CH 024

TL: Moonlit

The award ceremony proceeded in an orderly manner. The «Sword Immortal» crew had already gone on stage to receive awards several times, including Best New Director, Best Art, and Best Screenplay. Every member of the crew had a wide smile on their faces.

Tong Zhao played with his trophy and wished he could give it a kiss or two. However, with the crowd and live cameras around, he reluctantly abandoned the idea.

He carefully held the trophy in his arms and noticed Ran Xing’s somewhat solemn expression. After hesitating for a moment, Tong Zhao spoke, “Don’t get your hopes up too high.”

As the awards progressed, the upcoming awards became more significant, leaving only Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Actor and Actress, and the highly anticipated Best TV Drama.

Ran Xing glanced at him without saying a word.

Thinking that Ran Xing didn’t understand, Tong Zhao explained with a concerned tone, “Our drama is just a fantasy martial arts series. It’s already great to receive a few minor awards on the sidelines. These are consolation prizes. The truly prestigious awards are not meant for fantasy martial arts dramas…”

As Tong Zhao spoke, his voice grew lower and lower until it disappeared completely. He met Lin Hanchuan’s gaze and let out a dry laugh before shrinking back into his seat.

Lin Hanchuan withdrew his gaze and said to Ran Xing, “Don’t give up hope until the very end.”

After the awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress were presented, it was time for the Best Actor and Actress awards.

Ran Xing nervously watched the host on stage, his mind went blank. Just a moment ago, he was mocking Tong Zhao, but now it was his turn, and he couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed.

“Let’s congratulate «Sword Immortal» Ran Xing!”

The voice from the stage seemed distant as the enthusiastic applause surrounded Ran Xing. However, he remained seated, oblivious to everything, his ears slightly red.

“Best Actor, it’s time for you to deliver your sincere and moving acceptance speech,” Lin Hanchuan smiled as he looked at the stunned Ran Xing, pushing him toward the stage.

With Lin Hanchuan’s gentle push, Ran Xing stepped onto the brightly lit stage where the spotlight converged. The weighty trophy was placed in his hands, and he looked down at the audience, murmuring to himself, “So, the trophy is this heavy.”

Laughter erupted, and Ran Xing realized that the microphone had been brought to his mouth, and everyone had heard what he said.

His face turned red with embarrassment, and Ran Xing subconsciously sought Lin Hanchuan’s gaze, but the stage lights were too bright, and the people in the audience were hidden in the darkness, making it impossible to see anything clearly.

“I’m dying of laughter. Xing Xing is so adorable, going up on stage looking confused and receiving the award with a bewildered expression.”

“From today onwards, Ran Xing is no longer the same Ran Xing. He is Niu Guluo, Emperor of Vision!”

“Hahaha, Xing Xing is so inexperienced in big events, so timid, so adorable.”

“Although he’s so beautiful and dressed so splendidly, why is his blushing face so cute? It’s not scientifically possible!”

“By the way, don’t you think he’s looking for someone?”

“I also feel like he’s looking for someone… Is Xing Xing in love?”

Ran Xing clenched the trophy in his hand. This trophy not only belonged to his own honor but also belonged to the honor of Starlight Entertainment, and most importantly, Lin Hanchuan’s honor.

“Thanks to all the staff, thank you Director Tong Zhao, thank you to the judges for their love, and thank you to the audience for their support.” Following the usual protocol of thanking everyone, Ran Xing paused and finally said, “Thank you to my boss, Mr. Yan.”

In an instant, memories unfolded before his eyes. Ran Xing thought of his helpless childhood, the beatings by his biological father, and how he had nowhere to hide. Later, he took a desperate gamble and left his hometown, starting from playing dead bodies and working as an extra and assistant for several years until he was finally noticed by Yanshi Film Industry.

At that time, he believed that signing with Yanshi Film Industry would be a fresh start for his career and his life, but it turned out to be another plunge into the abyss.

He thought his life had come to an end, but a hand reached out in front of him. That noble hand pulled him out of the mire, washed away the mud from his body, and allowed him to stand here clean and proud.

Countless emotions surged in his chest. He wanted to show off how lucky he was and tell everyone how happy he is now. However, all the words were stuck in his throat, and he couldn’t utter a single one.

Ran Xing fell silent for a few seconds, and finally, he looked up and smiled. He said, “The first twenty years of my life were not smooth. Late at night, I would question the heavens: Is my life destined to be tragic?”

