CHAPTER 214
When she felt a slight pressure on her fingertips, Qin Yinong withdrew her gaze from the center of the stage, and lowered her eyes to their interlocked hands. She squinted and looked at Tang Ruoyao's profile.
Tang Ruoyao seemed lost in thought, and Qin Yinong didn't notice her for a couple of seconds.
Qin Yinong shifted her gaze back, looking contemplative.
Did Tang Ruoyao have a connection with the Best Supporting Actress who just left the stage?
As the Best Supporting Actress returned to her seat, the host turned to the next award, and Tang Ruoyao snapped out of her thoughts, straightening her back once again. Out of habit, she glanced at Qin Yinong beside her.
Unlike last year, they were seated one after the other, and deliberately searching for each other's presence would be strange.
Qin Yinong's attention was always on Tang Ruoyao, and when she felt her gaze, she turned her head to look at her, and they exchanged a smile
Huo Yuke had witnessed all of this.
Huo Yuke's palms were sweating, her teeth clenched tightly, a buzzing sound in her ears. She had no interest in listening to what the host was saying on stage. She was anxious and restless, her mind filled with nothing but the furious thought "he deceived me" and the desperate question 'What should I do?'
After sitting there so distracted for half the night, she comforted herself: things weren't that serious, maybe nothing happened? She had only done something insignificant, it hadn't affected Tang Ruoyao at all. Besides, there was Liu Yayu. She had done everything she could, and she was still favored. As long as she was willing to sacrifice a little more, Liu Yayu would protect her.
Yes, that's right. She was just overthinking. Huo Yuke figured it out and smiled again.
"The long-awaited moment is finally here," the female host looked down at the script, her expression excited. "The award we are about to announce is the Best Actress award of this year's Golden Magnolia Awards!"
The big screen started playing the nominated actresses and their films.
Whether it was an illusion or not, the lights on the center stage seemed brighter than before.
The audience in the venue and those watching the live stream eagerly awaited the result.
Barrage comments started flooding in:
— "Qin Yinong! Qin Yinong! Qin Yinong! Qin Yinong is the best in the world! Qin Yinong is unrivaled!"
— "Tang Ruoyao! Tang Ruoyao! Tang Ruoyao!"
—Double yellow! Double yellow! Double yellow!"
[The term "yellows" likely refers to the gold/yellow trophy/medal associated with winning the top acting award. So "Double Yellows" means two performers winning the top "golden" award.]
There is a precedent for "double yellow." It happened at a previous Golden Rose Awards ceremony a few years ago when there were two winners in a category. So, since the announcement of the nominations for this year's Golden Magnolia Awards, both Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao from "True Colors" were nominated, and fans hoped to see a "double yellow" moment like that year.
Even Tang Ruoyao herself held some expectation for it.
If she unexpectedly won over Qin Yinong, let alone it being highly unlikely, it would only make her doubt the fairness of the award. She knew there was a gap between their performances.
Strictly speaking, "True Colors" is not a dual female lead film like the one with the previous "double yellow." Qin Yinong is the lead, and Tang Ruoyao is the supporting lead, making a distinction. However, since Tang Ruoyao was nominated as a lead actress, it meant that the organizing committee recognized her as a lead. Additionally, being the first nationally released film with a same-sex theme, it held great significance.
Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but think, "Could she really win the award together with Qin Yinong?"
That would also mean standing on the award stage together and indirectly fulfilling her wish.
Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath, held her breath, and looked at the presenters on the stage.
The golden envelope had already been opened.
Everyone's gaze fell on the thin card inside.
"The winner of the Best Actress award for this year's Golden Magnolia Award is-"
Tang Ruoyao's fingers clenched into a fist.
Her heart pounded like a heavy drum.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
She could almost feel physical pain, and her eyebrows furrowed lightly.
A smile appeared on the presenter's face, and they enunciated each word, "Qin. Yinong!"
They made an inviting gesture and loudly announced, "Please come up on stage!"
Applause erupted like thunder.
