The Best Director

You want me to hit you?” Wang Yang’s voice was cold, slightly out of breath, his eyes filled with unprecedented fury. Across from him, Cole shrugged and said with a smile, “Come on!” Wang Yang let out a cold laugh, suddenly stepped forward, snatched the telephoto camera from Cole’s hand, and smashed it onto the ground with all his might, then swung his fist uncontrollably, “Damn you, go to hell!”

With a thud! His fist smashed violently into Cole’s cheek, a tooth flew out from Cole’s contorted mouth!

March 31, 2001, New York State Supreme Court.

The small courtroom was packed, the visitors’ seats were filled with reporters not carrying cameras, and there were film fans and supporters who had come. If it weren’t for the limited seating and the solemn rules of the court, this place would have been overflowing with people. Among bodyguards and assistants, Jessica, dressed modestly, was full of devotion, silently praying with clasped hands for the one she loved.

On the judge’s bench sat the elderly Judge Kent Marlowe in a black suit and meticulously combed white hair, his expression serene, giving no hint of his thoughts. He looked at the case files on the table, from the first hearing to now when he was about to make a judgment, he had already formed a set of conclusions in his mind. He looked up at the calm and composed Wang Yang and at Cole Randston, who was constantly adjusting his posture, and said, “Please present your final arguments for the prosecution and defense.”

Standing, Billy McRoe, the litigation lawyer representing Cole, tweaked his tie and walked forward, “A year and a half ago, in this very city, a rather ordinary act of violence took place, a man brutally attacked an innocent. The case seemed simple enough, just send the man straight to prison. But the identity of the assailant has prolonged the case until today.”

Billy McRoe walked to the front of the jury box, looking at the varying expressions of the jurors, and, pointing towards Wang Yang, he said with a frown and a heavy voice, “I’ve heard enough about ‘he saved a little girl,’ yes, that’s true, commendable! But thereafter, he hit someone, that’s also a fact! He saved a little girl, did something right, but that doesn’t give him a ‘free pass to do wrong!’ In the eyes of the law, we’re discussing the part where he did wrong, not simply ‘right makes up for wrong!’ Even a doctor who saves countless lives, if he hits or kills someone, must face punishment.”

So why does he escape legal sanction!?” Billy McRoe’s face was full of shock as he quickly approached the judge’s bench, looking at the composed Kent Marlowe and urgently said, “Just because he is an outstanding director? Because he is a billionaire? Because he is young!? So he receives special treatment?! Is he above the law?”

The jurors furrowed their brows in thought; Jessica bit her teeth tightly, mentally cursing “He’s conflating right and wrong!” Her gaze followed Billy McRoe to the defense’s side, where he looked at Wang Yang and shook his head with a sigh, “There’s no doubt this young man has achieved remarkable things in some areas, but in the face of the law and this case, those are irrelevant! Look at him, what is his attitude right now? I don’t see any remorse, he even seems proud of his violent actions!”

Defense attorney Vincent Grant inwardly took a deep breath, his opponent was clever, adept at swaying the emotions of the judge and jurors, and knew how to plant the idea of “I can’t help the privileged.” However, it was not the challenges of having an equally talented opponent or disadvantages in evidence and witnesses that were causing him and Wang Yang’s legal team to worry, it was Wang Yang’s attitude.

At the outset, he had suggested an out-of-court settlement, which his client had quickly rejected; during the trial phase, he advised, requested, and urged his client to show remorse in court and to seek a sympathetic stance from the judge. Before today’s session, he even reminded him repeatedly, “Yang, your attitude directly affects the outcome of this case! Appear haggard, regretful, don’t be so defiant.” But he still had not cooperated, now leaving this critical point open for attack by the opposition.

Looking at the silent Wang Yang next to him, Vincent Grant sighed internally, What a stubborn guy! Seeing that Billy McRoe had finished, Vincent Grant gave one last reminder by tapping a sheet on the table that read “Approach,” and stood saying, “My client is indeed an exceptional young talent, but I want to remind everyone that not only are there good ‘special treatments,’ but also bad ones.”

He spread his hands and approached the jury, asking, “Should he be subject to particularly severe discrimination just because he’s a famous public figure? Can we completely negate his better side?” The jurors looked at each other, bewildered, as he continued, “Everyone knows that my client is passionate about charity. He has donated to the Children’s Protection Fund, five million; to the Youth Protection Fund, ten million; and to the Women and Children’s Support Center, another ten million!”

