In the biting cold of winter, the frigid wind could not stop the enthusiasm of people worldwide, nor could it prevent beautiful actresses from showcasing their slender figures. Starting in the afternoon, television stations and video websites globally began live broadcasting the Academy Awards ceremony. When the first celebrity walked onto the red carpet in front of the theater, this highly anticipated awards ceremony officially commenced.

The opening guest for this year’s Academy Awards was Wen Xuan, nominated for Best Actress. As the strongest contender for the Best Actress award, Wen Xuan wore a nude-gold mermaid gown. Its smooth, soft lines glided over her slender shoulder blades, revealing the elegant curve of her back.

Following her were celebrities and stars from the global entertainment industry: top directors, A-list stars, renowned cinematographers and makeup artists, and leading special effects production teams.

Reporters’ cameras clicked incessantly, illuminating the entire red carpet as if it were daytime. The red carpet was the most star-studded place in the world, and many reporters eagerly rushed forward to ask questions. It was also the stage for actresses to showcase their beauty.

However, from the beginning to the very end of the red carpet, the two most anticipated male actors at this Oscar ceremony never appeared. Reporters initially waited patiently, but even as the red carpet was nearing its end and the awards ceremony was about to begin, they still didn’t see the two.

“Could it be that Qin and Rong are the last to walk the red carpet this time?”

“Perhaps they’ll still walk the red carpet together, just like at the Berlin Film Festival the year before last, walking together!”

As soon as these words fell, at the starting end of the red carpet, two tall and handsome men appeared. In an instant, reporters surged forward, raising their cameras high to capture the moment. At the same time, audiences watching the live broadcast worldwide were too excited to speak, only able to frantically spam the comment section.

[Aaaaaaahhhh I’m dead! Rongrong! God Qin! Walking the red carpet together again! Together again!!!]

Indeed, this year’s Oscar red carpet began with Wen Xuan and concluded with Qin Cheng and Rong Xu.

As the two walked side by side on the red carpet, time seemed to stand still, and even the biting cold wind seemed a little gentler. Both wore very similar black suits; the crisp, elegant formal wear perfectly accentuated their masculine figures, exuding an air of nobility.

As a Chinese person, although Rong Xu is 185 cm tall, he is not as muscular as many Westerners. He doesn’t have bulging muscles but isn’t skinny either. He wore a black tie over a white shirt, and when he looked up and quietly chatted with his companion beside him, his lips curved slightly, looking beautiful and refined.

The clicking of reporters’ cameras was ceaseless. After the two signed their names on the signature wall, a reporter quickly asked Rong Xu: “Mr. Rong, first, congratulations to you and Mr. Qin on receiving nominations for Best Actor. Are you determined to win the award this time?”

Rong Xu smiled faintly and retorted: “If I say I want it, will the committee give it to me?”

Before the reporter could answer, Qin Cheng curled his thin lips, naturally reached out to put his arm around the young man’s shoulder, and calmly told the reporter: “There are six nominees in total. I think his chance of winning the award is one in three. That seems quite hopeful, doesn’t it?”

Hearing this, the reporter was momentarily stunned, but Rong Xu and Qin Cheng had already walked away. From a distance, one could still see Rong Xu saying something with a helpless expression, while Qin Cheng looked down, answering calmly.

Although the reporter didn’t understand Qin Cheng’s meaning, the audience in front of their televisions understood completely.

[I knew there would be sweetness today! I knew it! It was worth taking leave specifically to watch the live broadcast at home! God Qin means that if he wins, the award is equivalent to Rongrong’s, so Rongrong’s chance of winning the award is one-third. God Qin spoils Rongrong so much; I’ll take this candy!]

[Aw aw aw, so that’s what it meant! Chengrong is too sweet, showing affection in front of the whole world!]

Upon discovering this “candy,” fans worldwide were so excited they wanted to run circles downstairs immediately. However, they didn’t know that this was just the beginning of what would be considered a classic Oscar awards ceremony.

The bromance between Qin Cheng and Rong Xu had been teased countless times at the Berlin Film Festival two years prior. By now, the whole world knew they were good friends, and this pair of good friends had even starred in a same-sex film that broke box office records – the key point being the many kiss and bedroom scenes, which made their situation quite ambiguous.

Oscar hosts are usually humorous talk show hosts, and this year’s Oscars was no exception. It was almost as if the committee did it on purpose, but this year’s Oscar host was David, who had previously teased Rong Xu and Qin Cheng at the Berlin Film Festival.

Thus, as every audience member expected, from the very beginning of the awards ceremony, the Cheng-Rong CP became David’s main target for jokes.

