As a long-established award ceremony, the CTS Awards has a set of established judging criteria. The organizing committee will naturally not arbitrarily change the shortlist due to unsubstantiated revelations on the Internet.
On August 15th, the official shortlisted invitation list was announced online.
Ji Li still successfully obtained the entry qualification with the original three nominations of "Best Newcomer", "Best Supporting Actor" and "Popular Actor".
Some haters were so angry that they jumped up and down on Weibo, using their real names to make vile remarks - who would believe that an indestructible cockroach like Ji Li didn't have a financial backer? She must be kept!
Ji Li's fans have long been accustomed to this kind of weirdness, so they took a screenshot and sent it to Chaoying officials, not even bothering to say a word of rebuttal -
The red carpet and award ceremony will be live in two hours. They are all eagerly waiting to see baby Ji Li shine. Who has time to deal with mentally twisted creatures like Heizi?
You guys just keep on being jealous where you are, our Ji Li will only get more powerful!
…
According to the organizer's process requirements, the main actors of the "Da Zong Shao Nian Mo" crew walked the red carpet together.
Therefore, Ji Li and others were arranged in the connected lounge.
Zhou Qingming stood in front of the mirror, looking at his own clothes and appearance. After confirming that they were appropriate, he smiled with satisfaction.
The hit of "Young Master's Conspiracy" boosted the popularity of the male lead. After years of obscurity, he finally won the love of the public.
The number of announcements has increased significantly compared to the past, and my career is booming.
If he can win the Best Actor Award at the CTS Awards this time, it will definitely be a big stepping stone for his career.
Manager Xu Xiang asked with a smile, "Xu Miaomiao is next door, do you want to go over and say hello?"
"certainly."
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the lounge door.
Xu Miaomiao walked in with a dark blue glittering skirt and a bright smile, "I dressed up and waited for you for most of the day, but I didn't see the missionary come to find me. You really are out of character. You don't seem to have any 'love' for me."
Zhou Qingming curled his lips and immediately went to greet him, "Miaomiao, long time no see."
During the broadcast of the series, the two's pairing as a couple in the play won the love of many fans. Coupled with the variety show promotion outside the show, the two have a lot more CP fans extending from inside the play to outside the play.
Both teams maintained a tacit attitude towards such real-life hype.
After all, in this entertainment industry, being able to attract fans is the key.
However, there is no chemistry between Xu Miaomiao and Zhou Qingming, their friendship is purely that of colleagues.
The former was nominated for Best Actress for her role in a TV series this time, but the other actresses on the shortlist are all so amazing, including Best Actress Weng Li, who was nominated for the second time.
Therefore, Xu Miaomiao herself and her team were very calm and prepared for not winning the award.
However, the red carpet is an invisible battlefield for female stars, and no one will slack off on this matter.
The dark blue sequined evening gown with a low back and ruffled off-shoulder design perfectly showcased Xu Miaomiao's body curves. Her overly long curly hair fell on her shoulders, showing a bit of sexy charm.
Xu Miaomiao flicked her skirt slightly and cast a seductive glance at Zhou Qingming and other staff members, "Is my appearance tonight good enough to outshine the others?"
Before anyone in the room could reply, a familiar and pleasant voice of praise sounded behind them, "Sister Miao, of course you are qualified."
As the last syllable fell, everyone in the lounge showed astonished expressions, and without exception, their eyes passed Xu Miaomiao and looked behind her.
Xu Miaomiao's smug smile froze, and she obviously understood who was coming. After all, she had worked in the same crew for more than two months and was very familiar with Ji Li's voice.
How come this boy steals her limelight as soon as he comes?
Xu Miaomiao turned around in anger and amusement, but the moment she saw Ji Li's figure, she was completely stunned, and the star-chasing girl in her mind jumped three feet high -
Ahhhhhhh!
Ji Li is so attractive tonight!
Xu Miaomiao's impression of Ji Li still lingers on the live broadcast of the finale night. The other party shaved his head specially for the role in the movie.
But now Ji Li has grown her hair long and dyed it a dark gray tone, which makes her skin look bright and white.
The bangs were combed up in a big way, leaving only a few strands of wet hair to frame the face, revealing the delicate and beautiful forehead.
The natural bone structure has the greatest impact and makes people unable to take their eyes away.
He wore a pair of silver-rimmed glasses on his high nose bridge, a rare sight to behold. The black mole was hidden in the refraction of the lens and moved slightly, giving it an indescribable evil charm when viewed up close.
Unlike the usual elaborate three-piece suits, Ji Li's coat is a dark grey plaid tuxedo.
