RSDH CH76

The couple arrived in China on time. After getting off the plane, the nanny van was already waiting for them in the parking lot.

The All-China Music Awards were held at the Shanghai Gymnasium. After they arrived, Duan Xingye was about to enter for rehearsal.

Cheng Duzhou asked, “Can I follow in and watch?”

—”Yes.”—”No!”

The one who said “yes” was the young girl responsible for reception; the one who said “no” was Duan Xingye.

The young girl covered half her face with a clipboard, her gaze sweeping back and forth between the two handsome men.

As if nothing had happened, Duan Xingye put on the microphone.

Cheng Duzhou walked over and stood behind Duan Xingye, lowering his eyes to help arrange the wires wrapped around his waist, asking in a low voice, “Why won’t you let me watch?”

Duan Xingye lowered his head, his voice equally low: “Just won’t show you, it’s a secret.”

There might be mistakes during rehearsal, or imperfections that needed adjustment. He didn’t want Cheng Duzhou to see it now.

Cheng Duzhou: “Hmph.”

Duan Xingye, unwilling to be outdone: “Hmph.”

The girl’s eyes exposed above the clipboard were curved and bright. Even when bickering, the two teachers were so easy to ship, having a kind of childish primary school happiness!

Cheng Duzhou sat in the lounge, thinking he would have to wait for an hour or so. As a result, after only half an hour, Duan Xingye finished rehearsing and returned.

Following behind Duan Xingye was still that young girl. She had followed Duan Xingye into the inner field for rehearsal just now, so she heard the new song Duan Xingye would perform as the opening tonight.

However, her face was very red, her eyes were a bit moist, and the look she cast at Cheng Duzhou seemed to want to speak but stopped.

The young girl was scratching her heart and lungs at this moment, really wishing she could tell President Cheng immediately what the theme of the song Teacher Duan sang was about!

…

Two hours before the music gala opened, the couple went to the booked styling studio.

At six o’clock, Little Dai arrived with what Duan Xingye needed.

Duan Xingye picked up the brooch from the jewelry box, went to Cheng Duzhou, and pinned the accessory on the lapel of his dark suit.

Cheng Duzhou looked down. The brooch was in the shape of a flying bird, elegant in style, echoing the wing brooch on Duan Xingye’s collar.

Cheng Duzhou raised his eyes to look at Duan Xingye and said, “Looks good.”

“Of course.” Duan Xingye straightened his lapel and said, “Mine.”

“Mn.” Cheng Duzhou nodded, his low magnetic voice docile. “I am yours.”

“…” Duan Xingye suppressed the feeling of goosebumps and pretended to pinch his neck and shake it.

After styling, the couple got into the nanny van and set off for the red carpet venue of the music ceremony.

As the car started, Cheng Duzhou took out a charging cable and handed it to Duan Xingye.

Duan Xingye glanced at it and took it, but checking his phone, he saw it still had 85% battery. Not wanting to charge, he casually opened the storage compartment beside him and threw the charging cable in.

Unsurprisingly, he saw that photo frame again.

This time, Duan Xingye wasn’t polite with Cheng Duzhou. He turned the photo frame over. If the person on it wasn’t Cheng Duzhou’s family member but some celebrity or internet celebrity, he was going to call a lawyer.

As the frame turned, a photo was revealed.

It showed two teenagers wearing high school uniforms. one leaned his lower back against the crossbar by the basketball court, one foot propped behind him. His skin was snow-white, dark eyes bright, corners of his lips upturned, possessing a harmless youthful beauty. The other was taller, standing beside him, expressionless, gaze peaceful, showing a handsome face that looked cold and heartless.

Duan Xingye: “……”

Cheng Duzhou turned around and saw Duan Xingye holding the photo and looking at it: “……”

The couple looked at each other silently.

Because the assistant was also in the car, Duan Xingye took out his phone.

Seen: [Confess honestly, how long have you hidden this photo?]

