Chapter 68

Chapter 68

In the cold January, the Huaying Film Festival arrived on schedule.

The trees lining the streets on both sides of the Yancheng International Convention Center were wrapped in lights. From the high floors of the nearby hotel, looking down, the scene of firework-like illumination spread as far as the eye could see.

Graceful Sway wasn’t the type of film the jury favored—it only made nominations for Best Music and Best Editing. The crew felt some regret, but thinking of the solid box office profits already in hand, that regret seemed trivial.

Meanwhile, Half a Life of Splendor lived up to expectations, earning multiple heavyweight award nominations, and Pei Chuzhi was rightfully among the Best Actress candidates.

So in both sense and practice, she could only walk the red carpet with the Half a Life of Splendor crew.

Pei Chuzhi had felt a little regret, but upon arriving at the hotel and receiving the schedule provided by the organizers, she found that the Graceful Sway crew was scheduled immediately after Half a Life of Splendor.

If no one had deliberately arranged this, she couldn’t believe it.

She called Xing Ye: “Was this another surprise from you?”

“This time, it really wasn’t me,” Xing Ye said, just having received the schedule and equally surprised. “You might want to ask Director Bo. Maybe he feels guilty and took this chance to make amends to me.”

Pei Chuzhi paused, then remembered he meant the time before Half a Life of Splendor began filming, when Director Bo and the producer had to ask Xing Ye out because Chu Man had caused trouble.

During filming, she had also heard Director Bo mention it; he seemed to still feel uneasy about that trick.

Yet when she asked upon getting into the car headed for the awards, Director Bo had no idea either.

“Maybe the organizers just wanted to use you two as a hook,” Xing Ye analyzed seriously. “You and Pei Chuzhi appearing together—right now that’s free publicity. Who wouldn’t want that?”

Convinced by his reasoning, Pei Chuzhi sent Xing Ye a message: “See you on the red carpet,” and focused on waiting for the entrance.

At 7:15, the driver received notice and slowly drove toward the red carpet.

Before the car even stopped, the deafening screams outside streamed through the windows like waves.

Continuous flashes resembled blooming fireworks, casting dazzling light at the start of the red carpet.

Pei Chuzhi’s evening gown, provided by a luxury brand she worked with, was a backless gold sequined dress, highlighting her slender, well-proportioned figure. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she captured countless camera flashes.

Entertainment reporters and fans called her name, hoping to catch her attention and get her to glance their way.

At the signing board, when asked by the host whether she was confident about winning, Pei Chuzhi displayed the usual commercial smile of a starlet, modestly stating that a nomination itself was an affirmation.

Her particularly standard answer barely finished when a larger wave of noise rose from the end of the red carpet.

The Graceful Sway crew had arrived.

The host, who had been focused on Pei Chuzhi, suddenly curved their eyebrows, the lips no longer holding the practiced smile but a hint of sweetness, making her glamorous dress seem to pale in comparison.

Those around understood and laughed knowingly, saying, “Then we’ll just leave the leading lady here.”

Pei Chuzhi pressed her lips together shyly. As Xing Ye, in his formal suit, walked closer, she slowly reached for his hand, walking the remaining red carpet together.

They walked side by side to the interview area. Xing Ye quietly positioned himself by the wind, shielding her from the harsh winter gusts.

The cameraman zoomed in, showing this exceptionally attractive couple to the audience in the most eye-catching way.

Three years ago, anyone claiming they’d one day appear together at the country’s most-watched film festival would have been laughed at mercilessly.

Now, live-stream platforms were flooded with “wishing eternal happiness” comments, and all the lights focused on them.

Pei Chuzhi smiled like spring, holding Xing Ye’s hand tightly in front of everyone.

Entering the venue, Pei Chuzhi saw that the seating for both crews was arranged in the same row.

Everyone seemed to understand, letting her sit with Xing Ye.

Pei Chuzhi played with Xing Ye’s sleeve, recalling something: “Weren’t you on leave a few days ago? How come you weren’t in Yancheng? Be honest—what did you do?”

