Qiao Moyu didn't finish looking through the comments when the host arrived on stage. They announced the start of the banquet.
Firstly, the head of the committee spoke first. He spoke frankly with assurance, with a sense of humor. The atmosphere became carefree right then.
Qiao Moyu ignored the comments and listened to his speech seriously.
At this time, her phone vibrated.
She looked down to see a message sent by Ye Peicheng. There was only a short sentence. Moyu, don't worry. I will handle this.
She finished looking at it and smiled. She replied, "Ok."
Tonight was the awards ceremony. Because of this, once the speech was over, the host revealed the different major awards.
The awards were from least significant to most significance. They would reveal the best male and female lead at the end, or those who obtained the title as Film Emperor and Empress.
Today's 《Dawn's Break of Light》 and 《Pomegranate tree》 and another stream of consciousness movie were clearly the winners of the awards. The three movies took over about 80% of the awards. The best director award was given to Director Feng Xuan who directed 《Dawn's Break of Light》.
"Now, we are going to announce the best male lead!" The host exclaimed happily. "But before we give the award out, Mr. Ye Peicheng notified us earlier on that he would not participate in the entertainment circle anymore and withdrew from the voting."
The camera didn't go to Ye Peicheng. Therefore, besides the surrounding people who knew he was here, many believed that he was absent.
"The potential candidates for the best male lead award are -" The host began to call out the list of names who made it in.
On the screen, the camera changed constantly. But when the host announced the result, everyone was shocked.
This is because it was the male lead of 《Daoist Mountain of Immortals》who was just an ordinary actor!
He was the most unexpected winner this year. Because this movie had an eye-opening ceremony done by Qiao Moyu, when people looked at the male actor, they also looked at her.
There were some who tried to be friendly with her while there were others who took joy in her misfortune for what happened on Weibo. But the majority were shocked by Qiao Moyu's "daoist skills" and shivered.
That male actor went on stage. Because of his excitement, his voice trembled and he almost sobbed.
He had been in the entertainment circle for a long time but he was never famous. Yet, because of this movie, it completely changed his life.
He was sincere with his sentiments and in the end, he mentioned Qiao Moyu. He was grateful for her help and bowed at her.
Qiao Moyu secretly rubbed her hands against each other. She was a frequent visitor of the hot search on Weibo. Couldn't he help to keep her low-profiled?
The male actor received the Star Shadow Trophy and walked down with teary eyes. The host stood in front of the microphone and said, "Now, let's announce our last award - Best Female Lead Award. Let's see who would obtain this in the end! Let's welcome our special guest of the committee, Mr. Huang to give the award!"
When Qiao Moyu saw Huang Chu on stage, she was completely shocked.
Speaking of him, just who was him? Why would he be invited to give out the last award? She had been originally nervous but curiosity took over her emotions now.
Huang Chu who was on stage was even more nervous than Qiao Moyu, however.
He held the name of the winner but he wasn't sure of the result. Though he wished that it would be Qiao Moyu.
He opened the first envelope and said with a steady and firm voice, "I now announce that the candidates for the Best Female Lead Award are: 《Qing》by Zhang Xiao, 《Night Temple》 by Chen Yilan, 《Pomegranate Tree》by Qiao Moyu, and 《Chen Courtyard》by Wang Lin!"
Whenever the host mentioned an actress, the screen would reveal basic introduction of them. In the end, the screen was divided into four corners. Qiao Moyu was on the bottom left. The camera constantly changed and the four actresses were clearly shown on the screen.
Huang Chu opened the next envelope. He said, "The Best Female Award goes to -"
But before he could finish his words, the screens suddenly changed. When everyone saw the images, they were stunned. They all looked at Qiao Moyu!
There were two pictures on the screen. One was when Qiao Moyu had brought Luo Luo to kindergarten and the other was when she and Ye Peicheng took a romantic walk and held hands.
Because the screen was huge, the image had a lot of impact on the people. The words on the pictures made everyone shocked.
【Is the new flower, Qiao Moyu, an innocent woman or a mother? Mr. Ye, do you know?】
Seeing this scene, everyone started to discuss this after being momentarily shocked. There was a bustle of conversation.
On stage, the host's expression changed. He hurriedly said to everyone, "Sorry, there must be something wrong. I will immediately go handle this!"
After that, he quickly went backstage.
Huang Chu who had seen this looked at her, interested.
Heh. Others may not know the inside story but he knew! He would see how Ye Peicheng decided to handle this matter and the person behind it!
