I Became the Koi Actor After Entering the Book

**Chapter 76: Worthy**

Translator: Namizaki

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From the topics Du Yusheng had sent, Chi Zhongqiao chose calligraphy. He immediately dismissed the others, such as cover songs and vlogging, due to his lack of expertise in those areas.

Lu Yuzhou’s photography skills were now at a professional level, more than sufficient for filming Chi Zhongqiao’s video.

As Lu Yuzhou packed up his camera, he said, “Du Yusheng mentioned they’ve received several magazine cover shoots. Qiao-ge, will you be available soon?”

“Soon?” Chi Zhongqiao opened his calendar. “I should be. It’s January, and with all the award ceremonies, it’s hard to get the main cast together. They’ll probably start by filming scenes with the supporting actors.”

He was already one of the least busy actors. The only time he needed to take leave in January was for the Flying Hope Awards. Over the New Year’s holiday, nearly half the crew had taken time off to celebrate. Chi Zhongqiao hadn’t joined them. He didn’t tell Lu Yuzhou he wasn’t filming that day; he simply left at his usual time, picked up pre-ordered flowers, and returned to give them to Lu Yuzhou.

“I’ve never shot a magazine cover before,” Chi Zhongqiao said, helping Lu Yuzhou pack up—though his efforts only made the desk more disorganized. “Did Brother Du mention which magazine it is?”

“He didn’t say.” Lu Yuzhou subtly directed him, “Qiao-ge, why don’t you check on the porridge in the kitchen? It’s been simmering for a while now.”

Chi Zhongqiao’s attention was successfully diverted, and he brought out the two bowls of porridge that had been warming in the kitchen.

Lu Yuzhou had already packed up his things and casually closed the study door to prevent Teacher Chi from getting carried away and tinkering with things again.

“Campus Prince premiered in Japan a few days ago, but I haven’t been paying much attention. Brother Du said it was pretty good last time.”

Chi Zhongqiao used a VPN to access Tuitui and check his new account.

Lu Yuzhou: “Qiao-ge, don’t use your phone while eating.”

Chi Zhongqiao had already opened the first post. Hearing this, he handed the phone to Lu Yuzhou. “Check the views—they’re already quite high.”

Lu Yuzhou took the phone, his gaze sweeping down to the top-rated comment.

He paused, his expression suddenly becoming subtle.

The first comment read:

[Yunzi Among the Flowers: Ahhh! Mr. Chi must be so gentle and steady in real life, radiating mature male charm!]

Lu Yuzhou watched as Chi Zhongqiao pulled a second phone from his bag. Noticing Lu Yuzhou’s gaze, he glanced at the time and silently put it away.

Lu Yuzhou lowered his eyes and casually scrolled through the comments, his eyebrows lifting involuntarily.

These girls’ eyes are blinded by the sea and the time difference.

“What’s wrong?” Chi Zhongqiao asked.

Lu Yuzhou knew Japanese and assumed he had seen a negative comment.

Lu Yuzhou flipped the phone face down. “Nothing.”

*****

The Flying Hope Awards were being broadcast live, and any inappropriate expression could be seized upon by the lurking media to generate sensational headlines and attract attention.

Although this wasn’t Chi Zhongqiao’s first awards ceremony, the Flying Hope Awards were the highest honor for domestic television dramas. Even though Chi Zhongqiao hadn’t been nominated, Du Yusheng couldn’t bear to let him attend alone.

Chi Zhongqiao had recently reduced his public appearances due to filming commitments, but the year-end “Four Young Male Stars” roundups had dragged him back into the public eye. Knowing some media outlets might be looking to exploit him for a story, Du Yusheng decided it was best to keep a close eye on him.

Chi Zhongqiao, for his part, didn’t quite understand what Brother Du was so worried about, but he innocently accepted Du Yusheng’s long-winded reassurances with a blank expression.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. It’s just more cameras than usual.”

“Even though we’re not here to receive an award, we’re here to support those who are. We have nothing to hide.”

“Attending is good for two reasons: First, it gets your face out there, and second, it’s a good rehearsal for the Peony Awards next month.”

*****

The makeup artist tilted Chi Zhongqiao’s chin upward, scrutinizing his makeup. Chi Zhongqiao’s blank expression stared back.

The makeup artist barely suppressed a laugh.

Chi Zhongqiao’s unfocused gaze sharpened, and he flashed the makeup artist a fleeting smile before quickly withdrawing it to avoid disrupting the application.