Xing Ye said: “Handled some things.”

Pei Chuzhi looked at him skeptically; something felt off.

She was used to Xing Ye regularly reporting his schedule to her, but in the past few days, she had no idea where he had gone. Although he had many investments outside of acting, his answer sounded unusually perfunctory.

Xing Ye smiled, reciprocating her grip on his fingertips, and admitted honestly: “I’m preparing a birthday gift for you. I can’t tell you yet.”

They had been together for quite some time, but by some twist of fate, they had never celebrated a birthday together.

Pei Chuzhi scratched his palm: “Then I’ll wait for your surprise.”

Xing Ye nodded, about to say something more, when a commotion erupted around them, as if someone important had appeared on the red carpet being broadcast on the big screen. He turned his head but didn’t have time to see clearly before the host’s astonished voice rang out.

“Is that really Teacher Yu Wan? This might be tonight’s biggest surprise—Teacher Yu Wan, who has been retired for years, appears on the red carpet tonight!”

Pei Chuzhi straightened up in shock, then saw a momentary blank expression cross Xing Ye’s face.

“Y-y-your mom is here! W-why didn’t you tell me in advance?” She was so startled she completely forgot her starlet poise, stammering out her words.

Xing Ye was also stunned, and amidst the gazes coming from all directions, he whispered: “I didn’t know.”

In fact, except for the core jury, no one knew Yu Wan would return to the country today.

Many actors present had been fans of Yu Wan as children. Seeing their childhood goddess appear suddenly, they were all too shocked to speak.

Yu Wan appeared in an elegant, refined qipao, and as she walked into the venue, almost everyone stood to greet her.

Pei Chuzhi followed along clapping, secretly relieved that Yu Wan didn’t sit on the nearest steps, otherwise she truly wouldn’t know how to face Xing Ye’s mother.

Once Yu Wan took her seat in the front row, Xing Ye turned to study Pei Chuzhi.

After a moment, he smirked: “I’ve guessed a possibility.”

“What?”

“Maybe she came on a whim, wanting to see you.”

Pei Chuzhi: “…”

She suddenly understood where Xing Ye’s remarkable decisiveness came from.

The awards ceremony officially began with the accompaniment of the live band.

One award after another was announced. Both crews Pei Chuzhi participated in received recognition, everyone showing delight on their faces. Amidst the interplay of lights and applause, they awaited the two most anticipated awards.

When it was time for Best Actress, Pei Chuzhi felt unexpectedly calm.

She relaxed her shoulders, straightened her back, smiled appropriately as the camera swept over, and when she heard the announcer read her name, she turned and hugged Xing Ye.

She couldn’t put the feeling into words.

It was like an indescribably beautiful dream, yet Xing Ye’s warm, broad embrace made it profoundly real.

“Congratulations,” Xing Ye whispered in her ear. “Go, stand on the stage, and be the one who smiles the most beautifully.”

Tears glimmered in Pei Chuzhi’s eyes, but her lips curved into an involuntary smile.

She met everyone’s gaze, lifted her dress slightly, and stepped down the stairs one by one, yet it felt as if each step was leading her to her own peak.

Receiving the heavy trophy from the presenter, Pei Chuzhi adjusted the microphone height, then gave Xing Ye a radiant smile.

The stage lights were too dazzling to see his face clearly, but she knew he was watching her intently.

“Thanks to Director Bo Ruxu, thanks to everyone involved in Half a Life of Splendor, thanks to the audience who loves this film, and also thanks to the jury for their recognition.”

Pei Chuzhi’s voice, transmitted through the small microphone before her, reached every corner of the venue and countless ears far and wide, resonating across the world.

Her lashes trembled as she lowered her gaze, seeing Xing Ye’s mother in the audience, smiling warmly at her.

By right, meeting Xing Ye’s mother for the first time, she should have been a little reserved.

