On September 20th, 2015, the highly anticipated triennial Golden Rose Award ceremony began amidst the gaze of the masses.

The award ceremony held this time holds great significance for Zhuang Ling. This is because not only was he nominated for the Best Actor award with his work "Masked War God," but he was also recognized by the media as one of the "most likely contenders to win the Best Actor crown."

He was well aware of what this success would bring him. The prestigious title of the youngest Film Emperor, a steady stream of movie offers, and most importantly, the capital to finally seek revenge.

With this in mind, he couldn't help but sit up straighter, adjusting his tie with a raised hand and focusing his gaze forward.

Sitting on his right was He Ninger, nominated for "Best Actress," who played his wife in the drama "Masked God of War," but in reality, they were only acquaintances. On his left, however, was Zhou Qing.

My childhood friend, the best companion and support in the industry for the past ten years.

At this moment, his body was intentionally and unintentionally pressing against mine. He even sneaked his hand over to hold my hand that was resting on my thigh.

"Are you nervous?"

"Fortunately."

Zhou Qing has also been nominated for "Best Actor" this time, but his popularity is not as high as his own, and many people are not optimistic about him.

"That's good, you're sweating a lot," he said.

Zhuang Ling turned his head in astonishment and met his consistently gentle eyes. For some unknown reason, his heart skipped a beat, feeling that something was about to happen next. However, he remained composed, forced a smile, and shifted his gaze back to the stage.

The host is currently announcing the nominations for "Best Director", and soon it will be time for "Best Actor". Although Zhang Ling says he's not nervous, his hands resting on his lap are quietly clenched into fists.

"Now I announce that the winner of the 'Best Actor' award for this Golden Rose is Zhuang Ling!"

'……'

There was a brief silence in the audience, followed by thunderous applause that was as mighty as a landslide. Zhuang Ling saw several senior colleagues in the front row give him approving looks, to which he responded with a smile. He composed himself and stood up from his seat, shaking hands and embracing each person who came to congratulate him.

Then he lowered his head and adjusted his tie again before walking up to the stage to receive the award with measured steps.

As he received the crystal trophy shaped like a blooming rose, thunderous applause once again engulfed the venue.

Zhuang Ling looked at the audience below and suddenly felt a surge of bitterness in his heart, as if tears were about to fall at any moment. This moment, he had been waiting for too long. No one knew what he had sacrificed for this, and no one understood that in the quiet of the night, what he truly desired was the company of loved ones and a confidant lover, rather than this false glory.

"President Zhuang, fans all call you President Zhuang because you often play the role of a domineering CEO. Can I address you like this?"

"Sure, please go ahead," said Zhuang Ling. In front of outsiders, Zhuang Ling always portrayed himself as a polite and gentle young man. All his sharp words were reserved for one person.

A person who could not possibly be present.

He shook his head with a smile, trying hard to drive away the image that inadvertently flashed through his mind. Then, he looked at the host with a smile.

"So, having won the title of Best Actor this time, is there anything you would like to say to your fans, respected seniors in the industry, or the audience watching in front of their TV screens?"

I want to say that this award was both expected and unexpected. I would like to give special thanks to my economic company, as well as the scriptwriter and director of "Masked War God". It is because of them...

After a piercing scream, "Ah!!!," Zhou Ling hadn't even had time to process what had happened before she found herself lying on the icy ground.

He felt the warm blood slowly trickle down his forehead, flowing into his eyes, making it difficult for him to see the scene in front of him clearly.

All around him, there were scattered fragments of broken chandelier.

The chaos and commotion around him continued, causing the biggest headache for him to be the sharp voice of the host shouting beside him, "Call an ambulance!"

He wanted to say, "Don't waste your efforts." But the truth was, he could only open his mouth in vain, unable to utter a single note.

I never expected that I, Zhuang Ling, would be so glorious one moment and then have to die in such a miserable state the next.

He squinted his eyes affectionately and glanced down at the stage. All he could see was a sea of blood mist, and unwillingly, he lost all sense of recognition...