"Why did you decide to attend the Golden Globe Awards?" If she was genuinely "busy," wouldn't she have been too "busy" even for the Golden Globe Awards? How did she suddenly show up here?
"Today, I'm here for them," Laila gracefully waved her hand in the direction of her fans, prompting cheers from the crowd.
"I worried you all a while ago, then I went to England to shoot a movie. It's only now that I found the opportunity to express my gratitude and thank you all for your support. I want to thank the Golden Globe Awards for providing me with the perfect chance."
The host couldn't extract more valuable information from her, leaving him somewhat unsatisfied. However, he had spent too much time here, and not interviewing the upcoming guests would be a sign of neglecting his job. So, he thanked the couple for accepting his interview and wished Roy good luck with the awards before heading to the next guest.
Roy watched him leave and discreetly squeezed Laila's hand. They exchanged a smile before proceeding forward.
Given their belief that they had little chance of winning, they sat down with the mindset of just enjoying the show. They clapped when others did, laughed at jokes, and had a relaxed attitude throughout the evening.
The cameras frequently captured their engaged and animated expressions, leaving a positive impression on the audience watching the live broadcast. The younger audience, in particular, saw them as representatives of the new generation of idols who were unpretentious, always up for fun, and ready to laugh.
Finally, the time came to announce the winner of the Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy category. The big screen displayed the images of the nominees, including Roy.
Even though he had earlier claimed to be relaxed about not winning, his heart couldn't help but race when he heard the presenter prepare to announce the winner.
Laila placed her hand on his, giving it a gentle pat. She understood his anticipation. He had come a long way from being a street thug to where he was now, and his journey had involved numerous challenges.
She knew more than anyone else that he deserved an award. However, the rules of the film industry were not as straightforward as she wished.
When the presenter finally declared Gene Hackman as the winner, a momentary shadow crossed Roy's eyes. But then he took a deep breath and smiled warmly at Laila.
Laila didn't want to see that smile. It made her feel a bit uneasy. While everyone else was applauding and celebrating Gene's win, she decided to take a different approach. She leaned over and kissed Roy on the forehead.
"The Golden Globe Award is nothing," she whispered to him. "I will get you onto the Oscars stage as the Best Actor."
She was aware that the camera was on Roy at that moment, and she could only provide him with a reassuring kiss as a form of consolation under the scrutiny of millions of viewers.
However, Roy didn't give her a chance to withdraw. He placed his hand on the back of her head, pulling her closer to him, and then passionately kissed her on the lips.
The scene was captured faithfully by the camera, and the applause meant for the winners turned into playful whistles.
The viewers, who had just received a large serving of affection, couldn't help but laugh heartily. Winning an award was no longer such a big deal; each awards season brought numerous winners. What they really wanted to see was moments like this, which brought joy and delight.
The fans were even more thrilled, screaming in front of their televisions. They might have startled their household members in the process.
"Damn it!" Laila felt dizzy from the kiss. She couldn't imagine how her dignified image had been tarnished by it.
After the ceremony, Roy and Laila were intercepted by reporters waiting outside.
"You didn't win the award just now, Roy. Are you disappointed?" a reporter inquired.
"Yes, I am indeed a bit disappointed," Roy admitted. Thanks to the kiss a moment ago, he remained in a good mood, even though the reporter probed into his disappointment. "But I also understand that this is my first time attending the Golden Globe Awards, and the chances of winning are slim. However, I have a reward that is exclusive to me, which makes me very content."
The reporters began snapping photos again, and the continuous flashes nearly blinded the people around them.
This situation left the other award winners somewhat frustrated. Wasn't this the time when the victors received the most attention from reporters? How had it turned into a situation where the losers were stealing the spotlight?
The most pitiful of all was Gene Hackman, who had just won the award. He had worked hard for his achievement, but it was overshadowed by the romantic display between Roy and Laila.
Early the next morning, major media outlets forgot about the award winners and the successful "Moulin Rouge!" and dedicated vast amounts of space to report on Roy and Laila's romantic kiss. Roy's words after the ceremony became a headline: "I Have a Reward That Is Exclusive to Me."
Countless actors and celebrities who longed for attention but couldn't find the opportunity looked on with envy. Laila was a director and wouldn't be targeted too much because she might help them in the future. But Roy was just a newcomer who had only been in the industry for two or three years. Without Laila's support and the lead role in a globally acclaimed film, he wouldn't have the opportunities he has now.
Where there are people, there is a mix of competition. Among actors and stars, the hidden rivalry is not uncommon. Even on the set of "Chicago," there were people who didn't particularly like Roy. They couldn't see how much time and effort he had put in to get where he was. They only saw that he had won the Best Actor award and that his girlfriend was the director!
Roy's face had grown thick over the years of struggling with life's hardships. Despite hearing some whispers and rumors during training sessions, he didn't pay them much mind. When you're starving, do you care where your food comes from? If you don't want to starve, you'll eat whatever you find, even if it's from a trash heap.
Having gone through so many years of difficult life, his self-esteem had already become unshakable. Even if people insulted him to his face, he would... well, let's just say he would respond with a punch. When someone points at your face, and you can still hold back, you're no longer the same person.
"It's great to have a big director as your girlfriend. You can get good roles without doing anything."
"If you're jealous, then why don't you try it? It's not your fault you weren't born with a pretty face."
Roy was about to enter the dance rehearsal room when he heard faint murmurs coming from behind the door.