Inside Han Sanping's office at China Film Group, the atmosphere remained relaxed after the discussion about university enrollment.
Luo Zheng had originally intended to reject the proposal outright.
After all, from his perspective, he was already a Golden Lion-winning director. Whether he attended university or not seemed largely symbolic.
But after hearing Han Sanping's explanation, he immediately understood.
This wasn't about education.
It was about qualifications.
About status.
About future promotion.
In the entertainment industry, talent could help someone rise quickly, but official credentials often determined how high that person could ultimately climb.
A Golden Lion winner without a proper academic background was still manageable now.
But what about ten years later?
Twenty years later?
What if an opportunity emerged for him to hold a more influential position in the film industry?
At that point, a missing diploma could become a problem.
Han Sanping wasn't helping him enter university.
He was helping him pave a road for the future.
After understanding this, Luo Zheng naturally accepted.
The two chatted for nearly another hour.
When Luo Zheng finally left China Film Group, his mind was already occupied by another matter entirely.
His system mission.
The previous few months had been filled with endless work.
From Marvel.
To Blue Whale Entertainment.
To filming Getting Home.
Then Venice.
Then winning the Golden Lion.
Every step had been packed with pressure.
Only now did he finally have time to focus on the reward.
But before he could think about it further, another issue demanded attention.
A certain someone had been waiting for him for quite a while.
Fan Bingbing's apartment.
The moment the door opened, a familiar fragrance greeted him.
Before Luo Zheng could even remove his shoes, a soft figure threw herself into his arms.
The impact almost pushed him backward.
He didn't even need to look.
Only one woman would greet him this way.
Fan Bingbing.
"Hmph."
She buried her face in his chest.
Not speaking.
Not complaining.
Not accusing.
But somehow making him feel guilty anyway.
Luo Zheng laughed helplessly.
This woman had become increasingly skilled at using silence as a weapon.
A simple hug contained more grievance than ten thousand words.
"Still angry?"
No response.
"Not answering?"
Still no response.
Only her arms tightened slightly.
Smack!
Luo Zheng lightly slapped her waist.
"Bingbing, are you planning to stage a rebellion?"
Only then did she finally raise her head.
Those beautiful eyes instantly turned red.
Like a frightened rabbit.
Like she had suffered endless injustice.
It was obvious she was acting.
Yet somehow the performance felt completely natural.
A future actress queen truly lived up to her reputation.
Even knowing she was acting, Luo Zheng still felt his heart soften.
Fan Bingbing looked at him pitifully.
The expression practically screamed:
"I've been wronged."
"Comfort me."
"Right now."
Luo Zheng sighed.
Women truly were troublesome creatures.
Especially beautiful women.
Especially beautiful women who knew how to act.
Without another word, he lowered his head and kissed her.
The protest ended immediately.
The next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains.
Luo Zheng sat on the edge of the bed looking unusually thoughtful.
Beside him, Fan Bingbing slept soundly beneath the blanket.
Her face still carried traces of satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Luo Zheng was questioning reality.
Something felt wrong.
Very wrong.
He rubbed his temples.
After returning from Venice, he should have been refreshed.
Instead, he felt unusually tired.
Not physically exhausted.
But drained.
As if his energy reserves had been depleted much faster than before.
He narrowed his eyes.
Could it be...
His constitution attribute wasn't keeping up anymore?
The thought made him increasingly suspicious.
After all, over the past year his schedule had become increasingly outrageous.
Film directing.
Company management.
International travel.
Social engagements.
And various romantic complications.
Any normal person would've collapsed long ago.
Yet he had continued operating at full speed.
Maybe the system had spoiled him.
Maybe his body was finally beginning to protest.
Looking at the sleeping Fan Bingbing, Luo Zheng couldn't help feeling slightly annoyed.
This woman truly had terrifying stamina.
No wonder people said beauty could destroy heroes.
Ancient wisdom wasn't entirely wrong.
Fortunately, one thing immediately improved his mood.
The system notification.
It had finally arrived.
[Congratulations to the Host for completing the Side Mission: Vow to Seize the Golden Lion.]
[Mission Objective Completed.]
