CH 17

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After Jiang Ke'er's words were spoken, a brief silence fell over the surrounding area, and the expressions of the audience were all enigmatic.

Her verbal attack had a touch of sophistication. On the surface, it seemed like she was praising Shen Qingzhi for her acting skills, but in reality, she was subtly implying that being so young, Shen Qingzhi couldn't possibly possess any real acting talent. The reason why Su Huai'an's villainous character was so despised was because Shen Qingzhi was essentially playing herself.

Shen Qingzhi had mentally prepared herself for going on stage, but being confronted and criticized right from the start ignited her anger, causing it to surge.

She was about to lose control and explode when she caught sight of Yu Kexin in the audience, gesturing forcefully with her mouth: "Stay calm! Stay calm!"

Taking a deep breath, Shen Qingzhi composed herself and put on an elegant and innocent smile.

"Ke'er-jie, you're too kind. In fact, I deeply admire you as a senior in the industry."

"You're such a hardworking person in the industry, able to juggle variety shows and filming at the same time without any delays. This is something you have in common with Su Huai'an."

"When I first started playing this role, I couldn't quite grasp the feeling. It was only when I followed your lead that I was able to present it so well."

With these words, it was Jiang Ke'er's turn to darken. Shen Qingzhi not only deflected the blame back at her but also subtly hinted at her scene-stealing tendencies.

What infuriated Jiang Ke'er the most was that she had fought hard to secure her position as a presenter for this awards ceremony, hoping to provoke Shen Qingzhi into losing her temper. But unexpectedly, Shen Qingzhi didn't take the bait.

Since when did she become so clever?

The host, seeing that the conflict had achieved its desired effect, intervened to diffuse the situation, and the subsequent award ceremony proceeded without further incident.

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Shen Qingzhi returned to her seat, clutching the trophy, finally relieved.

She raised the back of her hand to cover her mouth and let out a yawn, feeling trapped to the point of tears: It's really exhausting. Even receiving a newcomer award has to involve playing mind games.

On the other side, Yu Kexin quietly gave her a thumbs-up and leaned in, whispering words of praise.

"You're smart, Shen Qingzhi. Not only did you manage to keep your cool, but you also turned the tables on her."

Shen Qingzhi leaned back in her chair, her enthusiasm waning. "I've always been smart, you know. By the way, how much longer until the ceremony ends? I'm starving to death."

Yu Kexin glanced at her phone. "It's almost over. After the Best Actor and Actress awards, we just need to wait for the grand finale with the mysterious guest appearance, and then we can go to the banquet."

Shen Qingzhi covered her growling stomach, feeling both frustrated and powerless. "Why is there still a mysterious guest? Wasn't it always the Best Actor and Actress who closed the ceremony?"

Whenever it came to insider information, Yu Kexin became excited.

"You don't know yet? I heard that the organizers invited a super heavyweight figure who will make the entire ceremony shine. But it seems like it hasn't been confirmed yet."

Shen Qingzhi found it amusing. "If it's not confirmed, why are you even mentioning it? They should just not invite this so-called super heavyweight, so I can have dinner earlier."

Yu Kexin looked exasperated. "You're at least in the industry, aren't you curious about such top-tier figures? Don't you aspire to be like them?"

"Not curious, don't aspire."

Feeling tired and hungry, Shen Qingzhi stared straight ahead, seemingly focused but actually lost in thought.

The Best Actor and Actress had already returned to their seats with their trophies. At that moment, the host's voice suddenly became more excited, the tone rising by more than a notch compared to the past three hours of scripted speech.

"Next, we have the most prestigious and heavyweight mysterious guest appearing on stage. We will present the 'International Lifetime Achievement Award' as the grand finale of this ceremony."

The host deliberately spoke with a breathless tone, leaving time for curiosity and speculation, creating suspense.

Shen Qingzhi couldn't help but quietly comment: Now, 'Best' and 'Honorary' are no longer enough to meet the organizers' desired level of grandeur. They have to add 'International' to it.

Yu Kexin became even more excited. "The organizers actually managed to invite the big shot."

As she spoke, she stretched her neck longer than a goose's.

"Please welcome... Gu Jinrong to the stage to receive the award!"