Cheng Duzhou used to be outwardly cold but inwardly passionate (men sao). He hid his thoughts about him, unwilling to let anyone discover. Probably had nowhere to put the photo—couldn’t put it at home, couldn’t put it in the office—so he kept it in the storage compartment of the nanny van all along. But Duan Xingye had no impression of this photo at all.

Cheng Duzhou covered his face with one hand as if having a toothache, pondered for a moment, and typed a reply with the other hand.

Love of a Lifetime: [Not long, just about eight years.]

“……”

Taken when they were sixteen.

Seen: [What are you doing with this photo?]

Love of a Lifetime: [Involves my privacy.]

The next second, Duan Xingye kicked Cheng Duzhou’s calf, his sharp dark eyes scanning over.

Still want privacy in front of him?

Shouldn’t have had this thought before getting married.

Cheng Duzhou was used to being kicked by Duan Xingye. He brushed the dust off his pant leg lightly and continued typing on his phone.

Love of a Lifetime: [Kept the photo with me since taking the art school entrance exam, treating it as a goal.]

Seen: [Goal?]

Love of a Lifetime: [Before marriage, thought about working hard, getting rich soon, seeing you sooner. At least had to be high enough to reach the threshold.]

Duan Xingye: “……”

Cheng Duzhou always thought he came from a prestigious family and was too proud, so he might have set such a goal.

Love of a Lifetime: [After marriage, you ignored me, so I wondered if love could grow over time.]

Love of a Lifetime: [So thought about getting rich soon to go home and accompany you earlier.]

Duan Xingye: “…………”

Wanted to get rich either way.

No wonder he filmed desperately in previous years.

Love of a Lifetime: [So had a lot of motivation to work in previous years. When it was hardest, taking out the photo to look twice made it better.]

Love of a Lifetime: [Cat sighing.jpg]

Love of a Lifetime: [Now became a salted fish without dreams.]

Seen: [Stop working, I’ll support you.]

Love of a Lifetime: [……]

Cheng Duzhou turned his head to look at Duan Xingye, faint surprise flashing in his pitch-black eyes.

Duan Xingye put the photo frame back into the storage compartment and continued typing.

Seen: [Go to work for what without dreams.]

Cheng Duzhou thought for a moment.

Love of a Lifetime: [No, I want to progress together with wifey.]

Seen: [I have no material requirements for you.]

Love of a Lifetime: [No. When one day I lose my youth and beauty, unable to compare with the ‘fresh meat’ (young idols) in the entertainment industry, at least I’ll be a successful uncle (older man).]

“……”

Wanted to die refusing to work before, now unwilling when really told not to work.

The bumpkin’s crisis awareness had always been there.

Duan Xingye put away his phone and hooked his finger at Cheng Duzhou.

Cheng Duzhou’s eyes softened immediately. He leaned over, his voice also soft: “What…”

Duan Xingye wanted to ruffle his head, but the freshly styled hair was handsome and couldn’t be messed up, so he changed to scratching his chin with a finger.

Cheng Duzhou narrowed his eyes slightly, his Adam’s apple rolling heavily. Lowering his eyes, he opened his lips to hold Duan Xingye’s fine white fingertip.

Duan Xingye immediately felt the wetness. Interest flashed in his cat-like upturned eyes. He cupped Cheng Duzhou’s jaw with four fingers, sliding only the held index finger in a few fractions.

—”President Cheng, Teacher Duan, the car will stop in front of the red carpet in a moment. The organizers are ready.”

Little Dai suddenly turned to look back. He saw President Cheng sitting upright, head lowered, adjusting the hem of his suit, while Duan Xingye leaned against the window, one hand propping his cheek, looking ahead.

“…” Little Dai felt the atmosphere was a bit strange but couldn’t say where. Unsure if they heard, he said, “Teacher Duan?”

Duan Xingye cast a lukewarm glance: “What?”

Little Dai breathed a sigh of relief and repeated the matters communicated with the organizers.

At this time, through the car window, they could already see the glittering stand of the All-China Music Awards Ceremony ahead. Under the evening sky, flashes frequently erupted around the red carpet, and the rhythmic drum beats of music could be heard.

The entry order of each guest had been coordinated by the organizers.