Vincent Grant walked up to the judge’s bench, looked at the old judge, and said excitedly, “I say this only to point out that he is not a cruel and unreasonable person, he is not! On the contrary, he’s a person full of justice and love.” In the audience, Jessica kept silently nodding along as Vincent Grant spoke, “He struck Mr. Randston because he was angry; he was angry because he was trying to save someone, doing the right and great thing, while Mr. Randston was there causing destruction. That’s the whole event! We’ve said enough about this.”

He exhaled slowly, spreading his hands to calm himself down, and concluded, “The law is there to punish the bad people. If, in a moment of rage, someone hits a bad person who is hindering a rescue, is that a crime? What crime is that?” He looked at the jurors, then at the old judge, and said with a perplexed face, “What crime is that? Is it a crime to be just? To save someone?” After a long pause, he nodded and said, “Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen, I am done.” With that, he walked back to the defense bench.

Kent Marlowe’s expression remained unchanged as he looked through the case files. After some consideration, he looked toward Wang Yang, who was not far in front of him, and said, “Young man, we’ve met quite a few times during this year, and I am very clear about your affairs. You truly are an outstanding youth. But every case is unique, and this one confronts who you were on August 23, 1999. If you were to go back to that day, would you still hit Mr. Cole Randston?

Please, Yang!” Vincent Grant inwardly shouted, lightly kicking Wang Yang’s foot with his own. This answer was crucial; it had to show remorse for his loss of control! In the audience, Jessica’s lips tightened as she hoped he would do as his lawyer advised, yet she also felt his indignation and sorrow; and the film fans all secretly hoped that Amazing Yang would stay cool and not give in.

Wang Yang slowly stood up, without even looking at Cole, and looked straight at the judge, saying, “Yes, I would.”

Vincent Grant immediately closed his eyes in frustration, feeling everything was about to fall apart; Jessica’s heart stabbed, yet she also breathed a sigh of relief—why did you have to be so cool, Yang… The film fans clenched their fists in secret; the reporters’ faces lit up with “this is going to be good” expressions, noting down Amazing Yang’s words; Cole and Billy McRoe both seemed quietly pleased.

Do you believe you were completely right in this incident?” Kent Marlowe frowned slightly, his voice becoming serious, “If the security hadn’t pulled you away at that moment, what would you have done? Continued attacking? Caused the plaintiff serious injury? Or perhaps even taken his life?”

Wang Yang shook his head, saying, “No, I wouldn’t do that.” But Cole would have had both arms broken and spent a few months in a cast. He remembered that day vividly, Cole’s ugly face before him—compromise with such scum? No! Never! He looked at the judge, sincerely saying, “I’m not claiming I was completely right, but I don’t regret my choice. Hitting someone is not a good act, but facing certain people, at certain times, you have no choice but to take action.”

That’s not the law.” He shrugged, then finally glanced at Cole with disgust, saying, “It’s what you need to do, must do! Otherwise, you’ll always be a coward. When you’re old, you’ll think, ‘Why didn’t I act then? Why didn’t I give that bastard a good beating?’ But then it’ll be too late, and you’ll only have this regret as you go to heaven…”

That was enough! Wang Yang took several deep breaths to swallow the remaining words he had, and said, “I have finished.”

Kent Marlowe’s expression was still impassive as he picked up the gavel, banged it once, and announced, “The court is recessed. The verdict will be announced in fifteen minutes.” With that, he stood up and walked into the courthouse office, and the jury members also rose to retire to the jury room for deliberation.

The courtroom buzzed with the sound of chatter. The movie fans were excited about what Amazing Yang had just said, and the reporters knew they had their story. But Vincent Grant looked frustrated, saying to Wang Yang, “Yang, what are you doing? The things you said, that attitude, they will have serious consequences!” Wang Yang was at peace with himself, replying, “Sorry, I just said what I wanted to say.”

Serious consequences? Surely, it wouldn’t be the electric chair—prison? Wang Yang smiled; maybe he was too naive, but it was worth it. However… he looked back at the gallery, only to see Jessica’s smile was forced and filled with visible worry. Wang Yang gave a reassuring thumbs-up, but felt very troubled inside; if he was convicted, even if only sentenced to community service, his parents, Jessica, and everyone who cared about him would be heartbroken. That was the last thing he wanted to see.