For example, right after Best Supporting Actor was announced, David held the microphone and mused: “It’s actually very common for male actors to play supporting roles for each other. For example, I know two male actors who have both played supporting roles for each other. Back then, movie fans worldwide said, ‘How great would it be if they could collaborate on a film?’ Well, now they have collaborated, and they accidentally broke the global box office record… Honestly, I’ve watched this movie, and it’s just okay, I really don’t know why the box office was so high. It’s clearly quite ordinary; I’ve only watched it five times.”

Another example: when “The Zeroth Law” won Best Cinematography, David directly asked the film’s cinematography director what the most challenging scenes to shoot were. The director said some special effects scenes were very difficult. David then surprisingly asked: “Not the bedroom scenes?”

The camera immediately cut to Rong Xu and Qin Cheng in the audience; the former was covering his face with his hand, laughing, while the latter raised an eyebrow.

It must be admitted that “The Zeroth Law” was undoubtedly the most talked-about film of 2047. Even if the host constantly mentioned this film at the awards ceremony and used its two protagonists as running gags, giving the crew ample presence, the other stars present had nothing to say.

For celebrities who were friends with the “The Zeroth Law” crew, they were happy to watch Rong Xu and Qin Cheng’s antics from the sidelines. And those who had no fondness for this crew also had bitter words they couldn’t utter: whose fault was it that their films simply couldn’t compare?

Box office is capital, and reputation is the hard truth.

The awards ceremony gradually drew to a close in such a pleasant (at least on the surface) atmosphere. This time, when the presenter loudly called out Wen Xuan’s name, the top actress gracefully walked onto the stage, making up for the regret of missing out on this Oscar statuette in previous years.

“Butterfly Tears,” the world’s only art-house film to gross over ten billion, and its lead actress Wen Xuan, deserved such applause and honor.

With Best Actress awarded, it was time for Best Actor. This time, as the two presenters walked onto the stage, not to mention Rong Xu, even Qin Cheng gave them several meaningful glances.

Hugh and James walked to the center of the stage together, exchanged smiles, and waved to the audience.

Hugh first leaned into the microphone: “James, I heard that our title of ‘Hollywood’s Best Bromance’ has been snatched by others in the past two years?”

James feigned surprise and asked: “We grew up together, who could have a stronger bond than us? Honestly, Hugh, when I saw the news of your divorce this year, I almost thought you were going to confess your feelings to me. I must tell you in advance, thank you, you’re a good person.”

Hugh laughed heartily: “You’re too conceited, James; who wants your good person declaration, I certainly don’t. The pair of good friends I’m talking about are much more impressive than us; at least you and I have never been nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars together.”

James immediately added: “In fact, I’ve never kissed you, or acted in a bedroom scene with you either.”

Below the stage, Rong Xu covered his face with his hand, completely seeing through the integrity of these Westerners.

After a brief playful banter, Hugh and James also mentioned the other four nominees. After the two presenters finished introducing all the nominees, the big screen showed highlight clips of the six nominees. It’s worth noting that among the six nominees, there were only five highlight clips in the end, for no other reason than that the clips for Rong Xu and Qin Cheng were the same.

Although he had seen the film long ago, seeing himself kissing the man again at the awards ceremony still made Rong Xu cough a couple of times out of shyness. All six nominees were being filmed by cameras at this moment, and Rong Xu’s coughing was naturally broadcast worldwide.

[Hahaha, I saw Rongrong blush! Rongrong actually blushed! I thought Rongrong and God Qin had filmed so many kiss and bedroom scenes that they’d be used to it, but who knew that seeing his own kiss scene played at the awards ceremony would still make Rongrong blush. So cute!]

[I love the Oscars so much, this scene is my favorite. Xiao Qi obediently sitting on the floor, being discovered by Chu Wen, and then pulled up by Chu Wen for a confession and kiss. In this scene, Rongrong’s eyes are so big and bright, and God Qin’s emotions are especially strong and real. I love this kiss scene too much, it’s absolutely explosive, no less than the bedroom scene!]

[Oscars are the best! I want to go watch “The Zeroth Law” again!]

After the highlight clips were played, it was naturally time for the awards.

As members of the “Qin Fengfeng” group, Hugh and James were naturally outgoing and talkative. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have teased Rong Xu after knowing the true relationship between Qin Cheng and Rong Xu, leading to Qin Cheng privately disciplining them. But now, as they were about to open the envelope and announce the winner, both of them hesitated a little.

Among the other four nominees, there were also friends of Hugh and James, but mostly just acquaintances. However, Rong Xu and Qin Cheng were both their good friends. Although they always referred to Qin Cheng as “Crazy Qin,” their relationship with him was genuinely good. Rong Xu, needless to say, had been a close friend since joining the group more than four years ago.

