Chapter 115: The Brightest Star

Experienced fans were quite familiar with the inner workings of the circle, so instead of blindly hurling insults, they turned to analyzing the causes and shortcomings. Their reflections and lamentations were even more profound than Chu Luoxi’s own.

Only Hao Xifan, the self-pitying enthusiast trapped in an information blackout, remained silent for a long while. When everyone else had nearly finished their discussions, she suddenly erupted like a resurrected spirit: “Ahhh, next time there’s a big event like this, you have to tell me! I’d rather be bombarded by all of you one after another. We must keep a close eye on the official website—I refuse to believe anything will slip through again…”

The others were speechless, completely ignoring her descent into a somewhat manic state.

On the other hand, Zhu Xue Shuang and Liu Yu Jia, present at the scene, were somewhat surprised. Even just a nomination was an honor! They knew that this was the very first work Chu Luoxi had acted in. Back then, even Xiao Jingxuan wouldn’t dare claim to be so accomplished…

As for the television segment of the College Student Film Festival, the biggest winner was naturally “Dragon Roars Across the World,” which received nearly ten nominations. Aside from Chu Luoxi’s supporting female role, not a single nomination was missed. The sheer dominance displayed, even with prior speculation, left everyone unable to help but marvel.

It was well known that the College Student Film Festival was essentially a prelude to numerous other award ceremonies. Generally, those who won here wouldn’t fare poorly elsewhere. Though not guaranteed to win, “Dragon Roars Across the World”’s abundant harvest made it unreasonable to assume it would come away empty-handed in subsequent events, hence the collective awe.

Regarding individuals, even film actors couldn’t overshadow Xiao Jingxuan’s brilliance that night. It could be said that winning awards relentlessly was a confirmed fact, though it was somewhat unfortunate for his fellow male actors from the same cohort, who barely had any accolades left to claim.

“Senior Brother Xiao is still so formidable!” Zhu Xue Shuang sighed, her eyes full of admiration.

Beneath Xiao Jingxuan’s dazzling starlight, all other celebrities seemed dim and lackluster. Without a doubt, tomorrow’s front page would belong to him.

Chu Luoxi’s lips curved into a radiant smile, her heart wholeheartedly agreeing with this sentiment. When the great Xiao appeared, all other talents had to step aside. In her previous life, no one internationally could rival him—how could he not be formidable?

As the music of the closing act began, and the award for Best Actor in a Television Series was pocketed by Xiao Jingxuan, the festival was drawing to a close.

When the final performance commenced, a flicker of surprise passed through everyone’s eyes. They hadn’t expected that Xiao Jingxuan, who had opened the ceremony, would also close it.

Though the festival’s awards didn’t include singers, many performers were versatile, working across two or even three fields, so there was no shortage of stage performers. Having the opening and closing acts both performed by one person was unprecedented. Could this be the advantage of Xiao Jingxuan returning to his alma mater, Imperial Film Academy?

Regardless, no one objected. Simply by virtue of being the brightest star that night, no one dared to challenge him. This unusual situation was met with collective tacit approval.

On the way back, Xiao Jingxuan asked Chu Luoxi if she wanted to accompany him to a special interview with Film and Television Weekly the next day. After all, this interview was possible because of her, and the magazine certainly wouldn’t refuse.

Film and Television Weekly’s sales had always ranked among the top in the industry. It was a well-known, authoritative media outlet, and Chu Luoxi’s appearance would bring considerable benefits.

However, she ultimately declined. With Xiao Jingxuan shining so brightly tonight, the spotlight was his to bask in. If she were to insert herself, it would seem gauche and out of place. Moreover, Xiao Jingxuan had already graciously allowed her to leverage his influence to advance herself, and that alone was enough. Sometimes, overreaching when riding on another’s coattails could backfire.

One must know contentment. Chu Luoxi never sought to be greedy. Besides, she already owed the great Xiao more than enough favors. If she couldn’t repay them in time, she wouldn’t sleep peacefully at night.

Thus, in the days that followed, Chu Luoxi watched as Xiao Jingxuan collected awards and shone brightly everywhere, sparking a flurry of heated discussions.

After the New Year, Chu Luoxi faced her final exams. The hapless Zhu Xue Shuang and Liu Yu Jia were fortunate to have Chu Luoxi’s help; otherwise, they would surely have failed, as both had barely attended classes this semester.

One cannot have both fish and bear’s paw. Fortunately, the professors understood their situations and not only refrained from making things difficult but even gave them some leeway, preventing their report cards from looking too dismal.

Returning home for the New Year was Chu Luoxi’s happiest moment. However, this year was busier than usual, as she had made many acquaintances within the industry. Maintaining these connections meant extending greetings and visiting during the holiday to strengthen relationships.

Especially during the New Year greetings, Chu Luoxi was delighted to hear from Qiu Xian that “The Kingdom” had wrapped filming, just in time before New Year’s Eve, allowing everyone to return home for a peaceful and comfortable celebration. Since she was already home, they hadn’t informed her immediately.

This was excellent news. Although post-production remained, “The Kingdom” featured few large-scale scenes and required minimal special effects, so post-production wouldn’t take long.

By the time Chu Luoxi’s new semester registration began, the TV station was already airing trailers for “The Kingdom’s Beautiful Conspiracy.” The main actors and Qiu Xian had been busy with extensive promotional activities, and thanks to the actors’ popularity and the breathtaking, thrilling trailers, the buzz had skyrocketed, leaving many TV fans eagerly anticipating this grand drama to start the year…

The most excited were, of course, Hao Xifan and her fellow fans. They had studied their idol’s schedule and unanimously concluded that Chu Luoxi would likely take on very few projects before graduating and interning in her senior year. It seemed they might not see much of her for at least half a year.

Who would have thought that at the start of the new year, fans would receive such a wonderful gift? Chu Luoxi was indeed starring in the highly anticipated “The Kingdom,” and judging by the trailer, she had a substantial role. Surely, it wouldn’t be like “Dragon Roars Across the World,” which dazzled brilliantly yet ended after just half an episode, leaving hardly any excitement stirred!

For a time, Chu Luoxi’s fan forum buzzed with activity, a sharp contrast to the usual quiet few participants. Many new fans arrived, discussing the unaired plotlines of “The Kingdom” and speculating on Chu Luoxi’s performance, wondering if she had prepared any surprises.

Hao Xifan would even awaken from sleep smiling at such thoughts. The anticipated fan explosion on Chu Luoxi’s forum had come far sooner than anyone expected, and that was only from the release of a single trailer. The veteran fans could barely imagine what the atmosphere would be like when “The Kingdom” actually aired.

Of course, this also hinted at just how popular “The Kingdom’s Beautiful Conspiracy” could become…