[Film: Getting Home]
[Achievement: Winner of the 59th Venice Film Festival Golden Lion Award]
[Reward Granted: Lucky Draw ×12]
Twelve draws.
A full twelve draws.
Luo Zheng instantly sat up straighter.
His eyes brightened.
This was the largest reward he had received since obtaining the system.
Twelve chances.
There had to be something valuable inside.
Maybe a powerful skill.
Maybe a major attribute increase.
Maybe even another golden-level reward.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became.
But after a moment, he forcefully suppressed the urge.
No.
Not today.
Luck required ceremony.
He would shower.
Change clothes.
Find an auspicious time.
Then perform all twelve draws together.
That was how one respected destiny.
After leaving a note for Fan Bingbing and buying breakfast, Luo Zheng headed toward another important event.
The celebration banquet.
China Film Group had organized a grand celebration for Getting Home.
The entire domestic film industry was paying attention.
A Golden Lion wasn't something won every day.
Before the banquet, however, there was one obstacle.
The press conference.
The media were practically insane.
Every question was sharper than the last.
Some asked about the Golden Lion.
Some asked about international recognition.
Some asked about future projects.
Others were determined to investigate his relationship with Gao Yuanyuan.
One particularly outrageous reporter even asked:
"Director Luo, there are rumors that Miss Gao Yuanyuan may already be pregnant. Is there any truth to this?"
Luo Zheng nearly choked.
These reporters truly had no limits.
The film had just won the Golden Lion.
Yet somehow gossip still received more attention.
After nearly two exhausting hours, the conference finally ended.
Mentally exhausted, Luo Zheng returned to rest.
Only after lying on a sofa with Fan Bingbing beside him did he regain some energy.
Evening.
Beijing International Hotel.
The celebration banquet officially began.
Outside the hotel, the red carpet stretched across the entrance.
Luxury vehicles arrived one after another.
Reporters crowded both sides.
Camera flashes illuminated the night.
It looked less like a celebration banquet and more like an award ceremony.
Inside the grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers cast brilliant light across the venue.
Champagne towers stood beside flower arrangements.
Industry elites filled every corner.
Directors.
Actors.
Investors.
Producers.
Everyone had arrived.
And at the center of the stage stood the star of the evening.
The Golden Lion trophy.
Its golden surface reflected the lights above.
Countless eyes drifted toward it throughout the night.
Because that trophy represented something priceless.
Prestige.
Recognition.
Status.
History.
As the owner of the trophy, Luo Zheng naturally became the center of attention.
Wherever he went, people gathered.
Congratulations never stopped.
Albert Yeung raised a glass and laughed.
"President Luo, after seeing your results, I only have one request."
Luo Zheng smiled.
"What request?"
"The Twins Effect only needs fifty million Hong Kong dollars at the box office. I won't ask for more."
The surrounding crowd burst into laughter.
Another investor immediately joined in.
"Fifty million? That's greedy."
"If President Luo works with Media Asia next time, forty million will satisfy me."
More laughter followed.
The atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
Everyone understood they were joking.
But behind the jokes was genuine admiration.
Luo Zheng had already proven himself.
Not once.
But repeatedly.
Hollywood.
Marvel.
Venice.
Every success increased his influence.
Every success made others more eager to cooperate with him.
Standing beside him, Gao Yuanyuan quietly observed everything.
Tonight's Luo Zheng seemed different.
More mature.
More confident.
More dazzling.
He stood among industry giants without appearing inferior in the slightest.
Instead, many people unconsciously treated him as an equal.
That realization made her heart race.
Meanwhile, Fan Bingbing remained nearby as well.
The two women avoided direct confrontation.
At least tonight.
Neither wished to create a scene at a celebration banquet honoring a Golden Lion victory.
But beneath their smiles, neither intended to retreat.
Not even slightly.
Among the crowd stood another figure.
Zhang Weiping.
His expression looked somewhat awkward.
After all, his relationship with Luo Zheng had never been particularly pleasant.
If not for certain future plans, he wouldn't have come tonight.
Fortunately, just as the atmosphere began growing uncomfortable, another pair entered the ballroom.
Director Zhang Yimou.
And beside him—
Gong Li.
The appearance of these two immediately drew attention from every corner of the venue.
And Conversation gradually quieted.