Chapter 98: If I Had Known, I Wouldn’t Have Gotten Married So Early
This translation was originally posted on
https://love4baihe.blogspot.com
Several months after Gu Jinrong returned to H City, the triennial Golden Deer Film Festival arrived.
In the preceding months, Shen Qingzhi and Gu Jinrong had already won numerous awards, big and small, for their film "Heavenly Beings."
There are numerous ceremonies in the country, and awards are distributed abundantly, often just to join in the excitement.
However, the Golden Deer Awards, with its more than a decade of authority in China, held a different weight. It can be said that every filmmaker in the country takes pride in being shortlisted for the Golden Deer Awards. Even a nomination for a minor supporting role would add luster to one's resumé.
Shen Qingzhi had a high starting point this time, directly nominated for the Golden Deer Best Actress, with Gu Jinrong's name listed alongside hers.
Even though "Heavenly Beings" has finished its theatrical run, its online long-tail effect is remarkable. In less than half a year, the stickiness among passersby and movie fans is astonishing.
Therefore, even though there were initial doubts about Shen Qingzhi's qualifications, questioning how she could be nominated alongside many esteemed seniors, these doubts were quickly drowned out by the overwhelming support of sincere fans.
Despite Shen Qingzhi’s usual calm and composed appearance, when faced with such a surprise, she couldn't help but feel excited, and she was screaming like a groundhog in her heart.
The Golden Deer Award, indeed, is the highest recognition for an actor's skill in China. The last youngest nominee for the Golden Deer Best Actress was Zhen Wen, who started as a child star and was nominated at the age of twenty-six.
At this moment, Shen Qingzhi is only twenty-four years old, and she has been nominated, breaking the record. She truly is a genius!
Gu Jinrong laughs and teases, when she sees Shen Qingzhi pacing around the living room more than a dozen times like there was an engine under her feet that couldn't stop at all.
"If Qingqing is this happy just being nominated, imagine if you win an award, won't you have to perform a flowering performance on the stage?
Shen Qingzhi trotted all the way, and leaned onto the edge of the sofa, glaring at Gu Jinrong.
“I could make it to the shortlist this time; my ancestors' graves are probably already emitting green smoke.* As for winning an award, there are still powerful bosses ahead.”
*something great has happened or someone has become a high official that makes ancestors proud, can also be used as a sarcastic insult
"Oh, who is so powerful that earns such praise from Qingqing?" Gu Jinrong curved her lips, even the trailing tone had a little hook.
"Mm~ just like..." Shen Qingzhi propped her chin, feigning a serious contemplation.
"This time senior Zhen Wen who was nominated, her acting career is longer than mine, and she can handle any role. She was the previous Golden Deer Best Actress, and this time 'Fantasy' is a hit again, so she might win it again.”
“Who else?" Gu Jinrong sat on the sofa and pulled her close, looking forward to more.
"And there's also Senior Huo Xi, nominated this time for 'The Wind' She's a literary goddess from my mom's generation, excellent acting, good condition, and particularly elegant..."
"Any more?" Gu Jinrong held one of Shen Qingzhi's hands and squeezed it, interrupting her endless chatter.
"Hiss~" Shen Qingzhi's palm formed a small dent from the squeeze. She tried to pull her hand back but wasn't successful.
She intentionally paused for a few seconds, "Who else? I can't remember."
Yesterday, fans of a certain someone were mocking her lack of skills on her timeline, and now that someone wants to hear compliments. Not happening!
"You really can't remember? Let me help you think." As she spoke, Gu Jinrong propped herself up on the back of the sofa with one hand, completely enveloping her little girl beside her.
Shen Qingzhi was originally delighted with the playful banter, but now the familiar scent of gardenia approached, causing her to instantly soften. "Wha... what are you doing, speak properly!"
"Mm, let me talk to you properly."
The places that were originally responsible for speaking were closely connected. As for what else was said later, only the people involved knew.
