CHAPTER 209

The onlookers are busy munching their melons.

Early on August 18th, the official announcement of the film "True Colors" caught everyone's attention.

This is the first same-s*x-themed film to receive a public release in China. It is a milestone, a signal, and even a banner. While the true content of the film remains unseen, the crowd has spontaneously started sharing the announcement.

"True Colors" doesn't need extravagant promotion; its mere release is the biggest publicity. For a while, news about this film and the significance it represents, the dawn of the LGBTQ community, spreads like wildfire. Not only has artistic expression related to this topic been liberated, but it has reached an incredible extent.

It's like when you only expected a simple meal to fill your stomach, but then suddenly you're served a grand banquet.

After confirming the accuracy of the official announcement, LGBTQ rights activists went completely wild.

If same-s*x-themed films can be publicly released, then is same-s*x marriage still a dream? Many people were moved to tears. As a result, topics related to LGBTQ rights climbed the online trending lists, dominating major news portals with numerous articles.

Love is love.

Rainbow flags fluttered in the wind offline, sparkling in the sunlight. Many young and even middle-aged and elderly people spontaneously took to the streets, their faces brimming with joy, to share in this tremendous happiness.

At the same time, some cautious traditionalists and homophobic individuals pretended to express rationality but actually harbored ill intentions:

[Let's not rush to conclusions. Be careful, it might just be a publicity stunt. Don't get your hopes up.]

But their warnings fell on deaf ears. After struggling for so long, they needed a victory like this. Even if it wasn't a real victory, just receiving news of a victory from a distance was enough.

Whether it would be a fleeting joy will be revealed on the Chinese Valentine's Day.

Netizens flocked to support the official account of "True Colors":

[It must release on time!]

[Keep up the good work!]

[We can do it!]

[I don't want to be disappointed again. Please, make it happen!]

[If it can be released, I will personally book an entire theater, even if it costs me a month's salary.]

[My friends and I will also book a theater. Go, True Colors! Let it be a box office hit!]

In the entertainment industry, there are many homosexuals, but they don't publicly disclose their s*xual orientations. It's not uncommon for Qin Yinong to know several of them since she is a film producer and has received numerous calls from colleagues inquiring about it.

"Is it true?"

"It won't be canceled, right?"

Qin Yinong replied one by one, "It's true." "It shouldn't be."

The reason "True Colors" was scheduled for release just a week before is because Qin Yinong herself recently obtained the qualifications. It was a race against time, and she was busy and overwhelmed. Finally, it was confirmed to be released on the Chinese Valentine's Day.

She said, "It shouldn't be," but deep down, she still had concerns. Same-s*x-themed films, strictly speaking, are not unprecedented in China, but after going through censorship, the romantic parts have been heavily edited, let alone more explicit scenes. "True Colors" is almost authentic, and Han Yuping is skilled at creating an artistic atmosphere, so the content itself is not excessive.

"True Colors" gained a lot of attention, with LGBTQ rights activists raising their voices. The rumors between Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao seemed less important in comparison.

However, being less important doesn't mean it's unimportant.

On the night of August 18th, the two main characters quietly followed each other's Weibo accounts and finally had some public interaction.

Netizens had discussed the film all day, but since they didn't know what was true or false, some grew tired. They focused their energy on the Chinese Valentine's Day, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

At this moment, Qin and Tang soared to the top of the trending searches:

"Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao follow each other" was unsurprisingly followed by a striking "explosion" label.

Onlookers: "!!!"

Netizen 1: [Awesome!]

Netizen 2: [2020 was the most exhausting year for me in terms of gossip. Even if the gossip isn't tired, I am exhausted. I'm truly tired.]

Netizen 3: [It's almost 2021, and I'm still obsessed with Qin and Tang. It's driving me crazy.]

Netizen 4: [I'm ready, feed me the gossip.]

Netizen 5: [Are they just following each other now? I remember them being a loving couple for ages. Am I dreaming?]

Netizen 6: [Qin and Tang forever! Qin and Tang are the best! Joining the Qin and Tang fandom, a lifetime commitment!]

Netizen 7: [Case solved! The rumors from before were just for publicity for their new movie.]

As fans ship their favorite couple, skeptics question the authenticity, and both sides find ways to justify their claims, the situation remains calm and unaffected.

The next day, Lin Ruohan called Qin Yinong to express her concern.

"Wow, this is too much. What's going on?" Lin Ruohan exclaimed several times, jokingly saying, "Tell me, how far have you two progressed? You're already married, and have a kid who's about to start elementary school. You just followed each other on Weibo, and look at the storm it caused outside. It's all about your love-hate relationship. Even when Ren Xingyue and I got back together, it didn't create such a commotion."

