015|STAND+(9)

Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng are in the living room, celebrating the completion of the main film. 

"Let me ask you something," Yu Cheng said, making a fist with his empty hand and leaning closer to Zhong Shao's chin. "The main film is finished; as one of the creators, how do you feel?" 

Zhong Shao mirrored the gesture, "As one of the creators, is there anything you'd like to say now?" 

"You didn't answer, so why are you asking?" Yu Cheng replied. "We have to stick to the Q&A rule." 

Initially, this quick-fire Q&A was designed to foster rapport between co-actors, which has now evolved into the playful interaction of the "JiYu CP." 

"I made a very correct decision," Zhong Shao responded, "and I'm very happy." 

"Your turn." 

"I'm thrilled to be part of such a meaningful project." 

These seemingly ambiguous responses reflect their most genuine thoughts. 

The online discourse surrounding contemporary women's issues and challenges has not ceased with the conclusion of "STAND+"; rather, it seems to be gaining momentum. 

Various "little-known facts" are being disseminated, and official media are actively discussing the social value of the program. More individuals are setting aside "face etiquette" and "body shame" to report relevant issues and seek assistance from concerned parties, departments, and platforms. The initiative to build "women-friendly cities" is evolving from infrastructure improvements to cultural and spiritual dimensions, among other aspects. 

These changes may be gradual, but there will always be successors ready to take up the mantle until the grand goal of gender equality is achieved.

Cheng Xiyue, as the protagonist of the first episode of "STAND+" special edition, has intrigued the public for a long time. 

She debuted at a young age, winning the "Best Actress" award at just eight years old, and was hailed by the media as a "genius actress." At the pinnacle of her fame at eighteen, she found herself at the centre of public scrutiny, subsequently disappearing from the screen. A few years ago, due to the program "Letters," Cheng Xiyue briefly returned to the spotlight, but she has since flourished on another stage, embracing her life and existence. After a fifteen-year hiatus, she re-emerges as an actress.

A theatre actress.

Cheng Xiyue candidly shared her reasons for not "disappearing from the screen" and her rebirth on another stage, illustrating the journey of her life over the past decade and a half, which she believes embodies female empowerment. As the first female artist in the post-millennial entertainment industry to be driven out by online bullying, Cheng Xiyue stated, "I have been away from this industry for over a decade. It is difficult for me to judge what the entertainment industry is like today, but I still believe that all actresses who perform with integrity are remarkable. Whether you are a film actress or a stage actress, the essence of an actress comes from a balance of strength and gentleness within herself. Beyond the identity of an actress, she may also be a wife, mother, and daughter, as motherhood is often labelled by society. Therefore, an actress does not necessarily need to have stable emotions, but she must be very certain that her life is to be written by herself. Only with such a spiritual belief can she illuminate the light and darkness of different roles and find her own value. Their roles may not receive applause, as long as they find joy in their performance."

When this episode aired, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng embarked on their "Duku Highway Journey." This 217 National Road, which traverses the Tianshan mountain range, spans a total of 516 kilometres, starting from the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and winding southward along the tributaries of the Kuitun River into the depths of Tianshan, ultimately reaching the mysterious Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon. The road hugs the mountains on one side and the river on the other, connecting the northern and southern regions of Xinjiang.

The terrain along this route is extremely treacherous, with SUVs winding their way through the vastness of nature, small yet resilient. At each supply station, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng would switch drivers. 

They traversed through the Red Canyon, crossed Longchi, passed through forests, entered meadows, scaled steep ridges, crossed ten rivers, and journeyed through 44 ethnic minority areas. They marvelled at the natural wonders sculpted by nature, including earthen hills, Danxia landforms, perennial ice walls, and the breathtaking "Hundred-Mile Gallery." Standing on the cliffs, they paid homage to all the martyrs of Qiaerma over the past decade, experiencing the changing seasons in a single day, where every five miles presents a different landscape and every ten miles reveals a different sky.

While resting at a supply station in Bayinbuluke, night fell, and the lights along the highway illuminated, forming a swirling golden dragon that contrasted beautifully with the cool hues of the mountains.

Yu Cheng leaned against the car door and lit a cigarette. "What are you looking at?" Zhong Shao asked, pulling out a cigarette and placing it between his lips, leaning slightly closer to Yu Cheng. Their cigarette tips touched, silently igniting a spark in the darkness. 

