AAUMOBIP C29

Chapter 29

The live broadcast continued, one famous actor and director after another entering the venue, each swept past by the cameras.

Liu He barely recognized most of them.

Inside the hall there were too many famous stars. Yun Jingqiu didn’t get much screen time. Occasionally, when the camera panned by, it caught him conversing with the person beside him.

Liu He did recognize that person—director of The Second World, who was also nominated that year.

Soon, the award ceremony officially began, and the atmosphere grew heavy.

The camera passed over each of the nominated stars.

Only now did Yun Jingqiu get more screen time, and Liu He drank in the sight of his handsome lover with greedy eyes.

Yun Jingqiu himself didn’t seem nervous at all. He was even… playing on his phone.

Did he even realize the camera was on him?

Liu He’s phone buzzed, a pop-up bar sliding down and blocking part of the livestream.

【Husband: Are you watching me?】

【fon: Mm】

【fon: The camera is right on you】

【fon: On such an occasion, isn’t it improper to play with your phone?】

【Husband: Doesn’t matter】

【Husband: They’re just blah-blahing on stage forever, sitting here listening is actually so boring, a lot of people are on their phones】

【Husband: The food here is bad too, nowhere near what we have back home】

【Husband: I miss you so much】

While the ceremony played on, Yun Jingqiu was exchanging sweet nothings with Liu He, paying no attention at all to the stage.

The award for Best Actor wouldn’t be given until the later half, so sitting there was indeed dull for him.

The camera cut to the hosts.

The male host was a veteran film emperor, who in his younger years had won countless honors; now he was a director. His co-host was a world-famous actress, currently active in international films.

The veteran host spoke in English. Liu He listened for a moment—it was all formulaic platitudes, so he returned to chatting with Yun Jingqiu.

【Husband: Wang-ge accepted a variety show for me, a puzzle-solving one】

【Husband: At least it’s not a dating show—if it were, I would refuse】

【Husband: He said lots of dating shows have sent me invitations, but he blocked them all】

【Husband: They even wanted to invite me to join with Xiao He—every production team wants to be the first to reveal his face】

Liu He smiled and replied: 【You’re not allowed to join any dating shows. Control your mouth, and your lower half.】

【Husband: Don’t worry, both already belong to Xiao He】

【Husband: When will I finally get to kiss you again?】

They hadn’t seen each other in quite a while. The last time was in May when Liu He had gone to City A on break.

But Yun Jingqiu had been filming then, and their time together each day had been pitifully brief.

If Yun Jingqiu actually won the Golden Taro Award now, he would only grow busier. Even if Liu He made the trip, they might barely get to see each other.

He had a very busy boyfriend.

Not meeting often left Liu He regretful, but he was also thrilled at Yun Jingqiu’s success.

【fon: Summer break is coming】

【fon: I’ll be interning at a research institute then】

【fon: The institute covers food and lodging, it’s in the suburbs, but in City A. That way, we’ll find it easier to meet up】

【Husband: Does Xiao He have a driver’s license?】

【fon: Not yet】

【Husband: Take the test this summer. Drive yourself to the institute, it’ll be more convenient】

【Husband: I’ll enroll you. Send me your ID documents, there’s a driving school near your place】

【fon: Okay】

He sent the electronic file of his ID to Yun Jingqiu.

【Husband: Where exactly is the research institute?】

【fon: [location]】

【Husband: Perfect. I happen to have a house right nearby】

【Husband: Later, when Xiao He is working there, having our home in the area will be very convenient】

Liu He: ?

He reread that message repeatedly, confirming Yun Jingqiu really said he had a house nearby. Staring at the casting-screen broadcast, he felt dazed.

The host was introducing highlights from the nominated films, and there appeared Yun Jingqiu’s role as a foolish wandering child.

Pulling himself together, Liu He remembered that at Yun Jingqiu’s level, money wasn’t an issue. Owning several houses was nothing unusual.

After all, Yun often just casually wired him tens of thousands each month for his allowance, and even for something like afternoon tea would send him red packet transfers worth several thousand.

Yun Jingqiu was not short on money—in fact, he was very wealthy.

【Husband: I thought that house was too big. Living there alone felt empty, so after buying it, it’s been unused, just with professional cleaners going in regularly】

【Husband: I’ll have it ready soon, and I’ll take Creamy White there first】

【Husband: I’ll be waiting at home for you~】

Liu He responded simply: 【Alright】

“The nominees for Best Supporting Actor this Golden Taro year include three men. Let’s enjoy their performances together.”

Catching his phone tightly, Liu He listened closely.

His English was very good. He had studied abroad with his advisor, so he was capable of understanding the speeches, though it took some effort.

The broadcast camera swept past the three nominees, catching their expressions and moods, then showed their performance clips.

Liu He could tell the difference.

When the clips were over, the winner went up to accept the trophy and give his speech.

Liu He smiled a little, then bent his head back over his phone to continue chatting with Yun Jingqiu.

