LR – Chapter 75

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Chapter 75 – As You Wish

As the most prestigious film awards ceremony in the country, the Golden Journey Awards held at the beginning of the year attracted widespread attention. Long before the ceremony even begins, speculation is already running wild, with critics and fans alike making their predictions about who will ultimately take home the trophies.

This year’s Golden Journey Awards took place in the capital, where heavy snow had fallen the previous night. The red carpet extended all the way outside the grand theater. Even though the cold wind is biting, it cannot dampen the enthusiasm of fans and media reporters. Fans and reporters line both sides, their cheers and the relentless clicking of camera shutters rising and falling as groups of guests make their way down the carpet.

Another black car stopped at the entrance of the red carpet. An attendant stepped forward to open the door, and upon seeing the figure emerging from the car, the noise from the crowd instantly doubled in volume.

The massive success of ⟪Eternal Bell⟫ had undoubtedly brought Jiang Liusui into the spotlight. Coupled with his nomination for the Golden Journey Awards’ Best Supporting Actor at such a young age, the audience lining both sides of the red carpet was packed with fans who had come specifically for him.

Jiang Liusui stepped out dressed in a crisp black overcoat, worn open over a matching black suit and trousers. Beneath it, the collar of a white shirt framed the long, pale line of his neck. With his flawless proportions, he carried the layered coat and suit effortlessly.

His expression remained calm as he exited the car. His attire further accentuated his noble and refined demeanor. The stark contrast between the cool black and white colors and his strikingly beautiful face created a visually impactful image.

Shouts rippled through the crowd. Between the waves of noise, his name rang out clearly, and many fans held up banners and glowing signs with his name on them.

Shortly after, Qin Yi, Shang Qingzhi, Director Pei Wen, and the film’s screenwriter stepped out of nearby cars, sparking another wave of excitement.

⟪Eternal Bell⟫ had secured four major nominations at the Golden Journey Awards, making it one of the most anticipated films of the night. The moment the creative team appeared on the red carpet, reporters went wild, shutters clicking in a rapid frenzy.

Amid the presenter’s introductions, the film’s team made their way toward the autograph wall. Just as they were about to reach it, a girl in the crowd—her face flushed bright red with excitement—cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted at the top of her lungs, “Jiang Liusui—! You look so handsome today!!”

Her voice was so loud it drowned out the surrounding noise. The person whose name was called glanced in her direction, nodded slightly, and a faint smile flickered in his eyes.

This scene sent the surrounding fans into even greater excitement. After finishing the introductions, he presenter couldn’t help but remark with a smile, “Everyone’s really passionate tonight.”

Jiang Liusui signed his name on the signature wall and joined the main creative team for a group photo in front of the cameras.

When the nomination had first been announced, he’d been nervous for quite some time. Yet now, standing on the red carpet itself, an unexpected calm settled over him. Whatever the outcome tonight, he found himself looking forward to everything that was about to unfold.

They continued up the red-carpeted steps and, guided by the staff, made their way into the venue.

The grand theater was arranged across two levels. The lower floor was reserved for invited guests, while the upper balcony was packed with fans. The guest area glittered with stars, featuring not only well-known film actors familiar to audiences but also many influential directors in the industry. From the domed ceiling, spotlights cast long beams of light downward, converging on the dazzling central stage.

The ⟪Eternal Bell⟫ crew’s seats were located in the area slightly to the left of the main stage. Jiang Liusui followed the crew to find their spots. Pei Wen and the screenwriter were in the first row near the aisle, while he, Qin Yi, and Shang Qingzhi were in the center of the second row. As soon as he took his seat, the man sitting directly in front of him turned around. His gaze swept over the collar of Jiang Liusui’s shirt before meeting his eyes, and he praised with a smile, “Teacher Jiang, you look really handsome today.”

Chi Lianxi beside him also turned around with a grin. “Hey, little brother.”

Jiang Liusui hadn’t expected He Yujing and Chi Lianxi to be sitting right in front of him. He Yujing had been busy with work since the New Year, and they hadn’t seen each other for a few days. His hair had been dyed back to its original color. “You dyed your hair back?”

“To blend in better with the rest of you,” He Yujing gestured to their surroundings. “Everyone has dark hair—it wouldn’t be fitting for me to be the only bright one.”

