Since returning with honors from the Golden Orchid Awards ceremony, Ling Yichen and Jun Mozhan's lives seem to still be busy with their acting careers. However, behind the glory of those honors, the feelings between them are like seeds nourished by spring rain, quietly taking root and sprouting, growing deeper and richer without them even realizing it.

Inside the opera troupe, everyone was immersed in the joy and glory of winning the award, and the atmosphere in the rehearsal room was even more enthusiastic and cheerful than usual. During breaks in rehearsing the new play, Ling Yichen and Jun Moran would often unconsciously exchange glances and then smile slightly. In those smiles, there was no longer just the tacit understanding and friendliness of the past, but also a kind of indescribable deep affection, a special feeling that only they could truly perceive.

One day, after rehearsal, everyone dispersed. Ling Yichen sat alone in a corner of the opera troupe's courtyard, gently stroking the Golden Orchid Award trophy in his hand. His gaze was slightly unfocused, and his thoughts seemed to drift back to the moment of the awards ceremony. Jun Mo Ran quietly approached. Seeing Ling Yichen's focused expression, she did not immediately disturb him, but simply stood quietly to the side, gazing at him.

After a long while, Ling Yichen finally came to his senses. He looked up and saw Jun Mozhan, paused slightly, and then smiled gently. "Brother Jun, you've come." His voice was soft and gentle.

Jun Mo Ran nodded slightly and sat down next to Ling Yi Chen. "Yi Chen, what are you thinking about?" he asked softly.

Ling Yichen sighed softly and said, "Brother Jun, I've been thinking about all the hardships and difficulties we've faced along the way. From being clueless when I first entered the entertainment industry to standing on this awards stage now, only you and I truly know the joys and sorrows we've experienced. But now that I'm receiving this honor, I feel a little apprehensive, afraid that I might let down this great kindness."

Jun Mo Ran reached out and gently placed his hand on Ling Yi Chen's hand, which rested on the trophy, offering him warmth and comfort. "Yi Chen, don't be like this. This award is what we deserve; it's something we earned with countless hours of sweat and effort. As long as we stay true to our original aspirations and continue to portray each character with our hearts, we will not let anyone down."

Ling Yichen turned to look at Jun Mozhan. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air around them seemed to freeze, with only their breathing clearly audible. In that instant, they seemed to see the deepest part of each other's souls, to see the days and nights they had spent together, whether it was their dazzling presence on stage or their silent companionship and support offstage.

From that day on, they became increasingly mindful of each other's feelings in their daily interactions. When it came to the opera troupe's meals, Jun Mo Ran would specifically instruct the kitchen to prepare dishes that Ling Yi Chen liked; and when Ling Yi Chen went out, if he saw any novel or interesting little objects, he would always think of Jun Mo Ran first, buy them, and bring them back to give to him.

Once, Ling Yichen stumbled upon a warm, lustrous jade pendant at the market. The patterns on the pendant resembled a landscape painting, exquisite and unique. A thought struck him, and he immediately realized Jun Mo Ran would surely like it, so he bought it without hesitation. Back at the opera troupe, while Jun Mo Ran was resting in his room, he quietly entered, placed the jade pendant on Jun Mo Ran's bedside table, and attached a note: "Brother Jun, seeing this jade pendant reminds me of your refined taste. I hope you find it pleasing. Yichen."

When Jun Mo Ran woke up and saw the jade pendant and the note, he was filled with emotion and joy. He carefully put the jade pendant on his body, and from then on, the jade pendant became a symbol of their feelings, always accompanying him.

In terms of performance, they also placed greater emphasis on emotional exchange and fusion between themselves. During the rehearsal of a particularly emotionally intense scene, Ling Yichen, in order to better portray the character's inner pain and struggle, immersed himself in sadness for a long time, making it difficult for him to pull himself out of it even after the rehearsal ended. Jun Mo Ran saw this and felt deeply for him. He accompanied Ling Yichen as they strolled in the courtyard, speaking softly to him, using his own understanding and insights to help Ling Yichen analyze the character and guide him gradually out of his emotional slump.

"Yichen, you must understand that while a character's emotions are intense, we cannot let them completely consume us. You need to find a balance so that you can better convey those emotions to the audience without harming yourself," Jun Mo Ran said earnestly.

Ling Yichen nodded silently. He knew that Jun Mo Ran's words were true and was grateful for his unwavering support during his difficult time. With Jun Mo Ran's help, he adjusted his acting style and, in subsequent rehearsals, portrayed the character's emotions more delicately and movingly, while also being able to switch freely between the character and himself.

As time went by, this changing affection between them was gradually noticed by some perceptive members of the opera troupe. The troupe leader was one of them. Watching Ling Yichen and Jun Mozhan interact, he felt both gratified and worried. He was gratified that their deep friendship would contribute to the development and growth of the opera troupe; he was worried that in this ancient society, their relationship might suffer from some worldly prejudices and pressures.

One day, the troupe leader summoned Ling Yichen and Jun Mozhan to his room, his expression slightly grave. “The two of you are now influential figures in the troupe and even the entire entertainment industry, and your friendship is widely admired. However, you must understand that not everyone in this world can comprehend your special bond. You must be more careful in your future actions, lest you give others cause for gossip,” the troupe leader said earnestly.

Ling Yichen and Jun Mozhan exchanged a glance, understanding that their troupe leader's concerns were not unfounded. However, they were unwilling to suppress their true feelings due to external pressure.

Ling Yichen cupped his hands slightly and said, "Tour leader, we will keep your teachings in mind. But the bond between us is built on shared ideals and pursuits, and it is pure and sincere. We will not change because of outside gossip, but we will try our best to avoid causing trouble for the opera troupe."

Jun Mo Ran nodded in agreement with Ling Yi Chen's words. Seeing their resolute attitude, the troupe leader didn't say anything more, but just sighed and said, "You'd better take care of yourselves."

Despite facing societal pressures and potential crises, Ling Yichen and Jun Mozhan did not back down. They deeply understood that their relationship was their most precious asset in the complex entertainment industry, their driving force and support. They cherished every moment they spent together, whether it was a brilliant performance on stage or an ordinary instant offstage.

On a quiet night, Ling Yichen and Jun Moran climbed onto the roof of the opera troupe and gazed at the starry sky. A cool night breeze blew, but their hearts were warmed by each other's company.

“Brother Jun, no matter what the future holds, I am willing to face it with you. Under this vast starry sky, you are the person I cherish most.” Ling Yichen said softly, his gaze fixed firmly on Jun Mozhan.

Jun Mo Ran turned to look at Ling Yi Chen, his eyes filled with deep affection and emotion. "Yi Chen, so do I. We will stay together, never to be separated, even if the road ahead is full of thorns, we will have no fear."

Behind this honor, their emotions shine like the brightest stars in the night sky. Despite the trials and tribulations, they have become even more dazzling, illuminating their path forward and writing an even more moving chapter in their legendary story in the ancient entertainment industry.