After a four-hour flight, Rui Xiaodan landed at Sanya Phoenix Airport at 2:20 PM. Her father was once again too busy to pick her up, so the production manager, Mr. Huang, a man in his forties, was there to greet her. The Mazda car had a sign indicating it belonged to the "Love in Heaven" production crew.
Mr. Huang drove Xiaodan to the filming location on Wuzhizhou Island, a scenic spot about 40 kilometers from the airport. The island, a popular tourist destination, was known for its stunning views, clear waters, and pristine white beaches. The "Love in Heaven" crew was shooting on the beach, with their hotel situated just behind the set.
The beautiful scenery lifted Xiaodan's spirits, easing the heavy feelings she had carried from the death row cell.
On set, her father, Rui Weifeng, was dressed in his usual director's attire—sun hat, director's vest, and a megaphone hanging from his neck. He was directing a beach scene, where a beautiful woman in a swimsuit was walking towards a blue sun umbrella, under which a table, chairs, drinks, and branded cigarettes were placed.
Weifeng noticed his daughter and gave her a brief smile before returning to his work.
Mr. Huang explained to Xiaodan, "Today's weather is perfect for shooting. They've been working since 6 AM without a break, and everyone hasn't even had lunch yet."
Xiaodan remarked, "It's really hard work."
Weifeng shouted, "Cut!" into his megaphone, walked over to give the actress some direction, and then resumed shooting. After a few more takes, he finally signaled his satisfaction with an "OK!" gesture.
The crew, exhausted and hungry, began to head back to the hotel, looking worn out like athletes leaving the field.
Xiaodan approached her father, greeting him warmly, "Dad." This time, unlike a year ago, her greeting was free of awkwardness and distance, showing a natural affection.
Weifeng was delighted, his face beaming with satisfaction. He took her police hat and bag, saying, "Come on, let me show you your room. I've got you a sea-facing room with a great view."
They walked towards the hotel, and Weifeng asked, "Why are you in your uniform?"
Xiaodan explained why she had to wear her uniform, but she didn't mention the misfire or the fatal shooting to avoid worrying him.
Even so, Weifeng expressed his concern, "That kind of work... it's not suitable for a girl."
At the hotel, Xiaodan completed the check-in process at the front desk. Father and daughter first went to Xiaodan's room on the fourth floor. Weifeng settled her in before returning to his own room on the second floor. Xiaodan changed out of her uniform and back into her original outfit, carrying the bag with 210,000 yuan to her father's room. On the way, she grabbed a meal from the catering service delivering lunch to the crew members.
They placed their meals on the coffee table, and Weifeng asked, "You didn't have lunch either?"
Xiaodan replied, "The flight was discounted, so was the meal service. I didn't eat." She closed the door, then took out the 210,000 yuan from her bag and placed it in front of her father, saying, "Dad, here's the 210,000 yuan, including 10,000 yuan as interest."
Weifeng's face darkened with displeasure, "So you came not to see me, but to give me money! Who said it was a loan? If you wanted to send money, you could have wired it. No need for a trip."
Xiaodan smiled, "When I borrowed the money, I came to see you. Now that I'm returning it, wouldn't it be odd not to come? I said it was a loan, not a gift. If I were asking for money, it wouldn't be this amount."
Weifeng asked, "Then how much would it be?"
Xiaodan opened her meal box, "If I were down and out, how much do you think I'd ask for? If I'm not, I don't need your money. As your daughter, I should earn money to support you, but your spending standards are too high for me."
Weifeng reluctantly accepted the money and started eating with his daughter.
As they ate, Xiaodan asked, "Dad, what's this film about?"
Weifeng replied, "From the title, 'Love in Heaven.' You know the album 'Daughter of Heaven'?"
Xiaodan said, "Yes, it's a classic."
Weifeng continued, "The screenplay was inspired by the album's music. The scene we just shot is where the female lead meets a man on the beach while on vacation, and they fall in love at first sight, leading to a touching love story."
Xiaodan said, "Dad, now I understand why you never became a master."
Weifeng responded, "Who knows? Maybe 'Love in Heaven' will be my masterpiece."
Xiaodan shook her head and smiled, "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
Weifeng raised his chopsticks good-naturedly, "We're just chatting. Go on, speak freely."
Xiaodan paused her eating, "Dad, I'll be blunt. 'Love in Heaven' is just a movie made by a director who wants to be a master, but doesn't understand what 'Heaven' truly is."
