On April 18, 2045, all eyes around the world were focused on the Huaxia Capital Theater.

Under the bright and dazzling lights, a cold and elegant man wearing a neatly tailored, simple haute couture gown walked calmly to the seats of the Silent film crew. Standing in front of the handsome young man, he extended his arms, waiting for an embrace.

Tens of millions of viewers focused their attention on them. Under their gaze, the delicate and handsome youth stood up and opened his arms gently to embrace him.

The two hugged tightly, the four- or five-centimeter height difference allowing the youth to rest his cheek on the man’s shoulder. When these two appeared together on screen, even those who were not fans had to admit that the scene was truly beautiful.

When Qin Cheng and Rong Xu embraced, Chu Qi on stage smiled faintly and waited quietly. The other celebrities in the theater paid no special attention—just calmly observing the embrace as a routine occurrence.

Only many CP (couple) fans were already excitedly babbling. Those at the scene shouted Qin Cheng and Rong Xu’s names wildly, while those unable to attend flooded the internet with posts expressing their feelings.

[Cheng-Rong gave so much sugar today, it’s suffocating, suffocating, ahhhhhh!!!]

[Officially forced to die, forced to die together!]

[Our Cheng-Rong fandom reigns supreme, ahhhhh!]

On the live TV broadcast, the camera showed Qin Cheng’s face. All viewers saw him calmly holding the youth in his arms, hugging for about five seconds before letting go. The two smiled and said something to each other, then Qin Cheng confidently turned and walked to the stage.

This embrace did not raise any suspicion, nor was there any reason to suspect anything.

Rong Xu played the male lead Ling Xiao in Black Clouds, while Qin Cheng played the second male lead Gu Mingxiu. Now that Qin Cheng had won an award for this role, he naturally wanted to celebrate with the crew, so he hugged Director Zheng and also embraced Rong Xu, with whom he had the most scenes.

Is this strange? Absolutely not. It’s perfectly normal.

In fact, at the Oscars two years ago, a Hollywood actress, after winning Best Supporting Actress, had also run to another crew to share a cheek-to-cheek kiss with her best friend, who hadn’t even acted in that film, simply sharing the joy.

By now, Rong Xu and Qin Cheng had worked together on two films: Black Clouds and Zhuang Hua Luo. It was only natural that they knew each other well and had a good relationship.

Aside from CP fans, no one else cared about the hug. Soon Qin Cheng went on stage, accepted the trophy from Chu Qi, and began his composed acceptance speech.

His speech was very conventional, thanking the production team, director, fans… but at the end, because of the special nature of Black Clouds, he also thanked Ling Xiao and Gu Mingxiu.

When he said these words, Qin Cheng’s expression barely changed, but his low and magnetic voice slowly filled the ears of the audience, with distinct intonations and emphasis that uniquely evoked memories of the legendary singing superstar he once was.

At the very end, Qin Cheng’s gaze swept the entire audience, lingering briefly on Rong Xu.

After a moment of thought, Qin Cheng raised the trophy and said, “Thank you.”

The thunderous applause nearly blew off the roof. In Qin Cheng’s entire acceptance speech, Rong Xu’s name appeared only once, together with the producer and Director Zheng, and CP fans were already more than satisfied with this little sweetness. For them, it was a small but sweet moment—no high demands, just pure sweetness tonight!

What they didn’t know was that just moments ago, when a certain man suddenly walked up to the youth, reaching out for a hug, Rong Xu raised the corners of his lips and generously gave the other a hug. But at the same time, out of the camera’s sight, he leaned close to the man’s ear and said slowly and clearly: “Don’t you dare bring me up later to brag about this.”

Qin Cheng: “……”

The Golden Phoenix Awards continued, moving on to various technical awards.

Qin Cheng returned to his seat holding the trophy, and Director Zheng congratulated him with a few words, which he acknowledged calmly. When the next award was announced, Qin Cheng lowered his eyes quietly and sent a message:

[Am I the kind of person who would single you out during an acceptance speech?]

