The Feitian Award’s official Weibo account updated, unveiling the list of nominated TV dramas and actors for the upcoming awards ceremony.
Among the nominated dramas, the work “The Last Remnant” by internationally renowned director Wen Zheng stood out prominently.
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Jing Li’s name unsurprisingly appeared.
Not only that, Jing Li’s name was also listed among the nominees for Best Newcomer.
This sudden turn of events instantly emboldened Jing Li’s fans, who had previously been mocked and humiliated online.
“Ahhh!!! Jing Shao is really nominated!”
“F*ck! Best Supporting Actor, Best Newcomer, Jing Shao really made us fans proud!”
“Where are those black fans who said Jing Shao wouldn’t be nominated? Open your eyes and take a good look!”
“Koi fan sisters, although we know everyone is quite excited, please mind your words to avoid attracting more hate for our Jing Shao.”
“Yes, it’s obvious that some were deliberately stirring up trouble earlier. We mustn’t fall into their trap!”
“Our Jing Shao is a newcomer, and it’s already great that his first work got nominated. Koi sisters, stay calm and don’t give the black fans or rivals any opportunity.”
“As expected of a koi, just after being slandered, he’s now on the official nominee list!”
“I just want to ask those who badmouthed him before, does your face hurt now?!”
……
Hu Li was also delighted by this sudden reversal. While monitoring the online sentiment, he mocked, “Let them babble all day long; now, we don’t even have to lift a finger, the organizers have already avenged us.”
He then glanced at Jing Li beside him and remarked, “So you see, don’t mess with a koi fish. Instead of courting trouble, why not just cling to our Boss Jing’s thigh? Isn’t that better?”
Hearing this attempt to lighten the mood, Jing Li smiled and playfully punched him. “Enough, I’ve been in this circle long enough to know all this. I’m not taking it too seriously.”
“Who said I was comforting you?” Hu Li saw him smile and relaxed into a laugh himself, then looked at Jing Li again. “But seriously, I’ve noticed that since your cultivation level increased, your luck seems to have improved as well. Could it be that the koi attribute has different levels?”
Jing Li paused at this.
Perhaps it was because he had lived in the Spiritual Realm for too long, and upon transforming, he was already at the Golden Core stage of cultivation. Then, under the protection of his sect, he grew up smoothly without much hardship.
As his cultivation level gradually increased, he eventually reached the pinnacle, capable of dominating the entire cultivation world. His Golden Words cultivation even allowed him to live as he pleased, so he had never paid much attention to the so-called “koi” state that others envied him for.
Had Hu Li not brought it up, Jing Li might not have given it much thought. But now that he mentioned it, Jing Li couldn’t help but ponder.
He recalled being struck down to this world, his cultivation wasted and without a trace of spiritual energy. That was probably the lowest point in his life. He was mired in scandals and criticism, especially when he first entered the entertainment circle, where troubles seemed endless.
However, as his spiritual energy accumulated and grew, the troubles gradually diminished. Many times, he even exhibited lucky buffs that became more frequent over time.
For example, right now, just as the slander against him was trending online, the organizers’ nominee announcement powerfully countered the attacks.
To call it a coincidence seemed too coincidental.
“Could it be that Tian Dao also favors those with higher cultivation?” Jing Li joked, unconsciously scrolling down to see more dissonant comments.
“Heh, worthy of being the young master of the Jing family, even the Feitian Awards’ organizers can be summoned to support him.”
“So what if he’s nominated? It’s not like he’s won already, why are you all so excited?”
“Typical of a newcomer, getting so excited just over being nominated, have you no shame?”
……
Clearly, the previous trolls had returned, finding new angles to mock him as their sarcastic voices gradually resurfaced.
“These people really won’t stop until the coffin closes,” Hu Li sneered, turning to Jing Li. “What do you plan to do about this?”
His attitude made it clear he would unconditionally support whatever Jing Li decided.
“Internet trolls, huh.” Jing Li stared at the dissonant comments still popping up on the screen. “Since it’s all about money, do you think they’ll get paid if they fail to meet their employer’s demands?”
“Then we’ll fight fire with fire!” Hu Li instantly raised his brows. “They hire internet armies, so will we, let’s first thoroughly muddy these waters.”
“And we can’t let whoever is manipulating public opinion against you off easy,” Hu Li’s expression darkened. “Using such despicable tactics, I want to see what kind of demon is behind this.”
Naturally, Jing Li wouldn’t let it go either.
Jing Li narrowed his eyes. He was never one to turn the other cheek. With the other party’s relentless attempts to trample him, he had no choice but to retaliate fiercely.
Jing Li returned Hu Li’s phone and took out his own, first calling his assistant to have the team monitor online public opinion according to his instructions, then look into who was using underhanded tactics behind the scenes.
After hanging up, he quickly logged into his Weibo and posted a new update.
Jing Li V: I suggest those unfamiliar take a look. [Attached link]
The link directly led to the Feitian Award’s Baidu Encyclopedia page, Jing Li’s move a direct response to those claiming the organizers were supporting him.
Seeing this, Hu Li also reposted in support, and directly commented not to take just any dirty money.
