Yu Shuman lifted her gown as she slowly ascended the stage to accept her award. The host handed her the microphone, smiling as they asked how she felt at that moment.
"I'm really quite surprised because this is my first time acting in a movie. My agent had told me not to get my hopes up and that young actors like me still need time to mature. Winning this award was truly unexpected. The other four nominees are all industry veterans with far more experience and talent than I have. To receive this award is truly an honor."
Although Yu Shuman had been repeatedly told that she was probably just a runner-up, she had still prepared a speech seriously, rehearsing countless times in private for this moment. From the beginning, her goal with this film had been to win an award. If not this time, she would try again. Her ultimate aim was always the Best Actress crown.
The host asked a few more questions before inviting the award ambassador to the stage. The person presenting the award was a respected industry veteran. Yu Shuman accepted the trophy from them, softly thanking them, and then the host stepped aside, leaving the stage to Yu Shuman for her speech.
The entire stage was bathed in darkness, with only a gentle spotlight shining on Yu Shuman. The lighting in the venue was dim as well, and it was impossible to see the audience in the distance. Yu Shuman had stood on stages like this many times before. The stage was indeed a frightening place—being illuminated by the spotlight, with all eyes on you, while you couldn't see the expressions of those watching.
Yet Yu Shuman wasn't afraid. Instinctively, she looked in the direction where Qin Ran was sitting. Though the distance and crowd made it impossible for her to actually see Qin Ran, she knew Qin Ran was there, watching her.
Just like when she first stood on the stage of the talent show, as long as she knew Qin Ran was in the audience, she felt endless strength.
Calming herself, Yu Shuman opened her mouth and began her speech.
She had long since thought about what she would say, rehearsing it countless times in private, waiting for the moment she could finally step onto the award stage.
"I'm standing here, holding this trophy, and I really have so many people to thank. My fans probably know that my family went through a significant upheaval when I was in high school. My mother was diagnosed with leukemia, and the medical expenses were overwhelming. From that moment on, I encountered countless kind people who helped me. Later, my college tuition was paid through the donations of generous strangers, allowing me to successfully enter university. Thanks to the support of those good-hearted people, I was able to stand on stage and show the world who I am. And now, it's because of their help that I'm here, standing at this very moment."
In truth, there had always been just one person supporting her: Qin Ran.
The person who paid for her mother's treatment was Qin Ran. The person who sponsored her education was Qin Ran. The person who helped her out of her small agency and found her a proper agent was Qin Ran. Later, when she ventured into the entertainment industry, it was Qin Ran who always had her back. Qin Ran had done so much for her along the way.
As Yu Shuman spoke, her tone softened.
"But the person I want to thank the most is Qin Ran. Everyone knows her as my friend, my best friend, and my boss. Some might think I'm just flattering her by saying this. But here's a funny story: back then, I didn't even know Qin Ran was my boss. I once boasted that I would definitely win Best Actress and that I wouldn't let the company's efforts go to waste. Later, I found out that my boss was actually my best friend."
Yu Shuman smiled warmly. Qin Ran's heart stirred. She realized what Yu Shuman was about to do. Qin Ran knew Yu Shuman was straightforward, but she hadn't expected her to be so bold.
Under Qin Ran's gaze, Yu Shuman delivered her most heartfelt confession: "She isn't just my best friend. She's my lucky star. From the moment I met her, my life changed. Every day since then has felt like it's been dipped in honey. I've often asked myself why she treats me so well, and what I've done to deserve such kindness. I selfishly realized that Qin Ran loves me. I couldn't remain indifferent to that. I imagined all sorts of possibilities, but I couldn't accept the thought of her leaving. I've come to realize that I love her too."
"Qin Ran always says I'm her little sun, bringing light to her life. But to me, she is my star, guiding me through the darkest of nights, ensuring I never lose my way. I know what I'm saying is bold and may disappoint some of my fans, but I want to take this opportunity to tell everyone: Qin Ran and I are in love, and nothing will separate us except death."
This wasn't just a confession—it was practically a proposal.
The camera zoomed in on Qin Ran, whose expression had completely melted away. She had no idea Yu Shuman would make this declaration in front of everyone. Qin Ran had always thought they would keep their relationship a secret for at least ten or twenty years, waiting until Yu Shuman had grown strong enough to weather any storm.
But Yu Shuman's actions made it clear—she wasn't willing to wait that long.
