Guess What? The Entire Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m Dead - Chapter 70 [END]

By now, night had fallen, and the time for the awards ceremony was drawing near. The venue buzzed with activity as numerous luminaries from the film and television industry and major investors gathered, transforming the event into a grand networking affair in its own right.

However, as the staff took the stage to announce that the awards ceremony was about to begin, everyone settled into their pre-assigned seating areas.

This time, Lin Chenghuan was seated with the cast and crew of The Flames of Wancheng, while Lu Zhiwei sat in the row directly in front of her. Shortly after, the ceremony commenced, and the audience fell into a hushed silence.

Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. Compared to the Fashion Awards, the Eternal Awards included additional categories for documentaries and animated films. Nevertheless, as the ceremony progressed, it quickly reached the announcement of the Best Actress and Best Actor awards.

On the screen behind the stage, clips from the nominated works began to play. Watching scenes of herself, sometimes spirited and resolute, other times gazing forlornly at the sunset, amid the sweeping, epic backdrop of that era, Lin Chenghuan couldn’t help but feel moved.

Indeed, sometimes the message of a work mattered more than its popularity. Those three months spent filming under the scorching sun in Huzhou had been worth it.

Soon, the clips concluded, and the moment arrived to reveal the winner.

“After watching these incredible scenes from the nominated works, I can’t help but marvel at how fiercely competitive this year’s Eternal Awards are. Thank you to all the talented actors for bringing us such outstanding productions,” Liang Xin remarked with a gentle smile on stage. Her demeanor, so different from her lively persona on variety shows, suited the solemnity of the occasion. If Lin Chenghuan hadn’t been nervously awaiting the results as a nominee herself, she might have laughed at the contrast.

“Now, let’s invite Professor Wu to announce the winner for Best Actress. Professor, please,” Liang Xin said, gesturing with a smile. Professor Wu nodded and unfolded the card.

This was Lin Chenghuan’s third nomination for Best Actress. While this nomination had come as a pleasant surprise, having been a runner-up twice before had tempered her expectations and strengthened her resolve.

Yet, to her astonishment, among the contenders from the past two years, it was the less hyped work that had ultimately triumphed.

“The winner of this year’s Eternal Award for Best Actress is… Lin Chenghuan, for her performance in The Flames of Wancheng!” As the elderly professor announced the result, the atmosphere in the venue reached its peak.

Lin Chenghuan froze in disbelief. Out of so many profound and well-received works, how had hers managed to stand out?

The camera quickly shifted to her, and the large screen displayed her face, first stunned, then breaking into a smile. Those around her applauded and offered their congratulations.

As Lin Chenghuan rose to her feet, she glanced diagonally ahead. Lu Zhiwei, still clapping, turned to look back at her. Their eyes met, and they shared a smile before Lin Chenghuan made her way to the stage.

“Congratulations, Lin Chenghuan!” Liang Xin beamed. Lin Chenghuan accepted the trophy from the presenter with a slight bow. Only when she held the weighty award in her hands did the reality of the moment sink in.

“From your first work, The Ode to Changmen, to now, nine years have passed. We’ve all witnessed the trials and triumphs along your journey. Congratulations on your win, Xiao Huan,” Teacher Wu said with a warm smile.

“Thank you, Teacher Wu.” As the slightly trembling words left Lin Chenghuan’s lips, she realized she wasn’t as composed as she thought. Indeed, nine years had passed in the blink of an eye.

From being an unknown actress in the film and television industry, someone who warmed the bench, was nearly forgotten on a remote mountain during an outdoor shoot, to now ascending the throne of Best Actress under dazzling spotlights, nine years had flown by.

Throughout this period, no matter how much criticism and slander she faced, she persevered solely because of her enduring passion for the acting profession.

“Thank you to the award presenter. Now, let’s welcome Lin Chenghuan to share her acceptance speech,” Liang Xin said with a smile before leaving the stage with Teacher Wu and the staff carrying the tray, allowing Lin Chenghuan to take center stage.