The light grey linen shirt she wore underneath and the slim-fit trousers of the same colour perfectly outlined her superior body proportions.
The buttons of his clothes were buttoned to the top, which matched his superior neck line and small, sexy Adam's apple, giving him a gentle and abstinent aristocratic demeanor.
Xu Miaomiao couldn't help but choke on her words, already dazzled by the beauty of the person in front of her——
Wow, she is still the most beautiful among all the girls? She is not as pretty as Ji Li.
"Ji Li, long time no see."
Zhou Qingming in the room was the first to come to his senses and quickly came forward.
Ji Li looked at Zhou Qingming's sincere eyes quickly and unnoticeably.
There is a saying in the entertainment industry that fame can nourish people. Compared to last year, Zhou Qingming's condition is indeed getting better and better.
Ji Li smiled and said, "Long time no see."
"Come in and sit down." Zhou Qingming invited the two people standing at the door to come in.
Wen Yu and You Shuang, who play the male and female supporting roles in the play, joined the crew again as a couple last month. They are currently filming in Hengcheng and cannot make it in time.
Apart from them, the only others left were director Yao Chuan and screenwriter Fang Zhixing, who walked the red carpet separately from them.
The three of them sat together and chatted, and naturally talked about the recent online public opinion.
Xu Miaomiao and Zhou Qingming looked at each other, and the former took the initiative to ask, "Ji Li, what exactly caused the falling out between you and screenwriter Shen Yanda? He is targeting you like this."
Although Shen Yanda's status in the screenwriter circle is well known, compared to the big boss whom she has never met, Xu Miaomiao is obviously more willing to trust Ji Li, a colleague with whom she has worked before.
However, since she was mainly planning to enter the television industry, it would be difficult for her to openly stand on Ji Li's side in order to avoid offending the other person.
Zhou Qingming nodded, obviously holding the same idea.
It is normal to weigh the pros and cons when working in the entertainment industry.
Ji Li did not blame them for being "unrighteous" at all, but just revealed slightly, "There are some problems with the script, I don't want to take it against my conscience."
Everyone here is smart.
Although this statement was not fully explained, it was clear enough.
"Shen Yanda Studio contacted me a week ago. I knew it was the script you left behind, so I was a little hesitant. Plus the pay..."
Zhou Qingming paused for a few seconds, then smiled with understanding, "Sister Xiang turned it down on my behalf."
"However, the female lead of this drama has been confirmed to be Sister Shi Meng from our company."
Shi Meng is a popular actress and the absolute topic queen in the entertainment industry.
She and her management team are well versed in the tricks of hype. After joining forces with the producers of "The Long Song of the Southern Dynasty" who also love hype, this drama will probably be a hot topic.
Ji Li was about to laugh or not, "Let them go as they please."
The more hype this drama gets, the colder the fall will be.
He nonchalantly pushed up the silver-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose, and a rare sharpness emerged from his usually gentle brows and eyes, and his entire aura carried a sense of compulsion to "murder".
Xu Miaomiao felt his terrifying aura, and instead of being panicked, her heart was beating fast.
Help!
She really wants to see Ji Li play a gentlemanly villain! It’s best to act with Brother Li!
After half a year of practice, she has gone from being a fan of Qin Li to a CP fan of Yue Ji and his wife.
If you are destined not to get a man, arrange for another man you also like to conquer him!
Speak of Cao Cao and he will appear.
There was a knock on the lounge door, and the staff nearby saw Qin Li and were immediately surprised.
They involuntarily straightened their bodies to show respect, "Hello, Teacher Qin Li."
Qin Li walked in and his eyes fell on Ji Li in an instant. When he saw the other person's style and attire, a deep impulse emerged in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.
"Hello, Teacher Qin Li."
"Brother Li, long time no see."
Zhou Qingming and Xu Miaomiao stood up to greet them, but Ji Li treated the man normally.
Qin Li's eyes never left Ji Li. "I saw that the lounge next door was empty, and I heard a knock on the door, so I came to take a look."
Xu Miaomiao tried hard to suppress the smile on her lips, her eyes moving back and forth between Ji Li and Qin Li.
From what Brother Li said, he came here specifically to find Ji Li?
Thank you, thank you, I got it!
"Brother Li, why are you here?" Ji Li raised his eyebrows slightly, and his eyes unconsciously scanned Qin Li who suddenly appeared from head to toe.
The other person was wearing a low-key suit brand that was custom-made. With broad shoulders, narrow waist and long legs, her outfit has almost the perfect proportions of an inverted golden triangle.
He has the aura of a natural controller, which makes people want to submit to him involuntarily.