Yet the moment she held the trophy, the weight in her hands seemed to give her infinite courage, making her wonder what it would feel like to act as uninhibitedly as Xing Ye sometimes did.

Stars glittered in her eyes as she held the trophy high, speaking deliberately:

“Finally, thank you, Xing Ye. I love you.”

Applause rose like waves, almost shaking the roof of the venue.

Pei Chuzhi felt a profound, exhilarating joy from the depths of her heart.

This was her second time standing on an awards stage as an actress, but it was the first time she had confessed her love to Xing Ye in such a grand occasion, at such a brilliant moment.

What could be more thrilling than this?

Returning to her seat, Pei Chuzhi finally exhaled lightly.

As the lights in the venue dimmed, Xing Ye kissed her and, with a half-smile, asked: “Since when did you get so bold, confessing your love in front of my mom?”

“Isn’t it because you spoiled me?” Pei Chuzhi whispered back. “Besides, I’ve always loved you. What’s there to be afraid to say?”

In the dim view, Xing Ye curved his lips.

Pei Chuzhi looked at him intently and reverently, thinking that as long as the person beside her was Xing Ye, she could do anything, no matter how crazy, fueled by that fervent love.

Her racing heart hadn’t yet calmed when the next presenter stepped onto the stage, instantly pulling Pei Chuzhi back to reality.

Yu Wan stood on stage to present tonight’s final Lifetime Achievement Award.

Her co-presenter was a veteran male actor. Though aged, he was playful at heart. The elder casually pocketed the script provided by the organizers and asked: “Teacher Yu, may I ask your thoughts on the acceptance speech you heard a few minutes ago?”

Pei Chuzhi held her breath, pondering how all the veteran actors nowadays seemed so unorthodox, while also anticipating what Yu Wan would say.

Yu Wan smiled, scanning their row, and softly said: “No wonder she’s my son’s girlfriend; she’s exactly the type he would like.”

Being teased like this by an elder, Pei Chuzhi’s face turned red.

Xing Ye, as if dissatisfied with her not being shy enough, spoke in a low voice: “My mom should like you a lot. How about we find a place tomorrow for a proper meeting?”

Pei Chuzhi, noticing the topic on stage had shifted back to the Lifetime Achievement Award, patted her flushed cheeks and asked: “You mean… meet the parents?”

She had no experience with this at all. Shouldn’t there be a few days to prepare?

“Not willing?” Xing Ye snorted lightly, a glint in his eye sweeping over her, his voice lowering: “Think about it—you know how long we’ve known each other.”

Pei Chuzhi blinked, sensing a trap hidden in his words.

She raised an eyebrow, deciding to quietly wait for Xing Ye to elaborate.

As expected, he answered himself: “Or are you planning to wait until our twentieth anniversary to meet the parents?”

He slowly lowered his gaze, his dark pupils full of pointed reproach: “And, I haven’t even met your parents yet. That’s too much, girlfriend.”

Pei Chuzhi stayed silent for a while. Hearing the Lifetime Achievement Award winner announced, she joined the applause, her thoughts revolving around Xing Ye’s words just now.

A woman’s intuition was particularly sharp at this moment. Combining it with past events, she couldn’t help but suspect that what Xing Ye said tonight was actually hinting at something else.

When the applause died down and the host announced the end of the ceremony, she leaned slightly to the side and asked: “You really didn’t know Teacher Yu would come?”

“Hm?” Xing Ye’s eyes betrayed a mischievous grin, full of triumphant arrogance.

Pei Chuzhi slapped his hand in irritation: “You!”

He was impossibly mischievous, even performing an artful act to make her believe he had no clue.

Xing Ye’s eyes were relaxed and content: “Isn’t this good? Today you got the award, tomorrow you’ll have dinner with my mom, a few days later I’ll go with you to meet your parents.”

Pei Chuzhi’s heart raced, her voice softening: “And then?”

“And then…”

Xing Ye stood, shielding her from the crowd’s eyes as people dispersed, his warm breath brushing her ear with his magnetic voice:

“I will propose to you.”