【Husband: I know that actor, we once worked together. His acting back then was like being chewed on by a cow, but now it’s improved】

【Husband: Still, his acting has rough edges. He hasn’t fused with his characters yet. He has room to grow】

【Husband: Once I bring a trophy home, I’ll let Xiao He use it as a toy】

【fon: You’d better treasure it properly. A hard-earned trophy—if it knew you’d call it a toy, it would cry.】

【Husband: Don’t worry, it’s safe, it’s safe. All in the vault. No way Xiao He will ever hear it crying】

It was only a joke. In truth, he kept his trophies carefully displayed in a custom showcase, regularly cleaned.

One of his ambitions was to fill the entire display cabinet. More than half was already filled.

【Husband: After the festival, there’s the banquet】

【Husband: I hate those social occasions】

【Husband: Every time, so many people come hunting me with alcohol】

【fon: Can’t you just skip it?】

【Husband: Then they’ll all say I’m arrogant】

【Husband: But if you give me a phone call then, I can use it as an excuse to slip away】

【fon: [OK]】

Leaving on one’s own would be seen as putting on airs, but being called away was a different matter—after all, what if it were urgent?

The awards continued, each prize announced, each with more weight than the last.

The main events were saved for the end.

Best Actress went to an actress from Country C. She wore golden curls and a red gown that made her pale skin glow. Speaking confidently and brightly, she radiated infectious charm.

After Best Actress came Best Actor.

Liu He noticed the livestream lagged suddenly.

He turned on the scrolling comments, realizing full well what must have happened. The sudden surge of traffic was crashing the servers.

Curious, Liu He kept the comments on.

But instead of comments, the lag grew worse—almost as if his app had frozen.

After quite a wait, it smoothed out again, and now bullet comments filled the screen in dense walls, completely blocking the view.

【Waaahhh! It’s definitely Yun-ge】

【Yun-ge Yun-ge Yun-ge】

【He’s the only truly good actor this year!】

……

Glancing at it once, Liu He switched off the comments.

On-screen, the clip of Yun Jingqiu’s performance as the wandering child was playing.

When it ended, the camera lingered on him.

With a gentle smile, Yun Jingqiu calmly watched the image of his past role on the big screen.

Though he never wanted Liu He to see some of his films, one had to admit his state during filming was excellent, achieving a breakthrough in his skills.

He really cherished that role—just not the thought of having Liu He see him so ragged and pitiful. In front of one’s beloved, after all, one wished to keep some pride.

The clips for each nominee finished, and the camera turned back to the hosts.

Liu He’s anticipation spiked.

Even from afar, he could feel the tension of the hall. His heart pounded so hard it felt up in his throat, its beating loud in his ears.

His palms had gone sweaty without him realizing, and he clutched a tissue in one hand, breath carefully controlled as he stared at the screen.

The result would soon be revealed.

Who would take home the Golden Taro Best Actor trophy?

“This year’s Golden Taro Best Actor goes to—” the host deliberately dragged out the words, smiling teasingly.

He always paused here, deliberately keeping the suspense.

Usually Liu He didn’t mind. But right now he wanted nothing more than to rush up and pry the man’s mouth open so he would spit it out at once.

They had to announce it anyway—why the melodramatic gasps?!

“In a world of darkness, he survived to expose another layer of society. In this character he demonstrated tenacity, and the helplessness of being bound by fate.

This was another breakthrough in his acting, showing the world he can seamlessly interpret very different roles.

The Best Actor Award goes to the one who brought us into a different world—Yun Jingqiu.

Let’s congratulate him.”

Applause rang out.

The camera fell on Yun Jingqiu.

Maintaining a courteous smile, Yun Jingqiu shook hands with the director beside him, thanked him softly, then stood, bowed, and mounted the stage.

“Congratulations.”

He accepted the trophy from the veteran film emperor, smiling. “Thank you.”

“Please give your acceptance speech.”

Yun Jingqiu lifted his head, speaking in English: “I am very grateful to everyone who gave me the chance to arrive at this achievement. During filming, the director guided us, and the cast supported one another. I especially thank all the staff who ensured smooth production, my fans who support me without fail, and my agent who has led me to the success I have today.

Lastly, I want to thank my beloved. In my most difficult times, he never left my side, always supporting me.”

When Yun Jingqiu mentioned Liu He, he deliberately used “he.” He made no attempt to hide his lover’s gender.

And when speaking of him, his expression softened, no longer the practiced smile, but one with visible tenderness.

Finally, Yun Jingqiu switched languages to Chinese to say: “I love you.”

Liu He dropped his phone.

Right now, his only thought was: If people knew that the so-called “most difficult time” had only been when Yun Jingqiu was mobbed in a video game, and I just happened to rescue him, what would they think?

Footnotes:

 

1. “Being chewed on by a cow” – A Chinese metaphor implying something is mangled/rough/awkward, used by Yun Jingqiu to describe poor acting.