The makeup artist, who had been brought along by Chi Zhongqiao, handled his “internationally acclaimed” face with utmost care. After touching up the makeup, she carefully examined it again to ensure everything was perfect.

Chi Zhongqiao glanced at himself in the mirror, then turned to Du Yusheng. “I know my limits,” he said. “I wasn’t even nominated. I’m just here for the experience. Don’t worry.”

Du Yusheng sighed. “Alright, as long as you’re aware. By the way, why didn’t President Lu drive you here today?” After all, as his Manager, I’m only good for securing jobs. I’m used to it.

Chi Zhongqiao replied casually, “He has something to attend to tonight.”

Du Yusheng bit back his words. He’s so carefree all the time. President Lu, with all his influence, should really keep a closer eye on him.

Chi Zhongqiao pulled out his phone to text Lu Yuzhou when a message popped up:

Director Fu: [Where are you? Our crew’s arrived. We’re in room 302. Come over.]

Chi Zhongqiao replied: [Okay, I’ll be right there.]

He put away his phone. “Brother Du, I’m heading over to the crew’s room. Brother Fang called me.”

Du Yusheng looked worried. “Alright, go ahead. Don’t you want me to come with you?”

“No need,” Chi Zhongqiao replied. “The main lounge is already crowded. It’ll be even more cramped if we both go.” He stood up, opened the door, glanced around to get his bearings, and headed toward Room 302.

As soon as he opened the door, he saw a group of people huddled together, all talking at once and trying to reassure someone. On the nearby sofa, Fu Jingshen’s eyes were practically rolling back into his head.

Chi Zhongqiao quietly approached Fu Jingshen. “What’s going on here?”

Fu Jingshen, legs crossed on a small stool, snapped irritably, “Lao Ge’s about to faint from nerves.”

Chi Zhongqiao was startled. “He hasn’t even gone onstage yet!” He glanced at the huddle of people and whispered, “Why’s he so nervous?”

Fu Jingshen clutched his chest dramatically. “I’m super nervous! If I end up a runner-up again this time, who knows if I’ll ever get such a good role again? Teacher Yan, do you think I’ll do well this time? Lao Fu! Will you have any good projects for me in the future?”

After he finished his acting stunt, Fu Jingshen crossed his legs again and sneered, “What’s with this burly man acting like a delicate flower?”

The commotion drew attention. Ge Fangyu, his tiger-like eyes brimming with tears as he was being comforted, looked up at the sound and immediately spotted Chi Zhongqiao.

Chi Zhongqiao: “…Brother Fang, what’s with that look?”

Ge Fangyu let out a roar and lunged forward. “Don’t run! Let me rub some of your good luck!”

Chi Zhongqiao panicked. “Let go of me! I’m a married man!”

Chi Zhongqiao struggled, but Ge Fangyu, built like a bear, nearly pinned him to the sofa.

Yan Qingbo, who had recovered well after childbirth, tried to mediate. “Qiaoqiao, try to understand Brother Fang. He’s been through so much, he’s been shaking since he walked in…”

Just then, a polite knock sounded on the lounge door. Someone foolishly called out, “Come in!” and Qi Chuyang, the assistant, appeared carrying a mountain of food.

Fu Jingshen, lounging with his legs crossed, stared in disbelief.

Yan Qingbo, who had been earnestly trying to reason with them, cleared her throat and sat up straight. The rowdy group scattered like birds, each finding a vacant spot to sit, leaving Chi Zhongqiao and Ge Fangyu entangled in front of Qi Chuyang.

Behind Qi Chuyang stood a figure Chi Zhongqiao recognized instantly—Lu Yuzhou.

Lu Yuzhou said slowly, “I was planning a surprise for Brother Qiao.”

Chi Zhongqiao: “……”

Lu Yuzhou glanced at Ge Fangyu. “But it seems Brother Qiao had a surprise for me instead.”

Chi Zhongqiao: “……”

He shot Ge Fangyu a look that screamed, You’re dead.

Ge Fangyu glared at the person who had shouted, “Come in!” his eyes conveying the same message: You’re dead.

After the chaos subsided, Ge Fangyu finally calmed down. He approached Chi Zhongqiao and said, “I got too excited earlier. Ah, after years of being a runner-up, I’ve gotten a bit neurotic. Qiao, please forgive me. If you want, you can even slap me twice.”