In just a few words, the host's voice almost hit a soprano note.

As soon as this name was mentioned, a small gasp echoed throughout the audience.

Many of them were influential figures in the entertainment industry, so they didn't show exaggerated reactions, but their inner shock was undeniable.

Even Shen Qingzhi, upon hearing this name, felt completely awake.

She couldn't believe that the person she shared a room with earlier in the morning was now stepping onto the stage in the spotlight.

Gu Jinrong actually came to attend this ceremony, and there had been no previous leaks of any news about her participation.

While the host continued to eloquently recount Gu Jinrong's achievements in recent years, Shen Qingzhi paid little attention. Her gaze was fixed on that familiar yet unfamiliar figure.

On this day, Gu Jinrong wore a dark blue evening gown, personally designed and crafted by the renowned fashion designer Jenifer. There was only one of its kind in the world.

The fabric was soft but had excellent shaping, accentuating her perfect curves.

The gown flowed gracefully, shimmering like waves in the vast deep sea.

Her seaweed-like long hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her posture exuded elegance and tranquility, like a daughter of the sea.

The award ceremony was bustling with people, but Gu Jinrong's presence brought a refreshing coolness to everyone's hearts.

"Shaa~, the Queen Gu, is just too beautiful and elegant!"

Shen Qingzhi turned her head and saw that Yu Kexin's eyes were almost popping out, showing some displeasure.

"Come on, control yourself. You are a floret with millions of followers on Weibo. Can't you behave less like an infatuated fan?"

Yu Kexin continued to stare fixedly at the stage.

"I'm a devoted fan of Queen Gu. What's wrong with being infatuated with my idol?"

"But I didn't expect her, being a Golden Bear Award-winning actress, to come and receive this unofficial award. It seems like she doesn't really need it."

Shen Qingzhi became even more annoyed by Yu Kexin's attitude and let out a couple of grumbles. However, she followed along with her words.

"It's not that she needs the Starlight Ceremony's award. It's the Starlight Ceremony that needs her to receive the award."

Yu Kexin nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I never thought I would stand on the same stage as my idol and receive an award. In a way, we're both receiving awards on the same platform. It feels truly glorious."

Shen Qingzhi remained silent and continued to grumble internally: You're really good at rounding things up. Standing on the same stage to receive an award is considered glorious. Then what about me? I live in the same room as her, eat at the same table. Doesn't that make me fully gold-plated?

Yu Kexin showed a rare concern for her friend. "Qingzhi, is your throat not feeling well?"

Shen Qingzhi lightly bit her lip. "No, let's continue watching the award ceremony."

The organizers had gone through great efforts to invite Gu Jinrong, so they wouldn't just present an award and end it there. Instead, they conducted an interview with her in a chatty manner.

"I heard that this time, Movies Queen Gu, brought her own team to produce a new drama. Can you share some exclusive news with us here today?" the host asked.

Gu Jinrong held the microphone, her smile elegant and charming.

"Our team has actually set our sights on a historical drama with two female leads. Personally, I find the plot very exciting. The only challenge is casting the other female lead.

"The title of the drama is currently being kept confidential. Once the other female lead is finalized, we will announce it to everyone first-hand."

International award-winning actress Gu Jinrong's new drama features two female leads, with the other lead yet to be determined.

This is undoubtedly the most exciting news of the night, causing a wave of excitement among the talented actresses in the audience.

Seizing the opportunity, the host continued to dig for more information, "May I ask if you have someone in mind for the other female lead in the new drama?"

A playful smile curved on Gu Jinrong's lips, "I do have someone in mind, but I haven't had the chance to talk to her yet, so I don't know if she's willing."

As soon as these words were spoken, the audience erupted into a frenzy. Who could be so lucky to be personally chosen by the renowned Gu Jinrong?

And to receive such recognition, the question remains whether she is willing or not.

"I'm willing! I'm willing!"

Almost simultaneously, three florets near Shen Qingzhi were whispering, "I'm willing," under their breaths. If it weren't for the live broadcast of the ceremony, they might have couldn't resist shouting it out loud.

Shen Qingzhi let out another hum in annoyance: Nobody asked if you were willing or not.

So, who is this extraordinary person that has captured the attention of that black heart?