His phone vibrated softly in his pocket. Rong Xu took it out, raised an eyebrow, and replied:

[You are that kind of person.]

Qin Cheng’s face remained expressionless:

[What benefit do I get from doing that?]

Just then, Director Xu was talking to Rong Xu, so Qin Cheng didn’t reply immediately. When he was about to respond, a special notification popped up on his phone:

[Lotus Paste Orange Filling: #ChengRong# Ahhh such a big sugar, so sweet, Cheng-Rong is the way, Cheng-Rong is the way~ Rong Rong is super cute, chuumi chuumi!]

Rong Xu: “……”

What benefit do you get from this?

Doesn’t your conscience hurt?

Afterwards, Rong Xu got lazy to reply to that man’s messages, no matter how righteous the other party’s claims were that he wasn’t childish enough for that, Rong Xu’s uniform reply was always:

[Oh ^_^]

Qin Cheng: “……”

Because cameras were everywhere, to avoid awkward footage, Rong Xu and Qin Cheng obviously couldn’t keep messaging publicly nonstop.

Soon, the awards ceremony was halfway through. The host’s witty remarks made the whole audience laugh continuously. Black Clouds naturally became the big winner tonight, sharing awards with Silent and another art film.

The Best Supporting Actress award was announced midway, going to a veteran actress.

Rong Xu lightly applauded, and Director Xu whispered, “This year is interesting.”

Rong Xu smiled and asked, “Why do you say that, Director Xu?”

“Xu Yuyuan has been nominated twice for Best Actress and six times for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Phoenix Awards, but this is her first win.” Director Xu paused and looked at Rong Xu, “Don’t you think it’s interesting, little Rong? Qin Cheng also rarely won Best Supporting Actor, so this year’s Golden Phoenix results are a bit puzzling.”

Xu Yuyuan was the veteran actress who won Best Supporting Actress tonight. Rong Xu had heard the name but had never studied her award history.

Listening to Director Xu’s words, he frowned, a strange thought flashing in his mind. But before he could think it through, the Golden Phoenix Awards had entered its final stage.

Before the last few major awards—the Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture were announced.

When the presenter loudly called out the name of a veteran actress, both the people inside the theater and viewers at home were stunned. The actress walked on stage with tears of joy in her eyes, while Wen Xuan calmly smiled and applauded her.

Seeing this, Rong Xu frowned slightly and sighed, “Is this year a bit of an upset, Director Xu?”

The newly crowned Best Actress was already giving her speech. Director Xu turned to Rong Xu and said, “Isn’t an upset a good thing? Little Rong, an upset is your opportunity. Among the Best Actor nominees this year, no one has a clear advantage. Only you stand out slightly with two nominations. But Best Supporting Actress is different from Best Actress. Wen Xuan not winning is the upset. If you win, it’s also an upset.”

Every award race is full of twists and uncertainty.

For some second- or third-tier film awards, there might be behind-the-scenes manipulations, but for the Golden Phoenix, Oscars, and Berlin awards— the three major awards —there is absolutely no chance for tampering.

Before the results are announced, no one knows the final answer. At most, a favorite candidate may be chosen, but no one dares to say with certainty that someone will win.

Among this year’s Best Actress nominees, Wen Xuan’s performance was the most outstanding. Her role was excellent, even breakthrough, receiving much acclaim. Yet she still did not win—this is the charm of film awards:

Until the last moment, everything remains unknown.

Rong Xu said, “Actually, Chen Ling’s performance was also very good.”

Director Xu nodded and said, “Yes, she was indeed outstanding, otherwise she wouldn’t have won Best Actress.”

They didn’t continue the conversation. After Chen Ling left the stage, Rong Xu watched Elder Liu step up to present the Best Actor award. When Elder Liu announced another name, Rong Xu immediately started applauding with a calm smile, while the newly crowned French Best Actor happily went on stage to speak.

Director Xu laughed and asked, “Not upset?”

Rong Xu replied, “I think, Director Xu, you already gave me a heads-up long ago.”

