Chapter 327: Knife Mountain and Fire Sea vs. Ten Thousand Rivers and Mountains

Oh, by the way!

As the red carpet was nearly over, Bai Liang only then remembered something.

Today there's still a gift for our families~

Fortunately, the red carpet segment couldn't do without live interviews.

The host very thoughtfully offered a helping hand, "I heard the two of you are collaborating on another drama next year."

Bai Liang's eyes lit up: "No need to wait until next year—we already collaborated once before, playing a couple."

Host:???

Really?

It's unlikely—Bai Liang and Dilireba collaborated on a TV drama? How could there be zero rumors?

Even《Your Honor》hasn't started filming yet and it's already everywhere—that's the proper way for these two top idols to interact, right~?

"TV drama?"

Bai Liang corrected: "It's a movie, not a TV drama."

"I was just a cameo!" Dilireba quickly corrected Bai Liang's wording—she knew he meant《The Wandering Earth》.

But in that movie, she only contributed a very brief "bed scene."

Bai Liang: Hey~ The atmosphere's perfect, let's just promote it casually.

Dilireba clearly wasn't very invested in《The Wandering Earth》—on one hand, she didn't care much about the twenty million she gave Bai Liang.

On the other hand, she had no idea what this movie would bring her~

She just thought it was a cameo.

Of course she hoped《The Wandering Earth》would be a box office hit, since it starred Bai Liang, but she felt nothing for her own part.

Could it possibly be a divine script—first movie a box office smash, second movie she becomes the female lead?

That kind of luck-chasing behavior is usually Gu Li Naza's thing.

Dilireba: I've gotten this far through my own hard work!

Host: Are you two making fun of me?

Still, the host could only smile at Bai Liang using the Golden Eagle Awards to promote his movie.

Let him do as he pleases~

As long as this guy doesn't flip the whole table today, let him do whatever he wants.

Because after these two entered and vanished from view, the venue's sudden, limp exhaustion—like a middle-aged man who'd just finished his duty—spoke volumes.

The next several celebrities entering were all affected by it.

Enthusiasm, once explosively ignited, inevitably enters a sage phase.

After all, those who can reignite passion so quickly are few and far between—there aren't that many gifted souls.

It was barely the start, yet it almost felt like the show was ending in desolation.

The contrast was even more obvious.

"Big White~ I heard you've been targeted lately?"

As they walked toward their seats, Dilireba seemed to remember something and mentioned it softly.

Bai Liang scratched his head: "I'm not really sure—I think it's fine."

"I heard that if no one talks to you, I'll stay with you the whole time," Dilireba said firmly, her face tense, as if making a vow.

This made Bai Liang feel a little moved—girls, these creatures, when they get sentimental, really are something else.

He could guess what Dilireba's little mind was imagining.

She was picturing some "the whole world abandoned him, only I remain" scenario.

She'd already moved herself to tears~

Still, Bai Liang wasn't entirely sure if that was really the case.

According to Sister Yanzi and Unlike Ni Ni's "intelligence," combined with Wu Jing's precedent, it seemed he really did have a somewhat "unpopular" reputation in the entertainment circle now.

He suddenly remembered asking Guo Fan this question:

"After you finish this movie and reappear before everyone, won't you feel out of place in today's film industry? They'll probably see you as a wolf."

Guo Fan, the idealist, had replied: Those lost in self-indulgent circles can't possibly understand the silhouette of someone chasing ideals with passion toward the future.

As for Bai Liang,

He glanced at the award ceremony venue, standing there, utterly still.

He didn't need to embrace the world—the world would embrace him.

"Brother Liang!"

"Big White~ Long time no see."

"You must be Bai Liang—heard so much about you."

"Pleasure to meet you."

"I'm—"

"Big Immortal~ Hehe, can I call you that?"

"."

Dilireba's dream of "his world has only me" had barely begun when reality slapped her hard across the face.

This slap was too heavy for a twenty-something beauty like her.

For a moment, she was dazed.

Walking to their seats felt like a journey to the Western Heavens.

It even felt like everyone—known or unknown—had to greet her.

If it were just the female actors being overly enthusiastic, that'd be fine—after all, Reba knows Bai Liang really does have great luck with women. Damn it!

But to be honest, the female actors' presence this time isn't all that strong.

After all, this is the Golden Eagle Awards ceremony, not Weibo Night, and there aren't many young actors here.