Chapter 226
Two minutes later, the screen went back to its original image. The host continuously apologized and said, "Mr. Huang, please announce the actress who obtained the Best Female Lead Award!"
Huang Chu's face remained unmoved and calm. He stood on stage and announced, "This year's Best Female Lead Award goes to 《Pomengerate Tree》's Miss. Qiao Moyu. Let us congratulate her!"
The light shone on Qiao Moyu and the screen exposed her expression.
She wore a champagne color diamond cheongsam. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail. She was fresh and pure but revealing a tint of nobleness. She displayed her sexy figure to its utmost wearing a long dress. Compared to her normal fresh look, she attracted everyone's attention today.
Outside the banquet, by a certain mall's LED screen, Qiao Rouhuan stared at Qiao Moyu and her eyes were filled with jealousy.
She always knew how beautiful Qiao Moyu was. She could handle any style and still manage to look beautiful.
But she never knew how shaking to the core Qiao Moyu was when she purposefully dressed herself up.
Qiao Rouhuan's nails dug deeply into her skin. The pain took away her sorrow and made her happy again.
So what if Qiao Moyu was beautiful? So what if she was the Film Empress? Her reputation had gone down the drains!
She had a child but still seduced Ye Peicheng. Just based on this, it was enough for her reputation to hit rock bottom and for Ye Peicheng's fans to bury her alive with their spit!
Because of this, she found it worth her money to hire internet water armies and a spot on the hot search. She even bribed the staff of the committee to put Qiao Moyu's pictures on the screen. She ruthlessly threw shade at Qiao Moyu!
The early spring evening was still very cold. Qiao Rouhuan stood on street and continued to watch this.
Right now, Qiao Moyu was under the limelight and she elegantly walked to the stage.
Huang Chu placed the crystal trophy in Qiao Moyu's hands and excitedly reached over to hug her. Then, he left the stage even though he wished to stay longer.
In Ye Residence, when Father Ye saw this scene, he called Huang Chu an old bastard. But momentarily later, he placed his attention on the screen again.
He didn't know what his son had planned. Why hasn't he done anything yet? But since Ye Peicheng told him not to worry, he would patiently wait.
Qiao Moyu stood in front of the microphone and faintly smiled. "To speak the truth, I have been looking forward to this award but I didn't dare to think about it..."
She had a calm expression as though she wasn't influenced by what just happened. In the end, she smiled and humorously said, "Does everyone believe that I am able to stand here because I conducted an eye-opening ceremony for myself? I actually thought of this before but I didn't have enough powers. Just like how doctors don't save themselves. I really can't do that for myself..."
"《Pomengerate Tree》will be in the theaters in about a week. Hopefully, we can talk about the plot and acting after everyone watches the drama. Can we do that?"
"In the end, I want to thank everyone who has helped me since I entered the entertainment circle! A special thanks to Director Zhang, Director Cheng, and Mr. Ye Peicheng. They helped me improve my acting skills! Thank you everyone!"
She bowed towards the audience.
When everyone heard her mention Ye Peicheng, they had different expressions. In such an awkward moment like this, she didn't avoid his name. What did this mean?
Was it possible that Ye Peicheng knew that she had a child and even accepted the kid?!
While everyone was guessing, by the side of the stage, there was a man wearing a black suit holding a bouquet of red roses. He slowly walked over.
The light shone on him. When everyone saw the man's handsome face, they all gasped.
Ye Peicheng!
Ye Peicheng carried a bouquet of flowers and stood in front of Qiao Moyu. He gave her the flowers and said, "Moyu, congratulations!"
Qiao Moyu took it from him. In that moment, everyone saw Qiao Moyu and Ye Peicheng's rings on their ring fingers. They had the same style!
At this point, the host walked over and asked, "Mr. Ye, are you giving Moyu flowers as her male friend or her boyfriend?"
Ye Peicheng took the microphone over. Although he was answering the host's question, his gaze never left Qiao Moyu. There was a smile on his face and he looked deeply at her. "I am not her male friend or her boyfriend. Today, I am giving Moyu flowers as her husband!"
The assembly hall was silent after he said this. One could hear a needle dropping.
Outside, Qiao Rouhuan couldn't believe her ears. She was stunned and stared at Ye Peicheng through the screen. She wanted to see if he was fake or a substitute. But she failed!
In the hall, Ye Peicheng continued, "At the same time, being Moyu's child's father, I am giving flowers to my son's mother!"
The silent assembly hall exploded right then.