As top influencers, both of them always had significant attention, especially during such a sensitive period. Almost immediately after the Weibo post was released, it sparked a wave of comments.
Then there were lightning-fast likes from the two big bosses Gu Tingshen and Jing Yu, as well as posts of support from Wang Lele and a host of friends, instantly pushing public opinion to a climax.
“Damn! Jing Li is so cool and bold! Suddenly feeling a little flustered!”
“Jing Li: The Feitian organizers supporting me? You might want to check Baidu Encyclopedia first!”
“It’s okay if the elder brother dotes on the younger brother, but why did even Boss Gu immediately like the Weibo?”
“An upright person does not fear a crooked shadow! Jing Shao, we Koi fans will always believe in you!”
“Ahhh, the little fox is so pampered yet bold, Jing Ge reposting immediately, let me ship the FoxCarp CP for a second!!”
“Ah, the little fox is really so doting and tough, he retweeted the moment Jing Shao posted, please let me ship the Fox-Koi cp for a second!!”
“Wang Lele’s ‘He was nominated on his own merit, why can’t he be happy?’ really hit me right in the heart!”
“What does Hu Li mean by that? Is he implying someone hired internet armies to deliberately smear Jing Li?”
“Do you have to self-promote and get trending every few days? Can’t you be a little more original?”
……
There were all kinds of comments online. The internet armies were initially quite active, but after seeing Gu Tingshen and Jing Yu personally show support, some were intimidated into silence, eventually choosing to temporarily avoid the storm.
With no more internet armies stirring up trouble, coupled with Jing Li’s team controlling the public opinion, the online comments gradually became more subdued. Although some people continued the discussion, it no longer had any impact.
Jing Li, however, was unaware of this. After posting on Weibo, he directly exited the app and turned to Hu Li, “Let’s go. We’ve been delayed long enough. It’s time to head back.”
Hu Li glanced at him with his phone, seeing he had mostly recovered, and agreed, “Sure, let me get my things from my room.”
Neither of them had brought much, so half an hour later they were packed and out the door.
Hearing they were leaving, Little Chrysanthemum and white-haired old man were very reluctant to see them go, walking them all the way to the courtyard entrance to try convincing them to stay longer. “Jing-ge, really can’t stay a couple more days? I haven’t properly hosted you yet.”
Ever since Jing Li saved Grandpa Tree, out of respect and gratitude, Little Chrysanthemum had started addressing him as “Jing-ge,” their feelings growing closer over this period.
“There will be chances in the future,” Jing Li smiled, patting his shoulder. “For now, you should take this time to recover properly. If those things sense anything unusual here, they won’t let it go easily. There will be tough battles to fight later on.”
“Don’t worry, I will definitely not follow them this time!” Little Chrysanthemum promised firmly. “If they come again, I’ll notify you immediately.”
Jing Li nodded in acknowledgment, leaving a few more reminders before departing with Hu Li.
Along the way, the trees in the forest rustled, and some even shook their branches to brush his shoulder, as if reluctant to let him go or saying goodbye.
When they reached the foot of the mountain, the Jing family driver was already waiting. They got in the car and headed towards the city.
On the way, Jing Li checked the time and took out his phone to call Gu Tingshen, inviting him over for dinner that night.
Since confirming his feelings, his attitude towards Gu Tingshen had also changed. Hearing the other’s voice, he couldn’t help but smile, and even his tone of voice became unconsciously gentler.
What should have been just a few lines of conversation dragged into over 10 minutes of casual chatter. Even after hanging up, Jing Li still felt unsatisfied, casually opening his chat with Gu Tingshen and sending more messages.
No matter how mundane the idle chatter, he found it captivating, unable to suppress the smile on his face.
“Tsk, wipe it quickly, your drool is about to flow out.” Hu Li clicked his tongue, finding the display unbearable to watch.
Jing Li paused, realizing he had let his emotions show too much, and quickly composed himself while replying to the messages, casually saying, “I’m discussing serious matters here.”
But he forgot that he was never one to make excuses for his behavior, and this only made it more obvious.
Hu Li raised a brow, originally just teasing, but now studying Jing Li seriously before saying, “So you’ve figured things out?”
They both understood what he was referring to.
Jing Li hesitated briefly before softly replying, “Sort of. But I’m still not sure about his thoughts. I plan to find out when I get back.”
Yet despite his words, Hu Li could sense the resolve in his tone, indicating he had likely made up his mind.
Seeing this, Hu Li didn’t pry further, only patting Jing Li’s shoulder and offering, “Just let me know if you need any help.”
Jing Li smiled in acknowledgment. His chat with Gu Tingshen had just ended, so he turned to Hu Li and asked, “Want to come over for dinner tonight?”
Hu Li, touched by his friend’s kindness: “…”
Now you remember me?
Although he felt a bit left out, Hu Li wasn’t rude enough to be a third wheel, so he politely declined.
Seeing this, Jing Li didn’t insist.
Upon returning to the city, Jing Li had the driver drop Hu Li home first before heading back to prepare for dinner.
On the way, he originally intended to call the housekeeper to have the ingredients ready, but changed his mind and called Gu Tingshen instead.
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