The Golden Deer Festival is held in the neighboring W City. Shen Qingzhi and Gu Jinrong, a couple with flourishing careers and love, attended together in a legitimate and high-profile manner. Wherever they go, there is an invisible aura of pink bubbles.
This film festival is a grand event held every three years in the entertainment industry, and the attendees are either top-tier veterans or rising stars.
Sitting backstage, Shen Qingzhi watches as someone casually passes by the slightly ajar door.
The person's face radiates a sense of "legend," causing her to inexplicably feel a bit nervous.
Although for her this time, being nominated is already a victory, it's impossible to deny that in such a situation, there's a certain level of expectation and ambition in her heart.
Gu Jinrong held her hand, noticing the sweat on her palms, and deliberately teased her to divert her attention.
“There's one more hour until the guests arrive. Have you prepared your award acceptance speech, Qingqing?”
Seeing through Gu Jinrong's intentions, this time Shen Qingzhi didn't continue to be modest. Instead, she started talking endlessly on this topic.
“If I really win, I'll publicly confess my love for my wife in front of everyone, giving you a status at the pinnacle. Isn't that how it's written in fanfiction? What do you think, are you touched?”
"Haha!" Gu Jinrong rarely laughs so exaggeratedly, unless she can't help it.
This translation was originally posted on
https://love4baihe.blogspot.com
She played with the other person's delicate fingers, with tears of indulgence welling up in her eyes. "But, Qingqing, we're already married. The whole country knows about it."
“Ah, yes." Shen Qingzhi smacked her own head with an annoyed tone.
"Such a shining and touching moment is gone. What a loss. If I had known, I wouldn’t have gotten married so early."
Gu Jinrong:...
The two of them joked around, lightening the mood considerably until they walked together on the red carpet and sat side by side in the front row of the VIP seats.
Following the usual order, the awards ceremony began with categories like Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Shen Qingzhi applauded for over an hour from the audience until the dust settled on the Best Supporting Actress category. The film festival then entered the highly anticipated segment: the presentation of the Best Actress award.
Renowned entertainment industry veteran Zhong Ming, who had been out of the spotlight for many years, appeared in a qipao. As the big screen reviewed the representative roles of each nominated actress, she opened the envelope and began to read the announcement word by word.
"The winner of this year's Golden Deer Best Actress Award is..."
She deliberately created suspense, causing the guests in the audience to briefly hold their breaths.
Even though this year's competition was relatively small, with only four nominees in total, three of them were heavyweight contenders. Before the film festival, online discussions and private bets about the outcome were already widespread.
"Gu Jinrong!"
The camera shifted to the VIP seats, and the background music suddenly intensified.
Gu Jinrong gracefully stood up in front of everyone, adorned in starlight, and ascended the stage.
This outcome was somewhat expected. However, considering that Gu Jinrong had won the Golden Bear Award in M Country just last year and now, with her debut film in China, she secured the prestigious Golden Deer Award, it seems like there is no further room for improvement in her performing arts career.
Some people's beginnings have become countless others' endings.
Gu Jinrong ascended the steps, her mermaid-like evening gown capturing numerous camera flashes.
However, the presenter seemed not to have any intention of stopping. She lowered her head again, looking at the envelope, and continued to announce, "And... Shen Qingzhi!"
*tie, usually used in awards shows.
Now not only Shen Qingzhi is confused, but even the other guests in the audience are bewildered. Clearly, there is only one trophy on the stage.
Gu Jinrong, who was initially walking quite slowly, turned around and extended her hand toward her little girl.
Shen Qingzhi's mind was in a state of shutdown, instinctively holding onto her wife. The two figures, one in black and one in white created the most stunning scene at the film festival.
The two of them stood on the stage together, and the host livened up the atmosphere, asking what they wanted to say at this moment.
Two hours ago, Shen Qingzhi, who was confidently running her mouth about giving her wife a status, now felt a bit emotional, taking a while before speaking.
