My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet's Hottest Power Couple-Chapter 82

Jiang Baoguo didn’t understand the internet and had little in common with Lu Yicheng to talk about. Fortunately, Lu Yicheng was a good conversationalist, and in the short time it took Jiang Lan and Xie Yunzhen to go upstairs, he had already made plans with Jiang Baoguo to play chess, drink tea, and cook together.

It would still take a while to walk from the dormitory to the school gate. Lu Yicheng pulled Jiang Lan’s pink suitcase behind him, following silently as the family of three walked ahead. He made sure to keep a respectful distance from Jiang Lan.

Jiang Lan slowed her pace. "Hey, handsome, all alone?"

Lu Yicheng glanced at Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo’s retreating backs, then cleared his throat and lowered his voice. "Don’t mess around."

Jiang Lan thought, Who’s messing around? If she hadn’t felt bad seeing him walk alone behind them, she wouldn’t have spoken to him at all. "Fine, I’ll leave then."

Lu Yicheng quickly grabbed her arm. "Wait, wait, I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously—you can’t go."

Truthfully, Lu Yicheng didn’t want her to leave at all. But Jiang Lan was going home—she hadn’t returned during summer break, and he couldn’t ask her to stay at school just for him. He was just a replaceable boyfriend, after all. Once she got home, she’d probably forget all about him.

Playing games, binge-watching dramas, chatting with Yu Wanqiu, talking to Xu Xiang…

Jiang Lan tugged at his sleeve. "Don’t be upset. You’ll be on break soon too."

Was Lu Yicheng upset because he wasn’t on break? No, it was because… never mind.

Lu Yicheng said, "I’ve already reminded you of everything. Text me when you get home, call me tonight, and remember to miss me."

Jiang Lan nodded. "I’ve got it all memorized. So naggy."

By the time they reached the school gate, Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo were already more than ten meters ahead.

Lu Yicheng loaded the suitcase into the trunk and patted Jiang Lan’s head. Turning to Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo, he said, "Professor Xie, Uncle Jiang, drive safely. Take care on the road."

Xie Yunzhen nodded. "Mm, you should head back now. Come visit us sometime when you’re free."

Come visit us sometime… He was free right now.

Lu Yicheng really wanted to hop into the car with Jiang Lan. Exams were no trouble for him—he was confident he could ace them. He rarely went to his company, and now that Jiang Lan wasn’t studying for exams, he didn’t have other books to review either.

Lu Yicheng glanced at Jiang Lan. "Um, Professor Xie… I’m actually free today."

Jiang Lan shot him a look. "…?"

Jiang Baoguo choked on a gust of cold wind. Xie Yunzhen paused, then glanced at her daughter. Her invitation hadn’t been entirely out of politeness.

Over the past six months, Jiang Lan had stayed at the Lu family’s place multiple times, eating their food and living under their roof. Though it wasn’t solely because Lu Yicheng was her boyfriend, Xie Yunzhen still felt a little guilty.

The Lu family had everything—she didn’t even know how to return the favor.

During National Day, Lu Yicheng had brought over gifts—hairy crabs, mooncakes, tea—and he’d visited a couple more times after, never empty-handed.

Xie Yunzhen said, "If you’re free, then come over for a meal. Oh, do you need to bring some books? Don’t let it interfere with your studies."

Lu Yicheng knew Xie Yunzhen, being a teacher, took academics seriously. If she was telling him to bring books… did that mean she was inviting him to stay the night? He struggled to suppress his grin. "Then I’ll go grab a couple of books. Jiang Lan, come with me."

He was afraid they’d leave without him.

Jiang Lan coughed. "Mom, he’s really busy with school. What are you… why are you doing this?"

Lu Yicheng: "I’m not busy. I’ve already reviewed everything—just two exams left. A little more studying is enough. Jiang Lan, let’s go!"

Lu Yicheng packed a whole backpack. Jiang Lan asked what he was bringing that took up so much space, but he refused to tell her.