Tao Ziyi asked the organizers for a lounge in advance and brought his own team.

While waiting to enter the red carpet, he took a few selfies in the lounge, especially highlighting the necklace on his neck. It was sponsored by the top domestic luxury jewelry brand, House of Ka. The bigger the brand, the more it suited his status and showed the brand’s recognition of him.

House of Ka’s PR article was already written. If he was the Best Male Singer, the official blog would send it immediately.

Tao Ziyi V:

This is the charm of @KjHouseofKa, giving me the confidence to stand out tonight.

Comments increased rapidly.

“Jewelry looks good! House of Ka has good taste; I mean good taste in choosing Tao Ziyi as spokesperson.”

“Our Taozi (Peach) has competed with a certain someone for so many years; it’s obvious whose commercial value is higher.”

“Duan Xingye doesn’t care for House of Ka, thanks.”

“Hahaha, fans of a certain someone are typical sour grapes.”

“When Tao Ziyi wins Best Male Singer, won’t they die of sourness?”

“Until the end, it’s uncertain who will be sour.”

Tao Ziyi posting on Weibo would inevitably trigger arguments because his fans habitually stepped on Duan Xingye no matter what opinion they expressed. Duan Xingye’s fans, unwilling to show weakness, would fight back.

Tao Ziyi never stopped it. Sometimes he would even use a side account to fan the flames, fearing the war between him and Duan Xingye wasn’t lively enough.

Just as he was scrolling through the comment section, the lounge door opened. A person wearing black clothes and a black cap walked in.

Looking up, he realized it was Ah Hui, who shouldn’t be here.

“Why are you here?” Tao Ziyi frowned and asked, “Didn’t I tell you not to follow today?”

Ignoring the inquiring gazes around him, Ah Hui walked up to Tao Ziyi. His face no longer had the usual servility and cowardice, but a dead silence-like cold hardness. He got straight to the point: “Does your promise to recommend me to the company as a manager still count?”

Tao Ziyi immediately showed an amused expression, scoffing, “Did you take the wrong medicine today? Me recommending you as a manager?”

People in the team nearby also snickered, pretending to be busy and not looking at the two.

Ah Hui’s face turned livid. “You said it three years ago.”

Tao Ziyi was stunned, then remembered. His face also turned ugly. Afraid Ah Hui would spill the beans, he stood up abruptly: “Come outside with me if you have something to say.”

“No need,” Ah Hui said. “I’m leaving. The company has approved my resignation application. Just telling you.”

After speaking, he turned and left.

Tao Ziyi didn’t even understand what was going on, feeling baffled and a bit angry. He spat at the door: “Bad luck!”

His good mood today was ruined by Ah Hui popping up suddenly.

Tao Ziyi sat down again, thinking of Ah Hui’s resignation, and let out a cold sneer.

This kind of person had no vision at all; should have left long ago.

Ah Hui could betray Duan Xingye for his future before. If he really got promoted to manager, who knows how he would坑 (entrap/cheat) him.

In the corridor outside, Ah Hui pulled his cap low, opened Weibo on his phone, and typed the main text content.

[The road to fame of artist surnamed Tao; the facts are all here.]

Outside the inner field, guests stepped onto the red carpet one by one. Besides the music, cheers from fans on site and orderly interviews by the hosts rang out.

Just then, a customized nanny van slowly stopped in front of the red carpet.

Sharp-eyed fans at the entrance recognized who was coming. The volume suddenly rose, jumping and shouting.

Two bodyguards in black stepped forward and opened the car door. A tall and upright figure got off first, then turned back, reaching out to take a snow-clean wrist handed out from the car.

Duan Xingye got out of the car, his gaze sweeping calmly around.

The frequency of flashes became more dazzling. Numerous photographers pressed shutters at the two.

They saw two men with one-in-a-million figures, wearing dark haute couture suits. Luxury was hidden in the texture of the fabric, decorated only with brooches—elegant yet fashionable.

Fans screamed continuously.

“Teacher Duan! President Cheng! Ahhhhh—!”

