Chapter 495: Accidents at the Awards Ceremony: The Final Outcome

At the tail end of November, Taiwan was already feeling quite cool; coupled with a light rain that had just fallen, it added an extra touch of chill.

After walking the red carpet, Jing Tian took the coat handed to her by her Assistant, held Wei Jin's hand, and followed the staff's guidance into the venue.

As everyone knows, seating arrangements at various award ceremonies are always based on status, which is especially common domestically.

However, given Wei Jin's status today, he was absolutely a heavyweight guest, so his assigned seat was quite good—in the middle of the second row, slightly to the left, with Cheng Long and Li Bingbing on his right.

Wei Jin held Jing Tian's hand and walked inside without hesitation, sitting down next to Cheng Long.

"Big Brother, we meet again."

"Director Wei, Tian Tian, what a coincidence. Tonight, Bingbing and I happen to be presenting the Best Actress award; I hope to personally place the trophy in your hands."

Cheng Long looked at the hands of Wei Jin and Jing Tian, which were still held together, and a smile that all men understand appeared on his face.

"Oh? Is it that coincidental? Then I thank you for your kind words, Big Brother."

Wei Jin responded with a smile, then greeted Li Bingbing.

"Sister Bingbing, long time no see. The action scenes in *Resident Evil 5* were excellent."

It was rare for Wei Jin to offer such praise; besides the fact that Li Bingbing's professional ability was indeed excellent, it was more an appreciation for her firm stance and decisive character.

Some time ago, because of a certain island issue, Li Bingbing directly refused the promotional activities for *Resident Evil 5* in Japan and publicly spoke out in foreign media, firmly defending national interests.

Although she was attacked quite severely by the Japanese in the end, it must be said that this was a job well done! "Thank you for the praise, President Wei, and I also wish you success in getting what you want tonight."

"Thank you."

After many years, Wei Jin was attending a Chinese film festival again; he was almost unaccustomed to the opening performance segment.

However, watching Zhou Jielun, who had a new mixed-race girlfriend last year, singing "Secret" on stage with another rumored girlfriend, Gui Lunmei, felt quite novel.

"Brother, on the red carpet just now, Gui Lunmei wore the same outfit as someone else. It's a good thing she changed, otherwise it would have been so awkward."

Tonight's awards ceremony was being live-streamed online. After entering the venue, Jing Tian had been scrolling through her phone. Seeing Gui Lunmei now, she couldn't help but lean over to gossip.

"Hehe, what's so strange about that?"

Wei Jin was not surprised by this; it was all too normal in the industry.

The red carpet Queen Fan Bingbing had encountered this kind of thing quite often. According to media statistics, she and Shu Qi had bumped into each other's outfits nearly a dozen times at various award ceremonies, making them lifelong rivals.

While the two were talking, the guests on stage changed, and Ye Qianwen, Luo Dayou, and others took the stage one by one to perform.

Following the end of the opening program, the uniquely styled Huang Bai and Ceng Baoyi took the stage, and the awards ceremony officially began.

As everyone knows, the flow of all award ceremonies is about the same; at the beginning, they always present the minor awards.

Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Sound Effects... However, after a few awards were presented, Wei Jin raised his wrist to check the time and frowned.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Jing Tian tilted her head, looking a bit confused.

"Tian Tian, don't you think the pace is too fast?"

Usually, the presentation of an award, including the banter between the host and the presenter, as well as the winner's acceptance speech, should be kept between 5 to 8 minutes.

Interspersed with some performances, a three-hour awards ceremony would be filled out.

But the previous presenters clearly hadn't coordinated well; they went up and announced the winners directly, and the winners' speeches were very brief, so much so that in just over ten minutes, five or six awards had already been presented.

You have to know, the Golden Horse Awards only have about 20 awards in total; if they go this fast at the beginning, how will they play it out later? Once reminded, Jing Tian suddenly realized: "It seems so, then what should we do?"

"Don't worry, the organizing committee definitely has a way to save the show; they will make up for it later."

When he said this, Wei Jin turned his head to look at Cheng Long.

As expected, the subsequent presenters and winners would all be instructed to drag out the time a bit more.

Wei Jin guessed correctly; starting from the Best Film Editing award, the host began to intentionally drag out the time.

At this moment, Huang Bai grabbed the editor of the winning film *Hunter Zhang the Detective* and started chatting about technical issues, leaving Ceng Baoyi, who was on the side, dumbfounded—can you even play it like this? This editor was also an honest person and actually accompanied Huang Bai in awkward small talk for six or seven minutes, making everyone in the audience cringe.

In the end, Huang Bai really couldn't keep the conversation going and had no choice but to let the person leave.

For the subsequent music awards, Huang Bai, relying on his background as a Singer, also babbled with the winners for a few minutes, but his good luck ended there.

For the action, art, and styling awards, Huang Bai really had nothing to talk about.