Qin Ran's mind felt like mush as she watched Yu Shuman bow, thank everyone, and step off the stage. The host, stunned for a long moment, eventually continued with the next award. But after such a shocking announcement, no one in the audience was paying attention to the proceedings anymore.
Yu Shuman took the chance to leave the stage, celebrating briefly with her fellow cast members before excusing herself. Her courage amazed Qin Ran, and shortly after, Qin Ran's phone vibrated. Without even checking, Qin Ran knew it was Yu Shuman.
Unable to sit still, Qin Ran left her seat and headed out.
Miss Zhao, still in a daze from Yu Shuman's confession, looked even more confused when Qin Ran left. Meanwhile, Assistant Wu remained calm and composed. She had long anticipated that her boss and the boss's wife would eventually cause a stir. Now, it was up to her and the rest of the assistants to manage the inevitable media storm. She had her guns loaded.
Outside the venue, Qin Ran and Yu Shuman met at the large double doors. Though separated by a short distance, they exchanged smiles.
Yu Shuman ran toward Qin Ran first, and after just a few steps, Qin Ran rushed forward, and Yu Shuman grabbed her hand.
"I'm taking you away."
"Where to?"
"Anywhere, as long as it's just the two of us."
Hand in hand, Yu Shuman led Qin Ran to the emergency exit. Checking to ensure there were no paparazzi around, she pulled Qin Ran through the heavy fire door. Hiking up her gown, Yu Shuman ran with Qin Ran, escaping into the night.
The venue was in a relatively secluded area, surrounded by large event halls. They ran for a long time, the empty streets lit only by streetlights. They walked under the lights, the warm yellow glow illuminating Yu Shuman's gown, making her shimmer.
Qin Ran followed Yu Shuman for as long as she could, but eventually, her stamina gave out, and she called for a break.
Yu Shuman stopped, bathed in the light, looking like a runaway starlet. Her gown was dirty now, but she didn't care. Qin Ran's dress hadn't fared much better—her little black dress, which she had picked for the occasion, was now dusted with dirt, looking almost like an intentional gradient.
Yu Shuman had words brimming in her eyes, but before she could speak, a sudden rain began to fall. The drops quickly turned into a downpour, and the two women had no choice but to run again, this time seeking shelter at a nearby bus stop.
Yu Shuman's physical advantage showed as she dashed ahead, her gown trailing behind her. She pulled Qin Ran along as they sprinted through the rain, laughing like children as they splashed through puddles in their fancy clothes, as if the world had no end and no beginning.
In less than two minutes, they were both completely drenched. By the time they reached the bus stop, Yu Shuman's carefully styled hair was soaked, her curls clinging to her shoulders, giving her a slightly disheveled look. Qin Ran, for her part, wasn't in much better shape—her dress, thin to begin with, offered no protection against the November cold, and she looked utterly bedraggled.
Seeing the state they were in, Yu Shuman couldn't help but burst into laughter, her joy so overwhelming that she doubled over, clutching her stomach as she pointed at Qin Ran, laughing until she bent at the waist. Qin Ran awkwardly tugged at her hair, watching Yu Shuman's exaggerated reaction and muttering in mock complaint, "Senior, you're still laughing? If you hadn't dragged me out, we wouldn't be soaked."
"Let's just enjoy being soaked," Yu Shuman replied, her spirits high. She lifted the hem of her gown, now soaked through, and twirled in a circle, sending droplets of water flying everywhere as her high heels splashed in the puddles.
Qin Ran backed away to avoid the spray, but Yu Shuman grabbed her wrist, holding her tightly. The words she had started to say before the rain interrupted them now resurfaced in the quiet of the night: "Xiao Ran, no matter what happens in the future, we'll face it together."
At that moment, no words could express the emotions swelling inside Qin Ran. At the most pivotal moment of her life, Yu Shuman had declared their love to the world, heedless of the potential consequences, even at the risk of being blacklisted.
Qin Ran intertwined her fingers with Yu Shuman's, their hands clasped tightly together. They had walked this path hand in hand, and they would continue to do so in the future.
Qin Ran whispered, "Okay."
In their story, Yu Shuman was like the warm, radiant sun, melting the ice that had encased Qin Ran's heart, while also becoming a beacon of light for others. For Yu Shuman, Qin Ran was the only star in the dark, guiding her through the uncertainty before dawn.
They were the light to each other.