A bright spotlight shone on Qin Yinong, and she nodded, calmly standing up.
There was no pause, no second name.
The dust had settled.
Tang Ruoyao's gaze dimmed as she sat in her seat, feeling a sense of uncontrollable sadness.
Qin Yinong turned around, intending to embrace Tang Ruoyao beside her, but she realized that Tang Ruoyao hadn't even stood up. Her eyes were lowered, and Qin Yinong couldn't tell what she was thinking. She looked slightly puzzled. However, in such a public setting, Qin Yinong couldn't possibly ask her now. She suppressed her worries, lifted the hem of her dress with both hands, and softly reminded her, "Teacher Tang."
Tang Ruoyao was seated to her right and had to pass by her to leave.
Tang Ruoyao snapped out of her daze, and her pupils slightly contracted. She quickly realized that she had missed something just now. Apologetic expressions appeared in her eyes, and Qin Yinong subtly shook her head at her.
Tang Ruoyao made way for her, and Qin Yinong gracefully walked past her, stepping onto the stage.
In the barrage of comments, fans of Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao, as well as onlookers who had to side with one party, began to argue:
— "What was Tang Ruoyao doing? Qin Yinong even made a motion to embrace her, and she didn't move from her seat? Isn't that too arrogant? Can't she at least put on a show?"
— "She just lost, can't she be sad for a moment?"
— "Can being sad justify ignoring basic etiquette? What's her status? What's Tang Ruoyao's status?"
— "What status? Aren't they both human beings? Qin Yinong didn't mind, and you guys are making a bigger fuss than the parties involved."
— "You're not Qin Yinong, how do you know she doesn't mind? It's disrespectful and lacks manners to challenge a senior's face in public. I think that exposé was right. Tang Ruoyao is fake, pretentious, and overly dramatic."
— "How can you ship them? Mixing poison in a dessert, it's so fake!"
Fans of the couple expressed:
— "Yaoyao, Mom is very disappointed in you! You're avoiding suspicion too much! Didn't you see Director Han hugging Qin Yinong? What's the big deal about hugging someone! Maybe you're just too young. Don't do this next time, okay?"
— "To all the Mama Qins out there, durians, keyboards, and remote controls are ready. When you go back, make the brat kneel. Don't get angry, harmony brings wealth."
Qin Yinong ascended the award stage, and the presenter awarded her. They gave her some words of encouragement.
Qin Yinong held the sparkling golden trophy, her mind somewhat absent. She cleverly concealed it, and her gaze casually swept across the audience, briefly passing over Tang Ruoyao.
The host sighed, "Four consecutive years."
Qin Yinong responded, "Hmm?"
The host explained, "You have been the Best Actress for four consecutive years. Last year, we were discussing how since the establishment of the Golden Magnolia Awards, there had never been anyone like you, and it's unlikely that there will be anyone in the future. This year, you have broken your own record."
Qin Yinong nodded and smiled politely, saying, "Thank you."
The host paused and thought, Shouldn't she show some humility? Although she doesn't really need to be humble.
In the past, Qin Yinong would have said a few polite words, but she was concerned about Tang Ruoyao, so she saved a sentence.
The host tried to find a topic and said, "How about it? Do you have confidence in breaking the record again for Best Actress next year?"
Qin Yinong smiled and said, "Let's talk about it next year."
The host sensed that she wanted to wrap up quickly, so he tactfully stopped engaging in conversation and gave her the stage.
Qin Yinong walked to the center of the stage under the spotlight, slightly raised the microphone, and first said, "Thank you, my love."
Tang Ruoyao smiled faintly.
Barrage comments:
— "Director, I think it's a good time to switch to Tang Ruoyao. What do you think?"
— "Ahhh, the director should be demoted 10 chicken legs!"
[In some Asian cultures, chicken legs are considered a desirable food item, so "taking away chicken legs" is used metaphorically as a form of punishment or demotion. The specific number 10 is probably just an arbitrary, over-the-top amount to emphasize the criticism.]
