CH 60

Translator: Lynn

While they were diligently working on the process of moving to their new home, another exciting event unfolded. At the upcoming Chinese Pop Music Awards scheduled for the end of August, Jian Jie, as a fledgling artist with less than a year since his debut, found himself nominated in several prominent categories. He was shortlisted for the Best Newcomer and Best Singer-Songwriter awards. His debut album “The First Heartbeat” was selected as a contender for the Best Album award. Moreover, his single “Dream” was nominated for both the Best Song and Best Songwriting categories. Collaborations like “Restart” with Ding Tianwang and “Hope” with Tong Liangliang were also in the running for the Best Duet Song award.

The Chinese Pop Music Awards’ laureates are determined by the Chinese Musicians Association. This award stands out for its emphasis on musical professionalism, making it one of the most influential music accolades in the Chinese-speaking realm. For Jian Jie, a rookie in the industry for just a year, securing nominations in multiple categories already signifies a considerable recognition. Unfortunately, his second album missed the selection deadline, so he will have to wait until next year’s event to participate.

The news brought elation to Jian Jie’s team, particularly evoking immense joy in Long Zichen. Excluding non-musical factors, Jian Jie stands a good chance of clinching the Best Newcomer award. His main rival, Jiang Hanfei, lags far behind. In the category of Best Singer-Songwriter, Jian Jie’s competitiveness is still growing, given that veteran singer-songwriter Lu Lin only released a new album after four years. This makes him a strong contender for the award. The Best Album category, however, boasts a fiercer competition. Heavyweights like Ding Jiangyu and Ji Langqing have also released albums, dimming Jian Jie’s prospects. Even the single awards feature formidable contenders. Earning the title of Best Newcomer is already a remarkable achievement. Considering that only five or six nominees are selected per category out of the many artists who release records annually, Jian Jie’s nomination stands out among Spark Company’s roster.

Long Zichen hastened the company’s senior management, urging them to get actively involved to avert any potential shady situations that could potentially snatch the award from Jian Jie. The preparations for the awards ceremony, such as outfit choices and performance planning, added to his anxiety. He was practically frothing with concern, while Jian Jie, the one at the center of it all, attempted to reassure him not to worry. He conveyed that winning an award is an honor, but even if they don’t secure it, it’s okay. Ultimately, the decision rests with others, and what matters most is their focus on creating music.

Seeing how composed Jian Jie was, Long Zichen’s impatience began to subside. He started to think: Well, as long as Xiaojie is happy, why create unnecessary trouble? Aren’t these just a collection of glass trophies given out annually?

This perspective shift brought a sense of calm back to Long Zichen. As a result, they focused on the preparations for the awards ceremony. Both Jian Jie and Tong Liangliang, along with the production team behind Jian Jie’s debut album, were nominated by their company and invited by the organizing committee. Awards like the Best Album are attributed to the entire team, often with the producer stepping up to accept it. At this point, Jian Jie suggested to Long Zichen, “Brother Chen, let’s walk the red carpet together later.”

Long Zichen found himself in uncharted territory when it came to participating in a grand music award event, let alone walking down the illustrious red carpet. When Jian Jie proposed they walk the red carpet together, a surge of nervousness coursed through him. Part of him wanted to agree, yet a hint of shyness held him back. He equivocated, saying, “All these stars with stars, you should pair up with Tong Liangliang. That way, it’ll look great for the fans.”

“I checked with Sister Xiaohui, and she said it’s fine,” Jian Jie replied with a smile. “Xiaoliang wants to accompany the female singer who co-hosts the music show with him. If Brother Chen isn’t up for it, I can go alone.”

“Oh, well then, I’ll accompany you,” Long Zichen swiftly responded. In truth, he was eager. In a little while, he sought out a personal trainer to guide him on the intricacies of walking the red carpet. To him, this preparation was a hundred times more crucial than it was to Jian Jie.

