Chapter 45: Golden Horse

Outside the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, magnesium flashlights flickered like stars.

"Director Xiang! Look over here!"

"Xiao Qian! Over here!"

Xiang Qian, dressed in a dark-patterned suit, stepped onto the red carpet, while Lin Qingxia, holding his arm, wore an elegant and charming champagne-colored gown.

"Nervous?" Lin Qingxia asked in a low voice.

Xiang Qian's lips curled slightly: "Compared to the Golden Horse Awards where I was nominated twelve times and won nine, this time with only nine nominations, the pressure is much less."

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

The two turned around and saw Kara Wai walking over with Hou Hsiao-hsien.

"Sister Yinghong!" Lin Qingxia exclaimed in surprise, "You're here too?"

Kara Wai blinked: "Such a lively occasion, how could I be missing? I heard that tonight, a certain director is going to rewrite the history of the Golden Horse Awards."

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

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

"The Golden Horse Awards ceremony begins now!"

Hosts Harlem Yu and Dee Hsu's humorous opening drew laughter from the entire audience. Dee Hsu suddenly changed the subject:

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

Harlem Yu pretended to be exaggerated: "Amazing? I heard the jury didn't dare to go to the bathroom while watching the film, afraid of missing any single shot!"

The large screen timely cut to a clip from Parasite, and the entire audience responded with understanding applause.

(Winning three awards in a row)

"Best Art Direction..." Presenter Chang Chen opened the envelope, "Parasite!"

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

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

When Xiang Qian went on stage for the third time, he had already learned to joke about himself: "Thank you to the judges, it seems I need to prepare several more acceptance speeches."

Beneath the stage, kind laughter erupted. When Ang Lee handed over the trophy, he whispered: "The script is written very brilliantly."

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

"Best Leading Actor..." Presenter Harlem Yu slowly opened the envelope.

Close-ups of the five nominees alternated on the big screen; when Jackie Chan's image appeared, enthusiastic applause rang out in the venue.

"The winner is... Jackie Chan! Parasite!"

Jackie Chan rushed onto the stage in one leap, emotionally hugging Xiang Qian: "Xiao Qian! I knew working with you would be absolutely right!"

He turned to the microphone and suddenly became serious: "To be honest, making this movie made me re-understand acting. Thank you, Director Xiang Qian, for forcing me to break through myself..."

As he spoke, he suddenly choked up: "After so many years, I have finally proven that I am not just good at fighting."

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

"Best Director Award..." Presenter Wong Kar-wai, wearing his signature sunglasses, made his entrance.

He leisurely opened the envelope, his lips curling slightly: "Xiang Qian, Parasite!"

The entire audience applauded thunderously. Xiang Qian took a deep breath and walked onto the stage; Wong Kar-wai, unusually, took the initiative to embrace him:

"Your visual language reminds me of myself when I was young... but much better than I was back then."

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

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

"Best Feature Film..."

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

The entire crew cheered and surged onto the stage. Jackie Chan directly hoisted Xiang Qian onto his shoulders, and six Golden Horse trophies shone brilliantly under the spotlights.

"Thank you, Taipei, thank you to all the audience." Xiang Qian's voice was somewhat choked, "Movies allow us to gather across the strait; this is the most precious award."

At the celebration banquet, a champagne tower reflected everyone's smiling faces.

Jackie Chan held up the trophy, showing it off everywhere: "See? Best Actor! A genuine Best Actor!"

Zhou Huimin smiled and handed over a tissue: "Brother Long, your tie has a wine stain on it."

Hou Hsiao-hsien walked over holding a wine glass: "Young man, are you interested in coming to Taipei to make movies?"

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

Everyone turned around and saw Run Run Shaw walking over, supported by Fong Yee-wah. The scene instantly grew a bit quieter.

"Sixth Uncle! How did you come?" Xiang Qian exclaimed in surprise.

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

Late at night, with silence all around, Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin stood on the hotel balcony.

The night view of Taipei spread out beneath their feet, with the 101 Building brightly lit.

"Six Golden Horse Awards..." Zhou Huimin gently stroked the trophy, "Now the entire Asia is discussing you."

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

"Celebrate? Sleep? Or..."

"Most want to take you to eat through all of Taipei's night markets." He smiled, "I heard the oyster omelet at Shilin Night Market is particularly great."

Zhou Huimin chuckled: "Is the great director's wish that simple?"

"Simple is good." Xiang Qian held her hand, "Just like when we first met."

The night breeze gently brushed by, and the city lights in the distance flickered like a galaxy.

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