Chapter 88: The True Actor

When Mia brought the blanket, Gu Yao rose and carefully wrapped it around her, causing envy among the female artists behind them—when had Gu Yao ever shown such gentle care to anyone?

“Lin Xi?” Just as Lin Xi settled herself, someone called her name. She turned her head in surprise.

She saw Director Fan Xie, his head bald and his belly round, the same director introduced to her by Director Lu at the charity banquet last time.

Lin Xi hurriedly stood up, politely shaking hands with him. “Director Fan, I didn’t expect you to remember me.”

“With your popularity now, it’s hard to forget you, haha,” Fan Xie laughed heartily.

Lin Xi smiled awkwardly, while Gu Yao stood by her side, acting as her guardian, and nodded at the director.

Fan Xie placed his large hand on his protruding belly, looking eager for talent. “Lin Xi, I heard you're filming Yan Mei’s movie. Do you have plans after wrapping up?”

Lin Xi shook her head a little sluggishly and replied, “I plan to rest for a while after finishing, haven’t taken any new jobs yet.”

Gu Yao raised his eyebrows at the side—so this was a poaching attempt.

“Well, isn’t that just perfect!” Fan Xie was overjoyed. He beamed at Lin Xi. “Lin Xi, I happen to have a role that fits you perfectly. Would you like to give it a try?”

“Huh?” Lin Xi blinked in confusion—was this how things worked?

“I’ll send the script to your agent when I get back. Think it over carefully. This role is made for you, I’m waiting for your reply!” Fan Xie said, waving as he returned to his seat.

Lin Xi sat back down, still in a daze. She turned to her fourth brother and asked, “Did Director Fan just approach me for a collaboration? He usually only works with big names!”

Gu Yao glanced at his sister and chuckled. “Are you clueless? Right now, you’re the hottest actress in the industry. Your popularity is through the roof, but you’re so naive you don’t even realize it.”

“But I...I don’t feel it at all,” Lin Xi frowned, genuinely troubled.

“You’ll feel it soon enough,” Gu Yao said, with a meaning in his words.

The award ceremony began.

“The thirty-second Qing Shu Awards Ceremony now commences. Please welcome tonight’s hosts: Xu Feng and Yang Yan.” As the announcement echoed, the bustling venue fell silent.

Lin Xi hurriedly straightened herself in her chair.

The dazzling big screen slowly opened as the hosts entered, Xu Feng and Yang Yan walking hand in hand.

“Welcome, everyone, to the Qing Shu Awards Ceremony. Hello, audience friends, I am Yang Yan.”

“Good evening, everyone, I am Xu Feng.” Xu Feng greeted the audience both on site and online.

Standing center stage, after a brief exchange, they began the award ceremony. Lin Xi finally felt the boredom her brother mentioned—long and dull.

“Once again, congratulations to the producers of the Best Drama. Well done!” Yang Yan smiled.

Xu Feng continued, holding the cue cards, “Next, we present the Most Anticipated Drama of the Year. Please look at the screen!”

Hearing the Most Anticipated Drama award, Lin Xi froze. It was coming!

Gu Yao nudged her with his elbow, signaling her to prepare.

Lin Xi took a deep breath. She saw herself and Lu Yuxiu on the big screen—the official first trailer.

Her heart felt like a little rabbit thumping wildly. She heard Xu Feng’s voice: “Congratulations to the drama ‘Glorious Age’ for receiving this honor! Please welcome Lin Xi to the stage to accept the award.”

In a cloud of confusion, Lin Xi rose, tossed her small blanket to her brother, and walked step by step toward the stage.

From the moment she stood, the audience erupted in enthusiastic, excited screams, thunderous and filling the hall.

Once she stood in the center of the stage, from the best vantage, she saw the packed venue, the audience raising support placards, glow sticks, little flags—a dazzling river of stars.

Standing there, she finally felt the popularity her brother spoke of. She hadn’t said a word, just waited to accept her award, but the cheers kept rising in waves, louder than ever before.

“Lin Xi! Lin Xi!” The shouts nearly overturned the ceiling.

Lin Xi beamed at everyone. The fans’ enthusiasm was almost overwhelming; she didn’t know if she truly deserved their affection.

“Please welcome Mr. Cao from the Television Bureau to present the honor for ‘Glorious Age’,” Yang Yan announced.

Lin Xi accepted the trophy from him, took a photo together.

“Thank you, Mr. Cao. Now, please welcome Lin Xi to the microphone to give her acceptance speech.” Xu Feng gestured her forward.

Lin Xi held the trophy, walked slowly to the microphone, took a breath, and began: “Good evening, everyone. I am Lin Xi.”

Before she finished, cries erupted again from below.

Many artists at the scene were amazed—what was happening? She’d only debuted recently, yet her popularity was this high. How could they compete?

On the unseen livestream barrage, fans kept flooding the screen.

