Guess What? The Entire Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m Dead - Chapter 68

“Then what are you hiding for? This kid, really.” Lin Chenghuan was utterly helpless, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration, as if struck by lightning.

“So… is it her ex?” Lin Chenghuan pointed at Lu Zhiwei.

“Who’s her ex?” Li Chengnian looked puzzled. After Lin Chenghuan mentioned the name, she shook her head: “I don’t know them.”

“Never mind then.” Lin Chenghuan couldn’t figure out who else could be so intimidating besides those two, but she wasn’t in a hurry to find out. She simply went shopping with Lu Zhiwei.

That year’s New Year’s Eve, they spent another cozy celebration at their own place. After the holiday, they threw themselves back into their careers for the new year.

…

“Huanhuan, I’ve got some great movie scripts here, and one of them is perfect for you! Take a look, you’ll definitely be interested in this genre.” One day in February, Fang Yuan contacted Lin Chenghuan.

“Sis Fang, you’re amazing! Movie offers already!” Lin Chenghuan immediately praised her and went to the company.

There were three films willing to cast Lin Chenghuan as the lead, two modern suspense thrillers and one sci-fi script. The one Fang Yuan said she would definitely be interested in was the sci-fi film “The Final Voyage.”

“Wow, this is really interesting!” Lin Chenghuan was thrilled reading the sci-fi script. She had always loved this kind of storyline, and it seemed like a solid project with a reliable production team.

“So, should we take this one?”

“Yeah, I never thought Jufeng would be willing to hire me.”

“Don’t underestimate your current capabilities. Besides, the Fashion Awards are starting in April. No matter who wins Best Actress this year, many people will regret that you weren’t nominated. With the high buzz, you’ll likely be in the running for Most Popular Actress of the Year too,” Fang Yuan said with a smile.

“Most Popular Actress… For someone like me who’s used to being criticized, that award would be even more touching than Best Actress,” Lin Chenghuan sighed.

“Our Huanhuan will eventually win both Most Popular Actress and Best Actress awards for TV and film.”

“Ahem, I hope so.”

Come to think of it, Lin Chenghuan hadn’t paid much attention to the Fashion Awards, Qianqiu Awards, or other television awards for a while. But after her two-year comeback, she finally had works that could compete.

This year’s Fashion Awards would be held in Shanghai in April as usual, summarizing the previous year’s television productions. Whether she won or not, she would attend in person. Seeing her nominated drama win Best Series or Yu Qianran take Best Actress would be a significant victory.

Due to the antagonist role, “Under the Long Night” couldn’t enter Zhu Fengnian’s character into the Best Actress competition. But Lin Chenghuan’s acting in the series was undeniable, and many would likely feel regret.

Zhu Fengnian’s popularity far surpassed that of Officer Li Leyan, yet she was destined not to win any awards, a classic case of gains and losses. However, Lin Chenghuan wasn’t in a hurry; she could always rely on her other works to compete for awards in the future.

That day, Lin Chenghuan signed the contract for “The Final Voyage.” Over the next month, she resumed her routine of studying scripts and delving into her character. Movie scripts were much shorter than TV scripts, requiring less time for memorizing lines.

But sometimes film shoots took longer than TV series because of the meticulous demands for every frame. A single scene could take days to shoot, or even half a month to perfect.

Lin Chenghuan had once participated in a film shoot. Though she only played a supporting role, she vividly remembered scenes that took days of repeated adjustments. Whether lead or supporting actors, everyone had to endure such meticulous perfectionism.

However, film schedules were generally much lighter compared to TV dramas. Some films had lower demands or flowed so naturally that they could wrap up in less than a month, with classics even emerging from casual, playful moments.

Time slipped by quietly, and before long, the Fashion Awards ceremony was approaching. As expected, Yu Qianran received a nomination for Best Actress, while Under the Long Night was shortlisted for Best Television Series.

The entire crew group chat buzzed with excitement, eagerly hoping their project would bring home a major award. On the day of the ceremony, a host of celebrities, film executives, investors, and producers gathered in Shanghai for this industry gala.

By then, Lin Chenghuan had already joined the cast of The Final Voyage. Since the film was primarily shot in Shanghai, she didn’t need to travel back and forth after taking leave.

Lu Zhiwei, an investor and credited producer for numerous films, also attended the event. He mingled with fellow executives, discussing future investment plans and which projects showed the most promise.

Occasionally, celebrities stopped by to greet him but never lingered long. In the end, Lin Chenghuan settled comfortably into her circle of artist friends, chatting casually with them.

“It’s surprisingly chilly today, I nearly froze walking the red carpet,” Lin Chenghuan remarked.

Yu Qianran replied, “It’s not too bad now. The November Qianqiu Awards are the real nightmare.”

Xu Sheng chimed in, “That’s exactly why I skip those.”

Xie Ying added, “I probably won’t have any nominated works anyway, so I can enjoy the peace and quiet.”

Han Ruoruo laughed, “If none of you are going, then I’m skipping too!”

The group bantered lightheartedly, bursting into laughter now and then. Paparazzi swarmed nearby, their camera flashes flickering incessantly.

After playing a significant role in an ensemble drama, Han Ruoruo had finally taken on lead roles in serious productions, shedding the cautious demeanor of her early career. Still, she clearly admired Lin Chenghuan.

“Sister Huan, it feels like forever since we last hung out. Who knows when we’ll get to collaborate again? How about we go shopping together sometime?” Han Ruoruo suggested.

