After the premiere of Same or Not, the film received widespread media exposure, confirming that the movie did not achieve the speculated flagship status.
Media reviews of Same or Not, unanimously reflected the sharpness and controversial nature of the film, also revealing the climax of the movie - the departure of Chen Le.
Yes, the same individual who was assaulted in a unisex toilet in a shopping mall, was identified as MTF (male to female). Amidst the dazzling exposure, a piece of unrelated information to the film but related to Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng was released, instantly becoming a top trending topic, followed by a single word - "explosive."
The headline and content of this piece of information consisted of only one sentence: "Carp(JiYu) CP" wandering in the Dutch night, eyes revealing affection, seemingly in a passionate relationship.
In a storyboard composed of a grid of nine frames, it appears to narrate a story where the blooming season arrives earlier than usual. Yu Cheng selected a bouquet of Diana hand snow lotus from an outdoor flower shop and placed it on his left arm, while a few steps away Zhong Shao, clad in a black coat, held half a spark in his fingertips, then turned to reach out his other hand to Yu Cheng.
In the deep night, Zhong Shao's warm eyes contained an inner light, making the night seem like day. The atmospheric visuals of the movie are sufficient to trigger countless interpretations of the subsequent story development. Not only did the social media accounts of the two individuals involved become overwhelmed, but also the studios of both parties, Song Chunuan, Lu Cheng, and even the official movie comment section.
As if in agreement, every party that became embroiled chose to remain passive. Naturally, the agents of both sides had already inquired about the thoughts of the two individuals, receiving the response that: the relationship was not a public event, they would not evade any camera, nor provide any written responses.
The scene unfolds with precision as Lu Cheng vigorously shakes his phone in front of Zhong Shao, pointing at the face on the screen while addressing the man opposite him, "Shao, I know you've become a bit flashy since getting into a relationship, but this..." Lu Cheng takes another glance at the paparazzi photo, finding it quite artistic, "Have you perhaps gone a bit overboard with the flashiness?!"
Zhong Shao, who has maintained all the Nine Palaces atmosphere diagrams in their original form, looks up at Lu Cheng and remarks, "Director, focus more on the film and less on the actors' personal lives."
Lu Cheng retorts, "..." Is it not acceptable for me to care about you as a friend?
Within hours, as a fan who went from loving fictional romance to seeing it materialise into reality, enthusiasts of the novel, movie buffs, and even undercover fans of the couple began dissecting every detail from various perspectives, revealing a heartwarming sweetness that brings smiles to their faces.
As the saying goes, "Where there is true love, there will be detractors."
The fast-paced online world is filled with opposers – some unable to stand others' happiness, acting recklessly behind their keyboards; some simply not fond of these two actors, expressing their disdain unabashedly; and some just harbour a general aversion towards the LGBTQ community, thus exposing their own dark side.
Yet, regardless of the cheers or malicious intentions, external judgments and definitions hold no significance for Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng. They are not public figures; they are merely two ordinary men deeply in love.
Just like the film leaves the audience with an open-ended conclusion – an interstellar conflict erupts over first and second gender equality rights, with Yu Yue's warplane, ambushed in front of Ji Chen, losing one wing. Ji Chen finds the damaged warplane in the desert, Yu Yue sitting outside the cockpit, leaning against the door panel. Severely injured, with a critical wound to his heart, Yu Yue has only 5% oxygen left in his combat helmet. After a silent exchange, Yu Yue retrieves a key from his chest pocket and hands it over to Ji Chen without another word. Ji Chen kneels on the ground, trembling, clutching the key tightly in his palm. His dark eyes betray an immense pain and a resolute determination as he clenches his fist over his heart three times before finally speaking a single word, "Alright."
As immigration officers, they ultimately failed to guard the first interstellar security line, but they did uphold the first security line responsible for the planet.
Isn't this a fulfilment of their past pledge after all?
In the post-credits scene, the director offers the conclusion originally meant for Ji Chen and Yu Yue to the audience, and to the story itself.
Years later, in Yu Yue's hometown on Earth, in a city, there is a villa with a courtyard. Two men lie on sun loungers in the yard, gazing at the stars, occasional smiles gracing their lips.
"When will you be back to the troop?" one of the men asks.
"The day after tomorrow," the other replies, then inquires, "How are the new recruits performing?"
"Competent," the man responds with a hint of disdain, "but they don't measure up to us when we started."
"Do you remember when we were assigned together back then?"
"How could I forget? That was the day we committed, I even confessed my feelings to you. Have you forgotten?"
"When you are surrounded, I will stand behind you with the unwavering strength to sweep away the millions of enemy troops."
"When you are surrounded, I will stand behind you with the unwavering strength to sweep away the millions of enemy troops."
Who says grandeur and insignificance cannot coexist?
Who says love and struggle cannot walk hand in hand?
You and I are but specks of dust in this boundless universe, no different from other cosmic dust, devoid of distinctions.
The box office of the film "Same or Not" continues to climb amidst positive word-of-mouth, public opinion, and buzz. Meanwhile, IDFA also hosted its award ceremony and closing ceremony.
Each award presented was met with heartfelt truths and a continuous stream of respect from the audience. Regarding the award, the entire team of "Divergence" expressed anticipation for this documentary that was filmed and produced over the span of five years.
When the "Best Documentary Award" was awarded, their emotions were not particularly overwhelming. The director was supposed to go on stage to accept the award, but instead, Zhong Shao took the stage.
With his usual composed demeanour, Zhong Shao walked steadily to the stage, accepted the trophy, approached the microphone stand, greeted the audience in English, and introduced his role in "Divergence" as well as the core idea of the project.
Suddenly, Zhong Shao changed course and said, "OK, I will speak Chinese in my following acceptance speech."
"谢谢每一位支持,协助,出境过"一样不一样"拍摄和制作的伙伴,这个奖属于你们.还是那句话,宇宙浩瀚,你们的爱也是（Thank you to every partner who supported, assisted, and participated in the filming and production of 'Divergence,' this award belongs to you. As always, The universe is vast, and so is our love）"
The universe is vast, and so is our love.
Your love, is also.