"At this time last year, a very important person came back into my life. I have been very lucky since then. Including being able to stand here now, is also because of this luck. I will cherish this luck for the rest of my life.”
In fact, Shen Qingzhi had secretly imagined that she would win an award before and also memorized a speech, but she did not expect that it would be a double yolk, and now, not a single word of the speech she memorized was used.
She finished the typically two-minute acceptance speech in less than half a minute.
Fortunately, Gu Jinrong, who was on the same stage with her, acted much more calmly and was much more prepared.
"Thank you to the organizing committee and all the fans for your great love. I entered the acting industry at the age of twenty-three, and from then until now, I've tried various roles, counting over fifty in total.
"When I entered the industry, the only belief that guided me was 'create characters that touch people's hearts.'
"I dedicated seven years to uphold my belief, and looking back now, it seems like half my life has passed.”
“My lifetime has few cherished things, acting being one. Now that my wish has been fulfilled, it's time to pursue other passions.”
"This will be my last time receiving an award on stage. In the future entertainment industry, there will be one less actress named Gu Jinrong.”
“But there's no need for regret. The traces of my past efforts have moved everyone at some point, this journey is enough.”
As soon as this statement came out, the audience was in an uproar. Did her acceptance speech turn into a retirement announcement?
Even the seasoned host, accustomed to handling storms, was stunned for a full five seconds.
However, being a professional, she skillfully continued hosting the award ceremony without letting the unexpected announcement disrupt the proceedings.
Shen Qingzhi and Gu Jinrong each held one end of the trophy base, jointly receiving the long-awaited Double yolked Golden Deer Award that made a comeback after many years.
After they stepped off the stage, they did not wait for the closing ceremony but left ten minutes early through a side passage, avoiding potential delays.
Ten o'clock on Friday night is the most active time for melon-eating people.
#GuJinrongShenQingzhiGoldenDeerBestActress#, #GuJinrongAnnouncesRetirement# The two hot searches surged to the top, each tagged as “explosive”.
As for Shen Qingzhi, one of the central topics, upon returning home, the roller coaster of thoughts in her mind has yet to come to a halt.
When Gu Jinrong mentioned to her about retiring from the entertainment industry to open a restaurant before, she thought it was just a joke.
After all, considering Gu Jinrong's current fame and status in the entertainment industry, can she really give that up easily?
Facts have proven that she can really do it!
Shen Qingzhi sat on the sofa, looked up at the extraordinary person in front of her, and suddenly felt some admiration from the bottom of her heart.
Chaotic blossoms gradually enchant her eyes, not everyone has the courage to retreat from the rapids.
For her, she's not ready to part with it now. She's only twenty-four and still wants to be a bit more dramatic.
With her wife staring at her in a daze, Gu Jinrong couldn't resist reaching out and pinching her tender cheek. "Am I that good-looking?"
"Tch, stop being so narcissistic." Shen Qingzhi swatted Gu Jinrong's paw away and sighed.
"Ah, the movie queen who charmed countless young girls says she's retiring. Tonight, many hearts might be broken.”
Gu Jinrong held onto her wife's face, not letting go, and said with a smile, "Why would I want to charm thousands of young girls when charming you is enough?"
Shen Qingzhi felt embarrassed under that focused gaze, she pretended to be angry and said, "Who said you charmed me?!"
She remained silent for a while and spoke again, "But seriously, retiring like this, aren't you afraid of regretting it?"
Gu Jinrong gently rubbed Shen Qingzhi's head and looked at her with affection.
"There is nothing to regret, I just don't want to act anymore and want to continue doing something else I like.”
"In the first half of my life, I acted to create characters that touch people's hearts; in the second half, I'll be a chef, cooking food that brings happiness. For me, this kind of life is fulfilling.”
"Although I won't act anymore, the studio is still here. If you need anything in the future, Qingqing, you can always reach out to Alice."
Their heads were very close, and Shen Qingzhi could clearly see the light in Gu Jinrong's eyes, and finally felt at ease.
