novelraw Chapter 625: The Beast That Has Been Suppressed Inside Breaks Out of Its Heavy Restraints
Chapter 625: The Beast That Has Been Suppressed Inside Breaks Out of Its Heavy Restraints
Wilbur Turner deliberately changed his usual graceful and refined image today, donning a British-style coat trimmed with fox fur. The ensemble made him look even more elegant and dignified. Seeing Chloe Winston about to cry, he chuckled and said, "Miss Winston, if you truly feel guilty, remember to give me a few more autographs. Many of my friends and family are fans of yours."
Chloe Winston burst out laughing and replied, "Mr. Turner, why not ask Director Gu for them? I’m still a fan of Director Gu myself."
Cassius Turner’s brows curved with a smile as he gazed at Delphine, who was summoned by the crew, her entire demeanor exuding a gentle radiance. Turning to Chloe Winston, his voice low and composed, he said, "The Director intends to take her as his bride. Meeting her in person is much better than getting an autograph."
Chloe Winston widened her eyes, let out a playful laugh, and made a "good luck" gesture toward him.
The preview screening was scheduled for eight in the evening. The attendees were exclusively internal personnel, not too many—just around twenty people, seated sparsely across the room.
The film’s opening frames featured an exceedingly nostalgic visual texture: a small, insular town in the 1990s, an old-fashioned radio, posters of Hong Kong celebrities plastered everywhere, the Seventh Broadcast Calisthenics playing on the airwaves, school uniforms, and boundless youthful energy amidst the student crowd.
Delphine cherished these nostalgic elements, as if she were transported back to an irretrievable past. The first half of the film retained the retro aesthetic, showcasing the carefree, unrestrained girl Eva in stark contrast with the boy Ransheng, who was raised within the confines of traditional morality. Their two diametrically opposed worldviews shaped profoundly different lives.
Later, Eva wandered away, while Ransheng attended university, graduated, and started working. By the age of thirty, under unbearable weight, he abandoned everything he had and pursued the tender seed that the free-spirited girl had planted in his heart during his youth.
In the film’s finale, both the embattled Eva and the enlightened Ransheng embraced each other amidst the icy snowfield, sobbing uncontrollably.
Delphine teared up as the film reached its end, her eyes slightly swollen, as an uncontrollable emotion steadily grew with the progression of the narrative. Most people lived lives numb and mechanical, like Ransheng before thirty, while those who had experiences similar to Eva’s did not always reach a peaceful resolution.
As Delphine wept, Cassius Turner remained at her side, silently handing her tissues, his gaze tender.
By the time the film concluded, it was already ten o’clock. Cassius Turner drove Delphine back to her small villa. Outside the car window, the snow fell softly, the night wrapped in a quiet serenity.
"The film is excellently made. Though it’s a coming-of-age arthouse piece, the level of craftsmanship in this film could only be achieved by a renowned Hong Kong director." Cassius Turner, deeply touched after watching the film, remarked that the work carried Delphine’s inherent chilliness and faintly oppressive undertone.
"For my first film, I sought advice from many mentors. Thankfully, I didn’t squander their efforts and managed to produce the effect I desired," Delphine replied with a faint smile, her voice still slightly hoarse. During the post-production editing of the film, Theodore Hughes had introduced her to many seasoned directors, and she had greatly benefited from their guidance.
Cassius Turner parked the car outside the villa, stepped out, and opened an umbrella to escort her to the entrance. Seeing her slender, fragile figure, he called out softly, "Delphine."
Delphine turned around, her small face as delicate as a porcelain doll. Her large, dark eyes shimmered with a watery glow, and her finely textured skin flushed faintly pink as she waited quietly for his words.
Cassius Turner reached out and embraced her tightly, his voice low as he asked, "This year for New Year’s, should I come to your place, or will you go to the Land Family instead?"
Delphine froze momentarily in surprise.
Ten meters away, in a black Bentley, a cold and handsome man who had waited all night sat wordlessly, his expression blank. As he stared at the two embracing at the villa’s entrance, a beast long suppressed within him broke free of its restraints. A trace of crimson flashed through his icy phoenix-like eyes.