On this occasion, the clothing sponsorship secured by Jian Jie’s widely recognized idol status came from a major brand. They received several sets of the latest men’s attire, giving a refreshed look to Jian Jie and his team. Opting for a cohesive look, Jian Jie and Long Zichen selected two sets of black outfits from the same collection. As he faced the mirror in the fitting room, Long Zichen couldn’t help but exclaim, “We’re like a pair of grooms!” Their similar heights made them a perfectly matched couple in terms of appearance.

Jian Jie was also brimming with happiness. He understood that Long Zichen truly desired to accompany him, especially during such a momentous event. There was no reason to deny his partner the pleasure of making him happy.

Their decision materialized into reality as they walked the red carpet together. Amidst a sea of flashing camera lights and the resounding cheers of fans, they strolled along the red carpet. Long Zichen was vibrating with excitement, his gaze periodically drifting towards Jian Jie. Observing his lover smile and occasionally pause for photographs at the reporters’ request, projecting elegance and composure, Long Zichen felt his eyes moisten. He marveled at how his Xiaojie was truly a natural-born superstar.

Once they reached the end of the red carpet, the host directed a few questions at Jian Jie, all of which he answered gracefully. Subsequently, they proceeded into the venue and took their seats at the spots arranged by the organizers. Long Zichen let out a sigh of relief and confessed, “I was so nervous; I almost thought I wouldn’t be able to step onto the carpet. I was worried I’d embarrass you.”

“Well, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed. Brother Chen looks so dashing today. We should take a few extra photos as mementos,” Jian Jie reassured him.

Both men and women appreciate kind words, and Long Zichen’s face lit up with a wide grin. He almost wished he could cross the distance to plant a kiss on his beloved. Yet, he restrained himself, worried about drawing too much attention from the surrounding celebrities.

The awards ceremony commenced after a lively medley of songs during the opening segment. The initial awards presented were of a technical nature, such as Best Album Inside Page and Best Record Packaging. Following these were the most anticipated awards for Jian Jie and his fellow artists – the Best Newcomer award. Presenting the award were last year’s Best Newcomer, Yu Jiayi, and the King of Heaven, Ding Jiangyu. They exchanged a few light-hearted jokes. Ding Jiangyu humorously remarked that he was, in fact, a newcomer as well, a newcomer who had debuted ten years ago, eliciting laughter from the audience. The video profiles of the nominated singers were then played on the large screen. Observing Jian Jie’s image, Long Zichen’s nerves reached a fever pitch, causing him to grip the armrest tightly, barely daring to move. Sensing his anxiety, Jian Jie reassuringly placed a hand on his, offering a smile.

As the short film on the screen concluded, Ding Jiangyu and Yu Jiayi unveiled the winner’s name from the envelope. Yu Jiayi chuckled immediately, saying, “Oh, Ding Tianwang’s buddy, it seems you really value this award.”

“Yes, I’m presenting the Newcomer Award because of him,” Ding Jiangyu retorted, wearing an air of prestige. In unison, they announced Jian Jie’s name: “The winner of the Best Newcomer award is… Jian Jie.”

Excitement overwhelmed Long Zichen, causing him to cheer as he leaped from his seat, enveloping a smiling Jian Jie in a triumphant hug. Jian Jie, in turn, stood up, shared embraces with several colleagues around him, and quickly crossed the aisle to ascend the stage.

Warmly embracing Ding Jiangyu, Jian Jie received the award from Yu Jiayi. Ding Jiangyu jestingly remarked, “You know, I’m quite envious of you right now. This award can only be claimed once in a lifetime. Back in the day, that fellow Lu Lin snatched the Best Newcomer award from me, and I still curse him for not having toilet paper when he goes to the bathroom.” Laughter filled the room, and the television broadcast captured Lu Lin’s helpless expression.

Jian Jie chimed in with a jest of his own: “Brother Jiang Yu, a newcomer of merely ten years. I hope the organizing committee will consider your request and present you with a ‘veteran newcomer’ award.”

“Is Xiaojie implying that I’m ancient?” Both award presenters chuckled, allowing the spotlight to return to the winner.

