The more Shang Yechu looked at it, the hotter her heart became. She couldn't help but bring her lips to it and gently kiss the cool porcelain surface. The grid pattern of the film slightly pressed against Shang Yechu's lips.
Honor is made of soft, cold white porcelain.
Shang Yechu examined the trophy repeatedly, memorizing every detail. She lovingly stroked the trophy, her fingers tracing every line and groove.
Finally, Shang Yechu carried the trophy out of the room and back to the lobby.
Qi Ming was still waiting in the hall, his weariness even more evident on his face.
Seeing Shang Yechu come out holding the trophy, Qi Ming raised his eyebrows in surprise: "Little Ye?"
Shang Yechu stood in front of Qi Ming, straightened her pajama collar as if she were adjusting an evening gown.
Under Qi Ming's astonished gaze, Shang Yechu held the trophy in one hand, as if holding a microphone, and spoke clearly and distinctly:
"Next up is the announcement of the return of the Film Awards after a three-year hiatus—"
"Best New Actor Award"
The winner of this year's Best New Actor Award is—
Shang Yechu cleared his throat.
"Qi Ming!"
After doing all this ridiculous thing, Shang Yechu held the trophy with both hands and respectfully presented it to Qi Ming.
Qi Ming was stunned. Even the weariness on his face disappeared, leaving only surprise.
"What are you doing?" Qi Ming shouted in a low voice.
Shang Yechu said earnestly, "Teacher Qi, is 'The Mute Woman' your first film as the lead actress?"
Qi Ming nodded hesitantly.
Shang Yechu smiled: "Look, you're also a newcomer to the film industry. You and I are equals in this circle."
Qi Ming was taken aback: "You silly child—really..."
She didn't know what to say.
Shang Yechu's expression was calm, and the restlessness that had lingered in his eyes for many days had disappeared without him noticing.
"I won this award because my competitors were weak; you didn't win that award because your competitors were strong."
Shang Yechu had known this for a long time, but she had always been unwilling to admit it. It wasn't until Qi Ming pointed out the problems with Shang Yechu's performance that Shang Yechu finally confronted the reality she had been unwilling to face.
It wasn't that Shang Yechu's acting skills were superior to Qi Ming's, but rather that Qi Ming's luck was inferior to Shang Yechu's.
If Shang Yechu and Qi Ming both applied for the female lead role, Shang Yechu wouldn't even qualify for a nomination!
Shang Yechu slightly raised her chin and said in a respectful tone that contained absolutely no pity, "Your acting skills are superior to mine, and you are more deserving of it than I am."
Qi Ming opened her mouth, her face showing a mixture of surprise and pain. She didn't take the trophy, but instead took a step back: "How could I? This is yours."
Shang Yechu lowered her eyes. When she raised them again, her face was resolute.
"You may not know this, but I used to have two teachers."
"My first teacher took me in and gave me half a family and a place to belong."
"My second teacher was very kind to me and taught me what the entertainment industry is like, which made me understand the human relationships and realities of this circle more deeply."
Shang Yechu smiled with relief: "But I am most grateful to the third teacher. She pulled me out of the well and showed me that there are always people more capable than me, and there is always something beyond my understanding."
Under the moonlight, Shang Yechu said, word by word, "If it weren't for her, I might still be living in a fantasy that my acting skills are unparalleled, unwilling to cross any line. If anyone questions my acting skills, I would fly into a rage. If anyone comments on my acting skills, I would secretly laugh at their ignorance."
“I’m so glad I met her before I became famous. She gave me a good thrashing before I became arrogant, vulgar, conceited, closed-minded, and unapproachable.”
Dawn breaks.
A faint light pierced through the night, and a cluster of blue, purple, and orange hues appeared on the horizon.
The rosy light shone on the white porcelain, and Shang Yechu exhaled a breath.
"Character is the foundation of a person's life, and acting skills are the foundation of an actor's life. You have given me a second life."
Shang Yechu smiled: "Please accept it, teacher. It's our honor."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
