We Are Filthy, Born From Mud - Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Yes, They Evolve. A Small Turning Point.

“Next, we are going to present the most anticipated award of the night: the February Orchid for Best Leading Actor in a Film.

Over the past year, the audience has witnessed one brilliant story after another. Some moved us to tears, while others made us roar with laughter. There is no hierarchy in genres; no matter which film you starred in, you had the potential to be nominated.

Before we reveal the final winner, let’s see which outstanding actors have been nominated!”

As the camera swept past Zong Yougu, she stared into the lens with burning eyes. Her gaze held unmasked ambition and the smugness of someone certain of victory. Her face was projected onto the giant screen; when people saw her, no one could help but hold their breath. Because she was beautiful, and because of her aura.

The camera moved away, but Zong Yougu remained seated upright, without the slightest relaxation. While she sat here, Zong Liangu should be waiting for her backstage.

She had originally thought Zong Liangu would definitely want to fight her for this chance to be on stage. After all, they both craved being watched and were obsessed with the feeling of being bathed in the spotlight. However, unexpectedly, Zong Liangu didn’t fight for it this time; she didn’t even mention it. Her attitude was so mild it didn’t seem like Zong Liangu at all.

Zong Liangu had replied: “The one who won the award is Zong Yougu, so you should be the one to go up. Besides, we look exactly the same. Watching you, it feels as if I am on stage too. It’s the same.”

Zong Yougu had nodded thoughtfully.

Now, Zong Yougu smoothed the hair by her temple, her fingertips twirling at the ends. She knew Zong Liangu must be dissatisfied. But it didn’t matter. Thinking of this, Zong Yougu couldn’t help but smile. Her index finger rubbed the identification document tucked away in her clothing.

Yes, Meng Lin had completed everything. A new identity—a completely legal and logical identity. Once the awards ceremony ended, Zong Yougu would tell Zong Liangu the news. Zong Yougu’s current success was a gift from Zong Liangu. Thus, a legitimate identity was the most trivial bit of feedback Zong Yougu could offer in return. They would be fine; they would be together forever.

On stage, the host opened the envelope and looked around the audience.

“So, who is the winner of the February Orchid for Best Leading Actor in a Film? The winner is… A Guide to Student Socialization, Yu Yulai! Let us congratulate the actress who played Yu Yulai, Zong Yougu. Congratulations!”

Zong Yougu stood up amidst the applause, bowing slightly to the audience. Wan Chunming, sitting on the other side of the aisle, ran over. Behind Wan Chunming were other members of the crew; they all rushed toward Zong Yougu, pulling her into a hug. If Wan Chunming hadn’t interrupted, the hug would have lasted even longer.

Zong Yougu smiled and walked toward the stage. She walked along the carpet; it was soft, absorbing all sound. Zong Yougu could hear nothing except her own heartbeat. Every step landed on the drumbeat of that heart. Yes, she knew that one day she would stand on this podium, but she hadn’t expected it to come so soon. Compared to other actors, she lacked resources, she lacked the backing of a family, and she lacked a bit of luck.

But it didn’t matter. She had herself, and she had Zong Liangu. Their combined excellence allowed her to make up for all innate deficiencies. Even if Zong Liangu was dissatisfied, Zong Yougu could always find a solution. For people like her and Zong Liangu, blindly and forcefully trying to make someone stay would only accelerate their departure. To make Zong Liangu stay forever, she had to give her freedom.

However, this freedom was naturally limited. Zong Yougu was not yet generous enough to let Zong Liangu do whatever she pleased.

The lights hit Zong Yougu’s body. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she felt every inch of herself illuminated by the light was scorching hot. She was addicted to the feeling of being lit by the lamps; like a moth, she chased the light without stopping.

Her custom flat leather shoes stepped onto the stage. Her straight trouser legs outlined her long legs, and her wide sleeves added a touch of casual rebellion to her look.

“Ahem.”

She cleared her throat into the microphone. It was working fine; the sound of her cough echoed throughout the venue and was transmitted into every television through the live broadcast.

“Friends, I am Zong Yougu.”

She took the trophy and pressed it against her forehead. The applause rang out once more.

“Winning this award, one could say it was both expected and unexpected. Friends who are familiar with me know that I am a very arrogant person. I am arrogant and conceited, so I was certain I would eventually win an award. But what was unexpected was that I never thought this day would come so early. I didn’t expect that at twenty-three, I would receive such a major prize.”

Whether it was because of the lights or the tears gathering in her eyes, Zong Yougu’s already bright eyes became even more luminous, like black pearls emitting a misty glow. She gripped the microphone tighter and continued:

“On this journey, there are many people I should thank. I must thank my assistant, Hu Yinghua. She is my seventeenth assistant and the one who has endured me the longest. I have a bad temper and a difficult personality; just thinking about it makes me realize how hard you’ve worked. I must also thank my agent, Sister Qi Fang. Without your planning, I couldn’t have made it this smoothly. Along the way, I’ve met many colleagues and directors; your encouragement and advice have benefited me greatly.”

Zong Yougu paused and looked around. Standing on the stage, the people below became small, their facial features blurring. But as expected, she saw Zong Liangu in a corner of the seating area, having snuck into the hall. She turned back and picked up the mic again:

“But if you were to ask me who I am most grateful to, my answer will always be the same. The person I am most grateful to is only myself. I love me, and I accept everything about myself.