Standing before the microphone amidst a sea of luminaries, Jian Jie couldn’t help but feel a tinge of nervousness. Although his award speech had been prepared well in advance and consisted mostly of clichés, they were obligatory. Clutching the trophy, he smiled and directed his words toward the camera: “This is my first time receiving a music award, and I’m thrilled beyond words. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Music Artists Association and the organizing committee for this recognition, and I thank the television station for broadcasting this event. I am also indebted to my company, Xinghuo Music, and my boss, Mr. Yuan, as well as my colleagues, including Sister Xiaohui, Brother Xiaoqi, Brother Zhou, and my bandmates, for their unflagging support. A special thanks to Brother Chen, my producer, for introducing me to this industry; I wouldn’t be standing here without you. My family has been unwavering in their support, and last but certainly not least, my fans – your unwavering support inspires me to keep striving for excellence. I promise to continue working diligently, endeavoring to deliver you the very best music.”

Amidst the applause of the audience, shouts of Jian Jie’s name echoed from his fans seated on the far side of the stands. A collective chorus of “We love you forever” resounded, yet Long Zichen couldn’t bring himself to say it aloud. Instead, within the confines of his heart, he fervently whispered, “I love you too.” How fortunate I am to have found you! Observing Jian Jie’s radiant presence on stage and hearing his acknowledgment during the thank-you speech, Long Zichen’s emotions welled up, and he couldn’t hold back his tears.

Post-receiving the award, Jian Jie headed backstage to change into his performance attire, preparing for the next song. Despite delivering a joyous tune, Long Zichen found himself crying uncontrollably throughout the performance. His excitement was profound, a sentiment only the person directly involved could truly comprehend.

Upon Jian Jie’s return to his seat after the performance, a wave of congratulations swept over him from all sides. After a while, he noticed Long Zichen’s reddened eyes, clearly indicating he had shed tears. Jian Jie realized Long Zichen was expressing his happiness for him. Leaning in close, he whispered in Long Zichen’s ear, “If Brother Chen likes it, I’ll do my utmost to win the Best Male Singer Award for you in the future.”

Long Zichen’s nose tingled with emotion, his relief and joy were palpable. Nodding, he replied softly, “Then we’ll both give it our all. But remember, you should stay happy too.”

That evening, Jian Jie finally secured the Best Newcomer and Best Choral Song awards, and the two gleaming trophies found a home in the company’s expansive conference room, serving as motivation for other artists.

Three years later, after claiming the Best Male Singer Award, Jian Jie graduated from university and continued to nurture his singing career. He and Long Zichen had fulfilled their dream of moving into a new house. Jian Jie’s concert had been a smashing success, and Long Zichen was still the butt of Jian Bin’s jokes. However, the two happily celebrated holidays together, sharing cherished moments. Shui Xiaoren had embarked on a career in design after graduation and had recently been subjected to an endless series of blind dates, much to their vexation. Yuan Chao had tied the knot with Ye Jing, focusing on building a family. Spark Records had evolved from a modest venture into a massive record company with hundreds of artists, and their new office building spanned ten floors. Yet, amidst this success, Jian Jie remained their star performer.

With an inherent passion for music and singing, Jian Jie was a natural-born musician. The hues of life, like the warm morning sun and heartfelt smiles, could be transformed into beautiful melodies by his skilled touch. Undoubtedly, his greatest muse was his beloved Long Zichen. He composed numerous emotive songs, often prodded about his love life, yet he maintained a steadfast silence. Long Zichen had stressed the importance of their relationship’s secrecy for the sake of his acting career, and to protect their loved ones from undue attention. Jian Jie shared this sentiment and opted to keep their romance concealed.

Throughout the year, he and Long Zichen embarked on overseas journeys two or three times, spending a month away from the prying eyes of the world. During these interludes, they reveled in a private realm shared only by the two of them. As time passed, Jian Jie’s TV appearances became less frequent, yet he remained dedicated to releasing albums every one to two years. When the day arrived when he was no longer adored by fans, he intended to halt album releases and step back, possibly joining Shui Xiaoren as an architectural designer with his qualifications. Regardless of his path, Long Zichen pledged unwavering support, as long as Jian Jie’s happiness remained paramount.

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