Ji Li rolled his Adam's apple silently.
To be honest, he has always been envious of Qin Li's body proportions, which are really perfect.
Qin Li felt hot under Ji Li's gaze, "I received an invitation from the organizer and will be a spectator in the guest seats later."
This is the 70th anniversary of the CTS Awards. As a ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary, the organizer specially sent out guest invitations to the winners of the Best Actor and Best Actress awards from previous years.
Qin Li is naturally on this list.
He remembered that this was Ji Li's first award ceremony since he entered the circle, and the public opinion storm on the Internet a few days ago really made him worried.
After thinking it over, Qin Li accepted the invitation from the organizer, just to take a look at Ji Li openly under the guise of work.
"Ji Li, there is still some time before the red carpet. I will take you to the banquet hall upstairs to meet some teachers in the circle." Qin Li said straight to the point.
In front of outsiders, he did not hide his blatant preference for Ji Li at all.
Ji Li was surprised for a moment, then quickly stood up and said, "Okay."
He nodded to his two actor friends in the lounge, "I'll come see you later."
"Well, go ahead." Zhou Qingming said, without the jealousy of the past, only pure envy.
He knew that the connections Ji Li had today, including Qin Li, were all gained through his hard work and sincerity.
Zhou Qingming only turned his gaze back after the two figures left the lounge.
Xu Miaomiao, who was sitting next to him, had a flushed face and her eyes fell on the empty doorway, and she didn't have time to look away.
“Miaomiao?”
"...I have to go to the dentist." Xu Miaomiao held her face with both hands, stomped the ground excitedly with her high heels, and muttered to herself.
Good match! Perfect match! A match made in heaven!
Zhou Qingming didn't understand.
However, his female assistant saw that Xu Miaomiao was in good condition and approached cautiously, "Sister Miaomiao?"
"Mr. Yueji." She uttered these four words vaguely.
Xu Miaomiao met the female assistant's eyes and confirmed that they were the people who were shipping the couple together.
“It’s true!”
The moment the words fell, the two girls held hands and started shouting, without any distinction between stars and assistants.
“Aaaaaaaaah!”
While being on the front line of sugar-eating, you can also meet the joy of like-minded sisters!
“…”
Zhou Qingming looked around at the men present in confusion and found that they had the same puzzled expressions on their faces as he did.
What, what happened?
Why are they so happy all of a sudden?
…
Ji Li was unaware of the commotion in the lounge at the moment and followed Qin Li into the elevator.
The two went straight to the banquet hall upstairs.
Qin Li took out two glasses of champagne and handed one to Ji Li. "Hold it just for show. There will be a red carpet and award ceremony later. Don't drink too much."
As soon as he finished speaking, Fang Zhixing came over from a corner of the banquet hall, "Are you here?"
Ji Li saw the familiar person and smiled, "Teacher Fang."
"Let's go. I'll take you to meet some of my screenwriter friends." Fang Zhixing gestured and glanced at Qin Li.
Qin Li raised his glass to signal, and spoke in a low voice with great confidence, "It's not just him, Shen Yanda, who has appeal in the screenwriter circle."
Ji Li understood instantly that these two people wanted to take the opportunity to help him get to know screenwriters in the circle?
The people who were chatting leisurely in the banquet hall at this moment were all screenwriters in the circle, and many of them had their scripts shortlisted for this year's CTS Awards.
Fang Zhixing invited two or three good friends nearby and took the initiative to act as a bridge of communication.
"Lao Liang, let me introduce you. This is Ji Li. He has already acted in two of my scripts. This kid has a very good understanding of the role. If you have a good script in the future, you have to give him a chance for my sake."
Ji Li quickly adapted to the environment and greeted politely, "Hello, screenwriters."
Lao Liang shook the cup slightly, and glanced towards a corner unconsciously, saying pointedly, "Are you guys going against Teacher Shen?"
Ji Li and Qin Li followed his gaze and found that Shen Yanda was also at the scene.
As soon as they entered the venue, Shen Yanda cast an unhappy look at them.
Ji Li looked away and heard Fang Zhixing say, "You are being one-sided. I am sincerely recommending good actors to you."
He tactfully pushed the topic back, "What kind of character does Ji Li have? You can find out by just getting to know him. Why listen to the nonsense of outsiders?"
We are all writing stories with pens, so why are we divided into different levels? Can we only follow the instructions of one person?
Qin Li said at the right time, "If the three teachers have a finished script, why not take it to our Lixing Project Investment Department? Our company is in need of excellent screenwriters like you."
Those who can survive in this circle are all smart people.
