…The host on stage.
…Everyone in the audience.
…The viewers watching the livestream—the gossip is spilling.
Yu Junqing and Bo Rui sat naturally together, completely ignoring the barrage of glances cast their way.
#Just now, who was I making eye contact with at the eye doctor? Where are you, come over, let’s meet!#
#Aaaaaah! I want to become a roaring melon! Is my baby coming out? Is he?! Someone tell me, wake me up!#
#Waaah, Yu Junqing didn’t come out, he was just walking the carpet with the boss, hand in hand, I believe it!#
#A bunch of self-deluding people. If this isn’t coming out, I’ll livestream chopping off my melons#
#1#
The organizers of the ceremony were a little helpless. They had a feeling that this time they might not get the headlines, but no matter what, they weren’t going to stop just because of that.
This was probably the most awkward atmosphere in the history of the awards. Everyone had been looking forward to it for so long, yet for some reason, people couldn’t seem to restrain the gossip energy coursing through their veins. Eyes kept darting toward the two of them, even though reason told them to focus on the stage. Some even nearly crossed their eyes in the struggle.
Bo Rui, under all these burning gazes, didn’t pay them any attention at all. Instead, he kept his focus on his precious one. He hadn’t forgotten—his baby had said he was nervous.
“You feeling better?” With someone still speaking on stage, Bo Rui leaned closer and whispered to Yu Junqing, unaware that the closeness only drew more attention to them.
As an actor, Yu Junqing swore the cameras had caught him and Rui multiple times, intentionally or not. The stares from all directions—if they could become tangible, he and Rui might already have been riddled like a sieve.
But he didn’t care. A smile tugged at his eyes as he leaned in, deliberately letting his voice be slightly husky: “Rui, I’m nervous.”
…“You’re nervous? At least try to control your expression. This makes it hard for me to do well.” Bo Rui looked helplessly at the grinning person beside him. Oh well—he’d let him be. After all, it was all part of this quick-transmigration cannon-fodder love story game.
Yu Junqing perfectly caught all of this from Bo Rui’s gaze. The fluttering anxiety inside him instantly calmed, replaced with a sense of peace. They shared a look and stopped talking.
Finally, Wang Shilin, sitting next to Yu Junqing, had a chance to speak. “What are you thinking?” He really didn’t understand Yu Junqing. At such an important moment, walking the red carpet with the boss—did he even know that public speculation had already started about how he got here?
“Nothing, just bringing a family member out to show off.” Yu Junqing teased.
“…Speak human.” Wang Shilin restrained the urge to give him a smack. He remembered where he was; otherwise, he would have smacked this guy into waking up from whatever playful mood he was in.
“…Nothing much. It’s just like how you and Lin Qing openly walked in front of your dad—I’m doing the same.” Yu Junqing said seriously, locking eyes with Wang Shilin in a voice only he could hear.
Could I really walk this path with you two? Wang Shilin almost snorted, then remembered the day his own father had watched Lin Qing call him “daughter-in-law.” He knew that feeling better than anyone. Looking at Yu Junqing’s serious expression and then at the man beside him, perfectly dressed as if for a wedding, he finally said, “Fine. But are you ready? Your path’s going to be far harder than mine. My father loved me, but this… after this ceremony, you’ll be in the spotlight of millions. Don’t make it harder than it needs to be.”
Hearing this, Yu Junqing relaxed. “No worries. At least you passed your part. The rest… we’ll take it slow. I’m not exactly currency, you know.”
Their private talk finished, Bo Rui tapped the back of Yu Junqing’s hand. He was here as an award presenter, and staff had already notified him to go backstage.
“Go on, Rui.” Yu Junqing nodded. He knew Rui was slightly concerned about him, but having trained under spotlights and watchful eyes, he could handle the pressure.
“Alright.” Bo Rui didn’t linger. Once he agreed to attend, he couldn’t back out.
The moment Bo Rui stood, countless eyes swept over him. Everyone wondered what he would do next! Even the host on stage faltered briefly. Livestream viewers caught his gaze immediately. “President, what’s he doing?!”
#Ohhhh, our president is standing! What’s happening, I’m so excited!#
#Look at Yu Junqing! That smile! So sweet it’s like eating shards of glass…#
#Wait, what is the president doing standing up?!#
#My eyes are glued to them and I can’t look away!#
Staff quickly ushered Bo Rui backstage. Relief spread among onlookers—he wasn’t doing anything shocking, just going backstage.
After Bo Rui left, the audience’s attention returned to the awards, though some still sneaked glances at Yu Junqing. He looked calm, showing no sign of nervousness, leaving the curious a little disappointed.
One by one, the awards were announced, the ceremony drawing to its climax. Nervous anticipation built for the final two most anticipated awards of the year.
