Chapter 316: The Awards Ceremony, The Return

On the big screen, six films cut back and forth.

Best Editing wasn't a major award, but it was a predictor category, closely tied to the final major awards.

"The winner of Best Editing is, 'Beijing Blues,' congratulations."

Not us!

Applause thundered all around. For a moment Lin Nan felt a bit awkward, then he caught himself and started clapping too.

"The surprise is always saved for last."

Liu Liu Yifei squeezed Lin Nan's hand and shook it, speaking softly with a sweet smile.

"Now you're the one comforting me?"

"You bet."

Liu Liu Yifei scrunched up her little nose, a touch defiant.

Lin Nan couldn't help reaching out and giving her a light tap on the bridge of her nose. Liu Liu Yifei immediately put on a mock-ferocious look.

"You two, mind the occasion, mind the cameras, mind the impression."

Zhu Zhu Yawen, head slightly lowered, one hand covering his face, reminded them in a quiet voice. Quite a few people nearby were laughing and looking over at Lin Nan.

This time both of them felt a bit embarrassed — they'd forgotten where they were!

……

Up on stage they were indeed starting to stall for time. Two sentences of an acceptance speech and Huang Bo was dragging the person back, refusing to let them go.

He was impressive too, dragging the editor into a technical discussion. Watching from the side, Ceng Zeng Baoyi was dumbfounded, giving a thumbs-up again and again.

They chatted awkwardly for six or seven minutes before finally having to let the person come down.

One after another came several minor awards for music, action, art, costume design — Huang Bo was starting to lose his grip, running out of things to say!

As a director, Lin Nan observed carefully and noticed the two people on stage unconsciously licking their lips several times.

That was a normal person's natural reaction to nervousness. The live situation had far exceeded what the script had prepared for!

"The nominees for Best Screenplay, please look at the big screen."

"'Bad Genius,' 'Fucheng,' 'Life Without Principle,' 'Beijing Blues'…"

Another six films. This time the atmosphere in the hall was even more heated — all the heavy favorites were here, the slaughter had begun early.

The presenter dawdled as he opened the envelope.

At this moment, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei and the others also grew serious, their gazes fixed on the stage and the big screen.

"The Best Screenplay goes to, 'Bad Genius,' Lin Nan, congratulations."

The moment they heard the word "genius," Lin Nan and the others let out a long breath — they'd opened their account.

"It's us!" Liu Liu Yifei grabbed Lin Nan's hand and shouted joyfully.

Applause kept coming from the side. "Lin Dao, congratulations."

Luo Jin stepped aside, and Lin Nan rose and walked out.

His tall, straight figure walked up onto the stage. He looked back, and his gaze fell on Liu Liu Yifei, Watching Shu Chang, and the others.

"Lin Dao, you've got to say a few more words."

Huang Bo said it at just the right moment, the smile on his face carrying a hint of bitterness.

"Don't worry, I trust your ability to improvise. If it really comes to it, just sing a song or do a little dance."

Lin Nan muttered softly, loud enough for only the two of them to hear.

"You really did notice — do me a favor…"

Lin Nan smiled and took the trophy.

"Thank you for this screenplay award. I can't recall my acceptance speech all of a sudden. If I get to come back up here later, I'll definitely say it — let me go down and remember first. Ha, thanks again…"

"Hey hey, Liu Yifei's sitting right there, she hasn't wandered off…"

Watching Lin Nan dash off, Huang Bo grabbed the microphone and decisively "got his revenge," and the hall burst into laughter.

A Golden Horse trophy passed from Luo Jin's hands to Zhu Zhu Yawen's, and finally back to Liu Liu Yifei.

Liu Liu Yifei happily set it down on her own seat, right against her thigh.

"Tsk tsk, are all of Lin Dao's trophies with Liu Yifei?"

Jackie Chan turned his head to look and said teasingly.

"That's right, they're all with her."

Liu Liu Yifei nodded in smiling agreement, looking all the more radiant and captivating for a moment.

……

Before they knew it, the ceremony had reached its second half.

Huang Bo and Ceng Zeng Baoyi were really pulling out all the stops — something that could be said in one sentence took at least two to start.

Luo Jin and Watching Shu Chang were the most tense right now, because the Supporting Actor award was next.