Chi Zhongqiao chuckled, “It’s nothing.”

He gently patted Lu Yuzhou’s hand behind his back, reassuring him.

Ge Fangyu sighed, “In the end, I’m just too worldly. I can’t truly detach myself from fame and fortune…”

Yan Qingbo said calmly, “Every actor craves awards. Perhaps not for the fame they bring, but simply for the validation and praise. No actor can truly let go of the so-called ‘external recognition.’ It’s perfectly normal to desire it.”

The surrounding actors nodded in agreement.

Lu Yuzhou’s heart stirred, and he glanced at Chi Zhongqiao.

Chi Zhongqiao, however, didn’t notice. He found a corner and sat down with Lu Yuzhou, then after a moment of awkward silence, asked, “Didn’t you say you had something important to do tonight?”

Lu Yuzhou replied calmly, “Coming to see Qiao-ge is the most important thing.”

Chi Zhongqiao suddenly smiled.

Lu Yuzhou pressed his lips together.

Chi Zhongqiao murmured, “He was just joking around, trying to get some good luck. I didn’t realize he was going to hug me. Brother Fang has been nominated for years, and this time he really has a good chance. But the greater the hope, the greater the anxiety…”

Lu Yuzhou shook his head. “I’m not angry, and I’m not jealous. Ge Fangyu was just overwhelmed with nerves, that’s why he lost his composure.”

Chi Zhongqiao thought to himself: Even if he weren’t nervous, Ge Fangyu would still lose his composure. He has no sense of decorum.

Lu Yuzhou asked, “Is the Flying Hope Award considered the highest honor for television actors?”

Chi Zhongqiao replied, “Pretty much. Why are you asking?”

Lu Yuzhou: “Does Qiao-ge want it?”

Chi Zhongqiao chuckled. “It’s not about wanting or not wanting… Well, okay, I do want it.”

Lu Yuzhou: “I can’t give you the Best Actor award, but I can give you the chance to win it.” His gaze softened with affection as he looked at Chi Zhongqiao. “It just feels like such a waste that I can’t give you something so meaningful.”

Only by standing among these actors could one truly grasp the significance of something often overlooked by others.

Chi Zhongqiao paused, then lowered his head and smiled, offering no reply.

Due to the pre-ceremony autograph session, Lu Yuzhou returned to his VIP lounge.

The Flying Hope Awards proceeded smoothly, with Ge Fangyu winning Best Actor as expected. When he took the stage, he was almost incoherent with excitement, panting several times before regaining his composure.

Lu Yuzhou was once again struck by the profound meaning of awards for actors. He glanced back at the audience seating behind him. Chi Zhongqiao was nearby, their eyes meeting. The smile in Chi Zhongqiao’s eyes instantly softened into a warm, tender glow.

Even after the awards ceremony, Ge Fangyu’s emotions remained turbulent. The film crew gathered for a celebratory meal, where Ge Fangyu drank heavily and eventually had to be helped out by his assistant, sobbing uncontrollably.

Lu Yuzhou stood beside Chi Zhongqiao, watching Ge Fangyu get into his car.

Chi Zhongqiao suddenly pointed. “Do you see that box?”

He was referring to a twenty-centimeter-tall brocade box held by Ge Fangyu’s Manager.

Lu Yuzhou squeezed Chi Zhongqiao’s icy left hand. “Mm.”

“That contains the Flying Hope Award for Best Actor.” Chi Zhongqiao explained.

Lu Yuzhou gazed at him quietly, his eyelashes soft and warm in the lamplight.

Chi Zhongqiao continued, “For the actor Chi Zhongqiao, trophies of the same caliber as the Flying Hope Award—or even higher—are what he craves most. But for Chi Zhongqiao the person, what he treasures most and desires above all else… he already has it.”

He chuckled softly. “I’ve been wondering, if I were to propose to you someday, what gift beyond a ring would be worthy of your respect.”

Lu Yuzhou’s heart skipped a beat.

Chi Zhongqiao didn’t look at him, instead gazing at the awards ceremony venue in the distance. “Perhaps only something like that would be worthy of you.”

Only the most precious thing could honor what he cherished most.

Zaki~ English is not my first language, but I’ll try to get the translations as close as possible to the Author’s work. If you see any grammatical errors or mistakes in the translation, please feel free to drop them in the comments section so I can correct them immediately. Thank you and Happy Reading 🙂