Breathing in the smoke infused with Yu Cheng's scent, Zhong Shao exhaled a relaxed smoke ring. 

"Daydreaming," Yu Cheng replied, holding the cigarette delicately between his fingers. "Shao, have you counted how many winding roads we've taken these past few days?"

"Probably around twenty or so." As soon as he said it, Zhong Shao realised what Yu Cheng was contemplating. Entrusting one's life to nature and a partner, each time they crossed a serpentine stretch of road felt like a rebirth. It wasn't about the adrenaline rush; it was one of the rare adventurous experiences in the journey of life, a profound understanding of existence.

Yu Cheng turned his head, gazing intently at Zhong Shao in the dim night. 

"Having experienced this journey in life, I have no regrets."

Two days later, they arrived in Kuri City and came to the Saltwater Ditch. The majestic mountains, with their red, brown, and grey hues, have weathered the elements, leaving behind a network of ridges and troughs, creating a myriad of landscapes that undulate, both sensual and wild. Under the backlight of the lingering sunset, the poplar forest sways in the wind, beckoning herds of cattle and sheep returning home. The golden-edged peaks silhouette the figures of Tang Seng, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, gazing longingly, alongside the battle-worn Sun Wukong. 

Life is a wild manifestation, right before our eyes.

Before concluding the "Duku Highway Journey," Zhong Shao rarely updated his personal life. He posted over a dozen photos with the caption "Life is a wilderness." Meanwhile, the second episode of the "STAND+" special edition was released. This episode focused on the behind-the-scenes staff of the "STAND+" project. The entire project team consists of 38 members, two-thirds of whom are women. In addition to the footage captured later, there were various daily moments recorded by the staff on their phones, showcasing a plethora of content that emphasises a video that doesn't exist, only the unexpected "behind-the-scenes" material.

Among the female staff in the "STAND+" project, some have been with Zhong Shao since his debut, while others joined the production team a few years ago. They have all faced illness while working, enduring pressure in pursuit of perfection, having ventured into the mountains and seas without complaining of hardship, and have attempted to balance family and career, often breaking down in tears afterwards. Each of them is an ordinary person, yet they pour their hearts into their behind-the-scenes roles, culminating in the applause and flowers after the screening. Their names may only appear in unnoticed credits, and their faces may never be remembered, but they embody the countless women behind the scenes in the media industry. They are directors, screenwriters, journalists, editors, coordinators, directors, and public relations professionals. They represent the unseen female strength within this industry and the undervalued female power across all sectors.

The purpose of these women is to win.

After the special episode, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng simultaneously shared on the official blog, captioning: "This special edition is dedicated to every woman," and they have consistently declined any media interviews regarding the project. 

Following the special episode, Tao Tao posted, revealing the respect she has experienced from women in WAT over the years. This respect feels like a refreshing spring breeze, instilling confidence that allows them to be reborn. Tao Tao also discussed her understanding of "female power," which is not related to status or identity; its core element is the courage and determination to break societal prejudices.

On June 28, the day before the opening of the Dahua International Film and Television Festival, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng arrived in S City. That evening, they avoided the media and crowds, climbing Qiaoshi Mountain to overlook the prosperity and desolation of S City, which mirrored the dazzling and dishevelled nature of the industry.

The theme of this year's film festival red carpet is: "A Love Letter to Filmmakers." The different crews that Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng belong to each have works nominated, and the organizers decided that the "JiYu CP" would walk the red carpet separately. A black sedan slowly drove into the red carpet entrance, and the two men in the back seat exchanged glances. 

They were not dressed in suits or dazzling haute couture; both were in casual attire, with gray pinstriped shirts rolled up at the cuffs tucked into light organic cotton jeans, and plain white knit pullovers casually tucked into khaki chinos. At this moment, they were not actors but every behind-the-scenes staff member in the film industry. This is their love letter to filmmakers. The Hypophytala brooch pinned to their hearts and the ring on the right hand's ring finger symbolize their marriage certificate.

The welcoming vehicle came to a stop at the entrance, and the doors on both sides opened. 

"Approaching us now are actors Yu Cheng and Zhong Shao. This film festival..." Under the spotlight of the largest media presence in the country, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng exited the vehicle from either side, confidently posing for the first round of media photographs in front of the car. The two individuals drew closer, their hands resting on each other's waists. 

In their own unique way, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng shared their story with the world. 

— The End —