Previously, the organizers asked all of us nominees to prepare an acceptance speech to share some experiences. I thought for a long time but really couldn’t think of any experience worth sharing. My seniority is too shallow; looking back at my experiences since entering the industry at fourteen, taking from the outside world has always made up the majority—there truly isn’t any experience with reference value. All I can express is gratitude. Gratitude to each of you, and gratitude to myself. Perhaps one day I will have much to share and much I can change. I look forward to that day.

Finally, thank you all for your love.”

A child came up skipping and handed Zong Yougu a bouquet of flowers. The bouquet was so large that she had to hold it with both arms. Zong Yougu smiled happily; the armful of February Orchids made her look even more bright and confident. Shutter sounds rose and fell, and flashes flickered as media reporters tried to capture every second.

From now on, more people would see her, Zong Yougu. From now on, there might be more malicious comments. So what? Zong Yougu didn’t care at all; she would automatically filter them out.

After the awards were presented, the ceremony still hadn’t ended. This year, like every year, a highly respected senior from the industry was invited to give a short speech. Zong Yougu listened intently. While listening, she imagined: Will I be able to reach this position in the future? The February Orchid was only her first step; she would surely go further and longer.

“Once again, congratulations to all the winning actors and crews, and thank you to all the young actors, writers, and directors who persist. It is you who make the film and television industry more vibrant; your works light up our lives. The ceremony concludes here. We will see you next year!”

The curtain fell, the lights faded, and the melodious closing music began to play.

Zong Yougu declined the celebration banquet and didn’t even change her clothes. She couldn’t wait to find Zong Liangu. She was going to give Zong Liangu her identity.

Zong Liangu wasn’t in the hall; she had gone to the backstage early. Zong Yougu walked quickly, but even that wasn’t enough; she began to jog, running without regard for her image. On the way, she ran into Su Tongguo, who teased that Yougu was over-excited from winning. She ignored her, not daring to delay, and continued running.

Finally, she reached her dressing room. As she was about to push the door open, she thought she heard voices inside. One was Zong Liangu’s voice, and the other was a voice that sounded somewhat familiar. Zong Yougu racked her brain but couldn’t remember who it was. Through the door, the sounds were faint and the specific content unclear. Occasional loud laughs were interspersed in the conversation.

Who on earth was Zong Liangu talking to?

Zong Yougu felt a bit dissatisfied. Just as she was about to push the door in, the door was pushed open from the inside. The person walked straight out as if they hadn’t seen Zong Yougu, their footsteps not pausing for a second. In the moment they passed each other, Zong Yougu saw the person’s face clearly.

It was Ge Ya.

They had worked together twice. No—to be more accurate, Zong Liangu and Ge Ya had worked together twice. Zong Liangu’s current surface identity was Zong Yougu’s life assistant; there was no reason for Ge Ya to seek her out privately. What were they talking about?

However, Zong Yougu didn’t intend to ask today. Today, there were more important things to do. Zong Yougu’s right hand stayed in her pocket, tightly gripping that ID.

“Liangu, I’m back! I saw you when I was on stage.” Zong Yougu put down her trophy. “This is a trophy that belongs to us.”

“Mm.” Zong Liangu’s voice was very cold.

Zong Yougu casually took the document out of her pocket and pushed it toward Zong Liangu.

“Now, you are Zong Liangu. You no longer have to hide behind me. Whatever you want to do in the future is up to you. Whether you want to leave or stay, it’s your decision.”

Zong Yougu pretended not to care, but she didn’t dare look at Zong Liangu. Zong Liangu picked up the small card, flipping and rolling it over her knuckles.

“When did you prepare this?”

“A while ago. Actually, I know what you’re thinking.”

“Mm. You know me very well.” Zong Liangu’s voice was very calm, like a pool of spring water.

Zong Yougu’s joy was written all over her face: “Of course. You are me and I am you. How could I not be clear about my own thoughts?”

“Yes, you know me very well.”

Zong Liangu put down the ID, her eyes still fixed on the three characters for “Zong Liangu.” She sighed and stood up. She reached out with a push, sending Zong Yougu back into the chair. The wheeled chair slid a long distance away, creating space between them.

“You know me very well, and you keenly sensed my intentions. But you forgot one thing: you know me, but I also know you. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking.

If I accept this today, I truly will never have freedom. Even if I have the identity of ‘Zong Liangu,’ I would have to hide under the shadow of Zong Yougu for the rest of my life. Because this is a favor from you—your charity. We are the same person; we never accept charity from others. I won’t accept it. What’s more, what you can do, I can do too.”

Zong Liangu finished speaking and, without observing Zong Yougu’s reaction, walked straight toward the exit. When she touched the handle, she seemed to remember something and turned around. She gave Zong Yougu a sheepish smile.

“Can you give me a hug?”

Zong Yougu didn’t speak. She walked forward mechanically and opened her arms, confining Zong Liangu in her embrace. Her grip was very tight, her knuckles turning white. But Zong Liangu broke free with ease.

Zong Yougu just looked at her, seemingly waiting for something.

Zong Liangu smiled: “I won’t hug you back. Today, you hugged me, but I did not give you a hug in return. Only this way will you remember me for a lifetime.”

After speaking, Zong Liangu turned and walked out.