Telluride

The asphalt road winds forward, with steep cliffs on both sides narrowing the sky into a slender path. Lush pines and maples spread along the mountain lines, vast and serene. The noise and bustle of the big city behind seem to be blocked by this natural barrier. The spectacular Colorado landscape and jagged cliffs unfold before the eyes, painting a picture of tranquility and hustle, as well as solitude and resilience, under the golden autumn of September.

There is only one way into this place. As the car moves forward, the road behind fades away, and the dead-end surrounded by mountains on three sides appears like the world's end, slowing down all the hustle, wandering, and vicissitudes, making one reluctant to leave.

Stepping out from the hotel, the crisp and chilly air echoes in the valley. The cable car overhead sways gently, the creaking sounds constantly hitting the cliffs. This path to the world's end lets one feel the vastness and emptiness beneath, as if this small town, only twelve blocks long and eight blocks wide, hides stories of secrets never leaving the mountains.

At first sight, Renly fell in love with this town called Telluride. It reminded him of the Peach Blossom Spring described by Tao Yuanming. There was no need to search deliberately; everywhere the eye could see was a beautiful scene, and every step was a wonder. Exploring the town on foot, from the courthouse to the foot of the mountains, the gentle slopes become an excellent ski resort in winter. From the broad grasslands to the cable car station, this town of 2,500 people exudes an isolated charm and tranquility.

Renly found the last empty table by the street, sat down, and relaxed his feet, letting his mind settle down slowly. Looking at the mountains covered in yellow and red maple leaves in the distance, he couldn't help but be enchanted.

"Sir, are you ready to order?" The waiter casually asked while clearing the coffee cups and cake plates from the next table.

Renly looked up and saw the grey-haired waiter, who seemed to be in his fifties or sixties. His short hair was neatly trimmed, and his moustache was well-groomed. The off-white shirt had two buttons casually undone. Although his physique was a bit out of shape, his demeanor exuded a unique charm, overshadowing the traces of time.

"Todd?" Renly glanced at the waiter's name tag. "I need a cup of black coffee, or maybe a beer is the best way to blend into this town?"

"Coffee would suit you better," Todd said with a casual smile, "You look like a European, to be precise, a Brit. Or would you prefer some tea?" As he spoke, Todd glanced at the table behind them where some customers were loudly drinking beer, clearly teasing.

"Coffee it is then," Renly placed his right foot on his left knee, a relaxed smile forming on his lips. "I need something stronger than tea." Just then, the group behind burst into laughter, and Renly and Todd exchanged a look, both chuckling.

"Oh," came a sigh from behind, followed by a slightly nervous and apologetic voice, "Sorry, I didn't know you were about to sit down. Otherwise, I would have given you this spot."

"No, no, it's fine," the first voice declined repeatedly, sounding friendly and polite.

Todd immediately stepped forward, "Ma'am, all the outdoor seats are full. There are still seats inside if you need."

"No... no, thanks," the hesitant voice responded. "I just wanted to rest outside for a while..." She looked around hesitantly. Todd keenly pointed to the empty seat in front of Renly, "Sir, would you mind sharing your table?"

Renly raised his hand, indicating the empty seat in front of him, "Of course not, please sit. I'm just resting here, not waiting for dinner." It was only a little past one in the afternoon, not even time for lunch, so his mention of "dinner" was clearly a joke, making everyone smile.

"Thank you." The person didn't hesitate, pulled out the chair, and sat across from Renly, then looked up at Todd, "Black tea, please."

Todd and Renly exchanged a glance, smiling.

The action left the new person curious but unsure, as asking directly would be impolite. She suppressed her curiosity, "…The town is really bustling, isn't it?"

The face before him bore a touch of boldness, with sharp eyebrows that were not feminine but rather dashing. A simple deep blue sailor shirt and a pair of deep, lively deer-like eyes shone with clear and warm intelligence, like a ray of sunlight breaking through the winter fog in Seattle.

This was not an unfamiliar face. Running into familiar faces at the Telluride Film Festival was no surprise. In the small space filled with hundreds of film industry professionals, almost every face in town was there for the festival.

At the table behind, Quentin Tarantino's loud antics were hard to ignore. Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen were sitting diagonally across, greeting Aaron Sorkin as he passed by. Not far up the street, Robert Downey Jr. and his wife walked out of a pharmacy, the neon green cross sign prominently visible. He pulled a cigarette from his pack and began to smoke right there. Colorado was the first state in the U.S. to legalize marijuana, and dispensaries could sell it openly.

Sitting across from Renly was Rooney Mara.

Originally known because of her sister, Kate Mara, Rooney had gained attention this year with "The Social Network," marking the first big opportunity in her acting career. The film was having its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. While the media hadn't seen the film yet and thus couldn't comment, the direction by David Fincher and the real-life drama of Facebook had already attracted significant attention.

"Yes, I'm planning to watch 'The Social Network' this afternoon, but the entrance to the Sheridan Opera House is so packed that I guess I'll have to wait for the midnight screening," Renly's light-hearted words made Rooney smile shyly, still getting used to people discussing her film.

Rooney pursed her lips, a bit unsure, "I haven't seen the finished film myself, so it seems the midnight screening is my only option too."

The uniqueness of the Telluride Film Festival lies in its complete devotion to movie fans. No red carpets, no dedicated premieres, no press screenings. Anyone wanting to watch a film must queue for tickets like regular fans. Similarly, fans wanting to discuss films with creators can approach them anywhere in town, ready to share their opinions anytime.

This relaxed, free, and open atmosphere makes Telluride seem less like a film festival and more like a grand celebration. It stands in stark contrast to the Toronto International Film Festival three days earlier. This small place has eleven cinemas, making it the most densely packed location for film premieres in the U.S., second only to New York and Los Angeles.

"You'd better hurry; otherwise, you'll be the only one left out of the discussion," Renly's teasing made Rooney smile again.

As they talked, a group of young people passed by, laughing and stopping in front of a house across the street to take photos, attracting everyone's attention.

Rooney initially thought a top star might have appeared—Tom Cruise had bought a house here, regularly attending the festival and coming to ski every winter. The locals were quite familiar with him. But after a closer look, she realized the young people were just taking pictures, with no big star among them.

"Is there something special about that house?" Rooney asked out of curiosity, then realized she was talking to a stranger and smiled awkwardly. "Sorry."

Renly smiled, gesturing towards the house, "Haven't you heard the story of the Sundance Film Festival?" Rooney looked puzzled, shaking her head. "In 1889, the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy robbed $24,000 from the San Miguel Valley Bank here. Back then, it was an enormous sum, so much that the bank never recovered."

Though he only told the beginning, Rooney understood, her face showing surprise.

Renly nodded, confirming her thoughts. "Later, we all know the story: Cassidy met the Sundance Kid, forming the famous duo, leading to the film 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,' and eventually, the Sundance Film Festival. During the Great Depression, this town had no bank until forty years later."

Rooney was astonished, pointing to the seemingly ordinary house. "So, that's..."

"Yes, that's where the legend started." It was Renly's first time in Telluride, but he had long admired this film haven. That was the old site of the San Miguel Valley Bank.

"Wow!" Rooney exclaimed, looking back at the house, "Wow! I must take a photo later!" She smiled brightly. "How about you?"