Chapter 132: Award Ceremony

Xiang Province, Sha City.

At this time, the weather in Sha City was cold and damp, but despite the poor weather, it could not dampen the fans' enthusiasm.

Outside the Xiang Province Radio and Television Building, fans lined the streets to welcome, holding glow sticks and light boards.

Shouting their idol's name loudly.

The China TV Golden Eagle Award was established in 1983.

It is a television award jointly sponsored by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Television Artists Association, with official approval.

It is known alongside the China TV Flying Apsaras Award and the Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Award as one of China's three major television awards.

The Golden Eagle Award is determined by a combination of expert judging, China TV Artists Association members' votes, and audience voting.

It is a permanent national television art award.

Its predecessor was the "Popular TV Golden Eagle Award."

Starting with the 16th edition in 1998, it was renamed the "China TV Golden Eagle Award."

Starting with the 18th edition in 2000, it was upgraded to the "China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival" and permanently hosted in Sha City, Xiang Province.

Today's event is the fourth China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival and the 21st China TV Golden Eagle Award ceremony.

In fact, all major awards had been announced half a month ago.

Tonight's award show would only reveal live the winners of the "Best Performing Arts Award," one male and one female.

The "Most Popular Award," one male and one female, and the "Audience Favorite TV Actor Award," five male and five female.

Here is an unwritten rule of the Golden Eagle Award:

An actor who does not attend the award ceremony cannot win.

If someone who did not attend wins, the award is passed to the next highest vote-getter.

Therefore, the winners had long been certain.

Basically, anyone who came would definitely win.

Cheng Chen had also received an invitation from the Golden Eagle Award.

Hmm, Best Newcomer for Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre.

Originally, Cheng Chen had no intention of coming to Sha City, but this was his first award in this life.

Moreover, Xiang Province was Yan Danchen's hometown—perhaps this was what "love me, love my dog" meant.

The scene erupted in excitement; tonight was truly a gathering of stars, dazzling with brilliance.

Media crews from all over arrived with their "long guns and short cannons."

The "click-click" of camera shutters and the fans' loud shouts made the entire venue boil over.

A red carpet stretched from the drop-off point to the venue entrance.

Stars in suits and formal gowns stepped onto the red carpet with elegance and charm.

On site, Cheng Chen also saw many long-established stars, such as Li Baotian from Miraculous Doctor Xi Lai Le.

Chen Baoguo from Emperor Wu of Han, Tang Guoqiang from Snow White Red Blood, and others.

These were all veteran actors long renowned in the industry, built up through one role after another.

Unlike in the future, where at any award event, some people would immediately rush to the red carpet.

Hmm, no need to name a certain actress whose works were few but who never stopped clinging to the red carpet.

She's cooled off now…

The moment Cheng Chen appeared, the fans on both sides went wild.

"Boss, boss, you're the hottest, forever our hope."

"Cheng Chen, fly free—we'll follow you forever!"

The fans kept shouting their slogans; after stepping out of the car, Cheng Chen warmly waved to both sides.

Cheng Chen's outfit today was distinctive.

A high-quality, expertly tailored gray suit, oversized and strikingly handsome!

He possessed a unique humility and restraint, standing tall with modest attire.

"Chengzi, didn't I tell you to wear more clothes!"

As Cheng Chen smiled and waved to the fans, enduring the "flashlight" barrage from reporters,

Suddenly, a voice came—overly concerned.

Its tone was as stern as a parent scolding a child to wear thermal pants.

Cheng Chen stumbled, then replied obediently, as if reporting to his fans:

"I'm wearing thermal underwear underneath!"

The female fan who had warned Cheng Chen hadn't expected him to reply.

She froze for a moment, then said:

"Good."

"Hahaha!"

Seeing this, the fans suddenly burst into laughter.

It must be said that this female fan had exhausted herself worrying about her idol's health.

And Cheng Chen's reaction was brilliant—he actually engaged in a remote interaction with this fan.

This dramatic interaction was captured by the media on camera…

Laughter filled the venue, as if dispelling much of the chill from this slightly gloomy night.

The stars walking ahead kept turning back to watch this scene of joy and laughter.

Many also quietly inquired about Cheng Chen's background…

……

The opening ceremony of the Golden Eagle Awards began with Master Tu Honggang passionately singing the theme song "You" from Xiaozhuang Epic.

Nowadays, Master Tu Honggang's voice is incredibly clear and resonant.

In 1996, he released the song Farewell My Concubine and rose to fame rapidly through it.