"The nominees for Best Supporting Actor are…"

On the big screen, films like 'Bad Genius,' 'Vulgaria,' 'Bai Luyuan' cut back and forth.

Luo Jin swallowed, his legs trembling slightly and unnaturally. Lin Nan didn't offer any words of encouragement — the answer was about to be revealed.

"The winner of Best Supporting Actor is, 'Vulgaria,' Zheng Zhongji."

The moment the words fell on stage, Luo Jin's clenched fist loosened, and a trace of disappointment crossed his smile.

"Old Luo, if not once, then twice — try again next time."

Lin Nan and Zhu Zhu Yawen spoke at the same time, offering comfort. Liu Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang also nodded in agreement.

"I'm not that fragile. Didn't I say this morning: it's just one award, I don't really care that much."

Luo Jin comforted himself, then shot Zhu Zhu Yawen a pointed look with a hint of provocation.

"Hah, I shouldn't have comforted you."

Lin Nan told Liu Liu Yifei and Shu Chang about what happened that morning, and the two girls teased Zhu Zhu Yawen, "From now on, we're cutting ties, alright?"

……

The awards ceremony continued.

Next, the Best New Director award was kept in Taiwan Province. The Best New Actress award went to the newcomer from Lou Ye's "Mystery of Fucheng."

The works nominated for Best Supporting Actress began appearing on the big screen.

Liu Liu Yifei held Shu Chang's hand with her left, cheering her on; the latter put on a smile and said, "Whatever, it's fine."

At that moment, a voice came from the stage: "The winners of the Best Supporting Actress award are: 'Design of Death,' Liang Jing; 'Bad Genius,' Shu Chang. Congratulations."

"Yay!" Liu Liu Yifei shouted excitedly.

"Holy crap!"

Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin were equally shocked.

Only Shu Chang stared blankly with wide eyes, looking at Liu Liu Yifei, then at the big screen on stage, pointing at herself with her index finger, her face full of disbelief.

"Silly, get up there already."

Lin Nan watched Shu Chang like that and reminded her with a smile.

"Get up there quick." Liu Liu Yifei tugged at her best friend.

"Oh oh, I'm going, I'm going."

As expected of best friends, she was a bit ditzy at this moment too.

Shu Chang lifted her skirt, stepped out of her seat, and walked gracefully toward the stage.

"A double win is pretty good too."

Lin Nan said, looking at Liu Liu Yifei; Miss Liu nodded, happy for her best friend.

"How is it just 'pretty good'? I'm practically dying of envy."

Zhu Zhu Yawen's words carried a thick note of sourness. Luo Jin opened his mouth but said nothing, just smiling helplessly.

On stage, Liang Jing had already finished her acceptance speech. That guy Huang Bo began "grilling" Shu Chang.

"Lin Dao ran off fast earlier, but now I've caught someone from the crew—come on, your acceptance speech can't be as short as his."

Quite a few actors and artists in the audience, watching Shu Chang on stage, felt a twinge of envy.

Shu Chang held the trophy in one hand, hugged the certificate, and took the microphone with the other, opening her mouth a little shakily—clearly nervous and excited.

"Thank you Zhu Zhu Yawen, thank you Luo Jin.

Most importantly, thank you Liu Qianqian… the producer, and Lin Nan… the director.

I, I don't know what to say, Bro Bo……"

Shu Chang's emotions welled up, and she suddenly felt like crying; tears had already begun to well in her eyes as she stared at Huang Bo with those big eyes.

"Hey, just for that 'Bro Bo,' I'm on equal footing with Lin Dao now, hehehe."

Another wave of laughter rose from below, and many people had other thoughts in their hearts.

Sure enough, to make it in this circle, you still need connections and a network—just like this little girl.

"How did you turn into a snot-nose?"

Shu Chang returned to her seat, and Lin Nan quipped with a smile.

"I, I just couldn't hold it in suddenly, Liu Qianqian, look at him."

Liu Liu Yifei flipped through the certificate in her hand, shot Lin Nan a look, and said, "Stop teasing her."

It was clear that Miss Liu was also a bit anxious at this moment—the Best Actress award wasn't far off.

Zhu Zhu Yawen was about the same as Liu Liu Yifei; he looked at Shu Chang's trophy, both longing and envious, but Best Actor would only be even harder!

