Chapter 16

Chapter 16: 016: A Washed-Up Best Actress

The venue split into two extremes in an instant.

Confusion rippled through the guests—and through the livestream audience.

“What? There’s still an award? Didn’t they announce everything?”

“Are they making up an extra Best Newcomer for our Jingjing?”

“No, no, it has to be some achievement award for our Emperor Yan.”

“I suddenly have a bad feeling.”

“What bad feeling? Say it.”

“Why do I feel like I get it too… Please, let it be my imagination.”

In the hall, people twisted in their seats, searching for the answer.

Some looked toward the Best Actor seat.

Some looked toward the directors.

Only Xu Shu Jing went stiff. Her eyes flicked—fast, uneasy—to the woman beside her.

Ms. Qian’s tone turned firm, severe enough to slice through whispers.

“This time, there is still one Best Actress winner we haven’t announced.”

“No matter what labels she carries now, her acting in the film was recognized by everyone.”

“These past years, she may have gained more and more labels.”

“But you cannot deny her achievements are right there.”

She lifted the cue card slightly, as if pinning the room in place with it.

“Let us congratulate the winner of the final award of this ceremony.”

“Best Actress—Qiao Qing Yan!”

The name rang through the hall.

It rang through every phone speaker and laptop in every room where the livestream played.

Confusion.

Shock.

Fear.

Disbelief.

Faces froze as if everyone had misheard.

Then the big screen switched to Qiao Qing Yan’s face—breathtaking under the lens, impossible to mistake.

A collective inhale scraped through the crowd.

Even Qiao Qing Yan hadn’t expected it.

When the spotlight landed on her, she looked calmer than anyone else—as if she weren’t a piece on the board, but the one watching from above.

“Xiao Qing Yan,” Ms. Qian called, gentler now, “go accept your award.”

The spell broke.

“Tsk… it’s actually Qiao Qing Yan.”

“Best Actress. Qiao Qing Yan.”

A few guests, clear-eyed despite their opinions, couldn’t deny the obvious.

In the charity film submitted this year, Qiao Qing Yan had played two roles. Whether as the lead or the supporting character, her performance had been sharp—controlled, undeniable.

Even if her recent years had been hard to watch.

This film was different.

Online, the reaction was uglier.

“What? No way. There has to be something shady.”

“She has such a terrible character—what right does she have to win?”

“She’s trying to climb back up. Disgusting.”

“Who knows whose bed she climbed into. She even dared to buy off the judges.”

“The entertainment industry is doomed.”

“Everyone protect your idols. Don’t let some washed-up Best Actress ride clout again.”

“Exactly. Ignore her and she can’t ride clout. Best Actress? So what. She’s still washed-up.”

“Unfollow. I’ll never trust the Jin Ying Awards again.”

“Give us a clean land back. A washed-up Best Actress isn’t qualified to win!”

“Give us a clean land back.”

“Give us a clean land back.”