"Go ahead," Xiao Yi said. "Let me see the script. It's okay. When the time comes, Chai Dao and I will sit in the last row and watch you."

Lu Zhou didn't say anything. Du Mei brought the script over. Xiao Yi was worried that Lu Zhou would forget the lines once he got on stage and said, "Can you remember them?"

"I can," Lu Zhou replied.

Xiao Yi added, "Let's talk about other things later. I brought you up, so it's only fitting for you to accept the award for me."

Lu Zhou chuckled through his tears and said, "This is the award for the entire team. You can't be humble in front of Chai Dao?"

Chai Dao laughed heartily and waved his hand, saying, "It's okay, it's okay. You guys chat." Then he and Du Mei went out again. Xiao Yi felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Yes, it's Teacher Chen's work."

Lu Zhou glanced at Xiao Yi and then looked at the script in his hand.

"I'll avenge you," Lu Zhou affirmed. "If I don't make Qizhen and Chang Shiqing pay for this, I won't stay in this circle anymore."

"Alright, but let's rehearse the script first," Xiao Yi suggested.

"Thankfully, you're here," Lu Zhou said as they sat facing each other on the sofa. "Did you hear what Li Changzheng said?"

"No," Xiao Yi replied. "I just had a feeling that since we came today, there would definitely be gains. I don't know why, just intuition... Despite the hardships of making this movie, even though it didn't have many viewers, good things are still good things... So..."

Xiao Yi felt a bit guilty. This movie didn't help Lu Zhou become the Best Actor, but it did contribute to his success.

However, life is long, and they still would have plenty of time and opportunities to work together in the future.

With brilliant lights shining, the award ceremony began.

Lu Zhou sat next to Li Changzheng, who whispered, "Are you okay?"

"Just got beat up," Lu Zhou whispered back.

Li Changzheng whispered, "I'll find someone to get back at them."

"Don't," Lu Zhou muttered. "I'll keep at them until they're dead."

After sitting for a while, Xiao Yi's head still felt a bit dizzy. He rinsed his mouth with water and Di Le knocked on the door and came in, saying, "Let's go. I'll take you to see it. Ya Qing is about to receive her award."

Following Di Le, Xiao Yi walked to the back row of the venue, where all the reporters were standing.

"The Best Actress—"

Intense drumming sounds filled the air.

"Ya Qing Ning!" the guest announced, "."

The audience erupted into wild applause, with many people excitedly shouting. Ya Qing Ning gracefully walked onto the stage, looking absolutely stunning under the lights, radiating with beauty.

"This year has been a breakthrough year for your work," the elderly professor said with a smile. "There have been praises and criticisms, especially in ‘The Past of Lin Zhi’. The role you played as Zhuo Ma received recognition from netizens, but of course, there were also many differing opinions. Ya Qing, do you have anything you'd like to say to everyone?"

"Some say," Ya Qing Ning said with a smile, "that the entertainment industry is like a battlefield, full of dangers and triumphs."

"In response to that," Ya Qing Ning continued, "I just want to say that effort will always be rewarded. In the entertainment industry, it's all about being free-spirited. Acting freely, living freely, time will prove everything."

The applause erupted once again.

"Thank you to all my friends who have been with me through my growth," Ya Qing Ning said. "Thank you to my management company, and thank you to all my fans."

Three years ago, Ya Qing Ning's first leading role was in a movie. Xiao Yi looked at Ya Qing Ning, feeling a myriad of emotions. At that time, she had just joined the crew and had to carefully apologize to Lu Zhou. Little did he know that over the past three years, with the right director and strong financial backing, she had become a movie queen.

"Does it feel like watching your student debut?" Chai Dao joked.

"A bit," Xiao Yi couldn't help but laugh to himself. Indeed, it did. Although he hadn't done much for Ya Qing Ning, accompanying someone through their growth was a wonderful thing.

