedented phenomenon.

As the film prepared to open globally at dawn, Rongqing, facing her first film, could not help but feel nervous. Though she had faith in "Resplendent Years," she found herself sneaking into the cinema for the premiere.

She wore a casual shirt and shorts, a black cap pulled low over her face. At her side, after the premiere, was a man watching her debut with her. Huo Lingtian, dressed in linen shorts and a camel knit sweater, looked both elegant and composed. They sat together in the back row, close and intimate, like a pair of lovers.

"Resplendent Years" gently unfolded, its Kyoto Academy, steeped in scholarly atmosphere, the sacred destination of that era’s dreamers. The ambitions, feelings, and unwavering resolve of those favored by fortune gave this culturally rich film a youthful tone. Ling Fei’s beauty was restrained, noble, and pure. Her performance, delicate and sincere, moved Huo Lingtian deeply—he had never imagined a film could affect him so. Watching the familiar face tinged with loneliness and sorrow, he felt a heavy ache, as if an invisible hand gripped his breath. Even knowing it was only acting, he could barely stand to see Rongqing so forlorn and hurt.

The cinema was silent. Every viewer was absorbed in the film. The two-hour journey came to a gentle close. Chen Hao’s sunny brilliance, his passionate academic pursuit, and his resolute choices, even in the midst of a dark chapter of history, radiated warmth and steadfastness. This was not just a film to be watched and enjoyed—it carried a message, a warning.

As the end credits played, the theater was suffused with gentle music. The darkness gave way to light, and the audience spontaneously rose to their feet, applauding, some moved to tears. The film received unanimous praise.

In an era saturated with formulaic, fast-food cinema, to create a work so thoughtful and profound was itself a moving achievement. The actors’ performances and emotional control were more than worthy of acclaim. This was not a film to be watched and quickly forgotten. A truly great film resonates with the soul—and "Resplendent Years" had accomplished just that.

Tears welled in Rongqing’s eyes as she saw the highest praise from the audience. This was enough. With their support, she had all the motivation she needed.