"It’s a secret. Don’t ask—I won’t say." Lu Yicheng suddenly hugged her. "Do you think Professor Xie and Uncle Jiang have accepted me? I really want to buy some firecrackers to celebrate—double-bang firecrackers, skyrockets, the loudest ones…"

"Too bad they’re banned now. Maybe we can go to West Street another time to watch fireworks."

Lu Yicheng had assumed he’d only get to stay at Jiang Lan’s place during the New Year. "I’m not misunderstanding, right? They won’t kick me out in the afternoon?"

Fireworks could wait. Jiang Lan didn’t want to stand too close to Lu Yicheng—idiocy was contagious.

Xie Yunzhen planned to go to the market later to buy meat and vegetables. Today was the weekend, and she had no morning classes, though she’d have to return to school in the afternoon.

Senior year had been packed with extra classes, but the students had been motivated. She’d probably get about ten days off for winter break.

Jiang Baoguo drove while Lu Yicheng and Jiang Lan sat in the back. Lu Yicheng sat as straight as a kindergarten kid listening attentively, his back ruler-straight.

He even listened intently to Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen’s conversation in the front, nodding occasionally—even though no one was talking to him.

Jiang Lan turned to look out the window, afraid Lu Yicheng would suddenly say something like, Jiang Lan, why aren’t you paying attention to what Uncle and Auntie are saying?

What an idiot.

When they arrived home, Lu Yicheng eagerly carried the heaviest suitcase upstairs, not even stopping to change his shoes. "What do we need to buy? Jiang Lan and I can go."

"Go by yourself. I don’t want to."

She was finally home—who wanted to go out in this freezing weather? If Lu Yicheng wanted to show off, why drag her along?

Jiang Lan had no intention of going.

But Lu Yicheng was surprisingly agreeable. "I can go alone too."

Xie Yunzhen said, "Lanlan, you go with Xiao Lu. See what he likes to eat and buy more of that. Get some roast chicken and braised meat too. Go on."

Jiang Lan didn’t move. Xie Yunzhen urged again, "Hurry up!"

The moment they stepped outside, Jiang Lan smacked Lu Yicheng. "You’re so annoying! Stay away from me! Why drag me out in this cold?"

Lu Yicheng just kept grinning. "I wanted to come out with you. Today, I get to pick a dish I like—what do you want? I’ll give you my pick from Professor Xie."

Jiang Lan: "As if I care!"

Lu Yicheng took her hand. "I’m giving you this rare privilege, and you’re still mad? Fine, I’ll let you have an ice cream today."

After October, Lu Yicheng had forbidden her from eating ice cream. If she bought one, she’d get a couple of bites before he devoured the rest.

The day Yu Wanqiu returned, he hadn’t dared to stop her—but at school? No way.

Eating ice cream in the middle of winter? Ridiculous.

Jiang Lan: "I have my own money. If I want ice cream, I’ll buy it myself!"

"Sure, sure, you’ve got money," Lu Yicheng tucked her hand into his coat pocket. "Then let me guess what else you want—roasted sweet potatoes? Candied hawthorns?"

Jiang Lan really wanted to hit him again. Did all guys think that buying food would magically fix everything when their girlfriends were mad?

"I don’t want anything. Let’s just go—it’s freezing."

Next time Lu Yicheng acted all proper in front of her parents, she’d beat him up on sight.

Lu Yicheng: "Heh, let’s go."

Heh?

Hopeless fool.

At the market, Lu Yicheng picked out the ingredients while Jiang Lan paid. He was the guest—she couldn’t let him spend money. Remembering Xie Yunzhen’s words, she wanted to buy things Lu Yicheng liked… but what did he even like? He seemed to eat everything—cafeteria food, street snacks, her leftovers.

Jiang Lan really had no idea what his favorites were.

She poked his head. "Hey, what do you like to eat?"

Lu Yicheng: "...You don’t even know what I like."

Jiang Lan: "I don’t remember! I definitely knew before. Come on, tell me."

Lu Yicheng sighed quietly, "It’s... no fun if I have to say it myself."

Sigh.

Jiang Lan let out a breath.