Chapter 227
Everyone had been confused as to who the father of Qiao Moyu's child was. They wondered if the child even had to do with Qiao Moyu or that someone was purposefully slandering her.
But Ye Peicheng admitted that the child was his and Qiao Moyu's!
As a man, since he admitted, it must be true. After all, considering Ye Peicheng's status, there was no way he would've admitted to being a father to a child who wasn't his!
On stage, Ye Peicheng glanced at everyone and indicated for them to be quiet. He held Qiao Moyu's hands and said, "I had been with Moyu since three years ago. Because of some reasons, we separated later on. I am very thankful that she secretly raised our son regardless. I am also very lucky that I finally have her back now! We are married!"
The two screens on stage displayed his and Qiao Moyu's wedding pictures moments after his words.
The wedding pictures were displayed as a slideshow. The last two pictures were just family pictures of the three of them. However, it only showed a rear view of Luo Luo.
Right now, although everyone was flabbergasted, they all understood. Qiao Moyu was always with Ye Peicheng! The rumors attacking Qiao Moyu online were just fake!
Therefore, Weibo had sunk into explosions of comments again. How could the internet water armies that Qiao Rouhuan bought be a match against Ye Peicheng's fans?
The hot search immediately was taken over by "Ye Peicheng and Qiao Moyu were married", "Ye Peicheng and Qiao Moyu's son", and topics like such. The comments section of Qiao Moyu and Ye Peicheng's Weibo were completely out of control!
Although there were many of Ye Peicheng's fans who couldn't accept Qiao Moyu, when they saw Ye Peicheng revealing himself to the media for her, these fans switched sides.
"Wahh, it's so touching! Brother Peicheng, you have to come visit us often!"
"Idol, although you're someone else's husband, I will always love you!"
"Idol, from now on, we are loyal fans to Moyu! We will love and take care of her as well. You don't need to worry!"
"Sister Moyu, I want to see my idol's pictures and your wedding pictures. Can you send some?"
"Hahah, I am the ultimate fan of Chenyu couple! I love being fed dog food! Please continue, please continue! I am looking forward to a second child! Work hard, Brother Ye! I support you guys!"
Qiao Rouhuan scrolled through the Weibo. Her face was distorted due to anger.
"How is it possible?" She talked to herself, repeating this over and over. This time, her phone vibrated and it was a text.
When she read the content of the text, she was almost about to smash her phone!
After Qiao Company was in a catastrophe, she used almost all her money since she debuted to save the company but to no avail.
In the end, she spent the last of her money to buy internet water armies to slander Qiao Moyu. When she received the bank's prompt for money, she forgot how she spent money to buy an evening gown. Where would she get 2,000,000 from?!
The night wind blew and she held her clothes tightly. She scrolled through her list of contacts and stopped on Xing Yicheng's name at the end.
She called him.
Who knew that he answered!
"Brother Yichen -" Qiao Rouhuan just called him when she heard a deep voice, "Sorry, my hand slipped. I didn't mean to pick up."
"Brother Yichen, please!" Qiao Rouhuan was afraid that he might hang up so she hurriedly said, "Can you lend me some money? I will agree to any of your conditions!"
There was no sound on the other side. When Qiao Rouhuan thought he was considering this, he said, “Qiao Rouhuan, how lovely it would be if I never met you before?”
She was stunned but then understood him.
He continued, “If I never met you, would Moyu be with me right now?”
Qiao Rouhuan tightened her hands and her body was trembling.
“Heh.” Xing Yichen chuckled softly. The screen on his computer revealed an image of Qiao Moyu and Ye Peicheng holding onto each other on the awards ceremony. He said coldly to Qiao Rouhuan, “Why should I lend money to you? You can perish on your own!”
He hung up.
At this time, his special assistant knocked on his door. “President Xing, it's quite late. You have to pay attention to yourself if you're going to work overtime…”
Seeing that Xing Yichen didn't move, he continued, “There are some problems with Xing Company's funds when trying to purchase Qiao Company. The bank wants to see you tomorrow.”
“I know.” Xing Yichen answered exhaustedly. He walked to the French Window.
Outside, the lights were splendid and gorgeous. He didn't know why but he suddenly recalled many years ago, when he was twelve and walked with Qiao Moyu on the streets. She wanted to eat sugar coated Chinese hawthorn fruit on a stick so he bought her one. It was during the winter and the tip of her nose was cold and red. Her hands as well. But her eyes were smiling.
However, they could never return to that time…