Ch. 221Page 221
Here is a concise summary of the chapter:
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- The chapter begins with a detailed synopsis of the film Brotherhood, in which Lu Heng stars: the protagonist Liang Le loses his parents in a car accident, refuses to identify their bodies, and faces over ten million in debt while raising his younger brother. The film climaxes when he gives his brother up for adoption to a family immigrating to M Country, and ends with him sitting alone against an airport fence, watching the plane depart.
- The film's premiere concludes successfully, and Lu Heng's performance earns critical acclaim, positioning him as a leading contender for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival. However, some critics doubt whether the festival would award such a prize to a sixteen-year-old Asian actor.
- Lu Heng attends the closing ceremony red carpet wearing Huaxia Menswear's new spring collection, causing a frenzy among media and fans.
- The awards ceremony begins, and the chapter ends as the Best Actor category is announced, with Wei Linxuan nervously holding Lu Heng's hand.
2. Character Developments
- Lu Heng: His performance in Brotherhood demonstrates his "consummate, effortlessly controlled acting" and mastery of tension and restraint, which captivates audiences and impresses judges. He is seen as a serious contender for the award despite his youth.
- Liang Le (the film character): Portrayed as an eighteen-year-old who is forced to mature overnight, losing his privileged lifestyle and family, and ultimately making the painful, practical decision to give up his brother for a better life.
- Wei Linxuan: Shown as proud and supportive of Lu Heng (like a proud family member), but internally more nervous than Lu Heng about the award results, revealing his deep emotional investment.
3. Significant Themes
- Loss and the harshness of reality: The film narrative emphasizes that "life was not a drama"—there is no last-minute rescue; the protagonist must face grief and real-world burdens alone.
- Brotherly duty and sacrifice: Liang Le's choice to give up his brother illustrates love expressed through painful sacrifice.
- Ordinary life as drama: The story deliberately avoids dramatic twists, showing that hardship arises from "firewood, rice, oil, and salt" rather than melodrama.
- Youth vs. recognition: The critics' skepticism about Lu Heng's age versus the quality of his performance raises themes of merit versus prejudice.
4. Character Interactions
- Liang Le and his younger brother: The film focuses on his role as guardian and the heart-wrenching moment of separation.
- Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan: Wei Linxuan proudly observes the red carpet frenzy, whispers a comment about Huaxia Menswear's sales, and waves to fans. Their most intimate moment is at the ceremony, where Wei Linxuan grips Lu Heng's hand, their sweat and anxious heartbeats mingling, showing their mutual emotional bond.
- Lu Heng with fans and media: His presence sparks near-hysterical reactions from both entertainment and fashion media, and fans scream his name and wave posters, confirming his international popularity.
- The production cast: The other cast members watch Lu Heng's popularity with envy, wishing they could achieve the same level of fame.