"I have so much to say, but it all comes down to this: Thank you, Director Tang, for giving me the chance to be in this show. You’ve made a long-held dream of mine come true. From now on, I’ll dedicate myself to honing my craft and hopefully create even better work."

Seeing You Li was so excited he was starting to ramble, Tang Li glanced at Director Liu beside him and quickly tried to cover for the actor. "Teacher You is just overwhelmed. He forgot to thank everyone else."

Director Liu hmphed. "Old You and I go way back. Of course, I know that. You, on the other hand, are quite a character. You seem intent on taking care of everyone around you down to the last detail. Still fussing over everything even when you’re pregnant?"

Tang Li replied, "It was just a passing comment. Besides, I’d rather not have any friction on such a happy occasion. It’s easy to stick together through thick and thin, but when it’s time to share the rewards, even the slightest grievance can feel like a great injustice."

Director Liu pondered for a moment. "You big-shot screenwriters... spouting these grand principles comes so easily to you."

Tang Li said, "It’s not that grand, really. It’s just basic common sense about people."

After You Li’s turn, Director Liu also went on stage. As for Ye Qian, she had received a nomination, but the award was won by another well-known actress from abroad.

Ye Qian took it in stride. "I’ve never been on the big screen before, so I’m already very happy with this outcome. But things will be different with my next movie. I’m going to take my own work and make a real run for that prize."

Tang Li said, "I’m glad you’re looking at it that way. Online, people will inevitably compare you to Best Actor Xie and Teacher You..."

"Of course, I’m no match for them," Ye Qian said, shaking her head. "I’m just a minor actress who got lucky with a few roles. I have a long, long way to go before I can even think about catching up to veterans like them. I know where I stand."

Tang Li smiled. "Just keep your composure. If we don’t make it this time, we’ll just try again and again. All that matters is that you have the ambition."

Ye Qian grabbed Tang Li’s left hand. "Of course I have ambition! As long as Director Tang is by my side, I’ll never lose heart."

Just then, Director Liu came down from the stage with his award. Seeing Ye Qian practically draped over his seat to talk to Tang Li, he couldn’t help but snort. "I saw you two chatting up there. Still haven’t had enough?"

Ye Qian immediately retracted her hand, not at all intimidated by Director Liu. "I was just pledging my allegiance to Li Zi, hoping she’ll help my career take off."

’Sucking up was sucking up, and Ye Qian was not only open about it but proud. Who else in the entire industry had exclusively caught Tang Li’s eye?’

Director Liu had long known Ye Qian was shameless. He chuckled and shook his head. Hearing the presenter on stage call out a name, he nudged Tang Li’s elbow. "It’s your turn."

Tang Li rose calmly. Wen Xiao escorted her all the way to the podium, then waited for her at the side of the stage.

After accepting the award that belonged to Tan You, Tang Li gazed at it for two seconds before breaking into a gentle smile.

"I wasn’t here last year," she began, and the crowd immediately burst into applause, cheers, and even a few whistles. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Tang Li paused, then continued with a smile, "Tonight, with a room full of distinguished guests and shining stars, I’m delighted that you’re all satisfied with what we’ve delivered, and I’m deeply honored that you enjoyed our work."

"Both Teacher You and Director Liu thanked me, and I’m just as grateful to them. We understand each other, we help each other succeed, and we make each other’s dreams come true. I am genuinely moved to have been a part of it."

"Lastly, I want to say that we will continue to press forward, rain or shine, and strive to create more and even better works in the future."

After her speech, Tang Li gathered her skirt and carefully made her way to the edge of the stage. She was wearing high heels, after all, and Wen Xiao’s heart was in his throat watching her. With three steps still to go, he reached out, put his hands under her arms, and simply lifted her down.

The camera followed their every move, and when it captured this moment, a wave of playful catcalls swept through the hall. After all, who doesn’t love to see a sweet, romantic moment between a young couple?

Director Liu glanced down at the award in Tang Li’s arms. "You never come away empty-handed, do you? Two swings, two hits."

Tang Li was in high spirits. "Everyone has their own standards. People can tell what’s good."

In her eyes, she had already put Tan You on a pedestal. Any script from Tan You’s hand was, in Tang Li’s opinion, the best.

After the celebratory cake was cut, the attendees began to file out. Sure enough, as she was leaving the venue, Tang Li ran into Zhu Lin again. Zhu Lin already knew the ceremony’s results—the news had already been relayed back home—but that didn’t stop her from pulling Tang Li aside for an exclusive interview.

Tang Li was cooperative, but Wen Xiao was less than pleased. He was simply worried about her health and that she wasn’t getting enough rest.

Zhu Lin picked up on Wen Xiao’s reluctance. She glanced at Tang Li’s abdomen. "In that case, I’ll speed things up. My apologies, the deadline for this story is tight."

Tang Li said, "It’s all right. Just proceed at your usual pace. I slept well last night, and I can always catch up on sleep at the hotel later. Since I’ve agreed to do this, I want to do it right."

Hearing this, Zhu Lin’s admiration for her grew. Naturally, to return the courtesy, she did indeed speed up the interview. Wen Xiao kept a close eye on Tang Li the entire time, worried she might feel unwell.

Zhu Lin found this a little amusing, but also somewhat enviable. As the interview wound down, she couldn’t resist a bit of gossip. "When did you get married, Director Tang? I don’t think I heard anything about it."

"We registered our marriage a few months ago," Tang Li said, looking at Wen Xiao with affection. "We were in the middle of planning the wedding, but then we had a sudden surprise, so we had to postpone it."

"When we hold the wedding, I’ll send Mr. Zhu an invitation."

Zhu Lin’s smile widened. "Wonderful. I would be truly honored to attend your wedding."

Tang Li thought for a moment. "I don’t mind you reporting on my marriage, but..."

Zhu Lin understood her. "I won’t report on anything else. That was just my own personal curiosity. We’re an official news outlet, not some gossip rag."

Tang Li smiled as well. "Then thank you, Mr. Zhu. Feel free to contact me if anything comes up."

Zhu Lin said, "Actually, there is one more thing. You didn’t attend the awards ceremony or the talk show last year. You can’t say no again this time, can you? Everyone is very curious about you."

Tang Li considered it and didn’t refuse this time. "Alright, let’s talk more once I’m in the Capital City. At the end of the day, I’m just someone who works behind the scenes. I’m not that important."

Zhu Lin replied, "But it’s rare to see a behind-the-scenes creator who makes such big waves. I think you’re incredibly versatile. You can write screenplays for profound films and also produce incredibly sweet and fluffy romantic dramas."

"You’re also great at producing variety shows, you can write lyrics, you’re a producer... you’re basically a triple threat across film, television, and music. In this business, there’s no other behind-the-scenes creator as multitalented as you."

"The audience has been curious about you for a long time, but it’s a shame you’re always so low-key."