Eternal Love: A Love Story Chapter 779 - Best New Actress-Xie Ming.

As the awards ceremony commenced, Xie Ming found herself captivated by the unfolding performances. One by one, singers and idols graced the stage, illuminating the night. Yet, with each passing moment, an undercurrent of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness intensified within her.

Despite her initial belief that she was calm, her palms began to perspire, and her throat grew increasingly parched.

Liwei observed her, noting her rapt attention to the performances and her uncharacteristic fidgeting. Her hands sought occupation, but finding none, she nervously rubbed them against her dress, attempting to alleviate an unspoken emptiness.

Noticing this, he reached out, his fingers gently intertwining with hers. Xie Ming looked up in surprise, a hint of confusion in her eyes. He offered a reassuring smile and whispered, "Why are you so worried? Take a breath! You're going to win; have some faith in yourself." His words, intended to ease her anxiety, had the desired effect.

More than his comforting words, she was deeply grateful for his unwavering confidence in her. While anyone could offer platitudes, earning genuine trust and belief was an exceptionally difficult feat.

"How can I be so fortunate to have this man beside me?" she mused, her gaze fixed upon him, a soft smile gracing her lips. In her reverie, she momentarily forgot the omnipresent cameras capturing every audience reaction.

The roving cameraman, seizing the moment, redirected his lens towards them.

On the immense screen, Xie Ming's face appeared, her eyes locked with Liwei's. The camera zoomed in on their clasped hands, a tender interaction that elicited a collective blush from the onlookers.

Many women in the audience cast disappointed glances toward their own partners, observing the tender manner in which Liwei comforted Xie Ming.

A murmur spread through the arena as Xie Ming became aware of the situation. Turning her gaze toward the prominent screen, her cheeks flushed crimson as she saw her own image displayed for all to see.

Liwei, though momentarily surprised, composed himself with a subtle adjustment of his coat. He then offered a smirk towards the camera, a gesture that seemed to broadcast his triumph to the world.

[Isn't that President Jin Liwei? I never imagined he possessed such a smile.]

[They are a picture-perfect couple. Goodness, are we attending an awards ceremony or a bridal expo?]

[The cameraman deserves a commendation for capturing such a heartwarming scene. My single status feels even more pronounced now.]

Xie Ming's face grew even redder with the circulation of these whispered comments. She lowered her head, attempting to shield herself from the envious gazes, feeling utterly mortified.

-

"It is now time to unveil the Best Actress of the year. We invite you to view the nominations on screen," the award presenter announced, consulting her cue card.

Xie Ming compressed her lips as a clip from her nominated film flickered across the screen. She clutched Liwei's hand with renewed intensity. The atmosphere grew heavy, almost suffocating, as her breathing faltered under the immense pressure.

Once the compilation of nomination clips concluded, the presenter continued, "And the award for Best New Actress this year goes to.... Xie Ming, for her incredible performance in Eternal Love. Congratulations, Ms. Xie Ming."

"....."

Xie Ming's mind went completely blank upon hearing her name called. Was this truly happening? Liwei, far from being surprised, had anticipated this outcome. How could she not win? She hadn't merely acted; she had embodied her past self.

He turned to her, observing her stunned expression. Drawing her into a warm embrace, he bestowed a kiss upon her cheek and said, "Go up. You've earned this."

Her eyes welled up, but she held back the tide of emotion. After receiving congratulations from those around her, she made her way to the stage. Her hand trailed along the elegant folds of her long, silken white gown, her wavy, curled hair cascading down her back like a mermaid's tresses.

The women in the audience watched in admiration at her graceful and composed demeanor. Despite the urgency to reach the stage, her posture remained perfectly erect, exuding an undeniable elegance.

-

Xie Ming took a deep, steadying breath and surveyed the sea of faces in the audience. The microphone stood before her, the award resting securely in her hand—a tangible symbol of her recognition as an actress.

The expectant gazes of the crowd seemed to diminish in significance; the only person truly visible to her was... Liwei, her husband.

Gripping the microphone, she began, her voice trembling slightly, "This... award... I find it difficult to articulate my feelings. Unlike many other recipients, I didn't prepare a speech. Why? Because I genuinely believed I wouldn't win. However, there was one person who not only believed in me but was utterly confident that I would receive this award. And that person... is my husband." A teary smile bloomed on her face as she directed her gaze toward him.

Liwei approached the stage, his lips pressed into a thin line, and embraced her. She was quivering, clutching the award, a stark contrast to her earlier elegant demeanor, resembling a trembling rabbit.

What a contrast!

Sniffling, she fought back tears and continued, "The role of the Empress was incredibly precious to me. Not solely because it was my first or final film, nor due to its significance, but because I deeply resonated with her. Even at the pinnacle of power, she was utterly helpless. Her sole desire was for love, yet in return, she received only divided attention, offered as mere compensation."

"People need to comprehend that this wasn't simply about being a woman, especially in bygone eras fraught with countless rules and regulations that stifled women at every turn. Polygamy was considered commonplace, and numerous films depicted the roles of concubines and other wives as inherently negative and malevolent. This portrayal was no different. However, this role delved beyond the character's negativity, exploring the underlying reasons for it, which is precisely why I embraced it. I am immensely grateful to have been a part of this unforgettable movie, a memory that will remain with me for a lifetime."

"I may not pursue acting again, but I am deeply thankful for encountering such kind and warm-hearted individuals and for experiencing this brief, roller-coaster journey as an actress. Furthermore, I hope none of you will require it, but should anyone feel unwell, please visit our hospital. While I may not excel as an actress, my skills as a doctor are something I am confident in." A wave of laughter swept through the audience as she spoke. With a final bow to everyone, she gracefully exited the stage, met by a thunderous ovation.

Mr. Han, seated among the audience, was moved to tears by her words concerning the role. He had never had the opportunity to hear her thoughts on it before and was genuinely pleased she shared them.

It was a profound compliment, considering the movie was penned by his late brother, who had poured his entire being into bringing it to life.

Upon Xie Ming's return to her seat, he stood and enveloped her in a tight embrace. A flicker of a crease appeared on Liwei's forehead, but he refrained from interrupting their emotional exchange, recognizing Mr. Han as Xie Ming's esteemed mentor.

"I am overjoyed that I chose you as my Empress. You are the reason the role of this antagonist Empress is remembered more vividly than the female lead. You truly deserve this award," he expressed, his hands clasped with hers, pausing occasionally to steady his emotions.

She had received the Best New Actress award, a highly coveted honor for any emerging actress's career. However, the night was still young and brimming with anticipation, with numerous other awards yet to be announced, awaiting their rightful recipients.

[ Read this novel only on Webnovel .com ( remove spaces). If you are reading this elsewhere, other than webnovel then this novel has been stolen. Support the original author by reading it on webnovel, not the thieves, and get the latest updates. Follow the author on Instagram for more: kamlyn_love. Regards Kamlyn]