No matter how the audience clamored, the camera always focused on Qin Yinong, unwavering.
After delivering a speech that was almost identical to last year's, Qin Yinong continued, "Thank you to my co-star, Tang Ruoyao."
She paused and suddenly broke into smile, a smile brighter and more radiant than any of her smiles tonight.
Live comments:
— "Holy cow! Ahhhhhh!"
— "Is this the first time she's called Tang Ruoyao's name in public?"
— "Qin the Emperor: My wife's name sounds so beautiful, hehehe."
Qin Yinong took the initiative to mention it, and the director finally switched to Tang Ruoyao's face. Tang Ruoyao's expression was somewhat difficult to discern. Her lips curved slightly, and she smiled, but there was a hint of imperceptible nervousness in her smile.
Tang Ruoyao unconsciously tightened her grip on her bag and thought, "Could she be about to come out?!"
Qin Yinong said, "It was a pleasant experience working with her. She is a very talented actress. The success of this film doesn't belong to me alone, it also belongs to Tang Ruoyao, Director Han, and every actor and crew member."
Live comments:
— "Very pleasant ♀"
— "Hahaha!"
— "Speaking of which, Emperor Qin is definitely the dominant one, right? In the behind-the-scenes footage, Emperor Qin kissed Tang Ruoyao like that."
— "Tang as the Top!"
— "Qin as the Top!"
— "Let them fight!"
Qin Yinong bowed and left the stage.
Tang Ruoyao made up for the missed hug.
The two of them sat down together, and Qin Yinong casually placed the trophy in Tang Ruoyao's lap.
Tang Ruoyao paused for a moment, lowered her head to look at it for two seconds, not seeming to care much. She raised her gaze again, focusing her attention on the stage.
Qin Yinong observed her actions and furrowed her brows slowly.
Does she not want this trophy? Or is there another hidden reason?
The award ceremony came to a close as Qin Yinong was lost in thought. She followed suit, applauding, and stood up from her seat. After Tang Ruoyao waited for the people in front to leave, she came back to take Qin Yinong's hand, and the two of them exited together.
Reporters conducting backstage interviews saw the two of them leaving side by side and rushed over. Qin Yinong's bodyguards blocked them, but they still managed to conduct separate interviews, although they were very close. Qin Yinong perked up her ears and could hear Tang Ruoyao's responses from her side.
"It seems like you're not in a very good mood today, Ruoyao?"
"No, where did you get that idea?" Tang Ruoyao replied with a smile.
The reporter persisted, "Is it because you didn't win that you're feeling sad?"
"I will continue to work hard."
.....
"Hmm? What question did you just ask?" Qin Yinong looked at the reporter in a friendly manner and apologized, "Could you please repeat it again? Sorry for the trouble."
The reporter repeated the question.
Qin Yinong answered.
Less than a minute later, she asked another reporter to repeat their question.
The reporters: "..."
To avoid the reporters, the two of them went home separately. Just like last year, they went to their smaller home, but it wasn't the house Tang Ruoyao had lived in for a few years. Instead, it was a new house completely decorated according to Tang Ruoyao's aesthetic preferences.
Facing south, brightly lit, the living room's floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the lights on the river.
Qin Yinong used the code to open the door, and Tang Ruoyao took the trophy with a carved golden locust leaf from her hand, hesitated for a second, and then placed it in the hallway before hanging up Qin Yinong's coat.
Qin Yinong tilted her head, shook her long hair, and reached out to embrace Tang Ruoyao's slender waist. She led her towards the sofa and buried her face in her embrace. Tang Ruoyao's originally straight back instantly softened, and she wrapped her arms around Qin Yinong's waist.
"Those paparazzi are so annoying. It took us quite a few detours to shake them off." the woman complained softly.
Tang Ruoyao smiled and gently patted her head.
Suddenly, Qin Yinong exclaimed, "Audacious!"
Tang Ruoyao was startled. She saw the woman sitting up, staring at her angrily and saying, "How dare you encroach on the throne?"
Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow and messed up the "throne's" long hair.
"What if I did? What would you do?" she provocatively asked.
Qin Yinong burst into laughter and said, "Well done! Make an even bigger disturbance."
Tang Ruoyao pointed downward and pinched the woman's face, wearing a slightly puzzled smile. She asked, "Why are you acting so mischievous now? Huh?"
Qin Yinong said, "Wasn't it your idea?"
Tang Ruoyao asked, "What did I say?"
Qin Yinong said, "You said, 'Being together as a couple is not only the most interesting but also the most anticipated process of gradually changing for each other, becoming better people who are more suitable for each other. Sometimes, I think about what we will be like after one year together, or three years, or even ten years. Isn't it fascinating?'"
Tang Ruoyao remembered saying those words, but she didn't recall them as clearly as Qin Yinong did.
She was silent for a moment and asked, "Did you memorize my words?"
Qin Yinong hummed and said, "Pretty close."
Tang Ruoyao felt touched but still said, "You don't need to remember these things. A good memory should be used to remember more important matters."
Qin Yinong replied, "You are the most important thing to me."
Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but smile, her eyes and brows curved.
Qin Yinong reached over and lightly flicked Tang Ruoyao's nose. "Do you like hearing sweet words from me that much?"
Tang Ruoyao nodded.
Qin Yinong looked into her eyes and said, "I love you."
Perhaps even she hadn't realized how affectionate her gaze was at that moment.
Tang Ruoyao locked eyes with her for two seconds, then pressed the woman against the back of the sofa and kissed her.
Under Qin Yinong's guidance, she became more and more proactive. However, whenever Qin Yinong showed signs of wanting to take the initiative, she still consciously retreated to a passive position.
Like now, Qin Yinong lifted her up, sat her on her lap, and held the back of her head with one hand, pulling her closer.
This kind of kissing, Tang Ruoyao wouldn't be able to hold on for long...
So Qin Yinong released her before she could make more sounds.
There was an unresolved matter.
Qin Yinong still held her, gently caressing her slightly warm cheek with her fingertip, and asked softly, "Why weren't you happy tonight?"
Tang Ruoyao subtly avoided her gaze and said, "It's nothing."
Qin Yinong lifted her chin with her finger.
Their gazes met.
Tang Ruoyao's thoughts were laid bare before those perceptive eyes, and she lowered her head.
Qin Yinong wasn't angry. Her voice became even softer as she said, "Still pretending there's nothing wrong? Your lips could hang an oil jar."
Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but burst into laughter and said, "Do they really?"
She was saddened, not angry.
Qin Yinong said, "Then lift your head and let me see."
Tang Ruoyao willingly raised her head, lips pursed.
Qin Yinong sighed in frustration and said, "Now I'm not happy either."
Tang Ruoyao asked, "Why?"
Qin Yinong replied, "If you're not happy, how can I be happy? You know why I'm unhappy, but I don't know why you're unhappy. My unhappiness outweighs yours."
At first, this statement sounded a bit convoluted, but Tang Ruoyao immediately understood.
A battle raged within her.
Should she speak up? If Qin Yinong knew, she would surely help fulfill her wish. But if she really spoke up and asked for Qin Yinong's assistance, would there be any meaning to this wish?
If she didn't say anything, Qin Yinong would have to accompany her in sadness without knowing the reason behind it.
Which was more important?
Tang Ruoyao clenched her teeth tightly, biting her lower lip until it turned pale. After a while, she lifted her slightly reddened eyelids and made up her mind. "I'll tell you , it's because..."
"Wait," Qin Yinong interrupted her.
Tang Ruoyao was taken aback.
Qin Yinong asked, "Is it your secret?"
Tang Ruoyao replied, "Sort of."
Qin Yinong questioned, "Will it affect our relationship?"
Tang Ruoyao answered, "No."
Qin Yinong said, "You don't want to say it?"
Tang Ruoyao hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded.
