"And next up, for our highly anticipated Best Actor award, who will take home the prestigious title? I'm sure everyone is eager to know. Here is a compilation of outstanding nominated actors' brilliant performances in their respective films. Please enjoy—"
Applause rippled through the crowd.
The organizers chose a scene from "Class Three High School" featuring Song Xingjia, specifically the moment he learned of Chen Wenya's death.
In just a few seconds, he conveyed regret, remorse, and pain upon discovering the truth.
Jiang Mian remembered she wasn't on set when this scene was filmed, as her part had already wrapped up.
Her first time seeing this scene was in the cinema, and she was deeply moved by Song Xingjia's masterful performance.
Even watching it again now, she was still captivated by the raw intensity of his emotions.
The host, with a perfectly calibrated smile, said, "I'm sure everyone is incredibly excited. So, let's not keep you in suspense any longer! Please welcome the renowned director, Song Ning, to reveal the winner—"
"I announce that the Best Actor at this year's Kyoto Film Festival is—"
"It's—" He deliberately drew out the suspense.
Jiang Mian clenched her fists, her almond-shaped eyes blinking rapidly.
She truly hoped Song Xingjia would win again.
Perhaps to him, it meant little.
But he deserved it.
Cameras panned across the nominated actors. When the lens landed on Song Xingjia, he was impeccably dressed in a pristine white suit, exuding an air of maturity and composure. A subtle smile played on his handsome features.
The host chimed in, "It seems Teacher Song is quite pleased with this moment! We're all on the edge of our seats, please don't keep us waiting any longer."
"Alright, alright. I announce that the Best Actor of the 2xnd Kyoto Film Festival—"
"Is—"
"Congratulations to Song Xingjia! Please come up on stage to accept your award."
The auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. Song Xingjia rose, offered a slight nod to the cameras, and then walked calmly to the stage.
Song Ning, beaming, handed him the trophy. "Xingjia and I are old friends. I've presented you with awards twice before."
Song Xingjia accepted the trophy with both hands and nodded slightly. "Yes, it was also at the Kyoto Film Festival that Teacher Song and I first met. I was still a newcomer then."
Song Ning's eyes held deep admiration. "Xingjia is an incredibly talented and hardworking individual. His achievements today are entirely his own."
Standing at the microphone, Song Xingjia's expression was serene, his voice like jade. "After so many years in this industry, it means a great deal that my many excellent works have been seen by all of you. I must express my deepest gratitude to the directors and my co-stars, and of course, my fans who have always supported me silently from behind."
Jiang Mian watched him, her brow furrowed. She had a feeling Song Xingjia's words hinted at a farewell.
Fortunately, he didn't elaborate further, merely offering a smile. His gaze briefly swept over Jiang Mian before he descended from the stage.
After the film festival concluded, Jiang Mian and Song Xingjia returned to their hotel rooms.
Director Wang was delighted. "It's rare for us all to be together. Since Xingjia is here, why don't we go out for a meal? Firstly, to fulfill my promise of treating everyone to dinner if the box office exceeded one hundred million, and secondly, Xingjia has won an award – a joyous occasion that must be celebrated!"
He looked at Song Xingjia. "Xingjia, you're not rushing off, are you?"
Song Xingjia glanced at Jiang Mian, her eyes full of anticipation.
After a moment's hesitation, he agreed, "Of course."
Everyone was amenable to the idea.
Jiang Mian reached for her phone. "Then I need to let my assistant know."
Director Wang nodded. "You all do what you need to do, prepare yourselves. I'll book a venue and send out the details to the group chat later."
He gathered with a few others to discuss locations.
Jiang Mian opened her messaging app and sent a text to Song Xingjia.
Jiang Mian: [Our crew is having a dinner tonight. You can head home by yourself later.]
Xiu: [Where?]
Jiang Mian: [Not decided yet.]
Xiu: [Let me know when it's over.]
Jiang Mian: [Okay.]
Considering Nightwing might look for her, Jiang Mian also sent him a message.
A quick "ok" came back from his end.
With everything sorted, Jiang Mian looked up and realized Song Xingjia was watching her.
She put away her phone, a bright smile on her face. "Congratulations, you truly deserve this award."
Song Xingjia had heard such congratulations countless times over the years.
He had never taken such platitudes to heart before, but as Jiang Mian spoke, he felt a genuine sincerity.
Seeing her not looking disappointed, but rather somewhat pleased, Song Xingjia confirmed that she truly didn't care whether he won or not.
He smiled gently. "Thank you. You look exceptionally beautiful today as well."
Though he had never met her mother, Song Xingjia could imagine what she must have looked like.
Combining the best features of her parents, she was exquisitely beautiful.
Coming from him, such a compliment didn't sound frivolous but was remarkably convincing.
Jiang Mian's eyes curved. "Are you returning to Hong Kong City today?"
Song Xingjia nodded. "Yes."
Once he appeared in public, the news of his supposed illness would be impossible to keep hidden. He needed to return to the company to assist his elder brother with affairs.
Jiang Mian pursed her lips, a little surprised. The gathering would likely end late; was he in such a rush to leave?
While working long hours and unusual shifts was normal for them, this felt different.
Jiang Mian wanted to ask, but felt it might be too intrusive to pry too much into his personal matters.