On the contrary, Luo Jin had already adjusted his mindset by now.

After all, this was his first time here. To gain it is fortune; to lose it is fate.

He believed that following Lin Nan, there would be more chances in the future.

It was time for Best Actor.

Liu Liu Yifei was so nervous she gripped Lin Nan's hand even tighter, let alone Zhu Zhu Yawen's state at this moment.

Up on stage, Huang Bo and Ceng Zeng Baoyi had plenty of tricks up their sleeves and started cracking jokes again.

"I think the nominees for Best Actor, their other halves are all beautiful actresses." Ceng Zeng Baoyi opened.

"For example?"

"For example, Liu Qingyun, for example, Zhang Jia-hui……"

Following Ceng Zeng Baoyi's introduction, the big screen's camera cut to the seats of these people in the venue, with Huang Bo nodding along.

When it cut to Zhu Zhu Yawen, Huang Bo added, "Zhu Yawen isn't married, his girlfriend is from the Central Academy of Drama, haha, I know this one."

In the frame, it wasn't just Zhu Zhu Yawen—there was also Shu Chang beside him, Liu Liu Yifei, and half of Lin Nan's body in the shot.

When the camera cut to Nicholas Tse, Huang Bo suddenly said, "He's an exception, probably doesn't fit your criteria."

With those words, the atmosphere in the venue livened up, laughter nonstop—because this one really had divorced, and no girlfriend had been revealed yet.

"You guy, don't go poking where it hurts!"

"Haha, then let's not talk about it, please have the guest present the award." Having stalled for another two or three minutes, Huang Bo finally got down to business.

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

All six nominees were on edge; at this point, they had reached the core awards!

"'Life Without Principle,' Liu Qingyun. Congratulations."

The five of them with Lin Nan deflated at once. Especially Zhu Zhu Yawen, who seemed to have his spirit drained in an instant.

"Old Zhu, don't lose heart, there'll be plenty more chances later."

"Yes, there are still plenty of chances."

……

Zhu Zhu Yawen raised his head and gave a bitter smile. "It's just that my heart suddenly feels a little empty. Also, Lao Luo, I've come to keep you company."

"Haha, you're more than welcome."

Lin Nan gently kneaded Liu Liu Yifei's hand, trying to help her relax.

"Liu Qianqian, you're so tense you're unconsciously flexing your muscles—who are you planning to fight?"

Only after hearing this did Liu Liu Yifei relax a tiny bit, which earned her a tease from Watching Shu Chang. "See, Liu Qianqian's the same way."

On stage, the figures of Jackie Chan and Li Li Bingbing appeared.

"When we were just going up, the organizers told me to find a way to stall for time. Stall how? Improvise? How about I sing a song—'The Great Wall Never Falls'?"

To be fair, Jackie Chan did well; singing 'China Heart' would have worked too.

Li Li Bingbing was even more direct: "In previous years at this time, everyone was hungry—this year, everyone's cold…"

That was a jab at the organizers!

"Big brother, let's just hand out the awards. I believe some friends have already been waiting rather impatiently."

"Who's in more of a hurry?"

Following Jackie Chan's question, the big screen instantly switched between several nominated actresses. When it reached Liu Liu Yifei, Lin Nan and Miss Liu actually appeared in frame together.

"Oh, got it. Then let's hand out the award."

Jackie Chan was the first to open the envelope; Li Li Bingbing leaned in as well, and the two exchanged a smile.

Everyone held their breath, and the actresses were even more nervous. Lin Nan's hand was starting to hurt!

"Mm! It's someone familiar. I've worked with her before."

"So have I."

Jackie Chan and the other were still chatting up on stage, and many below had already begun ruling people out in their minds—a bad premonition was forming.

"Think about it—it's been five years, right?"

"Five years!"

Jackie Chan and Li Li Bingbing played off each other, and at this point everyone had locked onto the target.

Lin Nan could feel Liu Liu Yifei's breathing quicken.

"Congratulations, Liu Yifei."

"Congratulations, Liu Qianqian."

Miss Liu sprang up to sit, her face flushed with color. "Lin Nan, it's me!"

As she spoke, she threw herself excitedly into Lin Nan's arms.