Qin Yinong smiled and said, "Then don't say it."
Tang Ruoyao mumbled, "But..."
Qin Yinong said, "If you tell me, you won't be happy, and I won't be happy either. But once you say it, you can't take it back. Every time you remember it, you'll be unhappy again. Since it doesn't affect our relationship, I don't need to know."
"Besides," the woman gave her a sidelong glance and said, "One day in the future, you will eventually tell me. I have your whole lifetime, why should I rush?"
Tang Ruoyao's expression flickered slightly. She barely formed the word "thank you" with her lips before stopping herself in time and sweetly changing her words, "Baby, you're really great."
Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow lazily and asked, "Well, tell me then, what's so great about me?"
Tang Ruoyao liked it when Qin Yinong spoke sweet words, and Qin Yinong enjoyed hearing Tang Ruoyao praise her.
Tang Ruoyao immediately showered Qin Yinong with compliments without any hesitation, making Qin Yinong beam with joy.
In the evening, they drove the new car in turns. Tang Ruoyao fell asleep first, and once she was sound asleep, Qin Yinong put on her robe, quietly went to the living room entrance, and brought back the trophy. She placed it on the bedside table and examined it under the moonlight, repeatedly reminiscing about Tang Ruoyao's unusual behavior during the evening.
She wasn't particularly concerned about the trophy itself, she cared about what was behind it.
The awards Tang Ruoyao had won were not particularly prestigious, but she had still managed to win the the Best Newcomer award, the Best Actress award, and a few other awards over the years.
Qin Yinong understood Tang Ruoyao well. They were not only lovers but also rivals. Naturally, Tang Ruoyao would feel dejected when Qin Yinong beat her, but today's level of frustration far exceeded the normal range.
Why?
Qin Yinong tossed and turned, recalling Tang Ruoyao's expression when she received the trophy from her earlier, and a sudden realization flashed in her mind—
Could it be that she wanted Qin Yinong to present the award to her?
Or maybe she wanted Qin Yinong to be there in the audience to witness her glory? After all, Qin Yinong had missed one of her award ceremonies two years ago.
A faint sadness welled up in Qin Yinong's heart, unable to be expressed. She turned to face the sleeping Tang Ruoyao, propping herself up on one elbow. Gently, she ran her fingers over Tang Ruoyao's delicate eyebrows, eyes, nose, and lips.
As her fingertip rested on Tang Ruoyao's lips.
Qin Yinong let out a sigh, extended her arm, and embraced Tang Ruoyao in her arms. Tang Ruoyao instinctively adjusted herself to a comfortable position, rubbed her forehead against Qin Yinong's, and fell into a deep sleep once again.
Qin Yinong calculated in her mind that she definitely wouldn't win the Golden Magnolia Award next year. There was an unwritten rule in the country known as the "Three Golds" - the winners of the Best Actor and Best Actress awards at the Golden Rose, Golden Magnolia, and Golden Laurel Awards could only receive the award for a maximum of two consecutive years. Qin Yinong was an actress whom the organizing committee both appreciated and found troublesome. It was good to be outstanding, but being excessively outstanding and surpassing everyone else was not ideal. The committee often struggled to decide who to award apart from Qin Yinong, hoping to receive less criticism. They couldn't let her monopolize all the awards, could they?
Last year, according to tradition, Qin Yinong shouldn't have received the award. However, the film for which she won not only swept the Asia-Pacific region in the first half of the year but also made it to the main competition section of the Berlin Film Festival. Due to Qin Yinong's absence, the award was not presented, but she ended up winning a total of eight Best Actress trophies domestically and internationally. If she didn't receive the Golden Magnolia Award, she would probably be drowned in spit, and her credibility would hit rock bottom.
This year was even more complicated. Tang Ruoyao was superior to the other nominees, and the organizing committee initially wanted to give the award to her. However, both of them happened to be nominated for the same film. Could they give the award to Tang Ruoyao and not to Qin Yinong? Unless the audience collectively went blind.
