Chapter 131: A Gathering of Stars

The National Drama Ceremony was no ordinary event.

Every celebrity and major star invited today was a heavyweight in the industry. As a newcomer, Lin Chuan had to tread carefully at such a grand occasion, taking every step with the utmost caution.

And after Uncle Gao’s earnest instructions before they left, Lin Chuan was even more guarded in his behavior.

The ceremony was being held in a large auditorium in the capital. The building was vast and magnificent, as splendid as a palace.

As soon as they entered, they saw numerous staff members and security guards standing solemnly and sternly in the foyer.

Only after Mu Qing presented their credentials did she lead Lin Chuan farther inside.

They crossed the red-carpeted foyer and entered an even larger hall. Unlike outside, there were not as many security personnel here. Instead, men and women dressed in evening gowns or suits stood in small groups, chatting and laughing together.

There was no need to ask. Every one of them was a famous star. They were greeting and conversing with people they knew.

When Lin Chuan first entered, many eyes turned toward him in unison. Upon realizing that he was merely a young man whose face was unfamiliar, they turned away and resumed their previous conversations.

Lin Chuan did not mind. After all, he was still a newcomer.

Just then, a middle-aged man in a black suit, with darkly tanned skin and a wineglass in his hand, came over with a broad smile.

“Xiaochuan, you finally made it. I’ve been waiting for you for ages,” the man said loudly.

Lin Chuan hurriedly inclined his head. “Director Chen, I’m terribly sorry. I was delayed on the way.”

Director Chen waved his hand dismissively. “It’s fine. The ceremony hasn’t started yet, so nothing’s been delayed. Come on, let me introduce you to a few people.”

As he spoke, he took Lin Chuan by the arm and led him farther inside.

When they reached a small group, Director Chen pointed to one of them and said, “Xiaochuan, this is Mr. Chen Dong. Surely you remember him? He was one of the judges on A Song to Fame, the show that made you famous.”

Chen Dong—the white-haired veteran of the music world who was always stern-faced and never smiled easily?

How could Lin Chuan possibly have forgotten him? On the contrary, this senior left an especially deep impression on him.

His strictness toward every contestant, his miserly smiles, every one of his critiques, and the scene of him canvassing for votes on Lin Chuan’s behalf were all etched vividly in Lin Chuan’s memory.

Back then, Lin Chuan had both feared and respected Mr. Chen Dong. Strictly speaking, without him, Lin Chuan might never have managed to win the final championship.

It would hardly be an exaggeration to call him one of Lin Chuan’s benefactors.

Lin Chuan bowed deeply. “Mr. Chen Dong, thank you for your guidance and advice back then. If it hadn’t been for you, perhaps…”

“Ah, that was all in the past. There’s no need to bring it up. I didn’t expect it, but you really do have talent. It’s only been a few short months, and you’ve already been nominated for the National Drama Ceremony. Very good, very good.” Mr. Chen Dong let out a hearty laugh and nodded appreciatively.

“Hehe, speaking of which, I owe it all to Director Chen. If not for him, I might never have had this opportunity.” Lin Chuan smiled modestly.

“Ahem, that has nothing to do with me. If your two songs hadn’t truly been good, I wouldn’t have given you special treatment even if you were Old Chen’s student. Isn’t that right? Hahaha…”

At work, Director Chen was demanding, serious, and responsible.

In private, however—especially after a few drinks—all that severity vanished without a trace. He was actually a very amiable man.

“Don’t just stand there talking among yourselves. I’m here too, you know,” a middle-aged man beside them grumbled, sounding somewhat displeased.

Lin Chuan turned his head and recognized him as well—or rather, he knew the man’s reputation. Saying they were acquainted would have been an exaggeration. But after today, they could at least claim to know each other.

“Mr. Huang, your distinguished name has been ringing in my ears for years. It’s truly an honor to meet you today.” Lin Chuan took the initiative and extended his hand.

The man was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. “Very good, very good. Young people these days are remarkable—every one of them is better with words than the last. Much better than we were at your age. Not bad at all.”

Mr. Huang was not as famous as Director Chen or Mr. Chen Dong, and he worked behind the scenes. But he was not someone to be underestimated. He had been Director Chen’s longtime collaborator and old friend.

His primary occupation was screenwriting—specifically, writing historical dramas.

The Loyal Scions of a Noble House, which had premiered earlier that year, was his work. He was a man of considerable talent and learning.

In fact, much of Director Chen’s success was closely tied to this screenwriter. Inside and outside the industry, they were even known as the “Golden Partnership.”

Of course, that was merely a figure of speech. More precisely, if Director Chen was the brain that commanded the entire production and the whole drama, then Screenwriter Huang was undoubtedly its soul.

Neither soul nor brain could be lacking; the loss of either would make the work impossible. But once the two came together, they created one ratings miracle after another.

When Lin Chuan had sung the theme song for The Loyal Scions of a Noble House, he had taken the time to learn something about the production team. That was why he had recognized the screenwriter at a glance.

After they chatted for a few more moments, several handsome men and beautiful women approached from the side.

None of them were particularly old; they were all roughly Lin Chuan’s age. When they saw him standing among these genuine veterans of the industry, laughing and conversing with them, they could not help feeling surprised.

Everyone knew that these three old men were formidable. Each had a bigger temper than the last, and each was stricter than the last. Yet this young man was actually able to carry on a conversation with all three of them…

Who was he?

It was hardly strange that they did not know Lin Chuan. He was not yet a superstar famous across half the country, nor was he a top-tier celebrity.

These stars were all busier than the next, and rarely had time to pay attention to anyone else. Unless they already knew someone or were preparing to collaborate with them, they generally could not be bothered to take notice.

Though surprised, they still greeted Lin Chuan courteously.

Lin Chuan responded with equal modesty, smiling and nodding at each of them.

As everyone chatted and laughed, a staff member appeared. With a smile on her face, she said politely, “Ladies and gentlemen, the ceremony is about to begin. Please make your way inside.”

The hall immediately grew lively. Men and women, pairs and groups alike, began heading toward the ceremony venue.

“Xiaochuan, what are you waiting for? Let’s go in.” Director Chen set down his wineglass and smiled.

Lin Chuan nodded and followed the three gentlemen inside.

…