Beijing Airport.
After a journey of more than ten hours, the plane carrying Luo Zheng and the getting home crew finally landed smoothly on domestic soil.
The moment the cabin door opened, a familiar sense of home washed over everyone.
For Zhao Benshan and Song Dandan, this trip had been unforgettable.
For Gao Yuanyuan, it felt like a dream.
And for Luo Zheng, although he had already mentally prepared himself for the reception awaiting him, the scene outside still exceeded his expectations.
As everyone followed the airport staff toward the VIP exit, they quickly realized something was different.
The area where shuttle buses normally waited had been completely transformed.
Rows of luxury vehicles were parked neatly outside.
Mercedes.
BMW.
Audi.
Several imported luxury business cars.
And at the very center stood a black Hongqi sedan that instantly drew everyone's attention.
Anyone knowledgeable about the domestic scene understood what that vehicle represented.
It wasn't simply expensive.
Some things could not be purchased with money alone.
The atmosphere suddenly became much more serious.
Several passengers walking nearby also slowed their pace, curious about what was happening.
Luo Zheng paused briefly before a smile appeared on his face.
The exhaustion from the flight seemed to disappear instantly.
Because standing at the front of the welcoming crowd was Han Sanping himself.
Behind him stood an astonishing lineup.
Luo Zheng had informed some close friends that he would be returning today.
However, he never expected so many people to show up.
China Film Group was represented by Han Sanping and several senior executives.
Blue Whale Entertainment had practically arrived in full force.
Huo Wenxi stood at the front.
Beside her were Liu Yan, Huang Bo, Wang Baoqiang, and several company employees.
Huayi Brothers had also sent representatives.
Wang Zhonglei.
Wang Jinghua.
Feng Xiaogang.
And Fan Bingbing.
Even Liu Xiaoli had come personally.
Standing beside her was an excited Liu Yifei.
Next to Liu Yifei stood Dong Jie.
The moment Luo Zheng saw that combination, he couldn't help laughing inwardly.
The only person missing was Chen Kun.
Otherwise the entire The Story of a Noble Family cast would have been reunited right here at the airport.
Fortunately—
Xu Jinglei wasn't present.
Otherwise this welcome ceremony might have evolved into something entirely different.
Luo Zheng silently thanked fate.
One Gao Yuanyuan.
One Fan Bingbing.
That was already enough pressure.
Adding Xu Jinglei into the mix?
The airport might not survive.
Behind him, Gao Yuanyuan naturally noticed the arriving women as well.
Her expression remained calm.
But the grip on her handbag tightened slightly.
Meanwhile, Song Dandan glanced between Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing and immediately sensed the atmosphere.
Women understood women best.
She quietly took two steps backward.
This battlefield was definitely not somewhere she wanted to be caught.
Before anyone could react further, Han Sanping stepped forward.
Secretary Liu immediately led the applause.
"Welcome Director Luo home!"
"Congratulations on winning glory for Chinese cinema!"
Applause erupted.
The surrounding passengers finally understood what was happening.
Many people instantly widened their eyes.
"Luo Zheng?"
"The Golden Lion winner?"
"That's Gao Yuanyuan!"
"Isn't that Fan Bingbing?"
"Oh my god, Feng Xiaogang is here too!"
The crowd became increasingly excited.
Mobile phones appeared everywhere.
People began taking photographs frantically.
Unfortunately, mobile phone cameras in this era weren't particularly impressive.
Many regretted not recognizing Luo Zheng during the flight.
Had they known earlier, they would have asked for autographs.
A photo with China's youngest Golden Lion-winning director would be enough to brag about for years.
Han Sanping walked forward quickly and grabbed Luo Zheng's hands with both of his.
His face was full of satisfaction.
"Xiao Luo, you've worked hard."
Luo Zheng smiled.
"Uncle Han, you're personally here to receive me. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed."
"You brat."
Han Sanping laughed loudly.
The familiar exchange instantly eased the atmosphere.
The two looked at each other and laughed.
Just then—
A fragrant breeze approached from one side.
Luo Zheng instinctively turned.
Fan Bingbing had already started walking toward him.
Almost simultaneously, Gao Yuanyuan's expression cooled noticeably.
The surrounding temperature seemed to drop several degrees.
Luo Zheng's scalp tingled.
Just as he was considering how to escape this situation—
A white blur suddenly rushed over.
"Cousin!"
Liu Yifei's cheerful voice exploded like salvation.
Before anyone could react, she had already thrown herself forward.
Fortunately, Luo Zheng was experienced.
He caught her smoothly.
The familiar flying tackle landed perfectly.
Liu Yifei wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled brightly.
"Cousin, I missed you so much!"
Luo Zheng laughed helplessly.
"I missed you too."
At that moment, Fan Bingbing's advance stopped.
Gao Yuanyuan's expression softened slightly.
The crisis was temporarily resolved.
Luo Zheng silently gave his cousin full marks.
Truly worthy of being his lifesaver.
After putting Liu Yifei down, he quickly greeted everyone else.
Wang Zhonglei.
Feng Xiaogang.
Huang Bo.
Wang Baoqiang.
The group immediately gathered around him.
The men formed a natural protective wall.
And as a result—
The women were pushed together.
Huo Wenxi.
Liu Yan.
Fan Bingbing.
Gao Yuanyuan.
Dong Jie.
Five women standing together.
The atmosphere instantly became subtle.
Huo Wenxi remained completely relaxed.
She was an agent.