Fifteen minutes quickly passed, and the members of the jury and Kent Marlowe filed out in succession. Kent Marlowe sat down in front of the judge’s bench while everyone in the courtroom straightened up with tension. The old judge calmly announced the final verdict, “This case has its complexities. The defendant is a young man full of vim and justice who, in a moment of anger, assaulted the plaintiff, causing physical harm to the plaintiff. Taking into account the provocation by the plaintiff, as well as the fact that the defendant has saved lives…”

Jessica’s eyes did not blink, her heart nearly stopping – would Yang be okay? She prayed silently, “Merciful Lord, please watch over us!”

Kent Marlowe continued, “Although the law isn’t as simple as subtracting one from another and cannot right a wrong with another right, it is set forth for the sake of humanity. The jury was at one point inclined to find the defendant not guilty. But…” Onlookers and fans in the public gallery widened their eyes with a few impolitely uttering a gasp; Jessica was stunned, her face turning pale in an instant – was Yang guilty!?

Order!” Kent Marlowe banged the gavel down, looking at the silent Wang Yang, continuing, “The accused shows not the slightest hint of remorse. He does not feel any wrongdoing, insisting on the correctness of his actions, even showing contempt for the court. This attitude is regrettable. The jury has determined that the defendant Wang Yang is guilty of ‘assault with intent to cause harm’.”

Although they had anticipated it, everyone still felt a jolt upon hearing this. Reporters and fans exchanged glances – the Amazing Yang was in trouble! What punishment would he face? A fine, an apology, corrective sentencing? Jessica covered her forehead in sorrow; Cole could not help but smile; Wang Yang remained expressionless; while Vincent Grant beside him wore a face of helplessness, it could have been so different with just a hint of remorse, but now it was spoiled.

In light of the offender’s deplorable attitude, the bench feels he needs to receive adequate punishment to reflect properly. Therefore, I hereby sentence…” Kent Marlowe paused, looking at the varying expressions in the court, declaring, “The offender Wang Yang is ordered to pay the victorious plaintiff Cole-Randston 300,000 US Dollars.” Below, Cole immediately showed disappointment, gripping his head – only 300,000! Kent Marlowe went on, “Furthermore, sentencing Wang Yang to 150 days of imprisonment, with no option for probation, no option for bail, the offender is to serve time in Rek Island Prison, effective immediately!”

Imprisonment for five months! No probation, no bail, and immediate execution?! Jessica felt her head spin, and the assistant beside her quickly supported her. She sat there looking stunned at Wang Yang’s retreating figure, muttering, “Oh my God, how could this happen!”

Fans onlookers were also shocked; no one had anticipated such a severe sentence from the judge. The Amazing Yang facing five months behind bars?! Forget his directorial new release this year, they might not even see “Sweetheart” – damn it! Even though he might be released tomorrow for some reason, or get parole soon after, the current situation was “the idol is about to be jailed”, plummeting their spirits to the depths.

Your Honor!” Vincent Grant quickly raised his hand, standing up, “I object. This penalty is too severe. My client has a clean record, why is he being denied bail?!”

Kent Marlowe spoke sternly, “Objection overruled. You may file an appeal, but the court’s decision stands.” He looked towards Wang Yang, feeling the necessity of his judgment, he said with gravity, “Young man. You must go to prison! You need to understand what you’re doing and direct your ‘Kung Fu’ towards the right cause. I don’t want you to find yourself in prison when you’re old, filled with regrets.”

Wang Yang, silent, did not speak. The verdict was beyond his expectations, which meant he was to be taken to Rek Island Prison to be locked up immediately, and theoretically for 150 days, leaving behind the Oscars, NCAA matches, and all aspects of his life as they abruptly receded into the distance… Though he felt no regret, he had never before felt such discomfort – how could he keep his loved ones happy?

At this moment, two burly bailiffs came forward with handcuffs, the African American man saying, “Sir, you may now remove any valuables on your person; or have them held at Rek Island Prison.”

“I’ll appeal for you,” Vincent Grant said encouragingly, patting Wang Yang’s shoulder, “Endure for a bit, you could be out by tomorrow.”