—Our little Xi Suns at the venue are amazing! This is real presence! She’s flawless, how can someone be so perfect, face and figure like a natural gift [pitiful][admiring]

—Heavens are unfair! Xi Xi has looks, talent, height, everything, and I have nothing [covering face] She was born winning [covering face]

—Our Xi Xi’s temperament is ever-changing, fits so many roles, a born actress, when I see her only one word comes to mind: absolute!

When the fans’ screams faded a bit, Lin Xi continued, “It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the crew. Thank you, Director Lu, thank you to all the cast and crew. Our drama hasn’t aired yet but already has so much support from fans—thank you. ‘Glorious Age’ will not disappoint. Please look forward to it~”

She carefully said everything she meant, bowed slightly, and prepared to exit, but the host spoke.

“It’s not easy to have Lin Xi here, we can’t let you go so easily,” Yang Yan smiled at her.

Xu Feng teased, “Lin Xi, don’t you have anything to say to God Xiu?”

“Ahhh!” The fans below exploded again, howling with excitement.

Lin Xi’s cheeks flushed. She replied softly, “I’ll share the joy with him when I get back.”

“Oh, you must share it well,” Yang Yan said with a knowing smile.

“All right, we won’t make it hard for Lin Xi. One more question from the barrage: Why is Lord Yao accompanying you tonight instead of God Xiu?” Xu Feng looked at the card.

The camera cut to Gu Yao in the audience, his image on the big screen—casual and unruly, prompting his fangirls to scream too.

Lin Xi smiled, not sparing her brother. She leaned toward the microphone, “Xiu isn’t here because he has filming duties today. As for Fourth Brother…”

Gu Yao, seeing his sister’s mischievous expression, sensed trouble.

“Fourth Brother is here as my human crutch because I’m not good at wearing high heels,” Lin Xi said, eyes crinkling, making everyone burst out laughing.

Of course…he knew it!

“Hahaha!” The hall echoed with laughter.

Xu Feng held back his chuckles, daringly asked Gu Yao, “Lord Yao, do you have anything to say as the ultimate tool man?”

Everyone looked at Gu Yao on the big screen, who appeared utterly resigned, shrugged his shoulders and spread his hands.

This scene brought another round of laughter. These siblings were too entertaining, especially the hot-tempered Lord Yao, who was like a tamed wolfdog before his sister—fierce in appearance, but never biting.

Lin Xi returned to her seat, and Gu Yao, still disgruntled, glanced at her but dutifully picked up the blanket and covered her, fearful that his little ancestor would complain again.

Generally, many artists would leave backstage after accepting their awards, but the siblings had been taught to respect others and see things through from beginning to end.

Just as a play begins, you should watch until the end.

They attentively watched the ceremony, until the final grand prize—the Qing Shu Awards Lifetime Achievement Actor Award.

This was reserved for veteran artists who had devoted their lives to acting, producing countless classics.

The big screen played footage of the old artist—the journey of an actor’s life, from youth to maturity, from bewilderment to mastery, from young to old, one role after another flashing by, the story of a lifetime.

“Congratulations to our national first-class actor, stage drama artist—Mr. Gao Yan, please come to the stage.”

All the artists in the audience rose in unison, applauding.

Lin Xi felt a surge of emotion—lifetime achievement, this was the highest affirmation for an actor!

The venerable artist, hair white but spirit bright, bent his back slightly and delivered his speech: “Thank you to the committee for remembering this old man. Since I’m here, I hope you won’t mind my rambling. Let me share something: Many actors say acting requires experience and life stories. With a rich inner world and thoughts, you can play different roles, identities, emotions. But I disagree. I believe acting requires only one thing—a heart! A sincere heart! A true heart for the craft!”

“Furthermore, I’d like to encourage my colleagues in film and television: The internet helps us to a degree, but can also harm us. So let’s walk our own path and let others talk. The entertainment industry is a place of rumors—no matter what you do, someone will comment. It’s better to be open, follow your heart. Finally, I wish you all a bright future!”

Having said this, Mr. Gao, with his assistant’s help, insisted on bowing to the audience.

Thunderous applause filled the hall and would not subside.

Lin Xi was moved to tears—this was a true “actor,” a lifelong goal to learn from and follow.

The barrage was harmonious:

—Indeed, Mr. Gao’s words hit the mark. Everyone has their favorite star, but there’s no need to compare idols when expressing your love. Praising one and belittling another is not the way.

—It’s awful to comment or slander others without understanding them. Such people are failures. You can dislike someone, but don’t hurt them lightly.

—The veteran actor has upright values and patriotism, worthy of the phrase “virtuous and talented,” unlike those traffic-driven young actors.

—This is true artistic integrity and a genuine warning, supporting and encouraging young actors, not attacking them just because of age [heart gesture]

The ceremony ended on a note of warmth and mutual encouragement for all.