"Brother Bai has gotten what he wished for this time, haha."

Jing Tian remembered Huang Bai's confident look in the red carpet waiting area earlier and couldn't help but let out a silver-bell-like laugh.

The awards continued, and the Best Adapted Screenplay award was given to *Love is Not Blind*.

When Bao Jingjing took the stage, she was still a bit dazed, and her acceptance speech was stumbling.

As expected, Huang Bai pulled her aside to chat for a while about the screenwriting department at Shanhe Media.

"Jingjing, you're going to get a promotion when you go back, right?"

Facing Huang Bai's teasing, Bao Jingjing blurted out: "Impossible, I can't even get a raise."

"Ah? Is President Wei that stingy?" Ceng Baoyi made a funny face.

At this moment, Bao Jingjing seemed to have calmed down and actually retorted:

"Sister Baoyi, Brother Bai knows this best; he's been exploited for seven or eight years, he's a veteran worker."

Huang Bai looked "resentfully" at Wei Jin in the audience and nodded heavily.

"Jingjing is right."

"Hahaha."

While the audience burst into laughter, the camera cut to Wei Jin's handsome face; he could only shrug helplessly and shake his head with a smile.

The awards continued, and it was time for the awards directly related to Wei Jin.

"For the nominees of the Best Adapted Screenplay award, please look at the big screen."

"*The Great Buddha*, *Mystery of the Floating City*, *Hunter Zhang the Detective*, *Bottom-Tier Girl*..."

It was six films again, but the atmosphere at the scene began to heat up; these were all the big favorites of this year's Golden Horse Awards.

The presenter on stage was still dawdling while opening the card, giving plenty of suspense.

Wei Jin also perked up a bit and looked at the big screen; after all, he had two works in the running, so the probability of winning should be quite high.

Ning Hao, sitting in the third row, was completely relaxed; there was nothing for him anyway.

"The winner of the Best Screenplay Award is The Great Buddha, Wei Jin, congratulations!"

Although it wasn't Bottom-Tier Girl, Jing Tian still grabbed Wei Jin's arm excitedly: "Brother, it's you!"

Applause and congratulations also rang out continuously from the side, "President Wei, congratulations."

Wei Jin smiled and responded to each one, then straightened his clothes and walked toward the stage.

"Old Wei, say a few more words," Huang Bai reminded him in a low voice.

"Heh heh, the time to test your skills has come, you're on your own, haha."

Wei Jin smiled as he took the trophy and began his acceptance speech:

"This is the second time I have received the Golden Horse screenwriting award. I thank the organizing committee and the Pingshutuan for their recognition."

After the usual routine thanks, a playful smirk appeared on the corner of Wei Jin's mouth.

"The host just asked me to say a few more words, but I think, since I'm such a stingy person, I'd better say a few less, hahahaha."

"Hahahaha."

Huang Bai, Ceng Baoyi: "0.0"

As time passed, the awards ceremony tonight reached its second half.

Although Huang Bai and Ceng Baoyi had exhausted all their efforts to stall for time, Wei Jin still felt the proceedings were a bit too fast.

At this moment, he noticed that Xu Yajun was a bit nervous because the names of the films nominated for Best Supporting Actor were already displayed on the big screen.

"The winner of the Golden Horse Best Supporting Actor is..."

The presenter's suspense-building act made Xu Yajun, this iron-blooded man from the Central Academy of Drama, sharpen his gaze; Wei Jin was even afraid that "Qi Tongwei" would stand up and shout about winning half a game against heaven.

Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long before Peng Yuyan, the presenter, revealed the suspense.

"Vulgar Comedy, Zheng Zhongji; Bottom-Tier Girl, Xu Yajun; congratulations!"

"Oh!" Jing Tian cried out in surprise.

Wei Jin was also a bit surprised; the Golden Horse actually awarded a double-yolk egg for the supporting actor category? But he quickly realized that even if it was a double-yolk egg, it was still a good result; at least Bottom-Tier Girl had opened its account.

He immediately followed those around him and offered congratulations: "Congratulations, Teacher Xu."

"Heh heh, after so many years, this is the first time I've won an award. Thank you, Director Wei."

Seeing Xu Yajun, who was usually stern, reveal a smile, Wei Jin teased him: "Teacher Xu, words of thanks should be saved for the stage to have meaning, hahahaha."

"Right, Director Wei is right."

After everyone shared a laugh and some banter, Xu Yajun began to button the hem of his suit and walked onto the podium with a tall, upright posture.

"Next, it depends on Teacher Jiang Shan."

"Mm, 'Mom' will definitely be fine, go for it!" Jing Tian tilted her head and cheered Jiang Shan on with full energy.

"Ha, then I'll take my good girl's auspicious words."

Following the end of the speeches by Xu Yajun and Zheng Zhongji, it was time for the Best New Performer award.

