RED Chapter 131.3 (END)

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In mid-November, the Beidou Awards announced this year’s nomination list. “Taste of Home” unsurprisingly became a strong contender for awards, nominated for almost every significant category.

Chi Feiran received his first acting award nomination in his life, for Best Supporting Actor at the Beidou Awards. Competing with him for this award were two other young actors and two veterans, giving him a one-in-five chance.

Rong Jin adjusted Chi Feiran’s collar pin and asked, “Are you confident?”

Chi Feiran looked up at him and smiled, replying, “I’ve already memorized my acceptance speech.” This statement made his intentions clear.

Rong Jin also smiled and said, “That’s the spirit.”

They were both dressed in bespoke suits from the house of Bonnet, similar in style but with meticulous attention to detail. This year, if you looked closely, you’d notice that their lapel pins and each other’s cufflinks formed a matching set. Their lapel pins were both diamond-encrusted in the shape of an ornate ‘R,’ but the diamonds’ accent colors were different. Whether this ‘R’ stood for “Ran” or “Rong” was up to the audience to decide.

The limousine stopped in front of the red carpet. They exited the car one after the other, both dazzling as ever. The “Delicious Mansion” crew was already waiting nearby.

Today, Qi Ming felt a bit overshadowed. Normally, he and Director Zheng should have been the center of attention for the whole crew. However, Rong Jin, the producer, was too radiant, stealing the spotlight effortlessly, while Chi Feiran’s strong background made it impossible for him to blend in with the crowd. In the end, it was only fitting for the two of them to walk side by side.

But Qi Ming didn’t mind much. As he had jokingly said earlier, “Brother Rong isn’t competing for Best Actor this time!”

Qi Ming, a near-certain winner for Best Actor, had previously lost twice: once to Rong Jin and once to another veteran actor. This time, he had meticulously prepared and faced no overly formidable opponents. The title of Best Actor was practically already his, and after tonight, his pay would surely increase.

The crew assembled, naturally led by Rong Jin and Chi Feiran, onto the red carpet. Qi Ming, Director Zheng, and the lead actress walked on the other side, with no distinct order of precedence. However, the media’s focus was apparent.

Although Qi Ming was today’s Best Actor favorite, Rong Jin was an Oscar-winning actor! Despite winning two years ago, his rare public appearances made him a fresh and hot topic. Director Zheng was a major figure, but Chi Feiran was the young prince of the Chi family, an equally exciting presence that had to be photographed!

Chi Feiran couldn’t recall how many times he and Rong Jin had walked the red carpet together. They had attended numerous large and small events, always with their crew. But he remembered that Rong Jin loved these occasions. He cherished the sense of ceremony and the openness of walking side by side under countless flashbulbs.

They proceeded down the red carpet, surrounded by a flurry of flashing lights. They had long mastered the art of maintaining their composure and perfect demeanor under such circumstances. Chi Feiran noticed Rong Jin walking slowly, but his composed and steady demeanor gave a different impression, one of calm and confidence.

Those who knew the truth realized that Rong Jin wanted to linger on the red carpet with Chi Feiran. Others might have thought he was simply accommodating the reporters on either side, who were furiously snapping photos, eager to capture good material. Any photo of Rong Jin would sell well, and with the young prince beside him, it was a golden opportunity.

Despite this, the red carpet had its limits in both length and time. The “Delicious Mansion” crew moved at Rong Jin’s pace, not standing out due to the female stars who needed more time to showcase their elegance. Many stayed on the red carpet until the last possible moment, hoping for more media coverage.

Chi Feiran thought Rong Jin might actually envy them. Despite his public image, he had too much pride to linger on the red carpet. If he did, the reporters would undoubtedly celebrate, playing “Good Day” to mark the joyous occasion.

Those watching the Beidou Awards red carpet broadcast were busy teasing: “Haha, Rong Jin and Chi Feiran always create a different spectacle on the red carpet! They always disrupt the crew’s formation!”

“Absolutely different! They’re both dressed in custom-made haute couture! A big shot once tallied the number of unique outfits the young prince has worn since his debut—never the same! Even the actresses must be envious!”

“Who wouldn’t be envious?”

“Envy, really.”

“Haha, sour grapes much? It’s all about being born into the right family.”

“Wow, still not over it after two years? Talk about long-lasting bitterness!”

“Hahaha, jealousy is a lifetime affliction! They’re just good at being born!”

The comments were chaotic, but no matter how long the red carpet lasted, it had its limits. The “Delicious Mansion” crew, guided by Rong Jin’s timing, was relatively early to enter. The audience’s focus had to shift accordingly.

The venue was not yet full. Chi Feiran couldn’t help but chuckle at Rong Jin’s unshakable image-consciousness.

After entering, it was time for mingling. Chi Feiran had attended the Beidou Awards twice, each time with a popular crew, making him a key figure for others to connect with. Until the award ceremony began, he barely had a moment to rest. It wasn’t until the ceremony was about to start, and guests were asked to take their seats, that Chi Feiran could finally relax.

This constant busyness had its advantages. For Chi Feiran, once seated, he only thought about how to rest without appearing too tired. It would be a while before he could worry about the award outcomes.

Unlike last time, when the Best Newcomer Award was almost a given and announced early, leaving no suspense, this time there was just the right amount of anticipation. Competing for Best Supporting Actor against him were two veteran actors whose roles, although not prominent, were brought to life through their seasoned performances. Their skill imbued their characters with a natural vitality.

