Chapter 554 The Kids
Ning Ran took a pen before the wall and left her autograph. As she was nervous, she only realized she should be writing “Ding Mi” instead of “Ning Ran” after signing her name. Shit, I am a fool! What was I thinking?
The camera caught everything. It then zoomed into Ning Ran’s autograph. The host spotted that, too. She strode over to Ning Ran. “Ms. Ding, is ‘Ning Ran’ your new stage name?”
Ning Ran had no choice but to reveal the truth. “Ding Mi is my stage name. My name, as stated in my ID, is Ning Ran.”
“Oh, I see. Should we address you as ‘Ms. Ning’ instead of ‘Ms. Ding’?”
Ning Ran flushed shyly. “Any will do. It’s just a name.”
“All right. You’ve been nominated for the Best Newcomer Award. Do you think you can win the award?” the host asked.
That was a tough question to answer, for the results were still unknown.
If I say I’ll win the award, what if I fail? That will be embarrassing. If I say I won’t win the award, will that portray me as a person who has no confidence in my own ability?
“If I don’t win it this year, I’ll try again next year. Will I still be a rookie next year, though?” Ning Ran responded with a smile.
That was a brilliant answer. Ning Ran was saying that she wasn’t sure she would win the award despite her confidence. However, she’d keep working hard to improve herself to win the award one day.
The host nodded at her superb answer. “Okay. But I hope you’ll win it this year.”
“Thank you.”
After that, the host went to Zheng Lunlun. “Hello, Lunlun. This is your third time at the Golden Flower Awards, right? How do you feel?”
“You’re even prettier this year,” he teased.
“Really? Thanks for that, Lunlun. Do you think Ms. Ding Mi will win the Best Newcomer Award this year?”
It was clear that the questions were prepared in advance.
By right, she should be asking someone as popular as Zheng Lunlun about himself.
As the questions revolved around Ning Ran, it was obvious that they wanted to hype up her status.
“Whether she gets it or not, she’s still the best in my opinion,” Zheng Lunlun answered with a smile.
“Wow, that’s a great compliment. Thanks, Lunlun!”
It was Ye Meng’s turn. She was growing impatient.
“Ms. Ye, we’re surprised to see you walking the red carpet with Ms. Ding. Previously, there was a rumor circulating online that you both had a misunderstanding, right?”
Indeed, the interview was staged, for every question revolved around Ning Ran.
After Ning Ran and the rest made it here, no celebrities showed up for some time.
That way, the host got sufficient time to interview the three of them.
Ye Meng faced the camera and tossed her hair back casually. She flashed a grin and replied, “You said it was a misunderstanding yourself. We talked it out and resolved it easily. I feel a connection with Ms. Ding. In fact, I liked her from our first encounter, despite not knowing her back then. After watching her movie, I was pleasantly surprised. She’s pretty and can act well, so she has a bright future ahead of her. We’re besties now. I hope we’ll get to work together sometime later.”
Ye Meng’s answer was the longest among them, for she was an experienced celebrity.
“All right. Thank you for your time, Ms. Ye. You look gorgeous today.”
“Thank you!”
After the brief interview came to an end, the next round of celebrities arrived.
Under the staff’s lead, Ning Ran found her seat. She finally felt relieved.
Luckily, I didn’t embarrass myself too much. It’s a pass.
“How was it? It’s fun to walk the red carpet, right? I heard many fans yelling your name.” Zheng Lunlun inched nearer to talk to her.
“I got so nervous that I signed the wrong name.” That was Ning Ran’s biggest regret.
“It’s fine. That’s your name, anyway.”
“Thanks for keeping me company. Without you, I believe I’ll be even more nervous.”
“We’re relatives, so there’s no need to stand on formalities. I heard you’re filming a blockbuster. Why didn’t you invite me to be the male lead?”
“I don’t call the shots. Besides, you aren’t suitable for the role. The male lead is a middle-aged man with kids,” Ning Ran explained.
“Huang Zichao doesn’t look like a middle-aged man, too. It all depends on the makeup artist’s ability to alter one’s image, right?”
“But you look like an idol. Even if you get a fake moustache, you don’t look like a middle-aged man. Your looks are too feminine. Have you ever seen a pretty middle-aged man?”
Zheng Lunlun was pleased to hear that. He bobbed his head and said, “So you’re saying that I can’t take up certain roles because I’m pretty?”
“Yes, you’re an idol. Ugly roles don’t suit you.”
“I get it now. I’ll ask Uncle to get me good-looking roles. By the way, how are you and Uncle doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“How has your relationship progressed?”
Ning Ran couldn’t answer that question, for she had no idea what their current relationship was.
A married couple? I don’t think we’re that intimate. We aren’t even lovers. But our relationship isn’t as simple as an employer and his employee.
“It’s complicated. Hey, the ceremony is about to begin.”
As it was Ning Ran’s first time attending an award ceremony, she was excited to watch it in person.
However, Zheng Lunlun had his fair share of attending such events. He wanted to chat to Ning Ran instead of watching the boring performances.
He would’ve pulled out his phone to play games if the cameras weren’t directed at them.
Seeing how engrossed Ning Ran was, he rolled his eyes.
The performance came to an end, and it was time to announce the winner of an award.
After that, another performance would commence, then another award winner would be announced.
Around half an hour later, it was time to announce the winner of the Best Newcomer Award.
There were three nominees—Ning Ran, an actress, and an actor.
She hadn’t even heard of the other two nominees. Apparently, they were the main leads of a college romance movie and both were nominated.
Besides, it was rumored that they were a couple in real life. It was perfect.
Ning Ran grew nervous once again.
She initially thought the award didn’t matter to her. However, it wasn’t the case.
She wanted the award not entirely for herself, but also for her kids, who were waiting for the results before the TV.
If she could receive the award, it would definitely boost her position in showbiz.
If she didn’t, that wouldn’t affect her progress either.
The kids had been waiting before the TV to see their mommy win the award.
Thus, Ning Ran was filled with anticipation.
She looked like a student waiting for her results to be announced.
If the results were bad, the kids would be disappointed, and she’d feel guilty.
To others, it was nothing but a show. On the contrary, she felt insecure because of her children.
