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The Counterattack Plan of A Villain With Ten Thousand Fans - Chapter 111
🕑 Added 2024-03-04 23:10:57 +0000 UTCChapter 111
By a stroke of coincidence, Ling Chunann found himself seated to the left of Fu Xianzhi and to the right of Li Yi, with Chu Yu following in sequence, and then the music production team from the same drama series, with Ye Chufeng next in line. As Ye Chufeng passed by Ling Chunann and Fu Xianzhi, he gave them a particularly pointed look. His memory wasn't the best, but it was clear that even having met them only once, they had made a significant impression on him. If the setting had been different, Ye Chufeng might have chosen to punch Fu Xianzhi in the face, but remembering that this was an award ceremony and he was soon to be the center of attention, his gaze filled with disdain as he looked at them.
As the protagonist walked past, the petty 098 couldn't help but ask, "Host, doesn't it anger you, the way he looks at you?"
"098, I've told you before, I'm very magnanimous. Plus, getting angry over such trivial matters isn't like me," Ling Chunann said leisurely. "By the way, after the ceremony, unlock the permissions for those books I had you register with the Cultural Bureau."
Ignoring Ling Chunann's claim of not being petty, 098, if it had eyes, would surely be rolling them. Clearly, the host intended to completely overshadow the protagonist. But thinking thus, 098 quickly responded, "Of course, Host."
The ceremony began with the host, clad in a black suit and striking red tie, exuding enthusiasm, "The nominees for the Jinlin Award include: 'Ascension', 'The Lonely Pianist', 'A Hundred Days of Youth'… 'Shooting Eagles'… 'After the Storm'." As the host announced each name, the screen flashed with iconic scenes from the films. The scene from "Ascension" depicted a woman in white, blood-stained, holding a long sword and gazing forward amidst a scene of dismembered limbs, with a crane circling above her head under the glow of the setting sun. This imagery left the audience pondering: What was she looking at? This question lingered in their minds.
With thirty films nominated, the audience's attention was captured exclusively by "Ascension" following its promotional photo. The room buzzed with whispers.
"How have I not seen this movie? Has it not been released yet?"
"Are you unaware of 'Ascension'? The novel is incredibly popular, though I've heard the author is quite unattractive, leading many fans to turn their backs. It's baffling what the youth of today consider; read the book for its content, not the author's appearance. I find 'Ascension' exceptionally good and plan to book a viewing as soon as the awards end," an older producer chimed in.
"The photo looks good, but it remains to be seen how the movie fares."
"Director Chu Yu won Best Director at the last Jinlin Awards. With him involved, quality is assured. I bet he's going to win again."
"'Shooting Eagles' seems like a dark horse this time. Let's just wait and see."
"'Shooting Eagles'? The theme is indeed fresh. I heard the author is a young man in his twenties. A true prodigy, making us feel our age."
Upon seeing the promotional photo for "Ascension," Ye Chufeng began to feel insecure. His chosen photo, featuring the protagonist with a bow shooting at eagles on a vast grassland, had a bold feel but seemed to lack the depth of "Ascension." Overhearing the audience's favorable discussion of "Shooting Eagles" bolstered his confidence, easing the anxiety he had felt moments before.
Box office sales ultimately dictate success. Within eight hours of its release, "Shooting Eagles" had surpassed fifty million in sales, significantly outperforming "Ascension," which barely reached twenty million.
When it was time to announce the award winners, the room fell silent, anticipation and excitement in the air.
"Let us announce the first award: Best Film. The winner is—"
The host's prolonged suspense had everyone on edge. Ling Chunann glanced at Fu Xianzhi, noticing a hint of nervousness, "Why the nerves?"
"It's our darling's first work; of course, I'm nervous," Fu Xianzhi responded naturally.
The affectionate banter between the two, always ready to flaunt their love, left 098 silently offering up a handful of dog food.
"‘Ascension’! Congratulations!" the host's voice boomed through the venue.
Applause and cheers filled the air.
Li Yi, representing the film's distribution company, stood up, somewhat dazed until Chu Yu nudged him, causing him to stumble on the last step and nearly fall at the center stage, quickly steadied by the quick-reacting male host.
"It seems our production supervisor is a bit too excited
," the beautiful female host joked, prompting laughter from the audience.
Blushing, Li Yi stood at the center stage, laughing along until he received the trophy and remembered to give his disjointed thank-you speech before returning to his seat in a daze. Passing Chu Yu, Li Yi stepped on his foot and then handed him the trophy.
Chu Yu's expression twisted momentarily before returning to a smile, waving the trophy at the surrounding media.
Ling Chunann couldn't help but laugh.
Li Yi, sitting next to him, turned and glared, then looked at Chu Yu, "I was just too nervous. If you were up there, you'd probably fare no better."
Chu Yu playfully waved the trophy in front of Li Yi, "If I were to go up and accept an award, I might just tumble onto the stage."
Since their collaboration was confirmed, Li Yi and Chu Yu had been constantly at odds whenever they met, appearing to outsiders as if they harbored some grudge. However, those familiar with them could see that their relationship was actually quite good.
At that moment, Ling Chunann felt a gaze from his left and turned just in time to meet Ye Chufeng's inscrutable look. As the host announced the award winners, viewers watching the live stream on the Star Network exploded in discussion.
"Rigged! It must be rigged! How could 'Ascension' win Best Film with today's box office under twenty million? 'Shooting Eagles' should have won!"
"I saw both movies today, and 'Ascension' truly deserves its title. Its special effects alone are leagues beyond 'Shooting Eagles', not to mention the storyline. The original 'Shooting Eagles' was decent, but the movie adaptation was unrecognizable—just trash!"
