Chapter 112
Li Chu hadn't appeared in public for over two months. Not only was Tang Congnan worried he was losing his precious "daughter," but fans were also clamoring online, urging Li Chu to make a public appearance.
Li Chu's previous schedule had been quite full. While her exposure wasn't constant, she maintained a certain level of popularity. This time was different. After filming wrapped, even fansite photographers couldn't track her itinerary, let alone see her.
Li Chu, however, was enjoying a peaceful time. To appease her fans, she frequently shared snippets of her daily life on Weibo, assuring them that it wasn't a lack of offers, but a period of rest and recuperation.
Netizens, however, are always imaginative. The couple's super topic forum was flooded with "CEO-style" fan fiction. After all, Ning Manqing's return to the business world wasn't exactly low-key. With a little effort, most people could figure out the shift in her career direction.
Li Chu had only been resting at home for two months, but rumors were already circulating that she had married into a wealthy family and was expecting.
Li Chu almost laughed out loud when she saw these untrue entertainment reports. They were written with such conviction, yet filled with "allegedly" and "speculation." If the protagonists weren't her and Ning Manqing, it wouldn't be bad bathroom reading material.
Zhao Zhichun also saw the gossip and excitedly asked Li Chu if she was really pregnant, only to receive a "cold stare" emoji in response.
【Zhao Zhichun】: It's good to stay out of the spotlight. How much longer do you think Sister Ning and the others will be fighting? My whole family is eagerly awaiting the final result. I bet 300 yuan that Sister Ning will be the ultimate winner.
Zhao Zhichun came from a wealthy family. Although his family's business wasn't in the same field as Ning Manqing's, their social circles overlapped, so he was relatively well-informed about these matters.
This seemingly internal Ning family struggle had implications beyond just the family itself. Yuanhe Group had numerous partners, and every move represented a shift in allegiances.
【Xiao Chu】: Rest assured, Sister Ning will definitely win.
This was beyond doubt. Li Chu's confidence wasn't solely based on Ning Manqing being the female lead, but because she was Ning Manqing, and therefore, she believed she would win.
【Zhao Zhichun】: Absolutely. Those people have no idea about Sister Ning's true capabilities. I have to admit, there's a difference between geniuses and ordinary people.
【Zhao Zhichun】: But now is a critical moment. Does Sister Ning have time to attend events? Behold Me, Ling Shan has been nominated for the Golden Rooster Awards. The ceremony is at the end of September. Sister Ning probably can't make it, right?
Li Chu looked at the message and replied without hesitation.
【Xiao Chu】: If she can't go, I'll go for her.
The current plot had long since derailed, but Li Chu believed that the film would still sweep the Golden Rooster Awards as written in the original book, earning Ning Manqing the Best Actress title, along with other major awards like the Huabiao and Golden Horse.
【Zhao Zhichun】: Are you planning to go public?
【Xiao Chu】: We'll wait and see.
Li Chu wasn't fixated on making an official announcement, nor was she afraid of the impact on her career. They would decide based on the circumstances.
Time flew by, and after a few autumn rains, the end of September arrived.
That day, Ning Manqing cleared her schedule, intending to attend the ceremony personally. Li Chu understood her thoughts.
After all, it was Ning Manqing's beloved career. No matter how calm and collected she appeared, her emotions were still deeply invested.
Li Chu chose Ning Manqing's outfit and did her makeup.
"Teacher Ning, are you nervous?" Li Chu asked with a light smile as she shaped Ning Manqing's eyebrows.
Ning Manqing answered truthfully, "A little."
Sometimes, passion is hard to explain but easy to see. Ning Manqing wasn't overly competitive, but when she committed to something, she wanted to excel. Seeking recognition within the industry was only natural.
"I believe in you. I'll be watching you from below."
Li Chu's words implied her certainty that Ning Manqing would win the award. Ning Manqing's lips curved upwards.
For the final touch, Li Chu applied lip gloss.
The soft brush swept across her lips. Ning Manqing looked down at Li Chu's focused expression and couldn't resist leaning in.
Li Chu unexpectedly tasted lipstick, her own lips now smeared red.
"Ning Manqing! I just finished applying that!" Li Chu glared at Ning Manqing, puffing her cheeks as she touched up her makeup.
Ning Manqing wrapped her arm around Li Chu's waist, chuckling softly, her slender phoenix eyes gleaming with triumph.
Li Chu initially thought she would witness Ning Manqing's moment of glory, but things didn't go as smoothly as planned.
Halfway to the ceremony, Ning Manqing received a call and her face darkened.
"Okay, I'll be right there."
After Ning Manqing hung up, Li Chu couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"
"My parents were in a car accident. They're both in the ICU now."
Ning Manqing frowned. Her parents hadn't yet relinquished control, and most of the decision-making power within Yuanhe Group still rested with them. The board members were mostly veterans who had worked alongside them. If something happened to them, it would herald a period of significant upheaval.
Li Chu immediately grasped the implications. "Go quickly. I'll go in your place."