The couple had seen too many scenes like this. They nodded slightly in different directions as a courtesy. Under the staff’s instructions, holding hands, they walked along the red carpet into the venue.

Through the live webcast, viewers also saw this scene, their reaction particularly enthusiastic.

“President Cheng accompanying Teacher Duan to the awards ceremony, a couple of immortals!”

“Both are in super good condition; the honeymoon that just ended must have been perfect.”

“Wuwuwu, one day apart feels like three autumns; miss Travel at Night, Write Feelings.”

“Haha, President Cheng’s brooch is the one Teacher Duan wore to international fashion week before. Could it be Teacher Duan’s?”

“Dominineering CEO suddenly so frugal, using wifey’s hand-me-downs.”

“Holy crap! Teacher Duan’s brooch is impressive, over a million. Too rich!”

“Told you Teacher Duan doesn’t care for House of Ka; some people didn’t believe it. Who’s sour?”

“Seems like their first time attending such a formal event together. Holding hands is too sweet!”

While the bullet comments surged, Cheng Duzhou and Duan Xingye had arrived at the interview area.

“Wow~ Look who is walking towards us.” The female host smiled like a flower, eyebrows dancing. “It’s Teacher Duan’s second year here. How does it feel compared to the first year?”

Duan Xingye looked at the grand scene ahead and said, “Gradually getting familiar.”

Online bullet comments:

“Hahahahaha, others are excited, but Teacher Duan starts being calm here.”

“Will only get more familiar in the future!”

“Familiar is good; seems no pressure today.” The female host smiled and looked at Cheng Duzhou. “Everyone knows President Cheng is busy; it’s not easy to see you. Hearing the cheers of fans on site, we know your arrival is a pleasant surprise. What made you think of accompanying Teacher Duan to the All-China Awards?”

Enthusiastic support sounds immediately erupted around, very supportive.

The microphone handed over was a bit low. Cheng Duzhou bent his back slightly, his low magnetic voice unhurried: “First, Teacher Duan is nominated for more awards this year than last year, showing this is a year of progress for him. I came to learn from him.”

Duan Xingye glanced at the person beside him: “……”

Online bullet comments:

“Haha! Teacher Duan’s little look lit up!”

“The couple is a model. Super sweet in private life, appreciating and aligning with each other in career.”

Cheng Duzhou continued, “Also, tonight has moments very important to him. Hope to spend them with him.”

The screams at the scene exploded.

The host also had an ‘auntie smile’ (doting smile), taking back the microphone. “Okay, welcome both of you, and looking forward to Teacher Duan’s performance tonight.”

Tao Ziyi stood at the entrance of the red carpet, seeing Cheng Duzhou and Duan Xingye accepting interviews from afar, and curled his lips.

The limelight was stolen by this couple, but who the final winner is tonight depends on the winner of Best Male Singer.

Tao Ziyi was confident about this. His album, from lyrics and composition to production and later promotion, was created with heavy investment and was impeccable.

The official awards ceremony wouldn’t start for nearly an hour.

After entering the venue, Duan Xingye and Cheng Duzhou met many well-known producers and lyricists. Duan Xingye introduced Cheng Duzhou to the familiar ones. While chatting, time passed quickly unconsciously.

Twenty minutes before the opening, staff came to invite people.

Duan Xingye was a guest who had to go on stage even earlier than the host of tonight’s All-China Awards, so he had to go backstage to prepare in advance.

After Duan Xingye left, a producer beside them said to Cheng Duzhou, “I heard the arrangement of Little Duan’s new song last week, the segment leaked from the variety show. Very good. Curious what the full version with lyrics looks like. He must have sung it for you, right?”

A helpless smile flashed in Cheng Duzhou’s eyes. Lowering his lashes, he said, “No, he kept it a secret from me.”

The producer laughed: “Little Duan really… keeps public and private matters separate, never bringing work into family life.”

Cheng Duzhou responded faintly: “Maybe.”

Before long, guests walking the red carpet outside and the audience all entered. The lights of the entire stadium dimmed, adjusted to a deep blue like the ocean bottom, with several dim white searchlights floating in various directions.