Song Xingjia sensed her hesitation but couldn't explain his departure clearly.
They tacitly let the topic drop.
Jiang Mian stood. "Then I'll head back to my dressing room to change."
She couldn't dine in her formal gown.
Song Xingjia nodded. "Go ahead. Shall we take my car later?"
"Okay."
"Then message me when you're ready, and I'll come find you," he arranged.
Jiang Mian, lifting her skirt, responded crisply, "Okay!"
She exited the dressing room and started walking back.
As she rounded a corner, she was stopped.
Jiang Mian raised an eyebrow, a touch of surprise in her expression.
Liang Qiao quickly said, "I need to talk to you!"
She grabbed Jiang Mian's wrist and pulled her along, her grip surprisingly strong. Within a few steps, she had brought Jiang Mian into a room and shut the door before releasing her.
Jiang Mian rubbed her wrist, frowning, a little displeased. "What do you want to say?"
She didn't particularly like or dislike Liang Qiao.
Their few interactions had always been associated with Shen Tingyu's presence. Now that they were in the same company, their encounters were even fewer.
So, she was genuinely curious what business Liang Qiao could have with her.
Liang Qiao's gaze fixed on her. "Jiang Mian, you are truly blessed."
Before, she had dismissed Jiang Mian as a mere C-list celebrity and never paid her much mind.
But now, Jiang Mian was becoming increasingly radiant. Every project she released garnered solid critical acclaim.
Even a cameo in "Nine Heavens Immortal" generated buzz comparable to the leads.
Even if she didn't win an award at this film festival, winning one was only a matter of time.
Remembering how she had been publicly refuted after falsely accusing Jiang Mian, Liang Qiao still felt a pang of awkwardness.
"You said you had something to discuss with me. Is that it?"
"Of course not," she denied, her tone not exactly pleasant. "I just wanted to warn you to stay away from Luo Fei."
She knew Luo Fei too well; he never gave up until he achieved his goals and was adept at adapting to circumstances.
In front of the Luo family patriarch, he portrayed himself as oppressed by his elder brother, garnering sympathy.
But Liang Qiao knew that the eldest son of the Luo family was no match for Luo Fei.
If it weren't for Mrs. Luo's influence, the entire Luo family might have already fallen into Luo Fei's hands.
Since he had set his sights on Jiang Mian, he would eventually find a way to get her.
She wasn't a good person, but... reminding Jiang Mian of this was, in a way, accumulating good karma for that child who had passed away too soon.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mian showed no surprise. She nodded. "Regardless of your intentions, thank you. I've known for a long time that he has ulterior motives towards me."
"Then consider me meddling!"
With that, Liang Qiao pushed past her and left the room.
Jiang Mian felt a surge of speechless exasperation at her inexplicable temper, and couldn't help but murmur, "I didn't say you were meddling."
...
Shen Muyuan had intended to stay until the end, but a sudden company matter required his departure. He said to Shen Tingyu, "Mian Mian, you can head back by yourself later. Call your driver. I need to return to the office."
Shen Tingyu couldn't have asked for anything more. With her brother gone, she would have an opportunity to spend time alone with Ji Zhixiu.
She immediately nodded eagerly, "Okay, brother, I understand."
Shen Muyuan smiled, bid farewell to Ji Zhixiu, and then rose to leave.
The moment he left, the barrier between the two disappeared.
Shen Tingyu stared at Ji Zhixiu without any pretense.
When she heard that the Best Actress award did not go to Jiang Mian, Shen Tingyu couldn't help but smile.
She knew it wouldn't be Jiang Mian.
It was worth coming here today for this.
As the event neared its end, Ji Zhixiu got up and left early.
Seeing this, Shen Tingyu quickly followed.
Fan Cheng was waiting outside for Ji Zhixiu. Upon seeing him emerge, he immediately straightened and opened the car door for him. "President, you have a dinner engagement at Floating Cloud Residence tonight. Regarding the project discussed with Mr. Cheng last time, he said he has made up his mind and can agree to our terms. However, he also has a condition: he hopes we will prioritize full-screen advertising in first-tier cities such as Kyoto, Hai City, and Hong Kong City."
Ji Zhixiu settled into the back seat. Upon hearing this, his thin lips curved into a chillingly beautiful smile, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. His voice was as cold as if it had been quenched in ice. "What makes him qualified to make demands of me?"
Fan Cheng stiffened. "He knows he's not qualified and has offered a ten percent profit margin reduction, and that our company will have complete responsibility for this project."
Ji Zhixiu lowered his gaze, his voice soft. "An old fox. If it's handed over to us, the profits will still be shared. A clever calculation."
If this were entrusted to Ji's Corporation, this collaboration would fare no worse.
It would naturally be far better than him dictating terms.
Fan Cheng hesitated. "So, should we agree?"
He had a feeling the President wasn't entirely keen on agreeing.
"Of course, agree. This ten percent profit margin reduction should be enough to make him feel the pinch. By the way, has the spokesperson for this perfume been arranged?" Ji Zhixiu asked, his fingertips gently tapping the leather seat.
"No, Mr. Cheng said he's willing to follow your arrangements. If you have a suitable candidate, he will cover the expenses for the contract negotiation."