During this time, Xu Chun would occasionally receive text messages from Gu Zi, which he replied to one by one. In fact, he probably didn't even realize that he still had some expectations for this somewhat unfamiliar older brother.
He also found a suitable time to tell Xie Jianyuan about his true relationship with Gu Zi, and he could hardly describe Xie Jianyuan's expression at that moment.
"Elder brother?"
Xu Chun sighed, "Although you may find it absurd, that's the truth."
Xie Jianyuan's eyes held a complex expression. In truth, he felt a slight sense of relief. The thought of Xu Chun and Gu Zi's recent intimacy finally brought him a sense of peace.
As for his family, Xu Chun found the thought extremely troublesome and decided to take it slow, letting Gu Zi meet them first and then telling them about it once they were more familiar with each other.
The post-production of the online variety show that was filmed earlier was completed several months later, and it was officially scheduled to premiere in mid-September. Xu Chun was the first person featured on the promotional Weibo account.
The first episode of the variety show sparked heated discussions among netizens.
"Xie Jianyuan is so good at everything! I'm so envious. I wonder which girl will end up with her."
"Stop talking, it seems it's time to go public with my relationship with Xie Jianyuan."
Am I the only one who thinks Xu Chun and Xie Jianyuan's interactions are too frequent? [Adjusting glasses]
"These two are probably very close in private, but it's just normal brotherly affection, so please don't overthink it."
"5555 Today is another day I cried because of the beautiful love story of my favorite couple."
"It's locked, I swallowed the key, I want you two to get married now! Immediately! Right now!"
"Xu Chun is such a useless person. She can't even cook, so why did she participate in this show? She even made Xie Jianyuan clean up her mess."
"Who told you he can't cook? It's obvious that customer was deliberately trying to cause trouble."
The variety show's ratings soared, and in today's entertainment industry, Xu Chun's status is basically established. As long as she doesn't make any major mistakes in the future, she will continue to have a smooth career.
On Thursday, Xu Chun had just finished work and returned to her hotel when she received a call from Su Li: "Xu Chun, I have good news for you." Her tone sounded very excited.
"What good news?"
"The film 'Unexpected Joy' has been nominated for the Baihua Awards."
Xu Chun was slightly taken aback, but then a look of joy appeared on her face. "Really?"
"It's basically confirmed. I found out about it beforehand from our people."
The Baihua Awards are highly prestigious; all the winners over the years have been accomplished and respected veteran actors. Xu Chun then asked, "Do you know the list of nominees for Best Actor?"
"Of course!" Su Li congratulated her eagerly, "You've been selected!"
"Anything else?"
Su Li paused, then lowered her voice. "Xie Jianyuan is here too."
Xie Jianyuan?
Xu Chun was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. After all these twists and turns, the two of them had become rivals.
Chapter 104 Barbecue
The Baihua Award ceremony was scheduled for October. On the day of the ceremony, the nominated film crews and well-known figures in the industry were present. The staff of the organizer treated Xu Chun with great respect, and after leading him to his seat, they specifically told him not to hesitate to ask for his help if needed.
Although Xu Chun's current status cannot be said to be on par with the senior bigwigs in the industry, he still carries a lot of weight, and even the seniors have to give him some face when they see him.
The awards ceremony was preceded by a series of tedious introductions. Xu Chun saw that it was about to begin and stopped talking to Xie Jianyuan.
"Judging from the films that have won awards before, this type of film is not favored by the organizing committee."
Director Chu suddenly spoke to Xu Chun in a very low voice, his expression somewhat solemn. Although he had won many awards for his films, he was still inevitably nervous this time. Firstly, it was his first time challenging this kind of film, and secondly, he had put in a lot of effort; it could be said to be his painstaking work.
"It's alright," Xu Chun said with a smile, trying to reassure him. "Just do your best and leave the rest to fate."
After the shortlisted works were announced, the entire cast and crew were a little nervous. The host on stage glanced at the envelope in his hand and smiled mysteriously.
When the winner of the Best Film award was announced as "Unexpected Joy," not only the film crew but everyone in the awards hall stood up and applauded in congratulations.
After completing the award ceremony and returning to his seat, Director Chu held the trophy, unable to hide his excitement. This was the first time Xu Chun had ever seen him show such a happy expression.
The other nominated film crews also shook hands to congratulate each other, and Xu Chun and Xie Jianyuan returned the greetings one by one.
After they sat down, Xie Jianyuan noticed that Xu Chun loosened his tie, so he asked with concern, "Are you hot?"
Xu Chun smiled and said gently, "It is a little." The hall was very stuffy, perhaps because there were too many people gathered there.
"Just bear with it a little longer, it'll be over soon."
Xu Chun glanced at him and smiled, "The awards haven't been announced yet." The Best Actor award hadn't been announced, but he didn't seem to care at all, which made Xu Chun shake her head inwardly.
Xu Chun had always disliked Xie Jianyuan's nonchalant attitude towards acting. Seeing his expression suddenly change, Xie Jianyuan immediately realized this and became much more serious.
The awards ceremony had reached its most exciting part, bringing the entire process to a climax.
"I announce that the winner of this year's Best Actor award is—" The host looked in Xu Chun's direction.
Xu Chun's heart clenched slightly.
"Xie Jianyuan!" the host called out, excitedly pointing in his direction, drawing all eyes to him.
Xu Chun finally felt completely relieved, and slowly revealed a genuine smile, standing up to look at him and applaud.
Xie Jianyuan looked blank for a moment. His first reaction was not to look at the stage or the camera, but to look at Xu Chun's reaction. He seemed a little uneasy.