Yu Junqing listened as the host slowly read the Best Actor nominees. Suddenly, his own heart began racing. After waiting so long, this moment had finally arrived.
#Finally the Best Actor award! Aaaah, I’ve been waiting for this moment!#
#Sharing my melon, quietly watching the gossip unfold#
#I can’t control my excitement!#
#Stay calm, watch!#
Backstage:
“Is it my turn?” Bo Rui took the trophy handed to him, surprised at how quickly it had come.
“Yes. When you hear your name, you’ll go on stage.” The staff’s eyes sparkled with gossip. Honestly, they were curious why this man walked the carpet with the celebrity—didn’t want a female companion, or were they really… coming out?
Bo Rui glanced at the award, suddenly a bit nervous. He adjusted his tie and exhaled softly.
Well, if the baby wants to play big, I’ll play big too. Just hope this award lives up to their expectations.
“…And now, the last award of the night. I know you’ve all been waiting. I won’t hold back—the Best Actor of the Year is… who?” The previous Best Actor teased the audience, then left them hanging. People hissed in playful frustration.
Before anyone could react, he shouted, “This person is… Yu! Jun! Qing!”
Thunderous applause erupted, overwhelming the room. People celebrated and recognized him; some quietly mourned their own disappointments.
Bo Rui, backstage, felt his heart relax at the familiar name, though it began to race again. Holding the trophy, he thought—there’s nothing better than personally presenting this award to the one he most wanted to give it to.
Yu Junqing, dressed in the same low-key yet elegant suit as Bo Rui, became the center of attention, bathed in a thousand points of light. He walked onto the stage, gazing at the familiar faces he saw every day, smiling softly.
Bo Rui didn’t say a word, handing the trophy to him. This moment of glory was all for the baby.
Yu Junqing held the trophy, feeling its residual warmth through his now chilled fingers, and took a deep breath before speaking:
“I’ve been an actor for nearly ten years. You may know a little about me—my journey hasn’t been easy.”
The audience went silent. They knew of Yu Junqing’s past, especially the incident that had once caused a huge stir. Everyone was suddenly calm, watching the spotlighted figure.
“But I’m not here to talk about hardships.” His expression shifted to a mischievous smile, making people chuckle.
“I’m guessing you don’t want to hear that. The people I need to thank, I will in my heart. Now, let’s talk about what you really want to know.” He stood openly, confident, knowing his next words would be shocking—but no one wanted to ruin it.
The host prompted, “Then quickly, tell us. Why did you bring your president on the red carpet? Are you~”
Yu Junqing coughed theatrically. “Just bringing my family member out to shine a bit.” A metaphorical torpedo hit everyone’s head. Bo Rui stepped forward, interlacing fingers with him. Now that it was publicly acknowledged, holding hands wouldn’t be a worry anymore.
#OMG he really just came out publicly!!!!#
#Yu Junqing… he really came out but also won Best Actor, my feelings are a mess, I want to cry qaq#
#Never thought I’d see these two officially together in my lifetime, I need to run around screaming hahaha#
#Though public relationships are normal, will his path be hard? In our country…#
Yu Junqing looked at Bo Rui kneeling calmly on one knee. Silence, then his eyes reddened. He pinched his nose and, in a soft, coaxing voice, whispered into Bo Rui’s ear:
“Marry me, baby.”
Bo Rui, overcome with emotion, habitually used his endearment. Yu Junqing’s cheeks flushed instantly.
#Wait what did he just call him?#
#My ears are gone, lol#
#Hmph! I didn’t hear#
#Alright, everyone, line up and get your dog food, tonight’s a feast, stay calm#
“Alright.” Yu Junqing carefully slid the ring onto Bo Rui’s finger. Relief washed over Bo Rui. The whole country had witnessed it; no need for makeup when they kissed. Though tasting lipstick was… unpleasant.
…In the audience:
“Clap clap clap” Wang Shilin stood first, leading the applause. Despite wanting to curse Yu Junqing for publicly coming out, he smiled and clapped, because the box office this guy brought in was undeniable.
The applause reminded everyone to stand. Whether heartfelt or not, everyone rose, giving their blessings.
“I think tomorrow’s headlines are ready: #Yu Junqing walks the red carpet with ‘family’ and wins Best Actor; partner proposes on bended knee#. How’s that for a headline?” Ren Qingyun, holding up a tablet, nudged the busy man in his arms.
Winston paused, looked at the beautifully captured two men, and remarked oddly, “So your country allows men to marry men. Why, then, won’t you accept my proposal?” His tone tinged with playful grievance.
Ren Qingyun blinked. “When did you propose? I didn’t know.”
The man, caught by the enchanting gaze, lifted his beloved, saying innocently, “Of course, every day I love you, my dear. Didn’t you remember? I’ll remind you.”
“Wah! Speak properly, don’t move…”