"Really, it's me. Wuuu, it's me…"

"It's you, it's…"

Before Xiong Xiong Dailin could finish speaking, his mouth was sealed by a pair of red lips.

Once Miss Liu got happy, she really used her strength—before anyone could react, very forceful!

For an instant, Lin Nan felt only sweetness.

"Wow…"

Watching Shu Chang, Zhu Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, and many of those around them started heckling and promptly pulled out their phones to take photos.

Applause rang out all around, and the atmosphere reached its climax.

"How about we go back and celebrate?" Up on stage, Jackie Chan began to tease.

Only then did Liu Liu Yifei release Lin Nan, her cheeks flushed, her eyes glistening—very alluring.

"Go on."

"Mm."

"Five years ago, during 'The Forbidden Kingdom,' she was still a little girl. Now she's already a major producer."

On stage, Jackie Chan and Li Li Bingbing respectively handed the trophy and certificate to Liu Liu Yifei, then said with a smile.

"Back then she really was a little sister; now she's Best Actress." Li Li Bingbing added.

"Thank you, big brother. Thank you, Sister Li Bingbing."

The microphone position was handed to Liu Liu Yifei. She took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over Lin Nan, then Watching Shu Chang, Zhu Zhu Yawen, and Luo Jin.

"I want to thank Xiao Zhu, Luo Jin, and Chang Chang—they're my good friends, my good besties…"

"The person I love most has to be saved for last. Lin Dao Nan, I have an award too. From now on you'll have a Best Actress girlfriend—you'd better cherish her, you hear…"

……

As she spoke, Liu Liu Yifei broke into a smile—a very sweet, very beautiful, very warm smile on her glowing face.

At previous film festivals, when Lin Nan won an award on stage and returned to his seat, Liu Liu Yifei would always take the trophy into her own arms. This time was different.

She placed her own trophy into Lin Nan's arms…

……

The final two major awards were next.

Film people from the mainland and Hong Kong Island were very excited, while over on Taiwan Island, they looked as if they'd lost a parent.

Counting this year, the Best Actress for seven consecutive years had not stayed on Taiwan Island.

Especially this year—up to this point, they only had a few minor awards.

Liu Liu Dehua and Lin Zhiling walked onto the stage.

After Huang Bo needled her with a couple of lines, Lin Zhiling began closing her eyes and fantasizing that if she were the director, she could arrange scenes with Liu Liu Dehua however she liked.

Body movements, vocal tone—right there in front of several hundred people in the audience, she began her "fant…asizing."

Huang Bo "disguised" himself as Andy Lau and squeezed in, enjoying a moment...

The prelude ended; the Best Director Award began.

Andy Lau, pretending to know nothing, opened the card: "The youngest Golden Lion director, the first Chinese-language film to hit one billion at the box office..."

Everyone on site instantly looked toward the "Bad Genius" crew, toward Lin Nan.

You can just hand out the award directly, no need to build up, wasting time.

"... The first, second, and third place on the Chinese-language film box office chart are all his."

"The winner of the Best Director Award, Lin Dao Nan, congratulations."

Lin Nan stood up with a smile, kissed the equally delighted Liu Liu Yifei, and after embracing Zhu Zhu Yawen, the three of them, he walked toward the stage.

"Lin Dao, if there's a chance in the future, please take good care of me."

Lin Nan wasn't very used to that voice of Lin Zhiling's, and he nodded in response.

"Lin Dao, this time don't just give us one or two sentences." Huang Bo cut in.

"This isn't my first time winning Best Director, but today is different, because there are also two acting awards—I'm truly very happy. Thank you to the jury.

Just now when Liu Yifei was accepting her award, I already had someone prepare a celebration banquet. After the ceremony ends in a bit, if everyone is free, please come by and show your support, thank you."

Lin Nan returned to his seat amid a wave of applause.

The director's trophy and certificate he had just received, still warm, along with the trophy Liu Liu Yifei had just handed to Lin Nan, were all taken back by Miss Liu.

The role of housekeeper was grasped very well.

The Best Director and Best Picture awards are rarely both given to the same film.

Sure enough, Best Picture went to "Beijing Blues."

At this Golden Horse Awards, mainland films won big!

……

After 11 p. m. that night, inside the hotel, the "Bad Genius" crew was still holding a grand celebration banquet.