"Fine, I won’t scold you anymore. Seriously, my mom told me to buy groceries, and if I don’t bring them back, she’ll lecture me. Just tell me what you like to eat."

Lu Yicheng thought for a moment. Truthfully, he didn’t have any particular favorites. Whenever they went out, he’d just order whatever Jiang Lan liked. She was picky; he wasn’t. She loved fish and meat, so over time, he grew to like them too.

Lu Yicheng: "Let’s get a fish. We can make boiled fish. Alright, I’ve picked. What do you want?"

Jiang Lan wasn’t fussy. If Xie Yunzhen was cooking, she wouldn’t even care if she didn’t eat.

The market had fresh, affordable vegetables. The fishmonger cleaned and gutted the fish for them. Jiang Lan also bought a whole chicken and a pound of chicken wings.

For greens, she picked up some string beans, cucumbers, and zucchini. On the way back, they detoured through a couple of streets to grab roast chicken and braised meat.

Jiang Lan poked Lu Yicheng. "Anything else you want?"

Lu Yicheng: "Roasted sweet potatoes and candied hawthorns."

Jiang Lan couldn’t help but laugh. "Fine, fine. But if you don’t eat them, you’re dead."

In the end, they also bought roasted sweet potatoes, chestnuts roasted with sugar, and candied hawthorns. When they got home, Xie Yunzhen took the groceries from them. "Lao Jiang, you handle the cooking today."

Jiang Baoguo went to wash his hands. He couldn’t let Lu Yicheng cook every time. Xie Yunzhen’s skills were just average, so it was better for him to step in.

This was when family hierarchy became obvious—the ones with higher status at home were the ones who cooked.

Lu Yicheng said, "I’ll go help Uncle."

Xie Yunzhen didn’t stop him this time. A little help was fine. "Jiang Lan, go cut the fruit."

Xie Yunzhen had to go to school in the afternoon, but since Jiang Baoguo was off today, he brought out the liquor.

Lu Yicheng drank several glasses at lunch, his face turning red. Afterward, he sat motionless beside Jiang Lan.

Jiang Baoguo thought his alcohol tolerance wasn’t great. But then again, drinking less was healthier. Lu Yicheng didn’t smoke, couldn’t hold his liquor well, and had no bad habits.

"Lanlan, take him to the north room to rest," Jiang Baoguo said. The two of them had finished a bottle, and Jiang Baoguo had successfully drunk Lu Yicheng under the table.

Jiang Lan patted Lu Yicheng’s shoulder, and he obediently followed.

If she were a kidnapper, his kidneys would’ve been long gone by now!

The house had heating, keeping it at 26°C. Under his coat, Lu Yicheng wore a plain beige cashmere sweater.

He looked so docile like this—and pretty handsome too.

Jiang Lan: "Go to sleep!"

Lu Yicheng murmured, "I will… Don’t scold me… But you won’t throw me out while I’m asleep, right?"

Who could even lift a hundred-plus-pound man?!

"Stop dawdling. Get in bed." Jiang Lan carried over the blanket Xie Yunzhen had set aside. "Are you doing this on purpose? Drinking so much—are you actually drunk or just pretending…?"

Lu Yicheng wrapped his arms around Jiang Lan’s waist. "I’m not drunk. Can you stay? Just sit by the bed and watch me sleep…"

Before she could answer, he let go and flopped onto the bed. "Never mind. We should keep our distance. You should go. I’ll be fine."

His face was still flushed as he stared at her for a moment before quickly shutting his eyes. "Why are you still here?"

Yep. Definitely drunk.

Jiang Lan closed the curtains, shut the door, and went to complain to Xie Yunzhen. "Mom, what’s the deal? First you make him stay for lunch, now for a nap?"

Xie Yunzhen shot her daughter a look. "You’re so clueless about basic manners. It’s a miracle Yu Wanqiu even likes you. If it were me, I wouldn’t tolerate you. How many times have you stayed at the Lu family’s place? How much trouble have you caused them? When you went out, Xiao Lu even came here to cook for me and your dad. Have you ever seen him show up empty-handed?"