Qin Yinong only caught the last sentence and laughed, saying, "Are you feeling jealous?"

Lin Ruohan scoffed, "How could it be? I'm just empathizing with the curious onlookers who were kept in the dark."

Qin Yinong responded with a meaningful "Oh."

Lin Ruohan, of course, wasn't bothered by this matter. She asked, "Are you free? Let's go out for a meal?"

Qin Yinong replied, "I'm not free. Don't you know my movie is about to be released?"

Lin Ruohan asked, "Yes, I know. What does that have to do with you?"

"..." Qin Yinong fell silent for a moment and said, "I have to promote it, after all."

Lin Ruohan took two seconds to react and exclaimed in disbelief, "You're not planning to go on a promotional tour, are you?"

Qin Yinong smiled and said, "Why not?"

Lin Ruohan couldn't find words to respond other than a single-syllable expletive. "F*ck."

Qin Yinong never went on promotional tours, without exception. She rarely even attended the celebration dinners for the crew because she would immediately move on to the next project. A few years ago, she played the lead actress in a blockbuster Lunar New Year film, and during the premiere, all the supporting actors mysteriously appeared at the cinemas to promote the movie. Qin Yinong, following her usual routine, shared the promotional posts on Weibo and congratulated the film on its box office success.

This was her customary approach, and everyone knew it.

The history of promotional tours for movies wasn't very long and started with some comedy films. Back then, with limited online presence, celebrity tours helped generate discussions and exposure, and their impact on promoting a film was visible to the naked eye. In the current era of the internet, we can see how many films that struggled with pre-screening or publicity managed to gain attention and turn the tide through word of mouth.

However, promotional tours were becoming less effective. Firstly, their impact was not as significant as before, and secondly, they were burdensome and costly for the production teams. Especially for nationwide tours that covered dozens of cities, it was exhausting for the actors. For example, when "Under the Southern Mountain" was released, Tang Ruoyao traveled to an average of one city per day.

However, despite these challenges, everyone still actively participated in promotional tours, and it had become a common practice.

Qin Yinong's film, which explores same-s*x relationships, has generated a lot of online buzz. However, it may not necessarily be accepted offline, so there's no need to go overboard. Lin Ruohan thinks Qin Yinong might be once again blinded by love.

Lin Ruohan asked, "How many events are you planning to attend? You're not going to do like thirty or forty, right? That would be insane."

Qin Yinong replied, "Just one."

Lin Ruohan exclaimed, "Huh?"

Qin Yinong said, "I'm busy, you know. Do you think I have as much free time as you?"

Lin Ruohan retorted, "Hey, just speak your mind. Why do you have to be so ambiguous?"

Qin Yinong laughed, "Hahaha."

On August 22nd, the film "True Colors" had a grand premiere at the Capital Grand Theatre. All the key personnel, except the screenwriter Chai Ziqiu, were present.

Media personnel and colleagues from the entertainment industry who received invitations sat in the audience, and the camera flash continuously went off.

It was already midsummer, and the cast dressed in cool attire. Qin Yinong wore a light purple gown, with soft black hair swept to one side, and her earlobes sparkling. The delicate long earrings swayed slightly with the movement of her head and neck, showcasing her elegance and grace with every gesture.

Tang Ruoyao's outfit resembled the character Han Zifei from the movie, vibrant and fiery. She wore a rose-colored gown and her lips were a classic and timeless shade of bright red. Her carefully groomed eyebrows and eyes exuded a strong aura, making her particularly eye-catching.

It was unusual, very unusual indeed.

As soon as they stepped on stage, perceptive journalists in the audience immediately captured something. The cameras continuously captured shots of the two together, not wanting to miss any moment.

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao exchanged a subtle glance, each with a smile at the corner of their lips.

With the host's announcement, the premiere officially began.

Qin Yinong, as the executive producer, was the first to speak: "Thank you all for attending the premiere of 'True Colors'..."

Tang Ruoyao stood by her side, holding the microphone with one hand, slightly tilting her head down, her eyes fixed on a corner of the stage, her ears attentively listening to Qin Yinong's official speech.

Click.

Undoubtedly, Qin Yinong's voice was gentle and pleasant. Even if she were counting ducks, it would bring a sense of tranquility to people's hearts. Tang Ruoyao maintained a slight smile throughout.

Click.

After Qin Yinong finished the formalities, she continued, "The story of 'True Colors' takes place in the 1990s. I play the character Shen Muqing, a knowledgeable and well-read female teacher..."