Guests represented by Jackie Chan, Li Li Bingbing, Andy Lau, Ang Lee, and others numbered over a hundred, plus a large number of media reporters.

What Lin Nan said on the red carpet—half of the nominations, four trophies—really came true.

Eight nominations, four wins—exactly half!

…………

When he arrived, Lin Nan had planned to return to the mainland that very night after the ceremony.

But now that a celebration banquet had been arranged on the spot, he'd have to leave the next day.

In the dead of night, when all was quiet.

Portal websites on the mainland and in Hong Kong had already begun posting brief reports from the Golden Horse.

……

When the sky was just beginning to brighten.

The awards situation from last night's Golden Horse had completely taken over the headlines of the entertainment news pages, and the coverage was still being updated!

The mainland film industry was thrilled, because at this Golden Horse, mainland films had won a sweeping victory.

"At yesterday's Golden Horse Awards, mainland films swept over half the awards; 'Bad Genius' became the biggest winner, eight nominations and four wins!"

"Lin Dao Nan wins Best Director at a Chinese-language film festival for the first time."

"Liu Liu Yifei, with 'Bad Genius,' takes Best Actress, her smile pure and sweet."

"Watching Shu Chang and Liang Jing share Best Supporting Actress; on site, she thanked the crew members and was moved to tears."

……

"Some Taiwan media angrily rebuke jury president Andy Lau for unfairly favoring mainland and Hong Kong films."

"Shocking! The second and third place on the box office chart are both starring Andy Lau..."

"Last night, 'Bad Genius' held a celebration banquet in Taiwan; the crew is expected to return to Beijing today..."

……

Hotel.

Lin Nan and the others had just finished breakfast when they saw Ang Lee hurrying over.

"Lin Dao, are you heading out?"

"Yes, Li Dao, we have to go back—the company's film is about to be released."

Speaking of films, Lin Nan thought of Ang Lee's "Life of Pi," which had already gone wild in the mainland market—breaking 300 million in just over a week.

Presumably Feng Feng Xiaogang's "Back to 1942" and Lu Chuan's "The Last Supper" should both be feeling some apprehension.

"I've come to see everyone off. And while I'm at it, I'd like to mention once more to Lin Dao that, if Lin Dao has time next year, I'd hope at the very least you could come back as an awards presenter."

Ang Lee spoke at a measured pace, his smile very sincere.

Lin Nan thought of the four awards he had just received yesterday, nodded, and said, "If I'm free, I will."

"Good, then I look forward to seeing Lin Dao again next year; the Golden Horse will sweep the couch clean to welcome you."

"You're too kind."

……

Before long, everyone had packed up.

Several large suitcases were loaded into the trunk one by one.

"Goodbye, Li Dao."

"See you."

Six sedans headed straight for the airport.

Liu Liu Yifei, wearing sunglasses, chatted animatedly with Watching Shu Chang.

Of the four actors on this trip, only the two of them got the trophies they'd been longing for.

……

At nine o'clock sharp, everyone boarded the plane on time.

Lin Nan and four others went into first class; the remaining dozen-plus assistants and staff went into business class.

Today's weather was just like Liu Liu Yifei's mood—outside the window, blue sky and white clouds, a view too beautiful to take in.

"Hey! I didn't notice it just now in the car."

"What's up?"

Liu Liu Yifei looked at Shu Chang in confusion—always so jumpy, not ladylike at all.

The latter leaned close to Liu Liu Yifei's face and reached out to pinch Miss Liu's cheek.

"Liu Qianqian, you look so good today, even more beautiful. That skin, those cheeks—they look so soft you could squeeze water right out of them!"

"Oh, stop it, take your hand away."

Liu Liu Yifei, like a bristling cat, quickly swatted Shu Chang's hand away and said timidly, her voice getting lower and lower. She even turned her head to the other side, avoiding Shu Chang's gaze, pretending to rest.

"So stingy, won't even let me touch." Shu Chang muttered.

"Changchang, keep your voice down. Lin Nan is sleeping soundly—don't wake him up."

Zhu Zhu Yawen snickered and said a word.

Luo Jin looked at Zhu Zhu Yawen, shaking his head speechlessly—thankfully only the five of them were here.

