Caught in Affairs with Superstar-Chapter 329 - 284: Rise Phase: 120

"In a word, Zhou Yun is a very strong contender for Best Actress in the Horizons Unit this year!"

Zhou Lan read out the comment publicly released by one of the media outlets with an uncontainable excitement in her voice, her eyes glowing fiercely like a flame ignited by a torch.

"The Italian Film Newspaper comments: If there is still debate over whether this movie is merely good or outstanding, I believe the excellence of the actress named Zhou Yun is beyond question."

"French Film comments: If ’Life’ were selected for the main competition section, Zhou Yun would definitely be this year’s Best Actress. It’s a pity that this time she can only take home the trophy for Best Actress in the Horizons Unit."

...

Zhou Lan read out a series of evaluations from more than a dozen media outlets, then screamed, "Zhou Yun, everyone is praising you."

Zhou Yun felt as if she were in a dream, still bewildered.

She asked incredulously, "Really?"

Zhou Lan hugged Zhou Yun excitedly, "Really! One hundred percent true!"

Zhou Lan simply couldn’t suppress her own excitement.

She knew Zhou Yun could act, and that Zhou Yun was talented. ’Life’ being shortlisted for the Horizons Unit of the Venice International Film Festival was already an unexpected joy, but everything that happened today had appeared countless times in her fantasies. She never dared to sincerely expect it to truly happen.

And now, it had happened.

A knock came at the door of the lounge.

The voice of He Yong came from outside the door, "Xiao Yun, everyone is waiting for you to come out and celebrate."

Zhou Yun covered her chest, took a deep breath, and said, "I’ll be out in five minutes."

She turned her head and looked at Zhou Lan and Zheng Xiaojue.

Only the three of them were in the lounge.

On the faces of both Zhou Lan and Zheng Xiaojue was an excitement no less intense than Zhou Yun’s own.

Recalling the moment when the film screening had ended, the vast cinema hall fell silent.

That silence lasted for about five seconds, and Zhou Yun felt it was the longest five seconds of her life.

She was anxious, worried whether everyone disliked the movie, worried whether she was immersed in her own delusions of greatness, and that the movie was not as good as she thought.

After the long five seconds, the applause started sparsely, then roared like thunder.

It was like sunshine piercing through layers of dark clouds.

Zhou Yun turned her head to make eye contact with Wen Bing.

She knew that at this moment, only Wen Bing felt the same as she did.

Yao Yuanfeng clapped excitedly, stood up, and looked at every single person in the cinema hall. This thunderous applause reassured him that his appreciation for the film was not merely his own opinion.

He stepped forward and gave a tight hug to Wen Bing, then to Zhou Yun.

"You guys did great!" he excitedly told the two creators.

...

Zhou Yun pulled her thoughts back from reminiscence.

She said, "Sister Lan, let’s go out then."

Zhou Lan nodded and took a deep breath, "Alright, quickly compose your expression. Don’t seem too excited either."

Actually, Zhou Yun’s eyes were a bit red.

Red from excitement and elation.

Pushing open the door, Zhou Yun went out, where many people were standing in the corridor.

All of them were smiling and applauding.

Their gazes landed on her, on her face, and finally, in their eyes, Zhou Yun felt a sincere admiration and respect.

It was a distinctly different feeling.

Yao Yuanfeng darted to her in a flash, and unexpectedly swept her up in his arms.

Zhou Yun was completely unprepared and let out an exclamation.

Yao Yuanfeng had already spun her around twice before setting her down again.

He was beside himself with excitement.

Zhou Yun looked around with startled eyes.

Yao Yuanfeng, in the manner of a peasant rebellion of ancient times, suddenly lifted his arms and shouted, "Best Actress!"

Those around, both acquaintances and strangers, laughed and clapped along, some repeating Yao Yuanfeng’s chant, "Best Actress!"

At this moment, all eyes were focused solely on Zhou Yun.

While Zhou Yun felt embarrassed, she couldn’t deny a strange pride and sense of honor rising in her.

She waved her hands, humbly shaking her head.

The lively atmosphere swept her up like a tidal wave.

Without a doubt, the movie ’Life’ had exploded in popularity.

The fact that several foreign media questioned why such a film wasn’t selected for the main competition unit showed how much everyone liked the movie.

If it weren’t for the upcoming awards, where the results were still undecided, Yao Yuanfeng would have loved to host a celebration right now.

While a celebration couldn’t be held, a party was definitely possible.

After the premiere, many distributors approached them, wanting to buy the international distribution rights for ’Life’.

Yao Yuanfeng was a businessman, and a seasoned one at that. He knew the art of waiting for the highest bidder, so he didn’t sell the rights to just any company but continued to create buzz.

Given the current rave reviews of ’Life’, it was very likely to win a major award in the Horizons Unit later.

If they indeed won that award, the price would double from the current one.

Zhou Yun was surrounded by the bustling crowd and couldn’t extricate herself. Only when she finally found a chance to escape to a corner did she discover she had missed two calls from Song Chi.

Zheng Xiaojue came over with a plate of food and handed it to Zhou Yun.

"Sister Xiao Yun, have something to eat first. You haven’t had anything since you left this morning," Zheng Xiaojue said.

Zhou Yun nodded, "Xiaoju, you hold onto it for now. I need to make a call."

Zheng Xiaojue nodded, but her expression showed confusion, seemingly unsure who Zhou Yun would be calling at this time.

Then Zhou Lan came over.

Seeing Zhou Yun walking out, she chuckled knowingly and said, "Off to call him again, can’t wait even a moment."

Zheng Xiaojue asked, "Sister Lan, who is Sister Xiao Yun calling?"

Zhou Lan scoffed, "Who else?"

She rolled her eyes at Zheng Xiaojue, as if to say, isn’t it obvious?

Zheng Xiaojue immediately caught on.

"Oh, oh, oh, oh."

...

Zhou Yun dialed Song Chi’s number.

"You haven’t gone to bed, have you?" the first thing Zhou Yun said when the call connected.

Song Chi laughed and hummed a response.

"I didn’t hear the phone earlier."

"I know," said Song Chi. "You must be busy over there. I heard you received unanimous praise for your performance. I wanted to call to congratulate you."

"I know," Zhou Yun lowered her head, her lips curving into a smile.

"You should be busy over there, go ahead with your things," Song Chi said.

"Song Chi." Zhou Yun suddenly called out his name.

"Hmm?"

"When the screening ended and everyone stood up to applaud us, I suddenly thought how good it would be if you were also there."

"I know, I felt the same."