Tang Ruoyao suddenly turned her head and her clear gaze fell upon Qin Yinong's face. Her amber eyes blinked without interruption, almost enchanting.

Qin Yinong was caught off guard, and her mind momentarily rattled.

For a brief moment, her mind went blank, and she stumbled for a second before saying, "Shen... Muqing is gentle, virtuous, and a model wife and mother defined by that era and even the present. She embodies the ideal woman, wife, and mother."

A faint smile curved Tang Ruoyao's lips.

Qin Yinong glanced at her, and that glance held profound meaning.

Different people would interpret it differently. Tang Ruoyao knew that Qin Yinong was playfully saying, "You're so annoying."

Tang Ruoyao was delighted with her little tease and didn't push it further. She obediently listened to Qin Yinong's introduction and then took over, saying, "The character I portray is called Han Zifei, a student who has received a progressive education with open-minded ideas. She is completely different from Shen Muqing, not bound by conventions, daring to try new things, passionate and courageous, always forging ahead even if it means flying into the flames. Her life is a reckless blaze..."

Han Yuping interjected, "Actually, the film was initially titled 'Red and Blue [Qing Hong],' coinciding with the names of the two main characters. But later, we decided to use the current title. As for the reason, I believe everyone will understand after watching the movie."

Yi Yiyi added, "I play Han Zifei's university classmate in the film..."

After introducing all the key creators, it was time for the interactive segment. Qin Yinong didn't participate in it, it was mainly handled by Tang Ruoyao and Yi Yiyi. The two of them were very skilled, and they livened up the atmosphere, receiving a round of applause when it ended.

Next was the interview segment, which the media friends were most looking forward to.

A journalist raised their hand and said, "I have a question for Qin Yinong."

Qin Yinong held the microphone with both hands, assuming a listening pose.

The journalist asked, "Why did you choose to take on this film, Qin Yinong?"

Qin Yinong pondered for a moment and earnestly replied, "For me, this is a very meaningful film. Its subject matter is something I have never encountered before. Same-s*x relationships are only a minority for the general public, and their existence is still denied by many, considered to be a pathology that needs correction. As an actor, perhaps you may not fully understand because you are not personally involved, but I feel a natural sense of responsibility. We portray so many roles and experience the lives of so many different people, gaining valuable insights. I want to give something back to society. Being gay is not an illness, it is a completely normal group of people, law-abiding citizens living under the same sun as heterosexuals. They don't steal or harm anyone, they simply fall in love with the same s*x, and that is not a mistake."

"Of course, the script itself also had a great appeal to me. Being able to interpret a challenging role that pushes me beyond my limits and breaks out of my comfort zone is more important than anything else. I am grateful to director Han Yuping, screenwriter Chai Ziqiu, as well as all the actors and crew members who have helped me bring this character to life."

The journalist: "..."

He thought that Qin Yinong would give a vague answer, but, to their surprise, she spoke earnestly at length, such as: "What's wrong with wanting to speak up for the LGBTQ+ community?" Pursuing the topic of homosexuality further would be inappropriate.

Qin Yinong looked calmly at the journalist who asked the question and asked if there were any more questions. The journalist replied, "No, thank you for your answer, Ms. Qin."

Another female journalist raised her hand and said, "I would like to ask Miss Tang Ruoyao a question."

Tang Ruoyao responded politely but coldly, "Hello."

The female journalist seemed like a newcomer and appeared a bit nervous. She asked, "As a heterosexual person, did you encounter any difficulties during the filming process? For example, was it challenging to get into the storyline, and did such situations arise?"

Rumors were just rumors, often baseless. The cleverness of this question was that it presupposed Tang Ruoyao's position as a heterosexual person, hoping for a confrontation or contradiction if Tang Ruoyao were foolish enough to argue that she wasn't heterosexual.

But that was impossible.

Tang Ruoyao responded, "I believe the essence of love is the same, a mutual attraction between two souls. There wouldn't be a situation where I couldn't get into the character." She turned to look at Qin Yinong and added, "Besides, Teacher Qin is stunningly beautiful and has transcended the boundaries of gender beauty."

Qin Yinong met her gaze, blinked her eyes, and playfully responded, "Teacher Tang's praise is making me blush, but you are the epitome of beauty."

They exchanged a gaze for a second, then both uncomfortably looked away, feeling a surge of heat.

...I shouldn't look anymore, if I keep looking, I'll really blush.

The female journalist asked with confusion, "???"

Suddenly, she felt like she had been given dog food. What's going on?

Clearly, the journalist had more than one question and continued, "So, can you also adapt to intimate scenes? For example, kissing scenes and... those scenes."

