Chapter 400

Qiao Sixiao had been nominated for several TV dramas she had starred in over the past couple of years. So it wasn't surprising when she was invited on stage to perform at the awards ceremony.

Qiao Sixiao changed into a custom red gown backstage and sang the theme song "Peace of Mind" from one of her nominated shows. Qiao Sixiao shone brightly on stage and deserved to have her performance watched closely.

...

After her performance, she returned to her seat. Once this segment was over, the most exciting award of the night would be announced.

Comments:

【Qiao Sixiao is so beautiful!】

【Can anyone understand what Qin Wei is saying to her?】

【Qin Wei said, baby you look amazing!】

【Qin Wei said, you did great! I'm so proud of you!】

【Qin Wei said, congratulations!】

Qin Wei: "You look...stunning in red, it makes you look even paler."

Qiao Sixiao: "..."

Qin Wei: "For some reason, seeing you in this dress makes me want to say 'wishing you to bear a precious son soon' to you."

Qiao Sixiao: "Then I'll pass this blessing to you... Go bear your own kids, don't rely on others."

Qin Wei: "Oh..."

Qiao Sixiao: "Shut up."

Qin Wei: "Okay."

...

"The winner of this year's Best Actress Award is..."

The host announced as footage of the nominated actresses flashed across the screen, building suspense. Everyone was nervous, even Qiao Sixiao who tried to pretend she didn't care that much.

Over the years, she had won some awards, but always lost out on the prestigious Best Actress title. She was nominated time and again, only to be disappointed when someone else won.

It was frustrating. Just like anyone would feel having to sincerely congratulate the winner after losing out yourself.

Would this year be any different? Maybe it was just another disappointment...

A slender yet soft hand covered hers. Looking up, she saw Qin Wei smiling at her gently:

"Let's go eat xiaohuntun after work?"

Somehow, her nerves settled a bit. Qiao Sixiao nodded and said "Okay."

"The winner of this year's Best Actress Award is - for her role as Jingyao in Jade Terrace Melody - Qiao Sixiao!"

The spotlight shone on Qiao Sixiao as her elegant smile graced the big screen.

Amidst applause, she slowly got up and nodded politely at her peers before heading up on stage.

Highlight clips from her performance in the drama played on screen. The truth was, apart from her great acting, the script and costumes were also top-notch. The drama's theme song "Peace of Mind" had just won a Golden Melody Award recently too.

Comments:

【I'm so touched, sis deserves this!】

【Amazing Qiao Sixiao!】

【All those tough years paid off!!! Bright future ahead for Qiao Sixiao!】

As the clapping died down, the lead actress stepped up to the mic, award and flowers in hand, to give her acceptance speech:

"Firstly, thank you to my agency Huanyi Entertainment. And to the entire creative team behind Jade Terrace Melody...

...The struggles during filming are still fresh in my mind. This award belongs to our entire crew, thank you, thank everyone!"

Host: "Next, we invite the director of Jade Terrace Melody on stage to give a speech!"

It was tradition at the White Eagle Awards for the director to give a speech whenever their show won an award, to share the glory moment with the hardworking team.

The director came up and first gave the lead actress a gentle hug, before adjusting the mic amidst applause.

When it quietened down, he began:

"Firstly, congratulations to Qiao for winning this award, her diligence and dedication deserve such glory.

Secondly, thank you to all colleagues for your support, without you there would be no such work to present to everyone.

At the same time, thanks to all viewer friends for your love, it motivates us to keep creating..."

The director paused, looking at Qiao Sixiao with complicated emotions, before continuing, now less upbeat:

"Also, taking this chance with everyone present today, I personally want to apologize to an actress..."

A murmur rose. What was he doing?

A suited man walked to the audience area and stopped behind Qin Wei.

The director went on: "Two years ago during pre-production for a new drama, I had personally invited a certain actress to play the female lead role of Jingyao.

But later, under pressure, I went back on my word before shooting started, causing that actress to give up all other jobs only to be stood up by me..."

"Do you like this gift, Ms Qin?"

A low male voice sounded from behind Qin Wei in the darkness.

Gift?

What gift?

As the director spoke, he bowed to the audience:

"Ms Qin Wei, it was my mistake. Due to my cowardice, you lost a good opportunity. I wanted to apologize but you refused to meet me these past days. I felt guilty and tormented. Today I want to formally apologize to you!"

The spotlight shone on Qin Wei as she stood up and turned around, but there was no man there.

The big screen showed her stern, frowning expression before she realized she shouldn't be showing this.

She had thought Huo Yu wanted to scheme against her, but didn't expect his target was Qiao Sixiao instead...

...

"You should be the one standing at the peak, more than one person has robbed what was meant to be yours. Let's collaborate, I believe Huo Yu has the ability to give you better opportunities. Maybe you don't believe it yet, but...

You'll definitely like the gift I sent you."

So this is...

a gift?

Qin Wei could only sit down first to compose herself. Looking up at Qiao Sixiao and the director on stage, she calmed her emotions before slowly making her way up amidst everyone's gaze.

Comments:

【Wtf! So my sis was supposed to be up there?】

【Thick-skinned? Can your sis act well?】

【Did you not hear what the director said? Huanyi really lives up to being shameless eh】

... The process felt long for the director but mere seconds for everyone else as she walked up on stage and looked at him. But he didn't dare meet her eyes.

Qin Wei went to Qiao Sixiao's side and smiled at her, before holding her hand and walking to the mic:

"I wasn't supposed to come up, but since I was mentioned, I should say a few words.

Firstly, I must clarify - changes in casting are common in dramas, no one owes anyone anything. Each depends on their own capability to get roles, that's what I've always believed, so there's no question of Qiao stealing a role from me!

This year I had the fortune to collaborate with Qiao on Star Ablaze, and witnessed her professionalism more than once during filming.

I also heard about how she fractured her ribs during Jade Terrace Melody but insisted on continuing to film so as not to delay progress. Under such circumstances, she still worked hard to portray her role well.

Roles and actors complement each other. Qiao Sixiao, this trophy is yours, don't listen to all that nonsense people spew!"