Chapter 135: High Praise

Lin Chuan did not feel dejected, nor did he show any signs of giving up.

So what if he didn't win an award? It was nothing. In reality, he had only contributed two songs and hadn't truly been a core participant in the television series. If he didn't win, he didn't win; he had prepared himself for this possibility before arriving.

"Are you alright?" Mu Qing walked over, sat down next to Lin Chuan, and asked with a smile.

Lin Chuan shook his head. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Haha, I just came over to check on you. As long as you're okay." Mu Qing offered a faint smile and returned to her seat.

However, Lin Chuan failed to notice that there was a subtle, eerie glint hidden within Mu Qing's smile.

In truth, there were many things he had missed. For instance, in the awards for the previous categories of dramas, there had been no mention of theme songs from the very beginning. Lin Chuan hadn't paid attention to that, but once the ceremony reached the historical drama section, he became particularly attentive.

Yet, as every single award was announced and all the winners took the stage, Lin Chuan felt a sense of disappointment. Well, it would be a lie to say he wasn't disappointed. Who doesn't want to win? Who doesn't want the fruits of their labor to be fully recognized?

But if he didn't win, he didn't win. After all, he was still a newcomer, and the road ahead was long. Perhaps by this time next year, he would be winning so many awards his hands would cramp, and he would wake up laughing in his sleep...

Ahem, that was just a form of self-consolation.

In all fairness, Director Chen was truly formidable. Almost every major award for historical dramas was swept up by *Noble Loyalists*. From the director to the screenwriter, from the producer to the leads, supporting actors, and even the extras, everyone had taken home an award. As for the other historical dramas, they looked quite pitiful; they hadn't won many awards, and the ones they did receive were insignificant, barely worth mentioning.

Despite this, the directors and actors of those other dramas still wore smiling faces as they congratulated Director Chen and his team.

By this time, the ceremony had been going on for over four hours and was nearly coming to an end. Director Chen, screenwriter Huang, and the others returned to their seats, clutching their trophies. Lin Chuan, too, offered a few words of congratulation with a smile.

Host Li Su stood in the center of the stage with a professional smile and said, "The National Drama Awards are drawing to a close. All the major categories have found their winners. I wish all directors and screenwriters success in creating even more brilliant works in the coming year, and I hope all our handsome men and beautiful women see their careers flourish and star in even more wonderful dramas..."

He paused, then continued, "We all know that every drama requires the hard work and sweat of many people. Whether it is the director or the screenwriter, the actors or the crew members, even the production assistants play a crucial role in the entire project... However, a good theme song or insert song can provide the finishing touch that brings the entire drama to life..."

Theme songs? Upon hearing this, Lin Chuan’s spirits were suddenly jolted. He had assumed he was out of luck and had been busy comforting himself, vowing to try harder next year to win something.

Only now did he realize that the award segment for theme songs and insert songs hadn't even happened yet.

Phew! His self-consolation had been for nothing; he had been overthinking it.

With his energy restored, Lin Chuan straightened his back. Director Chen, sitting beside him, turned his head and offered a knowing smile.

"In my opinion, the theme song is the soul of an excellent work—that is no exaggeration... Now, let us welcome Mr. Chen Dong and another senior, Mr. Zhou Qingming, with warm applause!"

As the host finished speaking, the venue erupted in applause. Shortly after, two seniors, both in their fifties or sixties, walked onto the stage side by side. One of them was Mr. Chen Dong, whom Lin Chuan had just met. He didn't know the other man, but given that he was appearing alongside Mr. Chen Dong, he was surely no ordinary person.

Even though they were musicians, the respect and reverence in the eyes of the many stars in the audience were clear to see.

"Uh... I didn't want to come today, but I had no choice. I have to present an award, so... here I am," said Mr. Zhou Qingming, whose opening remarks immediately made everyone laugh.

As for Mr. Chen Dong, although there was a smile on his face, he still carried an air of sternness. He stood there silently, letting his companion do the heavy lifting in terms of atmosphere.

"Alright, let's skip the small talk and leave the time for the young people receiving the awards. Now... Old Chen, why don't you announce the first award?" Zhou Qingming said, suddenly shifting the focus to Mr. Chen Dong.

Mr. Chen Dong didn't mind. He nodded, raised the list in his hand, and announced loudly, "This first winner... her voice is beautiful, like a sound from heaven..."

Well, hearing this, Lin Chuan, who had been waiting in anticipation, immediately wilted. Since the theme song awards weren't categorized by genre, they were all mixed together. Judging by Mr. Chen Dong's words, a "beautiful voice"? That clearly implied a woman; it had nothing to do with him.

Sure enough, as Mr. Chen Dong finished speaking without announcing a name, a melody began to play. It was indeed sung by a woman, and the voice was truly beautiful, gentle, and technically superb—not the work of a newcomer or someone who had only been in the industry for a few years.

Then... that was it. A woman in her thirties with an elegant demeanor walked out with a smile.

Upon reaching the stage, she bowed to the two seniors, and then a prominent figure walked over holding a trophy.

Following that, various other awards were presented one after another. There were awards for urban drama theme songs, military drama theme songs, as well as historical and idol drama theme songs.

Yet, none of them had anything to do with Lin Chuan.

Could it be that it really had nothing to do with him?

At this moment, Lin Chuan felt a genuine sense of unwillingness. This had nothing to do with his usual low-profile nature; it was a pure sense of frustration. He had brought over many excellent works from his world, every one of which could be called a classic.

Even if he was a newcomer, surely he deserved at least a consolation prize?

At this moment, Lin Chuan felt like a wilted vegetable, sitting there spiritless once again.

Chen Dong, sitting beside him, gently patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "It's alright. Even if you don't win, it doesn't matter. If there's an opportunity, I still hope to collaborate with you next year..."

Before he could finish, Mr. Chen Dong on stage announced in a clear voice, "Historical dramas are different from urban or idol dramas; their theme songs are particularly important. Whether it's a theme song or an insert song, if chosen correctly, it can elevate the entire production to a higher level... The winner of this next insert song award is a newcomer, yet he possesses great talent. Every song that comes from him can be called a classic..."

As these words were spoken, the audience was shocked. Even Zhou Qingming, standing next to him, couldn't help but turn his head to look at Old Chen. He knew very well that this old man always kept a stern face and rarely praised anyone.

What was going on? A personality shift? And who was this winner who had received such high praise?

This thought crossed many minds; they were all filled with curiosity, wanting to see this talented singer with their own eyes.

Just then, the music began to play, and a voice echoed throughout the awards venue.

"Farewell poem, two or three lines, written on the road in the spring rain of March. If I could still walk by your side holding an umbrella... Farewell poem, two or three lines, who will sing for me on the road to the underworld? If I could die by your side, this life would not have been lived in vain..."