Cheng Duzhou was a special guest, sitting in the front row very close to the stage. He stopped talking to the person beside him and looked ahead.

The huge jib camera crossed half the field, giving a panoramic view to the livestream.

—”You are now watching the 36th All-China Music Awards Ceremony.”

The opening screen with steampunk mechanical style flashed on the LED big screen, displaying the All-China Music Awards Logo. A pleasant, mechanical-like female voice sounded clearly and distantly.

“Now, please welcome the winner of the 36th All-China Music Awards nomination, Duan—Xing—Ye—”

Immediately after, the sound of piano music rose leisurely. Thunderous applause and calls erupted from the audience.

The camera pushed from the side towards the dim stage. The audience finally saw the slender and lean figure standing on stage. Hazy light beams rotated and converged, shining on that person, then instantly scattering like starlight, accentuating Duan Xingye’s bright and beautiful angel face. He seemed to stand above the clouds.

Every time Duan Xingye stood on stage, even if only the music played, his aura was enough to shock people, making everyone look at him unblinkingly.

The bullet screen filled up instantly.

“Heavenly King level live performance!”

“Wifey is absolutely beautiful!”

“Showdown: anyone who likes Duan Xingye is my love rival, even Cheng Duzhou is no exception!”

At this time, song information appeared in the lower right corner of the screen with dazzling special effects.

“Wooden Boat” (Mu Zhou)

Lyrics: Duan Xingye

Composition: Duan Xingye

Vocals: Duan Xingye

Almost the instant the song title came out, CP fans understood. The bullet screen exploded again.

“Mu Zhou, Mu (admire/adore) Zhou!”

“Ahhhh! So it’s a song written for President Cheng!”

Cheng Duzhou sat below the stage, able to see the song information through the LED screen behind the stage. His expression stalled slightly.

Because his name contained “Zhou” (Boat), he was sensitive to this character and guessed this song was related to him.

Wooden boat?

Disliking him for being like wood?

Cheng Duzhou looked at Duan Xingye on stage, slightly lost in thought.

The prelude ended. Duan Xingye picked up the microphone. With his highly recognizable voice accompanied by a bright and cheerful F major, he sang a song that was rare for him—lyrical.

“Remember when we were young

I was noisy and willful to you

But you held my hand

Speaking with the patience of an adult”

Simple and easy-to-understand lyrics immediately caught everyone’s ears. Combined with Duan Xingye and Cheng Duzhou’s childhood sweetheart status, they confirmed previous guesses: this was a song written for Cheng Duzhou.

The camera switched, showing Cheng Duzhou sitting in the front row. In the dimness, the man’s pitch-black eyes held a smile, thus appearing bright. The gaze looking at the stage contained unconcealable admiration and doting belonging to a lover.

The bullet screen went crazy.

The scene was immersed in Duan Xingye’s clear singing voice.

“Until we grew up

We still held hands

Had reactions of heartbeats

Just couldn’t distinguish friendship from love”

The tune modulated appropriately here, mixing a trace of inconspicuous sadness into the brightness. Duan Xingye held the microphone with both hands, his voice exerting force to become melodious.

“Once fantasized about forever // Hoped to keep you

Why couldn’t words leave my mouth // Seeking ten thousand reasons to escape

Remember the dawns you accompanied me through

But forgot that in the box filled with time

Are all your unchanged intentions”

Cheng Duzhou felt more immersed than listening to any song before. He watched unblinkingly, his heart contracting without warning, beating violently.

Then, Duan Xingye smoothly entered the chorus part with his unique timbre.

“Going round and round, only then realized

You are the thread wrapped around my little finger

Once because of losing you

Tears wet the bottom of my eyes

I thought we wouldn’t meet again

Was the long yearning of youth”

“Stopping and going, looking back again

You are that leaf of a boat I want to hold in my hand

Fate plants wind and rain

I got myself wet

Only you waiting silently

Wanting to ferry me until after the rain clears

…”

At this point, Cheng Duzhou finally understood. Duan Xingye had never said a word of “like” to him, but gave him the most sincere and deep confession.

