As Li Mo noticed the audience’s enthusiasm waning, he cleared his throat dramatically and proclaimed:
“Ahem! Since this is an awards ceremony, naturally, there are prizes, for example, Xuanjing?”
As soon as he finished speaking, Qian Bufan halted in his tracks. One could only acclaim his mastery; he executed a 180-degree turn and smoothly took a seat. No awkwardness whatsoever.
“Of course, we also have, but are not limited to, the finest stationery…”
Ouyang interrupted, backing in like a car into a parking space: “It’s our first award ceremony, so I must add some flair.”
“Rare medicinal herbs, heavenly materials, earthly treasures…”
Xue Jing clapped his hands, swiftly snatching the tea set resting nearby.
“Ah, seems we also have quite a bit of aged brew from around twenty or thirty years.”
Shang Wu perked up, suddenly wide awake: “Treasure disciple, do you need a prize girl? How about me?”
Her speed took Xue Jing by surprise, making him raise an eyebrow. “Weren’t you just asleep?”
“You should talk! Weren’t you supposed to be refining pills?” Shang Wu shot back, rolling her eyes.
After a brief silence, Xue Jing sighed, “I just remembered that pill refinement greatly relies on timing, environment, and harmony. Unfortunately, the auspicious moment hasn’t arrived yet.”
Shang Wu then looked at Qian Bufan.
With a flourish, Qian Bufan raised his water bottle: “I just noticed the tea’s running low, thought I’d add a little.”
Shen Yunfei chimed in, “I see the table’s dirty, so I’m wiping it down.”
Ouyang added, “The floor’s messy; I’ll sweep it up.”
Everyone found their own little tasks.
“Ah?”
Xu Yi, just returning from the restroom, looked completely dazed.
Xu Xiaoer felt as if he was facing a massive career crisis.
Thus, with Little Li’s incessant persuasion, the first Qingyuan Sect Best Actor Golden Statue Awards officially kicked off!
As the host, Little Li wore a meticulously sincere smile: “First up, Best Male Lead!”
His voice had an adorable bubble-like quality.
Starting off with something so heavy-hitting?
Everyone couldn’t help but feel a mix of solemnity and excitement, all sinking back into their seats.
“He, within the Black Tower, wowed everyone with his extraordinary performance. As soon as he appeared, he captivated all.”
“Dear audience, his acting is well-known; he displayed calmness under pressure and confidence throughout the entire show, sealing the deal perfectly!”
“Plus, he has a very commanding presence and is quite handsome.”
Li Mo paused for effect.
Ideally, there should be a commercial break here, but he had no idea what to advertise.
So instead, he smiled mysteriously at everyone.
“Hey, is there really any debate about this?” Qian Bufan shook his head.
Xue Jing nodded in agreement, chuckling, “Indeed, there’s nothing to speculate about—the Best Male Lead naturally is…”
The two exchanged a knowing glance, yet simultaneously declared, “Me.” x2
The word was the same, but clearly, there were two different people.
“Hehe, Old Xue, you’re so regular, why are you so confident?”
“Old Qian, I won’t say you look like a ball, but good luck talking back with that prowess!”
“Do you know what a pleasantly plump physique is? Not convinced? Let’s duel!”
“You’re on!”
Xue Jing and Elder Qian puffed up their chests, subtly preparing for a standoff.
Just when it seemed a brawl was imminent, Little Li, the host, chimed in:
“After strict voting and evaluation…”
“The Best Male Lead is… me.”
The two elders, about to come to blows, and everyone else in the room turned to see Little Li pointing at himself.
Huh?
Wait a minute.
Xue Jing: “Hey, didn’t you say you were the host? How can you award yourself?”
Qian Bufan: “This is a scandal! How was the voting done?”
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Li Mo had a speechless argument that left everyone with no choice but to concede.
“I’m the only sponsor of this event.”
“…”
The two elderly men settled down.
Why didn’t you say that earlier?
Thus, Shang Wu personally presented the solid gold little trophy, crafted by Li Mo’s Baobao Golden Pill, radiating the essence of gold and looking quite luminous.
The little trophy’s image was so strikingly similar to a certain big-headed doll used as a microphone.
“It’s shining… shining like Little Brother Li…”
Little Princess Jiang blinked, a bit nervous as she clutched her skirt.
But then she realized she hadn’t even been to Misty Rain Tower.
The prize probably wouldn’t go to her…
Turning around, she noticed Ying Bing staring at the little trophy as well.
Ying Bing seemed a bit puzzled, slowly realizing she was becoming more and more interested in this awards ceremony.
Pictures of herself walking up to accept the award flashed through her mind…
Even more exciting than her name popping up on the Qianlong List!
Such anticipation for something so mundane…
Quickly, Best Supporting Actor Qian Bufan, Best Cinematographer Ouyang, and a plethora of quirky awards were handed out.
“Now, it’s time to present the grand finale of the evening; familiar faces in the audience will know what’s coming.”
“That’s right, it’s Best Female Lead!”
As soon as Little Li finished speaking, Xu Yi and Little Bao, who had somehow made it to the second floor, raised their night orbs, reflecting their light through finely polished lenses, creating a spotlight effect.
Female lead…
There were only two contenders that day.
Our beautiful Master and the Ice Chunk.
Thus, the spotlight swiveled back and forth between the two, making everyone’s hearts race with tension.
At that moment, Li Mo walked down and handed the little trophy to Shang Wu.
“The Best Female Lead is, Shang Wu…”
”Yay!”
Shang Wu had already started cheering.
Ying Bing’s brows furrowed slightly.
“Next to Ying Bing.”
Shang Wu’s smile instantly froze at the corners of her mouth.
“I refuse! My performance was for all to see that day! If I hadn’t led, how would so many assassins take orders?”
She slammed the table, protesting to the organizers.
Li Mo cleared his throat: “Master, that was quite the lackluster performance.”
“What do you mean?”
“You weren’t exactly channeling your true nature.”
The crowd unanimously nodded in agreement; Shang Wu indeed lacked any acting skill.
The beautiful Master was left speechless, pouting and glaring at her precious disciple, visibly frustrated.
The latter grumbled about a Best Participation Award, with a bottle of fine wine as the prize, which made Shang Wu back off.
Li Mo chuckled, “Surprise! A happy twist!”
“Just hand it to me.”
Ying Bing’s eyes glinted with satisfaction as she extended her hand.
“Here.”
As the little trophy landed in her palm, Ying Bing glanced down at it for a few seconds.
Heavy and chilly.
With so many awards, everyone present basically received one.
She paused for a moment, then extended her hand again.
“Huh?”
Little Li, just resuming his position, had a confused expression.
“There’s only one trophy for Best Female Lead.”
“It’s not a trophy.”
Ying Bing gently picked up the big-headed doll beside him.
It still seemed to carry the lingering warmth of whoever had held it last.
“I actually like this one a bit more.”