"Right, what's up with him? The moment he got on the plane he went to sleep, no energy at all—did he catch a cold?"

"Maybe."

"Keep it down, all of you."

At this moment, Liu Liu Yifei was heard to sharply scold, then she pulled the blanket on Lin Nan up a bit higher.

The others immediately didn't dare speak.

……

The crew was still up in the air, but the entire Mainland entertainment industry had already learned yesterday's Golden Horse news.

Beijing Film Academy reacted lightning-fast—by early morning, a new banner had already been hung at the school gate.

"Congratulations to our outstanding alumni—Director Department Lin Nan, Chen Yanxi Liu Liu Yifei—on their great Golden Horse victory, winning Best Director, Best Actress, and several other major awards."

The pinned post on the official website was also updated:

"Congratulations to the 'Bad Genius' crew—eight nominations, four wins at the Golden Horse.

Director Department master's student Lin Nan won Best Director; Chen Yanxi undergraduate Liu Liu Yifei took Best Actress; Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin delivered outstanding performances."

……

The internet was also in an uproar.

"Awesome! Seven years without attending any Chinese-language film festival, and the moment he comes back it's four major awards!"

"Lin Dao couldn't get it at the Golden Rooster, but he got it at the Golden Horse—and he was invited!"

"What must the Golden Rooster Hundred Flowers be thinking? Will they invite Lin Dao in the future?"

"It's not about whether they invite him—it's about whether he goes!"

"Liu Liu Yifei is amazing—she's directly ascended, from now on she's completely in a different league from actresses her age."

"Lin Dao may not care whether he has awards himself, but he definitely cares whether Liu Liu Yifei can get one!"

"Shu Chang worked really hard too…"

"What a pity for Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin…"

……

Large numbers of industry actors, artists, directors, and producers sent their congratulations one after another, and the comments sections under their Weibo posts were flooded with messages and well-wishes.

Of course, there were also words of comfort and encouragement for Zhu Zhu Yawen and Luo Jin.

If Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei's phones weren't switched off, by now a flood of calls and messages would have come pouring in.

"Just like that—Best Actress?"

Every post-'85, even post-'80, actress had this same exclamation at this moment—except Fan Li Bingbing. But she too envied Liu Liu Yifei for having a great director by her side.

"She's truly flawless now. Her only shortcoming has been filled this time. Her commercial film pay should be firmly locked in starting at twenty million—the pinnacle for a female star."

Ceng Jia and Yang Mi, watching the news on set, sighed.

"I really envy Shu Chang." Yang Mi said.

In many people's eyes, Zhu Zhu Yawen, Shu Chang, and Luo Jin were not people from Lin Nan Pictures or Mountain Sea Media.

But they could all get top-tier film resources from Lin Nan's side, making many people envious to the extreme.

"Right, without making any noise, just by sticking with Liu Liu Yifei and Lin Dao, she got Best Supporting Actress…"

Ceng Jia understood Yang Mi's feelings. In the past, when she had no contact with Shu Chang, there was nothing to say.

But looking at it now, Shu Chang had been rock-solid from way back—steadily A-list—and now she even has an award.

"They're all just clinging to big thighs…"

……

Lin Nan was groggily woken up—the plane was about to land at the Capital Airport.

"Lin Dao, we're here—sleep when we get back." Zhu Zhu Yawen teased.

"Shut up."

The moment this guy opened his mouth, Lin Nan knew he was about to spout nonsense.

"Sigh, you…"

"Get ready—I'm guessing we'll be swarmed in a bit." Lin Nan reminded.

Fortunately, with over a dozen assistants and staff this time, they should be able to carve out a path.

Zhang Yang was a bit flashy, but if he got blocked at the airport by media and onlookers, disrupting traffic, that would really be a bad look.

Just as Lin Nan had expected, when the group came out of the airport, they were surrounded by many travelers; at this point they could still stop and sign autographs, take photos.

When they were almost at the exit, the scene outside had already come into view.

The number of media reporters was several dozen!

The few of them braced themselves and walked out, with the staff pushing ahead in front.

"Congratulations, Lin Dao, four awards at the Golden Horse…"

"Lin Dao, can Liu Yifei give us an interview? How do you feel about this Golden Horse trip, which was quite a haul?"

"Didn't win an award — does Zhu Zhu Yawen have anything to say?"