The camera gave Cheng Duzhou a shot again. Cheng Duzhou didn’t notice, or perhaps he did, but couldn’t be bothered to hide it anymore.

They saw the tall and handsome man supporting his head with one hand to the side, slightly tilting his head, lips pressing against his knuckles. Floating tears appeared in his eyes looking ahead.

Fans collectively broke down in tears along with him.

“Crying to death, they must have experienced many setbacks.”

“President Cheng’s seven years of secret love weren’t completely unrequited by Teacher Duan.”

“A very nice song, but once substituted with President Cheng and Teacher Duan, it’s really sad.”

“Fortunately, they are together.”

“Travel at Night, Write Feelings, give me eternal happiness!”

Duan Xingye finished singing the whole song. Applause in the venue lasted for a long time.

The stage darkened, then lit up again. A well-known musician came on stage as the host of this awards ceremony, exaggeratingly wiping tears: “Wow—too amazing. Rarely hear such a song that hits the heart directly, full of emotion. The person more moved than me right now should be Duan Xingye’s husband, right?”

When the camera showed Cheng Duzhou again, he lowered his head to hide, his ears obviously red.

Laughter mixed into the applause; the atmosphere became lively.

Host: “Let’s give applause again to the musical talent Duan Xingye!”

The venue of ten thousand people erupted in thunderous applause again.

The opening performance ended, entering the official award presentation process.

First were the performance/instrumental awards.

Cheng Duzhou was somewhat distracted, glancing at the entrance on the side of the stage from time to time.

After ten minutes or so, Duan Xingye entered quietly and sat back down next to Cheng Duzhou.

Duan Xingye lowered his voice and asked, “Did you embarrass yourself again?”

While singing just now, the rear LED screen would show shots of the audience. He vaguely saw the bumpkin teary-eyed.

Taking advantage of the dim lights and people around watching the award ceremony on stage, Cheng Duzhou picked up one of Duan Xingye’s hands and pressed it over his eyes, humming a sticky nasal sound: “Mn…”

“…” Duan Xingye took a deep breath, numb.

The instrumental awards ended, welcoming the more popular vocal awards.

Duan Xingye was nominated for four categories in total. With the title track of the album Starry Vastness (Xing Mang), he won the Best Single Award. Tao Ziyi, regarded as his biggest competitor this year, also won a single category award.

Afterward, this album helped Duan Xingye win Best Album Producer.

Duan Xingye went on stage twice. The second time, the words of thanks were obviously all said, becoming much shorter.

The bullet screen laughed loudly, delighted to see: Congratulations Teacher Duan, hard on Teacher Duan.

Up to this point, Duan Xingye was already a winner. He was an original lyricist-singer; his singing skills were affirmed, his album affirmed, equivalent to having high recognition. Few singers could sweep two major awards at once in the All-China Awards.

The awards ceremony entered its final stages. The award for Best Female Singer just passed.

This year’s Queen of Singers had tears in her eyes, receiving applause from the whole venue.

Finally, the award for Best Male Singer arrived.

The presenter held the sealed folded card in hand, smiling at the microphone: “Let’s see who the nominees for Best Male Singer are this year—”

Images appeared on the big screen, broadcast by a mechanical female voice.

“Duan Xingye, Starry Vastness.”

A segment of the MV for this song played along.

Some viewers at the scene screamed excitedly, shouting Duan Xingye’s name.

Cheng Duzhou held Duan Xingye’s hand throughout. At this moment, he felt Duan Xingye’s hand exerting force.

Cheng Duzhou turned his head to look.

Duan Xingye’s pitch-black pupils looked straight ahead, no emotion visible in his expression.

Although Duan Xingye appeared calm before this moment, Cheng Duzhou still felt his tension.

—”Tao Ziyi, …”

When broadcasting Tao Ziyi, the camera showed the corresponding candidate below the stage.

Tao Ziyi clasped his hands tightly, exhaling against his lips, ambitious light flashing in his eyes.

