Luo Ding instinctively took a few steps back.
Duan Xiubo had been watching him since he entered the hotel, not missing a single movement. He noticed Luo Ding’s focus on Yan Jingjing, who was seated beside him. Duan furrowed his brows internally.
Yuan Bing hadn’t revealed beforehand that she had accepted Luo Ding’s invitation to walk the red carpet together. The way they appeared in sync gave the impression of mutual understanding. Yuan Bing was even willing to take a more submissive role, linking arms with Luo Ding in a way that had never happened between her and Duan Xiubo.
As a well-established actor in the domestic scene, Duan Xiubo had collaborated with Yuan Bing numerous times, and fans had often paired them as an on-screen couple. However, in reality, Yuan Bing was five years older than she publicly claimed. Duan had always respected her, and their relationship was more akin to that of family rather than friends. Duan knew Yuan Bing’s type—she had a penchant for pretty boys. She even owned albums of boyish Korean singers, and during breaks in filming, she made no effort to hide her admiration for Luo Ding, particularly for his portrayal of Prince Guangling. Duan had been subtly sabotaging any opportunities for the two to spend time alone ever since.
He had always worried that Yuan Bing might develop feelings for Luo Ding. Despite being older, she was still beautiful, and her mature charm could be irresistible to someone as young and inexperienced as Luo Ding.
This sense of unease deepened when he saw them together today. But there was another kind of dissatisfaction mixed in—one directed at Yan Jingjing.
Yan Jingjing’s new film *Turn Around and Meet You* had earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Huaxia Film Festival. Although she was still contracted with Universal Entertainment, her contract was about to expire, and she had been frequently appearing on the radar of top entertainment executives. She was talented, with a solid box office appeal, and Duan’s brother Yu Shaotian had been eyeing her as a potential recruit. He had even arranged for her to be Duan’s red carpet partner.
But Duan wasn’t thrilled. He didn’t like Yan Jingjing, especially since her husband, Huo Lianshan, had previously tried to assault Luo Ding on the *Tang Legend* set. His dislike for Huo extended to Yan Jingjing, and nothing she did could erase that first impression.
However, Duan had always been accommodating to family. Despite the lack of emotional closeness between him and his brother, they had a relationship based on mutual benefit. When asked for help, Duan rarely refused. Besides, he didn’t have another red carpet partner at the moment, and Yan Jingjing had seemed quiet and respectful the last time they interacted. Compared to others he didn’t know well, she appeared to be the better option.
But why was Luo Ding so focused on Yan Jingjing? Was it because of Huo Lianshan?
Worried that Luo Ding might harbor some resentment toward Yan Jingjing because of her husband, Duan hurriedly put down his teacup and walked over to Luo Ding, introducing her as he approached. “This is the lovely Yan Jingjing. You probably recognize her. Her husband, Huo Lianshan, worked with you on *Tang Legend*. Remember him?”
Luo Ding looked up, meeting Duan’s worried and apologetic gaze. He nodded, though a bit confused at first. A few seconds later, he remembered who Huo Lianshan was, sighing internally at the bad luck.
Duan rested a hand on Luo Ding’s shoulder, relieved to see that Luo’s unusual behavior wasn’t out of anger. Yet, there was still a hint of melancholy in Duan’s expression.
Yan Jingjing stood up, dressed in a form-fitting black gown that reached her ankles. She was tall, slender, and her pale, delicate skin added to her elegant beauty. Her smile faltered briefly when she met Luo Ding’s gaze, but she quickly composed herself and spoke with a hint of guilt, “Luo Ding, I’ve heard a lot about you. I’ve been meaning to apologize, and I’m glad I finally have the chance today.”
“Apologize?” Luo Ding immediately thought of the rumors she had stirred up, but then realized she was referring to her husband, Huo Lianshan. He quickly suppressed the negative feelings that resurfaced and responded with a flawless smile, “You’re talking about Mr. Huo? That was just an accident, and it wasn’t your fault.”
Yan Jingjing seemed genuinely relieved by his magnanimous response. To improve her standing with Duan Xiubo, she knew she needed Luo Ding’s forgiveness. Huo had always described Luo as cunning and manipulative, but now, seeing him in person, she realized he wasn’t at all like the schemer she had imagined. He had a fresh, natural charm, and his personality was much warmer than she had expected.
Yan Jingjing was then escorted back to her film crew for *Turn Around and Meet You*.
The Huaxia Film Festival had gathered almost all the top stars in the country—actresses, leading men, and veteran actors, all of whom were competing for attention from the cameras. The cast of *Wolong* made a particularly grand entrance, generating a wave of excitement.
The team lined up, with Huo Xie in the center, Yuan Bing and Duan Xiubo flanking him. The other supporting actors followed suit, with Luo Ding positioned next to Duan Xiubo, their backs pressed together.
The photographers immediately turned their lenses toward each actor. Luo could feel Duan’s hand slide from his back down to his waist. He wanted to remind Duan to be mindful of the cameras, but there was no way to react without making a scene.
Though Luo wasn’t the lead, he had become a significant figure within the group, with fans shouting for him to look at the cameras, matching the energy for other stars.
After the group made their entrance, it was time for the individual showcases of the nominees for the major awards.
Yuan Bing linked arms with Luo Ding, an unexpected pairing that left the media momentarily stunned before they scrambled to capture the best shots. Yuan had changed into a stunning dark green cheongsam, highlighting her flawless skin and curvaceous figure, making her the epitome of elegance.