That same year, he won the gold medal at the China Music TV Competition for that song.

In the following years, he successively released a series of China-style songs: China Kung Fu, Peacocks Fly Southeast, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and Loyalty to the Country.

He launched the "China-style" trend in pop music and was called a pioneer of "Neo-Classicism."

Speaking of it, Master Tu's China-style predates Cheng Chen's by several years.

But Cheng Chen's China-style emphasizes emotional atmosphere, drawing on classical elements.

Master Tu, however, focuses on lyrical craftsmanship, delivering his performances with grandeur and majestic power.

After the song ended, the evening's hosts began to appear one by one.

They were Wang Han, Yang Lele, and Da Bing from Mango TV.

Da Bing is the one whose name means "handle" drawn from water.

Nowadays, these three hosts were nowhere near as famous as they would become in the future.

But if you talk about longevity and sustained popularity, only Old Fermented Cabbage Wang Han stood out.

Later, he and He Jiong nearly carried the entire Mango TV.

Still, Cheng Chen had an average impression of this man.

This host started with emotional talk shows, then moved to stand-up comedy and music programs, steadily refining his style and gaining increasing exposure.

After hosting Happy Boys, Happy Girls, and Super Girl, he firmly established himself at Mango TV.

Ultimately, in the role of an elder brother, he led his so-called "brothers" to become permanent hosts of the flagship program Day Day Up.

Some say Wang Han has exceptional emergency rescue skills—whenever jokes or videos about him appear,

Sun Nan's withdrawal from I Am a Singer and Wang Han's lengthy speech to save face are always included.

If Sun Nan had known he'd be dragged out for mockery like this later, he'd never have quit!

Others say Wang Han has high emotional intelligence—but isn't high EQ supposed to be standard for hosts?

Of course, that female host with the giant lollipop doesn't count.

Yet Wang Han's high EQ also carries a condescending, "tailor-made" attitude toward people.

This trait… can be seen in many variety shows.

As for Yang Lele, after partnering with Wang Han to host dating shows, the two became lovers and eventually married.

With her husband's career soaring, her on-screen appearances grew fewer.

Da Bing is a rather humorous host who, early in his career, was introduced by Jiang Kun and became a disciple of the master of Xiang Province, Li Jindou.

So these three hosts: one excels in comedy and humor, one controls the stage with so-called emotional intelligence,

and Yang Lele, this female colleague, handles the emotional segments—they each have clear roles and together carry this star-studded evening.

"The next award is no small matter."

Wang Han, holding his cue card, spoke to the audience below.

"Oh? What's so special? Could it be…"

Da Bing made an exaggerated expression, responding with the cadence of a Xiang Province performer.

"What is it, seriously? Are you two performing Xiang Province in front of everyone?"

"Just tell us what award is coming next!"

Yang Lele laughed along with them.

The three joked and bantered on stage, while Cheng Chen watched below, staring at Wang Han's face.

His mind kept circling: someone imitates my face, someone imitates my expression…

Didn't this Old Fermented Cabbage guy once endorse something that later went wrong?

"The next award is Best Performance Art Male Actor. Who will it be?"

Wang Han looked at his cue card and addressed the audience below.

For awards like this, everyone already roughly knew the outcome beforehand.

Things like Best Work Award, Outstanding Work Award, Best Art Award—

the media had already leaked them. But for a heavyweight award like Best Performance Art Male Actor,

the judging panel kept it tightly sealed—no whispers had leaked out…

The audience below was indeed captivated, all leaning forward intently.

"The Best Performance Art Male Actor is…"

"Brother Han, how about we slip in an ad?"

Da Bing suddenly chimed in with a mischievous tone.

"You're such a pain—I was just preparing my congratulatory speech, and now you say 'let's go to an ad'?"

Yang Lele chimed in in perfect sync.

"Exactly—it's not a TV drama, why an ad? … Fine, let's go to an ad, dear viewers, the best is coming after the break…"

Wang Han suddenly recited the ad script with a straight face.

"That's not fair, Brother Han! Why are you joining in the chaos?!"

Yang Lele said with a wry smile.

The stars below were amused, and Cheng Chen smiled slightly.

If he remembered correctly, this year's Best Performance Art Male Actor award went to…

I announce that the recipient of the Best Performing Arts Award is...

Teacher Li Baotian, star of Miraculous Doctor Xi Lai Le—congratulations!

The venue erupted in thunderous applause; the fifty-something Li Baotian stood up, smiling and greeting the crowd.

He slowly walked toward the stage...