Someone in the bullet screen teased: This is the benefit of bringing a lover to the awards ceremony; otherwise, you can only hold your own hand like Tao Ziyi.

The broadcast of the four nominees ended.

Amidst the held breath of the entire venue, the presenter carefully opened the card, glanced at it, smiled knowingly, and read the comment on it:

“This album is extremely personal, showing a musician’s persistence in self and constant innovation challenges. It also lets us happily see the infinite possibilities of the future Chinese music scene. Let us congratulate the Best Male Singer of the 36th All-China Music Awards—Duan Xingye!”

“Ahhh—!!!”

The melody of Starry Vastness rang out in the venue. Fans in the back rows erupted in screams.

Tao Ziyi’s facial muscles were somewhat out of control. He thought he was the Best Male Singer, but in the end, he only won a single category award for the whole night.

Little did he know that although his album was gorgeous and had sales, it was compiled by collecting lyrics and compositions from many famous artists, lacking his own originality, far from reaching the logical integrity of Duan Xingye’s album.

Hearing the result, Duan Xingye breathed a sudden sigh of relief, numb for two seconds. It was Cheng Duzhou who pulled him up.

Duan Xingye hugged Cheng Duzhou first.

Amidst the noise of the full venue, Cheng Duzhou stroked Duan Xingye’s back, sincerely saying, “Congratulations.”

Even a genius, to achieve success defined by the world, has to put in more effort than everyone else.

The live webcast was flooded with the words “King of Singers.”

Fans couldn’t help but be excited, sending blessings: Congratulations Duan Xingye, the youngest King of Singers in history, you deserve it!

After the awards ceremony came the interviews.

As the biggest winner tonight, Duan Xingye attracted microphones and camera lenses from numerous media outlets.

In another area, Tao Ziyi was also accepting interviews.

Reporters asked him about his feelings on losing.

Holding the single award trophy, Tao Ziyi smiled generously on the surface: “Will continue to work hard, striving to release a better album next year. Actually, winning the Best Lyricist Award is recognition of my ability.”

A reporter said, “You have won the Best Lyricist Award for three consecutive years.”

“…” Tao Ziyi’s face darkened silently, pretending not to hear.

Another reporter: “Every year when the All-China Music Awards are held, the dispute between you and Duan Xingye at Changshi is brought up again. I see a similar situation online this year. May I ask if bearing the suspicion of plagiarism affects the judging results of the All-China Awards?”

Tao Ziyi smiled lonely: “I dare not assert whether it affects the judging results, as that involves the judges’ judgment, but it affects me greatly. Hope rumor-mongers can stop. There is no reason for me to bear such an unexpected disaster. As an original singer, being slandered and cyberbullied for three years is very exhausting.”

The reporter continued to ask, “Then do you consider sending a lawyer’s letter?”

Tao Ziyi said, “In the end, it’s a fan group doing evil. If the idol isn’t willing to give up entanglement, me sending a lawyer’s letter unilaterally doesn’t mean much.”

Everyone knew which fan group and who the idol was.

Duan Xingye’s fans watching the livestream were about to vomit.

Serious music media reporters were with Duan Xingye. Most reporters on Tao Ziyi’s side wanted to dig up some explosive news. Smelling gossip, they were eager to ask further questions.

Just then, a wave of message tones rang out in the venue one after another.

The messages came too concentratedly. Many reporters picked up their phones to check and saw platform push news.

—”Tao Ziyi plagiarism demo voice recording fully released”

Everyone was surprised for a moment and looked at Tao Ziyi.

Facing the suddenly cold environment, Tao Ziyi looked around blankly and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Just a minute ago, a Weibo side account released an audio clip and tagged all well-known media platforms and musicians.

…

Only after Duan Xingye finished the interview in the inner field and returned to the nanny van did he discover that Tao Ziyi’s house had collapsed (scandal exposed) within a short half hour.

The plagiarism demo matter was exposed anonymously by a netizen, but through the call recording in the video, Duan Xingye recognized the other person’s voice. It was his assistant when he first debuted; he didn’t remember the specific name.

