166: Naza's phone call, let's celebrate!

After Wang Baoqiang finished his acceptance speech, he walked off the stage.

Holding the trophy, he felt like he was walking on air, as if his feet were treading on wind.

After Wang Baoqiang received his award, it was soon Chen Le's turn.

His was the best director award.

With his previous experience and the Hundred Flowers Awards, he was quite familiar with receiving awards this time; he wasn't nervous at all, nor was he very excited.

After giving a simple acceptance speech, he directly left the stage.

The hosts on stage didn't expect Chen Le's acceptance speech to be so brief.

They wanted Chen Le to say a few more words.

Back in his seat, Feng Xiaogang turned his head and said with a smile, "Chen Le, why was your acceptance speech so short?"

"Haha, I didn't prepare much of a speech, so it was short. It also happens not to delay the time for the following awards," Chen Le said with a smile.

There were limits on the speaking time for the awards; it couldn't be too long, and of course, it couldn't be too short either.

Chen Le's speaking time was standard. Seeing that he didn't want to say more, the host could only continue announcing the next award.

Feng Xiaogang and Chen Kaige understood Chen Le's thoughts upon hearing this, because they were the same.

After winning many awards, one becomes less obsessed with them and instead thinks about how to increase box office revenue.

That is what truly makes people envious.

On the other side, Wang Baoqiang returned to his seat with the trophy.

Zhang Songwen and Ning Hao saw the trophy in his hand and offered their congratulations with smiles: "Baoqiang, congratulations on winning the best actor award!"

Wang Baoqiang looked at the Huabiao-shaped trophy in his hand, unable to stop smiling.

This was his first time winning an award, and a major domestic one at that; he was extremely happy.

With the final award presented, the ceremony officially came to an end.

The guests in the hall left one after another. Of course, the organizers had prepared a banquet for the guests, providing a place for everyone to interact and communicate.

"Chen Le, we'll be heading out first. We still have scenes to film, so we won't waste time here," Feng Xiaogang said with a smile.

They had attended such banquets too many times. Given their current status, they didn't need to stay and socialize; others would rush to socialize with them.

So, they didn't care for such banquets.

Attending the ceremony was just to give face to the organizers. Once it was over, they naturally had to head back, as they had only made time to come.

"Alright, Director Feng, you guys go ahead," Chen Le nodded.

Just then, he saw Wang Baoqiang.

Wang Baoqiang was surrounded by a crowd of people offering toasts.

After Chen Le bid farewell to Feng Xiaogang and the others, some guests also came up to greet him.

He only responded simply and did not accept their toasts.

Because there weren't many people here worth socializing with.

"Baoqiang, I'm heading back first. You stay here and chat," Chen Le walked up to Wang Baoqiang, and the people nearby automatically made way.

"Okay, Boss," Wang Baoqiang nodded with a smile.

The reason he let Wang Baoqiang stay and continue chatting was to let him network more with people in the industry.

Although he didn't care for it, Wang Baoqiang might find it useful.

As soon as Chen Le returned to the hotel, he sent messages to Yang Mi and Naza, telling them he had finished receiving his award.

Not long after sending the messages, his phone suddenly rang.

Chen Le saw it was Yang Mi's call and immediately picked up.

"Hello, Mi Mi."

"Old Chen, congratulations on winning another award," Yang Mi's voice was filled with joy.

"Haha, it's just a pity I can't celebrate with you," Chen Le laughed first upon hearing Yang Mi's words, then spoke with a bit of hesitation.

"It's fine, there will be time. We can just make up for the celebration later," Yang Mi replied.

"Is a late celebration still a celebration?"

"Then what should we do? Should I fly over overnight to celebrate with you?" Yang Mi thought for a moment and suddenly said.

"No need for that. If you were still in Yanjing, that would be one thing. Anyway, it's not my first time winning an award; I'll just celebrate with friends," Chen Le said immediately.

Inviting Yang Mi over was out of the question; it was too much trouble just to celebrate winning an award, it wasn't worth it.

"Alright then, don't drink too much; it's bad for your health. You were so drunk last time," Yang Mi responded and then said caringly.

"Okay."

Chen Le nodded and hung up the phone.

Then, Naza's call came in.

Chen Le answered the call.

"Naza, why are you calling too?" Chen Le asked with some surprise.

"Why do you say 'too'?" Naza was taken aback.

"Oh, it's like this..." Chen Le was about to explain, but Naza spoke again.

"Sister Mi called you too, didn't she?"

"Uh, yes." Chen Le thought about it and didn't deny it.

"Mm, was she also congratulating you on the award?" Naza hummed and then asked with a smile.

"Yes, Naza, are you as well?" Hearing Naza bring up Yang Mi proactively, Chen Le didn't know what to say.

"Yeah, although this is your second time winning an award, Brother Le, it's still worth celebrating," Naza said with a smile.

Hearing this, Chen Le nodded and then remembered that Naza didn't seem to be filming right now; she was still at school.

Thinking this, he asked, "Naza, are you free tonight? Let's go out and celebrate together."

Hearing Chen Le's words, Naza was stunned for a moment and then readily agreed.

"Sure!"

It just so happened they hadn't seen each other for a long time, and Naza missed Chen Le a bit.

For a normal couple, they should be in the honeymoon phase right now, yet they couldn't be together every day.

"Okay, I'll pick you up tonight."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Le was in a great mood.

Meanwhile, on the internet.

The results of the awards ceremony were quickly known by many netizens.

When they heard that Wang Baoqiang had actually won the best actor award, they were all very happy.

Those who didn't believe it also fell silent; after all, facts speak louder than words, and no matter how stubborn they were, it was useless.

Of course, there were also some mindless haters who felt that only winning international awards would make Wang Baoqiang truly impressive, suggesting there might be something fishy about domestic ones.

Naturally, such comments were few; most people were amazed that Wang Baoqiang had really won the best actor award.

"I didn't expect Wang Baoqiang's acting to be so good; he actually won a Huabiao Award."

"I'll never say Wang Baoqiang has no acting skills and only knows how to play a fool again."

"Awesome! Baoqiang finally proved himself!"

"I knew Baoqiang could win the award."

"I really didn't expect Wang Baoqiang to actually win."

The online comments were very lively, while Wang Baoqiang, the person involved, was still celebrating with Zhang Songwen and the others.

Zhang Songwen told Zhou Yiwei, Lin Jialong, and the others the news of Baoqiang's award.

They all expressed their congratulations to Baoqiang, though they were also a bit envious.