Most of the female artists present are over thirty; a quick glance revealed only a few younger ones.

And those who showed particular enthusiasm toward Bai Liang were mostly directors and producers.

Huh? Where's the boycott and targeting I was promised?

Then what's actually true?!

Reba glanced at Guan Xiaotong, who was sitting right beside her with wide eyes, and borrowed her line.

It was because she was the first to jump out and greet Bai Liang that the two of them are now "struggling to move forward."

She's the absolute "mastermind."

She looked at Guan Xiaotong, who was also watching Reba, her mind racing with gossip.

Another one! And another one! And another one!

She's loving every bite of Bai Liang's gossip—one after another.

And this one is more heavyweight than all those from the China Captain crew combined.

Guan Xiaotong naturally knew Reba well—after all, she'd once been her boyfriend's "rumored girlfriend."

Back then, the two of them paired up on Keep Running, forming the "Lu Di Couple," and even had a decent fanbase.

After Lu Han and Han Xue's official announcement, these were the very people who cursed Guan Xiaotong the most.

Quite the cowards!

Even before Lu Han and Han Xue's announcement, Bai Liang had appeared on Keep Running and completely dismantled that "Lu Di Couple" pairing on the spot.

Those CP fans dared not confront Bai Liang—only dared to curse Guan Xiaotong.

After all, Bai Liang is truly a top-tier idol. No one could possibly challenge him.

At this moment, Guan Xiaotong, watching Reba, was astonished to realize this female top-tier idol looked like... a meek little wife.

She first thought she'd misread it, and rubbed her eyes.

No mistake.

Whenever someone greeted Bai Liang, Reba would politely nod, or press a hand to her chest and bow slightly, then step back just a little behind his side.

Her posture was too refined!

Anyone watching would instantly understand—it was the textbook case of "husband leads, wife follows," so typical it felt fake.

She's a female top-tier idol! This year's Golden Eagle Goddess—yet here she is, voluntarily lowering herself beside Bai Liang, acting like a mere accessory.

Honestly, who could even tell which of her or Gu Li Na Zha is the real love-struck one?

Hmm. No! Guan Xiaotong's eyes darted around—she sensed this woman's level was higher.

She's not love-struck—she's declaring ownership.

Just by standing there like this, even any older woman wanting to chat longer with Bai Liang would think twice.

Reba didn't know that beside her, a battlefield reporter had spun out so many thoughts.

She was acting purely on instinct—she just felt more comfortable standing there.

Hmm. Stepping back half a step gave her the feeling that Bai Liang was shielding her from wind and rain.

How delightful.

After finally pushing through "countless hardships" and sitting down, the people around them began chatting again.

Only when they finally settled down did Reba unconsciously exhale.

Finally over.

At this point, she leaned close to Bai Liang's ear and whispered: "You're awfully popular."

!

After saying it, she herself froze—she'd just recalled what she'd said upon entering.

Contradictory, huh~

But Bai Liang just looked utterly unsurprised: "I've always been liked since I was a kid."

Reba rolled her eyes. "That's not the same! I was the most popular kid in my kindergarten too—they all said I was the cutest."

"Did you ever get a little red flower?"

"Of course I did—every kid got one, right?"

"No—I mean, all the opposite-sex kids in your class gave you their little red flowers."

Reba:.

This sounds suspiciously like bragging.

You're exaggerating even from kindergarten?

Now, back to the present, Reba was a bit confused—what exactly was Bai Liang's situation?

The so-called targeting and hostility? She saw absolutely none of it.

Instead, she herself—along the way, some people had smiled at her with cold eyes; most probably only nodded to her out of respect for Bai Liang.

Otherwise, they'd have just ignored her outright.

Our female top-tier idol felt a faint pang of defeat.

After the Golden Eagle Awards officially began, Bai Liang remembered something: "How many awards are you taking home today?"

Reba was puzzled. "It hasn't been announced yet—how would I know?"

"Didn't your company try to get you a Best Actress award?"

Bai Liang's casual remark made Reba feel exposed, embarrassed—yet confused. "Who told you that?"

"I'm guessing."

"My company isn't actually that impressive either, it's just that the Golden Eagle Awards side gave some signals. But I didn't really dare to, because if one's virtue doesn't match one's position, disaster will surely follow."

