The host wasn’t ready to end the show. Sensing the lively atmosphere, she smiled and said, “I heard you two are already living together?”
Fans cheered even louder, calling out: “Pisces CP together!” “Yu Guo Tian Qing, hearts connected!”
Yu Shiqing didn’t catch it clearly but answered calmly, “Yes, we’re temporarily living together.”
It wasn’t a secret. He had mentioned it on Let’s Go Travel.
The host pressed on, noticing the glow sticks: “Since you live together, you must know Jiang Yu’s new song After the Rain Clears. Does the title have any special meaning?”
The fans screamed again, almost drowning out the mic.
Yu Shiqing glanced at Jiang Yu, looked back, and thought for a moment. He said, “It rained that day, and when he was writing the song, the rain stopped.”
The host turned to Jiang Yu: “Is that so?”
Jiang Yu tapped the armrest in rhythm with his five-finger light beat, and said softly, “Yes, it was that way.”
The host picked up the underlying meaning: “So the title connects to that moment?”
After locking eyes, Jiang Yu replied: “It’s partly related.”
Only partly related that meant part was not related. Could the song actually be a message for Yu Shiqing? That the title After the Rain Clears represents Yu’s new bright season?
His answer sparked wild imagination, and the fans’ reaction showed it.
The host nodded meaningfully but didn’t push it. She knew better than to stir controversy with his temperament.
When things quieted, she chatted briefly with Yu Shiqing and finally let them off the stage.
Yu Shiqing descended holding the trophy, greeted by thunderous applause spectators roaring like waves.
It was his latest trophy, four years after his last. Anyone who watched Doomsday Rescue knew it was well deserved.
Though this was Supporting Actor, his new film In the Mist was coming soon. Everyone knew this award was just the start of his comeback.
After leaving Huaze, this golden talent had finally returned to his destiny.
Walking away, everyone in the first rows from familiar faces to strangers smiled and congratulated him. He returned each bow with his gentle, habitual smile.
Across the aisle, Du Han sat frozen. Since the announcement, his mind had gone blank same scene, same moment, four years ago. Back then, Shiqing was the star while Du Han was just supporting, dull by comparison.
He thought it was just luck that Shiqing got Best Actor that year. But today, with Shiqing earning another award, it wasn’t fair even now, he was still holding onto that anger, powerless to let go.
A murmur nearby broke the silence:
“Yu Shiqing’s acting skills shine. I saw the preview for In the Mist, its box office will be strong.”
“Yes, and it’s releasing close to Du Han’s Dawn. Let’s see who wins.”
“Du Han had a cameo in Rescue but got overshadowed. He’s not on the same level as Yu Shiqing.”
“That’s normal. Shiqing’s awards are worth more. Du Han’s Best Newcomer was really just a consolation prize.”
“Shh! He’s right behind us, keep your voice down.”
Du Han gripped the armrest to keep from shaking. When applause resumed and the camera passed him, he offered a numb smile and clapped mechanically his anger swelling inside. Yet he was trapped, unable to act.
By now, Yu Shiqing had returned to his seat. Jiang Yu watched him, then eyed the trophy: “Congratulations.”
Director Yan Hongyun added cheerfully: “Maybe you might have one too!”
Jiang Yu, unfazed, said only a few words before turning back to Yu Shiqing: “We should get a display case at home.”
“A display case?” Yu asked.
“For your trophies,” Jiang Yu explained.
“We don’t need one,” Yu said.
“Who says not?” Jiang Yu remembered Ren Bai saying awards often get thrown aside, then lost.
Ren Bai nodded in agreement.
Yu simply handed the trophy to Jiang Yu: “So you can arrange it.”
Jiang Yu accepted: “Giving it to me?”
Yu Shiqing smiled: “If you like it, it’s for you.”
Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow: “If I like everything, you’ll give me everything?”
Yu answered: “If I have it, yes.”
Jiang Yu was silent, absorbing the meaning.
Yu asked gently: “What would you want me to give you?”
Yu Shiqing replied: “You can take your time.”
Yu Rong, who had overheard, sighed quietly. If either of them wasn’t an alpha, I’d swear they’d announce it now.
The camera occasionally shot them whispering side by side. When the Best Actor nomination came, they both looked forward. Clips from nominated films played on the screen. Director Yan tightened his nerves for Jiang Yu.
Moments later the name rang out: “Doomsday Rescue—Jiang Yu!”
Yu Shiqing stood and, smiling, pulled Jiang Yu into a warm embrace.
Jiang Yu went up to the stage, accepting the award he hadn’t expected but respected. His acceptance speech, like Yu’s, was short. The host asked: “During Rescue, whom do you thank most?”
Without hesitation, Jiang Yu said: “Yu Shiqing.”
Fans cheered again. The host pressed: “Your chemistry is clear. Can you share why?”
Jiang Yu replied: “He’s my acting teacher.”
The host gasped. Jiang Yu added: “And another reason.”
Host: “What is it?”
Jiang Yu locked eyes with Yu Shiqing, pupils glinting, and quietly said: “It’s personal, can’t share.”
The audience and chat box were stunned:
“Why bring it up then?”
“What’s that secret? We need to know!”
“Haha! They even teased us at the award show!”
While the chat buzzed, Jiang Yu sat down and picked up Yu’s trophy again. “When the display case is ready, let’s put both in together.”
Yu Shiqing: “As you wish.”
Director Yan buried her ears in selective hearing and focused on the next prize.
When clips ended, the final award announced: “Doomsday Rescue—Director Yan Hongyun!”
She accepted the director award joyfully. The ceremony concluded and the ensemble headed back to their hotel, delighted.
At the celebration dinner, all awardees toasted. Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu drank plenty. Jiang Yu, already a Best Actor winner and main investor, rarely enjoyed such festive moments. Each cheer came his way led by Director Yan.
Though tipsy, they stayed sharp enough to walk to the bathroom. Jiang Yu realized Yu’s arm cast was off stage, they could manage on their own. Inside, Jiang Yu unbuttoned Yu’s collar to help remove his shirt.
Slowing down after three buttons, Yu stopped him: “I can do it.”
Jiang Yu looked at him: “You don’t want me to help? Too slow?”
He tangled on the words, and Yu smiled faintly.
Jiang Yu pressed on the shirt’s top button: “You said if I want something, you’d give it. Is that true?”
Yu Shiqing answered quietly: “Yes, it’s true.”
Jiang Yu lifted his eyes: “Right now, I need you to give me something.”
Yu smiled softly: “What is it?”
Jiang Yu unfastened the first button, his breath warm: “I like you. Will you give me you?”