“I am at peace now. If those difficult twenty years were meant to lead to today, then I willingly accept it.” Ran Xing raised the trophy in his hand, pure happiness shining in his eyes.

“Wuwuwu, Xing Xing is so pitiful. His eyes are red. Is he about to cry?”

“Wuwuwuwu, baby, don’t cry!! You will get better and better in the future! Don’t cry!”

“Xing Xing should hang in the sky and shine brightly!”

“I’m already crying even though Xing Xing hasn’t started yet. His journey has been so tough, but he deserves it! Xing Xing deserves it!”

“I’m not a fan, but I’m moved too. When he went on stage, he looked completely clueless. He didn’t even think he would win, even though he portrayed his role so well.”

Lin Hanchuan watched as Ran Xing’s eyes reddened but no tears fell until the end. He felt an inexplicable pain in his heart, and an unfamiliar bitterness lingered in his chest.

[Host.] Suddenly, System 001 spoke in his mind. [You are about to leave this world.]

Lin Hanchuan remained silent for a few seconds. [I know.]

[The biggest taboo for a task host is to develop feelings for the task character.] The system sounded worried. [Many people end up staying in a particular world because of this.]

001 had a strange premonition: It would be best for the host not to choose to stay in a small world.

This strange and abrupt premonition unsettled 001, a novice system. As a system with no previous host, it couldn’t find any provisions in its database stating that a host couldn’t stay in a small world. However, its intuition couldn’t go against this rule because the consequences were beyond its capacity to bear.

[I won’t.] Lin Hanchuan’s gaze followed Ran Xing as he held the trophy and walked offstage, returning to Lin Hanchuan’s side.

Although Lin Hanchuan didn’t make any promises, 001 breathed a sigh of relief. Happily, it said, [I detected that your favorability towards the villainous supporting character, Ran Xing, is higher than the average value. I was worried that you might choose to stay.]

After speaking, 001’s voice became much softer, like the voice of a drowsy human. It continued slowly, [Host, you must complete the task and collect energy properly, otherwise, we won’t be able to leave this world…]

Not knowing which word struck a chord, Lin Hanchuan’s eyes suddenly became sharp. [What exactly is this energy you’re talking about?]

The system, 001, didn’t answer, indicating that it had gone idle again.

Lin Hanchuan, who had grown accustomed to being left hanging, waited for a few minutes. Seeing no reply in his mind, he remained expressionless and withdrew his gaze thoughtfully. The next moment, something heavy was thrust into his hand.

“This is my first trophy. I’m giving it to you.” Ran Xing looked at Lin Hanchuan with shining eyes, filled with excitement.

Lin Hanchuan couldn’t help but smile. “This trophy holds significant meaning, so…”

Ran Xing interrupted Lin Hanchuan, stubbornly saying, “Without you, there wouldn’t be me now. All of my achievements belong to you.”

Lin Hanchuan no longer refused. He turned the heavy trophy in his hand, his expression uncertain.

In the end, «Sword Immortal» not only won the Best Actor award but also the honor of Best TV Drama. Through this battle, Starlight Entertainment entered everyone’s sight and was no longer the obscure small company it used to be. Lin Hanchuan himself became a rising star in the industry.

Leading an underestimated project to success single-handedly and propelling underappreciated actors to fame, Lin Hanchuan’s vision and abilities were outstanding. People in the industry couldn’t help but marvel at him.

Respected and admired by his juniors, influential figures in the industry extended olive branches to him. “Mr. Yan, there is a customary gathering after the Golden Plum Awards. I don’t know if you have the time to come and join us.”

Upon hearing these words, Lin Hanchuan’s gaze flickered slightly. This gathering was a celebration hosted by the Golden Plum Awards’ organizing committee and the judging panel, attended by many industry leaders. Almost anyone present could determine the future direction of the industry.

“It would be my honor.” Lin Hanchuan naturally couldn’t refuse.

Lin Hanchuan brought Ran Xing along and drove to the celebration with the person who invited him. To his surprise, the venue for the gathering wasn’t a hotel but a private estate.

The baroque-style hall was splendidly decorated, and stepping inside made one feel as if they had entered a luxurious palace from medieval Europe. Inside, everyone held red wine glasses, mingling and enjoying themselves.

Lin Hanchuan adeptly greeted the various industry figures, displaying a confident and self-assured demeanor that won the favor of most people. Just then, a voice suddenly resounded.

