Chapter 150: Chang

The Immortal Sword production team.

"Happy New Year, Director Li."

"Happy New Year."

"Teacher Jinjiang, Happy New Year!"

"Teacher Cheng, Happy New Year."

After arriving at the set and exchanging brief greetings with everyone, Cheng Chen began working.

The set had already been prepared by crew members who arrived early, and all lead actors were present.

After the New Year, everyone's faces looked cheerful and full of energy.

On the first day of shooting after the holiday, Director Li Guoli was not overly strict, since everyone was still a bit restless.

Even the most disciplined production team and actors are bound to make mistakes.

So today, they mainly filmed simple dialogue scenes to help actors and crew acclimate to the atmosphere.

Cheng Chen had little screen time today; after filming, he chatted with Liu Tianxian.

When Liu Tianxian questioned why he hadn't replied to her New Year's Eve text, Cheng Chen laughed it off.

With a few words, he easily cheered up the little girl.

The girl pursed her lips in a faint smile, dimples appearing on her cheeks—pure and adorable.

It was easy to foresee how devastatingly beautiful she would become when she grew up.

After chatting with a few girls from the crew, Cheng Chen went over to Xu Jinjiang, the Moon Worshipping Cult Leader.

"A Cheng, I didn't see you at this year's Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang—weren't you invited?"

Xu Jinjiang asked with a smile.

Hearing this, Cheng Chen shrugged and said:

"Teacher Xu, as a Gang Sheng actor, don't you understand the nature of this award?"

"Besides, I was busy rehearsing for the Spring Festival Gala back then—I had no time to go."

The Jing Ge Jin Qu Award Ceremony is also called the Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang Award Ceremony.

Organized by the Gang Sheng Television Broadcasting Corporation, it began on January 28, 1984.

The Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang Award Ceremony includes the Most Popular Male and Female Singer awards.

These are what we commonly call the Gang Sheng music industry's Heavenly Kings and Heavenly Queens.

The terms "Heavenly King" and "Heavenly Queen" we use today originated from here.

Like Tan Xiaozhang, Mei Yanfang, Wang Fei, and our well-known Four Heavenly Kings.

All of them earned their Heavenly King and Heavenly Queen titles through this ceremony.

At the same time, the Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang award is also presented on-site.

The Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang is the closing award, representing the highest honor for a single song.

It is the year's top award, determined by a combination of factors.

The Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang requires not only the song's popularity throughout the year.

But also the song's quality, composition, lyrics, and the singer's vocal skill.

Thus, it better reflects a singer's true ability and vocal artistry.

In truth, that's the official line—but the real dynamics here… let's just say regional protectionism is extremely strong.

Put bluntly, it's suspected of monopolization, riddled with backroom deals.

In fact, during the era when Tan Xiaozhang and "Brother" competed fiercely,

Jing Ge once experienced the glorious moment when the whole nation gathered to watch on TV.

Later, after the Four Heavenly Kings, Wang Fei, Zheng Xiuwen, and Chen Huilin gradually withdrew from the ceremony,

Jing Ge, having fallen out with the "Four Major Record Companies," went into decline and became increasingly like a station anniversary award show.

As for the current Jing Ge Award, it's still going fairly well.

This year, Hua Zai, after a five-year gap since 1999, reclaimed the "Most Popular Male Singer" award and once again became Liu Heavenly King.

Adding three other awards, he became the biggest winner of the night.

Rong Zuer won the "Most Popular Female Singer" Heavenly Queen award for the second consecutive year.

Of course, it still has strong exclusivity—after all, it's a Gang Sheng TVB event, so naturally they'd pick Gang Sheng singers.

The only one to break this iron rule so far is Zhou Dong.

He won the "Best Mandarin Gold Award" for two consecutive years, in 2001 and 2002.

Well, Taiwan and Gang Sheng are essentially one family!

Throwing them a bone like this also helps silence outside criticism.

Look, we're not completely monopolizing—look, we've let a Tai Sheng singer win the Gold Award for two straight years.

As for the actual value of this Gold Award… let's just say it's average.

Besides, when Zhou Dong was at his peak, did you ever give him a Heavenly King award?

So naturally, Cheng Chen, with even less connection, had no chance at the Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang.

But he wasn't disappointed—he'd already received word that he'd be invited to the Jin Qu Award in May.

Although the Jin Qu Award is much the same as the Jing Ge Jin Qu Jin Jiang, it's relatively fairer.

Since they invited him, he won't be leaving empty-handed…

…

After the New Year, the production team's pace quickened, and Yan Danchen, who had been filming in The Immortal Sword all along,

Finally entered her guest appearance period.