It was all about reciprocity. If they got married, these things would be expected. But since they weren’t, they couldn’t just take without giving.

Especially since the Lu family was well-off. Xie Yunzhen felt uneasy always accepting their generosity.

Having a meal was no big deal. If Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng were serious about marriage, scrutiny was necessary—but there was no need to deliberately make things difficult.

Jiang Lan: "I know, I know. I buy things for Teacher Yu too, and I don’t always let Lu Yicheng pay when we go out…"

Jiang Lan had a lot of money now. The payments from the show and promotional shoots had come in—over two million in total.

She’d never even dreamed of having this much.

Back then, she’d thought that with two million, she’d have nothing left to desire. Move to a small town, travel every day, play her violin, live in bliss.

But now that she had it, she didn’t know what to do with it.

She still ate the cafeteria’s one-meat-one-vegetable combo, still craved breakfast crepes, still couldn’t resist snack streets.

Just like Lu Yicheng—his family had money, but he never wasted it.

Xie Yunzhen was a teacher; Jiang Baoguo worked a government job. Both lived on fixed salaries.

In half a lifetime, they’d never seen this kind of money.

They didn’t know how to spend it either.

In the end, Jiang Lan asked Yu Wanqiu for advice. Yu Wanqiu recommended a few financial products, and Jiang Lan invested everything, content to watch the numbers grow.

Yu Wanqiu said this money could buy a small apartment after graduation—size didn’t matter, even a studio would do. If she ever married, she’d have a fallback. Never trust men too much.

But Yu Wanqiu also said Lu Yicheng could know about the purchase. They were dating, after all—he’d find out eventually. He might even help pick a place.

"Discuss it properly with your family. This isn’t pocket change," Yu Wanqiu had added.

Jiang Lan thought it made perfect sense.

Xie Yunzhen agreed. If Jiang Lan got married someday, they wouldn’t be able to give her much. It was good she could earn her own money—though a lot of it was thanks to Yu Wanqiu’s influence.

"Don’t throw tantrums in your relationship. Don’t always bully Xiao Lu," Xie Yunzhen said, though she didn’t want to harp on it. "Work hard yourself. Don’t think just because someone likes you, everything’s set."

"You’re close with Yu Wanqiu—look at her. She’s still improving. Even I read every day." Xie Yunzhen had a high opinion of Yu Wanqiu. "Learn from her."

"I know, I know." Jiang Lan thought her mom made good points. Teacher Yu was amazing—she’d strive to be like her.

As they talked, Jiang Lan’s phone rang. "It’s Grandma."

She answered, "Grandma! I’m on break… You’re here?! I’ll come down to get you!"

Hanging up, she grinned at Xie Yunzhen. "Mom, Grandma’s here. And my cousin too."

Jiang Lan changed into her down jacket. "I’ll go downstairs to meet her."

Grandma Jiang had come because she missed her granddaughter. She’d asked her grandson to bring her over for a few days, to cook some good meals for Jiang Lan.

Xie Yunzhen smiled. "Go ahead. I’ll head to work soon."

Suddenly, mother and daughter locked eyes. Jiang Lan hesitated. "Um… What about Lu Yicheng? Should I wake him up first?"

Xie Yunzhen thought for a moment and said, "He drank quite a bit, let him sleep a little longer. His classes are usually exhausting, and it’s not like he’s a stranger. Your dad hasn’t gotten up yet either—let’s go pick up your grandma first."

Lu ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‍Yicheng woke up once in between. The blankets at Jiang Lan’s house were warm, and the bed was firmer than the one at his own home. He preferred firmer mattresses, and this one felt just right.

...

He checked his phone—it was only a little past two. He nuzzled into the pillow and drifted back to sleep.

When he woke up again, it was almost four. Lu Yicheng rubbed his face and sent Jiang Lan a message.

After waiting two minutes with no reply, he got up and went out on his own. "Uncle Jiang, Teacher Xie, Jiang—" Lan.

Xie Yunzhen wasn’t there—she had gone to teach her classes. Jiang Baoguo wasn’t around either; he might have been still asleep or had gone out. There were three people in the living room. Lu Yicheng, still groggy from sleep, blinked a few times, but the number remained the same.

