Chapter 60
The group's debut album's sales soared, breaking numerous new artist records and consistently achieving top-tier music scores. As the group's centerpiece and the most popular member, Ling Yao garnered immense personal attention and acclaim. His name frequently graced the headlines, advertising endorsements swirled, and the screams at airports were practically his alone. He had truly and completely reached the pinnacle of popularity, becoming the brightest rising star.
Meanwhile, in South City, Su Rui's life was progressing steadily. He successfully transitioned from intern to full-time employee, established himself in the weekly magazine's photography department, and began independently taking on more important photo projects. The increase in income led him to make a crucial decision: he and his grandmother moved out of their old, damp house and rented a more spacious and comfortable two-bedroom apartment with plenty of sunlight. While still simple, their quality of life had improved dramatically. His grandmother's complexion had improved significantly, which made Su Rui feel extremely relieved and reassured. He took a photo of a thriving pot of green plants on the balcony of his new home and sent it to Ling Yao.
As the year draws to a close, nominations for various entertainment awards ceremonies are being announced. Ling Yao's group, thanks to their outstanding performance, has been nominated for several major awards. While the final winners remain uncertain, the nominations themselves are a tremendous validation, eliciting jubilation from fans and a sense of anticipation throughout the company.
During a rare late-night call when they could catch their breath, Ling Yao brought up the matter. "...We're nominated for the Newcomer Award at the awards ceremony at the end of the month." His voice carried a subtle hint of fatigue, but more of a suppressed excitement.
"I saw the news!" Su Rui's voice was filled with joy for him. "That's great! No matter what, a nomination is a great recognition!" "Yeah." Ling Yao responded, and was silent for a few seconds, as if he was choosing his words. Then he lowered his voice a little, with a rare, almost solemn tone: "Su Rui, come." "Huh? Where to?" Su Rui didn't react for a moment. "Come to the awards ceremony." Ling Yao repeated clearly, "I... I'll find a way to save you a ticket. I want... you to be there."
He wanted Su Rui to witness him standing on the stage of his dreams, and wanted the most important person to be present at this potentially important moment in his life. This desire went beyond the award itself; it was about sharing, about experiencing things together.
Su Rui held his phone, stunned. Going to the awards ceremony? That meant entering the center of the star-studded scene, the focus of media and fans. The risk was undoubtedly huge. His heart began to beat violently at this sudden, heavy trust and invitation.
But he barely hesitated. "Okay," he heard himself answer, his voice gentle but firm. "I'll go."
Ling Yao on the other end of the phone seemed relieved, and then his tone became lighter, even with a hint of subtle shyness: "Then I'll have someone get the tickets and the specific arrangements ready and let you know. You...you take care of yourself when the time comes, and don't get squeezed."
"Don't worry," Su Rui smiled, "I'm not a child anymore. Just focus on your preparations and don't be nervous."
After the call ended, Su Rui's heart was restless for a long time. He walked to the balcony of his new home and looked at the night sky of South City. Although he couldn't see the stars of Seoul, he could feel the distant, burning expectation being clearly transmitted to him through the radio waves.
He subconsciously began to follow information about the awards ceremony, looking through the procedures of previous years, and even quietly considered what to wear that day to be both low-key and appropriate. He carefully hid this anticipation, like a warm and bright secret.
Back in Country J, Ling Yao, even amidst his busy schedule, felt a unique surge of motivation thanks to this private agreement. He practiced even harder, and his expression in the mirror was imbued with genuine anticipation. (He knew there would be a single gaze in the audience, brightened just for him.)
As the awards ceremony draws closer, the air thickens with anticipation and tension. Regardless of the final outcome, a mutual anticipation has quietly tightened, connecting two hearts even more closely before this star-studded event.
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