Qin Yinong chuckled and said, "Be confident and just say s*x scenes."

The female journalist replied, "..."

Many people in the audience burst into laughter.

Tang Ruoyao knew that journalists needed topics, especially ones like this. She responded, "At first, it was a bit challenging." She thought for a moment and shared an anecdote from the set, "For example, I had a scene where I had a dream, and in the dream, it was me and Teacher Qin... um."

The people in the audience couldn't help but smile knowingly.

Tang Ruoyao continued, "Teacher Qin personally guided and helped me get into the scene, and I was quite satisfied with the outcome."

There was no need to be too explicit in her words. After all, the entertainment media always found a way to create buzz.

.......

After the interview segment concluded, a small media screening was held.

Qin and Tang watched the film for the first time officially. The post-production editing made the storyline more seamless, the visuals more detailed, and the plot more intense. Not a single frame was wasted. Their faces, tested on the big screen, conveyed the right emotions, with restrained performances and no excess of overflowing sentiment.

Regardless of the plot, watching talented actors perform was itself a form of enjoyment.

The vivid crimson phoenix flowers spread across the screen, as the evening sky burned with red hues. Han Zifei knocked on Shen Muqing's door and encountered a love that would last a lifetime... from birth to death.

Unfortunately, they couldn't watch it all the way through and left soon after.

The premiere of "True Colors" was a resounding success, and videos of the event were shared online, once again dominating several top searches.

If the premiere has been held, how could the theatrical release be far behind? It's definitely not just a publicity stunt!

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao's first-ever genuine interaction on the same stage attracted the attention of fans and passersby alike, and the video's click-through rate skyrocketed.

Netizen 1: [Damn, did they switch their outfits today?]

Netizen 2: [Qin and Tang forever, irreplaceable and inseparable!]

Netizen 3: [Damn, irreplaceable and inseparable! I'll be laughed at by those silly netizens sooner or later.]

Netizen 4: [In the 1990s, whenever there's a tragic story in the background, is this movie a tragic ending?]

Netizen 5: [No way, the official account said it's a beautiful love story.]

Netizen 6: [You're too young the person above. Isn't a beautiful love story still a tragic ending? I bet it's a tragedy. There's no non-tragic ending in a same-s*x movie.]

Netizen 7: [So what if it's a tragedy? We can only swallow this knife with a smile.]

Some die-hard fans downloaded the video and analyzed it frame by frame, indulging in their fantasies and going crazy, getting so absorbed that their eyes sparkled, wishing they could time-travel to the day of the Qixi Festival.

[Question: How many times did Qin and Tang make eye contact in this video? Answer: Seven times. Ahhhh, this world doesn't have me anymore.]

[Qin Yinong is so adorable. When Tang Ruoyao looks at her, she actually freezes and cutely cries. I want to ship them.]

[Qin - mighty and domineering outside, but shy and affectionate only to Tang.]

[LOL! LOL!]

[Why don't I have a Qin Yinong? Why don't I have a Tang Ruoyao? Today, I shed tears for my beautiful couple.]

[Qin and Tang are locked together, and I swallowed the key. I've dissolved in embalming fluid.]

[Damn, the person above is ruthless.]

[What's embalming fluid? For the sake of my couple, I'm willing to scatter my soul!]

[Immediately! Give it to me! An on-site s*x scene!]

The scissor-wielding fans have quickly gathered and edited every eye contact moment together, added filters, and in the CP fandom, who else matters? They collectively transformed into screaming chickens, making a deafening noise that blocked out the sun and moon.

As for the next round of infighting between the two fanbases, the CP fans once again compromised and didn't bring it up.

The popularity of Qin and Tang is undeniable. No one can escape the allure of their beauty. The edited CP videos quickly went viral, and various essential fans of the two became bystanders who couldn't help but forward them, giving the movie another wave of hype.

"True Colors" was already a hit before it even premiered.

That night, professionals who were invited to the screening wrote a film review. Since it hadn't been released publicly, the review did not contain any spoilers. It provided a general overview of the filming techniques, cinematography, pacing, and the actors' performances, giving it a high score. It also mentioned that as the first domestically released film with a same-s*x theme, it didn't disappoint and deserved the high rating.

At the end, the blogger gave a friendly reminder: "Please bring tissues."

Netizens: "..."

—I knew it! Beautiful love stories are all deceiving. How can there be a non-tragic same-s*x movie? Sob, sob, sob. On Qixi Festival [Chinese Valentine's Day], I'll be going to the cinema to eat razor blades!

