Chapter 45: Golden Horse

Outside the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, camera flashes sparkled like countless stars.

"Director Xiang! Look over here!"

"Qian! Over here!"

Xiang Qian stepped onto the red carpet in a dark-patterned suit, with Lin Lin Qingxia holding his arm, looking elegant and moving in a champagne-colored gown.

"Nervous?" Lin Lin Qingxia asked softly.

Xiang Qian's lips curved slightly: "Compared to the Golden Film Awards where I had twelve nominations and won nine, this time with only nine nominations, the pressure is much less."

Suddenly, a familiar teasing voice came from behind: "Wow, is our great Golden Film Award director being so humble?"

The two turned around to see Hui Hui Yinghong walking over with Hou Hsiao-hsien.

"Sister Hui Yinghong!" Lin Lin Qingxia said with delight, "You're here too?"

Hui Hui Yinghong blinked: "How could I miss such a lively occasion? I heard that tonight a certain director is about to rewrite the history of the Golden Horse Awards."

Hou Hsiao-hsien smiled and patted Xiang Qian's shoulder: "Young man, I look forward to your performance."

At the awards ceremony venue, celebrities from Taipei's literary and artistic circles had gathered.

"The Golden Horse Awards ceremony begins now!"

The humorous opening by hosts Harlem Yu and Xu Xu Xidi drew laughter from the entire audience. Xu Xu Xidi suddenly changed the subject:

"Brother Harlem, I heard there's a particularly amazing movie tonight?"

Harlem Yu pretended to be exaggerated: "Amazing? That's an understatement! I heard the jury was too afraid to go to the restroom while watching the film, fearing they'd miss a single frame!"

On cue, the large screen cut to a clip from "Parasite," and understanding applause rippled through the hall.

(Winning three awards in a row)

"Best Art Direction..." presenter Zhang Zhen opened the envelope, "Parasite!"

"Best Cinematography..." Shu Qi parted her red lips, "Parasite!"

"Best Original Screenplay..." Ang Lee announced with a smile, "Xiang Qian, Parasite!"

When Xiang Qian took the stage for the third time, he had already learned to mock himself: "Thank you to the judges; it seems I need to prepare a few more acceptance speeches."

Beneath the stage, benevolent laughter erupted. As Ang Lee handed over the trophy, he whispered, "The screenplay was brilliantly written."

"Thank you, Director Lee," Xiang Qian replied sincerely.

"Best Actor..." presenter Harlem Yu slowly opened the envelope.

On the large screen, close-ups of the five nominees alternated; when Cheng Long's image appeared, warm applause filled the venue.

"The winner is... Cheng Long! For Parasite!"

Cheng Long dashed onto the stage in a single stride and excitedly hugged Xiang Qian: "Qian! I knew making a movie with you would never go wrong!"

He turned to the microphone, suddenly becoming serious: "Truthfully, filming this movie made me rediscover acting. Thank you, Director Xiang Qian, for pushing me to break through my limits..."

His voice suddenly choked up: "After so many years, I've finally proven that I'm not just good at fighting."

The camera captured Xiang Qian's gratified smile, while Zhou Zhou Huimin secretly wiped away tears in the audience.

"Best Director..." presenter Wong Kar-wai appeared wearing his signature sunglasses.

He leisurely opened the envelope, a slight smile on his lips: "Xiang Qian, Parasite!"

Thunderous applause shook the hall. Xiang Qian took a deep breath and walked onto the stage; Wong Kar-wai rarely took the initiative to embrace him:

"Your visual language reminds me of my younger self... though you are much better than I was back then."

Xiang Qian accepted the trophy: "Thank you, Director Wang!"

He looked around the hall: "This award belongs to the entire team. When we were shooting on location in Taipei, we encountered typhoons and equipment failures... but everyone persisted."

"Best Feature Film..."

Presenter Director Li Xing opened the envelope amidst applause, suddenly widening his eyes: "Again... Parasite!"

The entire crew cheered and rushed onto the stage. Cheng Long directly hoisted Xiang Qian onto his shoulders, while six Golden Horse trophies gleamed under the spotlights.

"Thank you, Taipei; thank you to all the audience." Xiang Qian's voice choked slightly, "Film allows us to gather across the strait; this is the most precious award of all."

At the victory banquet, a champagne tower reflected the smiling faces of everyone present.

Cheng Long held up his trophy, showing it off everywhere: "See this? Best Actor! A genuine Best Actor!"

Zhou Zhou Huimin smiled and handed him a tissue: "Brother Long, you've got wine stains on your tie."

Hou Hsiao-hsien approached with a wine glass: "Young man, are you interested in coming to Taipei to film?"

Just as Xiang Qian was about to answer, a familiar voice interjected: "Director Hou, poaching talent isn't very nice."

Everyone turned to see Run Run Shaw approaching, supported by Fang Fang Yihua. The scene instantly quieted down somewhat.

"Uncle Six! How did you come?" Xiang Qian asked in surprise.

Run Run Shaw patted his shoulder: "At such an important moment, of course I had to witness it personally."

In the quiet of the deep night, Xiang Qian and Zhou Zhou Huimin stood on the hotel balcony.

The night view of Taipei spread out below them, with the Taipei 101 building brightly lit.

"Six Golden Horse Awards..." Zhou Zhou Huimin gently stroked the trophy, "Now all of Asia is talking about you."

Xiang Qian gazed into the distance: "Do you know what I want to do most right now?"

"Celebrate? Sleep? Or..."

"I most want to take you to eat through every stall in the Taipei night markets," he smiled, "I heard the oyster omelets at Shilin Night Market are especially delicious."

Zhou Zhou Huimin burst out laughing: "A great director's wish is that simple?"

"Simple is best," Xiang Qian said, holding her hand, "Just like when we first met."

The night breeze blew gently, and the city lights in the distance sparkled like a galaxy.

On this night, glory and warmth intertwined, and their story continued to be written.