Viewers watching the live broadcast couldn't help but notice that one moment the film emperor was sharing the stage with the empress, and the next, he was sitting alone.
Furthermore, the camera never panned back to that area.
Xia Yiran, seated in the first row, glanced over, slowly took out her phone, and snapped a selfie. She immediately posted it on Weibo: "So fortunate to share the stage with so many dedicated and professional film and television practitioners!"
Shortly after the Weibo post, people began to notice something amiss.
Was that Xia Weiliang, dozing on the sofa in the background of her photo?
Thus, netizens mobilized, zooming in on the photo to search for clues. In an instant, photos of Xia Weiliang sleeping at the awards ceremony began to go viral.
It was strange, really. If this had been anyone else, they might have been criticized for being unprofessional, throwing a tantrum, or lacking social graces.
But Xia Weiliang was different!
It felt like nothing outrageous would be surprising if it happened to her!
Upon seeing the photos, her fans remained incredibly calm.
[Forgive us! We heard the Empress is preparing for the Olympics and has signed up for the 'Chest Smash with Bricks' event. She practices smashing bricks at home every night!]
[Seriously, can't you make up more believable lies? Chest smash with bricks? She's clearly training for weightlifting! Good heavens, she can lift over a dozen shared bikes in one night! The sight was... incredibly breathtaking!]
This particular approach was unique in the fan community!
Speaking of which, have you heard of fan club fans?
By relying solely on their own efforts, they managed to attract a new wave of fans. In the entire entertainment industry, who else could do this?!
The star's eccentric traits, combined with her unconventional fans, led to photos of Xia Weiliang sleeping at the awards ceremony going viral once again.
Interestingly, though it was Xia Yiran's selfie, the subsequently circulated photos were cropped so meticulously that not even a strand of her hair remained, effectively erasing her from the picture!
As for the person in question, Xia Weiliang slept soundly, undisturbed. It wasn't until thunderous applause erupted around her that she groggily opened her eyes, only to see the man beside her straighten his suit and then stand up.
Still half-asleep, she sat up, rubbed her eyes, and blurted out, "Is the food being served?"
Those seated near her all heard her and covered their mouths, trying to stifle their laughter.
Coincidentally, one of the presenters on stage was Brother Cheng!
As a prominent figure in the variety show industry today, Brother Cheng's popularity had soared after participating in "Challenge Yourself" and "I Am Your Grandpa."
Therefore, he was invited to present an award to Xiao Yi, alongside a veteran actor representing the middle-aged generation and a cinematic titan.
He couldn't help but smile when he saw Xia Weiliang sit up. Upon hearing her words, he couldn't resist leaning into the microphone and saying, "My disciple just asked, 'Is the food being served?'"
A pause on stage, followed by explosive laughter.
Xia Weiliang was now completely awake. She quickly covered her mouth, thinking, "Did I say that? Did I, did I?!"
The man beside her wore a faint smile. He didn't immediately go on stage but leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "I'll take you to eat after this is over."
Seeing this, those around them started to tease. They were all industry peers; who didn't have an inkling of what was going on?
The film emperor was being so obvious, practically having "I want to go public" etched onto his forehead. In that case, there was no need to hold back; they might as well add fuel to the fire!
Xia Weiliang silently covered her cheeks, sinking lower in her seat. At this moment, she had no other thought than to just give up.
After Xiao Yi went on stage, Brother Cheng even teased, "My disciple here, like me, only cares about food. You've worked hard!"
Xiao Yi chuckled, "No matter how much I eat, I can support you."
A certain young actress: "Ahhhh!! Film Emperor, you're killing me!"
A certain female singer: "OMG! Why is this so sweet?"
A rising star in a certain drama: "So doting! Ah! I believe in love again!"
With all this obvious affection, what need was there for an official announcement!
At this moment, the comments on the Anshi platform were also going wild.
[I command you! Continue to be this sweet!]
[Ah! This is forcing me to ship this couple with my life!]
[Compared to the ambiguous vibe between the Film Emperor and the Empress, sweet romance dramas are nothing!]
[Ahhh! Guys, grab your tools and go move the civil affairs bureau!]
Xia Weiliang, curled up on the sofa with her hands covering her cheeks, truly felt too embarrassed to show her face.
Xi En sat beside her, a smile on his face throughout. Occasionally, he would chuckle along with the others and then turn his gaze towards Xia Weiliang.
He knew this woman was not simple, but he hadn't expected her to be so cunning, managing to push Xiao Yi to the point of eagerness to go public!
But for some reason, seeing her flushed face made him feel exceptionally down.
Hah, truly resorting to any means necessary to get ahead!
He shifted his gaze, and a faint cold glint flickered behind his lenses. She was all smiles and seduction towards Xiao Yi, yet so respectful towards him. It was because she knew he had seen through her!
A woman like this...
How detestable!
Xia Yiran watched Xia Weiliang, who had become the center of attention, feeling a surge of frustration that made her cheeks flush red!
Were these people blind?
She was clearly just here to freeload on the red carpet, yet she became the focus of the entire event by pretending to be crazy and silly!
She was indignant! Why was everything Xia Weiliang did so likable? Why did she receive everyone's attention?
While she, in order to secure important resources, had to cater to a scumbag!
She was unwilling!
Unwilling!!
On stage, the excitement continued.
After receiving the trophy from the veteran actor, Xiao Yi adopted a very humble posture. After a solemn thank you, he turned to the audience to deliver his acceptance speech.
Xia Weiliang didn't hear what he said. Her phone kept vibrating. When she opened it, she discovered... well, it was good, the photos of her sleeping at the event were now trending all over the internet.
Even several mattress brands quickly contacted Ji Huan, wanting to invite her as a spokesperson, with their requests being particularly simple and sincere:
If the Empress feels sleepy, no matter where she is, mattresses are available on demand!
Her encyclopedia entry had also been updated, with a peculiar addition to her personal introduction: a female celebrity capable of falling asleep at an awards ceremony.
She silently turned off her phone and looked forward blankly.
Was it really that difficult for a newcomer to ascend?
At that moment, Xiao Yi had come down from the stage and sat beside her. He casually picked up an orange from the table, peeled it, and fed her the segments one by one.
Xia Weiliang looked down and realized the table was actually filled with snacks, pastries, and fruits.
"When did these get delivered?"
"While you were sleeping."
Xiao Yi did all this with the utmost naturalness: "I was worried you might be hungry when you woke up, so I asked the organizers to prepare more."
To show impartiality and avoid any perceived favoritism, the organizers quickly sent the same assortment to all the guests' tables.
Turning back, Xia Weiliang saw Ruirui stuffing cake into her mouth with all her might, while her two older brothers on either side tried desperately to stop her—
She quietly averted her gaze again and whispered, "Did I embarrass you tonight?"
Xiao Yi turned his head, quietly observing her for a few seconds, and said faintly, "Yes, a little."
Just as she suspected.
He then sighed slightly, "Now everyone knows I want to move up, and it's a bit tricky."