Yet now, they had to publicly announce the name of the Best Actor.

Only when you truly consider someone a good friend does it become this awkward in such moments.

James hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, “Hugh, I’ll let you have this great opportunity.”

Hugh also had some sweat on his forehead: “James, don’t be so polite with me. The envelope is in your hand; open it quickly, otherwise, the six nominees below the stage will come up and swallow you.”

James gave his good friend a speechless glare, signaling with his eyes that he was being too inconsiderate. Then, with utmost reluctance, he finally opened the envelope. Opening the envelope was one thing; taking out the card made James mentally prepare himself thoroughly. When he finally saw the name on it, he suddenly looked at his good friend beside him in surprise.

Hugh was startled, and James showed him the card. At this, Hugh also couldn’t hide his surprised expression.

James held the microphone and said happily: “The winner of this year’s Academy Award for Best Actor is… Congratulations to Rong Xu! ‘The Zeroth Law’!”

Applause erupted instantly. In the camera, Rong Xu quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

In fact, this result was already anticipated by the audience before the awards ceremony. “The Zeroth Law” was simply too popular. This film was not a pure commercial film, and the performances of the two lead actors were remarkable. Their joint nomination for Best Actor proved the committee’s recognition of both. However, before the results were officially announced, no one knew whether the Best Actor award would go to Rong Xu or Qin Cheng.

Amidst the roaring applause, Rong Xu stood up, first embraced Sr. Holt, then turned around and hugged the man beside him.

Just like at the Golden Bear Awards two years ago, the two embraced unrestrainedly under the world’s gaze. Although the hug lasted only a few seconds, the man lowered his head and whispered a sentence into Rong Xu’s ear.

Hearing these words, Rong Xu couldn’t help but curve his lips, burying his face into the other’s shoulder again. He hid his joy and his infinite love for this person. In fact, no matter if the award went to him or Qin Cheng, he would genuinely be happy.

“And Qin Cheng.”

Amidst the thunderous applause, Hugh’s voice wasn’t loud, and many people didn’t even hear it. At this moment, Rong Xu had finished the embrace and turned to walk towards the stage. Suddenly, James snatched the microphone again and shouted: “The winner of Best Actor also includes Qin Cheng!”

His steps suddenly halted. Rong Xu immediately turned around and looked back, seeing the man looking at him with deep eyes under the bright lights, his thin lips curved. In an instant, a rush of intense and complex emotions flooded his heart. 

Rong Xu couldn’t quite tell whether his feelings were more of excitement or more of emotion. When he came to his senses, he had already turned around again and fiercely embraced the man.

The applause erupted once more, and audiences watching the live broadcast cheered excitedly.

The biggest news at the 2048 Academy Awards ceremony was not that “The Zeroth Law” swept seventeen major awards, breaking historical records and becoming the biggest winner of the night; nor was it the surprising upset for Best Director, which went to Old Liu, making Lance Holt the only crew member of “The Zeroth Law” not to win Best Director among its eighteen nominations.

Rather, it was that after Rong Xu and Qin Cheng went on stage to deliver their acceptance speeches, host David suddenly teased: “This is the first dual Best Actor win in Oscar history. For this honor, Qin, Rong, don’t you think you should do something to commemorate it?”

The next moment the words fell, amidst gasps from the audience, the handsome, aloof man suddenly turned his head, cupped the young man’s chin beside him, and swiftly planted a kiss on his lips.

This action made Rong Xu’s eyes widen, and even the usually bold host David was stunned in place. The entire Dolby Theatre fell silent, and audiences in front of their televisions also stared wide-eyed, almost expecting the two to come out in the next second. Unexpectedly, Qin Cheng suddenly picked up the microphone at this moment and calmly looked at David: “Surprised? Delighted?”

David: “…”

Audience in the hall: “…”

Fans eagerly waiting for a coming-out: “…”

Rong Xu impassively took the microphone: “I’ll beat him up on your behalf, don’t worry.”

In this era, not only had most countries worldwide already passed same-sex marriage laws, but even decades ago, when such laws were not yet widespread and people’s mindsets were relatively conservative, instances of same-sex celebrities kissing occasionally occurred at major awards ceremonies. While female celebrities were more common in this regard, male celebrities kissing was rare but not unheard of.

At this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, the photo of Qin Cheng cupping Rong Xu’s chin and kissing him became the top headline in major newspapers and magazines. The two did not come out, but this photo became a widely discussed event among fans worldwide.

