The host on stage had clearly been given a heads-up, and during the Best Director award ceremony, he deliberately chatted with director Yang Li for a while longer to prolong the time.
Yang Li is a seasoned director, so he naturally understood the host's meaning and didn't mind spending more time getting screen time. So, he stood on the stage happily, holding the trophy, to give his acceptance speech.
Seeing that time was indeed running out, and there was still no notification from the director in the host's earpiece, he glanced at the empty seats in the distance and the bored expressions of the audience. He had no choice but to bite the bullet and ask Yang Li to leave the stage, and slowly begin to move forward with the schedule.
"Thank you so much, Director Yang Li, for your speech! Now, the most exciting moment has finally arrived—"
The host raised his hand, his gaze falling on the audience. He exchanged a knowing look with the stage assistant director below and turned to show the large screen in the distance behind him.
"There is a group of people who use their acting skills to create souls, their roles to move audiences, and their strength to write legends—let's focus on the most compelling male figures on the big screen and take a look at the outstanding achievements of this year's Best Actor nominees at the Baiming Awards—"
The next moment, the large screen behind them began playing a pre-prepared VCR, which showed performance clips of the six Best Actor nominees in turn.
This serves as a simple introduction, making it easier for people to understand who is who and to get a general impression of the candidates' faces.
When it came to the scene featuring the male lead in "No Bait," the scene chosen was the one where the male lead, Seo Yu-soo, stood in front of his lover's grave, weeping bitterly, but then quickly wiped away his tears.
At this moment, Shu Yuxiu, as a husband who deeply loves his wife, earnestly displays his pain and despair in front of his beloved's grave, his eyes filled with tears and deep love for his wife.
His body was slightly hunched, and he stood in front of the grave for a long time, tears streaming down his face.
Seeing this scene, no one would doubt his love and loyalty to his wife.
Until the last tear fell, Shu Yuxiu calmly turned around, his face no longer showing any sorrow or pain, and even the love in his eyes had completely disappeared.
The man, who had initially looked somewhat disheveled, slowly straightened his back, as if he had shed some heavy shackles and been reborn.
Even though there was no scene change or camera angle shift, just a slight upward glance sent chills down everyone's spine.
It was only at this moment that they suddenly realized that everything that had just happened was nothing more than a hypocritical performance by the man.
The existence of women, perhaps in another sense, is a shackle, a cage, a check and balance on men and families.
But at this moment, none of that matters anymore.
Shu Yuxiu has no heart.
He will eventually get everything he wants—
-
It must be said that Xiao He's Shu Yuxiu is truly outstanding among this group of nominees.
First, because he is young; second, because of his acting skills; and third, because of his on-screen presence.
As expected of director Ning Jiaqi.
Even during the Best Actor nomination presentation, Ning Jiaqi's long take transitions were incredibly smooth. This scene not only brought Xiao He's acting skills to life but also perfectly showcased the aesthetics of a great director's camera work, achieving multiple goals at once.
The only regret is that, at such a high-profile moment, when the camera focused on the actor's position, there was only an empty chair.
The actor himself was not present.
Those who witnessed the scene already knew about the situation.
However, viewers in the live stream were still somewhat disappointed when they saw the empty seats.
【Xiao Ge's seat is empty; it seems the rumors online were true.】
【Ugh, I'm so sad. Seeing Xiao Ge's seat empty makes me feel so empty.】
【How are Xiao Ge and the others doing? Does anyone know? I'm really worried.】
【I heard someone saw Brother Xiao at a nearby hospital. I wonder what the investigation results are. I hope nothing bad has happened to him.】
【I hope Brother Xiao's good deeds will be rewarded and that he can live a peaceful and safe life.】
【So, will Xiao Ge be the final Best Actor winner? Please, it has to be him!】
【Xiao He, Xiao He, Xiao He, it must be Xiao He...】
Amidst the intense anticipation of the audience, the host tried to stall for time until it became unbearable. Only then did the director instruct him through his earpiece to continue the process, emphasizing that further delays were unacceptable.
Left with no other option, the host handed the card to the important guest presenting the award on stage.
The guest opened the card, saw the unsurprising name on it, glanced casually at the crowd below the stage, and smiled slightly.
"Thank you to all the nominees for their wonderful performances, and the actor who ultimately wins the crown is—"
"Xiao He!"
As soon as she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted in the audience. Just as director Ning Jiaqi was about to go on stage to accept the award, the camera on the big screen switched, and a familiar young man walked out from the internal passage on the side of the stage.
He hadn't had time to put his suit jacket back on; instead, he was wearing a simple white shirt and suit trousers. Because he was moving so fast, his shirt sleeves were rolled up high, revealing his muscular arms. His hairstyle wasn't as refined as when he entered; instead, it had a more messy yet beautiful look.
Whether it was because they received advance notice or not, the camera zoomed in perfectly at the exact moment Xiao He stepped out of the passageway, making his appearance explosive and tense.
This resulted in viewers in front of the big screen and in the live broadcast room seeing Xiao He's handsome face rushing directly in front of the big screen, catching everyone off guard and making them feel his handsomeness.
The ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) next moment, before everyone could react, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd.
It was as if, at this moment, they were not waiting for a well-deserved Best Actor award from the Best Actor category, but for a superhero who had successfully saved lives and returned home with honors.
When the first person stood up, others followed suit.
Whether they were seasoned veterans or established celebrities, they all stood up and sincerely applauded the hero who risked his life to save others and emerged unharmed.
This is their respect for Xiao He, and also their recognition of Xiao He.
As Xiao He walked step by step onto the stage amidst the lights and applause, the applause was accompanied by whistles and cheers from some acquaintances. The enthusiastic sounds almost drowned out the music and nearly lifted the roof off the venue.
The award was presented by a respected veteran actor, about the same age as Xiao He's grandparents. He looked at Xiao He with a kind and gentle gaze, carrying the warmth and concern unique to elders.
She handed the trophy to Xiao He, but instead of immediately congratulating him, she first inquired about his health: "Are you alright?"
Xiao He smiled as he accepted the trophy, then shook his head at the veteran, saying, "I'm fine, thank you."
"Okay, okay, that's good."
The senior colleague smiled gently, then stepped back, giving up the microphone beside him, which also meant giving up the stage, so that all the lights and attention would fall on this young man with boundless potential and a kind heart.
Xiao He held the trophy in his hand, greeting the crowd below the stage, and was momentarily dazed.