Some people forget their roots after success, while others are very nostalgic. Ya Qing Ning belonged to the latter category. After her debut, she remembered who treated her well and who didn't. The little kindness Lu Zhou showed her on set and Xiao Yi's several instances of magnanimity were all deeply ingrained in her heart.

"I heard Brother Fa Cai had a scandal with her and almost fell out with her?" Di Le said.

"Yes," Xiao Yi said. "Actually, Zhou ge had a bit of a rough start with her during her first scene. It might have been because she got along well with me that Zhou ge didn't say much in the end. Of course, she takes acting very seriously. Zhou ge respects those who are talented and dedicated to their work, regardless of whether they are newcomers or not."

"Thank you, Ya Qing," the host said. "Can I ask who said that?"

Ya Qing Ning smiled at the camera, walked off the stage without answering the question. The host then said, "Teacher, please stay, there's another award for you to 'conveniently' announce."

"Actually, I don't think Hu Yang's acting is that good," Xiao Yi said.

Di Le answered, "He's being promoted by someone, and he's always cautious, never offending anyone..."

"The Best Actor," the old professor read from the card, then scanned the men sitting in the front row.

Lu Zhou smiled helplessly, looked at Hu Yang, and prepared to get up to congratulate him on winning.

But Hu Yang didn't notice and was still talking to Zheng Xiao Cong.

"Lu Zhou!" the old professor exclaimed. "Nominated work ‘Qin Mountains’!"

As the old professor's words fell, the entire venue suddenly played the movie's soundtrack, and the TV screen showed the vast Loess Plateau.

Wang Genbao knelt in front of the grave, pulling the desolate silhouette of his erhu, with the wind blowing through the remaining leaves. The entire stage effect instantly changed into a bleak autumn scene, with yellow leaves swirling in the air, and the endless vast sky!

The atmosphere in the entire venue exploded, even Xiao Yi and Di Le, who were talking, were stunned on the spot. Di Le's mouth was agape, and it took him a while to come back to his senses.

Lu Zhou was still a bit dazed, momentarily forgetting to stand up. The camera turned to his face.

"The Best Actor, Lu Zhou! Nominated work ‘Qin Mountains’!" the host repeated with a smile.

Lu Zhou was completely dumbfounded, looking a bit like a bewildered boy. Li Changzheng immediately nudged him to get up, and Lu Zhou, feeling a bit confused, stood up. His first instinct was to turn around and look at the last seat in the audience.

Xiao Yi hugged Di Le, crying uncontrollably.

Zheng Xiaocong was the first to stand up and hug Lu Zhou, followed by Li Changzheng. Hu Yang quickly regained his composure, squeezed out a smile, and stood up to hug Lu Zhou. Li Changzheng patted Lu Zhou's shoulder and gestured for him to hurry up.

Collecting himself, Lu Zhou looked around as the scenery on the TV screen changed again. The entire award venue was filled with flying petals and beautiful spring-like effects, revealing the scene of Wang Genbao's family courtyard, bustling with children and grandchildren.

Lu Zhou's handsome face appeared, watching the children with a smile.

As Lu Zhou stepped onto the stage to receive the award, tears filled his eyes and the music stopped, bringing silence to the whole venue.

"This is so embarrassing for him to receive the award like this," Di Le remarked from the back of the audience.

Xiao Yi closed his eyes, leaning against the wall, unable to stop crying, tears flowing uncontrollably.

"Lu Zhou," the host smiled. "Let's proceed with the award presentation first, shall we? Please, sir."

"This is a belated award," the old professor said. "Back then, you were the most outstanding and diligent student in the department. After that, you were absent from the big screen for ten years, and now you're back. Welcome back, Lu Zhou!"

The whole venue erupted into wild applause, with everyone cheering.

"I hope you will continue firmly on the path of performing arts in the future," the old professor continued.

Lu Zhou hurriedly took the award, subconsciously saying, "Thank you, Teacher."