One was a guy—tall and quite handsome—sitting on the single sofa. Then there was an elderly woman with short, ear-length hair pinned back with black clips, wearing a quilted vest. She looked lively and well-put-together. She was sitting next to Jiang Lan.

Finally, Lu Yicheng’s gaze landed on Jiang Lan. He opened his mouth but couldn’t get a word out.

Jiang Lan glanced up at him. "You’re awake. This is my cousin, and this is my grandma."

Grandma Jiang was a kind-hearted old lady. When she arrived, Xie Yunzhen had mentioned that Jiang Lan often ate at the Lu family’s place, so today they’d invited Lu Yicheng to stay for a meal. He’d had some alcohol at lunch, and both Jiang Baoguo and Lu Yicheng had gone to nap.

Lu Yicheng had woken up a little earlier—Jiang Baoguo was still asleep.

Jiang Feng greeted Lu Yicheng with a wave. "Hey there, I’m Jiang Lan’s cousin. Glad you’re up—have some water."

Grandma Jiang chimed in, "Come sit down. You’re quite tall, young man."

Lu Yicheng perched on the edge of the sofa. "I’m 185 cm. I guess my height is passable."

Grandma Jiang smiled. "Where are you from? What do your parents do? What’s your job? Any siblings?"

Jiang Lan cut in, "Grandma, he just woke up. Why are you interrogating him? I can tell you all that later."

Lu Yicheng shook his head. "No, no, it’s fine. I’m from B City. My dad works in the tech industry, and my mom’s an actress. I’m studying computer science—still in school, but I did a three-month internship over the summer. I’m an only child."

Grandma Jiang murmured, "An only child, huh…"

Lu Yicheng swallowed hard. "But my uncle has a son, Lu Xingran. We’re really close—like real brothers. I also have cousins, and we get along well too."

Jiang Lan remembered that Lu Yicheng hadn’t always spoken so fondly of Lu Xingran in the past.

Grandma Jiang hadn’t mentioned Lu Yicheng at all while at home, but now that she’d met him, she wanted to ask properly.

But Lu Yicheng had no idea what he’d said in those few hours.

When Xie Yunzhen returned, she insisted he stay for dinner. Later, she even suggested he share a room with Jiang Feng while Jiang Lan stayed with her grandma.

Lu Yicheng was too embarrassed. He wished he could vanish into the floor. After dinner, he made his excuses and left.

There was no way he could spend the night at Jiang Lan’s place.

"I think I need to move to another planet," Lu Yicheng sighed, watching his breath fog in the cold air. "Why didn’t you wake me up, babe?"

Jiang Lan shrugged. "I wanted to, but your dear Teacher Xie said you’ve been working hard and needed the rest. Besides, my dad didn’t wake up until almost five."

Lu Yicheng slumped. "Your dad is your dad. I’m just your boyfriend—it’s not the same."

Jiang Lan thought her grandma actually liked Lu Yicheng. Older folks tended to favor tall, clean-cut guys who did well in school.

At first, Grandma Jiang had questioned why he was still asleep, but Xie Yunzhen explained that he’d had some wine at lunch and was usually exhausted. After that, Grandma Jiang didn’t want him disturbed.

Lu Yicheng pulled Jiang Lan into a hug. He felt like all the goodwill he’d built up with Uncle Jiang and Teacher Xie had been wiped out in a single day. "I’m so useless. I can’t do anything right. Babe, do you know what this feels like? Like I’ve worked hard for months, only to lose all my progress overnight. Grandma must think I’m a lazy bum. You have to explain it to her."

Jiang Lan couldn’t help it—she laughed. "Hahaha."

...

Lu Yicheng was being unusually adorable today.

He was still hung up on it. "I even brought pajamas."

Jiang Lan teased, "Want to go back, then?"

"Not today. I’ve lost all face. One more hug—I’ve been severely traumatized." He sighed, then quickly added (with impressive survival instincts), "Not that I’m saying Grandma came at a bad time! I’ll go buy her something later."