“How did you two get in here?!” Yan Minghui, dressed in a well-fitted suit and holding a red wine glass, had an extremely gloomy expression. “This is not a place for you to be. Leave immediately!”

Everyone around froze, looking at Lin Hanchuan and Yan Minghui with uncertain expressions.

Lin Hanchuan’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “I was invited here…”

“What invitation? Is this a place you can come to?” Yan Minghui was extremely angry. He could forgive some of his son’s willful actions and find a way to put him back on the right track, but he couldn’t accept Lin Hanchuan coming to disrupt his affairs!

Not only were there various investors and bosses from the entertainment industry at this gathering, but also high-ranking officials from government departments. Yan Minghui didn’t always have the opportunity to attend such gatherings. He had planned to build good relationships with the officials, but he didn’t expect to see his son here.

“I don’t care how you sneaked in here, but you better leave and stop embarrassing me!” Yan Minghui sternly criticized his own son. After scolding him, he raised his wine glass and apologized to the people around him, “I’m sorry, my son is willful, it’s my fault for not teaching him properly…”

Before he could finish his words, someone interrupted in a deep voice, “I invited him. Is there a problem?”

Everyone followed the gaze and was surprised. The person speaking was one of the judges of the Golden Plum Awards, and standing beside him was a leader from a government department.

Author’s Note:

My new book is available for pre-order, titled “Cannon Fodder Only Wants a Career [Quick Transmigration].” I hope everyone can support it, thank you!

Every world has its cannon fodders, those who may have extraordinary talent and abilities but are always just shooting stars in the sky, flashing briefly before falling and becoming forgotten.

The protagonist is bound by a system to help these short-lived cannon fodders resolve their regrets.

Watching these genius actors betrayed by their loved ones, talented writers plagiarized by their friends, brilliant pianists who have their fingers cut off by their rivals, and gifted doctors killed by their patients…

The protagonist helplessly says, “I’m just an ordinary businessman, how can I help these geniuses?”

Later on, he becomes the greatest actor of the century, an influential writer shaping the literary world, a legendary figure in the music industry, and the father of cancer research across centuries…

The protagonist says, “I’m really just a mediocre businessman, you are the truly great ones.”

The system, which tightly clings to the thigh of the big shots, nods like crazy in agreement, “Yes, yes, you’re right.”

You’re just a business genius with billions of assets and an investment maestro.

Reading Guide:

Another popular book in the group is set in a funeral parlor, with the ancient setting and the main character as the attacker. If you like this type, you can also bookmark it, titled “After Everyone Hated Me, I Became the Moonlight.” Thank you!

The protagonist finally died, ending his miserable and short life.

He loved many people, but everyone hated him.

His childhood friend who entered the sect with him despised his low talent and drifted apart from him.

His master, who took him as a disciple, only suppressed his demonic bones and used his spiritual bones to treat his junior disciples.

The aloof and pure senior martial brother treated him as if he didn’t exist, never smiling or speaking.

The naive and cute junior martial brother made fun of him and abused him at will.

The object of his affection, the prodigy of the cultivation world, despised his liking and abhorred him.

After being sealed for a hundred years, the protagonist, who should have died without a doubt, crawled out of the abyss, completely changed.

Returning to the mortal world, he thought everyone would be happy that no one would hinder their path. But he realized…

His master closed the door and swore never to take disciples again.

His senior martial brother guarded outside the abyss, never leaving for even a step.

His junior martial brother went insane and had a puppet that looked exactly like him following him.

The prodigy who was once the number one cultivator made no progress in his cultivation and was stuck.

Protagonist: ?

Protagonist: Move aside, don’t block the way for me and little snake.

·

The protagonist, who was sealed, thought he would die. However, after his spiritual bones were taken away, leaving only his demonic bones, he thrived in the abyss.

Why cultivate as an immortal or follow the righteous path when being a demonic cultivator is so enjoyable!

In the dark and gloomy abyss, the protagonist found a small snake, weak and pitiful. His kind heart moved him to feed the snake with his own blood, and they relied on each other for survival.

After leaving the abyss, he was stopped by his master, senior martial brother, junior martial brother, and the object of his affection, the moonlight, on the road. When caught in a dilemma, the thin rope wrapped around his wrist flew up and turned into a black dragon, protecting him securely within its coils.

Protagonist:… So, you’re a dragon, not a snake?

The little snake rubbed against the protagonist’s fingers in an ingratiating manner: As long as you’re willing, I will always be your little snake.

Reading Guide: