The duration for pre-production, shooting, and post-production varies greatly for each film.

For example, “Black Clouds” took a long time in pre-production, needing to invite many big-name stars for cameos. “Zhuang Hua Luo” had lengthy pre-production and shooting, while “Silence” didn’t require much time at all because it was a simple campus film with undemanding set requirements and straightforward post-production effects.

Elder Holt’s new film, however, requires highly complex special effects. Last year, Qin Cheng mentioned this film to Rong Xu at the Berlin Film Festival. At the time, Qin Cheng only gave a general idea without going into detail, but it was clear that this film would definitely demand powerful special effects technology.

This film is a sci-fi movie, with one of the two male leads being a humanoid robot and the story set in a high-tech future several decades from now. If it were a shoddy production, it could easily be like some low-budget, “five-mao special effects” bad movies, requiring little preparation. But neither Elder Holt, nor Rong Xu, nor Qin Cheng would ever make such a cheap, “five-mao special effects” film.

Luo Zhentao meticulously explained to Rong Xu the results of his discussions with Elder Holt’s team. The veteran Hollywood director certainly wanted to bring his work to the screen as soon as possible. The special effects studio he found was already one of the top in the world, but to achieve the original vision in his mind, it would require at least another half a year of preparation.

Rong Xu had already intentionally cleared his schedule for the latter half of the year, specifically reserving it for this film. Unfortunately, fate intervened, and Mr. Holt’s side indicated that he hoped Rong Xu could wait a little longer.

Facing this situation, Rong Xu didn’t deliberate for long before replying to Luo Zhentao: “Then, Brother Luo, please check my schedule for next year and discuss it with Mr. Holt. Try to free up suitable time.”

Luo Zhentao immediately agreed.

The film matter was thus temporarily settled. Luo Zhentao certainly hoped Rong Xu would take on this film, but he also felt that such a long wait might have some impact on Rong Xu, who was in a rising career phase. However, it was just a disruption to the plan; as his agent, he would be busier and would have to quickly find new announcements to fill this blank period. Refusing the film, however, would have a greater impact on Rong Xu. And of course, he didn’t know that Qin Cheng had already confirmed signing on for this film. If Rong Xu didn’t film it…

“If I don’t go, who are you planning to do the bed scene with? Hmm?”

As soon as the words fell, a low, pleasant laugh echoed from the other end of the phone. A certain man was clearly very satisfied with his young man’s reaction. He didn’t speak, just chuckled softly, until Rong Xu said “Qin Cheng” with a cold laugh. Only then did the latter seriously say, “Xiao Xu, if it’s not you, I won’t act.” After a pause, he added coaxingly, “I definitely won’t, okay?”

As celebrities, it’s inevitable to film intimate scenes with other actors. However, Director Holt’s film contains many intimate scenes. While not an erotic film, it has significantly more intimate content than typical movies. This was also one of the reasons Rong Xu decided to participate.

After their Hawaiian vacation, Rong Xu went to Europe to attend the latest Fashion Week. Qin Cheng, meanwhile, was still attending various galas, preparing for “Limit”‘s awards. Sometimes, the two would coincidentally be in the same city and meet, but mostly, their contact was via phone.

Just like now, they chatted about the film that could only be shot next year and discussed recent events. Whenever Rong Xu was about to hang up, a certain man would suddenly whisper, “Xiao Xu.” Only when Rong Xu genuinely asked if there was anything else would he calmly say, “I miss you.”

The first time he said it, Rong Xu’s heart would flutter, and he would gently reply, “I miss you too.”

After the tenth, twentieth, and fiftieth time, Rong Xu’s reaction became: “…”

This time, just before hanging up, he heard “I miss you” again. The handsome young man sighed softly and asked, “Qin Cheng, can’t you say something different, like… I love you. Hmm, I really do love you.” By the end, he didn’t even realize he couldn’t help but smile.

On the other end of the phone, listening to his young man’s confession, the tall and elegant man suddenly stopped. This was a banquet held at the Beverly Hills in Hollywood, gathering many big-name stars. The party was filled with clinking glasses, laughter, and everyone was preparing for the upcoming Oscars.

Qin Cheng walked to the balcony, feeling the gradually cooling evening breeze. After a long moment, he said, “But Xiao Xu, I truly do miss you.”

It was just a simple declarative sentence, but Rong Xu slowly widened his eyes. After a while, he suddenly understood the man’s meaning.

“I miss you” had been said many times, and it indeed sounded a bit repetitive, but from beginning to end, the man was just speaking the truth.

I miss you.

I really miss you.

I miss you so, so, so much. Besides “I miss you,” I truly can’t think of any other words to express how I feel right now.

A warm emotion seemed to slowly well up in his heart. The young man helplessly curved his lips, a brilliant smile on his face, and his tone of voice was sincere and serious: “Qin Cheng, I miss you too. The Oscars are coming soon… See you in three days.”

Carefully savoring his young man’s brief words, Qin Cheng smiled faintly and curled his lips: “Hmm, see you in three days.”

The next day, after finishing an interview for a magazine, Rong Xu departed China alone, flying across the ocean to the United States.

“3200 Miles” hadn’t won any major awards at the Berlin Golden Bear previously, only receiving a few technical awards. This time, “3200 Miles” also received Oscar nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Music, Best Supporting Actress, and…

Best Actor.