Chapter 555 Public Display Of Affection
The clip showing the three newcomers was played on the screen. When Ning Ran’s The Sound of Thunder 2 was shown on the screen, her fans screamed excitedly.
That proved that many had watched the movie and loved it. It was great news, so Ning Ran was ecstatic.
“Before announcing the winner, we have an announcement. There will be a mysterious guest giving out the Best Newcomer Award today. This guest has never participated in any entertainment shows or award ceremonies. It’s our honor to invite him here today. Who will be the lucky winner to get the award from him today? Let’s look forward to that!” the host announced.
The piece of information successfully ignited everyone’s curiosity.
The male host gave the envelope to the female host. “You should read the winner. I feel pressured.”
“You should do it. It’s more appropriate for you to announce the winner,” the female host said, and gave the envelope back to him with a grin.
For the other awards, the guest would be the one announcing the winner.
However, it was different for the Best Newcomer Award, for they had to keep the guest’s identity a secret. The host would reveal the winner first. After the winner came onto the stage, the guest would then show up.
“If so, let’s open the envelope and announce the winner together.”
“Sure.”
“The winner of the Best Newcomer Award at the sixth annual Golden Flower Awards is…” the host trailed off to build the suspense.
Everyone fell silent and waited for the revelation.
“Ding Mi!” both hosts announced in unison.
A round of applause filled the air as people started chanting the name.
Ning Ran stiffened in her seat. She heard her name being announced as the winner, but she didn’t know how to react.
“Stand up. Bow in all directions to express your gratitude,” Zheng Lunlun tapped her shoulder and reminded her gently.
Ning Ran finally regained her composure and stood up to bow to the crowd in all directions to express her gratitude.
She then returned to her seat.
Zheng Lunlun grew frantic. “Go up the stage! Why did you return to your seat? Do you want them to bring your award to you?”
“Oh.”
Ning Ran got up hastily and walked up the stage.
The dazzling lights focused on her, and she felt slightly dizzy.
So this is what a glorious moment feels like.
She had only won the Best Newcomer Award, but her mind had gone blank. She even had difficulty breathing.
Flanked by the staff, she walked up to the stage and stood beside the hosts.
Ning Ran stared at the audience with an unnatural expression. She took a deep breath and recollected herself before flashing a pleasant smile.
“All right. The winner of the Best Newcomer Award is with us. Let us invite the mysterious guest to present the award to Ms. Ding. Who will he be?” The host kept everyone in suspense again.
“First, let’s express our gratitude to the sponsor of the event, Nanshi Corporation. Let us now welcome the chairman and CEO of Nanshi Corporation, Mr. Nan Chen! Please give him a round of applause!”
Ning Ran was stunned.
Nan Chen didn’t tell me he was going to be here. He gave me a ride but said nothing about participating in the event!
Nan Chen was a business mogul who never participated in these events.
As a conglomerate, Nanshi Corporation would at most send their deputy CEO.
No one knew that Nan Chen would show up.
As the award ceremony was held in Flower City, most of the audience were locals.
Those from Flower City knew who he was, but most of them had never seen him in person.
When his name was announced, there was an uproar in the crowd.
Clad in a black tuxedo, Nan Chen came up to the stage slowly.
The light shone on his figure, illuminating his sharp and chiseled features. He wasn’t a model, but he should have been, for his aloof and elegant aura made everyone go mad for him.
Some people, including the celebrities, pulled out their phones to take photos of him.
Nan Chen kept his poker face and came to a stop beside the hosts.
He stood there saying nothing, but there was an intimidating air about him.
“Welcome, Mr. Nan. Would you like to say something to Ms. Ding, the winner of the Best Newcomer Award?” the host asked.
The crowd went wild again. There were many rumors involving Nan Chen and Ning Ran circulating online, so no one knew which was the truth.
Now that they were both present, they were curious about how Nan Chen would answer that question.
He took the mike and said curtly, “She’s great.”
The host assumed he would continue his speech, but that was all the man had to say.
It was the first time the host had encountered a difficult guest, so he couldn’t hide his surprise.
“All right. Mr. Nan, please present the award to Ms. Ding now.”
The usher came on stage with the Best Newcomer Award trophy.
Nan Chen took the trophy and handed it to Ning Ran.
A smile flitted across her lips as she accepted the award from him.
She glanced at him and sensed a hint of smugness. He wore a You-had-no-idea-I’d-be-here-to-present-the-award look.
After the trophy exchanged hands, Nan Chen suddenly inched forward without any warning to give Ning Ran a brief hug.
The crowd went crazy again.
They knew Nan Chen was here to support Ning Ran, but they didn’t expect to see him give her a hug!
The other guests did nothing of the sort, so the crowd wondered if that was a public display of affection.
Are they announcing their relationship officially?
“Oh, a match made in heaven. I’m so jealous!” the female host declared.
After the hug ended, Nan Chen strode off without a word.
The female host immediately said, “Thank you for making time to be here, Mr. Nan.”
Ning Ran was left alone on stage. She was still in a daze.
“Ms. Ding, do you have something to tell Mr. Nan?” the female host inquired.
Ning Ran mulled over her question before answering. “He’s great.”
Everyone burst into laughter, for she had returned the comment to Nan Chen and mimicked his words.
The female host smiled. She’s smart to give the same comment. Besides showing her cheeky self, she can also ignite the audience’s curiosity. That was a great move.
“Okay. Do you have anything to say after receiving the award?”
It was Ning Ran’s cue to give her gratitude speech.
Wang Xiaoou had someone draft her one in advance that was about two minutes long.
It should neither be too long and drag the ceremony nor too short and hasty.
Besides, the Best Newcomer Award wasn’t an important award. It wasn’t appropriate for the winner to give a long speech.
Ning Ran had memorized hers beforehand, but her mind was blank now.
“Well, I have to thank my agency, Star Entertainment, my management team, my friends, and my family. Most importantly, I am grateful for the fans who have always supported me. I’ll continue to give my best in every production to repay your support. Thank you!”
Despite forgetting her speech, Ning Ran did a good job improvising. At least she didn’t stammer.
Meanwhile, Nan Chen halted in his track backstage. She didn’t mention me in her speech.