The whole audience burst into laughter, and the old professor smiled, saying, "As Ya Qing said, with a clear conscience and freedom, efforts will surely be rewarded."

The host gestured and asked, "Is there anything you'd like to say to everyone, Lu Zhou?"

Finally calming down, Lu Zhou scanned the entire room.

"Are they here?" Holding the award, Lu Zhou looked a bit lost as he raised it and said, "Did you see them?"

He scanned the entire room as if looking for someone. The camera focused on his tear-stained, handsome face.

In the audience, Di Le waved to him along with Xiao Yi.

Lu Zhou nodded, and the entire audience turned back. Di Le immediately pulled Xiao Yi to sit down.

Lu Zhou regained his composure, thought for a moment, and then admitted, "The sentence that Ya Qing mentioned just now was said by me."

The camera turned to Ning Yaqing, and the entire audience erupted into cheers. Ning Yaqing smiled sweetly.

Lu Zhou chuckled. Once he smiled, he could instantly make everyone feel like they were bathed in spring breeze.

"Because at that time," Lu Zhou's eyes were red, and he choked back a laugh, "we had a bit of an unpleasant rumour while filming. Ya Qing, as a newcomer, was a little concerned and apologized to me specifically."

Is that so? Xiao Yi realized.

As Lu Zhou's emotions settled, he smiled and said, "I told her it was okay, not to care about what others say about you, to act well, do your job well, and have a clear conscience. All efforts will be rewarded, and the rest, let time test."

The applause erupted again. Lu Zhou slightly raised the award in his hand and said, "Thank you, Xiao Yi. Without him, I wouldn't be standing here."

The whole room erupted again.

"And thank you to my agency and Zheng Xiaocong's studio," Lu Zhou continued. "Thank you to all the fans who encouraged me to move forward on my journey, as well as the enemies who stimulated me to work harder."

The whole room burst into laughter again, and Li Changzheng was almost laughing hysterically, applauding while laughing.

Xiao Yi thought it was enough. When will you stop thinking about your enemies? I thought you had finally grown up a bit.

"I will continue to move forward," Lu Zhou metnioned, smiling. "The rest will be left to time to judge. Thank you all. In the ups and downs of life, sometimes fame rises, sometimes it falls into silence, this is our rivers and lakes."

The applause reached its peak as Lu Zhou stepped down and embraced Li Changzheng again, who gave him a thumbs up and nodded at him.

Lin Yao hurried over, talking to Chai Dao while leading him to the front.

The camera switched to Chai Dao, and Lu Zhou was already a bit restless, wanting to leave to share his award with Xiao Yi, but was stopped by Du Mei's eye signal.

The music of ‘Qin Mountains’ echoed once again in the venue. The Best Music Award was accepted by Director Chai on stage, thanking all the staff and expressing a few sentiments embedded in the film. Director Chai had received this award countless times and remained unperturbed.

After the meeting dispersed, Lu Zhou absentmindedly joined a group of people for a group photo, getting photographed by reporters, posing for a photo with the Best Actor and Best Actress, taking a photo with producer Deng Xiaochuan, and with Director Chai, and with other directors... After a round of photos, he was finally able to break free.

Xiao Yiyi watched Lu Zhou and smiled.

Lu Zhou rushed over and directly lifted him up into a hug. The two stood in the corridor, with Lu Zhou holding him tightly, not saying anything, and firmly kissing him.

As soon as Xiao Yiyi moved a little, Lu Zhou cautiously let go.

"Let's go to the hospital first," Lu Zhou said, "Don't bump your head."

Xiao Yiyi hurriedly said it's alright, it's alright. After a moment, Zheng Xiaocong called Lu Zhou again, and the three of them, including Li Changzheng, stood in the corridor discussing for a while. Du Mei asked in a low voice, "What's going on?"

"Qi Quan found someone," Xiao Yi said quietly.