Director Xu chuckled, “When did I ever give you a heads-up? Don’t talk nonsense, kid.”

Rong Xu blinked innocently, “Alright, alright, you didn’t.”

Seeing Rong Xu’s calm and relaxed demeanor, Director Xu stared at him seriously for a moment and said, “Actually, I did guess that you were unlikely to win this Golden Phoenix Award. To be honest, your performance in Black Clouds was more impressive than in Silent. But Rong Xu, Black Clouds is such a special film. Ling Xiao is someone from the entertainment industry, and biopics like this tend to easily win awards, but you playing Ling Xiao doesn’t add points for you—it actually deducts points.”

What Director Xu said was something Rong Xu had long understood.

When he auditioned for Black Clouds, he already knew this. He was there to add luster to the film. Even Qin Cheng could only be a supporting role to the movie. Why did this film manage to get the second highest global box office last year? Because of its uniqueness, because of so many big-name stars making cameos—not just because of Rong Xu.

That box office success was never counted as his achievement.

But using Black Clouds as a key to open the door to his own film market was just perfect.

Every advantage has its disadvantages. Faced with this trade-off, Rong Xu made his choice—and inevitably faced the current situation.

The youth smiled slightly: “Director Xu, I’m prepared. I know these two roles aren’t yet my peak.”

Director Xu raised his graying eyebrows: “You speak boldly, kid. But you’re already excellent. You’re only twenty, and at least you’re the only one with double nominations for Best Actor at the Golden Phoenix Award. Keep working hard and don’t be discouraged, okay?”

Rong Xu’s smile brightened a bit more: “I understand everything you said. But Director Xu, don’t you forget—it’s now… your turn for the Best Director Award?”

Director Xu’s eyes immediately widened and he quickly turned to the stage. At that moment, the presenter opened the envelope and smiled, saying: “This year’s Golden Phoenix Award for Best Director goes to… Xu Sheng!”

The entire Silent crew immediately stood up and hugged Director Xu to congratulate him. The elder laughed heartily and patted Rong Xu’s back, saying, “According to tradition, next year’s Best Actor award should be presented by me. Work hard, and next year I’ll give you the award!”

The Golden Phoenix Best Actor award is traditionally presented by the previous year’s Best Director—for example, this year it was Elder Liu.

Rong Xu smiled and nodded. Director Xu immediately went on stage to deliver his acceptance speech.

Ten minutes later, this year’s Golden Phoenix Awards ceremony ended amid thunderous applause.

As many had predicted beforehand, Black Clouds won a total of eight trophies. However, apart from Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director awards, none of the others belonged to it. Silent won four awards, including Best Director, making it the second most awarded after Black Clouds.

Many Rong Xu fans felt sad for a while after the Best Actor award was announced. But after the ceremony ended, Rong Xu posted on Weibo:

[Rong Xu: I’m still far from enough, will keep working hard. Thank you all for your support [heart][picture]]

The picture showed a radiant and gentle smile, as if sitting in his seat at the Golden Phoenix Awards. The youth raised his right hand and made a “V” sign toward the camera. Behind him, Director Xu was deliberately shaking his little Golden Phoenix trophy, Lin Xuan wore a serious and cool expression, and Xiao Zitong made a heart gesture.

With just one photo, the four main creators of Silent clearly showed their unity and harmony.

Many fans who had been upset instantly burst out laughing upon seeing the photo. Together with selfies of Director Xu, Lin Xuan, and Xiao Zitong from different angles—where Rong Xu was naturally cooperating with Lin Xuan playing the cool duo—it was clear his mood was good.

[Rong Rong, as long as you’re happy, we always support you. No matter what, we’re behind you. Keep it up, keep it up, keep it up!]

Although Rong Xu didn’t win the Golden Phoenix Best Actor this time, among young actors of his generation, he was already far ahead. No other young actor could match his achievements at just twenty years old and only two years into the industry. His future was limitless.

Gradually, fans stopped worrying about their idol’s loss and kept flooding his Weibo with blessings, hoping he would feel better and not mind this loss—there would be next time. They all believed in his acting skills and didn’t fear he wouldn’t win awards eventually.