That's why it resulted in the unthinkable scenario of Qin Yinong winning the Best Actress award for four consecutive years. The organizing committee of the Golden Magnolia Award was on the verge of sending someone to tie up Qin Yinong and prevent her from making any more films.
Qin Yinong ruled out the possibility of winning the Golden Magnolia Award, but the other two awards were uncertain. However, Qin Yinong had high hopes for Tang Ruoyao's upcoming film "Xiao Hong" next year. It might even allow her to win two awards at once. As for herself, if she didn't have any works nominated, she could attend events and volunteer as a presenter without any problems.
As for taking a break from acting, that was a matter for later. At the very least, she had to wait for Tang Ruoyao to win the Best Actress award.
Lost in her thoughts, she slowly drifted off to sleep.
The next day was Sunday, and they slept until eleven o'clock. After some exercise, they got up and prepared lunch together. Qin Yinong cooked while Tang Ruoyao assisted. Once all the ingredients were ready, they made a cucumber salad without vinegar.
The kitchen was filled with warmth.
While stir-frying the dishes, Qin Yinong opened her mouth to accept the food that Tang Ruoyao fed her.
After eating a few bites, Qin Yinong smiled and said, "That's enough, I still need to eat the main meal."
Tang Ruoyao mischievously replied, "What meal? Aren't I enough to satisfy your hunger?"
Qin Yinong turned off the stove, put down the spatula, and walked over with a smile while untying her apron.
Tang Ruoyao ran off in a flash, laughing heartily.
Qin Yinong watched her lively figure and couldn't help but grind her teeth a little. It's good to have a quick recovery ability as a young person. She still felt a bit sore in her waist. Qin Yinong supported her lower back for a while and then resumed cooking.
Tang Ruoyao brought her laptop to the coffee table in the living room, connected it to the big-screen TV, and opened a video without hitting play, just leaving it there.
Before long, Qin Yinong had prepared three dishes and a soup, and Tang Ruoyao helped her bring them to the table.
Qin Yinong caught a glimpse of the TV screen and put down her bowl of soup, casually asking, "What are you watching?"
Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "The video from our wedding day."
Qin Yinong gave her a gentle glare and said, "You didn't wait for me."
Tang Ruoyao immediately responded, "I didn't press play. I didn't sneak a peek for even a second." In reality, she did sneak a peek at Qin Yinong's part and watched it for two minutes, almost getting lost in it.
On their wedding day, there were professional videographers, more than one of them.
There were dedicated cameramen for Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao, and even aerial drones were deployed to record the entire wedding process. From the pre-wedding preparations to the ceremony itself, the video had exquisite image quality, smooth editing, and even voice-over narration. It was almost like a documentary film, the kind that could score above 9.5 on a review site.
Qin Yinong had initially said that she didn't want to go overboard, but in the end, aside from just inviting guests, every detail from the grand wedding sedan to the smallest insignificant decoration in the dowry was meticulously planned and executed. Tang Ruoyao only later found out how much money was spent afterward and nearly blacked out.
But now that the money had been spent, both of them were satisfied with the results, so it was worth it.
Because the post-production requirements were very high, it took a few months for them to receive the final video. The whole family watched it together, and in front of so many people, they couldn't say certain things and couldn't rewind to focus on specific parts.
Today, Tang Ruoyao brought it out again, intending to relive the memories.
Qin Yinong checked the TV and confirmed that it hadn't started playing yet. She walked back and said, "Let's eat first, then we can watch it together after."
The two of them quickly finished their lunch and sat in front of the TV.
Tang Ruoyao lightly rested her hand on the space bar, feeling inexplicably nervous, and asked, "Should I start it?"
Qin Yinong suddenly said, "Wait a moment."
Tang Ruoyao looked at her with a puzzled expression.
Qin Yinong stood up and said, "I'll go cut some fruit platters first."
Tang Ruoyao followed, saying, "Then I'll pour two glasses of water."
The wedding documentary was several hours long.
Once they were prepared, they pressed the play button to start.
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