Chapter 44: Golden Horse Awards Ceremony

Outside the Xiangjiang Cultural Center, flashlights poured down like a torrential rain.

"Qingxia! Look over here!"

"Qianzai! Take a photo with Sister Qingxia!"

Lin Qingxia, in an emerald green velvet gown, elegantly held Xiang Qian's arm as the two calmly faced the reporters' lenses on the red carpet.

"Sister Qingxia is truly stunningly beautiful tonight," Xiang Qian said in a low voice, a proper smile on his lips.

Lin Qingxia chuckled lightly: "Qianzai's mouth is so sweet; no wonder Ah Min always says you have a way with coaxing people."

"That's unfair," Xiang Qian feigned grievance, "I am famously an honest man."

"An honest man?" Lin Qingxia raised an eyebrow, "The honest man who sang 'A Fire in Winter' in public at the TVB Anniversary Gala?"

The two exchanged a smile; this scene was immediately captured by the reporters, destined to headline major entertainment sections tomorrow.

At this moment, Cheng Long caught up from behind: "Hey! Why are you two walking so fast? Wait for me!"

At the award ceremony venue, stars gathered like clouds.

Run Run Shaw and Fong Yee Wah sat in the front row, while Xiang Qiang and Xiang Sheng, the two brothers, sat low-key in the middle rows.

"Sixth Uncle," Fong Yee Wah said in a low voice, "'Parasite' was nominated for twelve awards this time!"

Run Run Shaw nodded slightly: "Qianzai this time is afraid he is about to create history."

On stage, hosts Dodo Cheng and Eric Tsang were warming up the crowd.

"Zhiwei, who do you say will be the biggest winner tonight?"

"Does that need asking? Of course, it's that movie that kept all of Xiangjiang awake!"

The entire hall erupted in knowing laughter.

"Best Cinematography Award... 'Parasite'!"

"Best Editing Award... 'Parasite'!"

"Best Art Direction Award... 'Parasite'!"

As award after award was announced, the 'Parasite' team continuously went up on stage to accept them.

On the fifth time going up, Xiang Qian was already somewhat embarrassed: "Thank you to the judges; this award should be shared among all the crew members..."

Down below, Xiang Qiang and Xiang Sheng exchanged a glance, a hint of imperceptible smile flashing across their faces, but they quickly returned to calm.

Cheng Long leaned close to Xiang Qian's ear: "Hey, did you see the expression on the Xiang brothers' faces?"

Xiang Qian remained impassive: "I saw it; strangely inexplicable."

"Next is the Best Actor Award..."

Clips of the five nominees flashed across the big screen; when Cheng Long's footage appeared, the entire hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

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

When Brother Long went on stage, he specifically embraced Xiang Qian: "Thank you, Director, for giving me this opportunity to play such a... special role."

He raised the trophy, then suddenly shifted his tone: "But to be honest, after finishing this movie, I had nightmares for a whole month!"

The entire hall laughed loudly; the camera captured Xiang Qian's expression of helplessly shaking his head.

"Best Director Award..."

Award presenter Eric Tsang tore open the envelope, revealing a surprised expression: "Xiang Qian! 'Parasite'!"

Xiang Qian took a deep breath and walked onto the stage.

"Thank you to the judges, thank you to all the crew members for their efforts." His voice was somewhat choked, "The success of this movie is everyone's achievement."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience: "I must especially thank one person; without her support, I might have given up long ago."

The camera immediately cut to Zhou Huimin in the audience; her eyes were slightly red as she nodded gently.

"Best Picture Award..."

Award presenter Run Run Shaw slowly tore open the envelope: "'Parasite'!"

This was the ninth award of the night, creating history for the Golden Horse Awards.

The entire 'Parasite' team surged onto the stage, and Xiang Qian was pushed to the middle by everyone.

"Thank you to all the audience," he raised the trophy, "Cinema is the art of dream-making, and you made this dream become real."

At the celebration banquet, a champagne tower shimmered under the lights.

Xiang Qiang and Xiang Sheng approached with wine glasses: "Qianzai, congratulations."

Xiang Qian raised his glass in acknowledgment: "Thank you both for coming."

Xiang Qiang lowered his voice: "Nine major awards; this is the first time in Xiangjiang's film industry."

After they finished speaking and left, Zhou Huimin quietly approached: "Are you okay?"

Xiang Qian shook his head: "What could be wrong? Tonight, we are the protagonists."

Late at night, in the silence, Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin stood on the hotel rooftop.

"Nine major awards," Zhou Huimin gazed at the distant night view, "Now all of Xiangjiang is discussing you."

Xiang Qian chuckled lightly: "Discussing how I made such a perverted movie?"

"No," Zhou Huimin turned to look at him, "Discussing how you can be so amazing."

The night breeze brushed past, carrying the faint scent of wine.

Xiang Qian suddenly asked: "Do you know who 'that person' I mentioned on stage was?"

Zhou Huimin blinked: "Could it not be me?"

"Guessed correctly." Xiang Qian leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, "A reward for you."

On this night, the starlight was brilliant, and the legend belonging to them had just begun.