Needless to say for casual observers, two major award-winning actors kissing in public at an awards ceremony was delicious gossip, truly too good to resist; they wanted more gossip and drama. For Qin Cheng and Rong Xu’s fans, there was even less to say; over the years, they had actively or passively accepted the passionate relationship between their idols and felt no discomfort at all, finding it rather adorable.

As for the ever-expanding Cheng-Rong CP fanbase, they consumed so much “candy” they got cavities.

[I originally thought Mrs. Holt was the biggest power in our fandom, but now it seems God Qin and Rongrong are the biggest powers!]

[I vote for God Qin as the big power! Yesterday’s Oscar candy was almost all distributed by God Qin, and in the end, it was he who cupped Rongrong’s chin and kissed him. I stand by my Mrs. God Qin; argue if you dare!]

[God Qin’s fans are shameless! My Mrs. Rongrong is the biggest power in the fandom, okay? If Rongrong wasn’t willing, do you think God Qin could kiss him? My Rong has practiced a lot of real martial arts for filming this year. Rongrong’s reflexes are incredibly fast; if he really wasn’t willing, he would have surely beaten God Qin far away. Mrs. Rongrong is the biggest power in our Cheng-Rong fandom!]

[Rong fans are simply speaking nonsense! Did your Mrs. Rong distribute candy? Did she? It was clearly my Mrs. Qin who kept distributing candy! If you’re so capable, don’t eat the candy my Mrs. Qin distributed! Don’t eat it!]

No one knew why the Cheng-Rong CP fanbase would split into two factions, each championing Qin Cheng and Rong Xu.

This championing… was quite unique. Many of the fans championing Qin Cheng were staunch fans of Rong Xu, and many of the fans championing Rong Xu were ten-year veterans of Qin Cheng’s fanbase. They used their respective professional knowledge to fiercely debate “who is the top power in the Cheng-Rong fandom.” Some fans were so exasperated that they even directly displayed their law degrees from global TOP10 universities to prove that their debate points were legal, reasonable, and compliant.

—Although this debate itself was quite inexplicable; who would directly consider CP members as the “top powers” in the fandom?

However, these fans didn’t know that one of the parties they were championing and arguing for, upon learning the situation, unhesitatingly responded—

[Lotus Paste Orange Filling: Rongrong is the best, Rongrong is the greatest, baby stands by Rongrong OVO!]

Below, a group of CP fans replied—

[Goddess Orange, I misjudged you. How could you disregard the facts for our Rong and blindly say that Rongrong distributed more candy than God Qin?]

[God Qin cried! Even the rich and beautiful goddess is championing Rongrong.]

[Pity God Qin +1. You Rong fans are too shameless. Although I’m also a staunch fan of Rongrong, it was clearly God Qin who distributed more candy. For God Qin, I’ve decided to unfollow Goddess Orange for a day, hmph!]

[For God Qin, unfollow Goddess Orange +1]

[Count me in, unfollowing for God Qin!]

For a time, hundreds of fans followed suit and unfollowed Lotus Paste Orange Filling, all declaring: [We unfollow for God Qin!]

Qin Cheng himself, who was unfollowed, stated: Doesn’t care.

In short, this Oscar kiss, besides bringing immense attention to the two parties involved, also deepened their image as good friends. Just as Hugh and James said at the awards ceremony, their “Hollywood’s Best Bromance” title was truly completely supplanted by this CP.

After the Academy Awards ceremony, Rong Xu quickly returned to China to continue filming. Before that, seizing the opportunity of the Oscars, the “Qin Fengfeng” group held a gathering in Los Angeles. The gathering place was James’s villa; inside the vast villa, all eight group members attended, some even bringing family members.

Originally, there was no rule about bringing family, but a certain man shamelessly insisted on coming along, so Rong Xu had no choice but to bring him. 

However, after James personally ran to open the door for him, the Hollywood playboy looked at the man behind Rong Xu, his eyes widened, and then with a “bang,” he slammed the door shut.

Rong Xu and Qin Cheng, locked outside: “…”

Inside, a series of clanging sounds could be heard.

“Quick, quick, take down the banner, quick, take it down, it’ll be over if Crazy Qin sees it.”

“Damn it, why did Rongrong bring Crazy Qin too?”

“Photos, photos! Quickly put away the photos, absolutely can’t let Qin Cheng know I drew a ghost face on his picture!”

“Hey Jennifer, Xia, why are you two still sitting there eating ice cream? Come help!”

“But dear Hugh, Xia and I didn’t deface Qin’s photos, nor did we know you put up a banner saying you would denounce Qin and discuss strategies to make him lose face in public. I’m very tired now, I want to rest, and I also want to eat ice cream, so I wish you a speedy cleanup.”

Frantically busy Wen Xuan & Chu Qi & James & Lin Xuan & Hugh: “…”