Watching drama was practically part of her profession.
Liu Yan was equally calm.
After all, she had long convinced herself she was merely Luo Zheng's secretary.
Secretaries shouldn't participate in wars.
Therefore she happily watched from the sidelines.
Only Fan Bingbing and Gao Yuanyuan were different.
Their eyes met.
Neither looked away.
Neither smiled.
Neither spoke.
Yet everyone nearby could practically see sparks flying through the air.
Fan Bingbing's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly.
Gao Yuanyuan raised her chin.
Invisible pressure filled the space between them.
Dong Jie stood nearby observing everything quietly.
Unlike the other two, she understood her own position clearly.
Her fame wasn't as high.
Her appearance, while beautiful, wasn't overwhelmingly superior.
And Luo Zheng's world was growing larger every day.
Today it was Gao Yuanyuan.
Tomorrow it might be someone else.
Thinking this far, a trace of worry flashed through Dong Jie's eyes.
A single person couldn't possibly compete forever.
But what if several people joined forces?
Her gaze unconsciously shifted toward Liu Yan and Huo Wenxi.
Then she remembered Xu Jinglei.
A strange thought suddenly appeared.
Maybe...
An alliance wasn't impossible.
Three ordinary people together could sometimes rival a genius strategist.
Just as the atmosphere was becoming increasingly dangerous, Secretary Liu stepped forward at exactly the right moment.
"Ladies."
His smile remained professional.
"The vehicles have already been arranged. We should head to China Film Group."
The tension finally broke.
"Hmph."
"Hmph."
Two cold snorts sounded almost simultaneously.
Fan Bingbing turned away.
Gao Yuanyuan also turned away.
Neither was willing to concede.
Dong Jie watched silently.
The thought of forming an alliance became even stronger.
Soon everyone boarded the vehicles.
Secretary Liu's arrangements were impeccable.
Fan Bingbing and Liu Xiaoli were placed in the same car.
Both were intelligent women.
Both smiled politely.
And neither had anything meaningful to say.
Gao Yuanyuan rode with Huo Wenxi.
Since they already knew each other well, the atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious.
Dong Jie and Liu Yan shared another vehicle.
One was considering future alliances.
The other was maintaining her secretary persona.
The conversation remained extremely polite and equally meaningless.
As for Luo Zheng—
His vehicle contained only Han Sanping and Liu Yifei.
The arrangement was so perfect that nobody could complain.
Even Luo Zheng secretly gave Secretary Liu a thumbs-up.
This ability to read situations truly deserved respect.
The convoy soon arrived at China Film Group headquarters.
Han Sanping organized a brief welcome ceremony.
Several photos were taken.
The Golden Lion trophy was displayed.
After leaving a replica trophy for exhibition and confirming tomorrow's schedule, Han Sanping finally waved everyone away.
"Go home and rest."
"You've all worked hard."
Nobody objected.
After all, they had just completed an international flight.
Even excitement couldn't completely overcome physical exhaustion.
The following morning.
Luo Zheng arrived at China Film Group feeling refreshed.
Unfortunately—
The reporters had arrived even earlier.
The entrance was packed.
The moment his vehicle appeared, countless reporters surged forward.
Cameras flashed continuously.
Microphones almost reached his face.
"Director Luo!"
"How does it feel becoming the youngest Golden Lion winner in Chinese history?"
"Do you believe getting home proves art films can be commercially successful?"
"Miss Gao Yuanyuan accompanied you throughout Venice. Has your relationship officially progressed?"
Questions exploded one after another.
Security personnel hurriedly moved forward.
Seeing the situation becoming chaotic, Luo Zheng raised his voice.
"Everyone, please calm down."
"This is China Film Group's entrance."
"I'll answer a few questions now."
"A formal press conference will be held tomorrow."
Only after repeated requests did the crowd gradually settle.
Luo Zheng answered several harmless questions.
As for Gao Yuanyuan?
His response remained consistent.
Good friend.
Very good friend.
Extremely good friend.
Anything beyond that?
No comment.
The reporters naturally didn't care.
The truth wasn't important.
The headlines were.
After finally breaking through the crowd, Luo Zheng entered Han Sanping's office.
The older man was already waiting.
After a brief conversation, Han Sanping handed over a release schedule.
"This year's remaining film calendar."
"Take a look."
"When do you want to release getting home?"
Luo Zheng scanned the document before placing it back on the desk.
"Uncle Han."
"We don't need to decide immediately."
Han Sanping looked surprised.
"Oh?"
Luo Zheng smiled.
"The Tokyo International Film Festival invited getting home for a special screening."
"They also invited me to serve as a jury member."
The room fell silent.
Han Sanping stared at him.
Then his eyes widened.
"Tokyo Film Festival jury member?"
That carried a completely different meaning.
Winning awards was one thing.
Becoming a judge was another.
It meant international recognition of status.
After several seconds, Han Sanping laughed loudly.
"Good!"
"Very good!"
"In that case, decide the release date after you return from Tokyo."
Then his smile gradually became strange.
A thoughtful expression appeared.
He leaned back in his chair.
Looked at Luo Zheng.
And suddenly asked:
"Xiao Luo."
"You're only twenty-one years old."
"Have you ever considered attending university again?"
Luo Zheng froze.
For a moment, he suspected he had misheard.
A Golden Lion-winning director.
A Hollywood company owner.
An internationally recognized filmmaker.
And now—
Someone wanted him to go back to school?
What kind of development was this?