“Thank you. I never expected to stand on this stage today and receive such an important award. During the filming of ‘Flames of Wancheng,’ every member of the crew taught me so much…”

Lin Chenghuan followed the customary practice of thanking the main creative team of the drama. As she looked out at the audience, at all the lovers and friends smiling at her, she couldn’t hold back the moisture welling in her eyes.

“Thank you to my agency, Zhuo Yi, and to my fans for their support. Thank you to President Lu… for helping me, as a newcomer, gradually find my footing in the entertainment industry, thrive, and become who I am today.”

Lu Zhiwei, seated in the front row, smiled and met her gaze. Fang Yuan was also smiling from somewhere in the second row, while Han Ruoruo, Yu Qianran, and others watched her on stage with warm smiles.

“Thank you for everyone’s love and recognition. I will continue to work hard and produce more outstanding works, living up to the expectations of my audience and friends.”

As Lin Chenghuan finished her speech, thunderous applause erupted in the venue, and she began to feel as if she were floating on clouds. From now on, I am an award-winning actress with real talent, someone who can be called “Teacher Lin”… and I’ll never have to worry about serious drama roles again.

So, maybe it’s time to schedule going public with Lu Zhiwei. What kind of Weibo post should we make? Lin Chenghuan’s thoughts drifted to more personal matters as Liang Xin returned to the stage, beaming at her.

“Congratulations once again to Lin Chenghuan. May you continue to progress on your acting journey and bring us even more touching performances.”

Lin Chenghuan thanked her and stepped off the stage. When she returned to her seat, she was so exhilarated she nearly forgot who she was. In the midst of overwhelming joy, the entire world seemed surreal, but she still managed to compose herself and listen to the announcements of the remaining awards.

After the ceremony ended, reporters swarmed the Best Actor and Best Actress winners, taking numerous photos and asking all sorts of questions. Once the interview session concluded, Lin Chenghuan, filled with emotion, locked eyes with Lu Zhiwei, who approached her, and then stepped forward to embrace her.

“Congratulations, my love,” Lu Zhiwei whispered with a soft laugh. Lin Chenghuan took a deep breath and held her even tighter.

Somewhere in a corner, camera flashes continued to go off, and friends around them watched with joyful smiles. Eventually, Lin Chenghuan felt a bit embarrassed and loosened her embrace.

“Congratulations, Huanhuan, on being crowned Best Actress,” Fang Yuan said as she walked over to offer her wishes. Lin Chenghuan hugged her in return.

Soon, Han Ruoruo, Yu Qianran, and others came forward as well. Lin Chenghuan couldn’t possibly hug everyone, so for many, a simple exchange of greetings sufficed.

“Let’s go, it’s time for the celebration banquet,” Fang Yuan said with a smile, waving them along. Even though Zhuo Yi would host its own celebration banquet, as Lin Chenghuan’s boss and agent, she could still join in the festivities with the “Flames of Wancheng” team.

That evening, the group had a lively dinner at the hotel, and by the time they returned to their accommodation, it was already past ten o’clock. However, this time, Lin Chenghuan wasn’t too drunk.

“I really need to catch up on what’s happening online,” Lin Chenghuan said as she collapsed onto the sofa after a quick shower. Weibo was likely flooded with praise for her, and even if there were negative comments, having just won the major award, she wouldn’t care.

Sure enough, the platform was filled with congratulations. Her fans were ecstatic, spamming the feed with celebrations, while even casual observers noted that the Best Actress award, which had eluded her for Under the Long Night, had finally been made up for with The Flames of Wancheng.

“Honestly, I suspect the committee felt guilty about not giving Sister Huan the award for Under the Long Night, so they specifically used The Flames of Wancheng as an opportunity to make it up to her,” someone commented.

“That kind of judgment isn’t very rigorous. If you take a closer look at The Flames of Wancheng, its quality is actually quite high.”