Compared with music award ceremonies, film festivals carried a far more formal atmosphere, and most attendees stuck to classic formal wear.

He Yujing had been invited as the music producer for Chi Lianxi’s film ⟪Coronoation⟫ for which the theme song he produced was nominated for Best Original Film Song at this year’s Golden Journey Awards.

He spoke quietly, and Jiang Liusui couldn’t quite catch his words. Instinctively, Jiang Liusui leaned forward to hear him better—when suddenly a wave of excited murmurs erupted from the seats behind them.

He Yujing had been invited as the music producer for Chi Lianxi’s film ⟪Coronoation⟫ for which the theme song he produced was nominated for Best Original Film Song at this year’s Golden Journey Awards.

He Yujing’s voice was soft, and Jiang Liusui couldn’t quite make out what he said. He instinctively leaned forward, but suddenly, excited murmurs erupted from behind.

Upon learning that both of them would be attending the Golden Journey Awards, a large number of fans had come specifically for this purpose and were seated behind the guest section. Seeing the two of them speaking so closely, they grew extremely excited, quietly squealing while raising their phones to take photos.

At that moment, Chi Lianxi reached out his hand and said to Qin Yi, “I’ve long heard of your reputation.”

Qin Yi nodded and shook his hand. “Likewise, I’ve long heard of yours.”

Both were strong contenders for this year’s Best Actor award. Watching the subtle tension between them, Jiang Liusui couldn’t help but enjoy the spectacle.

In ⟪Eternal Bell⟫, Qin Yi delivered an exquisite performance. Compared to the charismatic Ling, Li Heng was too reserved and restrained, leaving limited room for the actor to shine. Yet Qin Yi made this originally unremarkable character exceptionally three-dimensional. Chi Lianxi’s portrayal in ⟪Coronoation⟫ was equally brilliant, breaking away from his usual image.

Chi Lianxi was younger, while Qin Yi followed a more traditional path. Either of them winning the award would be reasonable.

Beside them, He Yujing also wore an expression of amusement.

After shaking hands with Qin Yi, Chi Lianxi turned back and asked He Yujing in a very soft voice, “Who do you hope wins the award?”

Without hesitation, He Yujing replied, “Jiang Liusui.”

Chi Lianxi was speechless for a moment. “I meant between Qin Yi and me.”

After a brief pause, he added, “But to be honest, among the Best Supporting Actor nominees, I have the highest hopes for little brother. I think he has a real chance of winning this year.”

The other four actors competing with Jiang Liusui were all seasoned veterans. Among them, the strongest competitor, Zeng Zhao, had previously been nominated for a Golden Journey Award for Best Supporting Actor but ended up empty-handed.

In ⟪Crossing The River⟫, for which he was nominated again this time, Zeng Zhao portrayed a deaf-mute character. Through indistinct speech and body language, he vividly depicted the hardships and struggles of a disabled individual at the bottom of society.

Chi Lianxi had watched all the nominated films this year. In his personal opinion, Jiang Liusui’s performance was in no way inferior to Zeng Zhao’s. In ⟪Crossing The River⟫, Zeng Zhao’s role was particularly substantial, giving the actor more room to showcase his skills. In ⟪Eternal Bell⟫, the character Ling had less screen time than Ming Zhao, but Jiang Liusui seized every highlight moment, maximizing the impact of his fragmented scenes, making each shot deeply memorable.

The Golden Journey Awards focus solely on talent, disregarding age and experience. Even though Jiang Liusui was a newcomer, it wasn’t impossible for him to clinch the Best Supporting Actor trophy.

He Yujing let out an “oh” before finally responding, “Either way works. I have high hopes for both you and Qin Yi.”

“……” Chi Lianxi had initially kept a relaxed mindset, but now that he was actually at the venue, he couldn’t help feeling a bit nervous. “If I win the award, I’ll throw a grand feast for three days starting tonight.”

He Yujing suddenly remarked, “If you don’t win, you won’t hide at home and cry for three days, will you?”

Chi Lianxi suppressed his irritation. Noticing the countless cameras in the venue aimed at the guest seats, he managed to maintain his composure.

