Second Take On Romance - The A-List Actor Wants Me-Chapter 290 : The Kunlun Snow Lotus Award Ceremony (5)

Chapter 290: Chapter 290 : The Kunlun Snow Lotus Award Ceremony (5)

Shen Jingwei did not know what to believe anymore. Each layer of deception he stripped away only revealed another, more intricate veil. Was there a core of reality beneath the endless layers of falsehood, or was truth merely a phantom, forever out of reach?

He turned his head away and scoffed.

What a joke.

"You know why Shang Ruohan told me this tonight, right?" he asked after a while.

Shang Ruohai responded with a curt nod. Of course, he knew.

"He seeks to sow discord between us, and probably have you discredit me in public."

There was no stage more magnificent than the Kunlun Snow Lotus Award Ceremony, after all.

Shen Jingwei advanced on Shang Ruohai until their faces were mere inches apart from each other, and taunted, "Aren’t you afraid that I might reveal the truth tonight, for everyone to hear?"

The truth would be nothing short of a cataclysmic revelation, far more destructive than any online scandal ever publicized on Weibo. Shang Ruohai’s reputation would be shattered into a million pieces, with no chance of recovery.

Shen Jingwei could see the terror flickering in Shang Ruohai’s eyes. The man’s Adam’s Apple bobbed in his throat anxiously.

Unfortunately, years of fighting to maintain his position in CNC Studio had drained Shang Ruohai’s energy and spirit. Tonight, the weight of his burdens became unbearable, too much for him to shoulder.

In the end, he chose to relinquish control. He was too tired to fight, too weary to care. All he wanted was to rest, to let the world turn without his intervention.

"If that’s what you want to do, be my guest," he thus said decisively, to Shen Jingwei’s surprise.

"Really." Shen Jingwei narrowed his eyes at him.

"Yes."

Shang Ruohai picked up the crumpled photo and ripped it into pieces. The paper confetti slipped from his hand, swirling in the air for a brief moment before falling to the floor.

"I’d rather you accept the award and publicly insult me than miss this chance to immortalize your name."

"....."

"That’s all I have to say. Well, you can go back to your seat. Please wait for the announcement."

Outside, the stage exploded with a round of cheers. The winner of the first category had just been announced, whoever it was.

Shang Ruohai tidied up his appearance and walked toward the door. Before he left, he turned to look at Shen Jingwei one last time and softly said, "Again, I am truly sorry for everything that happened to you back then. I hope that, in due time, you will come to forgive me. I will..."

Overcome with a mixture of regret and heartache, he had to clear his throat before he continued, "I will continue to seek your forgiveness, no matter how long it might take."

The door fell shut a moment later, separating them for good.

Shang Ruohai relinquished his dreams of greatness, leaving them in Shen Jingwei’s grasp. He was devastated, but at the same time, was engulfed in a strange sense of peace.

With no CEO position to fight for, he was free to embrace a new path.

Thinking back, maybe that was the right course of action.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have framed Shen Jingwei and let Shang Ruohan take over. Now, he’s haunted by guilt and must pay the price for his actions against Shen Jingwei.

Everything was for naught.

"Wait."

The single word froze Shang Ruohai in his tracks. He whirled around to face Shen Jingwei, his figure shrouded in the inky darkness of the corridor.

"..."

"If you want my forgiveness, there is something you can do for me."

Shang Ruohai’s breath was stuck in his chest.

"... Which is...?"

"Empty my schedule for the next few months. I would like to accompany Yan Renzhong during his surgery and subsequent recovery period."

"....."

"And the winner of the Best Actress Category isssss...."

The crowd held their breath, their eyes fixed on the stage. A low rumble began, a rhythmic heartbeat that grew louder and louder, culminating in a thunderous drumroll.

"Congratulations to Miss Zhang Jie from Yunhuan Entertainment!!!"

The hall exploded in a deafening roar. Stunned, the actress in question froze in her seat for a good while before fellow celebrities patted her on the back and shoulders, urging her to stand up.

Tears welled up in Zhang Jie’s eyes as she rose from her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. With trembling steps, she made her way toward the stage.

As Zhang Jie accepted her award and began her speech, the nominees for the next category felt a sinking sensation in their stomachs.

Just as fate ordained, the two archrivals, Yan Renzhong and Feng Jietang, were arranged to sit next to each other. Their faces were all smiles, but the conversation that took place between them was anything but amicable.

"It must feel so great to have a strong, cunning backup to push you toward victory, Emperor Yan."

"Why, it does feel great. Are you saying that you don’t have one?"

Feng Jietang gave a derisive scoff.

"Well, my backup is not half as cunning and deceitful as yours," he remarked bitterly.

Not to mention that he was in love with Shang Ruohai.

It was all Shang Ruohai’s fault!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

"And now, we would like to invite Mr. Wang from the China Film Association to the stage to announce the recipient of the Best Actor award."

Mr. Wang took the stage under a thunderous applause.

Feng Jietang sank further in his seat.

"Argh," he thought to himself. "I know that I am losing, but why am I so nervous? Calm down, Feng Jietang. Calm down! Calm down!"

If he did not have cameras pointing directly at him, he might have begun slapping himself in the face.

Meanwhile, Yan Renzhong closed his eyes and prayed fervently.

This was it. The culmination of countless hours of practice, of sleepless nights, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The next minute would decide whether his hard work paid off or not.

"And the winner of the Best Actor Category isssss...."

....

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Author’s note :

*commercial playing*

Shen Jingwei : "Summer is right around the corner! Make sure to keep yourself hydrated with YouC-1000 Multivitamin Drink! Now available in three flavors -- orange, lemon, and mango!"

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