Seeing Fang Zhixing and Qin Li talking to Ji Li at the same time, Lao Liang simply agreed, "Okay, if there is a suitable script role in the future, I will definitely consider Ji Li."
They are not stupid, they are just pretending and doing favors in front of Shen Yanda.
No matter how high his status and power are, they can only be used to control the filming of his own scripts, while the value of the scripts written by screenwriters like them is still determined by investors like Lixing.
After taking Ji Li to meet seven or eight screenwriting teachers, Fang Zhixing was pulled over by his friends to reminisce about the past.
Ji Li took a sip of champagne and thanked him sincerely, "Brother Li, thank you."
In fact, Qin Li had no need to wade into this mess, but on the first day of the public opinion, he used his appeal to take the lead and make the one-sided public opinion turn back to the right path.
"Don't say thank you to me in the future. It's very polite." Qin Li took the initiative to touch his wine glass.
Ji Li was stunned for a moment, then smiled and replied, "Okay."
Suddenly, a disturbing question came from behind.
"You've been in the industry for less than a year, and you have the confidence to reject my script. So you have a backer like Mr. Qin?"
"Hold on to this thigh tightly, it seems that there is a bright future ahead."
Ji Li turned around and met Shen Yanda's contemptuous gaze.
The other party no longer had the hypocritical smile of the past, and was only filled with naked sarcasm and arrogance. Or rather, this is his true self all along.
Ji Li restrained his expression, "Teacher Shen, why do you have to change the concept? You know the real reason why I rejected your script."
"The script issue is harmless, but your picky nature will make it hard for you to get into the entertainment industry." Shen Yanda was unmoved and instead criticized Ji Li fiercely.
"Teacher Shen."
Qin Li suddenly spoke, and an unfathomable vortex had already risen in the depths of his eyes.
"Instead of criticizing a young actor here, why don't you examine the quality of your own work to see if it is worthy of the huge investment?"
"Everyone says that I, Qin Li, have a good eye for film and television works, but I think your masterpiece will flop."
Those light words can stab people directly in the heart.
"...You!" Shen Yanda was stuck.
He obviously didn't expect Qin Li to be so partial to Ji Li and not give him face.
Qin Li ignored his reaction and casually dropped another bombshell.
"I heard that two investors of The Long Song of the Southern Dynasties temporarily withdrew their investment. The crew is about to start filming. Can you and the production company still make ends meet?"
Shen Yanda's face froze, obviously he didn't expect Qin Li to know about this.
Immediately, he understood something, "Qin Li, was it you who caused the investor to withdraw his investment?"
The reason why he and the producers stopped attacking Ji Li on the Internet these days was actually because they were hindered by the withdrawal of investment from investors.
They are so busy attracting new investments that they have no time to take care of other things.
You know, the early preparations for the TV series have been completed, and even the female lead Shi Meng's sky-high salary has been paid one-third.
If they cannot start filming on time and delay the overall construction schedule, it will cause more losses!
Shen Yanda had no works that could be shortlisted for this year's CTS Awards, but he still asked someone for an invitation letter and rushed over -
Because in addition to actors, directors, and screenwriters, many heads of film and television companies in the industry will also be invited to participate in the CTS Awards.
He saw the opportunity and wanted to attract investors.
Qin Li saw his intention and said frankly, "I had a small chat with Mr. Fang from Tianming Investment about your work."
As soon as these words came out, Shen Yanda’s face turned completely livid.
No wonder Tianming Investment withdrew its investment. It was Qin Li’s secret instigation that led to their decision.
It was the first time that Ji Li heard of this, and he raised his eyebrows subtly.
No matter how talented a screenwriter like Shen Yanda is, can he win over the investors? Without funds for filming, all efforts would be in vain.
"Qin Li, what you did is too unkind!" Shen Yanda was furious, but he had to lower his voice for the sake of the guests around him.
"You and the production company were the first to file a complaint and throw dirty water on Ji Li on the Internet. Is that a decent thing to do?" Qin Li asked sharply.
Shen Yanda was stumped by the question.
Ji Li was listening silently at the side. He felt Qin Li's complete protection for him. The warmth in his heart extended to his raised lips. He was extremely happy.
"Teacher Shen, how about we take advantage of the fact that all the screenwriters are here today and talk about the script problems of "The Long Song of the Southern Dynasty"? Let everyone judge who is right and who is wrong?"
Ji Li spoke out loudly, attracting the attention of everyone around him.
Shen Yanda understood the deep meaning of his words, and his face changed from red to green and white, like a color palette.
He snorted in mock anger, "You are simply unreasonable!"
After saying that, he left in a hurry, but his back looked a bit embarrassed, as if he was fleeing in a hurry.