Chi Feiran had confidence in himself but wasn’t blindly arrogant. Losing to these veterans would be an acceptable outcome.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Rong Jin, sensing his tension, placed his hand close to Chi Feiran’s on the armrest, their fingers touching lightly.

Chi Feiran couldn’t help but turn his head to glance at him, meeting those amber eyes. The warmth and softness in Rong Jin’s eyes were unmistakable.

Chi Feiran thought, he has this way of making my whole heart feel at ease.

On stage, the female host announced the upcoming award: “Next, we will present the award for Best Supporting Actor. Let’s welcome our award presenter.”

Chi Feiran keenly felt a shift in Rong Jin’s emotions, and he knew why. When he won the Newcomer Award, Rong Jin was a Best Actor nominee and couldn’t present the award. This time, Rong Jin wasn’t in the Best Actor category, but as the producer of “Delicious Mansion,” he couldn’t present an award to Chi Feiran either. Rong Jin now faced a dilemma: was being a supportive companion during filming more important, or was the glory of presenting the award more significant?

To Chi Feiran, the everyday support was more practical. The award ceremony lasted only a few seconds, though it had commemorative value, it was still somewhat vain. After all, the award is meaningful regardless of who presents it.

But Rong Jin did love this kind of vanity…

Chi Feiran thought that without something to distract him, Rong Jin would worry about this for at least two months.

On stage, the large screen was already showing clips of the nominees, and for the Beidou Awards, they chose the scene where Ji Yunsheng chopped the cutting board with a knife—an emotionally and dramatically powerful moment.

After watching the five clips, the other performances seemed pale in comparison to Ji Yunsheng’s.

Chi Feiran thought, perhaps he was really about to win his first acting award.

The presenter didn’t disappoint. She opened the envelope and slowly read the card inside: “The Best Supporting Actor of the XXth Beidou Awards goes to Chi Feiran.”

No dramatic pause, no suspense, the announcement was straightforward.

His body reacted before his mind did, and he instinctively hugged Rong Jin beside him.

The hug was strong, grounding him in reality amid the surreal moment. He then embraced Qi Ming and Director Zheng before leaving his seat to head toward the stage.

Thunderous applause surrounded him as Chi Feiran walked as if through ocean waves, propelled by an invisible force towards the stage, where he received his trophy from the presenter.

His acceptance speech was something he had written and memorized early on. Almost every hopeful nominee had such a speech prepared, as few would want to stumble during such an important occasion.

Standing on stage, Chi Feiran looked out at the audience, all applauding for him. Joy and excitement settled as the applause subsided, and he approached the microphone. The audience quieted, awaiting his speech.

Chi Feiran’s gaze finally landed on Rong Jin in the audience. The “Delicious Mansion” crew had prime seating, with Rong Jin in one of the best seats, a focal point for the cameras. When Chi Feiran looked at him, it seemed like he was looking straight ahead, surveying the entire room.

But they both knew exactly where each other’s gaze landed.

Chi Feiran’s smile deepened. He took a deep breath, and then he fluently delivered his prepared speech.

His fair skin, under the stage lights, almost glowed with a soft, pearly sheen. His dark eyes were clear and bright, his features striking and highly photogenic.

At not quite twenty-one, winning Best Supporting Actor wasn’t particularly unusual compared to some who had achieved greatness in their teens.

However, Chi Feiran was undeniably young, and his youthful face constantly reminded everyone of this fact.

What caught people’s attention was how this young man displayed a maturity and composure beyond his years upon receiving his first major acting award. It didn’t mean he didn’t value the award. On the contrary, his behavior since winning showed how much he cared about it. Yet, he managed to adjust quickly, ensuring he didn’t make any mistakes during this crucial ceremony.

Many veteran actors nodded in silent approval. His composure was far better than showing excessive excitement.

Chi Feiran faced the crowd, finally finishing his memorized speech. Now, it was time for his personal words.

With a smile that had been on his face all evening, Chi Feiran spoke into the microphone. “This is my first acting award.”

His tone was reverent, almost as if he were making a vow, his expression full of warmth. “I want to tell my idol, Mr. Rong Jin, that the stages you have stood on to receive your awards are my goals. I will work hard so you won’t have to wait too long.”

The audience stirred at his words. Taken at face value, it sounded like a fan striving to emulate their idol. But Chi Feiran’s idol was Rong Jin!

He had just won Best Supporting Actor, yet he dared to set his sights on an Oscar-winning actor! What audacity!

This made many of the veterans who had praised his composure rethink their approval. Young people, they thought, shouldn’t be praised too soon!

However, the Beidou Awards director was quick to react. The screen instantly switched from a close-up of Chi Feiran to a split-screen of him and Rong Jin.

The transition was expertly done, showing both Chi Feiran’s profile and Rong Jin’s, making it seem as if they were looking at each other.

Despite being on different levels of the venue, the way their images were framed together made it seem like the distance didn’t exist.

Chi Feiran was smiling, and so was Rong Jin. His lips moved slightly, silently saying: “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Then Rong Jin started to clap first, each clap firm and forceful. Slowly, those around him followed suit, and eventually, the entire audience joined in applause.

It was as if they had finally come to their senses from their astonishment, starting to admire Chi Feiran’s bold words.

Amidst the applause, Chi Feiran walked towards Rong Jin, still wearing a smile on his face. He didn’t care at all about what others might be thinking at that moment. All he wanted was to tell Rong Jin what was in his heart.

They embraced again in the applause, naturally and openly.

The awards ceremony continued, and the future stretched out before them.

Tonight, the stars never dimmed.