Mai Shuhui (Hong Kong, China)
Third Prize
Award-Winning Work: I Am the Brightest Star Here
Author Biography:
Mai Shuhui is a screenwriter from Hong Kong. After graduating from a university program in literature and history, she took courses in film and television screenwriting but worked in administrative positions for many years. Despite living a routine life, she has never given up on breaking into the extraordinary world. Her stage play works include No Problem, which was shortlisted in the “Legend of Infinity: Edge of Love” drama competition. Her short stories include Capture and Guard in the Tragic Demon Sword anthology and A Blade Through Blood in the Gentle Breeze Sword anthology.
Story Synopsis:
Xu Jiayin, Lan Xiaoyun, and Shang Zhe pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry, facing family opposition, societal pressure, and the confusion of growing up, yet they persevere with unwavering determination.
The genius director Song Yirou begins teaching at an arts school, known for her provocative methods, which gradually earn the students’ respect. Yirou is also a widow, and her mother Meng Lingfeng disapproves of her romance with the wealthy second-generation Fu Shaohai, suspecting her motives, though this misunderstanding stems from her past relationships.
Jiayin and Xiaoyun perform in Yirou’s new play, beginning to gain recognition. Jiayin’s father, Xu Shoucheng, pressures her to return home to manage the family business and misleads her into believing that Yirou abandoned her mother, when in fact he himself separated from Jiayin’s mother, Song Jia’er, and took Jiayin away. Jia’er seeks reconciliation with her daughter, but Shoucheng manipulates her emotionally.
As Jiayin and Xiaoyun steadily progress in their careers, Shang Zhe’s development stalls. Xiaoyun secretly loves Shang Zhe but steps aside when she sees his feelings for Jiayin. Jiayin faces public pressure to pair with a male idol. Jia’er supports Jiayin’s acting dreams but does not want her to collaborate closely with peers. Shoucheng exposes negative rumors about Shang Zhe, and Xiaoyun misunderstands Jiayin’s actions as self-preservation, creating tension between friends.
Shang Zhe becomes discouraged and considers leaving the industry. His elder sister is a survivor of domestic abuse. Jiayin, disappointed in Shoucheng, rebuilds her bond with her mother. Shang Zhe makes a sudden confession of love, leaving Jiayin conflicted amid varying perspectives from those around her.
A producer expresses willingness to fund Yirou’s dream film. Initially, the investor had deceived Yirou in her youth, but she eventually confronts and overcomes past grievances, revitalizing her focus on work.
Xiaoyun almost falls into an exploitative trap due to her parents’ poverty but is saved by Jiayin and Shang Zhe, restoring their friendship. Yirou acknowledges Shang Zhe’s growth and invites him, Jiayin, and Xiaoyun to participate in the production, agreeing with Jiayin that romance must wait until their careers succeed.
Shaohai proposes publicly, but Lingfeng refuses marriage, turning the proposal into a standoff. Yirou, caught in the middle, grows impatient but eventually accepts Shaohai as family. Shaohai and Lingfeng begin cohabitation. Jia’er respects Jiayin’s desire for independence, while Xiaoyun and Jiayin rent a home together, allowing Yirou to finally enjoy a free and independent life.