The lights in the venue abruptly dimmed. When they brightened again, accompanied by music and the two opening presenters taking the stage, the awards ceremony officially began.

Thunderous applause erupted from all directions. The male presenter was witty and humorous, while the female presenter was elegant and captivating. With just a few seemingly casual remarks, they energized the atmosphere and announced the first award of the evening: Best Newcomer.

As the awards were presented one after another, Jiang Liusui watched the emotional film industry professionals taking the stage, gradually becoming more immersed in the moment. At first, he exchanged a word or two with Qin Yi. but eventually, both fell silent, focusing intently on the stage.

The next award to be presented was Best Original Film Song. When the theme song for ⟪Coronoation⟫ was announced as the winner, the camera turned to He Yujing, the head producer. Amidst the applause of the entire audience, he smiled, nodded, and strode toward the stage.

So handsome.

A smile appeared in Jiang Liusui’s eyes as he watched He Yujing accept the trophy from the award presenter.

He Yujing hadn’t released any new singles this year; his only public work was the OST for ⟪Coronation⟫. His acceptance speech was brief, but the applause in the venue never stopped. Jiang Liusui’s attention was completely captivated until the male and female presenters for the next round of awards came on stage.

The female presenter smiled. “The next award is one of the most fiercely contested tonight. Among the five nominees, some are familiar faces, while others are names we’re seeing for the very first time—”

Jiang Liusui had still been enjoying the sight of He Yujing, but upon realizing which award was about to be announced, his heart leaped into his throat.

The male presenter, holding a microphone, smiled and met her gaze. “Indeed. I’m certain the judges will find it nearly impossible to choose. If it were left to me personally, I might fret my hair white and still come up empty-handed.”

The female presenter nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Each of these nominees has given a truly remarkable performance. Even if they aren’t the lead, they are indispensable to their films. Let’s take a look at this year’s nominees for Best Supporting Actor.”

The large screen began to play a VCR of the characters portrayed by the five nominees. There was a world-renowned pianist, an eloquent lawyer, a doctor who traveled between the past and future, a deaf-mute man who lived by a river his whole life, and a lonely shadow on a pear blossom tree.

When the VCR ended, the screen switched to the guest section, with the camera simultaneously focusing on the five nominees. The audience tacitly fell silent. The vast theater was now completely quiet, everyone staring at the stage with tense expressions.

The next second, a drumroll sound effect played at just the right moment. The drumming grew from short beats to an urgent rhythm, and Jiang Liusui’s heart began to pound faster and heavier along with it. The few short seconds stretched on infinitely, and for a moment, his mind even stopped thinking.

“This year’s Golden Journey Award for Best Supporting Actor goes to—”

The female presenter opened the envelope, smiled, and then announced in a clear voice, “Jiang Liusui, ⟪Eternal Bell⟫.”

After a brief moment of blankness, time seemed to flow again. Applause and cheers surged like a tsunami. The camera shots of the other four actors on the big screen faded away, leaving only the winner in the frame.

Jiang Liusui didn’t seem to react at first. It was only when Qin Yi, beside him, patted his shoulder that he snapped back to his senses, a smile blooming across his face.

He subconsciously looked forward. He Yujing was also turning around, applauding and looking at him, before extending a hand.

Jiang Liusui grabbed his outstretched hand and squeezed it tightly. He Yujing smiled and said, “Time to go get your award.”

Chi Lianxi also turned back to congratulate him. Amidst the congratulations of the entire audience, Jiang Liusui walked toward the stage as a steady female voice in the background read out his award citation.

“In the film ⟪Eternal Bell⟫, JJiang Liusui brought to life the deeply conflicted character Ling. He portrayed Ling’s innocence, his loneliness, and his yearning to break free from constraints with delicate nuance, and through a performance full of explosive power, captured the character’s struggle amid the tides of power, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.”

“Congratulations on your win.”

Jiang Liusui accepted the trophy from the male presenter, who gave him a brief hug. Bathed in the magnificent lights of the venue, Jiang Liusui stood before the podium.

He had taken off his overcoat after entering the hall and was wearing only a black suit, his figure exceptionally handsome. The applause from below was thunderous. Jiang Liusui stood still before the microphone.

“Thank you very much.” He smiled, as if only now truly feeling the reality of winning. “I didn’t expect to actually win. The few dozen seconds it took to get on stage felt like a dream.”