She truly knew what she wanted most and pursued it without hesitation.
The atmosphere suddenly became a little ambiguous. For the sake of her little waist, Shen Qingzhi decided to be the ambiguity terminator herself.
"You're already a retired person in the entertainment industry, don't bother about me. I'm already the Golden Deer Best Actress. I'll walk proudly in the entertainment industry from now on!”
After saying this, she suddenly felt that something was off. "No, your wife won the Golden Deer Best Actress award, why are you so calm today? It seems like you're not surprised at all?”
Gu Jinrong smiled fondly and said, "What's so surprising? Qingqing is so awesome and she deserves the award.”
Shen Qingzhi felt happy about the praise but still found it a bit strange. "But it's not right, the Golden Deer Award rarely has a double winner, how come this time..."
Gu Jinrong knew that her little girl sometimes had intricate thoughts, so she didn't hide it from her. “The last time we had a double yolk at the Golden Deer Awards was twelve years ago, just one cycle ago.”
She met Shen Qing's scorching gaze, paused, and continued, "Don't look at me like that, I just casually mentioned it to the organizing committee. The decision was made by them; I don’t have that much of a say.”
Shen Qingzhi had guessed about seven to eight points of this result. Originally, her nomination was thanks to the glory of her own wife, and now it's just a bit more.
She sighed with mixed emotions and said, “Actually, you don't have to protect me like this. I'm still so young, and it's not like I won't have opportunities in the future.”
"It's me who won't have opportunities in the future." Gu Jinrong rested her chin on her little girl's shoulder and said, "I mentioned tonight that this is my last time receiving an award. So, I hope this is the most meaningful award."
Upon hearing Gu Jinrong sincerely mentioning the "most meaningful," Shen Qingzhi felt deeply moved. If it weren't for a sudden phone call, she almost pounced on her directly.
When she returned home, the phone was clearly set to silent, but in her excitement just now, she pressed the phone buttons in a flurry, inadvertently pressing the answer key.
It was her senior sister Si Ruo's call. With such commotion tonight, both of them had accumulated dozens of missed calls on their phones. This particular call managed to get through, quite coincidentally.
Shen Qingzhi still owed her a favor, and once she answered this call, she couldn't just hang up.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the other person congratulated her on winning the Best Actress award. Soon after, the conversation shifted, inquiring about Gu Jinrong's withdrawal from the circle.
Sure enough, eating melons is human nature.
Shen Qingzhi answered truthfully and concisely, "She said she's tired of acting and wants to change careers to become a chef."
With a single sentence, Shen Qingzhi successfully stunned Si Ruo for several seconds. At this moment, another deliberately low female voice came from the other end of the phone.
"Ask her where she plans to open the restaurant."
Si Ruo had no choice but to do as she was told, "Qingzhi, that...”
Shen Qingzhi discerned the clues, interrupted, and said, "Senior, actually, we two just started discussing this matter tonight. The specific details are not confirmed yet. But after the restaurant opens, we will definitely send you an invitation. You can bring family members."
After saying that, she hung up the phone without any further hesitation.
Gu Jinrong had been playing with Shen Qingzhi's hair on the sofa. She knew this senior was the one Shen Qingzhi had asked to bring the earrings before. This time, she didn't randomly feel jealous.
They were always very close, even though the phone wasn't on speaker, they could clearly hear the movements on the other end of the microphone. So, at this moment, she felt a bit puzzled.
"Was that your senior just now? Why does the voice beside her sound familiar?"
Shen Qingzhi didn't intend to conceal this and said unenthusiastically, "You spent nine years together with someone in Country M. How could you not be familiar?"
"What's going on?" Gu Jinrong rarely caught off guard and also looked confused.
"It's nothing, maybe it's just the fortune-telling I casually told someone in "A Wonderful Life", is about to come true.”
She said, lifting her head to glance outside. The moon was bright, illuminating the vast sky and lighting the path ahead for everyone.