However, netizens and fans didn’t know that after the ceremony, there was indeed one person who was very upset—actually, extremely upset.

That person was not Rong Xu, nor the unsuccessful Wen Xuan. On the contrary, they were both quite happy.

Only Lin Xuan was heartbroken to the point of speechlessness.

“Fine, we’re having a dinner party, but why do I have to treat so many people? How many are there now? I’m not convinced!”

At a high-end club, all the main creators of Silent—Wen Xuan, Chu Qi, James, and others—twelve people in total—were gathered around a large round table, tapping their bowls and waiting for food.

Hearing Lin Xuan’s words, Wen Xuan raised an eyebrow: “What’s wrong? Er Mu, you don’t want to treat us?”

Lin Xuan angrily said, “I lost to Rong Xu, fine, but I didn’t lose to you all. Besides, treating Director Xu and others is reasonable since we’re in the same crew. But Xuan Jie, where did you all come from? You’re just freeloading, I’m not convinced!”

Wen Xuan covered her red lips and smiled lightly: “Doesn’t matter, everyone who’s here can join. We just happened to run into you. Treating, treating!”

Lin Xuan: “… That’s bullying!!!”

For celebrities, dining at such a high-end club isn’t expensive. Lin Xuan wasn’t stingy; he was just playfully resisting. When the man sitting next to Rong Xu glanced at him and calmly said, “Order,” Lin Xuan immediately deflated and obediently handed the menu to the oldest person present—Elder Liu—to place the order.

While ordering, Elder Liu heard Lin Xuan quietly lean toward Wen Xuan and complain, “Why did Crazy Qin come too?”

Wen Xuan sighed, “I want to know that too. Chu Qi and I left together since we live nearby, but he actually showed up… We had planned to go sing karaoke all night after this, but never mind. Mood’s bad, I don’t want to argue with him, I’ll just go home and get some beauty sleep.”

Maybe due to the disappointment at the Golden Phoenix Awards, during dinner Wen Xuan unusually went around making toasts generously, showing Rong Xu for the first time what it meant to be able to drink endlessly without getting drunk. But when she toasted Rong Xu, the clear and handsome youth lowered his gaze sadly and softly said, “Okay, I’ll drink this one too.”

Slightly tipsy, Wen Xuan suddenly froze, instinctively recalling that this youth, like herself, had lost at tonight’s Golden Phoenix Awards. Feeling a sense of kinship, she stopped making things hard for Rong Xu and immediately turned to make a toast. But when she looked up, she saw a certain man calmly lowering his gaze toward her.

Wen Xuan: “…”

If she couldn’t win face, could she still avoid him? At worst, she wouldn’t toast the other side!

After one in the morning, assistants gradually entered the private room to take away the drunken stars and directors. Among them, only Elder Liu, Rong Xu, Qin Cheng, and Wen Xuan were sober. Elder Liu was due to age; Wen Xuan hadn’t been toasted much; Wen Xuan herself rarely got drunk, instead she had gotten many others drunk.

Rong Xu and Qin Cheng went home together. Luo Xi didn’t think much and naturally said, “I know, Rong Rong, you and Qin Shen are walking home together since you live close.”

It wasn’t until after 2 a.m. that the apartment door finally opened.

Rong Xu lowered his head to change shoes and casually placed them into the shoe cabinet near the entrance. He instinctively turned to grab Qin Cheng’s shoes to put them away, but just as he turned, he was suddenly embraced by someone.

His clear eyes slowly opened wide. Rong Xu was stunned, feeling the man’s burning embrace.

The city at 2 a.m. was quiet except for the faint sound of wind outside the window. Qin Cheng held the youth tightly, his strength immense as if trying to fuse him into his own body. The pounding heartbeat passed through the thin fabric and entered Rong Xu’s ears. Gradually, he felt a warmth growing in his chest.

After a long moment, a solemn voice sounded near his ear—

“Xiao Xu, you are my Best Actor.”