"Let's keep the discussion civil, though I agree with the trash comment. Wasted my ticket."
"I haven't read either book, but having seen both movies, I must say one was all looks and no substance, a complete mess. The other wasn't just flawless in plot and uplifting in content, but also had spot-on acting. I have a feeling 'Ascension' might just sweep the awards today."
The Best Film award is one of the most prestigious at the Jinlin Awards, especially for films currently in theaters. Winning this award means more than just a boost in box office revenue; it represents the honor of the entire production team.
Ye Chufeng had arrived fully expecting to win, even having prepared his acceptance speech in advance. It was a shock to him that the award was snatched away by a crew he had initially looked down upon.
Moreover, of the next seven or eight awards, aside from Best Male Lead, which went to the handsome young man who had greeted Ling Chunann at the start, and two lesser awards claimed by other teams, the rest were all won by the 'Ascension' crew.
"The winner of the Best Director award is—Chu Yu from 'Ascension'!"
Hearing this, almost everyone felt it was expected. Under the spotlight, Chu Yu adjusted his collar leisurely and ascended the stage with grace.
Ling Chunann noticed Ye Chufeng's brows furrowing tightly as he stared at the stage, as if Chu Yu was his arch-enemy.
"Baby, you've looked at him five times since we sat down," Fu Xianzhi's pitiful voice came from beside him. "Am I not as good-looking as he is?"
"Of course, you're the most handsome," Ling Chunann replied with a mix of laughter and helplessness.
"Then why do you keep looking at him?"
"Because I've realized he's quite handsome too."
"…"
098 burst into laughter. It knew there was no winning in competing with the host for jealousy.
At that moment, Chu Yu finally stepped down from the stage, his light footsteps indicating his good mood.
As he passed by Ling Chunann, he flashed a mysterious smile their way.
"Now, we are down to the last two awards," the male host announced excitedly. "With 'Ascension' already the biggest winner of the evening, will it continue its streak with the next award? Let's announce the Best Screenwriter. The winner is—"
Every screenwriter related to this award was on the edge of their seat, sweating with anticipation, including Ye Chufeng. This was his last chance.
After keeping the audience in suspense, the host finally declared loudly, "The original author and screenwriter of 'Ascension'—Mu Linke! Congratulations!"
Ling Chunann stood up, and the live stream viewers went wild.
"Who told me the author was overweight? Who?! Misleading the public, calling such a beautiful youth an eyesore!"
"I thought the author of 'Ascension' would be at least some old man in his hundreds, but this kid looks barely legal?"
"Appearances can be deceiving. Why couldn't someone young write something so profound? Plus, before using the pseudonym Xiaoxiao Yuxie, he had been writing under the name of God Mu Lin for years."
"His looks alone make me want to rewatch 'Ascension' five times."
"How superficial, judging by looks. What's the use of a pretty face? I, for one, appreciate literary talent! After twenty years, I think I've fallen in love again."
"Wait, did no one else notice the sweet vibe between the great Xiaoxiao and that super handsome guy next to him? When he stood up, they were holding hands, though they let go quickly. I swear, with my fifty years of being single and watching romances, I even saw them exchange smiles. I'll happily digest this serving of dog food; feel free to join me."
Ling Chunann, no stranger to accepting awards, took the trophy and began his acceptance speech. "I'm honored to receive this award. I know there have been doubts about my image. Yes, I used to be overweight. And now? I simply lost weight."
This remark sent waves of laughter through the audience, who applauded in congratulations.
"Now, I want to thank my editor and everyone in the crew. It's our collective effort that made 'Ascension' such a success in such a short time." Ling Chunann bowed sincerely towards his crew, then turned to Fu Xianzhi, "Lastly, I want to thank my love. You've been by my side through thick and thin, never leaving me regardless of how I looked. Thank you."
Returning to his seat, Ling Chunann was met with a tight embrace, the spotlight on them as the applause continued.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ling Chunann noticed the protagonist staring at him, seemingly in a daze.
Recalling the protagonist's twisted expression when his name was announced, Ling Chunann felt a surge of interest.
"Host, ever since the protagonist heard your name and saw you, he's had that shocked look on his face," 098 timely reported.
The fairness of the Jinlin Awards has never been in question. From its inception, it has represented the highest authority in the film and television industry. That 'Ascension' won so many awards simply proves its merit.
However, Ye Chufeng, originally not from this world and accustomed to a complex social and entertainment circle, didn't quite understand the rules here. Initially skeptical of potential insider dealings, the screening of movie clips during the awards showed him he had completely lost to someone he initially dismissed but came to see as a rival.
"Comeback value increased by 5%, now at 90%. Please keep up the good work, Host."
Victory was just ahead!
The last award of the night was for Best Innovation, often seen as a consolation prize. Generally, productions that had already won other awards were not contenders for this one, and this time was no exception.
"The winner is—'Shooting Eagles'! Congratulations!" the host's voice soared.
As the investor and screenwriter, Ye Chufeng was chosen by the crew to accept the award but remained motionless, ultimately, the director went up to receive it.
As the ceremony concluded, the 'Ascension' crew received the warmest reception, swarmed by countless reporters.
Protected by Fu Xianzhi, Ling Chunann safely exited the crowd.
Just as they were about to board their hover car, someone called out, "Wait."
Ye Chufeng stood behind them, having been the one to call out.
Ling Chunann turned, "What is it?"
"I'd like to talk to you, alone," said Ye Chufeng.
Ling Chunann glanced at Fu Xianzhi, who kissed him on the corner of his lips before reluctantly getting into the car.
Once the car door was securely closed, Ye Chufeng spoke again, "You know, don't you?"
Ling Chunann: "Ah?"
Ye Chufeng: "Stop pretending. I know who you are."
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