The production of "Treasure Lantern" has also started shooting at Hengdian.

Since the "Xianjian" crew is also filming at Hengdian, Yan Danchen isn't particularly rushed or tired.

Cheng Chen frequently visits the "Treasure Lantern" set, and over time, he grew familiar with the people there.

He's often jokingly called an unaffiliated member by the "Treasure Lantern" crew.

Even the director suggested adding a role for Cheng Chen.

Wu Gang, chopping the cassia tree outside Guang Han Gong.

Cheng Chen of course waved off the idea, claiming he was merely good friends with Yan Danchen.

Here, Cheng Chen also met Shu Chang, who was at the peak of her fame.

This girl has truly been hot these past few years.

Last year, she gained attention for portraying Dong E Fei in the Qing palace drama "Xiaozhuang Epic."

After this year's "Treasure Lantern" aired, her fame rose another level.

She also has another drama, "Jingwei Filling the Sea," scheduled for filming this year.

This girl is like she's on a cheat code—before 2010, nearly every drama she appeared in became a massive hit.

Not to mention the later phenomenon "Magic Mobile Phone."

Her acting is solid, her appearance sweet, and every role she plays—whether in costume or character design—is deeply memorable.

Especially… Tian Shan Tong Lao!!!

"Chengzi, here to find Chang'e again?"

Upon arriving at the set, he saw Yang Jian, Jiao Enjun, dressed in costume, holding a trident.

For some reason, every time Cheng Chen saw him, a phrase would pop into his mind:

"Hello everyone, I'm Jiao Enjun, welcome everyone…"

Needless to say, once that line came out, netizens immediately cried that their god-tier filter had shattered.

It was from here that people learned this actor, who had long lived in Tai Sheng, was originally from Lu Sheng.

Needless to say, this man is a true god—especially in ancient costume, his image is deeply etched in people's minds.

In his early days, with that noodle-haired look in "Little Li Feidao," only he could carry it off effortlessly.

"Bro Jiao, are you going on set soon? I'm just here to take a look, hehe."

Cheng Chen said with a smile.

"Yeah, I'll head over first. We'll chat later—Chang'e has no scenes today, so if you want to ask her out, hurry up!"

Jiao Enjun winked at Cheng Chen, then walked toward the set.

After nodding, Cheng Chen called Yan Danchen and sat in the car waiting for her.

About half an hour passed before Yan Danchen finally arrived.

"Get in, beauty."

Cheng Chen said from inside the car, smiling.

Seeing Cheng Chen, Yan Danchen's face lit up with a smile, and she slid into the front passenger seat.

"Where are we going later?"

Yan Danchen asked with a smile.

"Today's your day—you decide where we go!"

Today was Yan Danchen's birthday; they had already planned to celebrate together.

"Hmm… I want to go to the amusement park!"

Yan Danchen said cheerfully.

"Amusement park…?"

Cheng Chen rubbed his chin, thinking about nearby amusement parks.

To celebrate Yan Danchen's birthday, he had already prepared a detailed plan.

He'd inquired about every fun spot and eatery around Hengdian.

The amusement park was naturally one of the places he'd pre-planned—he'd already learned about her interest during their earlier chats.

"Amusement park? No problem. Hold on tight, beauty!"

Cheng Chen smiled slightly, then started the car.

Since both were public figures, upon arriving at the amusement park, they carefully wrapped themselves up before entering.

Most people, at first glance at Yan Danchen, thought she was an intellectual, elegant, ethereal woman.

Only after deeper acquaintance would one discover her personality was wildly unlike her appearance.

She loved eating—she enjoyed all kinds of snacks and delicacies, especially wandering food streets.

She also had a hobby of cooking, and her skills were excellent—Cheng Chen had already experienced this firsthand.

Besides eating and cooking, she loved playing—unrestrained, carefree fun.

Cheng Chen accompanied her as she tried nearly every ride in the amusement park.

By four in the afternoon, Yan Danchen was tired from playing, and they drove to the Western restaurant Cheng Chen had reserved in advance.

"Sister Chenchen, happy birthday~"

Cheng Chen pulled out the gift he'd prepared—a necklace designed by a renowned international designer.

"Wow, so beautiful!"

Looking at the necklace, Yan Danchen exclaimed.

The necklace was adorned with tiny diamonds that sparkled brilliantly under the lights, shimmering with dazzling elegance.

"Let me put it on you."

Cheng Chen stood up and fastened the necklace around her snow-white neck, the silver chain studded with tiny diamonds.