"That’s my grandma, not ours. Don’t call her that. And what’s with buying gifts? You’re overthinking it."

Lu Yicheng pouted. "You’re being so distant. Do you not love me anymore?"

Jiang Lan patted his head. "You’re impossible. Are you still coming over in the future?"

"Of course! You think a little setback will stop me? I’ll be back." Once Grandma Jiang forgot this incident, he’d try again.

Jiang Lan drove Xie Yunzhen’s red car—she had a license. "Let’s go. I’ll take you home."

Lu Yicheng had an exam on the 19th—his second-to-last one. He wanted to visit Grandma Jiang again, but Jiang Lan was whisked away by Yu Wanqiu.

December 20th was the Golden Bear Awards ceremony. Yu Wanqiu had received two invitations and, after some thought, decided to bring Jiang Lan along.

The Golden Bear Awards were held in Xiamen. All nominated actors and film crews would attend, and before the ceremony, there was a red carpet. When it came to red carpets, Yu Wanqiu refused to lose to anyone.

The only thing was—she had cut her hair short. It didn’t look as striking as long hair. Xia Jing had brought several long dresses. Even though Xiamen was chilly in December, most actresses still wore gowns on the red carpet.

Xia Jing suggested, "How about hair extensions? You can cut them off afterward."

Jiang Lan disagreed. "Yu, who says short hair can’t work with dresses? Short hair shows off your neck and shoulders. You’re pale, and your collarbones are gorgeous. Besides, it’s freezing—you don’t have to wear a dress. The red carpet’s outdoors. A suit with a skirt underneath could look amazing."

Yu Wanqiu studied the dresses—a black mermaid gown, a wine-red evening dress, and a champagne-colored ballgown, all this season’s latest designs.

Jiang Lan’s words sparked an idea. "A black princess dress," Yu Wanqiu decided. "With a black or white blazer on top. Black heels too. Can you find that now?"

Xia Jing assured her it was no problem. If she couldn’t handle something this simple, she didn’t deserve to be a manager.

Two hours later, Xia Jing returned with the outfit—a black lace-trimmed blouse, a tulle skirt, a white blazer, and a black one.

The heels were eight centimeters high. The overall look was dark, so the shoes and skirt were adorned with tiny pearls and sequins. Under the lights, they shimmered brilliantly.

Her makeup was understated—with such a bold outfit, heavy makeup wasn’t necessary.

Besides, Yu Wanqiu didn’t need makeup to command presence.

Pearl earrings completed the look. Her hair had grown out slightly, with a few white streaks at the front, giving her an air of cool detachment.

Yu Wanqiu told Jiang Lan not to keep staring at her, but Jiang Lan couldn’t help it—this outfit was absolutely stunning.

"Ms. Yu, how about adding a pink flower here on the pocket? It would look so pretty."

The stylist agreed—the ensemble was a mix of styles: the formal, cool blazer paired with a sweet, voluminous skirt. The all-black outfit was accentuated by colorful earrings and the flower, and under the lights, the dress shimmered.

Yu Wanqiu checked herself in the mirror. The diamonds really did look good.

Jiang Lan cupped her face in her hands. "I want to scream—Ms. Yu, you’re just too gorgeous."

Xia Jing nodded in agreement. "Whether you win or not, this outfit will definitely be the center of attention." freewēbnoveℓ.com

Jiang Lan had some quirky ideas. "You could wear thermal leggings under the skirt and stick on heating pads. Ms. Yu, you could even put heating pads on top—that way, while everyone else is freezing on the red carpet, you’ll stay warm!"

Yu Wanqiu was already satisfied with her look. "Now, let’s focus on your styling."

Though Jiang Lan wasn’t walking the red carpet, she’d still be seen in the audience, and cameras would catch her.

This wasn’t the kind of occasion where she could just bundle up in a down jacket.

"Let’s find a white dress for her," Yu Wanqiu suggested.

Netizens had been closely following the Golden Bear Awards.

Media outlets and influencers were all speculating about who would take home Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture.