"Watching Shu Chang…"

"Luo Jin…"

"Sorry, we can't chat here today, we need to get back as soon as possible. Another day."

The few of them waved at the media and quickly left the airport; several cars picking them up were not far away.

"Everyone head home?"

"Mm, everyone head home."

"I'll rest a day first, then head back to the 'Time-Traveling Lover' crew."

…………

News that the 'Genius Sniper' crew had returned to the capital spread quickly.

The moment Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei's phones were turned on, they never stopped buzzing.

After getting home, the first thing Liu Liu Yifei did was take her trophies and certificates to show Liu Liu Xiaoli.

"Alright, alright, I know you won an award — what are you, still showing off at your age."

Liu Liu Xiaoli nagged her daughter with her mouth, but her face wore a doting smile.

After all, it was her own daughter — that shared joy was written all over her face.

Half an hour later, the table was neatly covered with trophies and certificates.

Lin Nan's Golden Lion, Silver Bear, two small Golden Palms, the three Golden Horses picked up this trip to the Wandao, plus other trophies…

Liu Liu Yifei's latest Weibo post went up:

"Showing off all my collection. The one right in the middle is my contribution!"

After posting on Weibo, Liu Liu Yifei gathered up all the trophies — she had a special cabinet for these things.

Before long, the comments section under the Weibo post was flooded, along with tons of reposts and likes.

"Blinded my eyes — Liu Yifei, so domineering." Huang Huang Xiaoming posted a smiley.

"Sis here has two Golden Horses for Best Actress, you know." Zhou Xun teased.

……

…………

The New Year film season is really about to begin.

Both '1942' and 'The King's Feast' have set their premieres for the 27th.

As the freshly returned-from-Golden-Horse, riding-high Lin Nan and company, Feng Feng Xiaogang once again personally sent an invitation.

He was full of confidence in '1942', determined to beat all his rivals fair and square.

Lin Nan agreed — he'd be there on time tomorrow.

……

"It's live? How's the user experience? Feedback from regular users?"

Tudou had been striving for perfection here — after all this time developing and testing, their first smartphone-side player app had gone live.

"Pretty good. Because we're the earliest, our market share is very high right now."

"Then keep optimizing — don't make it too flashy…"

"Mm. Lin Dao, you were actually right before — Youku started working on their mobile app a while back too, but luckily we're earlier."

"They're a Shangshi Company — whatever decisions they make won't be as fast as Tudou. Don't worry about them, just do our thing."

"Haha, that's true."

"Lin Dao, funds might be a bit tight… the account details are right there, you can check…"

Lin Nan had said Wang Wei couldn't possibly have only this one thing — sure enough, there was also a money matter.

"Give Wanda and Enlight Media a heads-up too — we'll get together later and decide."

"Got it, Lin Dao."

……

In the blink of an eye, the 27th arrived.

In the morning, Lin Nan took Liu Liu Yifei to the premiere of '1942'.

Both were dressed very casually — sweatshirts, jeans, sneakers — whatever was comfortable.

At their current status, even if they showed up in flip-flops, people would find ways to call it easygoing and free-spirited.

The lineup for '1942' was no small affair.

When Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei arrived, they found that nearly half the entertainment industry had come to show support.

Although Han Han Sanping didn't come, China Film sent a vice chairman.

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei — congratulations."

"Liu Yifei, you're an award-winning actress now." Zhou Xun teased.

"Haha, yes, that's right."

"..."

Leaving Liu Liu Yifei and Zhou Xun chatting there, Lin Nan walked toward the crowd.

"Teacher Li, it's been a long time."

"Lin Nan, I haven't congratulated you yet on winning Best Director at the Golden Horse. Your teacher must be very happy."

Since Li Li Xuejian had his surgery, his voice over the years had only gotten worse and worse, but his acting was absolutely beyond reproach.

"I've already spoken with my teacher on the phone. How is your health? I hope I can work with you later on." Lin Nan said with a smile.

Li Li Xuejian smiled and waved his hand: "That won't be a problem. As long as you give me a good script, everything else won't be an issue."

Actually, a long time ago, Lin Nan had already had the idea of working with Li Li Xuejian; today it was just the right moment to mention it, paving the way for later.

"........."

(End of chapter)