Chapter 67
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Chapter 67: Grand Finale (Part 2): Title
Following its premiere, the first season of Unexpected Challenges emerged as the undisputed variety show phenomenon of the year. Dominating metrics from public recognition to online engagement and commercial performance, the program became an industry benchmark that spawned countless imitations across television networks.
Industry observers were most amazed by the meteoric career ascensions of several participating artists.
An Xin and Liu Tian’s post-show collaboration in a youth drama secured the year’s second-highest viewership across streaming platforms, catapulting both actors to new prominence. Su Moying sustained her popularity surge by staging a sold-out solo concert in her debut year.
Pei Hao announced his departure from his group shortly after the show, releasing an album whose titular track dominated music charts for weeks, cementing his status as a top male vocalist. Zhong Yueli and Wei Yao initially gained traction through their viral performance of Ask You for Decision during the program, with Wei Yao later headlining a fantasy adaptation that took over television schedules and social media trends.
Shen Xi contributed both the opening and insert tracks for the drama, with one becoming ubiquitous across public spaces as the year’s signature melody. Within twelve months, Zhong Yueli claimed both television and film acting’s highest honors, his dual accolades and formidable talent establishing him as the industry’s most sought-after male artist.
While the exact influence of Unexpected Challenges was debatable, the remarkable synchronicity prompted widespread industry awe. Yet the most dramatic transformation belonged to Song Yutian, who vaulted from relative obscurity to A-list prominence.
Once derided as the "Queen of Trashy Dramas," her starring role in Cheng Yi’s cinematic work The Curtain defied expectations by grossing billions and earning her a Golden Dew Award nomination for Best Actress.
The awards venue brimmed with gorgeously attired celebrities vying for attention. After navigating countless flashbulbs and interviews, Song Yutian located her designated seat beside Ren Ling—a Best Actress winner at twenty-five, now thirty-seven—yet maintaining peerless elegance among younger colleagues.
As attendees settled, Ren Ling tilted toward her seatmate. "Nervous?"
"Not particularly." Song Yutian’s response belied her awareness of being an industry newcomer for whom any victory would be serendipitous.
"Your composure surpasses mine," Ren Ling remarked, nostalgia coloring her gaze. "I was desperate to validate myself, terrified of losing. Do you know how old I was then?"
"Twenty-five."
"Precisely your current age. I was twenty-four when starring in Director Cheng’s film, twenty-five when nominated." Ren Ling studied her protégé. "Seeing you is like seeing my younger self."
After a contemplative pause, Song Yutian ventured, "Was that trending scandal why you supported me?"
Ren Ling’s smile held a depth of understanding. "The world doubted me too, once. But your talent is undeniable. By thirty-seven, you might surpass my achievements—unless domestic life claims you first."
Song Yutian stiffened. "Sister Ling…"
"Don’t feign ignorance." Ren Ling’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "That Zhong Yueli’s gaze never leaves you during his set visits."
Song Yutian shifted her position slightly, feeling somewhat ill at ease.
During her time filming with Director Cheng’s crew, Zhong Yueli had made guest appearances in several scenes.
In private, he had shared numerous acting techniques and experiences that proved immensely helpful to her.
Yet whenever other crew members were present, they maintained an appropriately distant demeanor.
Some actresses on the crew had even shown romantic interest in Zhong Yueli, though his aloof demeanor eventually deterred their advances.
Song Yutian hadn’t anticipated Ren Ling’s sharp perceptiveness.
"Are you two dating?" Ren Ling inquired bluntly.
"No," Song Yutian answered truthfully.
"He’s exceptional," Ren Ling observed. "Different from most men in our industry."
"I know, but…"
Objectively speaking, Zhong Yueli’s appearance aligned perfectly with her aesthetic preferences.
There had been moments during their interactions when her heart wavered.
Yet Song Yutian couldn’t shake the conviction that it was too premature—her career remained in its fledgling stage.
Moreover, she occasionally found herself questioning: Had she truly transformed from her former self?
When Zhong Yueli had tentatively expressed his feelings, she had deftly deflected them with humor.
As Song Yutian fell silent, Ren Ling abruptly interjected, "Enough contemplation. The ceremony’s commencing."
The protracted award ceremony proved tedious for Song Yutian, her attention wandering intermittently.
Until a familiar silhouette appeared on stage.
Zhong Yueli, unexpectedly, served as the presenter for the Best Actress award.
As last year’s Best Actor recipient, his participation wasn’t remarkable in itself.
Yet Song Yutian distinctly recalled his previous insistence that filming commitments would prevent his attendance.
The colossal screen illuminated with excerpts from the nominated films, her own visage flashing across its surface.
Zhong Yueli and his co-presenter exchanged carefully scripted banter.
Then her name resonated through the auditorium, spoken in that unmistakable baritone.
"Go!" Ren Ling’s urgent whisper pierced her reverie.
Song Yutian rose mechanically, embracing her friend before ascending the stage.
Zhong Yueli’s faint smile greeted her as she accepted the trophy.
Deafening applause engulfed the venue, countless eyes tracking her every movement.
For a fleeting moment, she relived her inaugural stage curtain call from another existence.
Now she knew with absolute certainty—this reality was irrevocably new.
"Firstly, I wish to express my gratitude…"
She methodically acknowledged Director Cheng, Ren Ling, and her family.
"…and to an actor colleague who provided invaluable professional guidance…"
Her reference to Zhong Yueli remained strategically neutral, devoid of explicit identification.
Concluding her speech with a bow, she retreated from the spotlight.
Post-ceremony
Song Yutian descended to the underground parking complex.
Zhong Yueli was waiting beside her vehicle.
"Waiting for someone?" she inquired.
"Actor colleague?" His low voice held restrained intensity.
"How presumptuous," she countered, arching an eyebrow. "Perhaps I meant—"
"Yutian." His interruption carried uncharacteristic urgency.
Her breath hitched imperceptibly. "Yes?"
"Might this… colleague… earn the privilege to court you properly?"
His composed demeanor contrasted sharply with his whitened knuckles.
After a brief moment, her lips curved. "Granted."
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