“I never really got into spy dramas before, but I might check this one out when I have time…”

From the online discussions, it was clear that many people were planning to rewatch The Flames of Wancheng. A lead actor winning a major award could certainly give the show another boost in popularity.

Lin Chenghuan happily scrolled through the messages and numerous posts praising her acting skills, feeling so elated that she didn’t even mind the haters who accused her of using connections to secure the award.

Of course, I have connections, but there’s no shame in that. It’s not like I relied solely on nepotism to get here, Lin Chenghuan glanced at Lu Zhiwei, who was peeling an orange beside her, and felt that life was truly wonderful.

“How should we go public? What kind of Weibo post should we make…” Lin Chenghuan asked with a smile. Lu Zhiwei was momentarily taken aback, her eyes brimming with uncontrollable joy.

“Well… let me think,” Lu Zhiwei replied, feeding Lin Chenghuan two orange segments as she pondered. Lin Chenghuan watched her with an amused smile as she racked her brain.

“How about… we only go public within the industry for now? We can hold off on Weibo. I feel like you could win Best Actress in the next two or three years,” Lu Zhiwei finally suggested gently.

“That… works too,” Lin Chenghuan replied, slightly surprised, but upon further thought, she realized that a semi-public approach wasn’t a bad idea.

Celebrities often have limited control over their fans’ reactions, and there was no telling how die-hard fans might react if she publicly announced her relationship. Some might not take kindly to Lu Zhiwei. For the next couple of years, it might be better to drop hints about her orientation and perhaps even star in a girls’ love drama…

But the idea of filming with someone else felt off. If the opportunity arose, it would be better to bring Lu Zhiwei on board to act alongside her.

After quietly making her plans, Lin Chenghuan discussed with Lu Zhiwei what kind of social media post to make. In the end, they each took a photo of the other with the Qianqiu Award trophy and posted them with captions.

Lin Chenghuan: Staring at the trophy and my dear Zhiwei beside me, there’s no way I’m sleeping tonight [peeking through fingers]

Lu Zhiwei: Spending tonight with Huanhuan, no sleep for us [happy]

After setting the visibility and posting, likes and comments surged instantly. Many producers and actor friends immediately grasped the underlying message.

“Oh? Ended up in the same room?”

“What’s going on? Childhood friends finally making it official?”

“Congratulations! Wishing you both the best.”

However, among the flood of comments, it seemed some people genuinely believed they were just close friends.

“Congratulations to your little Best Actress! Support you for snatching her back from President Fang [Mischievous Dog] Look how happy you two are, seems like you’ll be sharing a bed tonight,” said one of Lu Zhiwei’s investor friends.

“And you and President Lu are really childhood friends? I used to think even living in the same neighborhood didn’t guarantee that,” one of Lin Chenghuan’s screenwriter friends privately messaged her.

Lin Chenghuan found herself both amused and exasperated, thinking she might as well have just posted “Hey, wifey” from the start. Fortunately, social media platforms now allowed post-editing, so both women promptly changed how they referred to each other to “wifey.”

“Looking at the trophy and my wifey beside me, no sleep for me tonight.” Haha, perfection!

Chuckling, Lin Chenghuan replied to some comments, responding to one calling them childhood sweethearts with “Actually, it was more like destiny dropping from the sky,” before continuing to observe everyone’s reactions.

Sure enough, after editing their posts, the comment section exploded even more than before, leaving many speechless with shock.

“Oh my god, 6666699999.”

“Congrats, 99! I knew I shipped the right couple!!”

“99999!”

Eventually, their comment sections became a sea of neatly aligned long strings of 6s or 9s. Lin Chenghuan and Lu Zhiwei laughed until they collapsed onto the bed, thoroughly satisfied at having startled their circle of friends with this low-key official announcement.

Outside the window, city lights and starlight adorned the boundless night, their future shining as brilliantly as the starry sky.

[End]