The next day, Tang Shu, who’s not even old enough to marry yet, donned a sexy and striking evening gown and appeared at the Drama Association’s award ceremony.
This thrilled the ever-watchful entertainnt reporters, while Jing Yu turned his gaze... to Shen Li.
Far away on set in so remote corner, Xie Yunqing quickly received a tearful complaint from his fiancée. Listening to her sobs gave him a splitting headache, yet he had no choice but to hold the phone and coax her patiently.
"Stop crying. When I get back, I’ll make it up to you, okay?"
Inwardly, the renowned director was already cursing up a storm.
Why on earth did you pick such a revealing dress for her, knowing Jing Yu’s unforgiving nature?! He doesn’t let go of anything, whether it’s his fault or not, so why throw yourself right at the knife’s edge?
anwhile, Shen Li in the capital city leisurely sipped her coffee, alternating between soft sobs and sniffles, delivering a flawless performance as a "little drama queen."
"Are you sure?"
"...I’m sure, I’ll make it up to you when I’m back, sweetheart."
"Fine then, okay, go ahead and work~"
Shen Li instantly felt satisfied, hung up the phone, and picked up her sketchpad again. Inspired by the gorgeous figure of the newly crowned Muse, she started sketching anew, completely oblivious to her fiancé pulling his hair out on set.
"What have I done to deserve this? Being cursed out by this mother-and-daughter duo until I’ve got nothing left—twice in one day?!"
"Director Xie, are we shooting or not?"
"We are! We’re not stopping tonight until we finish!"
Frustrated beyond asure, Xie Yunqing could only channel all his energy into the work at hand.
Back in the capital, at a high-profile award ceremony, Tang Shu lifted the hem of her floor-length gown delicately with her right hand and stepped inside.
Though this was considered a more niche ceremony within the entertainnt circle, anyone catching sight of the star-studded guest seats would instantly take back the word "niche."
Even Tang Shu was montarily dazed.
Almost all the celebrated veteran actors of the industry—the classic heavyweights with household nas—were present. A sea of eminent figures filled the venue. Even among the younger faces who seed less familiar, their deanor was anything but ordinary in Tang Shu’s eyes.
This was a bona fide gathering of giants.
"Co, I’ll introduce you to so friends."
Master Ke led her through the crowd, breaking from his usual strict deanor as he amicably chatted with so old friends and, in passing, introduced Tang Shu to them.
She inexplicably felt like a debutante in the big leagues...
By the ti the ceremony officially began, Tang Shu had already t three drama society presidents, four film and TV directors, and a dozen veteran perforrs.
"So, what do you think? Isn’t our Xiao Shu just adorable?"
Master Ke had obviously adopted her as one of his protégés, promoting her with unabashed enthusiasm. His acquaintances appreciated the gesture and threw in a couple of complints, with obvious curiosity and appraising looks directed at Tang Shu.
"Indeed, very composed. Truly promising—"
The group had clearly taken note of this rising star who had been making waves over the past year. It wasn’t hard to see why; the resurgence of drama societies into the public eye and the newfound enthusiasm of young people for the performing arts were largely thanks to Tang Shu’s efforts. This had been a giant leap forward, not just for drama but for the entire performing arts sector.
After all, in this materialistic, face-value-driven era, drawing a sensible crowd of youth back to drama societies was no easy feat.
Tang Shu smiled shyly, executing Luo Lin’s directive of "speak less, do less" to perfection.
Once the host took the stage, Tang Shu sat quietly sandwiched between Master Ke and Master Yan, only then realizing how close her seat was to the host. Even the esteed figures she had just t were seated further back from her.
"Teacher Ke, this seating arrangent..."
Could it be a bit off?
"It’s been arranged, so just sit tight," Master Ke replied nonchalantly. "Truth is, both Old Yan and I are sitting here today thanks to you."
Master Ke wore an unmistakably proud expression, over the moon. Every drama society had its junior mbers, but one as accomplished and talented as Tang Shu was truly rare.
Impossible not to feel proud.
Master Yan’s eyes crinkled into slits as he laughed. "That’s right. The Drama Association placed you here so everyone could get to know you better. Don’t overthink it; it’s just a seat. Once the awards are underway, no one will pay attention to that."
Feeling the growing number of gazes falling on her, Tang Shu fell silent and waited for the events to unfold—Master Yan, as it turned out, was entirely correct.
When the host began calling out the awards, one after another showcased the recognition and honor actors could aspire to.
Compared to the film and television industries, it was evident that drama placed more emphasis on scriptwriting, directing, and production managent. With extensive award categories covering operas, dramas, and even children’s theater, the level of recognition here was undeniably elevated.
For the newcor Tang Shu, the evening was an eye-opener.
Though—there really didn’t seem to be anything related to her. This sobering truth made the ever-smooth-sailing Tang Shu realize how far she still had to go in her career.
"Xiao Shu, it’s your turn to go up."
What?
Tang Shu froze, and the next mont she heard her na being announced. The backstage staff even directed the spotlight toward her. The host in the bold crimson gown stood smiling at her from the stage.
"Congratulations to Tang Shu for winning the Best Newcor Award in Drama!"
A wave of applause broke out, resonant and unceasing. Tang Shu rose and walked toward the stage step by step. The person presenting her award turned out to be one of the playwrights she had just t earlier.
"Congratulations, Xiao Tang. Perform well going forward. I’m looking forward to seeing more dramas brought to life on stage."
"Thank you, Mr. Han. I’ll do my best."
After delivering her acceptance speech, she returned to her seat clutching the fresh Best Newcor Award, still in a daze.
"Teacher Ke, I only just got into this field. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate for to win an award already?"
After all, Lotus Drama Society had fifty or so actors, and at least half of them had spent years trying to make their mark in the industry, still as obscure newcors to this day!
Master Ke, however, was unfazed. "You’ve propelled the entire drama field forward. Winning an award is the least of it. Honestly, I think this award understates your value."
Tang Shu: "..."
So... was this supposed to be a consolation prize?
It seed Master Ke had guessed her thoughts because he chuckled while shaking his head. "Don’t overthink it. You deserve this award fair and square."
"How so?"
"While it’s true that the Drama Association aims to give you proper recognition, your acting skills are undeniable. Winning the Newcor Award isn’t that easy; your craft has to et a certain standard. Do you think the judges are easily fooled?"
"Not at all. I’ve seen that vividly tonight."
The award ceremony was a true battlefield, with talents vying against one another. The competition was razor-thin, a genuine clash of the titans.
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