Du Mei took a deep breath, thought for a moment, and smiled, saying, "Today we've swept all the awards. Let's have a celebration banquet later!"

Everyone agreed, and the three major award-winning actors said a few words. Xiao Yi remembered what Zheng Xiaocong had said and thought to himself that Qi Quan should have already run away. Wu Henggu's agent also disappeared. Would the three of them later beat up Wu Henggu to vent their anger? Would they call him to the restroom to beat him up?

Thankfully, no. After Lu Zhou finished speaking, he left, made an appointment with Du Mei, and took Xiao Yi to the hospital for a scan to ensure there was no brain injury. Xiao Yi was already completely fine, just a bit of a headache and a slightly swollen face.

"I've sorted it out," Lu Zhou said, "We'll team up to deal with Wu Henggu and Zhang Xinran in a few days and finish them off."

Xiao Yi said, "Wu Henggu might not know what happened. He just asked me about it."

"He's a professional actor. Would he not know how to act? Just now, Di Le saw him hiding in the emergency exit corridor, smoking and making phone calls, his hands trembling nervously. He's definitely involved in this," Lu Zhou affirmed.

"They're from the same company," Xiao Yi noted, "Don't mess with his agent for now. We can't explain it to Du Mei."

"I understand," Lu Zhou said, "Who are you standing by anyway?"

Xiao Yi smiled, and Lu Zhou added again, "Don't move! We're taking pictures!"

Xiao Yi took the photos, and Lu Zhou received a call. "Uh, taking pictures," he said. (NT: same word in Chinese for taking photos and taking a radiography)

"You're so diligent. Just won an award and already taking photos?" the person on the other end said.

"In the hospital! My wife got beaten up! Taking photos!" Lu Zhou's voice was so loud that it could be heard throughout the corridor, even though it was already 10 o'clock in the evening. Xiao Yi hurriedly signalled him to lower his voice a bit. It should be Yi Xiaomi calling to congratulate him.

Nothing's wrong. Lu Zhou was still very worried. He had an attitude of "do you know who I am? I'm the Best Actor. If something happens to him, I'll hold you accountable. Of course, if he's fine, I'll give you a big reward." The doctor repeatedly assured him that Xiao Yi wouldn't have a brain haemorrhage nor die in the middle of the night before finally, with a disgruntled expression, leading Xiao Yi away.

Xiao Yi thought to himself that if Du Mei hadn't called three times to urge him, Lu Zhou would probably have PTSD after a concussion and kept him in the hospital for observation for three months.

"It's because you kept me in the hospital last time," Lu Zhou remarked while driving.

"I'll drive."

"No way!"

Xiao Yi could only drink his milk tea and read online comments while Lu Zhou asked, "What are the haters saying?"

"Said you took turns sleeping with the organizing committee." Xiao Yi said expressionlessly, "So that's why you got the Best Actor award."

"Hahahahaha." Lu Zhou nearly drove the car into West Lake, adding, "Ah, these trolls are still so humorous. There's nothing I can do. I don't even know where I'm advancing to, and the trolls are still stuck in place."

"..."

"I've decided to change my Weibo username."

"Oh." Xiao Yi logged into Lu Zhou's Weibo and said, "You'll lose your verification badge if you change it, you know? What do you want to change it to?"

"Change it to 'I am the Actor Lu Zhou,' okay?"

"Deservedly so."

"Hahahahaha—"

"You actually changed it!"

"..."

Xiao Yi was about to die laughing at Lu Zhou's antics.

*

That night, at the victory celebration, Xiao Yi kept his hat on, turned his face aside, and took a photo with Lu Zhou. Du Mei arranged for it to be posted online again, and now there was finally an award-winning actor in the family. This would keep the whole company high for at least a year, with a spring in their step wherever they went.

Wu Henggu also won the Best Supporting Actor award. Lu Zhou, drunkenly, patted his shoulder and said, "Work hard. This award will be yours one day."