OK, I’m fine!” Wang Yang stood up, having nothing valuable to remove, but… he turned around to look back at the spectator’s gallery, his eyes only on the girl named Jessica. He grinned and yelled, “Sweetheart, don’t worry about me! Take good care of yourself!” And with that, he blew kisses towards her non-stop. This immediately caused a few female fans in the fan group to scream; Kent Marlowe frowned and banged the gavel, “Order! Order! Bailiffs, take the offender away.”

Jessica struggled to maintain a strong smile as she silently watched Wang Yang being handcuffed by the court officers and then forcibly taken towards the prisoners’ passage. Her heart ached as if it was going numb; she hadn’t felt this pain since she turned 20, like she was about to lose him, lose the most important person… As Wang Yang was about to enter the passage, she couldn’t help crying out, “Yang, no matter what, I love you!” Held back by two court officers, Wang Yang stopped in his tracks and turned to give her a smile, then shouted back, “Me too!”

As soon as Wang Yang disappeared into the corridor, she covered her face with both hands, tears flowing uncontrollably from her reddened eyes, and she tried hard to suppress her sobs. A familiar, gentle voice seemed to echo in her ears, “Maybe you need this…”

On the other side, the reporters all hurriedly stood up and left the courtroom. As soon as they stepped out, they jostled each other to take out their silenced phones and make calls, “Listen up, the marvelous Yang is going to jail immediately! He’s been taken away, get ready, we must get a photo of the prison transport!” “Post it online right away, front page! Imprisoned for 150 days, no parole or bail! Hurry, we need his mugshot first!” ” said, ‘It’s not the law, it’s something you have to do…\'” mention Jessica, she cried! Just say she’s very saddened…

Remember, he Don’t forget to Unaware of the reactions outside, Wang Yang was taken from the courthouse and placed on a prison transport vehicle operated by the state police, and then taken directly to Rek Island Prison.

Rek Island Prison is one of New York’s main prisons, covering 413-17 acres and on average detaining 14,000 inmates daily. There, Wang Yang registered and received his inmate number “18394,” then handed over his personal belongings, changed into a light blue prison uniform, got his fingerprints taken, and posed for his mugshot; after that, he went through a detailed physical exam and, with prison-issue belongings in hand, was escorted by guards to the Anna M. Kross Center (AMKC), which houses adult male inmates.

There would be no special treatment for him, not for being “the youngest billionaire” or “the youngest Golden Globe Best Director nominee,” especially since Kent Marlowe’s judgment had written “to be handled strictly.” He was treated as an ordinary inmate and placed in a two-person cell with another prisoner.

Clutching his clothes, toothbrush, and cup, Wang Yang approached his room step by step, with inmates from the cells on both sides jeering, “Best Director! “Hollywood kid!” “Your girlfriend is hot!”

Wang Yang sighed softly, reminding himself not to get angry. Then, suddenly, he remembered Old Wu’s prophecy, “Keep being this bold and reckless, and you’ll end up in the slammer one day! Don’t blame your master for not teaching you the deadly techniques, I’m afraid you’ll get shot!” He shook his head with a smile, recalling how back then he said cheerfully, “Master, who’s going to shoot me? The worst I’ll get is the electric chair!”

This is your room, no troublemaking,” said a somewhat pot-bellied white prison guard as he opened the door to Cell 149. He seemed to mock, “But I think you guys will get along.” With that, he walked away, tapping his baton and shouting, “Keep it down, all of you! You maggots, scum!”

As the cell door closed slowly with a clanking sound, Wang Yang watched expressionlessly, then after a moment, laughed at himself and turned to survey this small room where he might have to stay for 150 days.

The stark, bright room was rectangular, less than 9 square meters, with one bunk bed against the right wall, big enough for someone to sleep half-sitting. In front of it was a small fixed desk and chair. Next to the door was a silver stainless steel sink and a toilet; and there was another man in a light blue prison uniform with a scruffy beard sitting on the bed.

Hey, the amazing Yang…” The man said in a hoarse voice, reaching out his hand. Wang Yang shook it, “Hello.” He observed the man, finding him strangely familiar. Several images flashed through his mind, and he asked in surprise, “Little Robert Downey?”

The man paused, then broke into a grin, “I really didn’t expect anyone to remember this loser.”