“Thank you to the organizers of the Golden Journey Awards, and thank you to all the audience members who watched the film.” He paused slightly, looking toward the film’s main creative team. “Thank you so much, Director Pei, for choosing me back then and for his tireless dedication to every character during filming—including mine. I learned so much while working on ⟪Eternal Bell⟫. Thank you again.”

The large screen shifted to show Pei Wen seated in the audience. He watched Jiang Liusui with a gentle smile, nodding in acknowledgment at his words.

“I also want to thank every member of the team. It was the collective effort of everyone that brought this story to life.” Jiang Liusui’s gaze met the camera, his eyes shimmering with emotion. His expression carried a rare sincerity and warmth. “I can’t quite put into words what I feel. Standing on this stage feels both like an ending and a beginning. I will always remember how it felt at this moment and continue striving to be a better actor.”

From the audience came gentle laughter and applause, heartfelt and encouraging.

“And finally, I want to give special thanks to one person—who, by chance, is here today.” Jiang Liusui smiled and turned toward the direction he had entered from. “He Yujing, thank you for always supporting me and being by my side.”

“Thank you for choosing to be with me, for making today feel whole.”

The sound in the venue suddenly grew fervent. The camera cut to the audience, focusing on He Yujing. Beside him, Chi Lianxi clapped, his voice tinged with emotion: “I’m honestly a little moved listening to this.”

He Yujing remained silent, a pure, unguarded smile lighting up his eyes, as if the only thing he could see was the radiant figure on stage.

The applause lingered for a long time, only gradually fading after Jiang Liusui stepped down.

As the awards ceremony entered its second half, ⟪Eternal Bell⟫ won the award for Best Cinematography for its delicate and exquisite visuals, becoming the crew’s second award after Best Supporting Actor.

Last year’s Best Actress winner, Fu Cheng, won the title again for her role in ⟪Green Fields⟫. The crown for Best Actor ultimately went to Chi Lianxi, who hugged the director sitting next to him tightly before going on stage.

Although Qin Yi was a little disappointed, he quickly adjusted his mindset. In fact, while Chi Lianxi was giving his acceptance speech, he praised, “He performed very well. After so many years, the Golden Journey should have given him the award long ago.”

The two biggest awards of the night were announced last. Best Director was awarded to Pei Wen, and the grand finale, Best Picture, was taken by ⟪Coronation⟫.

Once all the awards had been presented, it was time for the group photo session. All of tonight’s award-winning guests and teams came onto the stage, and everyone smiled for a group picture. After taking a photo with his crew, Jiang Liusui was about to look for He Yujing when an elderly actor walked up to him first.

The man extended a hand toward Jiang Liusui, his expression gentle. “Hello.”

“Teacher Zeng, hello.” Recognizing him as Zeng Zhao, who had been nominated for Best Supporting Actor alongside him, Jiang Liusui quickly shook his hand.

Even though he had lost to Jiang Liusui, Zeng Zhao held no resentment. Instead, he smiled and sincerely blessed the young junior, “I’ve seen your film. You acted very well. Your future will surely be limitless.”

Jiang Liusui smiled and thanked him, then took a photo with Zeng Zhao.

By the time he found He Yujing, the latter was taking photos with the ⟪Coronation⟫ crew.

Seeing Jiang Liusui, Chi Lianxi called out cheerfully, “Little bro! You and A’Jing come over later, I’m starting tonight—”

“A three-day banquet, right? We’ll definitely be there,” He Yujing smoothly cut in. Amidst the laughter of those around them, he walked to Jiang Liusui’s side and looked with interest at the gleaming golden trophy in his hand. “Can I touch the trophy?”

Jiang Liusui handed the trophy over. He Yujing took it and weighed it in his hand. “So this is the weight of the Best Supporting Actor.”

He added a teasing “Hmm?” and feigned effort: “This honor is quite heavy… I can barely manage it.”

Jiang Liusui burst out laughing and patted He Yujing. “Give me yours.”

He Yujing gave him the trophy he had won. Apart from the engravings, the two trophies were identical in appearance. He Yujing held up his phone with one hand and asked, “May I have the honor of taking a photo with Teacher Jiang?”