Currently on Weibo, Tao Ziyi’s fans were very agitated. Some cried disappointment and expressed unfanning, while a small number still insisted on not believing. However, more excited than them were Duan Xingye’s fans. Justice arrived three years late. Fans couldn’t suppress their feelings, blood boiling. Besides denouncing Tao Ziyi in all aspects, they also tagged the All-China Music Awards official blog one after another—”When will you compensate Duan Xingye with a trophy?”

The song written and composed by Duan Xingye in his first year of debut was stolen by Tao Ziyi. Clarifying ownership was a matter of sooner or later; the team had already contacted lawyers. And the honor brought by that song should also be returned to Duan Xingye.

Sister Yu called Duan Xingye and said, “The All-China Music Awards don’t want to incur the stigma of supporting plagiarists by awarding the wrong person. They plan to award you a supplementary trophy separately. Do you want to hold a press conference?”

The nanny van drove out of the underground garage. Not far away, crowds gathered noisily, flashes dazzling.

When Duan Xingye passed by, he inadvertently cast a glance.

Through the gaps in the wall of people, he saw Tao Ziyi with a coat over his head, stumbling under the escort of assistants, walking towards the car parked at the entrance.

Looking extremely like a criminal arrest scene.

Duan Xingye raised an eyebrow and said coldly into the phone, “Of course.”

He wanted to state his position at the press conference: no forgiveness, no reconciliation for the actions of Tao Ziyi and Changshi Record Company.

After the All-China Music Awards, the music scene experienced an earthquake-like night.

But whether as the high-profile new Best Male Singer or one of the protagonists of the still fermenting plagiarism incident, Duan Xingye turned off his phone and slept soundly.

The next morning, he was woken up by rustling sounds in the room. Opening his eyes in the hazy light, he happened to see Cheng Duzhou open the door and walk out.

Today Cheng Duzhou was returning to the crew, catching an eight o’clock flight, so he got up early.

Duan Xingye rubbed his eyes, awake.

He followed the sound to the living room.

Cheng Duzhou, wearing pajamas, was squatting in front of the litter box, shaking the litter, scooping poop into a bag, and humming softly: “You are that leaf of a boat I want to hold in my hand… Only you waiting silently, wanting to ferry me until after the rain clears…”

“……”

Matchmaker lay aside with paws tucked in, looking in Duan Xingye’s direction with animal sensitivity.

After turning off the lights last night, Cheng Duzhou had his back to him under the quilt, wearing earbuds. Faint light leaked from the quilt. Duan Xingye knew the bumpkin was listening to the song repeatedly, just didn’t know if he secretly wiped tears.

Duan Xingye stood in place for a while, then walked over.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Cheng Duzhou paused his voice, looked back, tied the bag, and asked, “Woke you up?”

Duan Xingye leaned over onto his back, shaking his head, burying his face in his neck to breathe deeply, smelling the damp, cold, yet safe scent. Just waking up, he said hoarsely, “When are you leaving?”

Cheng Duzhou glanced at the clock on the wall and said, “Still early. I’ll make breakfast for you; what do you want to eat?”

Duan Xingye: “Anything.”

Cheng Duzhou wanted to get up: “Then you sleep a bit more.”

But Duan Xingye lingered on his back without moving.

Cheng Duzhou scooped up Duan Xingye’s legs and stood up without external help.

Duan Xingye smiled, joked with Cheng Duzhou, slid down the man’s strong back, casually picked up Matchmaker who was peeking on the ground, and walked to the kitchen with Cheng Duzhou.

Duan Xingye leaned against the door frame holding the cat, watching Cheng Duzhou lift the pot lid in the morning light. The steaming water mist was like a fluffy cloud, permeating the room, full of moist wheat aroma, brimming with the fireworks (earthly warmth) of life.

Duan Xingye’s lips curved into a smile. He looked down at the cat, stroking the three stripes on Matchmaker’s forehead.

The sky cleared, the wind ceased, and the rain that had drenched them dried up.

Remember this, no amount of dried fish packets can be exchanged for the life in front of my eyes.