Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Tang Yan nodded seriously.

As the sun set and the stars began to twinkle, the two of them talked about movies, life, and the future in the Los Angeles night.

At that moment, Tang Yan felt an unprecedented happiness. Not because of the upcoming opportunity, but because he was by her side.

……

On the third day after returning to China from Los Angeles, Tang Yan received good news: she had been cast as the lead in "Eastern Revelation".

Huang Ying personally called to deliver the news, her voice filled with excitement: "Director Mike Leigh really admires you; all the other candidates have been eliminated. Tang Yan, you're going to Hollywood!"

Tang Yan held her phone, unsure what to say. Zhang Yu gestured for her to calm down.

"Thank you, Sister Ying, and thank you for your trust, Director. I will definitely work hard."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Yan looked at Zhang Yu, her eyes suddenly reddening: "Director Zhang, I got it."

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "Congratulations."

The two looked at each other, a thousand words unspoken.

But before the joy could be fully digested, a new storm arose.

That afternoon, media outlets reported that "Tang Yan successfully auditioned, with Huang Ying suspected of acting as a middleman, and Zhang Yu's ex-wife Chen Chen also involved, making the relationship complicated." The article detailed the past between Zhang Yu, Chen Chen, and Huang Ying, implying that Tang Yan rose to prominence through these connections.

"Zhang Yu's promotion of new talent is actually a rekindling of an old flame?"

"Huang Ying paves the way for her ex-lover, making Tang Yan the biggest winner?"

The headlines were increasingly sensational. The comments section was filled with insults.

"So that's how it is. No wonder a newcomer could win an award."

"The entertainment industry is a mess, with connections running rampant."

"Boycott actors who rise to fame through underhanded means!"

Tang Yan stared at her phone, her hands trembling. This attack was even more ruthless than the last, directly targeting her moral character.

Zhang Yu called: "Don't go online, leave it to the company to handle."

"But..."

"No buts. Trust us."

Tang Yan took a deep breath and turned off her phone.

Huayu Media's public relations team was mobilized again. This time, they were well-prepared, producing detailed documents proving that all collaborations with Huang Ying and Chen Chen were legitimate business transactions. Meanwhile, Liu Yifei, Gao Yuanyuan, Yang Mi, and others spoke out in support of Tang Yan, urging everyone to focus on the work itself.

Most surprisingly, director Hu Mei posted a long article on Weibo:

"I've mentored countless actors, and Tang Yan is one of the most talented and hardworking newcomers I've ever met. She was never late for the set of 'The Glamorous Imperial Concubine,' meticulously studied every scene, and filmed for over ten hours in the rain without complaint. Why shouldn't an actress like her succeed? Those who hide behind their keyboards and spread rumors, what right do you have to judge her?"

At the end of the article, Hu Mei tagged Wang Zhongjun's company: "Some people, stop now. The film industry needs fair competition, not malicious suppression."

This Weibo post completely shifted public opinion. Netizens began digging into the relationship between Wang Zhongjun and Jing Tian, ​​discovering that many of the previous smear articles were published by marketing accounts associated with them.

"It turns out to be business competition."

"Wang Zhongjun is disgusting. What kind of skill is it to suppress newcomers?"

"Support Tang Yan, support a truly good actress."

Within a day, the situation reversed.

That evening, Tang Yan turned on her phone and saw countless messages of support. She called Zhang Yu: "Thank you, thank you everyone."

"You're welcome," Zhang Yu said. "It's your own hard work that earned you this support."

"Director Zhang..." Tang Yan hesitated for a moment, "Did those complicated news stories have a big impact on you?"

“It’s alright.” Zhang Yu’s voice was calm. “My past with Chen Chen and Huang Ying has never been a secret. As long as we know what our relationship is now, it doesn’t matter what others say.”

"So what is your relationship with them now?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.

“Friend, business partner,” Zhang Yu said. “Tang Yan, there are some issues we can discuss when you have time. Right now, all you need to know is that my mentoring of you is purely out of appreciation for your talent and a sense of responsibility towards the film. Nothing else.”

“I understand,” Tang Yan said. “Me too.”

After hanging up the phone, Tang Yan lay in bed, feeling both warm and complicated.

What does she understand? Does she really understand?

……

In late May, the nomination list for the 32nd Golden Eagle Awards was announced.

Tang Yan was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lin Xiaoxiao in "Love Story of a Beijing Drifter". Other nominees include Yang Mi (for another drama) and two veteran actresses.

When the news came, Tang Yan was filming her final scenes on the set of "The Glamorous Imperial Concubine." Gao Yuanyuan immediately congratulated her: "Being nominated is an affirmation in itself. Whether you win an award or not, it's an important breakthrough for you."

"Thank you, Sister Yuanyuan." Tang Yan was still a little dazed. "I really didn't expect this."

"You deserve it." Gao Yuanyuan smiled. "Your performance in that drama was evident to all."

After finishing work, Tang Yan called Yang Mi. Yang Mi was on another film set, her voice tired but happy: "Tang Yan, congratulations! We're both nominated, what a coincidence!"

"Sister Honey, I'm just here to make up the numbers, you're the real favorite."

"Don't say that," Yang Mi said seriously. "You acted well, that's all that matters. I watched those episodes, and you handled the character of Lin Xiaoxiao very delicately. It's fair competition, whoever wins should be fine."

The two girls chatted for a while and agreed to walk the red carpet together on the day of the awards ceremony.

That evening, Tang Yan received a text message from Liu Yifei: "Being nominated for the Golden Eagle Award proves that you have gained industry recognition. Keep up the good work. I won this award back then, it's a good omen."

Tang Yan replied with thanks, feeling a warm glow inside.

The following week was filled with tension for Tang Yan. After filming wrapped on "The Glamorous Imperial Concubine," she immediately threw herself into preparations for the Golden Eagle Awards. Gowns, styling, interviews, red carpet training... Li Wei had arranged a packed schedule for her.

"The Golden Eagle Awards are national television awards with a high level of attention," Li Wei said. "This is your first time being nominated, so you need to make a good impression. Remember, whether you win or not, always maintain a smile and good manners."

"I see."

The Golden Eagle Awards ceremony was held in Changsha on June 8.

On the red carpet, Tang Yan and Yang Mi walked side by side. Tang Yan wore a light purple dress, while Yang Mi wore a red dress. The appearance of the two young actresses attracted countless flashes of light.

"Tang Yan! Look this way!"

Yang Mi! Congratulations on being shortlisted!

The two posed for photos together, occasionally whispering to each other. In the footage captured by the media, the two were both smiling and appeared very close.

Upon entering the venue, Tang Yan saw many familiar faces. Gao Yuanyuan, as an award presenter, sat in the front row. Liu Yifei, who was nominated for Best Actress, was also there. Jing Tian was also present, sitting on the other side, chatting and laughing with the person next to her.

Tang Yan and Yang Mi found their seats. The awards ceremony began, hosted by a well-known CCTV presenter.

The Best Supporting Actress award was presented third. When the presenter announced, "The nominees are...", Tang Yan's heart raced.

Short clips of the nominated contestants were played on the big screen. When the scene where Lin Xiaoxiao was calling her mother from her rented apartment appeared, there were soft sobs heard from the audience.