The project was initially unnamed and referred to as "STAND" throughout the filming period. After several weeks of shooting, everyone became accustomed to using this name.
One late night in J County, during a review meeting, Zhong Shao suddenly proposed naming the project "STAND+." Zhong Shao pointed out that in English, the word "stand" has approximately 15 different meanings. Most commonly, when combined with a preposition, the word "stand" conveys a positive expression, aligning well with the values the project aims to convey.
Numerous decisions were made during the filming process, not only finalising the project's name but also determining other matters such as the voice dubbing work being completed by the "JiYu Couple," the music composed by Gee who has a long-standing collaboration with Lu Cheng, and the introduction of new elements to the project.
As multiple tasks progressed simultaneously, the "JiYu Couple" led a simple yet enjoyable life for half a month.
On the first day of May, Yu Cheng and Zhong Shao were on their way to the post-production studio for voice dubbing when Yu Cheng received a call from his mother. The sound intermittently leaked from the phone as Yu Cheng answered, prompting Zhong Shao to pull over, take the phone, signal to Yu Cheng, and exit the car.
Upon returning, Yu Cheng finished the call.
Zhong Shaoh opened the mineral water he had taken from the trunk and handed it to Yu Cheng, asking, "What did Auntie say?"
Yu Cheng's expression was not great, but he remained calm, "Grandfather fell in the vegetable garden, and he is on his way to the hospital now."
"Which hospital?"
"Pingcheng People's Hospital." Zhong Shaoh nodded and then dialled a number. With his Bluetooth earpiece on, Yu Cheng inferred from Zhong Shaoh's words that he was using personal connections to help Grandfather contact relevant experts. "What's Grandfather's name?" Zhong Shao asked, tilting his head.
"Jiang Lei."
After exchanging a few words with the person on the other end, Zhong Shao finally hung up the phone.
Slipping the mobile into the armrest, Zhong Shao made a U-turn in the car. "Everything work-related has been arranged, we're heading back to Pingcheng now." Yu Cheng remained silent, simply gazing at Zhong Shao intently.
Sensing the piercing gaze, Zhong Shao slowed down and waited for the next green light before saying, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Yu Cheng suddenly felt a surge of complex emotions well up in his throat. You are fully aware that the person walking hand in hand with you in this field is an outstanding figure, possessing his own pride and a sense of responsibility that extends far and wide in his profession. In both work and life, he is mature and charming, but what is even more precious is his tactfulness. This sense of security comes from subtle nourishment and nurturing; he understands your thoughts and romantic inclinations, your perseverance and dedication, as well as the importance of "family." Therefore, even before you speak, he places everything else after your family.
"Thank you, Zhong Shao," Yu Cheng expressed with the most ordinary tone yet carrying the deepest emotions.
"I accept," Zhong Shao replied with a hint of a smile, his eyes adding a touch of solemnity, "But Yu Cheng, these two words are also what I want to say to you." Zhong Shao held Yu Cheng's nape, their foreheads touching. "Thank you, Yu Cheng."
Yu Cheng would never know that without him, "Divergent" might not have been released or exhibited, as he had not found a suitable voice actor. At times, he wonders if his stubbornness over the years in pursuing these matters is truly worthwhile. Should he occasionally pause as well? However, when Yu Cheng originally intended to donate anonymously, he suddenly realised that everything was worth it because there is someone by your side who understands the significance of everything you do, and he tells you that he wants to dispel more shadows with you. Yu Cheng chuckled lightly, feeling a sense of fulfilment spreading throughout his body.
As the signal turned green, Zhong Shao continued driving amidst the traffic. Yu Cheng redirected his gaze forward, unable to hold back a smile.
"What's so funny?"
"We sometimes feel like an old couple who have been together for decades..." Yu Cheng paused, correcting himself, "...an old, old couple, and at other times, we feel like two naive teenagers falling in love for the first time."
In response, Zhong Shao lightly tapped the edge of the steering wheel with his finger, saying, "If I can still be romantic at 80, and still be passionately in love with you at 80, it's not that extraordinary."
Yu Cheng was briefly taken aback, then reverted to an expression of "It's typical for Zhong Shao to say something like this," a fact known only to him.
Zhong Shao's teasing wasn't just for the moment; it was meant to last a lifetime.
Driving from City B to Pingcheng takes about three hours. While on the road, Yu Cheng received news that his grandfather had already entered the operating room. Upon arriving at Pingcheng People's Hospital, a warm orange sunset reflected against the inpatient building. A golden wheel slowly emerged from behind the building, walking steadily, waving goodbye to the night shift moon maiden.