Wu Henggu was deeply moved and asked how Xiao Yi was doing. He even offered to give Xiao Yi the room he'd booked, while his agent expressed great concern, asking questions left and right. Xiao Yi chuckled, thinking, Would these three actors plan to cripple Wu Henggu in a few days so that they can win an award too?

Back at the hotel:

"For today's success, I want to thank my assistant, Xiao Yi..." Lu Zhou lay drunkenly on the bed, still wearing his tie, repeatedly muttering those words.

Xiao Yi thought to himself, Damn, wasn't that what I said when I was dreaming? Standing in front of the cameras saying, "Thanks to my assistant, Lu Zhou!" Why do I still feel so awkward now! Is there no justice in this world anymore!

"Hey." Xiao Yi answered Lu Zhou's phone call.

"Is this Xiao Yi? Tell Facai that Di Le has arranged everything. See you all on Monday," said Zheng Xiaocong.

"..."

*

It was Sunday the next day, and Xiao Yi was still sleeping. At four in the morning, Lu Zhou kissed his face.

"Wake up." Lu Zhou sat on the bed, shaking Xiao Yi. Both of them had slept the whole night without even taking off their clothes.

Xiao Yi was sound asleep, didn't even hear the alarm clock.

"Wake up, darling." Lu Zhou said, "Shall I call the director and say we'll rest here for another day?"

Xiao Yi sleepily opened his eyes, and Lu Zhou examined his face, saying, "The swelling's gone."

"Di Le's medicine works really well, hmm." Xiao Yi hugged Lu Zhou, not wanting to move at all.

"He goes outside to interview coal mines and often ends up looking like a pig," Lu Zhou explained, "bruised and battered. His medicine is perfect for bumps and bruises. It can even resurrect the dead."

"..."

Xiao Yi burst out laughing, fully awake now.

"What time did you reschedule for?" Lu Zhou asked.

"Damn it," Xiao Yi said, "Seven thirty... Oh, it's fine, it's fine. We need to hurry."

Lu Zhou hugged Xiao Yi and went to brush his teeth and wash his face, careful not to touch his wounds. After washing up, Xiao Yi quickly packed his things, went to knock on Du Mei's door, and bid her goodbye. Lin Yao drove them to the airport; they had to return to Tianjin to film later that day.

"The award!" Du Mei chased after them. Lu Zhou didn't even take the award and just left. Panicked, Xiao Yi hurried back to grab the award. It was chaotic.

That day, they returned to the crew. When they got back, everyone cheered for Lu Zhou again. The investors were especially happy because it meant that their film would definitely win big next Valentine's Day.

Monday.

The news of Wu Henggu being a gigolo spread across the major forums. His manager was just back at the company and was taken away by the investigation team for tax evasion, sentenced to five years.

Zheng Xiaocong specially called, planning to find a way to send him to jail again after the economic man was released, and maybe sentence him to ten or fifteen years.

Du Mei, on the other hand, remained silent, pretending that nothing had happened. She planned to terminate the contracts with Wu Henggu and his manager. However, the scandal of him being called a "duck" was discussed for a whole week. Wu Henggu had earned himself a new nickname online, and it was unbearable for Xiao Yi to even look at him.

After a two-month cycle, they finally finished filming ‘Marriage proposal’.

On the day of ‘Marriage proposal’’s wrap-up, Qi Quan broke his bones and lay in the hospital for a week. Zhang Xinran, on the other hand, was a bit outdated to begin with, and her recent films had not performed well at the box office. Moreover, due to her age, entertainment programs were reluctant to invite her, which also affected Zheng Xiaocong and Ning Yaqing's reputation. No one dared to invite her.

*

Back in Beijing, Lu Zhou appeared on the cover of a magazine. It was springtime, and he and Xiao Yi were lying on the sofa in the living room.

The trophy from the Hundred Flowers Awards was stuffed in the corner, and Lu Zhou had completely lost interest in it. The warm sunlight poured in through the French windows.