Hearing Reba's serious tone, Bai Liang was somewhat surprised. "You actually have such life insights?"

"I've been to school," Reba said with a dark expression.

"That's not the same thing. In the face of certain temptations, no amount of schooling helps. People are just like that."

Hit the nail on the head again.

In the end, Reba still didn't have the nerve to say what she was really thinking.

She couldn't exactly say: she's worried the fallout would be too bad, and that it would drag down the drama she's supposed to collaborate with Bai Liang on next year~

Faced with the temptation of a Golden Eagle TV Queen, she really couldn't hold out on her own — she'd gotten swept up in the moment back then.

But with Bai Liang added in, her resistance was immediately enough.

That was too mushy to say out loud, so naturally she was too embarrassed to express it and chose to keep it in her heart.

However~

She thought for a moment, then said: "If nothing unexpected happens, I can take the TV Queen."

"Didn't you just say something about virtue not matching the position bringing disaster?" Bai Liang said, speechless.

"Right, but I do match it."

Bai Liang:.

For a moment, he couldn't tell whether Reba had been body-snatched by Da Baobei.

So confident~

He shrugged helplessly. "Then you might be in trouble~ Netizens these days curse really viciously."

"I have you!" Reba said quickly, staring fixedly at Bai Liang, and added at top speed: "You protect me!"

It wasn't the coy coquettishness of Na Zha, nor was the tone particularly soft and cute, and it wasn't a commanding style either — but it was indeed Reba's own style.

She just said it in what seemed like a very calm manner.

It had the feel of a pebble tossed into a still lake, sending ripples spreading outward.

Bai Liang paused, then began adjusting his tie and shirt right in front of Reba.

His originally lounging posture shifted to sitting upright.

"What are you doing?"

"What else? Getting ready to go up and grab the TV King in a bit — that's what you said, right? I'll protect you."

"Just because you say so means you can get it?" Reba laughed, baring her teeth slightly.

"I don't know, but normally speaking, since you've chosen this way — through mountains of blades and seas of fire, I'll walk the road with you."

If Bai Liang's tone hadn't been so casual, but a bit more resolute, with a fully serious face, this line would have landed even better.

But Reba still understood him well — the fact that he was already fixing his clothes made it clear Bai Liang wasn't joking.

But she was the one joking!

So she still had the mood to keep joking: "Compared to her 'ten thousand rivers and a thousand mountains, I'm willing to go see them with you'?"

Bai Liang:???

Bringing up Na Zha's "famous quote" at a time like this was a bit of stirring the pot.

Mountains of blades and seas of fire versus ten thousand rivers and a thousand mountains, right?

Looking at Bai Liang's "helpless" gaze, Reba didn't keep pranking him. At the same time, the camera on site panned over, and the two of them couldn't really keep whispering for the moment — it would draw too much attention.

After all, the Golden Eagle Awards are broadcast live. The two of them can be a little intimate, but not too intimate — that degree has to be handled well.

Fortunately, this is the Golden Eagle, not the Weibo Night.

The cameras on site wouldn't sweep over Reba and Bai Liang every now and then.

The current Golden Eagle Awards want both to embrace traffic and to preserve their own prestige and substance.

Finding a balance point between the two difficulties.

Honestly, that's way too hard.

Because it doesn't even have awards like Best Supporting Actor or Best Supporting Actress. Otherwise, giving those out to the high-traffic contestants to share the cake would, even if controversial, not blow up into too big a storm.

Joke about the TV Queen, and netizens will "joke" about the Golden Eagle Awards.

After all, the Golden Eagle Awards stand alongside the Flying Apsaras and the Magnolia Awards as the awards with the highest prestige in China's television drama field — some jokes can't be made.

After the awards ceremony officially began, Bai Liang kept pondering what Reba should do next.

The label "water queen" sounds way too bad.

Although she does have quite a bit of water to her.

When the TV Queen award was finally about to be presented, Bai Liang had also prepared himself to ignore everything else, applaud for her, and try to steer the rhythm a little, to keep the atmosphere from being too awkward.

But the name the presenter read out was:

"Ding Liuyuan, 'Original Aspiration'"

"Yin Tao, 'Feathers Fly to the Sky'"

"Congratulations!"

Bai Liang:???

Alright, alright — Zhang Wuji's mother really was right.

The more beautiful a woman, the better she is at lying!

(End of chapter)