Chapter Eighty-Two: The Coronation of the Empress

Chapter 82: Crowned as Queen

Ever since the romance between Zhang Le and Yang Xiner was exposed, he skyrocketed to fame overnight. No matter how dazzling his subsequent displays of talent were, it could not change the fact that it was his link to Yang Xiner that brought him into the limelight.

Those who insulted, mocked, or belittled him came in endless succession, each harboring their own motives. Zhang Le endured, avoided, let things slide, and more often than not, fought back with sharp retorts. By now, he had long since grown accustomed and simply couldn't be bothered anymore.

Yet, his indifference did not mean he was numb or ready to give up. He still held a fire within him, determined to prove himself, to silence those voices with undeniable facts.

Usually, Zhang Le was gentle and courteous, but if someone tried to take advantage of him, they would be met with his piercing counterattacks. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stirred up so many public spats on social media, nor would his songs have sparked such heated confrontations.

Zhang Le’s good temper only existed as long as you didn’t cross his line.

Next, "Waiting for Return" went on to win Best Art Direction and Best Original Score; it narrowly missed out on Best Editing. Zhou Run also failed to clinch Best Actor. Yet, though Zhou Run felt a pang of regret, he was far from disappointed—having already won two Best Actor statuettes, at this stage, another would have been little more than a feather in his cap.

As the announcement for Best Actress drew near, Zhang Le could clearly sense Yang Xiner’s nervousness. This was her first time being up for such a prestigious award. When she first entered the film industry, she had been nominated for Best Newcomer, but left empty-handed. Now, this prize mattered deeply to her.

Zhang Le took hold of Yang Xiner’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

Yang Xiner smiled at Zhang Le and nodded, but he could tell her smile was forced, unable to mask the tension within.

There were only four nominees for Best Actress. Though the other three might not have been as famous as Yang Xiner, their acting had won widespread recognition within the industry. They had all been nominated for the Golden Dragon Award several times.

“Keep a calm mind. If you don’t win today, I’ll make sure you win in the future,” Zhang Le comforted her again.

“I believe you!” Yang Xiner smiled, took a deep breath, and replied.

As the presenter took the stage, Yang Xiner’s nerves, which had just begun to settle, tensed up again.

She desperately wanted her acting to be acknowledged. Perhaps this was a shared wish among all beautiful actors, especially actresses. A pretty face may be lovely, but beauty alone is hollow.

“The winner of the 24th Golden Dragon Award for Best Actress is: Yang Xiner for ‘Waiting for Return’!”

“Yeah!”

The entire crew, still subdued after missing out on Best Actor, erupted in cheers. Zhang Le rose to his feet, thrilled for Yang Xiner. In that moment, his joy was entirely for her, with no other thoughts crowding his mind.

“Congratulations, Xiner!”

He hugged Yang Xiner, gently patting her back. The embrace was congratulatory, but even more, it was to help calm her emotions.

Tears streamed down Yang Xiner’s face—tears of happiness, excitement, and exhilaration, the kind that come when a long-cherished dream is finally realized.

She composed herself a little, then, amid a chorus of congratulations, walked to the stage. From the presenter’s hand, she received the golden statuette for Best Actress, took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and said, “I am so happy to receive this award and to have my acting recognized. Now, I can confidently say to everyone: I, Yang Xiner, am not just a pretty face!”

“Just now, backstage, my boyfriend, Zhang Le, tried to calm me, telling me that even if I didn’t win this time, he would make sure I achieved my dream in the future. He’s a director, a very talented one, and I believe in him. But since I’ve won this time, I wouldn’t mind standing here again. You’re the one who made it possible for me to be here!”

“Thank you, Director Chen, thank you, Brother Run, thank you to everyone in the cast and crew, thank you to the fans who love and support me, and thank you to my boyfriend, Zhang Le. I love you!”

I love you! This was the first time Yang Xiner had spoken these words publicly. The ceremony was being broadcast live on CCTV and online, with countless people watching Yang Xiner’s “wild” display—yet it was so genuine and sincere.

“I love you too!” Zhang Le couldn’t help but stand up and shout.

Whoops and applause erupted. Yang Xiner, clutching her statuette, hurried off the stage straight into Zhang Le’s arms.

He laughed, opening his arms to catch her as she flew into his embrace.

“All right now, everyone’s watching!” Zhang Le laughed, patting her back.

“Let them watch!” Yang Xiner replied, though she slipped from his embrace and flashed an embarrassed smile at those around.

Best Director slipped from Chen Ke’s grasp, but “Waiting for Return” captured Best Picture. This year, the film swept the Golden Dragon Awards, taking home three out of four minor awards and two out of four major ones—five wins from eight nominations, making it the biggest winner of the evening.

The brightest stars on this year’s Golden Dragon red carpet were undeniably Zhang Le and Yang Xiner. Both took home awards, and in their acceptance speeches, neither shied away from mentioning the other—especially Yang Xiner, who lived up to her nickname as Zhang Le’s most ardent supporter, lavishing him with praise and even openly declaring her belief that he would help her win another Best Actress in the future.

Yang Xiner’s win signified her farewell to the “pretty face” label—an achievement of great significance. Her excitement was only natural. In contrast, Zhang Le’s win was marked by unusual calm. Compared to any other winner, he seemed almost indifferent, standing on the Golden Dragon stage for the first time. Later, when interviewed, he confessed to being so nervous he forgot to give an acceptance speech.

Yet, from his demeanor and actions, most people felt he simply didn’t consider the award significant. The reason, of course, was that his win came for music, not for directing—a touch of irony for a director.

“Hope I can stand here again next year!”

His words spoke volumes. Zhang Le consistently presented himself as a director to the media, but time and again, he won awards for music. For someone in his profession, such emotions were only natural.

Previously, a renowned director had acted in a supporting role and won Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Dragon, but he resolutely declined the award, setting a precedent for filmmakers refusing the honor.

Zhang Le didn’t refuse, but it was clear he didn’t value the award. That he didn’t give an acceptance speech was understandable. As for his later interview, the public saw it as perfunctory and lacking substance.

The curtain fell on this year’s Golden Dragon ceremony, but its reverberations had only begun.

The next day, television, newspapers, and the internet were awash with news of the awards, with Zhang Le and Yang Xiner receiving the lion’s share of attention.