200: Nobody believes it

destined splendor was scheduled to be released before the Spring Festival. The production team wasn't short on money, so the initial promotion was quite strong.

Although many people were still predicting failure, overall expectations were decent.

The first night's ratings were just okay. Director Zhao spoke in the group chat, saying they were acceptable. Because it was a historical ensemble drama, there were few of the love-hate conflict scenes that most viewers like, so he was a bit worried it would flop.

Shen Lian had been through a lot and maintained a calm mindset.

However, in the middle of the night, hashtags related to destined splendor began appearing on the Social Media Platform's trending searches, and the popularity climbed steadily. Besides the tight plot and engaging suspense, the production's hair and makeup were truly beautiful.

Handsome men and beautiful women—of course, those whose styling couldn't be saved didn't count.

During this time, photos and video edits of Shen Lian as the destitute prince were the most prominent.

At first, he didn't have many scenes. His green robe was stained with mud and food scraps, and his hair crown was missing a piece, causing a few strands of black hair to hang down. The young man looked pale and thin; when he was bullied and pushed by the eunuchs, it seemed like he might fall at any moment. Shen Lian's features were mostly hidden behind his lowered head and the hair covering his eyes.

But as long as a shot lingered for a few seconds, there was always something in Shen Lian's gaze that captivated the audience.

One group consisted of plot analysts, while the other could only be described as a gathering of horny fans.

[That waist, that waist, it's so thin! (gestures)]

[The point is, he's not just scrawny. The way he wears those clothes, he actually exudes a sense of elegance despite his destitution. When he lifts the curtain and his wide sleeves flutter, his posture is like bamboo; it truly stunned me.]

[Ying ying ying, when the Seventh Prince was pushed down, I wanted to pin him down myself.]

Shen Lian woke up and fell into silence as he looked at the flooded comment section on the Social Media Platform.

"The internet is not a lawless land, sisters!"

The next day, the ratings for destined splendor doubled. Shen Lian, holding the mindset of "it's better not to place too much hope to avoid deep disappointment," thought it was likely that the production team had bought trending spots or they just got lucky.

But the production team hadn't bought trending spots. Director Zhao had the persistence of a director and creator; once it started, he wanted real data. From then on, Shen Lian's "good luck" soared.

For the next week, continuous trending searches with different hashtags and various edits all indicated that this drama was a massive hit.

Shen Lian went all out with his acting. As his first leading role in this world, if destined splendor's reputation failed, it wouldn't be the end, but the road ahead would certainly be difficult.

Feng Yueshan had said, "Zhou Tangsi could even make Zheng Ge famous, and you're Yilan's sweetheart. What are you afraid of?"

Shen Lian replied, "You're insulting me."

Using the skills of a top-tier best actor from his previous life, Shen Lian didn't know how he could lose.

Naturally, Shen Lian's value rose along with his fame.

Hu Kailan was swimming in numerous resources again, feeling both pained and happy. After careful selection, he would discuss everything with Shen Lian.

This year's Lunar New Year was exceptionally bright and relaxed, clearing away all the gloom.

Just like last year, Shen Lian and Chu Yilan weren't going anywhere; they stayed home. It didn't matter if Feng Yueshan called incessantly.

"No, I understood last year because it was your first New Year together, but why is it the same this year? Are you growing mushrooms at home? You're so young, come out and have fun!"

Shen Lian sighed, "Single dog."

Chu Yilan chimed in, "Single dog."

Young Master Feng heard them.

Young Master Feng hung up in a rage.

Zhou Yuanlin mocked from the side, "I don't even know what to say to you. You know you're going to be insulted to your face, yet you still insist on it."

Feng Yueshan was unhappy. "What? I'm a single dog, and you're not?"

"I am, but I have countless female and male confidants. What about you? You've been a lone commander until now. Hey? Don't bring up Ning Sixian. His 'white moonlight' goddess from university is back, and the two of them are on a date right now."

Feng Yueshan's pride was wavering in his tone. "When did that happen? How come I didn't know?"

Zhou Yuanlin took a sip of tea. "That's why I'm curious. You play around every day, but what the hell are you playing at? You can't even get this bit of news?"

Feng Yueshan choked back a mouthful of blood. "Get lost."

Outside the window, fireworks exploded with a bang.

All those heavy burdens overhead vanished. For instance, no one could shake Chu Yilan's position anymore, and Shen Lian's career had reached a major turning point.

Netizens commented sharply: [Once Shen Lian's Emperor Lin Xiao came out, I'll see who dares to touch similar roles in the future. If they act well, he's a lock for the Golden Flower Award for best actor. If they act poorly, he'll be their comparison group—and a tragic one at that.]

[No, wait. I only came to check it out because of destined splendor. So many people were attacking Shen Lian before—why did no one tell me his acting is explosive?]

[Actually, I was already shocked by "Green Mountain." I could see his acting was good then, and I just thought this kid had a promising future. I didn't expect him to improve so quickly. destined splendor is truly staggering. I'm convinced!]

With the massive success of destined splendor, there were rumors that Shen Lian might win the Golden Flower Award for best actor—an award that required a bit of groundedness, some capital backing, and a test of strength.

Hu Kailan whispered to Shen Lian as if guarding a huge secret, "Director Zhao sent word. He says the Golden Flower Award for best actor is likely yours. He knows someone on the inside!"

"Oh? Well, that's great then," Shen Lian smiled.

Hu Kailan: "Your surprise doesn't seem right. Shouldn't you be jumping for joy?"

Shen Lian sat in his chair, steady as an old dog, his eyes filled with a peaceful sense of determination. "This is just the beginning, Brother Hu. In the future, I'll bring you a Grand Slam."

If anyone else said this, Hu Kailan would certainly scoff. What did a Grand Slam even mean? But when Shen Lian said it, he believed it instantly.

At the Golden Flower Award in early spring, Shen Lian received confirmed news before the ceremony: it was him.

When Shen Lian sent a message to Chu Yilan, Master Chu was busy re-watching destined splendor for the second time.

Because Sun Binghe was seen by a certain CEO checking in on Shen Lian's super topic, it was mistakenly assumed he was a fan of Shen Lian. Somehow, the news of Assistant Sun being a fan spread.

Who would have thought?

Sun Binghe silently accepted it. The Boss and Teacher Shen hadn't gone public yet. As a special assistant, he could endure this little bit of hardship.

*

At the Golden Flower Award ceremony, after the host announced, "The winner of the best actor is—Shen Lian!" Teacher Shen walked onto the stage under the spotlight. He was well-versed in this kind of speech. Looking at the crowd below, it felt a bit like his previous life.

After thanking the director, fellow actors, and investors one by one, Shen Lian's voice paused slightly, and his expression softened. "Finally, I want to thank my lover..."

"Hahahaha!" A burst of laughter erupted from the audience.

Shen Lian: "?"

While breaking into a cold sweat, Hu Kailan also felt it was tragic. Ever since Shen Lian first described his ideal type on a variety show, everyone assumed he was just talking nonsense to distance himself from Zhou Tangsi. His relationship with CEO Chu simply didn't reach the general public's circles, so no one believed it.

Shen Lian: "..."

Fine, fine, fine.