With a smile on her lips, she whispered through clenched teeth, “They’re going to have a field day with this tomorrow. They’ll probably speculate that I’ve had a falling out with your Brother Duan, and then they’ll plaster our photos everywhere, making you look like the third wheel.”
The reporters were indeed caught off guard. Ever since Yuan had become an A-lister, she had only walked the red carpet with Duan Xiubo, so her appearance alongside Luo Ding naturally set tongues wagging.
But then the scene heated up even more when Duan Xiubo entered.
And his choice of date was even more surprising.
Yan Jingjing, who had been tirelessly working on high-quality projects and had even made a cameo in a Hollywood film, had risen steadily in the industry. But still, it was clear that, as Duan Xiubo’s date, she wasn’t quite there yet.
Duan was polite, but their interaction lacked the usual chemistry. Although Yan clung to his arm, trying to project an image of intimacy, the subtle distance Duan kept between their shoulders and torsos was noticeable to anyone paying attention.
Still, Yan Jingjing maintained her sweet smile. She was satisfied with just having the opportunity to walk with Duan Xiubo. The process didn’t matter as much as the result.
All four of them—Yuan Bing, Luo Ding, Duan Xiubo, and Yan Jingjing—were nominees. Duan didn’t care much for domestic red carpet events, and although the standard practice was for stars to walk solo for better photo opportunities, he quickened his pace to catch up with Yuan and Luo, who were only halfway down the carpet.
Yuan Bing noticed Duan and Yan closing in and couldn’t help but laugh.
Yan Jingjing, realizing that Duan had practically dragged her away from the main photo op, tried to linger for a few more pictures. However, just as she was about to turn for the cameras, Duan let go of her arm completely.
She glanced over and saw that Yuan Bing had also released her hold on Luo Ding’s arm, transitioning from walking arm-in-arm to side by side.
The group of four quickly separated into two pairs.
Duan, now glued to Luo Ding’s side, whispered, “Sit next to me when we go in, okay?”
Luo Ding tried to put some distance between them, but a step to the side would have bumped him into Yuan Bing. Frustrated, he finally spoke up, “Brother Duan, can you stop crowding me?”
“Oh.” Duan agreed, but still kept close. “So, what do you think?”
Afraid Duan might squeeze closer again, Luo Ding quickly nodded while attempting to nudge him toward Yan Jingjing. However, Duan suddenly pointed toward the cameras in the distance and said, “Hey, they’re calling your name.”
“Huh?” Ever the professional, Luo Ding immediately set aside his inner turmoil and turned to wave at the cameras with a bright smile.
Yan Jingjing, who had taken a few quick shots earlier, hurried to rejoin the group. Without Duan taking the initiative, she didn’t feel comfortable linking arms with him again. Instead, she stuck close to him, but not too close. It was a delicate balance. Meanwhile, Yuan Bing felt relieved after letting go of Luo Ding. Walking the red carpet was enough; the brief show of intimacy had served its purpose, and neither of them was interested in generating rumors. At her level, everything had to be done with caution.
She glanced at Yan Jingjing, who was still trying to balance proximity to the cameras and her male escort, and couldn’t help but look down on her.
It wasn’t about stirring up rumors. It was that Yan Jingjing’s tactics weren’t subtle. Trying to get more camera time was understandable, but dragging Duan into it was a bit too much. Duan clearly saw through her ploy, which was why he had let go of her arm. Plenty of women in the industry had similar ambitions, but Yan Jingjing had always kept her cards close to her chest until now. Her polite demeanor when apologizing to Luo Ding and her demure looks had prevented both Duan and Yuan from raising their guard.
Now that they saw her true intentions, they were quick to distance themselves. It was better to be criticized for ditching one’s date than to be roped into a scheme for extra publicity.
Thanks to Yuan Bing’s cooperation, Yan Jingjing never got the chance to reclaim her place beside Duan all the way through the red carpet.
She finally gave up, accepting water from her manager as she smiled at Duan and offered him the bottle. “Brother Duan, are you thirsty?”
“I’m fine.” Duan, not wanting to appear too cold, took the bottle but handed it to Yuan Bing instead. “Sister Yuan, would you like some?”
Yuan’s eyes glinted with amusement as she took the bottle, her gaze briefly flicking toward the still-composed Yan Jingjing. Despite being her rival, Yuan had to admit that Yan’s mental fortitude was impressive.
Still, she didn’t drink from the bottle. As a rule, she avoided anything that had passed through someone else’s hands. Yan Jingjing must have anticipated this because she didn’t ask her manager to bring more bottles for the others. Meanwhile, Wu Fangyuan had been waiting inside the venue with a hot drink ready for Luo Ding.
After Luo finished drinking, he went to hand the bottle back to Wu Fangyuan, but before he could, another hand reached out and casually took it. Luo looked up to see Duan Xiubo, who downed a few gulps without hesitation. While screwing the cap back on, Duan complained nonchalantly, “Mi Rui’s getting sloppy with his work.”
Mi Rui, standing a few paces away, rolled his eyes as if to say, *How is this my fault?*
Various managers handed their artists the pre-prepared cue cards with their acceptance speeches. Whether they were nominated for Best Actor, Best Actress, or Best Supporting Actor, everyone who had been nominated had a chance of winning. Though the artists had likely memorized their speeches already, it was always good to have a card on hand in case nerves got the better of them.
Duan Xiubo had long since outgrown any stage fright. He casually tucked the card back into his pocket. Luo Ding wasn’t particularly concerned about the card either—not because he wasn’t nervous, but because he didn’t believe he would win.
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