Jiang Liusui nodded reservedly. “Teacher Jiang thinks that’s acceptable.”

Seeing his slightly smug look, He Yujing’s fingers itched to pinch his cheek, but he didn’t have a free hand. Since work was over, he simply hooked an arm around him and pulled him into his embrace right there in public.

Jiang Liusui was stunned for a moment, then let him be.

Chi Lianxi, who witnessed this from the side, immediately perked up. “He Yujing! Mind your public image!”

“It’s perfectly legitimate. Who does it bother?” He Yujing said, adjusting the angle of his phone as he snapped photo after photo. Jiang Liusui, feeling a brief flush of embarrassment under everyone’s gaze, soon smiled and turned toward the camera.

Even though the official photographers were no longer filming or broadcasting, there were still fans in the venue who hadn’t left. Seeing this scene, they all started screaming. Someone frantically shook their companion, “What did I just see ahhhhh! Thank god we didn’t leave, Yu-ge is actually holding Suisui while taking pictures!!”

The girl next to her was just as excited, “Damn, He Yujing, you’ve got guts, asserting your claim in front of everyone, huh? Just you wait, I’m posting this on Weibo right now!”

“Wuwuwu, I cried when Suisui won the award tonight, and then he thanked Yu-ge at the end…”

“I get it, I get it, sis! I saw you from behind, you went from crying to laughing out loud, me too hahaha! I’m so happy tonight!”

On stage, Chi Lianxi came over to take a photo with Jiang Liusui, and He Yujing insisted on joining in. The two of them had the tacit understanding to stand on either side of Jiang Liusui, but no matter how they took the picture, one of them was always dissatisfied. It wasn’t until a nearby actress couldn’t stand it anymore and came over to help them take the photo.

“When I was your age, I had only won a newcomer award,” Chi Lianxi said jokingly to Jiang Liusui after the photo was taken. “If you keep up this momentum, you’ll be the rising star of the film industry.”

“I just encountered a good script and a good director.” Jiang Liusui took the initiative to extend his hand for a handshake. “But I’ll bask in the Best Actor’s glory first.”

Chi Lianxi also shook Jiang Liusui’s hand. “You can. You’ve shaken the right hand. You already possess the first element of success.”

He Yujing, unable to stand it, told him to step aside. Before leaving, Chi Lianxi reminded them, “You guys come over later, I also invited Yan Sheng and the others. A’Jing, I’ll send the location to your phone”.

The clubhouse Chi Lianxi had chosen was located by the river. After last night’s heavy snowfall, the flowers, grass, and trees in the courtyard were covered in a layer of pure white. As they arrived at the entrance, snowflakes began to fall from the night sky again.

He Yujing got out of the car and took Jiang Liusui’s hand, intending to go straight inside, but Jiang Liusui pulled him back. “Shall we wait a moment before going in? I’d like to take a walk first.”

He Yujing understood what he meant.

They hadn’t had much time alone tonight. Jiang Liusui wanted to be by themselves for a while.

“Then let’s go.”

He Yujing naturally agreed, and the two of them slowly walked deeper into the courtyard. There was no one around, only the tall snow-covered pines rustling when the wind blew.

He Yujing’s body temperature was always higher than his. Feeling the warmth from the hand holding his, Jiang Liusui spoke first. “I feel like I still haven’t come back to my senses. I feel like I’m floating when I walk.”

He couldn’t help but laugh as he spoke. “I was just thinking, is this real? Isn’t this a little too blissful?”

“Of course. You’ll have many more great works,” He Yujing said with a smile, seeing how happy he was. “You’re still young, and your career is just getting started. Things will only get better from here.”

Tonight’s awards ceremony felt more like a beginning than the end of an adventure.

Jiang Liusui looked into He Yujing’s eyes and understood the unspoken part of that sentence.

Often, he would forget that He Yujing was a full four years older than him. It was rare for Jiang Liusui to see him acting like a senior, so he squeezed his hand, then mischievously began to tug at his well-defined fingers one by one, asking curiously, “So what did you feel the first time you won an award?”

“What did I feel? That I deserved it, probably.”

After He Yujing’s nonchalant reply, Jiang Liusui couldn’t help but hit him. This time, He Yujing didn’t let him get away with it, grabbing his wrist. “Why don’t you show a little more respect to your senior?”