"The cover figure of this issue!" Xiao Yi smiled as he read aloud, "Lu Zhou!"

‘The Best Actor at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, ascended to the throne of the Film Emperor with a single film.’

‘At the age of thirty-four, Lu Zhou has experienced three ups and downs in his life. When he first debuted, Zhang Shun, almost pushed him to the pinnacle of glory. However, under the dazzling spotlight, he still remained out of reach of the emperor's throne. Since then, he embarked on the long road of film and television career.’

‘This man, with a determined, simple, and full of masculine charm, once determined to be a movie star and never looked back. After facing setbacks everywhere, he realized that he had to pursue his dreams while living, accept reality, and not give up his ideals...’

‘He has done odd jobs on the crew, played supporting roles, and served as Zheng Xiaocong's martial arts assistant. Finally, he rose to fame with his starring role as Zhu Changchun in a large-scale TV series, ‘Canshan Love’. This was his first rise, and the TV drama he starred in became a guarantee of ratings. However, just as his TV career reached its peak, his career encountered a sudden landslide.’

" The accident during the filming of ’Golden Mouse and Flying Cat’ forced Lu Zhou to recuperate at home. Accompanied by his assistant, he went through the most difficult days of his life. Finally, with the film ‘Dawn of War’, he ushered in a second spring in his life.’

‘During the filming of the movie ‘Qin Mountains’, Lu Zhou and his assistant travelled all over the Northwest and settled in Shanxi for three months. He even willingly acted as a blind man for half a year..."

"However, ‘Qin Mountains’ encountered a box office disaster. This film, not favoured by the four major film and television groups, was invested by Lu Zhou, Zheng Xiaocong Studio, and several other companies. It only received one-eighth of the expected box office. Lu Zhou encountered his third downfall, unable to find any acting opportunities for a long time and could only idle at home with his assistant.’

‘Until this movie gave him returns beyond expectations. When the music of 'Qin Mountains’ echoed at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, this powerhouse actor, who finally ascended to the throne of the Film Emperor at the age of thirty-four, was momentarily at a loss...’

‘Just like his name, he resolutely abandoned the halo and opportunity of the talent show, retreated behind the scenes, and stayed with him was the music creator, Lu Zhou's personal assistant, Xiao Yi...’

“They mentioned me! They mentioned me! Ahhhh!!!" Xiao Yi screamed like a mad dog, "Me! Me! My name is also printed in the magazine!’

Lu Zhou: "..."

Xiao Yi kicked his feet wildly, convulsed with both hands, and spasmed all over. "Ahhh—"

"Are you having an epileptic fit?" Lu Zhou roared angrily. "Keep reading!"

Xiao Yi read seriously  ‘He tailored this song for Lu Zhou, “Men like mountains, women like water”. Lu Zhou, who entered the fourth decade of his life, once again ushered in a new peak in his acting career. His image has also undergone a transformation, mature, naive, serious, gentlemanly...’

‘...After the halo faded, he would cook by himself, learn the piano with his assistant, listen to songs, surf the internet. Like you and me, he is also an ordinary person. He has the seven emotions and six desires of an ordinary person, as well as the love of an ordinary person...’

Xiao Yi thought the tone of this manuscript was a bit off, and the literary style wasn't right. Could it be Lu Zhou who wrote it himself?

"This manuscript is written so well." Xiao Yi pretended to admire.

Sure enough, Lu Zhou reacted, "This is written by me. I just let the editor make some changes, and he messed up some typos."

Xiao Yi: "..."

Lu Zhou: "What's wrong?"

"You're too talented!" Xiao Yi exclaimed sincerely, "I really love you, Zhou ge."

"Mm." Lu Zhou said seriously, "I love you too, Xiao Yi. I love you forever."

Lu Zhou leaned down and kissed Xiao Yi on the lips.

 

End of main story

 

Translator : DarNan