“Sure! I’m certain we’ll have more chances to work together in the future,” Lin Chenghuan replied with a smile.

A short while later, the producer and director of Under the Long Night arrived and pulled Lin Chenghuan and Yu Qianran aside to exchange updates. The producer admitted he couldn’t uncover any insider information about this year’s Best Actor and Actress winners. Lin Chenghuan wasn’t surprised, award confidentiality was tight these days.

“The competition for Best Actress is fierce this year. Ms. Xia Ying’s period drama is also highly favored. Let’s all stay relaxed, being nominated is already a significant achievement. Just enjoy the event,” the director reassured them.

“Of course, Director Li,” Lin Chenghuan and Yu Qianran responded cheerfully.

After mingling and chatting in small groups for some time, the awards ceremony finally began, and everyone took their seats.

Lin Chenghuan and Yu Qianran sat together in the front rows. It was clear Yu Qianran felt nervous, the pressure weighed heaviest on her. In contrast, Lin Chenghuan observed the event with a calm and leisurely demeanor.

“Many people online thought we’d end up fighting over this drama, but here we are sitting together, they’re definitely going to be shocked,” Lin Chenghuan said with a laugh.

“Yeah, it’ll surprise quite a few,” Yu Qianran chuckled, finally relaxing a bit more.

“If you win an award later and the camera pans over, it’ll be even more obvious. Even if we just exchange a glance, some people will start shipping us as a couple.”

“Hmm… if that happens, let’s just hug directly.”

“Pfft, alright. Let’s shock them to death.”

At that moment, Lin Chenghuan was seated with the main cast of Under the Long Night, while other key crew members occupied the rows in front and behind. Lu Zhiwei, meanwhile, sat in the very front row alongside several veteran producers.

As the lights shifted, the host took the stage. The massive electronic screen displayed the opening animation, marking the official start of the ceremony.

After the opening performance, the first award presented was for Best Television Series. Highlights from all nominated works were played one by one, and the final result was announced by a well-known director in the industry.

“The winner of this year’s Best Television Series award is… Under the Long Night!”

Thunderous applause filled the venue as the producer and executive producer stepped onto the stage to accept the award and deliver their speeches. Both Lin Chenghuan and Yu Qianran were overjoyed. Having been part of a project that won Best Television Series was a significant breakthrough, regardless of whether they received individual awards.

Moreover, since this was a series invested in by Lu Zhiwei, winning this award would further bolster the reputation of Xia Yao Productions.

The next award was for Best Director, which also went to Under the Long Night. Director Li, who had deliberately refrained from going on stage earlier, finally had his moment in the spotlight.

“Oh my god, I can’t believe we’ve won two awards in a row. If you win Best Actress, our series would achieve a grand slam!” Lin Chenghuan exclaimed in amazement.

“Then our entire crew could walk sideways for the next year,” Yu Qianran joked.

“Hey, make it at least two years.”

The following award was for Best Actor, which went to the male lead of a Republican-era drama. The actor was completely caught off guard, and his hands trembled as he stood on stage, whether from nerves or excitement, it was hard to tell.

Lin Chenghuan smiled as she observed her colleagues’ reactions. Though they were all seasoned artists accustomed to the camera, moments like these still stirred emotions.

After the newly crowned Best Actor descended from the stage, the next award to be announced was Best Actress. Lin Chenghuan had been nominated twice before for Best Actress but had never won, so she understood the anxiety of waiting. She patted Yu Qianran’s arm reassuringly.

“The Best Actress award at this year’s Fashion Awards goes to… Yu Qianran, for her role in Under the Long Night!” the host finally announced, holding the card.

The venue erupted in excitement, and entertainment reporters went into a frenzy. This year had produced a grand slam series, not only recognized by the committee but also highly acclaimed by netizens.

Yu Qianran, who had been on edge the entire time, finally let out a sigh of relief, her eyes sparkling with joy. She turned to look at Lin Chenghuan, who met her gaze with an equally delighted smile.

Yu Qianran leaned in, and Lin Chenghuan happily embraced her. This gesture was actually beneficial for Lin Chenghuan herself, it would ensure the nickname “Sour Sister” never resurfaced.

As the spotlight shone on them, another wave of commotion swept through the crowd. Yu Qianran soon stood up gracefully and made her way to the stage.

Under the lights, she appeared stunningly beautiful. Lin Chenghuan watched Yu Qianran deliver her acceptance speech with a mix of emotion and envy. As usual, she thanked the crew and her fans.

“Thank you to the screenwriter for allowing me to encounter such a wonderful work, to Director Li for his patient guidance on set, and to Chenghuan…”

After years in the industry, Yu Qianran had finally won this award, reaching the pinnacle of what could be achieved in television dramas. Tears welled up in her eyes. Lin Chenghuan was filled with complex emotions, wondering if she, too, would feel like crying if she ever won the Best Actress award one day.

After a heartfelt monologue, Yu Qianran returned to her seat in the audience amid applause. Lin Chenghuan remarked with a sigh, “From now on, I’ll have to call you Teacher Yu.”

“Please don’t… that’s terrifying,” Yu Qianran laughed. “Without all of you, I wouldn’t have won this award.”

As the major awards were announced one by one, the atmosphere gradually lightened. Many actors were honored with Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards, and everyone went up to receive their prizes in a harmonious and joyful mood.

Finally, the results for the Annual Most Popular Actor and Actress were revealed. As expected, Lin Chenghuan was named the most popular actress.