In her over twenty-year career, Yu Wanqiu had already won the Golden Bear Award for Best Actress twice.

If she won this time, she would become the only actress in China to have three Golden Bear Best Actress trophies.

The Golden Bear Awards were held biennially, and some films received multiple nominations—The Deep Sea was among them, up for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Picture, Best Director, and more.

Other nominated works included Autumn Moon, Homecoming, Under the Halo, The Storyteller, and Passing By.

Aside from the lead acting categories, supporting roles were also in contention, but Best Actress remained the most anticipated.

Whether it was Yu Wanqiu, Deng Chen, Li Xiaofeng, or others, all had delivered outstanding performances.

Deng Chen had been nominated twice before but missed out both times. Li Xiaofeng had spent eight years in supporting roles before landing Homecoming. Wang Yue had continued filming Under the Halo despite suffering a bone fracture. And Ming Yao’s performance in The Storyteller had moved many to tears.

Some argued Deng Chen deserved the win—two nominations and two losses was just too unfortunate. Others rooted for Li Xiaofeng, given her years of unrecognized work. There were also those who believed Ming Yao should win—at just 21, this was her debut film, and if she took the prize, she’d be the youngest Best Actress winner in Golden Bear history.

As for Yu Wanqiu, having already won twice, some felt the award should go to a newcomer. At 46, she was a veteran, and the nomination alone was recognition enough.

[Since when does seniority or age matter? Otherwise, Deng Chen wouldn’t have missed out twice.]

[LOL, since when does the jury care about how old you are or how many awards you’ve won? Being a newcomer doesn’t automatically make you better.]

[If those factors mattered, the Golden Bear would lose all credibility. The winner should be chosen purely on merit—no shady business.]

[Yu Wanqiu’s had plenty of nominations—why shouldn’t she win again?]

[Whoever wins, it’s because of their talent. Don’t start saying it’s just because they’re young or have been nominated a lot.]

Yu Wanqiu’s fans had been keeping a low profile lately, while the "Lanzhou Noodles" shippers indulged in their quiet fandom. The airport photos from last time had been analyzed to death, and Bilibili was flooded with fan edits.

The warrior queen and her sweetheart.

The college senior and her junior.

The coach and her trainee.

Fans on Bilibili were living for it.

Still, it had been a while since the two had made a public appearance, so seeing Yu Wanqiu today was a treat.

At 6:20 PM on December 20th, the Golden Bear Awards red carpet ceremony began, broadcast live. The nearly 200-meter-long carpet featured a signing area and media interviews.

The first to walk was the Autumn Moon crew, including a particularly flamboyantly dressed individual.

[Is that… Lu Xingran??]

[Well, he was nominated for Best Original Music—the guy’s got talent.]

The competition wasn’t just fierce among actresses—the men were also going all out. Despite the freezing outdoor temperatures, the actors strode confidently, noses red from the cold, their poise impeccable.

The Storyteller team appeared midway. Ming Yao looked ethereal in a pink fairy-tale gown, her hair styled in soft curls and topped with a tiara.

Her posture was flawless as she interacted with the host, signed autographs, and gracefully moved on—all while baring her shoulders and arms in subzero weather.

The final group was The Deep Sea. First up were Chu Lingnan and Xie Zheng.

Despite having actresses in their crew, the two men walked together.

Xie Zheng, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, was freezing. "Should’ve worn long johns," he muttered.

Chu Lingnan grumbled, "So damn cold. Let’s just get this over with and go inside. Yu Wanqiu’s playing it smart."

After a quick signature, they hurried off. Xie Zheng had maintained his composure on the carpet, but the moment he stepped off, he hunched his shoulders against the chill.

Behind them came Yu Wanqiu.

She wasn’t cold at all. Adjusting her skirt slightly, she stepped onto the carpet.

The 200-meter stretch was lined with reporters and flashing cameras.

The moment Yu Wanqiu set foot on the red carpet, there was a brief pause—no flashes.

At 7:10 PM, the sky was already dark.

Then, in an instant, the entire scene lit up with camera flashes.