Chapter Eighty-One: Winning the Prize

Chapter 81: Winning the Award

Couple’s outfits aren’t just worn, they’re created through love!

The moment Zhang Le uttered these words, the intention to flaunt their affection became unmistakably apparent.

Just as a dog can’t change its habit of eating filth, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er couldn’t change their habit of displaying their love. Such a thought suddenly popped into everyone’s minds. Yet, linking something as romantic as showing affection with dogs and filth felt rather distasteful. But for some reason, the crowd found the metaphor vivid and apt.

Naturally, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er had no idea that such an unpleasant analogy had formed in anyone’s mind. When Yang Xin’er heard Zhang Le’s words, her smile became even more enchanting.

“Both of you have been nominated. Do you have the confidence to win?” the host asked again.

“We’re looking forward to it!” Yang Xin’er replied with a gentle smile.

She was nominated for Best Actress—a highly prestigious award. Yang Xin’er was only twenty-three; if she won, she would become the youngest Best Actress in the history of Chinese-language cinema, and her career would reach new heights.

She was full of anticipation but dared not hope too extravagantly. The Golden Dragon Awards were renowned for their fairness. Yang Xin’er’s youth would not sway the judges; they would judge solely on the merit of the films.

This year’s Best Actress category was fiercely competitive. Moreover, “Waiting to Return” leaned slightly toward commercial cinema, putting it at a natural disadvantage in such competitions.

Yang Xin’er was not the top favorite for Best Actress. However, in the Best Original Song category, Zhang Le’s “Fleeting Fireworks” had almost eclipsed all other nominees. It seemed the award was his to lose.

Of course, popularity alone does not guarantee victory.

“Well then, we wish you both success,” the host said, noting more guests arriving on the red carpet.

Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er entered the hall and found their seats among the “Waiting to Return” crew. Zhou Run and Chen Ke were already seated, engaged in quiet conversation.

“You two don’t look nervous at all,” Zhou Run said with a smile, glancing over at Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er.

“I’m just better at hiding it,” Yang Xin’er replied with a chuckle. “As for this guy, I doubt he even knows what nerves are.”

At the mention of nerves, Yang Xin’er suddenly recalled the scene when Zhang Le met her parents. She smiled knowingly. Except for that time, she’d never seen him anxious—not even when he attended the Golden Melody Awards.

“Le has already won his fair share of music awards,” Chen Ke said with a laugh. “Though this is a film award show, his nomination is still for music. It’s understandable if he’s not too concerned. But if things are the same this time next year, I’ll truly be impressed.”

“Next year? Director Chen, you do have faith in me,” Zhang Le replied with a smile.

“If ‘Crazy Stone’ doesn’t even get a nomination next year, I doubt anyone would believe it,” Chen Ke said, clearly fond of Zhang Le’s new film. In fact, he felt inspired by it.

Judging by the current releases, “Crazy Stone” was head and shoulders above the rest and already a hot favorite for next year’s Golden Dragon Awards. Of course, it was only early April; there was still plenty of time and many films yet to premiere.

Whether it would win, Chen Ke couldn’t say, but nominations seemed guaranteed.

“When do you plan to release ‘No Way Out’?” Yang Xin’er suddenly asked.

“That will probably be next year,” Zhou Run replied after a moment’s thought. Then he turned to Zhang Le. “I hear your new film is almost ready to go, just waiting on you as director. Once you wrap up your scenes, the new project can start filming. If you begin in May or June, you’ll probably finish by August or September. When do you plan to release it? There won’t be a clash, will there?”

Zhou Run clearly hoped to avoid a box office collision with Zhang Le’s film. After all, Zhang Le’s debut had been a juggernaut, taking down several blockbusters. His second film was highly anticipated and would undoubtedly have immense box office pull, especially with Yang Xin’er as the lead.

“No Way Out” would also be a strong contender—possibly even more so—but if the two were released at the same time, both would lose a significant portion of their box office, to the detriment of both.

“I certainly don’t want a head-on collision,” Zhang Le replied with a smile. “If you decide on a release date for ‘No Way Out,’ you’ll have to let me know in advance, Run.”

As they chatted, the award ceremony began.

In the world of film awards, Best Original Song is not one of the major prizes—those are always saved for last. Zhang Le’s nominated category came up early in the evening.

“Hm? Run is presenting this award?” Yang Xin’er remarked with a smile, watching Zhou Run take the stage. “When I saw him leave earlier, I thought he was preparing for a performance.”

There were two presenters: Zhou Run and, to Zhang Le’s surprise, another acquaintance—Lin Yang’s girlfriend, Chen Fang.

“Now I stand on this stage as a presenter. I hope in a moment I’ll be back here in another capacity,” Zhou Run announced.

“I send you my spiritual support,” Chen Fang replied with a laugh.

“Spiritual support is too intangible. We’re from the same hometown, after all. Can’t you make it a bit more concrete?” Zhou Run said, feigning confusion and then laughing.

“I wish you all your heart’s desires!” Chen Fang quickly responded. Seeing Zhou Run’s puzzled look, she added with a smile, “You heard my verbal blessing. That’s pretty concrete, isn’t it?”

“Indeed, very real,” Zhou Run chuckled. “Alright, let’s get back on track. The nominees for Best Original Song are…”

There were five nominees, but the most widely known was naturally Zhang Le’s “Fleeting Fireworks.”

The five films and their songs flashed quickly across the screen. Zhou Run gestured for Chen Fang to announce the winner.

Chen Fang opened the envelope, smiled, and said, “The winner of the 24th Golden Dragon Award for Best Original Song is… Since this is so closely related to you, Run, I’ll let you do the honors! It’s a song that evokes a deep sense of sorrow.”

A ripple of laughter ran through the audience—presenters often played with suspense, and it never failed to amuse. But Chen Fang’s words made it quite clear; when it came to a song closely connected to Zhou Run, who else but Zhang Le’s “Fleeting Fireworks”?

“You’ve basically given it away. Should I still announce it?” Zhou Run laughed as he took the card. “That’s right! The winner of the 24th Golden Dragon Award for Best Original Song is: Zhang Le for ‘Fleeting Fireworks’!”

Thunderous applause filled the hall. Yang Xin’er leapt up in delight, while Zhang Le smiled, hugged her, and made his way to the stage.

“Congratulations!” Zhou Run said warmly.

“Thank you!”

“Congratulations!” Chen Fang handed him the statuette.

“Thank you!” Zhang Le took the trophy and was about to leave the stage.

“Wait! Don’t hurry down—say a few words to everyone!” Zhou Run quickly pulled him back.

Zhang Le paused, then gave an embarrassed smile, stepped up to the microphone and said, “Thank you! Thank you, Director Chen, thank you, Run, thank you, Xin’er! And thanks to everyone who has supported and believed in me. I will keep working hard to prove your faith was not misplaced! And thanks also to those who have criticized, insulted, laughed at, or underestimated me. I’ll continue to strive and show you all: whatever I, Zhang Le, set my heart on, I will achieve. Thank you, and I hope to stand here again next year!”