Weifeng, initially irritated, put down his chopsticks, then picked them up again, reconsidering his response.
Xiaodan laughed, "See? When the revolution hits home, it's not so easy."
Weifeng said, "No, go on. I'm listening."
Xiaodan said, "The female lead should embody the essence of heaven, but she's more focused on reminding everyone that she's a woman. 'I am a woman' and 'Look, I am a woman' are fundamentally different. The former is natural; the latter is about seeking attention. A woman who needs to remind others of her gender cannot be the daughter of heaven. But the problem isn't with the actress; it's with your direction. You understand heaven in a way that doesn't align with its true nature."
Weifeng was taken aback, staring at his daughter in surprise.
Xiaodan continued, "Don't look at me like that. This is just basic investigative reasoning, reading a lot from a small detail—something every detective should be able to do."
Weifeng put down his chopsticks calmly this time, saying, "Heaven is an abstract concept, like Zen—indescribable and elusive."
Xiaodan smiled again, "Let's eat. No need to discuss this further."
Weifeng insisted, "No, let's talk. It's good to be able to have these discussions with you."
Xiaodan said, "Okay, but remember, this is just parroted wisdom. I've asked others about similar questions. Heaven is God, the Creator, the omnipotent, the omniscient, the omnipresent, the invisible... Heaven is the Way, the laws of nature. Do you agree?"
Weifeng thought for a moment, then nodded, "Yes."
Xiaodan continued, "So, achieving a state of unity with Heaven through Zen and Tao is what we call the kingdom of heaven. The Way follows nature and has no attributes of beauty or ugliness, good or evil. Humans perceive these qualities, not Heaven. The daughter of heaven is a woman enlightened to this state, free from human desires and emotions. The love of heaven can only be depicted by those who understand this enlightenment."
Weifeng lit a cigarette, quietly contemplating his daughter's words.
Xiaodan said, "Dad, are you really upset? If I didn't say anything, wouldn't you think it was strange? We have to talk about something when we meet."
Weifeng shook his head, sighing, "You should have gone to film school. By the way, how is your application for studying abroad going?"
Xiaodan answered, "The documents are ready. I plan to submit them to the University of Frankfurt during this visit, aiming for the winter term next year to study for a Master's in Law."
Weifeng suddenly tapped the coffee table with his fingers, "You shouldn't study law. I don't support it. Even if your application goes through, you can't go. You must listen to me this time. I'll contact a film school for you. I'll take care of all the expenses."
Xiaodan was stunned, "Screenwriting?"
Weifeng said, "You have a good sense of art and strong opinions. You may not make it as an actress, but you can write scripts. Your legal knowledge and experience as a detective will be useful. You have the theory and the real-life material. I can teach you everything I know. The industry today is all about small sensations and sentiments. What's missing is substance and depth—these are your insights and soul. A good film starts with a good script. I've been in this industry for decades; I have the resources for production and distribution but lack good scripts. You have the perfect conditions. If you write a good script, we won't need anyone else. We'll start our own company and produce it ourselves. Do you know how much a good film can earn? Millions, even tens of millions. That's more than you'd make as a police officer in several lifetimes. A good film will make you a notable figure wherever you go. Do you understand?"
Xiaodan said, "Dad, your vision is indeed tempting, but you overlooked two things. First, I'm discussing the understanding of concepts, not art. If it were just about art, criminologists, philosophers, and politicians could all be screenwriters. At least, I lack the confidence. If I were a philosopher or politician, I wouldn't need to be a screenwriter. Second, any endeavor requires a foundation and passion. I have neither the confidence nor the desire to express through screenwriting. My foundation is in law and my work experience. My confidence and interest lie in being a lawyer."
Weifeng, somewhat agitated, stood up and paced, "A girl being a lawyer? How many clients would hire a female lawyer? You'd barely make ends meet, constantly arguing and hustling for clients. You're young now, but what about when you're older? Imagine an old woman still arguing in court. What kind of image is that? Without basic financial security, where's the elegance, taste, and quality of life?"
Xiaodan hadn't expected such a confrontation with her father. She quietly cleaned up their meal and threw the trash away.
Weifeng said, "Take your time. Stay a few days, and we can talk more."
Xiaodan replied, "There's no need. I'll leave tonight. I don't want to affect your mood. I want to earn a good living too, but if I pursued screenwriting for money, I wouldn't succeed. You haven't become a master after decades because of this. If my abilities only lead to poverty, then that's my value."