Li Chu couldn't recall if this incident occurred in the original book, nor did she know whether the car accident that landed both of Ning Manqing's parents in the ICU was deliberate or accidental. Regardless, the situation was urgent.
Ning Manqing nodded without hesitation. She brought Li Chu's hand to her lips and kissed the back of it, a gesture of solemnity and profound affection.
"Don't be nervous. When you stand there, you are me."
Although Li Chu had anticipated this possibility, she couldn't help but feel nervous when the unexpected occurred. Hearing Ning Manqing's words calmed her down.
"Okay."
Before the ceremony began, the red carpet was swarming with cameras.
When the car door opened and only Li Chu emerged from the vehicle announced as Ning Manqing's, the reporters were taken aback. Sensing something unusual, they frantically snapped photos.
The Golden Rooster Awards, including the red carpet, were broadcast live. Fans watching the screen were puzzled, wondering where Ning Manqing was.
@ManManChangQing: Huh? Why is it Li Chu? Where's my Sister? Why don't I see her?
@Zowen: Eh, why is it our Li Li? Is she accompanying Teacher Ning?
@DiFu: I feel like something unusual is happening.
Meanwhile, the QingLi couple's super topic forum exploded with posts, urging everyone to watch the live broadcast. They refrained from commenting in the live chat to avoid being noticed by solo fans, instead cheering within the forum and group chats, ready to reap the rewards of a same-frame appearance. Some modern-day Sherlock Holmeses zoomed in on Li Chu's red carpet photos, disappointedly concluding that she wasn't pregnant, as there was no visible baby bump.
However, until the ceremony began, Ning Manqing's fans couldn't find her, and the CP fans didn't get their same-frame moment. But when Li Chu sat in Ning Manqing's designated seat, everyone went wild.
Several related hashtags quickly trended. Ning Manqing's fans were filled with questions, Li Chu's fans had a vague sense of foreboding, CP fans were ecstatic, and onlookers were simply amazed.
@IHaveAQingLiTree: I have a feeling I've stumbled upon something real.
@QingLiChongYa: Oh my god, oh my god! My mom asked me why I'm laughing maniacally in front of my phone. I can't control myself! Could they be announcing their marriage tonight?
@ComeEatQingLi: I have the same feeling, brothers and sisters! QingLi is real! I'm so excited and enthusiastic right now!
@MengMengYouQingLi: OMG, hahahahaha! The artists in the super topic forum have already produced short comics and stories. "Your award ceremony, I attend." If this isn't love! If this isn't an official announcement!
As the ceremony progressed, the discussion gradually subsided, not because people lost interest, but because everyone was on edge. Whether they were Ning Manqing's solo fans, Li Chu's solo fans, or their CP fans, everyone hoped Ning Manqing would win the Best Actress award.
Li Chu, sitting among the audience, was the most nervous, even more so than when she attended the Magnolia Awards. Although she was confident, her heart remained in suspense until the results were announced.
Awards were presented one by one. When it came to Best Actress, the faces of the nominated actresses appeared on the big screen. Naturally, the camera that was supposed to capture Ning Manqing now focused on Li Chu.
Seeing her own face, Li Chu smiled shyly.
Her smile made the CP fans howl even louder.
@QingLiSharingAPillow: I'm dead from the sweetness! Ahhhhh! This CP is too sweet! I declare this a must-see moment for future CP fans!
@MyCPMustGetMarried: Li Li's smile has me thinking of names for their future children.
The host, naturally, saw Li Chu's face and made a playful remark. After building suspense, they announced the result.
"I was curious why the person herself wasn't present. If she didn't win this award, I wouldn't have been able to invite her on stage to speak. But now we have the answer. The Best Actress for this year's Golden Rooster Awards is... Ning Manqing for Behold Me, Ling Shan ! Let's invite Li Chu to the stage!"
Applause and laughter erupted from the audience. Li Chu's heart finally settled as she stood and walked towards the stage. Her heart was still pounding uncontrollably, each step like a beat on a drum.
In this moment, I am you.
The live chat was a flurry of excitement, with CP fans ready to record the screen.
"Teacher Ning couldn't be here today due to unforeseen circumstances, so I'm here to accept this award on her behalf," Li Chu said, holding the trophy after receiving it. She looked towards the camera and raised the trophy slightly. "See? I told you you could do it."
Li Chu contained her excitement and continued, having prepared her speech beforehand. She sincerely thanked the audience who had supported and loved Ning Manqing, as well as the director, screenwriter, producers, and everyone involved in the film.
Her speech was short and concise.
Finally, she said proudly, "This is her glory, and I'm honored to share it with her."
@CivilAffairsBureauHereICome: Not an official announcement, but better than one.
@ZhouHai: This is a true wife's speech! No doubt about it!
@IHaveAQingLiTree: As one of the first CP fans from the variety show, it's been almost three years, and it's real! I can still say this!
@ShouWoChangSheng: I've hopped between countless fandoms, but my original love remains Qing and Li.
Post a Comment