Xiao Wenqiang was startled to hear this, and glanced at Situ Chen with a slight blush, only to breathe a sigh of relief when she found he hadn't heard. She then quietly stood up and walked to the window before speaking, "Jia Jia, what nonsense are you talking about? We are not the same as you!"
Just as she was speaking, Situ Chen's phone also rang, and he picked it up.
"Oh, isn't this just a matter of time! Gao Shiying told me long ago that Situ Chen has had his eye on you for more than a day. When you met in the elevator back then, he was the one who asked Gao Shiying to send you to the hospital. You didn't know any of this, did you!" Qiao Jia happily shared the little secrets she knew. Because Gao Shiying had been pestering her to marry him recently, he told her everything without reservation.
"But we haven't..." Xiao Wenqiang was interrupted before she could finish.
"That thin veil of secrecy is bound to be broken sooner or later. Just you wait, I have a feeling that day won't be too far off!" Qiao Jia said with an air of a fortune teller.
After chatting about various random things for a while, Xiao Wenqiang was finally able to hang up. She didn't know if it was her imagination, but she felt like Jia Jia had become a bit of a chatterbox after getting pregnant.
Situ Chen also finished his call around the same time, and smiling at her, he said gracefully, "Gao Shiying just called. I've also been nominated for Best Actor." He then extended his hand in an inviting gesture, "I wonder if I have the honor of inviting Ms. Su Ling to walk the red carpet with me?"
Xiao Wenqiang pursed her lips and smiled, placing her hand in his and teasingly saying, "Then I'll grant you this opportunity!"
Situ Chen held her hand tightly and placed it on his chest, answering earnestly, "It's my honor!" The intense light in his eyes made Xiao Wenqiang's ears turn slightly red.
Time flew by, and a week passed in the blink of an eye.
The venue for the 16th "Golden Dragon Awards" ceremony.
Countless reporters and photographers were waiting outside in advance, ready to unleash a flurry of flashes and cameras the moment a guest's car arrived. Some celebrity fans, having received the news, prepared banners and glow sticks. When their favorite star arrived, they would cheer enthusiastically, but they would remain quiet and orderly for other celebrities.
Xiao Wenqiang and Situ Chen arrived in the same car today. She was wearing a silver starry fishtail gown, her hair styled in elegant waves cascading to one side, making her face appear even more gentle and serene. Situ Chen wore a black tuxedo, with silver sequin elements on his inner shirt, complementing Xiao Wenqiang's dress.
The car slowly came to a stop. Situ Chen alighted first, then turned back and held up the car door before helping Xiao Wenqiang out.
The reporters, keenly sensing a major scoop, began snapping photos frantically.
Fans of Situ Chen and Su Ling were also a little bewildered, but those who made it to the event were generally the most dedicated fans, possessing strong psychological resilience. They quickly realized they should focus on their own support efforts.
The handsome man and beautiful woman walked hand in hand onto the red carpet, capturing an immense number of shots from the photographers present.
However, upon entering, due to their differing statuses, Situ Chen was seated in the front row, while Su Ling was assigned to the third row. They could only gaze at each other across the sea of people.
Xiao Wenqiang was uninterested in the first few awards. It was only when Best Supporting Actress was announced that she subtly sat up straighter.
On the large screen, the camera scrolled back and forth across the images of the nominees for "Best Supporting Actress." As the intense drumbeat stopped, the camera fixed on a familiar face. The screen displayed the words: "Best Supporting Actress, Su Ling, from 'Legend of Xuanyuan' - Meng Wan."
The ceremony's photographer quickly switched the feed to Xiao Wenqiang's location. People around her began to applaud. Regardless of their inner thoughts, their faces showed expressions of joy and congratulations, including those actresses who had also been nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
Xiao Wenqiang stood up and walked gracefully towards the award stage. As she passed the front row, Situ Chen, seated in the center, parted the crowd to approach her, giving her a big hug and whispering in her ear, "Congratulations, well deserved."
The guests below widened their eyes in surprise, feeling as though they had stumbled upon a great secret...
"Thank you to the organizers for presenting me with this award. This is my first award since I began my acting career. In the future, I will work even harder to strive for more awards. I thank everyone who has helped me in my life. I also thank myself for staying true to my original intentions. Finally, I thank all the fans who have supported me and voted for me. You are the most wonderful people, thank you all!"
The acceptance speech Xiao Wenqiang delivered on stage was actually the one she had prepared but never had the chance to say when she won Best Actress years ago. Today, she used Su Ling's opportunity to win "Best Supporting Actress" to make up for her past regret.
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Xiao Wenqiang bowed to everyone before slowly walking off the stage.
Situ Chen's intense gaze followed Xiao Wenqiang until she returned to her seat, after which he withdrew his gaze.
A few more awards were presented, and finally, it was time to compete for Best Actor.
Xiao Wenqiang watched the scrolling names of the "Best Actor" nominees on the screen, already having a vague premonition.
As expected, Situ Chen was ultimately announced as the winner.
Several actors nearby were whispering amongst themselves.
"With Situ Chen here this year, others have little chance."
"This is Situ Chen's second Golden Dragon Award for Best Actor, truly impressive!"
"However, there really aren't any other works this year that can compete with 'Legend of Xuanyuan.' At the very least, its box office performance is far ahead!"
"Including the Best Director award and Best Supporting Actress earlier, 'Legend of Xuanyuan' has swept three Golden Dragon Awards this year with a single film."
"Yes, it's incredible. Wu Bo and Situ Chen are the perfect collaboration partners."
...
Xiao Wenqiang finished listening to the gossip and looked up, only to realize that Situ Chen on stage had already finished his brief acceptance speech. He was now holding his trophy and smiling at her from the stage, as if he had noticed her distraction. His smiling eyes sparkled like a galaxy.
There was supposed to be a celebration banquet, but both top agents were unavailable. Coupled with Situ Chen's recent arm injury, they decided to head home first.
In the car on the way back, Situ Chen turned to the woman beside him. "You mentioned before you wanted to aim for other awards. I have a film project, I wonder if you're interested?"
"Oh? What's it about?" Xiao Wenqiang asked, opening her eyes from a feigned nap.
"It's a suspense drama, starting with a woman who has killed many people. Director Wang Lei approached our company to invest in this series. If you're interested, I can send you the script then."
"Okay, I'll read the script first and then decide!"
"Hmm? But if you like it, you'll still have to audition yourself. Director Wang Lei insists on having absolute say in casting and doesn't accept actors from investors!" Situ Chen said, a rare hint of jest in his voice.
"If it's truly a good script and a good director, I'm confident I can be selected based on my own merits," Xiao Wenqiang replied, a touch of pride in her tone.
"Heh heh, of course I believe in your talent, future Golden Dragon Best Actress!" The man's deep laughter made her heart flutter.
"Thank you for your prophecy, current Best Actor!" Xiao Wenqiang retorted playfully.
They looked at each other and smiled, an ambiguous atmosphere flowing within the car. Until the driver stopped the car and turned around, saying, "Miss Su, we've arrived at your residence..."