Blogger's reply: The beauty is real, but the rest... let's wait and see in the cinema. [laughing and crying emoji]

—Blogger, give us a spoiler. Are there any kissing scenes? I won't even mention intimate scenes. I don't want to watch a same-s*x movie that's edited down to just a hug. [heh heh]

Blogger's reply: There are. [blushing]

—Blogger, does it have a sad ending or a happy one? Give us a hint.

Blogger's reply... Blogger didn't reply. That's where it ends.

The ending is subjective and hard to say.

August 23rd, "True Colors" will be released in two days. The official account of "True Colors" released the theme song MV, announcing that the movie song "You Know" will be performed by talented female singer Ren Xingyue.

Directed by Han Yuping, starring Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao, with Ren Xingyue singing the song, this is what we call a strong collaboration.

Ren Xingyue's voice has strong recognition and delicate emotions. This song carries a hint of sadness when sung.

You know the flowers will wither today.

You know we won't be together.

You know not all fish can live in the same sea.

...

We all know the ending scatters to the ends of the earth.

Sadly we couldn't watch the most beautiful fireworks together.

......

Netizens again: "..."

— After listening to this song, okay, I get it. On Qixi Festival, I will definitely shed tears in the cinema. (66666 likes)

— The song is so heartbreaking, I'm already crying, sob, sob. (55555 likes)

— What's happening now? Is it popular to lure dogs into the cinema and kill them together? Huh? (44444 likes)

— Is there anything more miserable than being single and going to the cinema to be tortured? (33333 likes)

— There are only two more days, I can't wait anymore, ahhh! Release my movie ticket already! Why isn't there an advance screening! Why isn't there an advance screening! (22222 likes)

August 24th, "True Colors" will be publicly screened in one day.

Qin Yinong opened the ticketing app and looked at the rapidly growing number of "wants to watch" within just one week, much more than she expected. When she started planning the production of this film, she never imagined it would come to this, including before the promotion of "True Colors," she never anticipated the current "buzz."

In 2014, according to the average statistics from the Academy of Sciences, the number of homosexuals in Huaxia could reach 70 million, which is a significant number. However, in real life, many people are ashamed or afraid to admit their s*xual orientation, not only among minorities but also hidden.

Qin Yinong wondered: How many of these numbers are contributed by these people? Will there be one, ten, or a hundred who gain courage from the movie or the public screening of the movie, just like Han Zifei, and Shen Muqing later, to live out the true colors of their lives?

Everyone only has one chance to come into this world. Why should we succumb to other people's prejudices?

As long as she has it, she feels that she has done something meaningful.

"There must be." Tang Ruoyao patted the back of her hand.

Qin Yinong raised her eyes and smiled, revealing two crescent moons.

At eleven thirty in the evening, after they finished, neither of them rushed to sleep. The bedroom was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Tang Ruoyao was scrolling through real-time movie topics on her phone, while Qin Yinong closed her eyes, pretending to doze off. However, her hands were clenched into fists under the blanket.

Box office numbers were insignificant, and the production cost of this movie was not high. The majority of the budget was used for their own people. What was Qin Yinong so nervous about? She didn't even know herself. The only comparable feeling she could recall was when her first movie was released all those years ago.

In the silence, Tang Ruoyao suddenly lightly clear her throat.

Qin Yinong immediately opened her eyes, and two gleams of light burst from her gaze. "Is it midnight?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Not yet." She glanced at the top left corner of her phone with her eyes and said, "It's eleven forty."

Qin Yinong's back was slightly damp with sweat. She let out a long sigh and planned to close her eyes again, saying, "Wake me up when it's midnight."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but smile and said, "Baby, that won't work."

Qin Yinong's face turned a bit pale, and she looked at Tang Ruoyao with a blank expression.

Tang Ruoyao secretly found it amusing and reached out to pull her closer, allowing her to lean against her chest. Sensing the tension in Qin Yinong's body, she massaged her to help her relax and said, "Stay with me and watch. Time will pass in no time."

Tang Ruoyao handed the phone over, and Qin Yinong followed her gaze to the screen. It was almost dawn, but the real-time topics were lively. New Weibo posts were appearing every minute, showing pictures of "True Colors" movie tickets with captions:

[I'm ready [clenched fist][movie ticket photo]]

Whether alone or in pairs, from all corners of the country, for the same anticipation.

On August 25th, the seventh day of the lunar calendar, at dawn, "True Colors" will be released in major cinemas nationwide.

Author's Note:

To the netizens who watched "True Colors" in the next chapter: This scoundrel author deceived us into the cinema and buried us alive with razor blades!

Note: You know not all fish can live in the same sea - Haruki Murakami.

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