Qin Li looked at the slightly proud expression on Ji Li's face and asked with a smile, "Are you happy now?"
Ji Li pushed up his glasses and replied quietly, "I am a little bit gloating."
I originally thought that he would have to wait until the TV series was broadcast before he could fight back and vent his anger. Unexpectedly, in just a few days, he would be able to see Shen Yanda being humiliated.
Of course, this level of counterattack is far from enough.
He will wait patiently for the opportunity to push a two-faced piece of trash like Shen Yanda in front of the public and let him suffer the consequences!
…
The red carpet was scheduled to start at 5:30. Due to the popularity of "The Young Masters", Ji Li and others were arranged to walk the red carpet in an important position at the back.
Such a star-studded red carpet ceremony always attracts the most attention.
At this moment, in addition to the huge crowds of fans cheering on the scene, the number of viewers in the online live broadcast room has reached five million, and the barrage of comments from fans and netizens almost occupied the entire live broadcast screen.
——When will the crew of Juvenile Mou come out?
——I haven’t seen fresh Ji Li babies for a long time!
——Looking forward to Zhou Qingming!
——I just saw the studio’s styling photos. Sister Miao has reached a new level of beauty today!
——How dare a third-rate celebrity like Ji Li, who acts like a big shot, come to this kind of red carpet? Get out of here, rubbish, and stop insulting the CTS Awards.
——The black fans are still jumping around? The CTS Awards organizing committee didn't say anything, but you are the one talking nonsense.
Drama fans have a strong Xie Yan filter for Ji Li, and any "arrogant" remarks without any substantiated evidence can't stop them from liking Ji Li.
As soon as the black fan's remarks came out, they all complained and covered it up with updated barrages.
Finally, a black shuttle bus drove in at the beginning of the red carpet, and the three main creators of the much-anticipated "The Young Masters" were finally here!
Zhou Qingming gentlemanly took Xu Miaomiao's hand as she got out of the car. They were a handsome man and a beautiful woman, both with stunning looks.
This CP feeling extended directly from the play to outside the play. The after-sales interaction between the pair obviously satisfied the hearts of many drama fans and quickly ignited the warm atmosphere on the scene.
Some fans shouted out the names of their couple in the drama, "Ahhh! The Hustle and Bustle couple are the best!"
As soon as he finished speaking, another figure walked out of the car. It was Ji Li.
Over the past four months, Ji Li has experienced filming, a surge in TV drama popularity, a perfume commercial sweeping the country, and even encountered public pressure of being a "private life" and "a big shot."
With such intensity of exposure, today was his first time to participate in such a large-scale event and he officially returned to the public eye as an actor.
The swallowtail dress is retro and abstinent.
Silver-rimmed glasses, gentle yet evil.
They are obviously two completely different temperaments, but when combined on Ji Li, there is no sense of incongruity at all, and the integration is just right.
Can this still be an ordinary star?
Even gods who come down to earth cannot achieve this level!
At that moment, the photography cannons were bombarded wildly, the shutters were almost pressed uselessly, and the fans were screaming wildly, their voices were almost hoarse.
Xu Miaomiao and Zhou Qingming looked at each other and admitted defeat.
The other party's potential fans and popularity are much higher than everyone imagines.
Ji Li faced the glaring flash lights calmly. He stood still and looked around without blinking or changing his expression.
Finally, he set his eyes on the live broadcast camera and smiled to the camera with a pure smile as warm as spring breeze.
——Hello everyone, I am Ji Li.
He moved his mouth and silently greeted the netizens online.
At that moment, the live broadcast barrage went completely out of control, and everyone evolved in the direction of a groundhog.
——Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Jilizizi! Mommy really misses you!
——Help me, I really can’t resist Ji Li’s looks! How could there be such a gorgeous man!
——New look! A true medieval nobleman! grass! All members of the styling team get a bonus!
——Wow, my beloved beauty Jili is back!
——What kind of scandal? Is it important? I am a beauty lover who is completely conquered by Ji Li!
Even the haters who were still jumping around in the comments fell into a strange silence, and some even began to doubt themselves.
"Why on earth does she want to go against mainstream aesthetics? Is she blind?"
"Isn't it nice to admire the handsome guy's looks with everyone else? Why do you have to make yourself angry?"
"Why be a hater of Ji Li when you can be anyone else's? I'm speechless with myself!"
…
So, less than ten minutes after Ji Li walked the red carpet, the topic #Ji Li's red carpet look# dropped to third place in the hot searches!
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#Next, Jilizizi will bring a performance - I have taken over the hot searches on Weibo tonight!
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