Now everyone is at the same starting line. The film Xia Siyu is estimated to be shortlisted for the Gold Oscar with is also "Sunrise," and she’s also in "Moon Over the Sea." The difficulty is about the same because "Sunrise" already won the Golden Phoenix, and generally, to maintain their independence, the three major awards rarely give the same actor an award twice for the same role. As for herself, Bo Yan, she has won Best Actress at the Gold Oscar, so getting a second-time win is equally challenging.

Although Xia Siyu did a good job in "Sunrise," she also gave her all in "Moon Over the Sea." Who will win is hard to say. Maybe both will fail, or perhaps one will succeed.

"Definitely not." Xia Siyu knew her limits, but on the outside, she never bothered with the word "modesty." If you praise me, I’ll take it. Should I push it back?

"Our PK ends once the next award is announced, but I won’t stop there." Shang Feifei is equally career-driven. Though she didn’t explicitly say she wouldn’t consider quitting for having kids, with her current personality, it seems impossible for her to just settle into a luxurious life.

Her relationship with Han Yifan has always been focused on her career; Han Yifan doesn’t force her or hold her back. Even though she quite likes being with Han Yifan now, she feels he’ll probably leave first someday. She’s mentally prepared that even if Han Yifan leaves, she won’t blame him for being heartless; it’s her own decision not to settle down.

Xia Siyu chuckled twice: "As if you’re the only one thinking that way."

Quitting the industry is impossible, impossible for life. Even if she’s forty later on and unfit to play a young girl, she’ll pick scripts suitable for her age. As long as she can continue acting, she’ll persist as a mainstay in the entertainment industry, and she is determined not to leave.

Shang Feifei looked at her: "Then let’s see the results of the next ’announcement.’ We’ll compete at the Gold Oscar. As for what happens after, that’s for later. Maybe it’ll be a long ’extra time.’

Xia Siyu lifted her chin: "Who’s afraid of whom?"

The two glanced at each other, hummed lightly, and simultaneously smiled.

Shang Feifei added, "I know it’s Teacher Wen’s memorial birthday soon. I’m not sure where her cemetery is now, but if you go see her, send a bouquet for me."

Xia Siyu said, "My mom doesn’t like flowers."

Shang Feifei asked, "Then what does she like?"

Xia Siyu casually replied, "She likes me."

Shang Feifei was speechless and turned away, while Xia Siyu added from behind, "If I visit next time, I’ll mention it to her. I’ll say she has a brainless fan dead set on meeting her, and I stopped it."

Shang Feifei laughed and didn’t correct her, leaving with her wine glass.

Bo Yan was nearby, noticing Xia Siyu lifted a wine glass and took a thoughtful sip. After she drank, she seemed to notice Bo Yan’s gaze, turned her head, and asked, "What’s up?"

Bo Yan smiled: "Nothing. It’s just the wine glass you have is mine."

Xia Siyu glanced down at the wine glass but said nothing. Drinking a glass of his wine wasn’t a big deal; she wouldn’t mind using his glass for wine, that’s how she sees him.

Bo Yan added: "...It’s filled with white spirit. 58 degrees."

As soon as he spoke, a burning sensation grew in Xia Siyu’s stomach, moving up from her gut all the way to her brain.

**

With the Golden Phoenix award ceremony ending, it was already late autumn. Xia Siyu grabbed the Golden Moon and Golden Phoenix trophies, and the effect was instant.

Firstly, the public opinion. Ever since she had won as Best Supporting Actress at Cannes, public perception started to shift. Her starring film won Gold Lion, and she went to Hollywood for superhero filming, so the momentum was indeed remarkable. However, there was always a sense of incompleteness since she lacked a leading actress trophy. But after winning the Golden Moon, those who admired success nearly turned overnight. After all, people judge a star mainly by their professional ability. Audiences haven’t lived with Xia Siyu; their impression of her mostly stemmed from her looks and scandals. Before winning Best Actress, those scandalous labels held the majority. The Golden Moon win meant mainstream acknowledgment of her skills, and some have converted to fans. Yet, the Golden Moon is more of a niche celebration; its credibility isn’t quite as strong as the Golden Phoenix or Gold Oscar. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

In terms of attractiveness, she is undoubtedly the top Chinese female star, already formidable in looks. In box office terms, she’s also leading among actresses. Previously, she just lacked a leading actress award, now she’s snagged two at once. She hasn’t committed crimes like drug abuse or cheating; the worst are ’playing diva’ and ’being capricious,’ barely black marks, more like points of ridicule. As for ’having many scandals,’ even her formal boyfriend Bo Yan doesn’t mind, so why should others who don’t live with her have anything to say? After "Divine Catcher," her fan base grew even larger. But after the two trophies, she gained countless fans overnight, both for her looks and career. Thankfully, Xia Siyu’s support group was beaten down by various fans before, so they’re now quite low-key. Even with more fans, they don’t cause trouble.

Moreover, her film offers started flooding in like snowflakes. Actually, Xia Siyu’s offers have always been abundant, except for one low period. She hadn’t won awards back then, but her starring films pulled in significant box office, which made her popular for commercial blockbusters. After starring in "Storm," she gradually received more art film offers. Now, after winning, her offers have grown geometrically.

Xia Siyu now appreciates Huixing for kicking her out back then. She established her own studio, now bypassing any middlemen for taking roles and revenue sharing. Despite the promising outlook, she keeps her calm, not accepting every script that comes her way.

Being in a strong position, she can now choose top productions or art films that catch her eye. During this period, Xia Siyu has even leisurely started learning Peking Opera.

There’s a saying in the acting circle that if you want to act well, go into stage plays. Actually, stage plays don’t boost acting skills as much as some traditional theater does. Many lament how films and TV aren’t as captivating as twenty years ago. That’s because back then, many actors came from theatrical backgrounds. Theater emphasizes ’one minute on stage takes ten years of practice.’ Ten years of refined voice, stage presence, movement, and expression greatly surpass today’s fast-paced productions.

Her interest in learning Peking Opera doesn’t mean she’s considering acting in Peking Opera films.