The sparkle of the diamonds complemented her fair, delicate skin, making her look noble and elegant.

"Pretty, right?"

Yan Danchen's large eyes were filled with hope.

"Beautiful—just like a fairy from heaven. Hehe, this necklace is a global limited edition."

"Yes, there's only one in the entire world; every diamond on it is unique and rare."

"Each cut shape carries a different meaning, just like you—you're one of a kind in the whole world!"

Cheng Chen said slowly.

"Hehe, that's so cheesy~"

Yan Danchen smiled playfully, wearing the blush of a dainty woman.

But Cheng Chen, who knew Yan Danchen's personality well, knew she was already moved.

Right away, he pulled out a box the size of a palm.

"This is also a birthday gift for you—also a global limited edition, only one exists!"

"What is it?"

Yan Danchen took the box curiously and opened it:

"Wow~ This is… this is you!"

Cheng Chen, pleased with Yan Danchen's reaction, said:

"We're always shooting in different corners of the world, rarely seeing each other. From now on, let this replace me and keep you company."

"You can confide in it when you're sad, and share your joys with it too."

It was a small Q-style doll, made to resemble Cheng Chen.

"Here, there's a mechanism!"

Cheng Chen pinched the doll's belly, and immediately it spoke:

"Sister Chen, you're the best! Keep going!"

This was Cheng Chen's pre-recorded voice—touch the doll's belly and his voice would play.

"I'm so moved, Cheng Chen, thank you!"

Yan Danchen clutched the doll tightly, gazing at Cheng Chen with misty eyes.

"You're such a grown-up and still crying? No tears today."

Cheng Chen pinched her nose and gently wiped away the tears at her corners.

Seeing her like this, Cheng Chen felt a flood of emotion.

Even the limited-edition diamond necklace from the famous designer hadn't made her cry.

Yet this cheap doll had brought her to tears.

What a good woman!

After dinner, the two left hand in hand, heading for the hotel.

"I… I'll take a shower first—I'm so tired from today's fun!"

At the hotel, Yan Danchen suddenly became shy.

Yan Danchen's reaction left Cheng Chen baffled!

They were already an old married couple; Cheng Chen had left enough things in her hotel room to fill a whole jar.

She shouldn't be this shy…

While Cheng Chen was puzzled, Yan Danchen had already slipped into the bathroom to shower.

About an hour passed; just as Cheng Chen was getting impatient and about to knock, the bathroom door opened…

"The Point Guard Is Here"

Cheng Chen turned his head to look—and that one glance locked his gaze…

"You… what is this?"

Looking at Yan Danchen before him, Cheng Chen swallowed hard, his gaze burning as he stared at the figure by the bathroom door…

Yan Danchen's hair was pinned up, her dark brows elegant like spring hills, her eyes glossy as autumn waters.

Beneath her refined nose, her peach-blossom lips glistened with moisture; her fair, slender neck bore the diamond necklace, her collarbones delicate as jade.

Her full, upright curves looked graceful, like the celestial Chang'e of the Moon Palace, her stunning beauty radiating a cool, distant aura.

What sent Cheng Chen's blood racing was that she wore the costume of Chang'e from "The Magic Lamp."

Her current look matched the character's appearance in the drama exactly.

Even more alluring, the fact that she had just stepped from the bath added an extra touch of tender temptation.

"Sister Chen, yyds!"

Cheng Chen blurted out.

Though she didn't know what the phrase meant, from his burning gaze, Yan Danchen sensed his passion.

She pouted at once:

"It's all your fault—repeatedly making me bring out the costume."

"Don't think I don't know what's going on in your head. But since you gave me gifts today, I'll let you off easy!"

Cheng Chen pulled her waist close, grinning:

"If I hadn't prepared gifts for you, you wouldn't have worn it for me, right?"

"But the costume was clearly prepared by you in advance—even so…"

"Shut up!"

Yan Danchen shyly buried her head in his chest and gave him a light punch, scolding him.

"Yes, my Chang'e Immortal!"

Cheng Chen hugged her with a grin.

"Mmm."

A soft, languid sigh escaped Yan Danchen's nose as she let Cheng Chen act up…

"This is quite convenient…"

"Shut up…"

"Immortal Sister…"

"Hmph~"

"No… the costume has to be returned!"

…

After a night of wind and rain, Cheng Chen woke in the morning to find the beautiful woman beside him with her hair slightly disheveled.

Her jet-black tresses spilled like a waterfall beside her, her sleeping posture soft and serene.

The room was in complete disarray.

Cheng Chen rose feeling refreshed and casually patted Yan Danchen.

Then he brought breakfast into the room…

…