The winner was the newcomer actress Qi Xi from Mystery of the Floating City, an actress from Guizhou in Mainland China.

Wang Jinhua, sitting in the audience, couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear.

Immediately after, the works nominated for Best Supporting Actress appeared on the big screen one after another. It's just that sometimes one has to admit that not all beautiful wishes can be fulfilled.

This award was ultimately given to Liang Jing from the Killing crew; she was also the wife of the film's director, Guan Hu.

Jing Tian and Zhang Songwen both felt a bit regretful; after all, having spent so much time together, their bond was quite good, not to mention that Jiang Shan was known for having a good temper.

Jiang Shan herself, however, took it quite lightly and even began to comfort the two of them.

Before they could calm their emotions, the main event of the night, Best Actor, arrived.

Huang Bai and Ceng Baoyi told cold jokes on stage, cueing the nominees one by one: Liu Qingyun, Zhang Jiahui, Zhang Songwen, Xie Feng... Huang Bai had quite good connections in the circle, and those who were cued responded very graciously, successfully stalling for time.

"The winner of the Best Actor award is..."

The six nominees in the audience were all tense now; this was already the core award of the Golden Horse.

"Life Without Principle, Liu Qingyun, congratulations!"

Zhang Songwen forced a reluctant smile on his face and began to clap.

The mood of Jing Tian and the others also began to sink; so far, Bottom-Tier Girl had 7 nominations but only received one Best Supporting Actor award. Of the remaining three major awards, how many could they get? Wei Jin, however, had a better mindset; the less they got earlier, the greater the surprise would be later.

Just as Liu Qingyun was giving his acceptance speech, Cheng Long and Li Bingbing were already waiting by the side of the stage.

Next, the most critical moment had arrived.

With Cheng Long and Li Bingbing taking the stage, the Best Actress was about to be revealed.

The two bore a heavy responsibility and began to act silly on stage.

Cheng Long introduced himself in English one moment, then Cantonese the next, and then switched to Minnan dialect; Wei Jin found it very awkward to watch.

But the influence of international big stars was indeed quite good; the foreigners in the audience were very gracious and clapped loudly.

However, Li Bingbing couldn't take it anymore, "Big Brother, let's hurry up and present the award. The Golden Horse in previous years was hungry, but this year it's freezing; I'm afraid everyone can't wait."

Sounds of good-natured laughter erupted from the audience, expressing their understanding.

Today's awards ceremony venue was semi-open, and there had been a light rain before the start, causing the temperature to drop suddenly.

The actresses were all dressed in light clothing; although Jing Tian had put on a coat, her hands, which were holding Wei Jin's, were still icy cold and she was nervous.

"I originally wanted to sing a song, but since that's the case, let's present the award first. Please look at the big screen."

As the names of the six nominated films flashed by, Cheng Long slowly opened the cue card, then raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm, it's an acquaintance, too bad we haven't worked together."

"Me too, let me think, we've known each other for four or five years, right?"

"About that."

As the two of them dawdled on stage, Yang Mi, sitting in the audience, had already given up hope. She had worked with Cheng Long on an advertisement, so that should count as working together, right? She had already been ruled out.

"The winner of the Best Actress award is..."

Li Bingbing kept them in suspense, handing the card back to Cheng Long, who looked toward Wei Jin in the audience, grinned, and said, "Bottom-Tier Girl, Jing Tian, congratulations!"

Jing Tian felt a "boom" in her head; she stood up involuntarily, her face flushed with a moving glow.

"Brother, is it me?"

"Tian Tian, it's you. Congratulations, Golden Horse Best Actress!"

"Brother, it's me, wuwu."

Jing Tian threw herself into Wei Jin's arms, her voice somewhat choked with emotion.

"Thank you, Brother."

"Tian Tian, go on, enjoy your moment of glory."

To be honest, Wei Jin felt a bit sentimental himself; despite all the work put in, things had finally settled.

Unexpectedly, the young girl stood on her tiptoes and kissed Wei Jin on the lips.

"Wow."

Although it was just a fleeting touch, it still caused a stir in the venue, accompanied by waves of applause.

Several other nominees, including Gui Lunmei and Yang Mi, were also smiling and clapping; after all, the cameras were pointed right at them.

Yet, looking at the man beside Jing Tian, many actresses couldn't even muster a feeling of jealousy.

One could only say that some people were just too lucky! "I met Tian Tian at the premiere of The Martian; she was just a little girl back then, and now she's become a Golden Horse Best Actress."

On stage, Cheng Long and Li Bingbing handed the trophy and certificate to Jing Tian, then said with a smile.

"Tian Tian, congratulations."

"Thank you, Big Brother Cheng, thank you, Sister Bingbing."

Jing Tian stood before the microphone, took a deep breath, and her emotions seemed to finally stabilize.