Before Jiang Liusui could fire back with a cheeky “You’re asking for it,” He Yujing added, “But when I actually received it, I still felt deeply grateful.”

“Teacher He, you’re so humble,” Jiang Liusui said, his expression one of genuine amazement. He Yujing laughed softly and let go of his hand.

Jiang Liusui was about to tease him again when He Yujing stuck a Bluetooth earbud into his ear.

Jiang Liusui’s attention was immediately captured. “A new song?”

It reminded him of the first time He Yujing had slipped an earbud into his ear—back when they recorded that variety show together. He had gotten a sneak peek at He Yujing’s lead single, hearing it before anyone else.

Recalling the changes in his feelings from then until now, Jiang Liusui turned his head and looked at He Yujing, who was within arm’s reach. The other was adjusting the volume of the song, his lowered eyelashes half-covering his slightly upturned eyes.

Back then, he hadn’t imagined that one day He Yujing would become the most important person in his life.

Through the earphones came a familiar, enchanting voice, almost a cappella. Without any accompaniment, the richness of He Yujing’s tone shone through even more. The song was still a work in progress; several lines were merely hummed, and its title on the phone was nothing but a string of numbers.

Yet the light, warm melody spoke for itself. Even without words, it carried a depth of feeling, as if it were whispering directly to the listener.

“Is this a love song? It’s beautiful,” Jiang Liusui murmured. “Is it about me?”

He Yujing didn’t answer directly. “Guess.”

“When I first listened to ⟪Love Reservation⟫, I wondered for a long time,” Jiang Liusui recalled with a smile, thinking of the past. “I thought, does this song have anything to do with me? Was I being too presumptuous? But it should have at least a little to do with me, right?”

Hearing that Jiang Liusui had been so conflicted back then, He Yujing grew intrigued. “When did you figure it out?”

“When you took me to the gathering, introduced me to your childhood friends, and showed me your Moments,” Jiang Liusui thought back to that moment. “I thought, ‘Oh, so this person really does like me a lot.’”

“Good that you know.”

Halfway through their conversation, Jiang Liusui let the song streaming through his earphones play, guessing that He Yujing had recorded the melody just to share it with him first.

“It’s really beautiful,” he said again, unable to stop himself from praising. Then he gently steered the conversation back. “So… this new song… is it about me?”

He Yujing looked at him with a teasing smile, refusing to answer.

Jiang Liusui simply grabbed a handful of snow from beside him and pretended to stuff it into He Yujing’s collar. “Are you going to tell me or not?”

“What, resorting to torture now?” He Yujing dodged to the side, not forgetting to tease. “This year’s Best Supporting Actor is so ruthless?”

Jiang Liusui threw the snowball at him, but He Yujing accidentally bumped into a snow-laden cedar tree while dodging. Instantly, cloud-like branches covered him in snow, his dark coat stained with large patches of white, and his face and hair weren’t spared either. A few snowflakes landed on his long eyelashes, quickly melting away.

He Yujing wiped his face and called out darkly, “Jiang Liusui.”
Jiang Liusui quickly put on an innocent and well-behaved expression, rushing over to hug him before He Yujing could retaliate. “Gege, don’t take it out on me.”

“……” He Yujing really couldn’t bring himself to do it.

During their playful scuffle, the earphones had shifted slightly. Jiang Liusui readjusted them just as the song reached the chorus, which had lyrics. As Jiang Liusui had guessed, it was indeed a love song.

Because of their intimate embrace, he caught the scent of He Yujing’s perfume from his neck.

A delicate floral note blended with a hint of sharp sweetness, followed by a warm, grounding woody base. In the hushed snowy night, the fragrance felt almost magnetic.

Jiang Liusui’s voice softened, almost a whisper, “You have to stay with me forever… always love me like you do today.”

He Yujing smiled and hugged him back.

“As you wish.”

Loving you exactly like today—every moment, every second, never fading.

The End

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Author’s Note:

It’s over. Thank you all for accompanying me this far. The extras will be updated after a break.

— — — —

strawberrypoptl: And that’s a wrap! The main story is now completed. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Unfortunately, I have no plan to translate the extra chapters at this moment.