Upon reaching the entrance of the operating room, Yu Cheng and Zhong Shao were informed that grandfather's hip replacement surgery had been successful and he had already been transferred back to the ward for observation. The two of them arrived at the ward and ran into Mr. Fang in the hallway.
"Dad."
"Uncle."
Fang's eyes showed a hint of exhaustion, he responded and said, "Grandpa's anaesthesia hasn't worn off yet, your mother is with him, I'll get her some food."
With his gaze on Zhong Shao, Mr. Fang continued, "Zhong Shao, thank you for today."
The surgery for the grandfather was performed by a provincial orthopaedic expert who happened to be inspecting Pingcheng People's Hospital. Although it wasn't a major procedure, under the experienced hands of the expert, it would ensure the elderly man suffered less post-surgery.
Initially unaware of these details, the nurse at the surgery desk whispered a few words to Mr. Fang during a lull in activity, informing him of the situation. After the surgery, Mr. Fang took the opportunity to inquire about his grandfather's condition from the lead surgeon, indirectly assessing the relationship between the surgeon and Zhong Shao.
It wasn't the kind of family relationship Mr. Fang had imagined; rather, it turned out the lead surgeon had agreed to perform the surgery as a favour upon receiving a phone call. Nevertheless, a favour was a favour, and gratitude was in order.
"He treated me like a grandson when I visited grandfather with Yu Cheng. It's just a small favour for me to repay him."
"Dad," Yu Cheng took on the responsibility from Mr. Fang, "you and Mom go have a meal and rest at home, Zhong Shao and I will take over here."
In a single hospital ward, Yu Cheng and Zhong Shao stood by the bedside of their grandfather, not even taking off their hats. The two of them quickly became adept at caring for the elderly man; one carefully wiped his face and body, while the other prepared all the items the patient might need. After the old man had some liquid food, he peacefully fell asleep.
The lead surgeon specially came to check on the old man's condition the next day before leaving. The care of the old man was passed on to another doctor from the hospital, and Yu Cheng arranged for a caregiver for the grandfather. On the third day, grandfather realised that there was a change in the doctor doing rounds, and only then found out that Zhong Shao had arranged for the surgery without informing him earlier. Apart from the postoperative pain temporarily managed with painkillers, the grandfather was doing well in all other aspects. Yu Cheng and Zhong Shao were also preparing to return to City B that night.
Before leaving, they bid farewell to the grandfather. The old man beckoned them to the edge of the bed, holding each of their hands.
"The movie you two acted in together, Grandpa went to the cinema to watch it. You two, bring out the charm of those two characters." He took a breath and patted Yu Cheng's hand, "Your parents always think I'm old, living in an old alley, not understanding the trends of young people. They really underestimate this old man! Many trends among you youngsters are things left behind by our older generation! I know your parents and you are keeping something from me. Actually, I has been keeping a secret for almost a lifetime."
Grandfather clasped his two hands together, covering them firmly with his own rough and mottled palms. He gazed at the top hand as if falling into a seam of time.
"I have a twin brother, and we had a close bond since childhood. But when we were 17, my brother got into trouble. His relationship with his partner was discovered, who happened to be a male university student. My father locked up my brother, my mother fell apart, but my brother refused to admit his fault. One night, I overheard my father saying he would send my brother to a mental hospital. I informed my brother, hoping he would apologise to the family, but he begged me to help him escape. When I asked 'why,' my brother simply said, 'Love is not a sin.' I didn't understand then, but still helped him flee. Since that day, my brother never returned, and everything related to him was burned by the family."
"After falling love with grandmother, I suddenly saw the light. Your grandmother is several years older than me and has been married before, but I fell in love with her. Despite the gossip, I protected your grandmother well, realising that love is not a sin. When you first brought him in front of me, I saw the connection between you two, as a grandfather, I understand the stability of your relationship and the look of love in your eyes."
Despite their superb acting skills, both men were momentarily stunned.
"Have you already come clean with your parents?"
A simple "yes" from Yu Cheng.
"Your mother was afraid I would be scared, so she kept it from me, right?"
Another "yes" from Yu Cheng.
"Don't underestimate me." With a snort, the grandfather pinched a nerve near his thigh bone, wincing. When he regained composure, he continued, "Grandfather has no other thoughts, just hopes that since you are together, you will live this day to the fullest."
For those in love at that moment, risking everything to seek the right to live was incredibly difficult.
"We will," they both said.
"Thank you, Grandfather."
Both men's voices carried complex emotions.