Everyone was unsurprised that he won this award.

His talent was evident to all; his acting had reached the realm of returning to simplicity.

It was also this year that he won the award for his leading role in the television series Miraculous Doctor Xi Lai Le.

The 23rd China TV Flying Apsaras Award for Outstanding Male Actor.

The 21st China TV Golden Eagle Award for Best Performing Arts Male Actor.

Most Popular Actor Award, Audience's Favorite Male Actor Award.

He swept all three of the Golden Eagle Award's most important male actor categories.

Moreover, in 2020 he later received the Lifetime Achievement Television Artist Award at the 30th China TV Golden Eagle Award.

The award ceremony continued, with Audience's Favorite Male Actor Award going to: Wei Zi for DA Division, Chen Baoguo for Emperor Wu of Han.

Gao Ming for Silent Oath, Li Baotian for Miraculous Doctor Xi Lai Le, Tang Guoqiang for Snow White Red Blood.

Audience's Favorite Female Actor Award:

Lv Liping for Big Foot Empress Ma, Mei Ting for Let Love Come Again, Wang Haiyan for Silent Oath, among others.

During this time, Xiao Qige came out to perform a song.

Speaking of which, Xiao Qige has truly been popular these past years.

Never mind anything else—just his 1996 album Heart Too Soft sold 26 million copies.

The title track, Heart Too Soft, was sung everywhere.

It also won the Bronze Award for Top 10 Mandarin Hits from the Gang Sheng Radio Station.

The Gold Award for Mandarin Hits from Gang Sheng New City 104 Radio, and Second Place on Channel V's Top 20 Chinese Chart.

Every album he released afterward sold out.

If you have no sense of what these numbers mean,

let me put it this way: Xiao Qige played Yang Guo in Return of the Condor Heroes.

He played Linghu Chong in The Smiling Proud Wanderer.

How to put it... Xiao Qige had acting ability, but he was heavily criticized.

Especially regarding his appearance and skin tone...

But he was popular!

His level of popularity was no less than Cheng Chen's today.

"Hey, Han Ge, what award is up next?"

Yang Lele asked.

"I know, I know—the next award is a very important one."

Da Bing hurriedly said.

"Oh, which award are you talking about?"

Wang Han smiled at Da Bing.

"Well... I just know."

"What do you know?"

Da Bing awkwardly stepped back:

"I just know which award it is—come on, Han Ge, announce it already."

Cheng Chen watched the stage with a strange expression—if this weren't 2003,

Cheng Chen would have thought the two of them were subtly mocking International Zhang on stage.

Wang Han no longer pressed Da Bing; he picked up his cue card and smiled:

"The next award is a big one. We all know that each generation produces its own talents—and the entertainment industry is no different.

This award is meant to encourage newcomers entering the performing arts industry."

Here it comes—Cheng Chen sat up straight, listening to the stage.

"Best Newcomer Award—the recipient is Cheng Chen from Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre!"

The audience burst into thunderous applause; Cheng Chen tightened his suit, stood up, and bowed slightly to all sides.

Then, under everyone's gaze, he ascended the award stage.

"This newcomer is incredibly impressive—less than two years since his debut, he has set a record still unbroken to this day."

As Cheng Chen stepped onto the stage, Wang Han spoke loudly beside him.

In fact, his cue card was blank—this part was his own improvised addition.

Originally, the Best Newcomer Award was meant to be mentioned briefly.

But just now, Wang Han received a directive through his earpiece from the director to elaborate on Cheng Chen.

This was naturally Mango TV extending goodwill.

After all, they had all witnessed Cheng Chen's performance.

Especially when he appeared with the Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre cast on Happy Camp at the start of the year—the response was exceptional.

He also left a deep impression on Mango TV's deputy director.

Hearing Wang Han's introduction, the stars in the audience immediately fixed their gaze on Cheng Chen.

Some veteran actors unfamiliar with Cheng Chen learned about his background from those beside them.

"Oh, Brother Han, you said this newcomer holds some kind of record that no one has broken to this day?"

Although the script Wang Han was given didn't include this, as a professional host, Yang Lele still smoothly picked up his words.

Wang Han glanced at her, nodded, and said:

"This newcomer isn't just an actor—he's also a singer. His album, released in its first month, directly broke a million! Is that record impressive or what?"

"That's seriously impressive!"

Da Bing caught on at this moment and hurriedly said.

At the same time, Cheng Chen also walked onto the stage.

Looking at those familiar faces below the stage, many of them quite young, he felt a sudden daze...