"I want to thank the organizing committee and the Pingshutuan for their recognition, and I also want to thank Teacher Zhang Songwen for his guidance. I know I'm not very smart; thank you for your tireless teaching, thank you..."

The camera cut to Zhang Songwen; this late-blooming teacher from Beijing Film Academy wore a look of gratification.

"I also want to thank my parents in the film—Teacher Jiang Shan and Teacher Xu Yajun. You also taught me a lot. Of course, there are also all the members of the Bottom-Tier Girl crew, Xiaobai, Li Xian, Teacher Zhou..."

Amidst the warm applause, Jing Tian's eyes gradually moistened.

"Finally, I want to thank Brother... Director Wei Jin, who gave me encouragement. I feel very lucky to have met you, thank you..."

Jing Tian looked in Wei Jin's direction, silently adding the second half of the sentence in her heart: "for everything you've done for me."

"In the future, I will work even harder to become an excellent actor."

"Actually, there are many more people to thank, but my mind is a bit chaotic, and I can't remember what else to say. Sorry, I've talked a bit too much today; it's because Brother Huang Bai asked me to help out just now..."

Wei Jin sat in the audience, resting his forehead on his hand; Jing Tian could be quite daring with her words sometimes.

However, this frank demeanor was actually quite endearingly silly, and it made the guests in the audience give her their applause and cheers!

The awards ceremony continued, with only the last two major awards remaining.

The presenters, Liu Tianwang and Lin Zhilin, walked onto the stage.

Although they had already dragged on for quite some time, they were still in a rush, so Huang Bai was still killing time, teasing his "goddess" Lin Zhilin.

"Zhilin, you've always said your idol is Hua Ge, right?"

"Yes, that's right~~"

Lin Zhilin's sweet, soft voice resonated throughout the venue via the microphone.

"Then here's a chance for you. Close your eyes and imagine, if you were a director, what kind of film would you want to make with Hua Ge?"

"I want to have a sweet romance with him..."

Sister Lin Chi-ling was indeed very open; she closed her eyes right there and entered a fantasy, her voice, tone, and body language all starting to "fantasize" about Liu Tianwang in front of everyone.

Huang Bai immediately leaned in to play along, enjoying a hug of love.

After some banter, the Best Director award began.

Although the answer was already known, the presenter Liu Tianwang still followed the procedure and smilingly opened the envelope.

"Huaxia's youngest Palme d'Or director, Golden Bear Director, Oscar Director, creator of the Chinese film copyright record, holder of the Chinese film box office record..."

Good heavens, this was already an open secret; the entire audience's gaze instantly focused on Wei Jin.

Some were filled with respect, some with envy and emotion, and others were indifferent.

But regardless, this series of magnificent achievements was like a brilliant halo, shrouding that tall, upright figure.

"... the winner of the Best Director award is, Director Wei Jin, congratulations!"

With a faint smile on his face, Wei Jin hugged the equally happy Jing Tian and the rest of the crew before walking straight onto the stage in his sharp suit.

"Director Wei, please take care of me in the future if there's a chance~~~"

Lin Zhilin gave Wei Jin a hug, then said with a sweet voice and eyes shining.

"If there's a chance, definitely."

"Boss, help me out, I was wrong."

Huang Bai feigned a pitiful look and chimed in, drawing a burst of laughter from the audience.

Ignoring this guy's antics, Wei Jin adjusted the microphone.

"Once again, thank you to the organizing committee and all the judges for their recognition, and thank you to the actors for their wonderful performances. I am very happy; this is the first time my film has had both a lead and a supporting actor win awards. It seems I need to dig more into my potential for grooming talent in the future, hahaha."

As soon as these words were spoken, applause erupted from the audience. Who wouldn't want to be groomed by Wei Jin? It's just a pity that such opportunities are rare.

"Therefore, when Tian Tian and Teacher Xu won their awards just now, I had already arranged a celebration banquet. After the ceremony ends, I hope everyone will grace us with your presence, thank you!"

Generally speaking, it is rare for any film festival or Academy award to give both Best Film and Best Director to the same work.

Thus, after winning Best Director, Wei Jin knew the final grand prize had nothing to do with him.

But sometimes, luck comes so suddenly; The Great Buddha broke out from the remaining films and took the final grand prize.

Generally speaking, the Best Picture award is presented to the production team or the production company, but since Ning Hao was both the producer and the director, he was well-deserving of taking the stage to accept the award.

On stage, Ning Hao accepted a hug of Amour from Lin Chi-ling and smiled like a child; Wei Jin decisively took out his phone to record it.

With this, the current Golden Horse Awards came to a close.

Shanhe Media's three films received a total of 14 nominations and took home 6 trophies; they won three out of the four most core major awards, becoming the undisputed biggest winner of this year's Golden Horse Awards.

(End of this chapter)